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Re: The Registry

Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2015 4:45 pm
by Herr_Leeb
Well thank you very much dw. This is quite a compliment from a master craftsman like you. I am flattered.
Since I am completely self taught and am without any real skills to speak of, most of my shoes have some unconventional stories. I will post a few pics in the gallery.
Cheers,
A.

Re: The Registry

Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2015 10:33 am
by DesertRose
Howdy from Texas!
I've been lurking for a bit now, and I finally got to the point where I should just sign up.
I've loved cowboy boots all my life. My entire wardrobe is built around one or several of my boots. I also enjoy leather working and painting on all different types of canvas.
I've always admired the work that goes into a pair of boots. I would like to get in touch with western bookmakers, so I figured this place is as good as any to start.

Re: The Registry

Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2015 7:24 pm
by dw
Welcome! Glad you decided to join us. Ask questions...that's the best way to get the ball rolling.

Re: The Registry

Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2015 9:26 pm
by paul
Yes. Welcome. Questions and discussions are learning experiences for everyone.
Have you had any training at all yet?
What kind of leather work have you been doing.
Paul

Re: The Registry

Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2015 10:19 am
by DesertRose
Lately I've been working on tooling designs on scraps. I would like to get comfortable with that so I can begin tooling and painting custom portraits, scenes and designs.
I would like to know how you all came into this craft?

Re: The Registry

Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2015 9:10 pm
by paul
Without a doubt, boot tops are a canvas. Enjoy the process. Did you know there is a leather trade show here in Prescott in February? Classes and workshops, vendors of tools machines and leathers. Check out http://www.leathercraftersjournal.com/prescott2016.html

My path to bootmaking started in Cub Scouts. hippie leather projects while in the Air Force, shoe repair when I got out to raise my family, and then being in the right place at the right time to fall in love with leatherwork in boot making. The long version is further up the line on the "registry" here.
Paul

Re: The Registry

Posted: Wed Feb 24, 2016 11:12 pm
by shoemaker84
Hello fellow members. I have been browsing this forum for quite sometime and found it extremely useful. Being an aspiring shoemaker, it is always a challenge to gather information/knowledge through the net. I live in a country where only a handful appreciate this fine craft. Amongst them, only a few are able to comfortably hold a discussion in relation to the fine aspects of shoemaking. Books have been a great supplement for quick reference. I registered to immerse myself in the various ongoing discussions and contribute as and when necessary. I hope to learn as much as i can to further deepen my knowledge through the good people of this community.

Re: The Registry

Posted: Thu Feb 25, 2016 7:05 am
by dw
shoemaker84 » Wed Feb 24, 2016 11:12 pm wrote:Hello fellow members. I have been browsing this forum for quite sometime and found it extremely useful. Being an aspiring shoemaker, it is always a challenge to gather information/knowledge through the net. I live in a country where only a handful appreciate this fine craft. Amongst them, only a few are able to comfortably hold a discussion in relation to the fine aspects of shoemaking. Books have been a great supplement for quick reference. I registered to immerse myself in the various ongoing discussions and contribute as and when necessary. I hope to learn as much as i can to further deepen my knowledge through the good people of this community.
Welcome.

There is a lot of material here...we have been on the Internet for 16(?), 17(?) years...that's almost unheard of.

Best way to "learn as much as you(sic) can" is simply to engage. Ask questions, explore the many threads. Don't be a "ghost." :wink_smile:

Re: The Registry

Posted: Thu Feb 25, 2016 8:01 am
by homeboy
Welcome John! Glad your interested in the forum. Don't be a stranger!

Jake

Re: The Registry

Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2016 8:40 am
by SeaTroll
Hello. It was time to finally register. I started learning shoemaking a few years ago when my physical therapist said to go home, throw out all my shoes, and find stiff-soled rocker shoes that fit well. I was looking for these mythical beasts when I found the magical world of shoemaking. It has been a grand adventure! SO much to learn!

I want to thank you for creating this forum, where civility and humor appear abound. I have visited these pages many many times in search of answers to my questions, and usually come away with answers to questions I didn't even know I had. :bowdown:

- christy

Re: The Registry

Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2016 8:50 am
by dw
SeaTroll » Fri Jul 15, 2016 8:40 am wrote:Hello. It was time to finally register. I started learning shoemaking a few years ago when my physical therapist said to go home, throw out all my shoes, and find stiff-soled rocker shoes that fit well. I was looking for these mythical beasts when I found the magical world of shoemaking. It has been a grand adventure! SO much to learn!

