Lisa Sorrell, cowboy boot maker

A decorative piece on the top of a cowboy boot is sometimes called a collar, but it can also be called a top band, which I prefer.

I was interviewed recently for a project about cowboy boots and cowboy boot makers.

Handmade Boots

Three sets of boot tops lined up and waiting to be stitched. Considering the fact that I didn’t get back into the shop until after five today, it may take me a while.

Fabric wrapped around a cord is called piping; leather wrapped around a cord is called beading. I’ve put handmade beading at the tops of these boots. I like to use a delicate little cord and finely skive the leather, because if the beading is too fat it looks like a big ol’ worm crawling on the top of the boots.

I had visitors this week–Eric, a shoemaker, and his wife Joanna. They fixed me dinner, brought me birthday cake, and Eric learned inlay/overlay and made a Matisse-inspired pillow.

Don’t forget to slice through the leather build-up at the cone or hinge. I know someone… wide-eyed innocent look… who’s forgotten before.

It has been a genuinely frustrating week. Oh well, at least these are boot tops are pretty.