Workshops
Make your own pair of custom leather shoes alongside a master artisan.
The Cordwainer Shop specializes in 4-day shoemaking 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 workshops, what kinds of shoes you can make and how to sign up below. You can also browse our full calendar of workshops.
Craft School Workshops
Molly Grant teaches shoemaking workshops at craft schools across the country. A group of up to 8 students gather for 5 consecutive days to create their own Pathfinder Oxfords, Squire Boots, or Mercury PM Sandals.
Here are some of the schools where Molly teaches:
North House Folk School in Grand Marais, MN
John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC
Snow Farm in Williamsburg, MA
Sanborn Mills Farm in Loudon, NH
Check the schedule to see if Molly will be teaching at a craft school near you. Please check availability and sign up for classes directly through the school.
Upcoming Craft School Workshops
Check our schedule for all of our upcoming events and workshops.
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
Private Workshops at the Cordwainer Shop
Canterbury, New Hampshire
Can't make it to a craft school for a workshop? 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.
Workshops are generally held from Monday-Thursday. Please contact Molly for availability and scheduling.
The cost of a private workshop starts at $1800 per student and includes all materials, tools, and instruction to make your selected style of shoe. Price may vary depending on the style of shoe you choose. Lunch and dinner at the studio are included in the fee. Lodging must be arranged separately by the student. For accommodations, the Cordwainer Shop recommends the Canterbury Center Bed and Breakfast, located just 3.5 miles from the studio.
Getting here
The studio is a 25 minute drive from the Concord Trailways bus depot. Molly can pick up students 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.
Once you are here, we recommend staying at the Canterbury Center Bed and Breakfast, located just 3.5 miles from the studio.
Typical Private 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? Contact Molly to discuss availability and scheduling.
Check our schedule for all of our upcoming events and workshops.
try the cordwainer craft at home
Pathfinder Shoe Kits
We offer a Pathfinder Shoe Kit that comes with everything you need to make your own pair of Pathfinder Oxfords at home, including a copy of our first book. The Pathfinder: The Shoe that Built the Cordwainer Shop is a detailed, step-by-step guide for making your own Pathfinders and also tells the story of the Cordwainer Shop, from its founding in the 1930s til now.