Instructor: Ty Skiver
Course Length: 1.5 hours | Lessons: 21
Skill Level: Advanced

Transform chap tops into a work of art.
Chap tops aren’t just functional—they’re a canvas for bold, intricate designs. In this course, master craftsman Ty Skiver walks you through tooling a detailed filigree and floral pattern, showing you how to bring western-inspired motifs to life with precision and depth.

From sketching and pattern tap-offs to swivel knife cuts and advanced tooling techniques, Ty breaks down his process so you can follow along and apply these skills to your own leatherwork. If you’re ready to push your tooling to the next level, this course gives you the insider techniques to make your work stand out.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to design and sketch floral and filigree patterns for chap tops
• Using a swivel knife for clean, confident cuts
• Advanced tooling techniques with bevelers, shaders, and specialty stamps
• Adding depth and detail to western-inspired designs
• Pro tips for creating balanced, eye-catching layouts

Inside the Course:

• Supplies & Project Overview
• Planning & Pattern Transfer
• Swivel Knife Techniques
• Tooling Demonstration: Bevelers, Shaders & Specialty Stamps
• Filigree & Floral Details for Finishing Touches

About the Instructor:
Ty Skiver has been a bootmaker and leather craftsman for over 30 years. His work often features western and rodeo-inspired figures—including broncs and cowboy scenes—that have become his signature style. Based in Fallon, Nevada, Ty is the founder of Skiver Bootmakers and is recognized nationwide for weaving hidden artistry into traditional scrollwork. His craftsmanship has been featured in Western Horseman and showcased at major western lifestyle events, from Mule Alley in Fort Worth to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.