I left you with these 2 pictures of some gray shoes…
I made them a few days ago and thought I’d put them with the purple coat set I have on Sara, but decided I liked the black boots on her better…Here’s what happened after I decided against Sara wearing them…
I’ve been intrigued with making doll shoes from leather… I mean I see these adorable ones on Ebay and Etsy, mostly coming from Russia or Belarus and I am just amazed at how they look. Then I had this brainy notion that I could do that! So I started watching a few YouTube videos and trying to gather as many tips and ideas as I could… I’ve probably watched about 20-25 videos… See I told you I was intrigued… maybe “obsessed” is a better word…
Here are a few examples of what I was “swooning” over…
Anyway, the other day I was in Hobby Lobby and happened to end up in the “leather” aisle… and things were 30% off… so I looked at the tools and the leather scraps and the threads and the dyes and the needles and decided to get a bundle of the scraps that had some various weights and different colors and kinds of leather in it…
I had read about this one method of “wet molding” the leather around something so it stayed in place… So I decided to create a “shoe last” or a mold of a dolls foot to form my shoe around… (I’ve been pretty obsessed about the wet molding videos too…) I have TONS of Ultrasuede that you’d think I could use, but it doesn’t work when you try to wet mold it… it has to be real leather for it to form around something… but it is perfect for the smaller sized doll shoes…
Most of the shoe lasts come from Russia and you have to wait almost 3 months on some of them to get to you… they are made from wood and look wonderful, but they run about $46.00… Not in my price range and I didn’t want to wait… Here’s an example of a shoe/boot last…
…and the Etsy shop of the person selling them…
Here is a set of doll shoe lasts in the plastic/resin look…
Well, I had some clay and decided I’d give it a try to see if I couldn’t make some myself… Well, my clay was hard and not too easy to fashion into a doll foot and calf, but I did the best I could… trying to match it up to my Ruby Red Fashion Friends doll…
It was almost dried out and I kept having to add water to it to make it pliable enough to shape…My hands looked like they had been dipped in terra cotta…
I was trying to make a mirror image of Sara’s foot…
Now, before we go any further, let me just tell, you this “dolly cobbler” obsession has been with me for quite some time… and I’ve gotten okay at some of the tiniest shoes I’ve made for Navi… like these…
I took out a piece of green leather first and thought I’d just see if I could even push a needle through it before I tackled anything any bigger… I decided I’d try to make a little pair of Mary Jane’s for Navi… how hard could that be… I used the pattern that I’ve made her shoes from before… but this leather was much too thick for her shoes… I just about bored a hole in my middle finger trying to get that needle through…anyway… LOOK… I MADE TURTLE SHOES!
I even laughed at them myself… The leather scrap I picked out was so stiff, I couldn’t get the strap of her shoe to lay down, so I had to cut off the strap and I added a piece of black elastic cord and sewed on 2 buttons on the side… not my greatest, but we’re among friends, so I’ll show you and you can get your first laugh of the day out of the way!
Not to be defeated, I decided to go back to the clay shoe lasts I had made… they were dry by now…
I drafted a boot pattern on paper and was determined, even with a hole the size of ball head pin in my middle finger, to make a pair of cute doll boots…
I took my pattern, traced it on the backside of some gray leather and cut the pieces out… then I used the “wet molding” method, wet my leather and molded it around my shoe lasts, placed it on a piece of foil, and shaped it with my fingers and then pinned the edges down…
I just knew it was going to work…
Actually it looks “pretty” impressive with all those pins in it… so take a good long look…. :o)
My dad was a leather man with EXCELLENT skills and I sure needed him a few days ago. My brother has his leather tools and I really only wanted one thing… the punch that looks like a tiny fork with sharp pointed ends that you poke around the edges to make your stitches even… I have one ordered, but was too impatient to wait for it to get her… (after all, I’ve got SHOES and BOOTS to make!) so I just poked some holes along the edge of the leather next to where the shoe last was holding out the leather… I used a tiny crochet hook to make the holes and they “sort” of went through… guess what? The hole in my finger is getting larger… from that needle needing to be pushed through… *ouch*
Anyway, it’s not beautiful, but I wanted to show you my first boot, (I think I can call it that!) with my crooked stitching from my crooked hole punching and a lame finger…
I could see that it “sort of” looked like a boot. Needing some encouragement, I showed it to my hubby… big mistake… he said it looked too fat on her foot…
There may have been some tears shed… how can this be so hard?
