of eyelet boots and shields

I've been continuing to work on my Roman military kit. Last night I fiddled around with the shoe last I plan to use for my eyelet boots and got the insole trimmed to size. I also took a pattern from the last and used it to correct the preliminary pattern I plan to use for the boots. Tonight I want to get one cut out, sewn up and stretched over the last to dry.

I need to get some gesso for the next stage of my shield project and some rawhide for an edging. The gesso will help make a good painting surface. At this time, shields were often highly decorated. I want to paint a scene from the mosaics at the Piazza Armerina on the back of mine.