What can you make from a broken thong and a worn out Croc?

Quite a lot, as it turns out.

This school holiday, bring the kids along to our new home at Studio 6, Sacred Heart Courtyard, Abbotsford Convent, for an hour of hands-on making. Using brightly coloured pieces cut from deconstructed rubber and EVA shoes (thongs, Crocs and other foam footwear) together with an assortment of leather offcuts in every colour, children thread and knot their own jewellery and accessories onto shoelaces. Necklaces, bracelets, keyrings, bag charms, hair ties: whatever they can dream up.

Along the way they will find out what their shoes are actually made of, how they are put together, and why keeping good materials in use matters. It is a playful introduction to circular thinking, disguised as a very good time.

What's involved?

One hour of guided making in small groups of eight, led by contemporary jeweller Pennie Jagiello and footwear researcher Dr Alexandra Sherlock, both of whom hold current Working with Children Checks. All materials, tools and tuition are provided, and every child goes home wearing what they have made.

Suitable for ages 5 and up. Younger children are welcome with a helping hand from their grown up, and we have smaller, more intricate components and techniques on hand for older kids and teenagers who want a challenge. No experience needed. All shoes are deconstructed and prepared by us in advance, so there are no sharp tools on the table. We may take photos to share on social media, so please let us know if you would prefer your child not to appear.

A note for grown-ups

This is a stay and join in session rather than a drop off, so please plan to remain with your child for the hour. Grab your coffee on the way in from one of the cafes in the grounds and settle in with us, or pull up a chair and have a go yourself.

When is it?

Three sessions a day, each running for one hour:

10.00am to 11.00am
12.00pm to 1.00pm
2.00pm to 3.00pm

Tuesday 22 September,
Wednesday 23 September,
Wednesday 30 September.
Places are limited to eight children per session, so booking ahead is recommended.

Where is it?

Studio 6, Sacred Heart Courtyard, Abbotsford Convent, 1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford. Our studio sits in one of the Convent's loveliest courtyards, and the session length is designed to leave you plenty of the day to enjoy.

Make a day of it

The Convent is a wonderful spot for a school holiday outing, and an hour of upcycling can easily turn into a whole family day. Pick up a coffee on your way in, then afterwards wander the gardens and heritage buildings, follow the path down to the Birrarung, or walk across to the Collingwood Children's Farm to meet the goats, cows and chickens. There are cafes, bakeries, galleries and artist studios throughout the grounds.

Where does your ticket go?

Tickets are $25 per child. Any additional donations on the day are very welcome and go directly towards establishing This is Not a Shoe as a social enterprise, promoting material lifecycles and sustainable creative practices through education and community.

About the host

This is Not a Shoe is a research-informed, participatory creative project developed by Dr Alexandra Sherlock and Pennie Jagiello, based in Naarm/Melbourne, that transforms end-of-life shoes into unexpected artefacts and accessories. Through hands-on workshops, participants learn to see familiar materials differently, uncovering creative possibilities in objects that have reached the end of their intended use. The project explores material lifecycles and speculates on circular reuse and design strategies to inform a more sustainable future.

Get in touch

Please contact alex@footwearresearchnetwork.org with any questions, or find us on Instagram at @this.is .not.a.shoe.

Contact the host of This is Not a Shoe - school holiday upcycling for kids