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Miscellaneous Crafting Handmade Shoes: Great Looking Shoes, Sandals, Slippers & Boots by Sharon Raymond $17.95 / Lark Books / 2001 Any historic recreationist or costumer can tell you that the hardest part of creating a historic ensemble is finding footwear. There is hope, however! From the modern to the medieval, Sharon Raymond talks us through the process of creating shoes that are not only simple to construct, but are also beautiful, interesting, and functional. Unlike some leathercraft books, she does not assume her readers know anything about shoemaking. Rather, she talks about leather (what to buy, how to buy it, and where to buy it), then discusses pattern-making and actual construction techniques. She even spends an entire page detailing how to lay out pattern pieces properly on the leather and how to cut them out. And that is before she describes the specific construction techniques for each type of footware, from Tuscan sandals to frontier boots. Raymond also sprinkles the book with historic facts, charming illustrations of period footwear, and an assortment of line drawings to reassure even the most trepidatious craftsman. She uses real photos of the projects and her line drawings are informative, easy to understand, and, best of all, simple! Crafting Handmade Shoes has already earned an honored place in my costuming collection. I recommend you find a place for it in yours, as well. —Jess Hartley

Click here to order:Crafting Handmade Shoes             To order Renaissance Magazine, click here. To order medieval tapestries and other period products, click here.