About Ithaca Sheepskin

In 1979, David Radin wanted his daughter to have sheepskin booties. He decided to make them himself. Other people admired them and asked if he could make more. Many years and many booties, slippers, hats, coats, and vests later, this grew into Ithaca Sheepskin.

Ithacans would look forward to David's appearances at the famed Ithaca Farmers' Market, as well as his pop-up holiday shops in the downtown area. A loyal following was cultivated among craft show attendees in the Eastern US as well.

 In 2014, David was ready to retire from one of his three careers and focus on other things, including his musical endeavors which can be found here and here.

Long time friends and Ithaca Sheepskin admirers, the Leonards were looking for a lifestyle that allowed them both to be with their young son (now two young sons!) while still being engaged in fulfilling work. So it is that Ithaca Sheepskin found a new home.

In 2015, after a successful first season of craft shows, the time came to relocate the workshop. The Leonards decided that the best place for Ithaca Sheepskin was right in the heart of downtown Ithaca. They opened the first year-round Ithaca Sheepskin shop on the Ithaca Commons, where they delighted in the downtown community and met countless fabulous folks, many of whom acquired slippers or other coziness and joined the Sheep Shop Flock.

As the lives of sheepskinners are dynamic things, after almost a decade on the Commons, the flock has been led to a new pasture, nestled amongst the geniuses who occupy the many studios at Artist Alley. Soon we will have weekly hours to visit with us a bit, see what we're up to, and then maybe you'll be tempted to view the show in the gallery just down the hall, or see if any other artists are in and sharing their work!