Have you kept your children's shoes?

Those scuffed, worn-out little shoes hold so much: the imprint of tiny toes, the traces of first steps, muddy adventures, and years of growing. Rather than leaving them in a drawer where they'll never be seen again, this intimate workshop invites you to take them apart, discover what's inside, and transform them into a beautiful keepsake to display at home. Think of it as a much more meaningful version of that plaster footprint.

This is Not a (Tiny) Shoe is a reflective, creative, and quietly illuminating experience, held at the end of Melbourne Design Week in the lovely education space at Dragonfly Toys, Sacred Heart Courtyard, Abbotsford Convent.

What's involved?

In this 2.5-hour hands-on workshop led by contemporary jeweller Pennie Jagiello and footwear researcher Dr Alexandra Sherlock, you'll carefully deconstruct a pair of worn-out children's shoes and arrange the components into a flat-lay artwork to display at home.

As you work, you'll discover the hidden craft inside these familiar objects: the layers, materials, and construction techniques that went into making them. You'll also reflect on the wear patterns and imprints your child has left behind. It's a wonderful way to celebrate and honour the memories those shoes carry.

A backing board and a range of materials are provided to assemble your flat-lay. You'll also have the option to purchase a frame on the day, or source one yourself afterwards once you know the final dimensions. Light refreshments, tools, and tuition are all included. No prior experience needed. We may take photos to share on social media - please let us know if you'd prefer to opt out.

Open to ages 18+ only. No children at the session, please - this is your time.

Optional extension

Want to go further? Stay on for an additional 2.5 hours to reconstruct the second shoe into a wearable artefact or accessory, for yourself or your child. Details and ticketing for the extension available at checkout.

What to bring and how to prepare

Bring one pair of children's shoes: the kind that have truly done their time and won't be worn again. Well-loved shoes are ideal, as the more worn the insole, the more visible the imprint of your child's foot will be when you open them up.

If you intend to reconstruct your second shoe into an artefact or accessory, you may wish to clean or sanitise it before the session.

You may also wish to bring a photograph of your child wearing the shoes to share and include in the artwork.

No other preparation needed. We'll guide you through the deconstruction together on the day.

Where is it?

The workshop is held in the education space at Dragonfly Toys, Sacred Heart Courtyard, Abbotsford Convent, Narrm/Melbourne. Please note this event is not part of the official Melbourne Design Week program, though it falls at the close of the festival.

A wonderful gift

Looking for a restorative gift for someone who deserves a creative afternoon to themselves? This workshop is a rare chance to slow down, reflect, and make something beautiful, in good company.

Get in touch

Please contact alex@footwearresearchnetwork.org with any questions. You can also find Pennie on Instagram. The workshop is part of the This is Not a Shoe project. Please visit the project webpage or Instagram for information and inspiration.

Contact the host of This is Not a (Tiny) Shoe: Footwear memento workshop