FAQS
The maker
Everything is designed and made by me — Ren — in my woodland studio.
I’ve worked as a shoemaker since 2002, but started sewing dresses in the 1970s. Using traditional techniques and vintage machines, each piece is made slowly in small batches and added to the shop when ready.
Tinner Leather
I use premium, full-grain leather hides from gold-rated tanneries. The palette is small and nature-led, usually includes — coffee, oak, tawny, and mossy green, occasionally plum, honey and spruce — chosen to age well and last for years. *I tend to avoid stitching black leather but please note, the coffee is very dark, which if you polish with black shoe wax will become a dark peaty black. My leather range is named 'Tinner' in honour of the Dartmoor tinners, with a robust, antiqued finish.
Soling
Soling is from Vibram, recognised for its supreme comfort and durability. I use various profiles - Flat (also known as Zero Drop) / Heel / Cleated. The flat / heel soling is the most flexible barefoot comfort feel underfoot. The soling is noted alongside the colour and size on each product.
Textiles
All garments are made using natural fabrics, often sustainable deadstock cottons, linens, or mixed fibres in knitwear for easy care. Every piece is finished to a professional standard.
Dresses are made with pre-washed, pre-shrunk materials. I recommend machine washing at 30 and line drying (avoid tumble drying) - pop your pinny on and peg it out!
Knitwear should be handwashed gently - laid flat to dry.
Clothing is available to UK customers only - Due to the newly imposed US tariff charges I am unable to sell my jumpers, or dresses to my USA customers. Everything else in the shop is still available.
Aftercare
Leather likes to be loved. Apply a good quality polish or balm such as Renapur on a regular basis to keep your shoes, bags and purses looking beautiful. With care your Fairysteps shoes or boots can last decades.
Ribbons can be handwashed to keep them clean if needed.
Made to Order
There is a small Made to Order collection in the shop containing limited styles, but its rarely open for orders and unfortunately I cannot give potential availability dates. I know, how frustrating... apologies in advance. As for updates, the older I get the more disenchanted with social media I become... it literally has become a case of fighting with the unknown (the elusive algorythm). Instead do pop back in occasionally and check the collections to see new stock items. Latest products are always shown at the top of the 'Products' page.
I used to offer made-to-order footwear and bags on a permanent basis, but over the years I've gradually moved to a ready-made collection. It suits both my creative process and my busy life much better, allowing me to make each piece slowly and thoughtfully, without the stress of deadlines. Everything you see in the shop is handcrafted and ready to post, unless stated otherwise.
If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch