the work

Shoes are about 4" long

My worktable. Yep, it's chaotic.

I sew the uppers by hand or machine and stretch them onto a last.  A metal shank at the instep adds strength and flexibility. Leather soles and polymer heels add weight and stability.  Buckram heel counters and fabric stiffener in the toe box help to retain the shape. It's similar to standard shoemaking, only in miniature.




Of all the information I found in my research some of the most useful came from two books:

'The Art of Making Beautiful Fashion Doll Shoes' by Timothy Alberts
This book is comprehensive and detailed. The information on last-making was particularly helpful to me. I have had this book for years and it is now sadly long out of print.

'Make Your Own Shoes' by Mary Wales Loomis
This is a wonderful self published manual by a woman who developed a 'home sewing' method for making shoes.  Her book is still available on her web site.

 My own methods are the result of combining and refining many of their ideas to suit my needs.  I owe them both a debt of gratitude.