Friday

Learn how to clean, disinfect or dispose of all manner of kink tools and toys from floggers and paddles to needles and knives from a certified sanitation specialist 

 Learn fun and interesting lacing styles that can be used in stand. 

 The Con of your dreams has asked you to be the Bootblack Coordinator, and you enthusiastically said yes! But how do you wrangle a gaggle of Bootblacks? How do you ensure everyone gets a shift that works for them and makes it accessible? This class is to share tips and tricks on making coordinating a room of Bootblacks fun and less stressful on the day the convention of your dreams starts! 

 Join us for an innovative class exploring the connection between Korean skincare and bootblacking! This hands-on session simplifies bootblacking using familiar skincare steps. Bring a clean face and a dirty boot, and learn techniques while enjoying the process. Samples and basic supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own bootblacking and skincare kits. Let's get ready together, combining self-care and craftsmanship for a unique experience! No bootblacking experience, necessary. 

 Why We Bootblack is an interactive class where bootblacks discuss, interact, share skills and knowledge to help each other grow and fellowship. 

 Leslie Anderson has been a bootblack for longer than Burke has been alive and Geoffrey one of his many students. Join these three generations of bootblacks through their story and their way as we watch them do a high shine. Each brings different backstory, techniques, and methodology to achieve the same ends, offering perspectives that span the evolution of the practice from bar culture to modern community education. All three will try to explain the intentions behind how they hold space in a stand while actively doing their own version of a high shine as they talk. 

 We can be rough on our boots. But even with the great care, accidents can happen, and our boots pay the price. This hands-on class walks through how to determine when, or if, repairs should be made and how to proceed. A step-by-step process demonstration will show ways to correct such damage. Tips will be given when working a stand, with limited time, and repairs at home. Audience engagement, questions, and sharing other methods are encouraged. I believe there is no “one right way” to bootblack, and therefore, we get better when we share our skills and experiences. 

 In this hands-on workshop, you will learn how to add color and sparkle to your leather. This application is great on brand new leather, faux leather or to rehab an older piece. We will go thru the steps of prep, design and application of metallic foil. Using tape and stencils to bring your design to life. Bring a piece you want to practice on, and we will have some items to play with. Check out some items already made in the silent auction.