Studio
Sunday, 14 June 2026
Fairysteps boot listings, as well as bags were open for a short time, but are now closed - I will be continuing with the small mountain of in-progress stock on my work tables, alongside these latest orders. Many thanks for everyone who ordered, and apologies if you missed your chance :/ hopefully Lady Fate will make the perfect stock pair pop up for you soon.
As always, subject to availability my dears as made to order rarely opens these days.
Find them in the Footwear collection next month - Ive been ruthlessly pruning and have updated the collections accordingly.
Ren x
Saturday, 6 June 2026
At last I am busy cutting boots. I know its June and summer, but Fairysteps are only made slowly, by me, here in the woods - so I need several months to get stock ready for autumn.
Initially I am using a few limited edition colours in select hides which are robust and supple, perfectly suited to bootmaking. These will all be one-of-a-kind and won't be repeated.
Cobweb will feature first as it is such a versatile height. Frond to follow.
My collections in the shop have been whittled down to far less styles than before with many being moved to the studio archive at discounted prices. Most of those products are retiring and won't be made in the future. Its taken 25 years but I am finally focusing on just a few. Stock batches will shift between boots, shoes and bags.
If everyone finds it useful I might continue with the diary, with latest stock updates shown on instagram.
Ren x
Tuesday, 9 April 2024
I can't believe how fast time seems to be flying by, yet also dragging on. I blame it on the relentless rain we have been having. I feel as if its been raining forever. My youngest informed me yesterday that its been raining since September and she is most probably right. However, I keep seeing patches of blue and everything here at home is flushing green so Spring is here!
I look forward to walking the lanes with warm sunshine on my back and little birds busy in the hedgerows. Tea in the yard, morning, noon and night. Evening trips after work to the seaside to eat fish n chips in the van and stare at the beauty of the sea. A happy thought.
Ive spent the whole year so far buried underneath custom orders and can safely say that I am now completely burnt out ;) its been a hard slog to the finish line but I am 4 orders away from completion, yippee! Lots of pairs still on their lasts and yet to be laced and packed for posting but thats a matter of weeks away now. I most probably shall'nt open custom again this year, but you never know.
Once completed I will be moving onto stock making as since the 'clear out' sale the Faerysteps shop is all but empty! The horror of it! Stock will be slowly added but I do have a great deal of catching up with home projects and work here so when I say slow I do mean slow. Ive been working 7 days a week for months so I'm owed some slow time ;)
Ive got some shoes already cut out from back along which I will make first, but then am keen to get going on a pile of Wisp short boots. They are so useful for any season so Im thinking its a good style to start with. Lots of limited edition leathers I can use for these so many will be one of ones. I don't plan on making anymore of the very small leathergoods this year (hence the sale), but I will make some Withy, Jinks & Hazel belt pouches as well as a few Wela wallets. Also planning lots of Natter bags, simply because its a great little size and fits a phone and essentials. There will be other larger bags made too.
Well my dears, I think that pretty much sums up future making plans. As always, updates are via Instagram (I tend to use facebook less and less) and can also be seen on the home page of the website. Plus do check out the 'Latest' collection which will always show the newest items added to stock. Its going to be a few weeks till anything new is added though.
Till then, keep smiling, Ren x
Saturday, 25 August 2018
There is a definite nip in the air. I felt it on Wednesday and its got progressively cooler since. Plus the ever rampant Virginia creeper is blushing so that's a sure sign if ever there was one that the season is on the move. Summer has dusted off her golden coat and will soon be leaving with the Swallows.
Talking of dust, gosh did I have a good clean up in my workshop. Nothing like a good dusting and clearing of cobwebs to really inspire you. I had a good shuffle round too, although, I must say I did have to move my sewing machine back to where it was again. It threw me completely and I kept trying to sit down to an empty space. Very discombobulating... ;) But some new stock boots did get cut out which is a good start.
See... clean. I even wrote Tidy on the picture to highlight it... ;)
And onto the boots. Gosh I am having fun. I recently had a flower and butterfly stamp made up which for me has meant I no longer have to cut the tiny shapes with scissors (poor old hands are getting creakier every winter...). Can't even begin to tell you how wonderful that is. Only took me 16 years, but never mind. I'm going with 'Better late than Never' on that one. Hence, I am going flower mad lately, squiggle stitching and layering till my heart is bursting.
I bought this glorious lipstick pink leather 15 years ago, and Ive been saving it for so long... Fabric and yarn hoarders among you Will Know just where I'm coming from by writing that. But, its no good chaps. My shelves are literally dripping in leather and I must crack on and use it. I'm just going to go mad and make as many Tinker boots as is humanly possible to eat into my leather stores. I may even break through to Narnia at the back of the shelves by Christmas...
If I sneak in 2 pairs each time in between batches of current orders I should be able to get quite a few made for the Winter ahead. Thats the plan anyway, but its always dependent on time. They won't all be pink, don't worry. I know pink isn't for everyone, but somewhere out there, each pair has its owner waiting for them. Thats how I always see it as I make them.
I shall be making batches of blues, greens, purples and browns. Just like my leathers are laid out. That way I can pick out some rather yummy limited edition leathers which aren't on the swatch. Do expect lots of 'Flutterby Garden' (shown above) and 'Neverland' boots. I am especially excited about the brown ones. Getting more and more drawn to brown as I get older.
Size wise, I am afraid there will be limited sizes :( Only UK 4 / 5 / 6 / 7. I am so sorry if this isn't your size. Its just that UK 3 and UK 8 are so rarely ordered that making stock boots to sit on the shelf isn't really very practical or rewarding. But, on a brighter note... The entire size range UK 3 to 8 is available for the Everyday Collection which does contain our popular Willo and Wisp boots. Yay!!!
Well my dears, it's been fun sharing, as always.
Ren x
Thursday, 30 November 2017
November has most certainly been a month of boots.
Lots to report for November, get comfy. Most notably, new tall boots have just started being added to the shop. Only a couple of Moonshine boots, but, happy to say that we have made lots of Tinker boots in various sizes. I'm fast reaching 'boot out' so its a small batch by manufacturing standards, but a marathon when its a cottage industry like us.
Really liked the first Tinker boots in Dark Oak and Kingfisher.
The November camping stint went well (by camping standards). Mr F got to see his bikey friends, and I camped in the van in frosty conditions in Winter which was a bit of an adventure. I can honestly say that the pub Did Not know how to make a decent cup of tea. It was grey and lukewarm... One was Not amused. I ending up having to move onto the hard stuff at the public bar, having just milk instead. It was a small room, stuffed to the ceiling with leather clad males and a wood burner roaring in the background. I got so dehydrated that I woke on Sunday morning with a splitting headache and was ready for home. Felt very guilty because I did not say goodbye to the party.
On a lighter note... little pink kettle and tea making facilities on the back of our van at 7 o'clock on a frosty Sunday morning drew quite a crowd. I was inside the van, behind the curtain, quietly nursing my head, but Mr F (the trooper) was brewing up out front and chatting to chaps. The conversation with these 'chaps', who we had never met before was quite amusing :) They chatted among themselves for a good 10 minutes. The conversation was mainly about a Woman called Tina's, ample, incredibly wobbly bosom, which was prominently displayed where they sat, propped in front of her on the table for the evening. In thick South End London accents I heard details of how the "sight of 'Tinas t*ts' all night" had driven some of them to retreat and hide in their freezing tents. Unable to contain themselves. Much raucous laughter and expletives followed.
One chap then commented on how organised Mr F was having a tea cosy for the pot 'and everyfink'. Mr F then replied, that it was down to the wife and pointed inside the van.
"What! You've got a lady in there?" one said in a terrified voice.
"Cor blimey, we've been effing and jeffing and all sorts out ere".
Frantic Mumbled murmurings of apologies followed... then one chap said loudy, "Tescos have got medium cheddar on offer at ours, 2 for 1, blimen lovely stuff it is".
Once the 'cheese on offer' conversation was exhausted they drifted away and headed to the sanctuary of the pub. Possibly first checking to make sure 'Tina' was absent ;)
Didn't I laugh :)
I was indeed covered in cling wrap and am happy to say that my inking is complete. Beyond happy with this. I am healed now too with just a smidge of itchyness left. Huge thanks to such a clever artist Flavia Verda, who brought together all my ink, new and old. My story is complete.
Pimpernel Moonshines, now finished and all but ready to list.
Now then, the running bit of the title... Started last week with a friend doing a little bit of off road running. Possibly 'runpuffing' would be a better way to describe what actually happened. I can hear you laughing you know...
Its okay, I don't mind...
We had a good laugh too...
I'm not buying special clothing or shoes. Its a definite, use what you've got activity for us. My thoughts are that if early surfers last century could go surfing with wardrobe doors and knitted swimsuits, then I can do a bit of running in a skirt. Yes indeed.
