Apprentice

SodHoppers Boot Camp

SodHoppers Renaissance Faire Moccasin Boots

I used to have a huge shop and could accommodate several students at one time, now I use a small room in my house for most of the work.  This means I can only have one student at a time, one-on-one.

If you are willing to spend three work days with me here at my home in McMinnville, Oregon, I will help you make a pair of standard three button moccasins for yourself, and you will also go home with your own moccasin patterns, experience hands on training, plus the opportunity to have your questions answered in person.

Overview of the SodHoppers Boot Camp – You will receive three Days of intensive hands on training. A three button pair of standard Custom Moccasins ($350 allowance) per individual and your all important Patterns – optional additions to standard moccasins at cost. A Huge Bonus to the hands on training in making your own pair of moccasins is going away with a an invaluable set of Patterns! Patterning is the hardest and longest piece to learn in making good fitting custom moccasins. This alone can save you years of time, frustration and a lot of money. Along with the How To Videos, Suppliers list in the Manual and a knowledge of the tools needed, you will have a great head start toward making custom moccasins on your own.

Day 1 – Write up your moccasin order. Make your Foot Cast and Patterns.  Make & Sew Sole pieces.  As time allows, practice Sewing, Q&A.
Day 2 – Cut Leather for Moccasins, Skive and Glue together. Sew Moccasin Uppers and glue to Bottoms.  As time allows, practice Sewing, Q&A.
Day 3 – Sew Gemini to uppers, finish details, Buttons, Laces and glue on Soles.  As time allows, practice Sewing. Q&A.

Each day will consist of two three-hour sessions with a 1-hour break for lunch:
9 AM – Noon, 1 PM – 4 PM. You must provide your food and lodging.

You must first purchase the How To DVD’s or Blu-ray & Manual in advance. Anyone who has purchased the How To Videos can opt for the Boot Camp at anytime. It is a prerequisite in order to familiarize yourself with the material before attending the Boot Camp.  You can watch the How To Video Introduction here.

The cost for the 3 day Boot Camp is $2000 per individual in addition to purchasing the How To Videos. Room, board and travel expenses are not included. Once you have purchased the How to Videos, I require a non-refundable $500 deposit to reserve this time slot for you. If arrangements fail on my end we can either reschedule or your deposit will be refunded. With a two week notice, you can also reschedule.

The Boot Camp itself is only $1650 because you will receive a $350 allowance toward a pair of 3 button moccasins and will have already purchased the required and necessary How To Video for $500. So that’s $550 per day for hands on training with the opportunity to have all your questions answered and ample time to practice sewing and learning the all important patterning.

1. Order the How To Videos & watch them.
2. Set & reserve the three day time slot with $500 Deposit.
The balance of $1500 is due upon arrival.
3. Make arrangements for your lodging and food. I can provide a list of local Hotels.
4. Watch the videos and come prepared with questions
5. Having your Moccasins order ready is a plus.

Feel free to call or email any questions,
I can send a PayPal Payment Request
or you can mail a check.

Newest Boot Camp Apprentice

And here is what Canyon Hunt had to say about his experience at SodHoppers Boot Camp

Canyon Hunt (SodHoppers Boot Camp Review)

A few weeks ago, I attended the SodHoppers moccasin Boot Camp, and I can say without hesitation—it was one of the best decisions I’ve made.
About a month before that, I discovered moccasins for the first time at a renaissance festival, and something in me instantly locked in. I was obsessed. It didn’t feel like a passing interest—it felt like something I was meant to pursue. The problem was, I couldn’t find anyone willing to actually teach the craft in a real, hands-on way.

After digging online, I came across SodHoppers.
I knew it would be an investment—but I also knew that if I was serious about this path, I couldn’t just “figure it out” from the outside. I needed to learn directly from someone who had already mastered it.
So I booked the Boot Camp and flew out to Oregon for a one-on-one, 3-day Apprenticeship course with Paul Wilson.
What I got was far beyond what I expected.

Paul didn’t hold anything back. He walked me through every step—pattern making, sewing techniques, material selection, and all the small details that actually make the difference between something that looks decent and something that’s truly well-crafted. He even shared his personal sourcing connections, which is something most people would keep to themselves.
We didn’t just “learn”—we worked. We refined. We repeated. We built real skill.

The How To Video I purchased before the Boot Camp is valuable—but I quickly realized it’s only part of the equation. Where those videos really shine is after the in-person experience, when you can go back, rewatch, and deepen what you already understand. In my opinion, the Boot Camp isn’t optional if you’re serious about making moccasins—it’s essential.

There’s no way I would be producing the level of work I am now without that hands-on training.
Since completing the Boot Camp, I’ve officially launched my own moccasin business—and that wouldn’t have happened without this experience.
What stands out even more is that this didn’t just feel like a class. I walked away with a mentor I can reach out to, and honestly, a friend.