Refinish & Dye

$1,200 a week at The Cobblers Marketplace!

After completing this course artisans earn an average of

This 26-hour Refinish & Dye course is an introduction to refinishing & dyeing leather and fabric products. Students will learn about the products, processes and equipment used to properly treat these materials.

2-hour Pre-Course:
Online

24-hour Onsite Workshop:
The Cobblers Academy, Miami FL
July 26 - July 29 (9am - 3pm)

Watch Intro Video

The Instructor

Jim McFarland

A more-than-twenty-time award-winning, third-generation cobbler, Jim McFarland has seen a lot of shoes. Jim learned the shoe repair trade from his father, growing up in the business he took over in 1986. Today, The Cobblers is thrilled and honored to have him aboard as a resident master and credible resource; Jim is a hands-on fountain of insight, artistry and mentorship. Jim is an exemplary leader in the shoe repair industry, having served several terms on the SSIA’s Board of Directors, as well as two terms as President. He has also served his industry as a judge for the Grand Silver Cup for the last 18 years, since having received the honor himself. The prestigious Grand Silver Cup is bestowed unto its winner just once in a lifetime. Once you win it, you win it. And well, with Mr. McFarland on deck, The Cobblers and discerning clientele win bigger yet, every single day.

Lifetime Value

Course Certificate

With no entry requirements, our trade certificates allow you to learn with motivated peers to develop your craft, broaden existing skills, explore a new career path or life pursuit, or start your own business—and build the artisan network that will help you do it.

Course curriculum

01
Welcome to Refinish & Dye
- Course Introduction with Jim McFarland
02
Identifying Products and Materials
- Product and Material Identification with Jim McFarland
- Items to Dye
- Surface Materials to be Dyed
- Quiz 1 - Refinish and Dye
03
Knowing Products and Equipment
- The Products We Use
- Product Safety Protocols
- Tools and Equipment
- Quiz 2 - Refinish & Dye
04
Preparing the Item to be Dyed
- Beginning the Dyeing Process
- Preparing the Item to be Dyed with Jim McFarland
- Quiz 3 - Refinish & Dye
05
Understanding the Dyeing Process and Materials
- Understanding the Dyeing Process and Materials with Jim McFarland
- The Dyeing Process
- Quiz 4 - Refinish & Dye
06
Dyeing the Item
- Dyeing the Item with Jim McFarland
- Applying the Dye
- Quiz 6 - Refinish & Dye
07
Finishing and Inspection
- Completing the Job
- Quiz 6 - Refinish & Dye
- Register for your Lab Course

TESTIMONIALS

STUDENT

“I never imagined I would build the skills to become an artisan and make money from my passion to design and build footwear.”

“The Cobblers Academy is teaching me essential skills to get me on the job faster than traditional 4-year colleges. I have already began apprenticing on the Refinish & Dye team”

“After three years of training myself to customize sneakers on Youtube, I decided to take my career to the next level. Grateful for these instructors”