Well, there sat that other gray boot… just ready to be made into something beautiful… so I decided to try IT a different way… I didn’t care… I just wanted to learn… so I did it the way I’ve done most of my shoes, by wrapping the edged under and onto a shoe bottom…
Then I added a sole to it and even got out my Cropodile and punched some holes in it and laced it up…
I showed “this” boot to my hubby and he said, “Oh yes, that’s much better, honey!” YAY!
I laid Sara down and looked at the soles of the 2 different boots… yep, something is definitely wrong with that one that is stitched… I think we’re back in “clodhopper” territory…
Oh, and if you think making doll shoes doesn’t make much of a mess, take a look…
I had paper patterns, and an awl, lots of leather pieces, a hammer, embroidery floss, buttons, clay, glue, needles, pins, cork, felt, and just about everything imaginable on my sewing table… I have GOT to clean it up before I do anything else…
I’ll keep you posted on the shoes/boots (as soon as this hole in my finger heals up!) :o)
No, a Ruby Red Fashion Friends outfit is NOT up next… I thought I’d give Sara and Rozen a break and let my other girls on the dolly shelf get a chance at modeling again… and those gray shoes will be used sometime in the future…
See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
What an interesting post, about making doll shoes…and a mold for the same. My first thought (when you talked about the hole in your finger) was, WHERE IS YOUR THIMBLE, MISSY?! LOL I can not hand sew without a thimble any more, although it took me quite some time and REAL concerted effort to learn to use one!!
My second thought was, “I hope she wrapped those clay molds in plastic wrap so the wet-molded leather doesn’t dissolve them!” I didn’t see any comment to that effect, so I’m assuming you didn’t, but neither did I see any comment about residue left inside the leather from the mold!
It was fun to see Navi’s tiny shoes again. And, yes, that second RRFF boot shows that you are definitely on the right track!!
BTW, I went to the foot doctor today (injured my left foot in a freak fall three weeks ago), and there is still no evidence of stress fractures, so it’s probably just a bad sprain. So, I continue wearing my surgical shoe, use ice, Tylenol, etc., and if it’s not better in two weeks, call in for an MRI to see what’s going on in there.
Hi Charlotte,
I’ve never had need for a thimble before…but there’s always a first time for everything!!!
The clay was hard enough…nothing happened to it when the damp leather hit it…it’s not soaking wet leather…just damp…
I hope your foot gets better on its own…we really depend on our feet, don’t we?
Thanks Charlotte,
Blessings, Jeanne
I think it’s safe to say, there’s a first time for everything, and this might be it, for you with a thimble! You could try some different sizes/styles and see what is most comfortable for you; it will, however, take a bit if time to get used to it. At the very least, use those little stick-on pads to protect your poor finger!!
Good luck with the shoe/boot making! Cobbler-ing?
I’m taking my little dog, Rico, to get his teeth cleaned. He was not allowed any food this a.m. That has not gone over well!
Hi Julia,
Awww…poor little pooch…I hope the doggie dentist got his teeth sparkling clean!!
I’ll master those boots one of these days!!
Blessings, Jeanne
You are going to be a fine bootmaker, just like you are a great bonnet-maker. When does the leatherworking tool arrive? That should help lot.
I thought about a thimble, which is probably a great idea, but not about plastic wrap. which sounds like an excellent idea. Holes in fingers sounds like as bad an idea for you as no food did for Julia’s dog.
Have you seen the photos of the new, colorful AG dolls? “Street chic.” I can hardly wait for a purple haired doll to join your collection.
HI Marilyn,
Well, someone has a little faith in me… on my boot making skills. I hope one day to get it where I’m not second guessing myself, or making excuses for the way they look.
The prick is supposed to arrive on Friday, but it’s been stuck in NY since the 28th… so who really knows where it is.
I have NOT see the new AG doll, I’ll have to look her up… your last sentence made me laugh out loud!!! :o)
Thanks so much,
Blessings, Jeanne
Like Charlotte, the first thing that popped into my head was whether or not the clay molds had been covered with plastic? I’ve seen lasts made of resin and plaster of paris. Any thoughts to those mediums? I’ll have to check out the shoe last videos. So far, I’ve only made a pair of pleather sandals, but seeing those great shoes made in the Ukraine and other places are definitely an incentive. As to the “frog” shoes, they would be very cute with a frog Halloween costume. So, definitely save them. The boot on the right looks better, but the leather seems a little frayed. Perhaps, a sharper cutting device is needed? Not sure what you are using to cut the leather? And from the photo, it appears to be pretty thick. Could it be bonded leather? I’m seeing two layers. Curious as to the type of leather used by those who sell shoes on the groups? Maybe sheepskin? Not a clue here. I’m sure the next pair you make will be perfect. I too had cobblers in the family. Several great greats were in the trade. I can remember oldsters saying that the relative made lovely shoes and did repairs for others, but his own family was lacking. Guess he had more important things to do than repair the shoes of his own. 🙂 Better watch out. George is going to want you to repair his shoes! Ha ha.
