[vimeo 16487259 w=671 h=495]Video by Helen Zhang

Working in New York for over 50 years, Barbara Shaum is an icon of American leather work. Her sandals have graced the runways of New York and the fields of Woodstock, and at 83 years old she's still making shoes. She has a cult status in the East Village, with customers returning year after year.

I have been day dreaming of an apprenticeship for the past 6 months and would love to sneak away to New York to work with Ms. Shaum. Hear that, Universe? Please help me find some cheap airfare to JFK.