I wore my Connie shoes, laced up snug. They were brilliant. I did'nt slip, my feet felt great, no sweaty toes or socks and they really enjoyed the adventure. I may make myself some Clara to use exclusively for this past time.
Heart was pumping for England so I'm assuming its going to be good for me. Aiming for twice a week.
What 10 pairs of boots look like partly made. Table now clear and ready for the next batch of marking up. Cobwebs I think. And a new variation of Cobweb which I'm calling Neverland.
Finally cut 2 more tunics in a lovely linen viscose I bought years ago. Yes, I know the curtains are the same fabric... I bought rather a lot at the time :) The colour is a definite no for me, and the pattern to be honest, but over dyed a dark blackcurrant its going to hopefully look rather nice.
My new toy, sorry, meant to write tool then. A stronger, easier eyelet setter. After setting 500 eyelets on the boots my hand nearly fell off... hence, the new, easier to use tool. Pretty colour too, which is always a bonus. Mr F never buys tools because they are a pretty colour. Its a good job someone here knows their priorities isn't it.
Finished Tinkers, taken this morning on the back step. What a trio.
Next boots to list will be Cobweb, Moonshine and more Tinker.
Last words... (thank heavens you gasp).
December tomorrow, we get to play christmassy music and put up the little plastic tree :)
That's about all I'm doing for Christmas. In fact I'm weaning myself off Christmas. I love this time of year, but its driving me a bit mad. Its an environmental disaster for one thing, and the hype and expectation is beyond belief... I'm humbugging so I must apologise if you are Christmas fan. I hope you enjoy every minute x I will too, but in a much tinier way :)
Custom collection is set to open after the 25th December. Keep it under your paper hat ;)
Did you read all that? You deserve a hot cup of tea! I need one after writing it, let alone reading it...
Thank you my dears, Ren x
Saturday, 11 November 2017
Me in reflective mood earlier today. Post boot pattern making, pre boot marking. Hair washed earlier, but unbrushed. How slovenly of me, but, the leather never notices the state of my hair, so preening was going to wait till later. My head has been bursting with boots so I've been keen to crack on.
PYRAMUS from earlier in the week.
Lovely LUNA in waxy coffee leather.
More PYRAMUS which are in the shop :)
Earlier in the week saw me working on the prototype PEASEBLOSSOM calf boot. Round toe shape, wide tongue and a roomy boot body to fit boot socks or wider calf's with tights. I did some major pattern tweaking on these, which in my head worked a treat, but on paper they looked ridiculous. That's the problem with shoe making. You are dealing with a 3D object (the foot) which you make a 2D pattern for. I snipped and sewed anyway, and then cried (literally) because it worked perfectly. Who knew making a boot could be so emotional...
I wanted these to be easy to pop on and not require total unlacing. Happy to report that the wide tops and tongue mean that you can unlace just the top set and slip the boot off.
Someone commented that ski hooks are great for speed lacing, but alas, I once heard a rather dreadful story about ski hooks on tall boots and it completely put me off using them. Someones lace got hooked up from boot to the other, while she was rushing about carrying a little one, and well, you can imagine how hard she fell... gulp. Lacing is good. Time to stop and reflect on the coming day for an extra minute :)
I managed to mark out about 8 pairs of boots today so was really pleased with myself. I only stopped because I must cook tea...
Home, out across the Coombe taken yesterday before it was too dimpsy to see. A deer run heading down to the river. Difficult to see from this image, but incredibly steep and a long way down to the bottom of the valley. I remember when the children would follow deer runs to the bottom and back up again. Happy memories.
Working this weekend because next week has Friday missing and we are going away for the weekend. Those of you who reprimand me for not taking time off (thank you for caring my darlings), will be pleased to hear about this excursion... or horrified. Let me present the facts...
Friday is being spent all day for more inking torture. I use that word quite liberally because its upper back work, and anyone who has had work on their upper back will know Exactly What I am on About. I've got 6 hours booked in...
We then have a three hour drive to a field somewhere (?) to meet up with Mr Faerysteps bike group to spend the weekend camping. In November. Yep. I will arrive covered in cling wrap looking like a squid ink baguette from Subway and aching like mad.
