MYO Japanese sandals (Geta下駄) from Reclaimed Timber Workshop

Make it yourself! Learn the skills to carve your own shoes as part of our DIY Woodwork courses in Sydney!

This hands-on workshop introduces participants to the traditional Japanese craft of making Geta sandals using reclaimed timber. Designed for beginners, the course guides learners through the full process of designing, shaping, assembling, and finishing their own pair of wearable wooden sandals. Working with materials such as reclaimed cedar, pine, or oak, participants will learn how to transform salvaged timber into a functional and personalised handcrafted item.

Throughout the session, learners will be supported step by step by an experienced instructor as they explore safe tool use, basic woodworking techniques, sanding, shaping, and finishing methods. The workshop also highlights sustainable making practices, encouraging participants to appreciate the value of reclaimed materials and thoughtful design. By the end of the class, each participant will take home a completed pair of custom Geta that reflect both their creativity and craftsmanship.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• Understand the cultural background and purpose of traditional Japanese Geta
• Identify and safely use basic woodworking tools required for the project
• Work with reclaimed timber materials such as cedar, pine, or oak
• Measure, mark, cut, and shape timber components for sandal construction
• Assemble and secure the structural elements of the Geta correctly
• Sand and finish timber surfaces to a safe and comfortable standard
• Attach and adjust straps to create a wearable final product
• Apply basic sustainable making principles using reclaimed materials

Course Content

What will be covered in this Make Your Own Japanese Sandals workshop:

1. Introduction and Safety

• Workshop overview and learning expectations
• Introduction to traditional Japanese Geta and their design purpose
• Overview of reclaimed timber and sustainable making practices
• Workshop safety briefing and hazard awareness
• Safe manual handling of timber materials
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
  • Safety glasses
  • Dust masks
  • Closed-toe footwear
• Safe use of hand tools and sanding equipment

2. Tools and Equipment

Tools Covered:

• Hand saws
• Chisels
• Files and rasps
• Sandpaper and sanding blocks
• Drill and drill bits
• Clamps
• Measuring tape and marking tools

Topics Include:

• Purpose and correct use of each tool
• Safe handling techniques
• Basic tool maintenance and care
• Importance of accuracy in measuring and shaping timber

3. Materials and Timber Selection

• Introduction to reclaimed timber and its characteristics
• Common timber types used (cedar, pine, oak)
• Assessing timber quality and suitability
• Working with natural imperfections and grain
• Sustainability benefits of reclaimed materials

4. Design and Setting Out

• Introduction to Geta design structure and proportions
• Planning dimensions for comfort and fit
• Marking out timber components
• Translating design into workable templates
• Importance of accuracy before cutting

5. Cutting and Shaping Timber

• Safe cutting techniques using hand tools
• Shaping the base and structural components
• Creating smooth edges and ergonomic forms
• Managing grain direction and timber behaviour

Practical Activities:

• Cutting main Geta components
• Initial shaping and refinement of timber pieces

6. Assembly and Construction

• Introduction to joining methods used in the project
• Drilling and securing components
• Aligning structural elements correctly
• Ensuring stability and balance in the design

Practical Activities:

• Assembling the Geta base
• Securing key structural parts under instructor guidance

7. Sanding and Finishing

• Importance of surface preparation
• Progressive sanding techniques for smooth finishes
• Rounding edges for comfort and safety
• Applying natural finishes or oils (where applicable)

Practical Activities:

• Multi-stage sanding process
• Final surface refinement and finishing

8. Strap Installation and Final Adjustments

• Introduction to traditional Geta strap placement
• Measuring and fitting straps for comfort
• Adjusting tension and alignment
• Final fitting and usability checks

Practical Activities:

• Installing straps
• Testing fit and making adjustments

9. Review and Workshop Close

• Review of key skills and techniques learned
• Discussion of woodworking and sustainability principles
• Tool cleaning and workshop tidy-up
• Q&A session
• Guidance for continued woodworking practice at home

Intended Audience

• Complete beginners with no woodworking experience
• DIY learners interested in traditional craft projects
• Participants interested in sustainable making and reclaimed materials

Course materials

What to bring to class

Materials are provided.

Course venue

Where is the workshop located? 

This class is held at the Summer Hill workshop. Your class venue address is listed on your enrolment confirmation.

Additional information

Please note the following:

• Wear old clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
• If you have long hair, please tie it back
• Closed-in shoes are required—no sandals or heels
• Please do not wear necklaces or bracelets
• Content may vary slightly depending on class pace, participant interests, and instructor approach.