I want to thank you for creating this forum, where civility and humor appear abound. I have visited these pages many many times in search of answers to my questions, and usually come away with answers to questions I didn't even know I had. :bowdown:

- christy

Welcome. Enjoy. Looking forward to seeing your work.

Re: The Registry

Posted: Thu Nov 24, 2016 1:23 pm
by Crack3r
Hello All,

I'm sure I've done an introduction but it was surely a long time ago before I'd truly started off on this journey, boots on of course.

I'm only now learning to repair and build boots after many months of learning from articles, videos, and books. I'm a novice leatherworker so I have some background but nothing extensive.

My first project is a well worn pair of red-wing boots. I've worn these many years and hope to for many more. I've replaced the cork with leather, added a leather mid and outsole along with rubber mid sole and heel from Dr. Sole. I've got a few more pairs of my own boots cut my teeth on, all of varying degrees of disrepair and 'm feeling a twinge of confidence after almost finishing these. Thanks for all the information so far and looking forward to more!

Re: The Registry

Posted: Sun Dec 04, 2016 11:48 am
by Wade
Hello
My I am Wade Knape .
I made a living in boot and shoe repair for 14 years , started making boots and shoe by asking an old retired (96 year old) boot and shoe maker I made a few pairs of boots and shoe's, when I was getting started the government bought my building to build a bridge there ,, so its been around 14 years since I did much with it and I am putting my shop back in order,,I am finding that much of what I used is even harder to find then it was then and I am working the rust out of my hands as well as out of my tool's ,I have a strong interest in making very good work boots that fit the customer's and will last .

I am starting out with this out of my shop at home in my spare time , I will have a lot of questions since I do not think I learned nearly enough from the old man before he passed .

Thank you for putting this site up .

Re: The Registry

Posted: Sun Dec 04, 2016 6:07 pm
by paul
Hello Wade!

Welcome!

It's interesting to me (maybe you'll find it so also) that this is one of the oldest web sites on the internet now in 2016/17! That it's footwear related is even better and amazing. It's taken some real dedication to make it so.
And the Archives! You've just got to familiarize yourself with the pages overall, because there is a tremendous resource in the conversations in all the relative topics.
However if you have trouble finding what you need , at any particular time, post your quandary, and let's talk about it. I myself had a 25 year career of shoe repair before I dedicated myself study to making, largely with the help of this forum.. There are some very skilled craftsmen and women here to help as needed!
With Regards,
Paul
PK BootMaker

Re: The Registry

Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2017 12:42 am
by SteveBarrus
Hello,

My name is Steven Barrus. I started making boots almost 20 years ago as a hobby. I made 22 pair of boots over the next 5 years then i got bone cancer which threw my life into a jumble. Over the next 5 years I ended up selling off all my tools, lasts, and equipment and became quite bitter with life. Realizing that bitterdoes not buy much I changed my attitude and became grateful for the experiences I have had, for the sunshine, for waking up in the morning, for everything. I recieved tissue transplants from those who gave the ultimate, their life, for me to live better with their parts. I spent the next years trying to serve the families of those who gave it all. I shared my life experience, my gratitude to them, my sympathy for their loss and proof that part of their loved one made life better for others. This experience has warmed hearts, brought forth many tears and helped to complete the circle of healing for them and myself.

Now as it had been over a decade and I was finally ready to begin again, my spirit was healed, I went forth to build another boot and to my dismay I was diagnosed once again with cancer. This time there was no self pitty or crying, no despair and anger. We, my family, friends and doctors and I took it head on. Grateful for life, family and relationships I was able to maintain a positive attitude and we won again. I am now cancer free again for 18 months, i have sought out new beautiful old equipment and am ready to start again. It may be a slow process but I will take it one boot at a time.

I am now 55 with my best years in front of me and cant wait for the best to come.

I learned bootmaking reading DW's books and from that I have made the standard cowboy boot, packers, the wellington work boot and a nice wellington dress boot.

Thank you
Steve Barrus
Bootmaker
Sbbootmaker@gmail.com

Images to come once I figure it out.

