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Grampians Texture is a unique opportunity for textile artists ( and me “Emma the shoemaker”) to develop their passion of expression in one of Australian’s most beautiful natural environments.

Set in Halls Gap in the stunning Grampians National Park, (western Victoria) a myriad of workshops are offered under the inspiring direction of local, national and international tutors. Ranging from felting to printing, stitching to dyeing, jewellery to book making. There is an opportunity for a wide variety of artistic choice. A number of tutors in the program do not have their own web site but a quick Google will give you the opportunity to see more of their work.

Workshops offered are for the weekend (2 days) or four days (Monday – Thursday), 9.30 am – 4 pm. All workshops are located in Halls Gap. Come and enjoy the local environment, in addition to the inspiring workshops, have a holiday and a great textile art experience.

Workshops:

Saturday 26 – Sunday 27 February (2 days) THE FIRST STEPS TO SHOEMAKING Learn the basics of the craft of shoemaking. Students will take home a pair of their very own custom fitted, all leather sandals. Along the way learning the many properties of leather, the knowledge needed in selecting a “Last” (the wooden or plastic mould shoes are made on) to achieve a perfect fit. Students can choose between a number of my sandal patterns and learn the ways in which they can be constructed, this may involve stitching, gluing, folding, lacing, riveting and buckle attachments which ever takes you fancy. This knowledge is also useful in many leather designs including belts or leather jewellery.   Monday 28 February – Thursday 3 March (4 days) DESIGN/MAKE YOUR OWN SHOE The workshop will further explore the craft of shoemaking. You will design and make your own leather sandal. Firstly you will study the foot and the measurements needed in order to achieve a perfect fit. A last (the wooden or plastic mould shoes are made on) will then be chosen. You will be shown how to tape up the last which enables a simple pattern to be made. We will look at the properties of leather, selecting a hide that complements your design. Explore many methods of construction from machine/hand stitched uppers to glued uppers and linings including buckle and eyelet attachments. Finally the sandal will be hand finished which means rasping and sandpapering leather sole edges and polishing for the desired effect. You will leave with your very own creation and leather craft skills.

http://www.grampianstexture.com.au/

Monday 19th July 2010 at 2:00 pm