Handmade Shoes for (big) Kids

The other day my oldest son and I stopped in to see Uncle Dave at the shop.  He took a short break to chat with us and then one thing led to another, and we walked out the door with the smallest pair of Aurora Shoes I've ever seen (Women's 5 C) walking under the happiest face I'd seen that day. 

And what did my little (big) boy do when I asked him to model these pristine shoes?  He did what little (big) boys do;  he climbed his favorite tree.  I almost said something about the scuffing, but I bit my tongue, partly because Dave and I wore our first pairs to do everything under the sun when we got them 20 or so years ago, and partly because that's what full grain leather is all about.  It can take a few scrapes and bruises and somehow come out looking better for the wear. 

Where are your Auroras taking YOU?

The Economics of Quality

We say it all the time because it's true - there really is no economic substitute for quality.  Products that are made well have a lower cost-per-use, and a much higher true value than those made poorly.  They may cost more upfront, but their value goes on and on.  This is why we're committed to simple, classic styles.  They'll continue to look good for as long as they last because they're not trying to keep up with current fads.  They look good, they feel good, and they'll take you just about anywhere. 

In the 6 years we've been selling shoes online, we have worked hard to keep prices consistent, even through a 30% increase in leather costs.  We refuse to allow higher costs to impact our employees, and are committed to a wage that keeps up with inflation and the increased cost of living.  At the end of the day, we've found ourselves having to decide between increasing our prices or compromising on our quality.  As we hope you know by now, we always choose quality.  If you check out our website, you'll see that our prices have gone up by about 10% which is enough to cover our increased costs, while maintaining the high quality shoes you've come to know and expect.

The relationships that we have with our customers are built upon sincerity and mutual respect, and it felt like it would be wrong to adjust prices without explaining why.  We love getting to know you through the letters and photos that you share, and your tracings often come in with little notes or doodles that make us smile.  Thank you for supporting our small business for the past 24 years and for understanding our plans to ensure we'll be around for at least 24 more.

Meet Janet

It seems that each of us on staff are here primarily because we enjoy working with our hands.  More specifically, we like the sense of accomplishment that comes from turning simple raw materials into objects of value.  We all make shoes during the day, but many of us also have side projects and hobbies that continue to keep our hands busy after hours.  Janet, who we have been getting to know for the past couple of months, is a fellow craftsperson, small business owner, and now a member of our staff.

Janet moved into a home just down the road from our shop this fall, with a desire to experience life in the Finger Lakes.  She is originally from Long Island and came to the area via Corning, where her passion for glass blowing blossomed into 4 years of work with the Corning Museum of Glass.  Janet continues to sell her work in the Museum gift shop and teaches classes on glass blowing, fusing, and flame working.  When I asked Janet about her interest in leather, she explained the similarities between her glass craft and the work we do.  As Janet says, both require practice and skill, a feel for the materials, and the faith that muscle memory will take over for calculated work, given enough practice and a willingness to let go and feel your way through.

Art and craft drive so many of us and I love the way that Janet's vision and values have led her to us.  Please join me in welcoming Janet to our Aurora Shoe family.  You can view Janet's beautiful glass work here and can find some beautiful Christmas ornaments on sale at her Etsy shop.

Meet the Neighbors: Unite Two Design

At the Aurora Shoe Company, we passionately support small business and handmade and local goods. As a visitor of our blog, we thought that you might feel the same way. In our Meet the Neighbors series we're featuring businesses and people who reflect our own values and whom we feel lucky to call neighbors and friends.

 It was a real treat to visit the gallery and workshop belonging to Keith and Theresa of Unite Two Design.  I had seen their work in a recent newspaper feature, but the detail and charm of their work is best appreciated in person.  Described as "farm punk", the furniture, home goods, and jewelry at Unite Two Design are a fresh blend of old materials and innovative design.  

Having grown up on an old farm, I know all about old wood, rusty pipes, and random pieces of ancient equipment.  It takes a real visionary to take those discarded elements and to give them a new and stylish life.  There is only so much that I can say - you have to see it for yourself...

It was really inspiring to see all of this functional art and to hear the stories behind the different pieces.  Keith and Theresa are constantly working on new projects, but they always welcome the chance to work with clients on commissioned pieces.  I can just imagine all of the personalized gifts that could be created using a board from Grandpa's old barn, or a tool from Dad's workshop.  The blend of old materials and new design presents so many interesting opportunities.

 

 

Keith and Theresa couldn't have been more friendly or more welcoming.  They invited us to check out their workspace as well, but I took way too many pictures and will save that for another post (it's such a cool space).

You can view more of Keith and Theresa's designs by visiting their website. You can also stay up to date with their unique shop offerings by following their page on Facebook.  If you're local, consider stopping by on your next trip to Skaneateles.  They're next door to Creekside Books, at 37 Fennell Street (you can find gallery hours on their Facebook page).

Suggestions Welcomed

Dave is loving his new Adler.  It can handle several layers of leather and opens the door for all kinds of accessories.   Belts and wallets are some initial thoughts.  We'd love to know, what kinds of leather accessories would you like to see?

NorthernGRADE Photos

Dave and Andrea have had a great weekend at NorthernGRADE, the 100% American Made pop-up market in Minneapolis.  Dave has been uploading photos to our Facebook page throughout the weekend.  It looks like an amazing venue and a really inspiring group of vendors.  Take a peek!

