Mrs. Rogue's Ranchwear

The Workbench

Let's take a peek at the very place where all the creative energies of Mrs. Rogue come to fruition.

Close by windows that reveal the natural beauty of the Arizona Desert, stands an Antique Watchmaker's Bench shipped to Scottsdale from its place of discovery in San Antonio, Texas.

The drawers are designed as trays to house tools and supplies and were only two to three inches deep. They are stacked to the sides of the workman's knee hole. Those drawers directly under the bench top and above the lap were narrow enough to allow opening them with minimal inconvenience. Usually, the most frequently used tools and parts were stored toward the top.

There could not be a better suited workspace for the creation of Mrs. Rogue's Ranchwear's unique designs, as the bench is rich in history and highly adaptable.

In its day, the bench was where the clock movements were inspected to determine the extent of repairs and adjustments to be made. Built at a height of 38 inches, the table was intended to be comfortable if a watchmaker chose to stand or sit on a stool with a foot rest.

The pedestal of the bench and where the bench touches the floor has a generous "kick space" designed for the watchmaker to put his feet under so that he can stand as close as possible to the counter top while working.

Today, its shallow drawers house a myriad of brilliant beads, natural stone, bone adornments, leather bits, ropes and snake skin and, of course, scissors, punches, pliers and the like.

In the old days, the lower, deeper drawers kept supplies such as a can of alcohol for a soldering lamp, spare towels or the lunch of a brown-bagging commuter watchmaker!

Today, those same drawers house leather conditioning products, glues and spools of rawhide, hemp rope and ribbons.

In Mrs. Rogue's workplace, every scrap, every bead and every bit of leather is revered as a possible inspiration for a future creation!

The Process

"Finding fabulous boots is the ultimate challenge with discovery anywhere from my husband's closet to antique shops across the USA. I'll only use top quality leathers that offer both design and color," says designer Lisa Rogoff.

Then, the boots are cut and stitched, sanitized and conditioned with top-of-the-line leather care products to enhance the character and color.

Trim is selected and color coordinated groups of beads and leathers are chosen and kept close at hand while the creative juices start to flow!

"I love every purse that I create. Each has a story and a unique name! Every piece is accompanied by a personal letter which tells its story and provides insight into the geological and metaphysical implications of the natural stones selected as well as any historical information relevant to the design.

"I find great delight in being able to use recycled materials including leathers, beads and charms.

"And, some of the designs even sport brass replicas of turn-of-the-century watch fobs used as advertising by companies producing fire arms, farm equipment or food items, to name a few.

"Clasps range from Abalone shell to hand-carved bone buttons to Conchos used in saddles.

"I can fashion a purse to your specification and color-coordinate with a special outfit. Or, use your boots and perhaps some sentimental charms and trinkets to make an unforgettable creation!" says the designer.