Spurs for the State of Texas

This blog post has been a long time coming.  I will try very hard not to make a novel out of this story, and if you ever get a chance to sit down with me, we can go over the entire story with a cup of coffee in hand, and a good game of crib to pass the time.  
      Nearly two years ago I was approached by a client to put together a set of spurs.  The set of spurs would go to the State of Texas.  That’s right!  

​I accepted a job to spear-head a project that would end up on display in the Governor’s Office in Austin; a gift to the State of Texas and all their residents; a set of spurs that were to bring the very essence of gratitude for all governors, past, present, and future.  What an honor to be asked to build such a project!  And where to begin?   

​The great privilege given to allow complete artisan freedom is not a light task when building an art project. I wanted to honor the current governor and leave him a mark to pass along to all succeeding governors, but also to honor the past and future governor’s with a symbol so distinguishable that almost all individuals would recognize it; the symbol of the Texas Ranger combined with the symbol of the governor’s star. 

​.  The horse was a given as it represents the great western lifestyle; and hidden in plain view is a small pecan tree which holds my own stories as a child.  Well, before I go any further, I have attached a few photos of the letter to the State of Texas and the letter I wrote to the Governor, along with the project itself.  Oh how I’m trying hard not to write a novel here!  So many stories within stories are here.  

​.  Jamie and Clint Walters, from Edgar, MT (http://jamiewalters.net/)  are a husband and wife team who build amazing pieces together, with Clint’s amazing touch building boxes and Jamie’s award winning photography printed in unique ways, these two built the display box which hold the spurs for all to see.  The spur straps came from my old friend Hoss Hopkins, from Three Forks, MT (https://www.etsy.com/shop/leatherbyhoss).  

Let me introduce the artisans it took to accomplish this amazing project.  But, before I do, please understand I handpicked each one of these artisans for not only their skill in their trade, but their heart and soul.  These are amazing people to know and I have been blessed to call upon them as friends and artisans.  The project took five artisans all together, including me. ​Rockie Stautzenberger, from Skidmore, TX (http://www.r14customspurs.com/) is the gentleman that built the spurs.  His work is a testament to his passion for good things. 

​I may not be engraving today if it were not for Hoss.  He has been with me in a few projects as we both build our trade into a working profession.  And of course Montana Turtle, from West Yellowstone, MT (http://www.montanaturtle.com/) did all the hand engraving.  Ha ha.  Do you know this guy?  What a nut!  

​Each one of these artist hold their own stories in which if I were to continue to tell, you would be here for a few days listening, reading, and perhaps wondering if you should have popped some corn and snuggled under a warm blanket before beginning to read.  I encourage you to ask them for their stories; venture to their websites and social media pages, ask them how they got wrapped up in a story of a Turtle and Texas.  

​Last but not least is my client that continues to believe in my work and pushes me to new levels in my own profession.  I call him the “Big C”.  He has been monumental in my personal journey to become an engraver and jeweler; and without going any further, I will stop here.  If you have any questions, please ask.  Please be respectful as to leave out all political and religious comments.  Thank you!