Larry Morgan (Lakeview) is a rawhide leather braider and working cowboy. Having trained with master braider Bill Black, Morgan trades his work for ranching gear and sells through Facebook and word of mouth.
Bio
Larry Morgan is a rawhide leather braider who works as a cowboy on ranches and farms throughout Lake County. In the winter months when ranch work is slow, he makes braided and knotted leather items such as horse reins and ropes. These are not show pieces but meant for working cowboys like him who use these knotted and braided pieces for work on area ranches and farms. Morgan has always been fascinated with string, knots, and braiding, but after training with master braider Bill Black, he learned that he prefers the complicated projects: “I just like the steps. The more steps, the happier I am.” Morgan uses a swivel knife to carve designs on his leather gear; he also uses stamps. Morgan finds that kangaroo leather is best for the “strings” (leather strips) he uses to make decorative “knots” for hackamores (bridles). He also does some horsehair hitching but prefers leatherwork, much of which he trades for cowboy and ranch gear. He also sells his work on Facebook and by word of mouth. While he enjoys the craft, he is also pleased that his work gives the animal another life as a work of braided art that could live on for another hundred years.
