Tag Archives: teaches bootmaking

Books

How to Make a Western Boot.

How to Make a Western Boots. Excerpt.

“How to Make Western Boots” by Dave McKinney & Dennis Cottle is a popular beginner’s book.

Shop copies of this “how-to” have been handed down to students. Overpriced counterfeits have been made at Kinkos. Voicemails have been left for the author… but now, you can buy this book online! 

This 170 page book was written so that the art of bootmaking would be passed on and live forever…(that’s what the dedication says.) This spiral bound book provides a useful introduction to the steps of bootmaking, as well as to the materials, tools and patterns needed. Nearly every step is illustrated with a black and white photo. Lays flat on the bench. Easy to read. Room for notetaking. You should buy a copy.

$45 + $5 for shipping.

Cowboy Boots, Featured Bootshops

Tex Robin Boots (Now)

This trip to Texas I retraced some very special steps.

When Tex Robin moved his shop a couple of years ago, I admit I got all sappy and nostalgic over him leaving that old brick building in Coleman.

…but I’ve come to my senses. Welcome to Abilene! Gone are the fire hazards and all the pesky walk-in-and-out traffic. And look! …the walls go straight up and down, and there is my favorite display case…and look over there, there’s even a working electrical socket dedicated to Tex Robin’s guitar and amp.

Tex is doing some beautiful bootmaking. Killer inlays or one-row stitch patterns… doesn’t matter, all good…really good. But be warned, ordering boots from Tex is not for the thin-skinned or the faint of heart. By appointment only. Long wait… and if Tex doesn’t like your design, he’s gonna tell you so. That’ll never change.

Cowboy Boots, Featured Bootshops, Learning Bootmaking

Jack Rowin (Video)

Click over and watch a short film called “Boot Camp” made by Kristin Windbigler.

“A portrait of storyteller, philosopher and bootmaker
Jack Rowin
by an admiring apprentice.“

I met Jack Rowin, back in 1999. He makes a hardworking cowboy boot, occasionally decorated with a brand or initial. Ms. Windbigler’s film was like stepping back for another visit.

Here are some my old photos…

Contact Jack to place your order for custom cowboy boots, or to learn the craft of bootmaking.

Jack Rowin, Bootmaker

21595 S. Powerhouse Road

Manton, California 96059
(530) 474-5146

bootmaker@shasta.com

(Video link courtesy of Deep West Videos.)

Common Questions, Learning Bootmaking

The fate of OSU-Okmulgee’s Boot & Saddlemaking Program

“It is with regret that we officially announce OSU-Okmulgee’s decision to close our Shoe, Boot & Saddle program of study. NO new students will be accepted for enrollment this spring 2005, and SBS technical courses will be offered only through December 2005.” (Source)

Yes, the rumors are true…Oklahoma State is closing it’s Boot & Saddlemaking Program*, but all is not lost. I spoke with longtime instructor Mike DeWitt today and he tells me the program will be moved to nearby Green Country Technology Center.

You can contact the Center at (918) 758-0840.

Details will follow, but students will begin their courses in August 2005.

Mr. DeWitt thinks the move will benefit both the program and its new students. The program will be housed in a brand new building …custom-built to meet its instructional and equipment needs. And students will no longer be burdened with general education requirements like history, math and speech classes.

Mike DeWitt has agreed to follow the program to its new location…at least long enough to make sure it gets off to a good strong start.

*OSU-Okmulgee’s Boot & Saddle program is the only one of it’s kind remaining in the United States.

Alumni of the OSU program include:

  • Brian C. Thomas (Abilene, TX)
  • James “Smitty” Smith (Beggs, OK)
  • Lee Miller (Austin, TX)
  • Glenderson Daly (San Antonio,TX)

If you would like to add names to this list, please use the “comments” link below.