Shoe Making Workshops

Make your own pair of custom leather shoes alongside a master artisan.

The Cordwainer Shop specializes in 4-day shoe making workshops.

Give us a few days of your time and we will take you step by step through the process of creating custom handmade leather shoes for your unique feet. Learn more about our private shoe making workshops, what kinds of shoes you can make and how to sign up below.

Join us for a workshop at our New Hampshire studio!

Canterbury, New Hampshire

Molly offers private workshops at her Canterbury, NH studio. Up to 2 students spend 4 days alongside Molly in the studio crafting a shoe style of their choice from beginning to end. Students may also choose to make a leather handbag.

Workshop Basics

Workshops are generally held from Monday-Thursday for up to 2 students at a time. Our schedule is always evolving, so please contact Molly for availability.
The cost of a private workshop starts at $1600 per student for shoes and $xxxx for handbags. Workshop fees include all materials, tools, and instruction to make your selected style of shoe or handbag.
Workshop prices may vary depending on the style of shoe or handbag you choose. Some styles are more advanced or require more material than others. Browse our shoe styles and our handbag styles to see what you can make!
Lunch and dinner at the studio are included in the fee.
Lodging must be arranged separately by the student.

Getting here

The studio is located at 355 Hackleboro Road in Canterbury, NH. We are a 25 minute drive from the Concord Trailways bus depot. Molly can pick students up here.

For students flying in, Manchester is the closest airport, about 45 minutes from the studio. Students will need to rent a car or make other arrangements to get to the studio from the airport and arrange for accommodations.

Typical Workshop Itinerary:

Day 1: Students arrive at the Cordwainer Shop around 5:00pm. After a welcome dinner, Molly traces feet and students select shoe styles and leather.
Day 2: Students dive into pattern tracing and cutting leather for shoe uppers. Molly prepares a homemade lunch and students have the opportunity take a break. The afternoon is spent finishing uppers and making soles.
Day 3: Students finish their uppers and begin sole lacing, and by the afternoon their shoes are ready for lasting, shaping and tightening in the oven. Lunch is again prepared by Molly, and students are free to explore Canterbury in the evening.
Day 4: On the last morning of the workshop, students put the finishing touches on their shoes: heels, taps, sole trimming, waxing and burnishing sole edges, and removing lasts. With their beautiful new shoes on their feet, students depart that afternoon.

While You’re Here

The Cordwainer Shop is located in beautiful Canterbury, New Hampshire. Here are some local spots where you can spend some of your downtime:

Canterbury Shaker Village
Canterbury Ale Works
Sanborn Mills Farm
Canterbury Country Store

If you would like to travel further afield during your visit, here are some great ideas:

Skiing and hiking in the White Mountains (1 hour)
Museums and more in Boston, MA (1.5 hours)
Seaside charm in Historic Portsmouth, NH (1 hour, 15 min)

Ready to join us for a private workshop, or have more questions? Contact Molly to discuss availability and scheduling.

contact Molly

What our workshop students are saying:

“Great workshop! Molly thoroughly explains each step of the process as she guides us through creating a custom pair of shoes. Starting with selecting leathers from a rich selection of colors and textures, she coaches us through a multi-day process all the way through to the final waxing and polishing. The experience was fun and educational AND I left with a custom-made shoes that I will delight in wearing for years!”

-Pamela
Student at Snowfarm New England Craft School

find a workshop