Bootmaking Schools

Green Country Technology Center–Shoe, Boot and Saddle Program. There is only one boot-making school left in the United States –in Okmulgee,

Oklahoma. (Formerly located at Oklahoma State University, a few details.)

The new Boot and Saddle Program at Green Country offers career preparation in bootmaking, saddlemaking and repair. Students gain experience in cutting, shaping, tooling and sewing of many types of leathers and become skilled in the operation and maintenance of related specialized machinery. Call: (918) 758-0840

OTHER TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Don Atkinson. Learn the art from a master craftsman with over 60 years of experience. Advance your skills in bootmaking and saddlemaking. Courses also available in floral tooling & stamping, and in chap making. For details contact: Don Atkinson, (830) 367-5400 (or write: PO Box 1419, Ingram, TX 78025)

Chappell Bootmaking Seminars. Carl Chappell is a second generation bootmaker who teaches two intensive weeks of training. Western bootmaking start to finish. For a free brochure contact: CT Chappell Boot Shop, (940) 995-2901 (or write: PO Box 322, Saint Jo, TX 76265)

Melody Dawkins has been teaching bootmaking and boot repair for over 20 years. Individual instruction provided for beginning and intermediate level students. Contact Melody Dawkins at (510) 222-0685 or bootmaker@comcast.net (Located in El Sobrante, California)…new listing!

D.W. Frommer II offers three week classes in the classic western boot–no plastic, no paper, no nails. All seminars take place in a “working” bootshop. D.W. is the author of two books — full tutorials, really — covering the construction of different styles of western boots. The first of those books, Western Bootmaking: An American Tradition, has also been made into a 27 hour instructional video.

Dave Hutchings offers top to bottom bootmaking instruction. Call “Hutch” at (303) 289-6726 for more information and class scheduling, (or write: 8410 Garfield Way, Thornton, CO 80229)

McGuffin Custom Boots. Offers one-on-one teaching. Learn western bootmaking in the traditional style. Phone Deana McGuffin at (505) 974-9100 (or write: 1113 Nashville SW, Albuquerque NM 87105)

Merrell Institiute of Bootmaking. Learn bootmaking for hobby or profit! You produce 3-5 pairs of custom made boots — western, hikers, and packers –during a comprehensive 2 week seminar. Free brochure. Contact: Merrell Institiute of Bootmaking (435) 789-3079, merrell@ubtanet.com (or write: 3400 N. 3500W., Dept. HS, Vernal, Utah 84078-9748).

[Note: Mr. Jack Reed (Burnet, TX) passed away in Fall 2004.]

Learn Bootmaking from Tex Robin. Learn bootmaking from a 2nd generation bootmaker with over 40 years experience. Two week courses — one student per course. Contact Tex Robin at (325) 691-5700 (or write: 2081 Sayles Blvd., Abilene TX 79605). E-mail: trboots@sbcglobal.net

Jack Rowin has been teaching bootmaking in California for a good long time. Call Jack Rowin at (530) 474-5146, e-mail: bootmaker@shasta.com…or write: 21595 S. Powerhouse Road, Manton, CA 96059). Click here for a student’s Video Tribute (It’s wonderful.)

Dan & Keni Schwarz. This father-daughter team teaches 2 to 4 week courses in bootmaking. Affordable housing available locally. Contact Schwarz Custom Boots at (406) 683-6652, schwarzcustomboots@yahoo.com (…or write: 120 South Montana, Dillon, MT 59725 ) …new listing!

Woodward Custom Boots offers a 2 week start-to-finish bootmaking course. For more information contact, John Woodward at (619) 659-5040 (or write: 25077 Veijas Blvd, Descanso CA 91916).

TIP: For bootmaking supplies, tools and helpful expertise visit the Custom Cowboy Boots & Shoes Forum.



(Please note: Illustration on this page courtesy of D.W. Frommer II)