Re: The Registry

Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2017 3:41 am
by dmcharg
Wow! Steve, quite a journey.
:) A big Welcome to the Crispin Colloquy :)
Ask all the questions you want, share all the stories you want. There's a topic heading for just about anything here, and we're all still learning.
When you're typing a comment, scroll down a little and you will see a box marked 'Choose File'. Click on this and it will give you access to your computer's files. Make sure your pictures are about 1200 x 900 pixels as that, usually, gets the files under 500k (maximum size for photo uploads). Once you've chosen the pic. click 'Add the file' button to the right of the 'File comment' window under the 'Choose File' button. This will put the file in a holding spot just below the text window. You can do up to three photos per post. In your comment's text, hit the Return key a couple of times to create space under your writing and then click the 'Place Inline' button next to the holding spot. Once the link text appears, hit 'Return' again, a couple of times, and you can continue writing. To see how you're going with the post, press 'Preview' to have a look, then scroll down to continue adding text.
Hope this makes sense :) It's quite straight forward once you've done it a couple of times.
Thanks for joining us, and take care.
Cheers
Duncan

Re: The Registry

Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2017 6:00 am
by homeboy
Welcome Steve!

Did you used to live in Washington State? I believe I bought some crimping irons from you YEARS ago!

Anyway, Welcome aboard! Take care!

Jake

Re: The Registry

Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2017 9:48 am
by SteveBarrus
Thanks Duncan. I think I might be able to upload a photo now. I'll be in Darwin Jan 26-Feb 2 doing some hot weather testing with the new Boeing 737 MAX. We have had a very cold winter so far and my bones look foreward to a week of thawing.

Jake I am that person. Just making me new crimp boards and screws. I have a new lasting stand coming from Dick Anderson.

Here are a couple of boots.
IMG_0142.JPG
IMG_0143.JPG

Re: The Registry

Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2017 4:15 pm
by paul
Good Looking boots Steve! It will all come back faster than you think.
Best Wishes and Welcome!
Paul

Re: The Registry

Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2017 2:00 am
by dmcharg
Looking good Steve! Now you need to put some of your pics over in the Gallery. Pity Darwin is at the opposite end of the continent from us; over 3,500kms away :) Oh well, enjoy the 'Top End' hospitality, and humidity...
Cheers
Duncan

Re: The Registry

Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2017 5:15 pm
by homeboy
Steve....those elephant lace-ups should last you/someone forever! I love elephant!

Both look great!

Take care and Welcome back!
Jake

Re: The Registry

Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2017 9:02 am
by bitno
Hello from Switzerland,

I've been reading page after page for many years and I've already had the pleasure to exchange a few emails with Lance. Now I finally registered in order to contribute, hopefully on a regular basis.
I'm an art historian by profession, but started picking up shoemaking many years ago. Since then I've had training here and there, but only had little time to focus on the making.
I have a thing for old techniques and materials, which I acquired through many of my visits to shoemakers, leather and tool merchants.
This spring I look forward to learn more about decorative stitching, as it was popular 100 years ago and is still practiced by some Japanese bootmakers.

Lots of greetings and best of luck,
Leo

Re: The Registry

Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2017 10:14 am
by dw
Welcome Leo,

I think you'll find that Traditional techniques are respected here...maybe more than anywhere else on the 'Net...as are all techniques that result in objectively quality shoes or boots.

There is an abiding sense among members here that all things of value start with the basics. Michelangelo understood that. Understood that even if you end up doing it another way, your work and your connection to the work is always better if you know the fundamentals.

The catch-22 there is that all too often once you do learn and master Traditional techniques everything else seems kind of half measures.

:greatnotion:

Re: The Registry

Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2017 11:06 am
by bitno
Dear D.W.,

Thank you for your welcome and yes, you are absolutely right.
As I started to work with some older masters in Germany, I noticed that their basic understanding of a well made shoe was deeply rooted in them, since their early apprenticeship days. Even though they had not been making shoes by hand for many decades, due to economic, technical and social developments, they recovered their skills very quickly because of the extensive training they had received back in the day.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge on this as well as other forums and best of look with your making!

Leo

Re: The Registry

Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2017 4:07 pm
by dmcharg
G'day Leo,
Let me also extend a hearty Welcome to the Forum from Down Under :) And encouragement in pursuing those historic techniques and materials. All the best with learning decorative stitching in Japan. We're looking forward to seeing photos of your work over in the 'Gallery'.
Cheers
Duncan