Shoe Making Workshops

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

The Cordwainer Shop specializes in 4-day shoemaking and handbag 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 or the perfect leather handbag. Learn more about our workshops, what kinds of shoes and handbags you can make and how to sign up below.

Molly is currently booking private workshops at the studio in New Hampshire from April - November 2025. Please contact her to schedule!

 

 
 
 
 

Private Workshops at the Cordwainer Shop

Canterbury, New Hampshire

Molly offers private workshops at her Canterbury, NH studio. Up to 3 students spend 4 days alongside Molly in the studio crafting a pair of shoes or leather handbag of their choice from beginning to end.

Workshops are generally held from Monday-Thursday. Please contact Molly for availability and scheduling.

  • The cost of a private workshop starts at $1600 per student.

  • Price may vary depending on the style of shoe or handbag you choose. See below for the styles offered.

  • Sewing experience is helpful but not required; you will learn to sew on an industrial machine.

  • The workshop fee includes all materials, tools, and instruction to make your selected style of shoe.

  • Lunch and dinner at the studio are included in the fee; transportation and lodging must be arranged separately by the student.

  • Molly offers an advanced class for the Victorian Boot starting at $1800, and students should complete at least one other workshop with Molly before taking on this more complex boot.

What you can make at a private workshop

Shoe Styles

Here are the shoe styles you can make at your private shoe making workshop in Canterbury. Molly has a huge selection of leather and lacing on hand, so the possible combinations of colors and textures are endless!

Handbag Styles

Molly makes a variety of handbags at her private workshops. Students may make multiple small bags if time permits!

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/Boston Regional Airport 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 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:

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.

What our workshop students are saying:

“After having taken numerous classes at several folk art schools, the Cordwainer Shop in Canterbury New Hampshire is exceptional. I honestly can’t say enough good things about my experience: the personal attention and the one on one instruction were the best that I have ever received. The leather selections are amazing! The home cooked healthy meals were beyond my expectations. I expect in the near future to be back for another class!”


-Susan, South Carolina
Private Workshop Student

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 digital 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.

shoe kits