Craftswoman Finds Unique Use For Bull "Byproduct"

Craftswoman Finds Unique Use For Bull "Byproduct" AG WORLD Ag World 23-2-21 Since graduating from the boot and saddle-making program at Oklahoma State University, Heather Joy's custom boot and saddle business has been getting noticed especially after she presented Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating with a pair of beautifully hand-crafted custom-made boots. But nothing has compared with the attention she's received since last Christmas when the Associated Press carried a three-paragraph article on Joy's "Cowgirl Purses" made out of bull scrotums. Since then she's done more than three dozen interviews from TV, radio stations and newspaper interviews. Advertised as "the perfect gift for the cowgirl who has everything", the purses are made from "raw material" Joy gets form a local packing plant. Turning them into purses is a long process that includes tanning scrotums, lining them with pigskin, then adding a tanned cowhide top. The she adds a few finishing touches, like Western-style braiding. The purses vary greatly in size. The largest are just slightly smaller than a bowling ball bag. They're supple and virtually indestructible, and prices depend on whether they're personalized, hand-dyed or decorated with silver or brass. Prices start at $300. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Meanwhile ... Back At The Ranch, 710 East 146th Street, Glenpool, Okla. 74033 (ph 877 867-2624; E-mail: heatherjoy@tulsa.com; Website: www.tulsa.com/heatherjoy).

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