Custom Cowboy Boot Purses & Memorial Bags

Transform a loved one's cherished boots into a beautiful, handcrafted heirloom purse you can carry with you every day. 

A cherished pair of boots holds a lifetime of memories. Whether they belonged to a loved one you wish to honor or they are a personal favorite you simply can't wear anymore, I carefully transform them into a one-of-a-kind heirloom piece. You can trust that your boots are safe in my hands, crafted to be treasured for years to come


Many custom pieces begin with boots that hold special meaning.

If the boots belonged to someone you love, I'm truly sorry for your loss. I'm honored that you would trust me with such a valuable treasure, and I look forward to creating something you'll treasure for years to come.


When You Can't Wear Them Anymore

Not every custom piece is a memorial.

Sometimes they're simply boots you love but can no longer wear. Transforming them into a bag gives them a new purpose while keeping the character that made them special.


I'm Chris Thompson, an award-winning artist who has been transforming cowboy boots into one-of-a-kind handbags and accessories for 14 years.

I've created thousands of bags and have been trusted by hundreds of customers with custom pieces, including NASCAR legend Richard Petty. 

Every piece is personally crafted by me and designed around the unique character of each pair of boots.

What Customers Say

"I had the honor of inheriting my father's boots. Chris made a beautiful bucket bag from them—perfect in every way. It exceeded my expectations. Every time I carry it, I think of him, and of Chris's incredible craftsmanship." — Dina, Nebraska

"We had a bag made from my sister's late husband's boots. It was the most meaningful gift I've ever given. Chris helped bring our vision to life." — Tracey Duff

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Reviews across Etsy and Google. See some real Transformations.


How the custom process works:

1. Share Your Boots
Send photos of your boots and tell me what you have in mind. Text 858.736.4918 or Email

2. Choose Your Design
I'll help you decide which style works best for your boots.

3. Send Your Boots
Once your design is chosen, send in your boots and payment.

4. Receive Your Custom Piece
Your boots are transformed into a handcrafted creation made just for you.


Here are the Design Choices Offered:

Crossbody Hipster

$179 + $12 shipping

  • Uses 1.5 boots
  • Magnetic closure and concho accent.
  • Removable crossbody strap
  • Approx. 7” x 9.5” (Shorter boots = shorter bag)
  • Fringe Upgrade: +$30
  • Matching Petite Clutch: $110 (from leftover boot) This is my version of a wallet/card holder.

Bucket Bag

$345 + $18 shipping

  • Full pair of boots required
  • Strap made from recycled belt or one you supply.
  • Magnetic closure
  • Leather-wrapped Wood base or Leather-only base (if boot condition allows)
  • Includes berry concho or Buckle you supply.
  • Fringe Upgrade: +$100 (front and back)


(Wood Base)


(Fringe & Leather Base)

Heart-Shaped Bag

$345 + $18 shipping

  • Full pair of boots required
  • Magnetic closure
  • Leather-wrapped Wood base or Leather-only base (if boot condition allows)
  • Strap made from recycled belt or one you supply.
  • Includes berry concho or Buckle you supply.
  • Upgrades:
    • Double shoulder strap: + $25 (made from complimentary belts)
    • Flap Top (adds structure, space and security): + $65
    • Fringe Upgrade: +$100 (both sides)


(Single Strap & Wood Base)

(Double Strap & Flap Top & Leather Base )

 (With Fringe & Leather Base)

Cowboy Boot Mules

$295 + $18 shipping

You've loved them at my shows and now I am offering custom mules from boots you know will fit. I remove the shaft of the boot and fashion the foot part into a one-of-a kind pair of shoes.

  • Includes adjustable leather straps with buckles
  • Interior Footbed: Can be refreshed or covered if needed; side and heel walls remain unchanged. Additional charge may apply.
  • Note: No repairs or resoles—wear on the soles will be exactly as-is.
  • Optional I can make a matching bag from the boot tops depending on how tall the boots were. Pricing above. 

Top Shelf Totes, Laptop Totes, Baskets & Clutch Bags

These designs require extra time, detail, and planning, so they aren’t part of my regular custom offerings.
Most are created in small batches using boots I select, then sell as ready-to-ship pieces.

However, commissioned builds may be available by request—with pricing that reflects the labor and artistry involved.

Barware & Accessories

Not into bags? I can also make barware and water bottle totes from your boots.

  • Whiskey or Wine Barware Totes: $85 + $10 shipping
  • Water Bottle Totes (can hold a wine bottle too): $89 + $10 shipping
  • Petite Clutch (my version of a wallet/card holder) $110 + $8 shipping
  • Glasses Case $120 + $8 shipping

  

Petite Clutch wc02 handcrafted from cowboy boots. Shop Handbags, Wallets & Cases at ChrisThompsonBags.com and buy the best ["credit card","mini","Small","wallet"] at Chris Thompson Bags.      


Payment & Turnaround

  • Payment: Due when boots are mailed in. Accepted: Check, Zelle, Venmo, or Card (2.5% fee)
  • Turnaround: Usually within days—not weeks. But during show season, I can't guarantee holiday delivery. Summer is your best bet for timely orders.

Have Questions?

Email or text/call: 858-736-4918. 

Ready to Create Your Custom Bag?

When you're ready, mail your boots and payment to:
Chris Thompson, 2501 W Wickenburg Way #155, Wickenburg AZ 85390