A cozy pair of leather moccasins lined with wool has been the appropriate indoor winter footwear in this part of the world for centuries. Learn to sew soft buckskin tanned by the instructor and craft a personalized pair for your feet in the Anishinaabe tradition. Cultural specialist Greg Johnson of Lac du Flambeau, WI will lead students through the patterning, cutting, and stitching of split-toe moccasins. Wool linings will ensure that toes stay warm all winter long, and a choice of fur (including synthetic and up-cycled) options will be provided for trim. Embellishment can be done using fabric designed by the instructor featuring beadwork motifs. As with all handwork, this is an opportunity not only to gain leatherwork skills, but also to be immersed in the stories and cultural history of the Anishinaabe people indigenous to this part of Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Required Tools

• All required tools/materials are provided by your instructor and North House and will be available once the course begins.

Optional Tools

• If you need reading glasses or eye magnification for detail work, please bring it along.

This course is part of Hide Week 2026. Plan to stay a day longer for the Tanner’s Conference Day on Friday, May 15, which features demonstrations, speakers, and community gatherings offered as a benefit to students enrolled in Hide Week coursework. Full schedule available online in winter 2026.