The Dos and Don'ts of Foot Tracings

If you know anything about our shoes, or about full grain leather for that matter, then you know that it's all about creating a custom fit.  We spring for the top grade leather because it performs like nothing else can.  When sized properly, our shoes mold to their wearers' feet like a glove and become incredibly comfortable.  It's all great, except...

We're basing all of our fit measurements on tracings that people send in.  It sounds like a simple task - trace your feet and we'll make you a pair of shoes that will fit you like no other.  And it really is simple, but only if the tracings are a true reflection of your actual foot size.

go to the source here

The Dos and Don'ts of Foot Tracings

Do:

• stand flat footed on an even surface
• use a standard width pen or pencil - bic pen, standard #2 pencil.  The resulting tracing should be slightly larger than your actual footprint by the width of the pen or pencil you use.
• ask a friend to help so that the pencil maintains a straight angle all the way around
• trace both feet (they are almost never exactly the same)

Don't:

•  prop your feet up, thinking that it will be easier.  Well, it will be easier, it just won't be accurate!
• use a thick marker, pen, or otherwise wide writing utensil (the extra width can make a huge difference in your perceived measurements).
• angle the pen or pencil inward or outward - this seems obvious, but it's easy to do and it makes a big difference.

A Note on Scanned Images

In our digitized age, it's sometimes frustrating to have to deal with paper and postage when computers make the world run faster.  We're often asked if tracings can be scanned and emailed, and trust me, we get it.    Dave has spent a lot of time thinking about how to accommodate this desire and here's his answer to the long standing question, Can I just send you a scan?

The problem with scanned & faxed images is that they can be stretched or skewed, so we don’t always get perfect measurements.  We prefer to receive them in the mail.

If you can’t get them in the mail, then we'll need you to follow a couple of extra instructions when you scan or fax your tracings to us:

1.  Be extra careful to follow the tracing guidelines closely – use a regular width pencil or pen & hold it straight up & down.

2.  After taking the tracing, draw a straight line from the bottom of your heel to the tip of your furthest reaching toe.  Measure the distance & record it on the tracing (to the closest 1/8 inch or 1mm).  Do the same for the widest point of your foot.  This will allow us to re-size your tracings after they have been stretched/skewed by the scanning/printing process.

3.  If you plan on sending a fax, let us know ahead of time so we can turn our fax machine on.

Birds of a Feather: Beam & Anchor

We find inspiration in other businesses and organizations who, like us, work to promote a love of good design and an appreciation for fine craftsmanship.  In this series, which we call Birds of a Feather, we'll share stories and ideas from around the world that reflect our own values.  We hope that you find them as inspiring and thought provoking as we do.

Beam & Anchor is a perfect example of ideals in action.  Founders, Jocelyn and Robert Rahm have created a retail and work space in Portland, Oregon that artfully combines product with process.  When I contacted Jocelyn about this post, she shared that she wore our shoes for years and attended nearby Syracuse University.  It's a small world, I tell you.  Small.

Beam & Anchor is such a wonderful example of synergy in action.  How did you hatch the plan to create this innovative space?

Beam & Anchor originated a couple years ago when we both got disillusioned enough with our respective career paths that we decided to start taking our passions more seriously. We took our love of design and community and merged them into what is now Beam & Anchor. Robert has a background in wilderness therapy and I have a background in teaching and life coaching. This is where the community piece comes into play. We both are passionate about the idea of building community and challenging what's possible within that realm. Robert has been reclaiming furniture for years and I am a painter so we wanted to create a space where makers and artists could commune, collaborate and ultimately thrive. We also wanted a space where we could sell unique and beautiful things to the community.

via phloem studio

You have said that Beam & Anchor is not just about "craft", and that "good design is critical" (via this Dwell article).  What design rules or principles do you live by?

We don't adhere to rules or principles, perse. What we're looking for is a certain feeling. Objects, not unlike people, have an energy and the energy has a resonance so we're looking for a certain resonance. We love the juxtoposition of new and old for this reason. Old things have a history and carry stories with them. We have a couple old opera chairs from the 19th century in our shop right now and they have such great, old texture. Their history is almost palpable when you sit in them. Then we have new lamps that are handmade locally by Shannon Guirl of Caravan Pacific and they're innovative interpretations of mid-century designs. What we're after is great design and good stories. We've also tried to keep our collection as local and hand-crafted as possible.  

 

Your shop combines vintage goods and handmade items.  What is the unifying element or philosophy behind this pairing?

I think it's about the relationship between history and innovation and how they interplay together. There's so much wisdom that comes from history and so much possibility that comes from innovation. They are mean't to work in harmony with one another.  

via habitual

I have always found that creative energy leads to decisions and directions that I never anticipated at the start.  How has Beam & Anchor responded to the creative energy that you've nurtured?

Beam & Anchor has taken on a life of it's own. We may have "birthed" the concept and we will influence the course of its trajectory, however the genesis of Beam & Anchor will be very much informed by what shows up along the way. We are very excited to see where it goes from here.  

via shannon quimby

We're very excited to see that you have plans to create an online shop.  Do you have any updates or information to share with those of us way over here, on the East Coast?

We'd love to have our online shop up and running by 7/1/12. No promises but that's our goal.   

via beam and anchor

What advice would you give to others who are inspired by your business model and want to create their own collective?

The heart of a collective is always the people that are involved so find good people. When you do something that's a little bit off the beaten path, you'll always face criticism or folks that don't get it. That's all part of the process and it's meant to test your commitment to your vision. Above all, find the joy in making it happen. Don't let what's not working derail you as that's part of the creative process too. 

via phloem studio

 Thank you for inspiring us, Beam and Anchor!