Theme

I finally got around to decorating my shop today, mostly because I need the shelf these albums and frames have been sitting on. Astute viewers will notice a theme. The art piece on the bottom left was a thoughtful gift from my friend Holly.

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Stolen moments

I spent all day on the computer and I was supposed to be somewhere by 6pm, but instead I treated myself to an entire half hour of getting to work in my studio. 

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Ira and Charlie

I always hate their faces when I’m through because I just can’t make them perfect at this size and in this medium. To be fair though, Ira did often have a slightly demented expression in real life. 

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Inlay/Overlay Presentation

My friend Carina sent photos from my presentation at the conference! I spoke briefly about the history of leather inlay and overlay, and then talked about the making of the Oklahoma boots which are now on permanent display at the Oklahoma State Capitol.

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Independent Shoemaker’s Conference 2023

I’m in England for a shoemaking conference and this morning I gave an hour-long seminar on skiving techniques after the conference ended, for a small group of students that attended.

Having people hang over me with questions and cameras doesn’t bother me.
I have the magical ability to touch someone’s hand and they become a great skiver. (It’s because I can feel how and where they’re applying pressure and help them adjust as needed.)

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Introducing…

Introducing: “Somewhere Between Right And Wrong”

I saw a boot constructed like this somewhere online (I don’t remember the shoemaker but the boots were bright blue) and I was immediately obsessed with the way the quarter is inserted into the vamp. I made several changes but I copied that detail. Then, because I’m still a very inexperienced shoemaker, I put these uppers together in my head several times so I’d understand how they were constructed and the order they needed to go together. It worked too — once the day came that I actually sewed all the pieces together, everything worked as anticipated.

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Behind the scenes

In case you’ve ever wondered what leather art looks like from the back, here’s a look at all of the pieces working together to create the image. 
Also, remember not to judge leather inlay/overlay work until it’s stitched because stitching is responsible for all detail, light, shadow, movement… all of the things that bring it to life. 

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Loud, loud music

Spending an afternoon with Satan and Joshua Hedley. I could get more work done if I’d stop turning up the music and dancing.

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New buckle!

I’m really proud of being awarded this buckle at the Art of the Cowgirl event. Now I want to earn it by teaching well the apprentice they send me.

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Art of the Cowgirl class

We had a successful leather inlay/overlay class at the Art of the Cowgirl event in Queen Creek, Arizona. All students completed two bracelets and a fringed leather pillow, and everyone seemed pleased.

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