This will either be utter folly and most likely end in our demise (November chaps, November...), or be a great adventure and one to remember. If I return on Sunday, I'll let you know ;)
Ren x
Thursday, 9 November 2017
This was strange to film for me, because I do it so often I really don't think what Im doing anymore. Like many makers, I go on autopilot. I think thats why doing any manual job is quite therapeutic. You can be lost in the task. It was interesting for me to see how much I fuss over the leather before marking! Hides are covered in flaws, simply because its a natural product. They can be front or back, and really sneaky flaws can sometimes hide in the light...
If this keeps you wide awake because you are finding it interesting then I'm so glad I made it. If on the other hand, it makes you go to sleep, then thats an extra bonus, relaxing is always good ;)
Ren x
I so enjoyed taking pictures of this batch. It was all so green! But, at the same time, it was like saying goodbye to Summer. Moving rapidly into a season of browns and golds and reds. Followed by the deepest greens of fir.
Queenie fairy shoes in zest.
Mustardseed fairy boots in zest and rhubarb. Love them every time I make a pair.
Together. A green congregation x
Friday, 27 October 2017
Esther vintage fairy shoes in dove grey.
I've had such a busy week, but then half term always is for parents is'nt it. I am very aware though that these times will pass, and that for me in fact, this is most probably my last half term with my youngest. This time next year she will already have turned 18, and so the luxury of outings mid week etc will be gone forever, never to return. So I made sure I took some time off this week so we could be together. It was so lovely.
I worked last weekend to make sure I really cracked on with the outstanding orders. There were lots of Victory red shoes and I must say, they rather cheered me on to the finish line. I've made so many custom shoes and boots this year that I'm feeling a smidge burnt out... it really is time to take a break from custom.
I did manage to squeeze in cutting out 2 new tunic dresses which made me ever so happy. I have been meaning to for months but have'nt had time. The fabric is glorious linen / viscose blend, and the print is rather pretty too, but... unless I want to look like I just lost a fight with a curtain, the colour is a definite NO. I fear I am too old for white and pink :)
I've bought some dye to pop them in the machine for a colour spin. One will be deep blackberry, and the other a teal colour. I can never find dye colours I like so I pop it in a jam jar and add a teaspoon of different colours to tone them down or blend new ones. It's so exciting waiting for them to finish the cycle...
We went on a long awaited family trip to Dunster Castle. Crossed the border to Somerset which was something in itself. Littlest drove us in 'her car' which was very exciting. Well, I expect it was... truth be told, I was keeled over in the back with my eyes closed for most of the journey. The older I get, the more I hate long journeys and motorways. Give me a lane with tall hedges and barely enough room to get a car down it, and I'm the happiest woman alive.
LUNA vintage fairy shoes in Victory red.
PUCK fairy shoes in Victory red.
I finally sewed up the last batch of Hendreary hats Ive been knitting and got them listed. Hoping these will be popular for gift giving.
Youngest (who is studying Agriculture) did a few days of farming and was in her element. It was lovely to see. I do love seeing my children happy in their lives.
We visited 2 castles in one week! Went to local Castle Drogo and indulged in lunch together. The gardens were going to sleep, but still full of colour and form. Views across the valley to home are always lovely to see from this side.
Don't mention paint to me. I've literally had enough of it now...
The stairs, doors, front room, beams, airing cupboard, floors have all been finished at last. It's been 2 years of what seems like non stop decorating for me. Happily, I washed my last brush out this morning once the porch floor was finished. Home looks the bees knees and I am very proud. These pictures are in progress shots, so the floor probably does'nt have its top coat on. It does now :)
The last thing I would like to do before Christmas is strip the varnish off the kitchen sink and sand and oil it. I should never have put varnish on to start with. It locks in any water that gets under it and stains the wood. We were going to update the kitchen and pop an old stainless sink in that I have, but to be honest, I can't be bothered! Decided to make do and mend and be grateful with what I have already.
Porch floor which was a terrible mess looks so much better. Only finished it this morning!
The stairs all top coated in this picture, but, underneath and floor in progress.
Plus, as if doing the house isn't enough, Mr F has started on the Cabin in the woods. Ripped out the back wall and is shifting the toilet. Here he is putting a new supporting beam up. Unfortunately... I am going to have decorate the Cabin when the building work is finished, but that won't be any time soon so thats okay. I am turning back time in there to 1930. My little time warp to visit and drink tea, and for family to come and stay in.
