Making a Pair of Arizona Birkenstocks

Have you ever made a pair of shoes? Well, I did. I made a pair of Arizon Birkenstocks and I couldn’t be any prouder of myself. Once I got going, they really weren’t hard to make.

I purchased the Arizona Birkenstock kit from my friend Jaimie at Creations by Jaimie. She makes shoes and has an online store where she sells shoemaking supplies. The kits includes just about everything you need to make your shoes.

• What comes in kit:
• Arizona-Style looking pattern
• Original Birkenstock footbed
• Sole sheet
• Original 4 Birkenstock Buckles
• Needles
• Leather pen
• Barge Glue
• Emery board
• Skiving knife

The things not included in the kit that you will need are:

Required other items you will need :

• Leather should be at least 5oz
• Leather Hole Punch
• Nylon thread to sew on the buckles on
• Leather Scissors
• Mallet/Hammer

I purchased my leather from District Leather Supply. They have a large assortment of leather on their site. I purchased 2 pieces of 12 X 24 pieces of leather because I was making 2 pair of shoes. This was more than enough. If you’re only making 1 pair of shoes, you’ll be fine with just 1 piece of leather.

One of the things that wasn’t included in the kit, but I think you will definitely need is something to cut the soles of the shoes. This is the same sole found on the bottom of store brought Birkenstocks, so the sole is very thick. I had a small pair of leather scissors and that didn’t cut it. I looked through my husband’s tools and found a utility knife that came in very handy. This utility knife I on Amazon should do the trick.

Another tool that I found on Amazon that came in clutch is this electric file. It made filing the sides of the sole so much easier. The emery board that came with the kit works just as well, but it was quicker with the mini electric cordless drill. The drill comes with the charger and other 43 other pieces.

If you are looking to pick up a new craft, then let me suggest shoemaking. It is not as hard as you might think. I think this DIY Birkenstock set is perfect for that. There is barely any sewing involved and the satisfaction of making your own pair of shoes is on a whole other level.

Until next time,

Johanna