Thanks Jeanne for showing my doll wardrobes yesterday and for the kind comments about them. 🙂
I just watched a video on the resin and the plaster shoe molds last night… and one on the powder that was mixed up and put into a resin mold… It was a lot of steps and seemed too expensive and complicated to me… I’m pretty okay with fashioning them freehand if they will hold up… I guess we’ll see…
I picked the softest leather in the lot so it has a cloth-like feel to it….it IS sort of fuzzy on the inside…that’s the nap…
I think the green leather I tried was more like a vinyl… and it was really slick… I need to stick with a thinner vegetable tanned leather, I think…
I have seen some videos on lambskin and goat leather and they react differently than the regular cow hide leather…
Oh, I have already repaired some of Georges boots…the linings, the velcro strips, the tabs, and just recently he painted Flex Seal on some boots he has… I should have taken a picture of them… they look like patent leather about 4″ up and then these crummy old boots on top…
I know everyone enjoyed seeing your dolls, but the next time you’re there, DO take some close up shots of some of the outfits… we were all intrigued by them…
Thanks Joy,
Blessings, Jeanne
A+ for effort Jeanne. Your persistence will pay off. I’m sending hugs to encourage you. The boot at the end looks pretty good. Hope you get your tool soon.
Oh good, Paula,
I’ll take those hugs of encouragement… I want to master doll shoes, so whenever I make something I can include the shoes too! My tool should be here in a few days… just in time for my finger to have healed up…
Thanks so much,
Blessings, Jeanne
Your skills amaze me…but a hole in your finger is not good.😳 Epsom salts and soak that poor finger🥴 ultra suede doesn’t form well at all but the thickness and the colors are good..too bad it doesn’t bend easier darn it. I’ll look in my stash… I may have some thinner pieces.
I can see where shoes could be a great second item in your store.
Epoxy putty would make a great form… you can get it at Lowe’s in the plumbing dept.There are several brands and sizes and it is not pricey. It hardens like a rock and is much easier to work with. You’ll love it.
HI Kathie,
I don’t think anyone thinks my turtle shoes required any skill. I certainly didn’t! But maybe some day! :o)
When I saw that leather could be wet molded, I thought I had struck it rich…because of all my Ultrasuede, but then I tried it and it just barely worked… ALTHOUGH, I did read you can spread epoxy on the fuzzy bottom side and place it down on your shoe last that has been covered with teflon tape and it will get hard… I’m going to try that next!
Thanks Kathie, I’m encouraged, just reading what you wrote…
Blessings to you, Jeanne
My first thought was why weren’t you using a thimble also?? I hand sew without one, but if it’s something stiff I would use one.
Fun to see your tiny shoes and I’m sure you’ll get the shoe/boot making in leather down pat.
My grandfather repaired shoes back during the war years. There wasn’t much he didn’t attempt and could do. I still have the antique cast iron shoe last he used. My mom remembers having the soles of her shoes repaired to wear longer.
Looking forward to seeing whose up next. I have a faint guess.
HI Laura,
I guess I just never had anything this hard to sew through is the reason I didn’t have a thimble… I hope I can master these boots… I do love making the little shoes for Navi and Ten Ping… and hope I master the bigger shoes, I can make shoe lasts for the smaller girls and it will go MUCH faster…the nice thing about the shoe lasts is how they hold everything in place and you just wrap the shoe material around them… it’s much nicer and quicker…
I wonder if your guess will be right…
Blessings Laura,
~ Jeanne
I totally admire your perseverance and I definitely think you are on the right track. I was wondering about wrapping the clay last in something too because as I read I was sure you were going to say the boot leather got stuck on the last and that was the second laugh of the day – you mentioned a first one. I bought some lovely leather from a place in Russia I think where I have bought shoes for my Paola Reina. It looks like it will be wonderful to work with when I get up the nerve to do so. I will definitely practice on something a little less pricey when I try my hand at this.
Members of my family did a lot of things out of necessity but I don’t remember cobblering being among their repertoire. I don’t think I’m much up to making patterns and lasts myself, but I have a lot of shoe patterns I really need to try. Some are just done with fabric so should be fairly easy but some are intended for leather, canvas, plastic, etc.
Still love the clodhoppers. Can’t wait to see who’s up next if it’s not someone to wear the clodhoppers.
