Baby birds

I’m envying boot makers with normal sized feet at the moment. To make this design for myself I had to shrink it down until it’s right on the edge of what’s possible. It was hard to cut out, hard to skive, and it will be difficult to stitch—there is no margin for error.

Posted in boot maker, Cowboy Boots | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Lasting

They’re on the last now, and beginning to look like boots.

IMG_8524

Posted in boot maker, Cowboy Boots | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Turning

Inside-out boots wouldn’t be nearly as much fun so I suppose I’ll turn the other one too.

Posted in boot maker, Cowboy Boots | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Wheeeee!

Cutting the vamp tongue is always exhilarating because there is zero room for error. It’s certainly not like I can go grab another crimped alligator vamp out of the scrap box.

IMG_8516

Posted in boot maker, Cowboy Boots | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Finished boot tops

Here’s an addition to my frequent reminders not to judge leather art until it’s stitched. The stitching always transforms a project!
IMG_8514
Posted in boot maker, Cowboy Boots | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Anniversaries and memories

Today is the anniversary of my daughter Paige’s death and this is how I choose to remember her–by designing a pair of boots that will someday be titled “Baby I’m Blue.” (Joe Newberry, “Baby I’m Blue)
I don’t know when I’ll get to make them…
IMG_8513
Posted in boot maker, Cowboy Boots | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Video interview

Posted in boot maker, Cowboy Boots | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Definition

Sometimes I put the piece I cut out back in behind the inlay to pop it out and give definition.
Pro tip: It’s smart to remember to punch the holes for the coat buttons and put the orange leather in before! I forgot on one and had to peel it back off, punch the holes, put the orange leather in, and stick him back down.
IMG_8512.jpg
Posted in boot maker, Cowboy Boots | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Wondering

I wonder what I’ll make out of Cherry Red Alligator?

IMG_8502.jpg

Posted in boot maker, Cowboy Boots | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Beginnings

Boot tops: it’s a start.

IMG_8499.jpg

Posted in boot maker, Cowboy Boots | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment