My Life Walks in Moccasins

 

FUNCTIONAL Moccasins 

My custom made moccasins reflect my own needs as an active person. I have a lot of interests like motorcycle riding, mountain biking, gardening, traveling, hiking, rock climbing, and more - so I need a tough shoe that is reliable and durable. At the same time  I need footwear that is comfortable because I won't wear shoes that hurt. I make moccasins for YOUR feet, for your needs.

 

STYLISH Moccasins

Life isn't just rough and rigorous. I have five beautiful sisters who are all very fashion conscious. A couple of them were even professional models. So I know that style is a big deal. I too want to be wearing unique and comfortable shoes when I dance, and on my feet, at festivals, when traveling, hiking and socializing. Like most "utilitarians" I want to wear shoes that are durable and stylie. I have been fortunate enough to have grown up with some of the most creative people and can think outside the box to custom make moccasin shoes and boots that fulfill your creativity and are right for YOU.

 

CULTURE and Moccasins 

I have been fortunate to travel around the world and see how people of every culture create useful things with various raw materials and simple tools. Things of lasting function and beauty. During my adventures, I spent a fair amount of time making moccasins with very simple hand tools. It was time consuming, but gave me some really valuable perspective to the craft. I have an identity too - I am one with  a long lasting tradition of shoemakers ("cordwainers") who took pride in their work in those days before the industrial mass production. I identify with ancient traditions where a craftsman/artist makes things with their hands that last, have a lot of heart in them, and are beautiful too. 

 

Moccasin-making SKILL

I was trained by the innovator of the modern moccasin design, the late Hank Zander. For about 6 years he lived with our family and as a kid I spent almost every day watching him make moccasins. When I got older, I committed to a serious apprentice relationship and was honored to be enriched by his many decades of experience. Hank Zander was a master shoe maker. May he rest in peace, and may I acheive that level of excellence in my work.

 

Custom Moccasin METHOD

After some time consulting on designs and colors, exchanging sketches and such, I make a mold of both of your feet, which is translated into a pattern template to cut out the leather. I choose the best part of a hide, oriented correctly for maximum stretch and non-stretch according to foot action. The body of the shoe and the design and trim pieces are carefully cut out. I sew them together with my heavy duty non-electric treadle sewing machine. There are many pieces and layers involved in this. In the end I attach buttons, put on the soles and put in the fitted thick sheepskin insert. Every pair of custom made moccasins is made with my complete devotion, heart, and soul. Your satisfaction is my goal.

 

RANDOM STUFF Meanwhile, scroll some of the pics below and you will see a little bit more about how My Life Walks.