Intro to How Handmade Western Boots are Made

If you are interested in learning about what is involved in making western boots and getting your “feet wet” in the craft, the Rocky Mountain Folk Art School has an opportunity for you. Leather Craftsman Jim Brainard of J.B. Custom Leather will be discussing what it takes to become a custom boot maker. You will learn about the tools, machinery and schooling time it takes to become a boot maker. You will see the many steps of the process and actually do some of them. In a condensed version, you will go through the following:

• Choosing the style of boot
• Selecting materials
• Measuring the feet
• Selecting lasts and modifying them to the measurements and style selected
• Preparing the insoles
• Drafting and making the pattern
• Cutting the patterns out of selected materials
• Transferring stitch designs and sewing them in
• Assembling the boots
• Lasting
• Inseaming
• Building the outsoles and heels
• Finish work

This workshop is intended to give you a taste of boot making along with a great deal of information on what it will take do so.

Jim has been in leather craft since the age of ten. He apprenticed at age 14 with a third generation boot maker from 1974-1979 as a repair technician. Jim has operated a boot, shoe, and saddle and tack repair shop from 1979 to present day. Jim learned boot making from his mentor in 2010 and studied with him through 2015. Jim is an accomplished, award winning boot maker. He will be teaching this class with the help of his repair technician apprentice and journeyman employee, Holly Henry. Holly is also an award winning boot maker and leather crafts woman.

They both look forward to teaching you about the craft they passionately love and helping you try some of the process for yourselves.

Please visit them both:
Jim on Instagram: J.B._Custom_Leather
Jim on Facebook: James H Brainard and J.B. Custom Leather
Holly on Instagram: hollyhenry_custom
Holly Website: hollyhenrycustomboots.com