Tag Archives: bespoke

Trivia

Posted on April 15, 2026 by customboots

Cowboy boot soles are traditionally pegged in the shank area with little square wooden shoe pegs. Even though I sometimes make shoes now, like this pair, I build them on cowboy boot lasts and finish them like cowboy boots. Did … Continue reading →

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

Mea culpa

Posted on April 14, 2026 by customboots

The boots in the book (“Art of the Boot” by Tyler Beard) image were made by Lucchese; Gene Autry had a pair although the boots in the image aren’t his. I have always particularly disliked them, so one day I … Continue reading →

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

Introducing

Posted on April 10, 2026 by customboots

Introducing: “How Blue” Butterflies are a common and traditional theme for cowboy boot top designs, probably because their outstretched wings fill the space so neatly. Usually they are stylized, drawn for shape and color more than accuracy. This butterfly, however, … Continue reading →

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

Helpful tips, especially #2

Posted on April 8, 2026 by customboots

Tips on shaping a steel shank so it fits the curve of the boot.1.) Hold it in place with your thumb and whack it with the edge of your hammer where it needs to curve. This is one of the … Continue reading →

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

Bracelet

Posted on April 8, 2026 by customboots

This bracelet was commissioned as a retirement gift. The recipient spent most of her life in either Oklahoma or Texas, so it features Bluebonnets and Indian Blankets, the official flower and wildflower of Texas and Oklahoma, respectively. When they commissioned … Continue reading →

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

Dogwoods

Posted on April 6, 2026 by customboots

Quick, someone commission more projects with dogwood blossoms because they’re so pretty and I love doing them in leather.

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

Portraits in leather

Posted on April 6, 2026 by customboots

The first image is a photo of the first Louvin Brothers portrait I did in leather. I work with leather inlay, overlay, and stitching; there’s no paint. Each color is a separate piece of leather, and smaller details/light and shadow … Continue reading →

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

New project

Posted on April 5, 2026 by customboots

Having fun with an entertaining new project and the high-tech tools I use (scissors and an X-Acto knife). It’s just me in the shop today, hanging out with Buck Owens on vinyl.

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

It’s a small world

Posted on March 31, 2026 by customboots

Emma Lea, my current shoe making guest from France, said that she first learned of me when she saw my “Satan Is Real” boots. She said she thought, “Wow, that woman is cool!” and she began following me online. And … Continue reading →

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

Shop news

Posted on March 28, 2026 by customboots

I have three women boot/shoe makers in my shop right now. One woman is a shoe maker from France; she brought all her tools and I could tell she knew she was among friends when she opened up the case … Continue reading →

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