Yucca fiber processing is an ancient art. I first became interested in yucca fiber in my time at The Clovis Site (an important archaeological site on the high plains of New Mexico). People have used yucca for ages past in every form. From raw leaves, to finely spun yucca yarn, the leaves have been used in every form. The book Treading in the Past: Sandals of the Anasazi showcases many excellent examples of yucca fiber in all forms as used in sandals. Yucca is also used for cordage, bags, nets, and really anything fiber related.
I start by chopping down a yucca plant. I happen to have access to narrow leaf yucca. All I use is an ax. The difficulty with yucca is the pointed tips, so I begin by gathering the leaves up, holding them up with one hand, leaving the base of the plant exposed. With the other…
Archaeologist Runar Hole with the 1300-year-old ski. (Photo: Oppland County Authority)
In recent summers, many sensational archaeological discoveries in Norwegian national parks have been made. This summer there was found 390 objects from the Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age, including sixty 6000-years-old arrows and an 1300-year-old ski.
The Early Viking Age ski is 172 cm (69 in) long and 14.5 cm (5.7 in) wide, well-kept with binding constructed of wicker and leather straps. The binding sits on a raised section in the middle of the ski, and there is a hole where it was attached.
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The discovery shows Vikings used skis with bindings – which meant they could move fast and steady on the snow. (Photo: Oppland County Authority).
There are about 2,700 glaciers in Norway, and these glaciers have an area of approximately 2700 square kilometers (1042.5 mi²). When they melt due to climate change…
Getting ready for the eclipse tomorrow? MAKEzine has again linked to our little Vardo. We were fortunate to get a really neat lighting effect during the 2012 eclipse playing over our camp.
Light coming through the trees created a pinhole effect focusing the eclipse in dozens of images as we were packing to leave.
Click the image for more information.
As we slide around the sun for yet another year we can experience a little science and scale and think about our place in the solar system. If you are interested in learning more, check out NASA’s Eclipse Page by clicking the banner below:
…and HEY KIDS, don’t look directly into the sun. You Makers can get out the welding goggles (with a rating of 15 or higher) and have a look.
To aid in downsizing our worldly possessions (and tons of raw materials), I initiated the buckskin bag project. The goal is to produce as many little beauties as possible while experimenting and learning new techniques.
This is the first run of bags, which still require embellishments, closures, and neck straps. More to come…
A short film about a great craftsman. I like this one because the project documented here is so unusual. The almost forgotten art of the tinsmith.
And a longer one that is really worth watching. It’s a treat to see someone who knows his business so well. A dying breed of traditional artisan.
“This is a video of County Mayo native Ted Maughan demonstrating his immense skills as a Tinsmith. Ted is a member of the travelling community and has kept this great craft alive for many years. His work is a credit to him and this is only a small example of the quality work that Ted is able to carry out.”
We just don’t value the artisan or craftsman the way we one did. The Industrial Revolutions have wrecked havoc in our culture.
Instead of this:
We opt for outsourcing, mechanizing, and abstracting our purchase. These days, for now, are lost in the Industrial world.
“The first rule of Project Mayhem is that you do not ask questions…”
this may be my new teaching mantra
I am considering calling my custom footwear “Mayhem Shoes” (at least until Chuck Palahniuk’s space monkey lawyers make me stop).
I teach a couple classes about low-tech shoemaking a few times per year in the primitive survival skills community. The designs I focus on are styles that can be made by one person in one day; a popular theme in early historic examples. Some require a lot of cutting, some require sewing. There is an off-grid, dystopian attitude about making your own shoes. In fact, I think I will register the name Distopian Leather Works as my new business. I’m considering a small business venture to go into custom production of the shoes I teach people to make as well as expanding the custom leather work I currently produce.
The kinds of people that take these classes are from all walks of life, not just survivalists, historical nerds, or experimental archaeologists, but folks who want to make things for themselves for whatever reason. I’m finding that there are others who might just want the handmade product without the labor of making them. In a day, an attentive student can produce a wearable (and good looking) pair of serviceable shoes like the carbatana (ghillies) above.
For those looking for a more modern look a fine pair of sandals can be made with just a few hours, cutting and sewing. These are easily re-solable and should last the better part of a lifetime. Look familiar? Chaco and Teva didn’t exactly re-invent the wheel; just updated the materials and outsourced the work overseas. Even in the wilds of Canada, tradtional ghillies can be a useful part of the wardrobe. Mike made these two years ago and they still protect his sturdy peasant feet.
There is something very satisfying about taking a piece of nondescript, vegetable tanned leather and creating a lasting and useful object with your own hands.
The beauty is truly in the details. Serious students often bevel and burnish edges to give their shoes a “finished” look, suitable for public wear.
In progress photo with tools of the trade. The authors well worn sandals are on the left of the photo.
Above, a student trial fits the uppers before attaching the outsole. In my classes, the outermost sole on any of these shoes may be a durable Vibram material, a softer but grippy Soleflex, or natural leather. The latter option is popular with those who are interested in treading lightly on the earth or those who are concerned with earthing or grounding.
Learning as community. It is always a very social event to teach these courses. No matter the variety of backgrounds, we are sharing an ancient craft in common.
As in all leatherwork, neatness counts. A good hand with a knife is a great asset for shoemaking.
Test fitting the straps for buckle placement and strap length.
This style sandal may be tied or buckled but I have found that a 3/4″ center bar buckle is about the easiest to work with and adjust.
Bowing to modern convenience. For the classes, we use contact cement to adhere the insole, mid-sole, and outsole. This insures a good connection and will hold up even if the stitching doesn’t last forever.
The author demonstrates the wrong way to rough out a pattern. Cutting out oversize pieces for the sake of time-savings.
Tough rubber soles will make these sandals last years and are easily replaced.
Trial fitting a ghillie after soaking in water. They feel ridiculously thick and stiff for the first hour or two but tend to suddenly relax an become a part of the foot after a soak in the neatsfoot oil.
Ready for staling the game or dancing at a cèilidh
Sometimes it helps to take a hammer to the leather when it is stiff and wet.
It is important to leave the channels free of glue so that the straps may be adjusted in future. You never know when you might need to wear some black socks with those sandals.
Helping a student skive out some particularly stiff areas.
Mom tries on her new shoes before going home to make some for the whole family. Even an old shoemaker is interested in this ancient design.
Happy and diligent students show off their newest creations.
Above are few photos from previous classes. Thanks to all who come and make!
Preindustrial Craftsmanship 