Thanks for hanging around while I was gone. I am going to try to get back to posting a few times each week. I wanted to share the leather boot crafting with you, we've done this before but here it is again.
Start with a pattern made to fit your figure so you can play with the style and shape of the boot. I prefer to just jump in and work directly so here goes. The body of the boot or shoe will look best if made of a thinner grade of leather - in this case, I use glove grade leather which is thinner than "standard" sewing leather. The main parts of the boot are cut with an extra 1/8" allowance on the inner and outer edges so they can be turned under. The darker top is the same leather but with the suede side up.
The body of the boot is glued onto the leg with Fabri-tac. Each side is turned under and butted against each other as they are glued down. Once the fronts set, the same thing is done in the back of the boot.
The cuff of the boot has the allowances turned under and glued down with Fabric-tac. The cuff is then slipped under the top of the boot body and glued. Fabric-tac works well when gluing the rough side of leather to itself or to the clay. Super glue is better when gluing any smooth side of the leather
The cuff is turned down so the smooth side is now up. The back opening will be laced.
Small strips of leather are added to reenforce the sides, heel, and box of the toe, Thicker carving leather is used for the sole and heel of the boot. the sole is attached with super glue. After it has set, the sides of the sole leather are soaked with super glue to seal the edges. The soles can then be sanded and distressed because the leather will be very firm.
I have made myself a leather stitching tool using a cheap wood burner from the craft store.
The tip was a small round pin which I have ground into a sharp wedge and then shaped an inward curve into the edge with a file.
The tool is comfortable for my larger hands and works well to burn the stitching into the leather. If you look closely, you can see the stitching in the sole of the other boot at the top of the photo.
The stitching is complete and they are now ready for aging and distressing.
Thanks for dropping by. Have a great day!
Mark
This has been very interesting. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mad.
ReplyDeleteI love the way you create these boots. Have yet to tackle it yet, but I do plan to try this method soon! Thanks for sharing so much knowledge with us, Mark. You're awesome!
ReplyDeleteHummmm...a new way to make boots. Santa may be getting a new look this year. Thank you for the inspiration Mark!!!
ReplyDeletesuper cool..... I always learn so much from you dear Mark! Thank you so much for your generosity. Hugs. carla goncalves
ReplyDeleteIt is so amazing to be able to watch over your shoulder as you create, and come up with your own tools to make just the perfect realism. Thank you so much for sharing all you do here. If everyone you've helped through this blog commented, you'd never be able to keep up with reading them all. I think there are a lot of shy readers, myself included..but I had to let you know it is so appreciated.
ReplyDeleteMark...hanging around while you where gone? Us mere mortals wait with baited breathe for even a morsel of your busy time! And from what you tell us, you seem amazingly busy! Thanks so much for all you do.
ReplyDeleteamazing!!
ReplyDeleteIt creates the effect of stitched leather marvellously. . .
ReplyDeleteBookmarking yet another page of yours:) I took a shoe making class for dolls but I'm interested in making leather shoes and your tips have helped me out with some issues I was having using leather.Thank you for sharing these tips~the boots look fantastic!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting, thank you!
ReplyDeleteWill we get to see the finished sculpture eventually? I hope so, it has been my favourite one so far. All your work is stunning and I wish I could join you in a sculpting day with others... what fun that would be!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for all your creativity and willingness to share inspiration as well as fabulous techniques!
Thank you Mark!! I need it this so bad you're awesome!!
ReplyDelete