A shoemaking school which opened in Dunedin this week is attracting students from across New Zealand and overseas.
Dunedin shoemaker Lou Clifton said people from Auckland, Napier and Palmerston North had signed on to learn how to make shoes with her.
Tourists from Switzerland and the United States would also make the trip during holidays to take part in classes, Ms Clifton said.
''There is lots of demand for shoemakers in New Zealand.''
It was quite difficult to learn shoemaking here, she said.
''The only other place in New Zealand is on Waiheke Island.''
The roster for the class was half full after being open for two weeks and more students were expected, she said.
Ms Clifton had a background in design and photography and had been making shoes for five years.
To further her study in the craft, she took a two-month workshop in Toyko, Japan, at the start of this year, she said.
Originally from Wellington, Ms Clifton said she had always wanted to be a shoemaker and quit her job to take it on full-time.
''I decided to bite the bullet and do it.
''I love that it's a hands-on craft and the tactile nature of it, and I also love teaching,'' she said.
Ms Clifton said she planned to get a Japanese shoemaker to visit in 2016.
Night classes will be held at The Shoe School three times a week and four-day block courses twice a month.
- James Hall