As all orders are finished (in my workshop at least, Mr F still has work to do on their bottoms...), I dipped into the leather pile and marked and cut my first stock today. It felt a real treat. Absolute creative indulgence. Selfish shoemaking. Non prescriptive creativity. It was a joy. Look out for updates of finished stock. Its all going to be very unique and spontaneous. Proper battery charging stuff, hopefully not just for me, but, for you as well. There are after all, only so many pictures of black Lunas you can show ;)
Happy weekend my dears, Ren x
Thursday, 8 June 2017
Ren x
Saturday, 21 January 2017
Very, very exciting day today!
Fairysteps has had a name change across the web. Its just one letter, but, its a change nonetheless. The new place to find me is: faerysteps.com
Why did I do this dastardly daring deed? Well… lots of reasons really, but heres a few good ones…
Why did I do this dastardly daring deed? Well… lots of reasons really, but heres a few good ones…
1. When I took the fairysteps domain in 2005, sadly the .com domain had been taken by a holding company who demanded £2000 for the domain sale :( Ive checked for the past 12 years to see if its been released. Nope. I wanted .com because I sell worldwide, its the first domain everyone types, and lastly its quick to say and type (less dots).
2. A good while after I chose fairysteps I discovered that there was a shoe making factory in the north of England started in the 1930s which ceased trading decades ago. They went into liquidation a few years back I think. I dont want anyone typing in fairysteps to think Ive gone into liquidation.
3. This is a very odd one… its funny, but somehow I realised that fairysteps has grown up. As my eldest daughter said, and she mirrored exactly what I felt about this, fairy makes me think more of childrens portrayals of pretty little pink tinkerbell type fairies, yet, faery… well that makes me think more of the wider world of Fae, those prickles of ‘otherness’. They arent all pretty and pink and teeny weeny. I envisage something much bolder and wilder and stronger. And in my own funny way, I create for faery, not fairy. If 'fairy’ is child, then 'faery’ is adult.Did that make sense?
4. Always a bit of a nightmare having a business and trying to make sure you stay consistent across all social media platforms. That Nightmare with a capital N. Sadly I never managed to get that bit right on all platforms.I do now :) you can find me on: instagram, facebook, tumblr, pinterest, twitter and etsy as faerysteps
5. Business cards, leather branding inside the footwear and on the accessories and rubber stamps all say fairysteps still, but these will gradually be changed over. fairysteps.co.uk will remain and will always redirect you to the new shop address at faerysteps.com so no links are broken.
Thank you my darlings for reading this, just wanted to explain.
Ren xxxx
Saturday, 26 November 2016
Gosh, another busy week WISP booting :)
Plus, I used some of that heavenly polished conker leather to make some stock Esthers. Love these with the longer toe shape.
The weather turned decidedly nippier home here so more layers were called for. I always find it a toss up between warmth vs movement... thick wooly jumpers arent an option because I find I get caught up in everything Im working on else. Very frustrating constantly unhitching yourself from shoe parts :) O dear... the socks don't match...
Ive been very grateful for all the firewood Mr Fairysteps prepares for us now its colder. Nothing beats the joy of a real fire. But, warmth is the key and its a wonderful luxury to have a warm home. Parts of mine are very chilly, but some rooms are toasty and thats such a boost. This new stove (its second winter now) is really wonderful, so pleased with it. We had to chop it about to get the draw right, but theres no stopping it now.
We went on a rare treat to the pictures to see this. It was so good to dip back into the wizarding world again. Im so glad that J K Rowling has written this for us all.
A rather fuzzy image, but Jack and Winky have decided to share the same bed to snuggle up. Jack is NOT altogether happy with the arrangement, but Winky, like most cats, is 'above' such trifling considerations. 'His' drawer looks better than my drawer...
Booting continues apace, but I shall be shoeing this coming week to make sure my orders get sent out before the last Christmas posting dates. Back to boots once they are completed :)
Got these fab Moonshines listed in the polished conker. No words needed and they sold quite quickly.
So my dears, thats this week...
Plans for tomorrow are to finish a smock for my best friend. Well, its actually a mock up smock to get the sizing correct. I shall overdye this one and cut into the rather precious koi patterned linen once we have had a fitting. I can keep this one for messing about in. Im using an ikea furnishing cotton so its looking very much like a shower curtain at present. If wearing shower curtains catches on, then Im at the front of the queue
I may get some more logs up to the front porch too so I can save time next week.
Plus, if Im very good, first thing in the morning I shall make bread and mince pies as there a pot of clotted cream sadly sitting unattended in the fridge...
Happy weekend all,
Ren x
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