Treats!

Posted on April 11, 2019 by customboots
It appears I have a reputation. A client stopped by this morning and brought me this. ❤
Guthrie friends: if you need an after lunch treat, please stop by and help me with these while they’re still fresh and yummy!
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Layer by layer

Posted on April 1, 2019 by customboots

It always feels good to have that first heel layer on. Tomorrow I’ll keep adding layers until I have the correct heel heights on these boots.

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It’s a start

Posted on March 29, 2019 by customboots

Today I finished fitting a last, created the boot top pattern, and drew the design.

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Daily Mail

Posted on March 27, 2019 by customboots

My boots made the headlines!

Arnold Schwarzenegger in the Daily Mail, UK

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Almost there

Posted on March 23, 2019 by customboots

I don’t get to relax and enjoy my Saturday until I peg two pairs of boot soles. One down, three more soles to go.

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Whoops

Posted on March 21, 2019 by customboots

This is what happens when you hit the shank with your pegging awl.

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It’s a Boot Life

Posted on March 18, 2019 by customboots

For my 100th episode of “It’s a Boot Life” I’m featuring the whole of my presentation in England at the Independent Shoemaker’s Conference. I spoke about the qualities of a good teacher, and this is probably my favorite of all the speeches I’ve done. I love public speaking and would do it much more if I could!

It’s a Boot Life

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Inlay/Overlay class

Posted on March 16, 2019 by customboots

If you’ve been wanting to take a leather inlay/overlay class with me, now is your chance! Class size is limited to six, so reserve your space now if you’re interested.

Eureka Springs School of Art

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Whine

Posted on March 15, 2019 by customboots

I’m not setting any boot maker speed records, but me and my poor little blistered hand did manage to inseam one boot today.

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Sharing

Posted on March 14, 2019 by customboots
OK, I’m going to share. A while ago I experienced a family tragedy; due to the illness leading up to it and the grief following, I didn’t work much in the shop for around three years. I tell students ALWAYS: Don’t take a class until you can go home and continue building boots, because you *cannot* remember this complex and complicated craft unless you do it continuously. But I’ve been making boots now for over 25 years–I thought I’d be able to pick back up immediately. I was wrong.
That arrow is pointing to a blister on my hand, because my hands are soft now, and a day of working makes them hurt.
I’d planned to not share pictures of this boot on social media, because those of you that have been paying attention will recognize it. I made these boots a couple of months ago and they’re back, because they didn’t fit–at all. I’m struggling to get back to the skill level I was before; thank goodness I have kind and understanding clients.
The moral of this story is: Respect this craft. Learn it, practice it, and know that it will kick your butt once in a while. I master it occasionally and it teaches me humility. It’s a good deal and I don’t mind.
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