Lisa Sorrell, cowboy boot maker

Soles

Posted on December 27, 2022 by customboots

Baker Leather* soles are so pretty. Here the soles are still wet and have just been laid onto the boots and trimmed to a nice curve in the shank area. Next I’ll stitch the soles and then peg them in the shank and heel area.

*J&FJ Baker is a small tannery in England that produces the most wonderful sole and insole leather. I’m their US rep so I guess it’s my job to promote them, but I always tell people that when I rave about Baker leather I’m speaking as a boot maker and not a salesman. Quality materials bring joy and beauty to your work.

Posted in boot maker, Cowboy Boots | Tagged bespoke, cowboyboots, itsabootlife, jandfjbakerleather, leatherart, lisasorrell | Leave a comment

Birdies

Posted on December 22, 2022 by customboots

I’m still making bracelets and yesterday I was feeling whimsical.

Posted in boot maker, Cowboy Boots | Tagged bespoke, cowboyboots, itsabootlife, leatherart, lisasorrell | Leave a comment

Art of the Cowgirl

Posted on December 20, 2022 by customboots

I was selected as the 2023 Master for the Art of the Cowgirl organization. I’ll be attending their show in January in Cave Creek, Arizona, where I’ll have a booth, speak on a panel, and teach a two day leather inlay/overlay class. The project for this class will be a little Field Notes cover (can also serve as a passport holder). Here are some of the design choices the students will have for their cover.

Posted in boot maker, Cowboy Boots | Tagged artofthecowgirl, bespoke, cowboyboots, itsabootlife, leatherart, lisasorrell | Leave a comment

Old and out-of-shape

Posted on December 16, 2022 by customboots

After inseaming three pairs of boots/shoes my arms and hands are saying, “Excuse me ma’am, I thought we were riding a desk now.”

Posted in boot maker, Cowboy Boots | Tagged bespoke, cowboyboots, itsabootlife, leatherart, lisasorrell | 2 Comments

Vegetables are served

Posted on December 8, 2022 by customboots

This photo shows leather inlay/overlay without any stitching.

Comparison showing the difference between stitched and unstitched

Can you see the life and movement that stitching adds to leather inlay/overlay?

Posted in boot maker, Cowboy Boots | Tagged bespoke, cowboyboots, itsabootlife, leatherart, lisasorrell | Leave a comment

Show of hands

Posted on December 2, 2022 by customboots

Raise your hand if you think this pile of oddly-shaped leather bits will become beautifully inlaid vegetables.

Posted in boot maker, Cowboy Boots | Tagged bespoke, cowboyboots, itsabootlife, leatherart, lisasorrell | 1 Comment

Artist secret

Posted on December 1, 2022 by customboots

My process, whenever a client requests something new or difficult:

Posted in boot maker, Cowboy Boots | Tagged bespoke, cowboyboots, itsabootlife, leatherart, lisasorrell | Leave a comment

Veggies in unexpected places

Posted on November 30, 2022 by customboots

OK everyone, I may need your thoughts and prayers with me as I attempt this pair of shoes, featuring Spring vegetables for a chef.

Posted in boot maker, Cowboy Boots | Tagged bespoke, cowboyboots, itsabootlife, leatherart, lisasorrell | Leave a comment

Bracelets

Posted on November 28, 2022 by customboots

I’m preparing for a show and trying to get several leather bracelets made for my booth. I made these three today; they took longer than normal because of all the different colors.