Lisa Sorrell, cowboy boot maker

I have two new students in the shop this week and they’re doing great. Tomorrow we’ll stitch the side seams and they’ll begin to have something that looks like a boot.

It’s a little late, but this is my brother-in-law’s Christmas present (the case, not the phone).

Here’s a new design I’ll be working on today.

Here’s a photo from my trip to England. This is my friend Mariano, who’s a shoemaker at John Lobb. We met the first time I went to England, and I got to spend an entire day sitting beside him at Lobbs watching him work. Yes, hanging out with shoemakers and learning new techniques is my idea of a really good time.

I got to see Greenland yesterday when we flew home.

My mother wrote a poem for me!

I have a little poem I wrote for you. Hope you like it. I started it some time ago & finished it tonight.
~My Daughter, the Boot Maker~
My daughter’s a custom boot maker.
Her boots are really 1st class!
These great works of art
She creates from her heart,
Using tools and leather and lasts.

Applying her creative mind,
She labors over each pair.
While her hands get all bruised,
Making the boots people choose,
She designs some beautiful footwear!

Being a master in her craft,
Each pair is made with a passion.
So talented she is,
One of the best in the biz;
Her boots are very high fashion!

Where did she get this talent?
It’s not something I taught her.
She’s one of a kind,
This sweet girl of mine;
I’m thankful that she is my daughter!

Love you! Mama 2-24-15  

I’m in Northampton, England at the Independent Shoemaker’s gathering. This is my table for dinner. I’ve made lots of new friends!

“It’s a Boot Life” for February is now available on YouTube.

My students left today happily wearing their new boots!

Here’s another photo of my students in front of my shop.