Author Archives: customboots

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About customboots

I'm a custom cowboy boot maker. I own a business, Sorrell Custom Boots, and I create bespoke cowboy boots using vintage machinery and hand tools. I also own www.sorrellnotionsandfindings.com, a company that specializes in tools, supplies, and leather for the boot and shoe making trade.

Toes

Posted on August 20, 2024 by customboots

Slightly damp, and therefore still slightly darker, boot toes

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Next!

Posted on August 16, 2024 by customboots

Design for a new pair of shoes

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Boot shop gamble

Posted on August 15, 2024 by customboots

I gambled on the foot leather for this pair of boots. I had a beautiful alligator in a color I wasn’t sure I could get again. The customer saw it and chose it for their boots, but I knew the … Continue reading →

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Lasted

Posted on August 14, 2024 by customboots

The only thing I don’t like about very complex designs that extend all around a boot top is the fact that there’s no way to photograph them that shows the entire design. Or perhaps it’s a shrewd way to pique … Continue reading →

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Celebration!

Posted on July 30, 2024 by customboots

The side seams are done and now I shall go home and celebrate (probably with popcorn and a good book — I’m a wild one, y’all). Usually the only thing a boot maker needs to worry about matching on the … Continue reading →

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Counters

Posted on July 25, 2024 by customboots

Today was one of those busy, exhausting days where I felt like I got nothing done. Finally at 5:15 I told myself that I must prepare the counters for my next pair of boots before I could go home so … Continue reading →

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Boot tops finished

Posted on July 24, 2024 by customboots

The landscape boot tops are finished. They have been and will be an excellent opportunity for praying the Boot Maker’s Prayer: “Please match, please match.”

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Stitching

Posted on July 23, 2024 by customboots

The landscape tops are nowhere near completely stitched yet, but I feel like Bob Ross. Look at my happy little trees!

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Impressive

Posted on July 23, 2024 by customboots

When I worked for Jay Griffith he often told me about a woman he’d seen stitching boot tops who wasn’t using a pattern — she just free-handed the entire top design. He asked me multiple times to try it but … Continue reading →

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… and more details

Posted on July 22, 2024 by customboots

All of the pieces are together now and the boot tops are ready to be stitched.

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