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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People are interesting

Posted on March 13, 2019 by customboots

Guy comes in: I wanted to stop and see if you had any belts.
Me: No, I don’t.
Guy: WELL, I JUST THOUGHT I’D STOP AND ASK. I DIDN’T KNOW I WAS GOING TO GET CHEWED OUT. (as he’s walking out the door)
Me: …???
So now if there are rumors around town, the truth is out about the vile way I treat people who come into my shop.

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My bio

Posted on March 13, 2019 by customboots
Me: I want to work on boots today, but first I’ll just put together this huge heavy shelf, rearrange a bunch of inventory, and take all the boxes to the dumpster right quick.
Also me: WHYYYYYYYYY am I always so tired?
Also also me: How did it get to be almost noon?
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Working, but not boots

Posted on March 6, 2019 by customboots

Sixteen boxes will be picked up and shipped tomorrow, and behind them is a large shipment from Baker Leather that arrived today and still needs to be checked in and put away. This is how I spend those fun-filled days when I’m not building cowboy boots.

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England

Posted on February 21, 2019 by customboots

Today I took a knife making class in England with five of my shoemaker friends–four from Sweden and one from Switzerland. We had so much fun!

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Memories and woodpeckers

Posted on February 13, 2019 by customboots

Many years ago I made a pair of boots that featured diving woodpeckers and I’ve always wondered what happened to them, because they were so obnoxiously wonderful. Tonight, I received an email from the client’s daughter. She kept the boots after his death and she sent me some photos.

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