Jul. 26, 2016 | Posted in Reports, Shoemaking , Student Reporter | Tags:Christine Lesperance, ShoemakingReporter: Christine Lesperance | Course: Shoemaking

Shoe Making 18-Atelier One-Year Course 2016

Every Friday, students of Accademia Riaci go for an Art Visit with a guide. Above, students are taken to an orphanage from the 1500s. Inside, they saw works of art that was donated by the adults who once lived in the orphanage as children. The donation was a show of gratitude.

One of the many beautiful churches in Florence. This one from the medieval times.

A spectacular view of Florence’s only Jewish Synagogue. It is distinguished by its blue-colonies dome.

A close-up view of the Duomo. This can be seen from the rooftop of one of the old orphanages of Florence.

Florence by night. Above is the stunning view of the Baptistry, Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, and the Duomo all in one view.

Students taking pictures of the beautiful Palazzo Vecchio located in the Piazza del Signoria. This was one of the Medicci (ruling family) palaces.

After the first step of creating shoe, which is taping the last (mold), one has to draw their design on the tape. Above is an example.

One of the first steps in creating a shoe is taping up the last (mold) for the purpose of drawing one’s design. Although the first steps are quite simple, there is a certain technique used for taping the last.

After designing your shoe style on the tape, it is removed from the last (mold) and placed on a piece of paper in order to make a pattern. Once the pattern is cut out it is placed on a piece of sturdy fabric for the purpose of making a trial sample (such as the one above.)

Once the pattern of one’s trial sample is cut, the pieces can then be sewn together. This process is usually quite quick.

Above is an example of a pattern that was made from the tape that was removed from the last (mold.) The largest pattern is for the front of the shoe (upper), another is for the back (heel guard), and the smaller pieces just a corrective piece.