Chicago School of Shoemaking and Leather Arts, Chicago

Shoes—everybody wears them, but few know where they come from. At the Chicago School of Shoemaking & Leather Arts, though, their origin becomes crystal clear as participants make their own pair. And new kicks are just the beginning. Here are a few examples of what students can learn when they stop by:

• Leather 101: The ideal class for beginners teaches students the basics of the craft, from attaching a rivet to setting a snap. In it, they'll choose one of four projects to work on, such as a belt or a clutch.
• Beautiful Bags: Participants choose a bag design and customize it to match their own creativity and tastes. The school has patterns to follow, but students can also submit their own for approval a week before the class.
• Small Leather Goods: This class focuses on small leather goods. Projects include holsters, iPad covers, wine holders, wallets, and other items.