Shoemaking – fabric slides

In this class, you will learn to measure your feet, work with both leather and fabric to design and build your own custom-made slides. This is a five-day intensive class where you will build a lasted shoe, line it with leather, choose your own fabric for the upper, apply decorative bindings, design and sculpt the shape for your sole and heel. You will also design and build the specific toe shape that you want and learn how to modify the shoe last to fit your foot perfectly. You will leave the class with a completed pair of shoes.

Enrollment for shoe making is limited to 2 people per session, giving each student the opportunity to receive ample attention. No prior experience is required. Price includes notes, resource and supply lists, leathers and all tools and supplies. A deposit of 50% of the class fee will reserve your space once a date is established. The remainder can be paid at the first class session. If you live out of the area, I will send out email information regarding bed & breakfast.

Dates: July 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6, September 4, 5, 6, 7, & 8

Start and finish time: 9am to 4pm

Jeanne Bjorn has been designing and constructing clothing, millinery, shoes and costumes professionally since 1980. Having a degree in Textiles and Fabric Design, and having studied Flat Pattern Design and Draping as well as professional experience at various manufacturers such as Ellen Tracy and Perry Ellis, she began designing her own line of Women's Designer Sportswear in 1980 in SanFrancisco, California. She was a member of The SanFrancisco Design Network. Her designs have been featured in Sportswear International, Women's Wear Daily, California Apparel News, The San Francisco Examiner, The San Jose Mercury News, The Rocky Mountain News, and The Oregonian.

Jeanne relocated to New York in 1985 where she designed custom and private label clothing for various retailers, including Barneys New York and became increasingly interested in costume for stage and film. She worked on Broadway productions, as well as films, including Hook, and the Oscar Awarded - The Age of Innocence. In 1990, Jeanne began studying Millinery Design at The Fashion Institute of Technology. While studying, she constructed head pieces for The Rockettes' 1992 Christmas Show at Radio City Music Hall and for the Finale of Broadway's Tony Awarded "Crazy For You." She also developed her own line of millinery for wholesale accounts including: Barneys New York and Objects of Desire in Lexington, KY

Jeanne began teaching Millinery Design in 1994, as well as continuing her interest in Costume Design, working for various dance companies, including Jan Justis Dance Co., Tina Gerstler Dance Works, and Kim Robards Dance Co. In 1995, she returned to New York for a time to work as Head Milliner for Eaves-Brooks Costume Co. Over the past ten years, she has taught Millinery Design at The Colorado Institute of Art, D'Leas Fabric & Button Studio, The Oregon College of Art and Craft, and at her studio in Portland, Oregon. In 2000, she studied shoemaking with Gaza Bowen and now teaches shoemaking in her studio in Portland, Oregon.