HI Barbara,
If my leather had gotten stuck in the clay, I would have croaked… but it was hard as a rock and didn’t get a speck on the leather…
At the rate I’m going on these shoe lasts, you’ll have it figured out before I do and have your girls a pair of shoes made before me! :o)
The Russian ladies who make these boots and shoes are CRAZY talented… the videos just amaze me!
I will forever go down in history for those clodhoppers! :o)
Thanks Barbara,
Blessings, Jeanne
You amaze me Jeanne, with all the things you try! I am perfectly content to let others make my dolls shoes because mine would look terrible, for one thing! You are certainly coming along with them, and I am wondering who is going to get to wear those cute turtle shoes! Maybe for a Halloween costume? I certainly had an chuckle when you showed them!
And like everyone else here, I too, all asking why weren’t you using a thimble??
HI Linda,
Well, I’m going to at least give it my best shot on the shoes and boots… surely I can figure it out… I’ve already learned A LOT!
I don’t even OWN a thimble…as of today! I’ve never had to sew anything that thick that I needed one…
Thanks Linda,
Blessings, Jeanne
A new project! Yay!
HI Joy,
Yes, a new project… that’s me… Jeanne Project Wiedlocher!
Blessings, Jeanne
What a great post. It was so interesting to see your amazing progress. I actually haven’t used a last at all when I have made the boots and shoes. I saw one YouTube video where she used plastic to make the top stand up on her tennis shoes. I do remember my Dad having a cast iron last when I was a child and he used to repair his own shoes but I think ours were too far gone for his repairs by the time we had climbed trees and rocks and whatever else we could find when we didn’t have cell phones or tablets to look at lol.
I thought the second boot looked great. I think stitching the top to the sole will always make the boot look too big for the smaller dolls feet. I found 1/4 inch black polyester webbing when I first started making the shoes. It had a rib in it which was perfect for wrapping around to cover the join but when it had gone they never got any more in that width so I have to resort to braid which isn’t as nice.
My keyboard just died so I now have to use my lap top keyboard which is too high on my desk and I find it harder to use. At lease the mouse still works. I am hopeless using the lap top mouse! I thought it was just the batteries but put new ones in and it still doesn’t work so looks like I will have to get a new one. Or a lower desk!
This week I have been making bags for the market in three weeks. So far I have made two owl bags and a cat bag. I think they are cute. I saw pictures on Pinterest so made the pattern myself. Same basic pattern though one owl bag is much bigger than the other bags. Today I hope to make a dog bag and a bigger bag with a bow on the front. I made the cat face separately then attached it to the front as a pocket which seems to have worked quite well so will do the same with the dog as well. I will send a photo when they last two are done
HI Anne,
I looked at the pictures of the ladies who made the Ruby Red Fashion Friends doll boots and they don’t look to wide to me, even though they are stitched along the outside edge… I’d love to know the distance from edge to edge on the sole of the shoe… but I probably could never find that out…
I’m always on the look out for the edging along the shoes too… guess we both like the looks of the trim better…
Yes, do send me some pictures of the bags you plan to sell… I bet they end up adorable…
You stay SO busy…
Blessings, Jeanne
I think you did a very nice job matching the clay to Sara’s foot. The tiny shoes are cute and look well done. Can you teach us what your machines are for? I see two sewing machines. Does one cut paper? I am sorry you hurt your finger… Oh! If you look online (at least in the past it would work), you might be able to find a current Hobby Lobby coupon for 40 percent off one item. It probably wouldn’t work on Clearance items. Great job persevering!
HI Karen,
The machines you are seeing in my pictures are (in the first picture from right to left… )
a blind hemmer, for hemming long pieces of fabric so you don’t have to hand stitch it… I don’t use it real often, but it’s nice to have…
The next machine on the left is my main sewing machine… and to the left of it is my serger in the corner… it finishes off the edges of all my fabrics and neatens up the seams on the insides, and the machine in the second picture with the blue screen is my embroidery machine… for doing decorative stitching and designs…
Actually Hobby Lobby has stopped doing the 40% off coupons now… they just plan on running more things on sale on a regular basis… I miss the coupon though…
Thanks for your encouragement on my shoe making progress.. One of these days… :o)
Thanks Karen,
Blessings, Jeanne
Dear Jeanne, making your own shoe lasts is amazing! I bet all of your dollies and smiling and lining up to be next.
Hi Dorothy,
I think ALL the girls think they are going to be getting new shoes soon. Don’t hold your breath, I told them…
Thanks Dorothy,
Blessings, Jeanne