The Art or Leather Inlay and Overlay by Lisa Sorell
Looking for a challenge in crafting leather? Lisa Sorell: ‘As far as I know, this is the first book written about the craft of leather inlay and overlay. I’m thrilled to be able to add a written resource to leather craft.’ This book was over two years in the making, the result of more than two decades of honing her craft.
The Art or Leather Inlay and Overlay. A Guide to Technique for Top results
Although a pair of Sorrell’s custom boots are featured on the cover, Sorrell emphasized the book is about the unique craft of hand crafted underlays and overlays, an art form she says is slowly disappearing, and can be applied to shoes, apparel and accessories.In addition to crafting techniques this book covers the history of leather inlay and overlay, choosing the best leather and how to pattern and create art. It also provides an illustrated step-by-step guide to three leather projects. ‘Many people are interested in learning to make boots and shoes by hand,’ said Sorrell, who envisions her book as a textbook on the subject. In addition to her own work, she sometimes offers boot making classes at leather shows were she exhibits her work.
More than 470 color photos bring in-depth detail to this comprehensive look at the almost forgotten decorative art of leather inlay and overlay. Leather is an often-overlooked textile, with very little documentation on its tools and techniques, and this guide fills a crucial gap for the aspiring leatherworker. These skills have historically been passed along orally, and the book begins with a brief introduction of the cowboy boot, since thisis the discipline that’s become a repository for the art of leatherinlay and overlay. Learn what these decorative methods can bring to your work with details on the tools and machinery needed, and clear explanations of the techniques. Also covered are the history of leather inlay and overlay, choosing the best leather, how to pattern and create leather art, and basic sewingmachine maintenance. The book finishes with anillustrated, step-by-step guide to three leather projects.
About the author
Lisa Sorell is a bespoke cowboy boot maker. Sorrell’s handmade boots don’t come cheap, averaging between $5,000 and $10,000. However, she personally fits customers and works with them on designs. All of her boots are commissioned by clients, that require a personal meeting for measuring, and are built by Sorell personally in her Oklahoma studio. She works as an ambassador for the craft of cowboy boot making: speaking, demonstrating, and teaching to preserve and promote this historic craft.
More info at customboots.net
Book review from the Virtual Shoe Museum
For many years I have been a great fan of Lisa Sorell’s amazing, special decorated and colorful cowboy boots. I am intrigued by her craftsmanship and now there is this book in where she step for step visualizes and clearly explains her various and special techniques. I found examples I never have seen before. Its sculpting with leather. I think this is a very inspiring book for everybody who works with leather. A must have!
The Art or Leather Inlay and Overlay
Author: Lisa Sorell
Format: 8 1/2” x 11”
Features: Full color, 470 color photos of the technique
Hardcover: 176 pages
Price: $34.99
Published by Schiffer Publishing
ISBN: 978-0-7643-5121-1
Published in June 2016
More shoes by Lisa Sorell at the Virtual Shoe Museum.
