Meet the Flockers

These fine English leather Wallabee walking shoes have new life at a seasonal enterprise on the outskirts of Shakopee known as “Drees Trees.” They're now Matt's flocking boots.

Proprietor and Head Flocker Matt Drees customizes Christmas trees, ropes, wreaths and ornaments for the local population, using a traditional process involving sticky ingredients and a high pressure spray gun in a lash-up garage flocking gallery.

The overspray and blowback require substantial plastic drapery and protective masking from The Home Depot. The essential flocking shoes are provided by his thoughtful Red Wing brother-in-law, who enthusiastically endorses this reliable line of Clark’s footgear and keeps Matt in good supply.

That's Matt's actual beard. He did not flock it.