Dennis Lanigan Report post Posted September 13, 2012 I am looking for a long apprenticeship with a master shoemaker in the Olympia, WA/Puget Sound area. I have considered a short stint with a shoemaker--as many short classes are offered in the area--and yet I don't think I would learn all I need to know in such a short time (typically 5-21 days). I don't know anyone who can master such a complex craft in such a short period without additional support--at least I can't. I have many of my own tools and two industrial singers already (31-15 and 29K) and a copy of Golding...I am ready to go! I am so dedicated and serious student I have even started making my own leather and have successfully tanned (and sold) several bark tan and brain tan sheep and deer hides, some of which I butchered myself. My goal is to make the bulk of the materials of the shoes I design and stitch together myself. (I recently made my own dye with black walnut and oak galls). If you can help me with my goals let me know! coraxcorvid at gmail.com Thanks, Dennis Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PattiN Report post Posted September 19, 2012 Hi Dennis, I dont have an apprentiship for you, but I wanted to give you a holler from just a little bit north of you. I am in East King county, and I would also love to find an apprentiship near me. I haven't done any tanning, and my hat is off to you! I would like to go in that direction, but I have decided to hone my skills as a shoemaker using the leather that is available, then possibly move into tanning. I am in an agricultural district, so I have access to cow/bull hides if I want them. The last local tannery stopped tanning a couple of years ago. Best of luck to you! Patti Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PattiN Report post Posted September 19, 2012 Oh... I haven't found any local shoemaking classes! If you could point me to any in the pudget sound area, I would appreciate it. Thanks! Patti Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dennis Lanigan Report post Posted September 19, 2012 Patti, These are not exactly close but check out Shoe School in Port Townsend, WA and DW Frommer II's School of Western Bootmaking in Redmond, OR. I recommend the second one over the first. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dennis Lanigan Report post Posted September 19, 2012 OR, check out Laughing Crowe/Jason Hovatter's workshops. He teaches moccasin classes similar to the style you did on your welted moccasin. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PattiN Report post Posted September 19, 2012 Ahhh... Yes... I have taken a couple of classes with Jason in Portland. He is a real craftsman and his classes are great. I may go back for another class! I looked into Shoe Shool in Port Townsend and my instinct was that that is simply not the right place for me, although I have nothing bad to say about them. I thought you might have found more local teachers. Thanks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
