Happy New Year from the Elves! Last fall we introduced a new all sheepskin boot called the Orion. We have had a lot of interest in the boot - but are curious as to how the boot performed for folks over time. We'll be sending a survey out to try and understand how we can improve future boot designs... if...

We couldn't figure out why we were getting an increase in orders for our 'Lil Doggies this month... until my Sister-in-Law called me from Wisconsin and said "Hey - Congrats on being mentioned in Parents magazine!" Sure enough, there we were at the top of the Goody Bag in the December gift guide. Our little red and black cowboy booties...

While my family was traveling to Ireland, Jay and I decided to carry our Soft Star mocs on the plane. We figured they are light and small enough to carry in a backpack. And once on the plane they would be great to wear... they keep your feet warm, are light, and non-restrictive. So shortly after take off, off came...

Today was an exciting day here in the shop. Our new clicker was delivered and installed... YEAH!!! Tim and Alan, the best landlord ever, spent the entire afternoon unloading, moving, placing, and wiring the new machine. As you can see in the picture, it's a hefty piece of equipment. Once we got it in place, we couldn't wait to cut...

The workshop has been pretty crazy and disjointed since the catastrophic failure of our hydraulic clicker last week (see last entry). Until our new machine is shipped, we have installed a temporary solution... our 1930's era Famco "KICKER".... This little guy is giving DeAnn, Leah, Keita and Tim a great leg workout as they have to "kick" the dies 3-4...

Halloween was a STRANGE day for the Elves this year.... we had some naughty spirits in the workshop last Tuesday. Our beloved "clicker" machine was the first victim. Our 8 ton Hudson Clicker press is a hydraulic press that we use to "click" or "cut" out all the pieces of our Soft Star Shoes. On Tuesday the 1" thick steel...

Kahlil has posed quite a challenge. I meet new people and they ask what I do. I tell them I make baby shoes they smile and glance at Kahlil's feet. At this point their eyebrows raise since they can't help but notice my son is barefoot. Of course there is nothing wrong with being barefoot - in fact barefoot like...