I am a cordwainer and historical re-enactor.  Presenting an educational historical program, in historically accurate attire, I explain the Art and Mystery of a Cordwainer from the perspective of a journeyman shoemaker.  Cordwainer is the original title for someone who makes shoes and boots from fine leather.  

I make historically accurate shoes and boots using the materials and methods available at the time.  The shoes I make are for actual people.  Other historical re-enactors purchase my shoes for their attire.  Although historically accurate, I make shoes for modern people.  We are larger, heavier and taller than our ancestors.  Modern re-enactors have modern lives outside re-enacting and need shoes that can accommodate braces, orthotics, and other modern health issues.  While specializing in the time period of America’s colonies, 1770,  I also present from the time periods 1630, 1858 and 1870.  I also can make modern footwear. 

My shoes are constructed at the event as people watch. While watching is interesting, touching and feeling are better and my audience may hold and manipulate materials and tools as part of the presentation. I draw the participants into my world of long ago and help them imagine what it would be like to live and work then.

My target audience are school children but I can adapt my presentation to any age group.  During my busy fall events, I educate about 6000 youth in a 6 week span.

Since 2018, I have been creating more modern footwear. I designed and constructed a full wellington (a two piece boot - very difficult) and have constructed my first pair of exotic shoes, alligator. 
 
I teach at the Mankato Makerspace.  Classes include Tooling, Belt making and Leather club where I guide self determined leather projects.  With the installation of two industrial boot sewing machines, I had scheduled boot making course but it was cancelled due to pandemic restrictions. As soon as those restrictions are lifted, I will reschedule classes.