Introduction: Hand-made Cork Shoes

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About: IsabellaDelaine is brand created by me, offering simple tutorials on how to make stylish cork shoes. Each design is created using eco friendly materials, and cut-off’s from past designs. I want to inspire each…

Hi There!

Today I want to share with you my step-to-step guide on how to make your very own hand-made cork wedges.

If you are looking to challenge yourself, this might just be the project for you!

Step 1: Gather Your Equipment

What you will need:

I recycled all of my equipment and borrowed tools. However, I have linked each piece of equipment and added a price guide in case you need to purchase something specific!

Step 2: Make a Wedge Pattern

Firstly, using a lead pencil trace the heel of a wedge shoe onto an A4 sheet of paper.

Step 3: Make a Jig Out of Cardboard

Cut out the traced wedge with scissors and trace it onto a piece of cardboard. Using a cutting tool, cut several layers of cardboard and paste the layers together using Tarzans Grip Glue.

Step 4: Trace the Base and Inner Sole of Existing Shoes:

Trace the base of a wedge and the inner sole of a sand shoe onto an A4 piece of paper using a permanent marker.

Repeat this process twice - one for your left foot, and one for your right.

Step 5: Create a Shoe Sole

Cut out the traced paper heel base, trace the cut-out onto the black placemat and cut it out using scissors.

Step 6: Create the Wedge

Trace the inner sole cut-out onto a slab of cork, and cut it out using scissors.

Repeat this process 10 times.

Step 7: Create the Wedge

Using Tarzan Grip Glue, glue the layers of cork together, one by one.

Step 8: Shape the Wedge

Place the layered cork onto the cardboard jig and press down using your hands to ensure you get the right shape. You will then need to clamp the cork in place and leave it over night to dry.

Step 9: Create the Heel

Cut out another 10 layers of cork to use as a heel.

Step 10: Shaping the Heel

Ensure the pieces of cork are cut smaller the further you get to the base of the shoe.

Step 11: Create a Base and Glue the Cork Together

Cut a piece of cork the length of the shoe to create a base, and glue the pieces together. Clamp them over night to dry.

Step 12: File the Wedges

The next step involves filing the sides of the wedges to ensure that there are no rough edges, and you cannot see the joining seams.

Step 13: Glue on the Sole

The next step is to glue on the black sole that you cut out in step 4 using a hot glue gun. Leave to dry.

Step 14: Sketch & Develop Inspiration for the Uppers

With the cork step complete its time to think about the uppers.

Create some sketches of possible designs, or alternatively look on Pinterest or Instagram to source some inspiration.

Step 15: Make a Pattern

Make a cardboard pattern and cut out the pattern using scissors.

Step 16: Cut the Material According to the Pattern

Using the pattern, cut the material accordingly.

Step 17: Stitch the Upper Together

Sew the material together using a needle and thread.

Step 18: Glue the Upper Onto the Cork

Using a hot glue gun, glue the upper onto the cork. Leave to dry.

Step 19: Pin the Ribbon Tie Onto the Wedge

Using a suitable ribbon, pin the ribbon into the back of the cork wedge using dressmaker pins.

Step 20: Whoo Done!

And there you have it, your very own hand-made cork shoes! Simple as that!

Love,

IsabellaDelaine x

Step 21: Feedback!

Here is some feedback that I have received from two university students who have completed the tutorial. Let me know your thoughts too!

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