JB Custom Leather

07/15/2025

Little over two years ago I was invited to Jackson Hole for a gathering of 25 different cowboy and cowgirl trades people to discuss what could be done in the Rocky Mountain region to help sustain, preserve and grow the future of these time honored distinctly American cowboy traditions. Through that weekend the Cowboy Trades Association was born. The first mission and project was decided through a 6 month discussion with several trades people to make a traveling showcase of our work and go to museums and cultural centers to educate first the public of who we are, where we live and what we do. Secondly to attract new craftsman and help them learn and grow. Preserving the West, sustaining it's future. See the Grand Opening at Jackson Hole History July 31st, 2025 and visit any time through January 5th 2026.

Saddle Up, Western Handmade Arts & Gear Traveling Museum Has come to life!

07/14/2025

https://f.io/QbNMe1D0

06/01/2024

https://gofund.me/9985ec09

Tanner J Brainard, my son had these bins of all his wood workin… James Brainard needs your support for Help Tanner Rebuild His Woodworking and painting Career

05/16/2024

THE “RUSTIC” COWBOY BOOT This pair of boots represents a special period of my history. In the late 70’s through the 1990’s I created a large amount of hand laced leather good from garments to handbags and often in deer skin. No matter the leather type I always referred to it as the “Rustic” look. The assembly process of this boot has a few steps in a different order than I would usually assemble a cowboy boot due to the lacing. The lacing is not intended to hold the boot together as much as it is an aesthetic finish. The process involves sewing the parts together and then lacing over it to hide the sewing. After cutting the pattern and crimping the vamps I first laced the tops to the tongue and vamp and the same for the heel counter cover and back top panel. No liners at this step. Next I sewed the vamp liner to the top liner and the heel counter to the back panel liner and heel slide. I glue the assembled liners to the assembled outers followed by the single row stitch pattern. Next step was to side seam with the hand laced side seam and sew it in as usual with a 346 machine stitch. From here I lasted the boot. Inseam process was the same as traditional except the hand covered welt, made with ostrich. The heel rand was applied and then soling and stacked leather heel bases. Each layer wood pegged and alternated between Herman Oak and JR sole bend leathers creating the two tone look. Next the top edge was laced and pull straps added. The “buttons” are deer antler. Cut and sanded then burned with a torch and small marks burned in with a wood burner. Next polished with a felt wheel. The color was created by the burning. No dye was used on the buttons. The only ink added was to the shank and breast. Hand rubbing and clear polish machine brushing did the rest. ALL of the upper exterior and lace is OSTRICH skin except the pull straps are lined with pig skin. The interior liner is all cow hide. Every bit of the 350 feet of ostrich lacing was hand cut. Then I ran it through my skiving machine. Some areas of the boot I glue and fold the lace, most is single layer and others had two layers I glued together. By design I don’t cut lace perfectly which adds to my rustic look. This project took 175 hours to complete. Further photos may be seen at jbcustomleather.com

05/15/2024

I got 8 reactions on my recent top post! Thank you all for your continued support. I could not have done it without you. 🙏🤗🎉Life after hackers ruin my website I have to start over..

Launched the Newly updated website. www.jbcustomleather.com

04/13/2024

Classes RMFS Gift Certificates Crafting Memories:Gift the Magic of Skills and Creativity!  At the Rocky Mountain Folk School in Grand Lake, Colorado, we’ve got a unique and inspiring gift idea for you. This year, why not surprise your loved ones with something truly exceptional? We’re excited t...

04/11/2024

👢 Step into the world of craftsmanship with Rocky Mountain Folk School 's upcoming event: "Intro to How Handmade Western Boots are Made"! 🌟 Join renowned Leather Craftsman Jim Brainard of J. B. Custom Leather , along with his skilled apprentice and journeyman, Holly Henry (Holly Henry Custom Boots), for an immersive experience in traditional boot-making techniques. From stitching to shaping, this class offers a rare glimpse into the meticulous artistry behind every pair of authentic western boots.

🤠 Whether you're a seasoned artisan or simply curious about the process, this is an opportunity not to be missed! Discover the secrets of the trade and gain insight into the time-honored skills that shape our beloved western footwear. Plus, you'll be supporting local craftsmanship and nurturing the creative spirit of our community.

🌲 Spread the word and share this post with friends and family who appreciate the beauty of handmade goods and the heritage of the West. Reserve your spot today and dive into the rich tradition of boot-making amidst the stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. Visit the link below for all the details and secure your place in this exciting class:

Classes RMFS Gift Certificates Crafting Memories:Gift the Magic of Skills and Creativity!  At the Rocky Mountain Folk School in Grand Lake, Colorado, we’ve got a unique and inspiring gift idea for you. This year, why not surprise your loved ones with something truly exceptional? We’re excited t...

04/07/2024

👢 Step into the world of craftsmanship with Rocky Mountain Folk School 's upcoming event: "Intro to How Handmade Western Boots are Made"! 🌟 Join renowned Leather Craftsman Jim Brainard of J. B. Custom Leather , along with his skilled apprentice and journeyman, Holly Henry (Holly Henry Custom Boots), for an immersive experience in traditional boot-making techniques. From stitching to shaping, this class offers a rare glimpse into the meticulous artistry behind every pair of authentic western boots.

🤠 Whether you're a seasoned artisan or simply curious about the process, this is an opportunity not to be missed! Discover the secrets of the trade and gain insight into the time-honored skills that shape our beloved western footwear. Plus, you'll be supporting local craftsmanship and nurturing the creative spirit of our community.

🌲 Spread the word and share this post with friends and family who appreciate the beauty of handmade goods and the heritage of the West. Reserve your spot today and dive into the rich tradition of boot-making amidst the stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. Visit the link below for all the details and secure your place in this exciting class: https://rockymountainfolkschool.org/classes/

03/24/2024

Launched the Newly updated website. www.jbcustomleather.com