Lisa Sorrell, cowboy boot maker

I have two pairs of boots on the last.

Here’s a photo of the last–the form that gives the boot its shape–and one of the boots on the last.

I don’t like this stage, because there are boot pieces all over my bench and it’s messy.

In this photo all of the pieces are together, everything is neat, and they’ll be looking like cowboy boots soon!

It’s really hot in Oklahoma today. You know why I’m so aware of this? It’s because my shop air conditioner has performed its yearly trick of dying in the hottest part of the summer. It’s rather warm in my shop, but as I’m sure my dad would tell me, “It builds good character.” I shall have excellent character by the time it’s fixed!

I got one boot top put together before I left my studio this evening. I honestly don’t know if I’ve found the limit of what is possible with leather inlay and overlay, or if I’ve simply reached the apex of my own abilities. Whichever it is, this is the most difficult boot top I’v ever created. And… I still have to stitch it.

I started this morning with my paper patterns all prepared. These patterns show me exactly how to cut each inlay piece, and which leather it should be.

Is she inseaming or playing on her phone?

Here’s a link to my newsletter for July.

July Newsletter