My name is Katie Kukulka & I make moccasins among other things.
After growing tired of the a handful of drab moccasin choices on the market I set off to create stylish, fun and functional moccasins I wanted to wear. With my accumulated crafting, sewing and design knowledge I created Darlingtonia Moccasin Company & the moccasins you see here.
I make each pair of Darlingtonia Moccasins entirely by hand, leather is cut, holes are punched, and physical effort is exerted while using a completely manual antique Singer 29k sewing machine equipped with a foot treadle. After cutting, sewing, adhering, and lacing the fun begins as embellishments are added.
Darlingtonia Moccasin Company is named after: Darlingtonia Californica - also called the California Pitcher plant, Cobra Lily, or Cobra Plant, is a carnivorous plant, the sole member of the genus Darlingtonia in the family Sarraceniaceae. (excerpt from Wikipedia)
I am a photographer by trade, I earned a BFA in fine art photography from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco where I specialized in large format photography, wet-plate collodion (glass plate negatives & tintypes) & other antique photographic processes.
When I am not making moccasins I can be found blogging, tweeting, knitting, sewing garments, printmaking, sketching & on occasion standing behind my behemoth 8x10 camera.
For more about me, my other projects & my inspiration visit my personal blog.
What do the soles of your moccasins look like?
All my moccasins are softsoled, so technically the have no sole. The bottom of the shoes is the same leather as the rest of the shoe. However, they are outdoor ready. I wear a pair just about every day. I don't recommend walking in puddles but damp pavement will not destroy them.
Do you offer wholesale pricing?
Yes, for a comprehensive wholesale price list please contact me.
Will you make me a pair of custom moccasins?
At this time I am only offering the designs you see here, I am not accepting custom orders. I can however accommodate special requests for an extra fee. Contact me for more information.
How long have you been making moccasins?
I made my first pair of moccasins in 2008, I debuted my first pair of Tiger Lily moccasins in public May 2009 & I launched Darlingtonia Moccasin Company's store on Etsy.com November 13, 2009.
How long can I expect my pair of Darlingtonia Moccasins to last?
I would say with average wear your shoes should last you 6 months if worn extensively & perhaps a year if you wear them on occasion & indoors.
Where does Darlingtonia Moccasin Company call home?
I live in northern California in a small town east of San Francisco & west of Sacramento called Davis (for now). Which is where I grew up.
I love your product photography, would you shoot mine?
If you live in northern California absolutely! Contact me for my rates & more info.
Brittney Gale illustrated Darlingtonia Moccasin Co.'s logo.
What is the best method of cleaning my moccasins when they get a little dirty?
To keep lighter leather cleaner longer I would suggest spraying them with scotchgard or a similar waterproofing spray which also wicks away some dirt. To clean already soiled suede I found this great tutorial on ehow which explains a couple great techniques to freshen suede.
Are you an environmentally friendly business?
Each pair of Darlingtonia moccasins is sewn together using a completely manual antique sewing machine equipped with a foot treadle & hand wheel. I use an eco-friendly closed cell foam insole material & cut out each pair of moccasins by hand. No electricity is required to make a pair of Darlingtonia moccasins. I cannot however claim the leather itself or the dies used in the process of tanning do not impact the environment negatively.
Do I need a Paypal account to pay with a credit card?
Once you decide to checkout you will be taken to a page on PayPal. Look for a link below where you are asked to enter your login information that says Pay with debit or credit card. The screenshot below shows where to find this link: (You will also be taken to this page if you have been sent an invoice via email to complete your transaction.)
Once you click on the link you will be able to enter your information & complete your transaction.
