Last week we hosted the last Library Salon Series lecture of 2017, and what a way to end. St. Paul-native and shoemaker extraordinaire Amara Hark-Weber paid us a visit to talk all things shoes: the highs and lows, process, materials, and her experience traveling the world to learn from different masters.

While she told us that because shoemakers have such different styles, processes, and techniques, it’s not uncommon for them to be secretive of their knowledge – even around other shoemakers. Hark-Weber, however, freely shared her passion for her craft and the difficulties that can be involved.

For more information on Amara Hark-Weber, check out American Craft’s 2017 Rare Craft Fellowship Award profile and video of her.