Monthly Archives: December 2018

I finished stitching all three of my boot tops today and made the pulls for them.

A decorative piece on the top of a cowboy boot is sometimes called a collar, but it can also be called a top band, which I prefer.

These make me happy. What’s that you say? The round flowers with all the little round inlays look like a pain to stitch? You’re right, but aren’t they pretty?

I was interviewed recently for a project about cowboy boots and cowboy boot makers. Handmade Boots

Sometimes, when the magic happens, you create something so beautiful that it makes you happy just to look at it. That’s where I am with this boot top. Ignore the big flowers. They haven’t been stitched yet so they still … Continue reading →

Three sets of boot tops lined up and waiting to be stitched. Considering the fact that I didn’t get back into the shop until after five today, it may take me a while.

Fabric wrapped around a cord is called piping; leather wrapped around a cord is called beading. I’ve put handmade beading at the tops of these boots. I like to use a delicate little cord and finely skive the leather, because … Continue reading →

I had visitors this week–Eric, a shoemaker, and his wife Joanna. They fixed me dinner, brought me birthday cake, and Eric learned inlay/overlay and made a Matisse-inspired pillow.

Skiving… that’s what comes next. I sometimes like to pretend that it’s a bore, but honestly I enjoy a long quiet day of skiving.

Don’t forget to slice through the leather build-up at the cone or hinge. I know someone… wide-eyed innocent look… who’s forgotten before.