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Spurs for the State of Texas

9/23/2016

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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. 
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​.  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.  
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​.  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. 
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​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.  
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​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!  
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Lyrik's Yellowstone

1/25/2015

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Once a year on a very special day, we book a private charter snow coach for Lyrik's birthday.  For the past six years Alpen Guides out of West Yellowstone has been there to ensure Lyrik gets his trip into Yellowstone on his birthday (or near his birthday).  

       This year marked Lyrik's sixth annual trip into Yellowstone.  Wow!  Six years of traveling into Yellowstone for a birthday trip.  What a cool way to spend your birthday.  Of course this is how I feel about it.  So far Lyrik still loves his birthday trip into Yellowstone.  One day this may change, but for now we make the memory.  

       As you know from past post, I believe the investment in memories are more valuable than any toy ever made.  So instead of spending money on presents that will sit in the corner of the house after the first week, we make sure to build memories that will be mentioned for years to come. 

        This year was just a bit more special as we went with our new family; my wife her son, and her parents.  How special the day had become as we shared our tradition this year as a new family.  Many times, throughout the day, my eyes passed over my family with pride as the moments of the day brought on a smile originating deep from the heart.  

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       So with the family packed and ready to go we set out into Yellowstone on the morning of  January 24th to see plenty of wildlife, geysers, beautiful sites and even more smiles and laughter.  Lyrik is now seven years of age and he can now say he has been going into Yellowstone on his birthday even before he can remember.  
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       As we roll down the road in a very unique way we run into all kinds of friends, and for me many of my fellow co-workers.  People I have known for years; and people that have watched Lyrik grow up here in Yellowstone Country.  

    Yellowstone will always hold my heart and imagination.  It is a place of continued wonder for me.  I am blessed to be able to share this area with my family.  
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       At the end of the day, tired and sleepy boys smile with the memories they have created for the day here in Wonder Land.  Memories have been built, traditions have been held steadfast.  Memories and traditions more valuable than any plastic toy; and perhaps memories they will use to pass along to their own children one day, through their own family traditions.  Who knows how they will start their traditions when those days come, but I do know how proud of a day that will be.  
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Spurs for the State of Texas

1/18/2015

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       In the summer of 2012, while I was working as a vendor at the local Big Sky Montana Farmers Market, I was approached by a client and friend to head a project that was to push my limits at the time as an engraver and artist.  He had hired me to engrave a set of spurs for the State of Texas featuring Governor Rick Perry. 
        Some projects can take just a few hours to complete, from beginning to end; and some projects take much longer.  This project was to take over two years before completion. 
  
        I believe in finding the right people for the job and not to make a decision in haste.   I accepted the job and spent a year looking for those individuals to help me complete the task. 
       Pete and Virginia Bennett of Bennett's Custom Spurs were the perfect match I was looking for.  Honest, good people, hard working with their own stories of an amazing life.    
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Pete's Spurs and just one of Virginia's many Cowboy Poet books she has written.
  
       Virginia Bennette a cowboy poet, and Pete Bennette making handmade spurs for the working Cowboy.  They are kind and their stories are meaningful.  I found myself on more than one occasion listening to many of the stories Virginia had to tell of their many days on many different ranches.
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Pete and LD, taken in 1986 near Aspen, CO
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In the beginning. Virginia's drawings of the rough idea.
       After working out a lot of details of why I was calling, Virginia and Pete decided to take a chance on this strange caller asking for a set of custom spurs for a governor.  We had lots of work to do including finding his boot size, since their spurs are so custom they even are made to a specific boot.  Where would you go to find such information? 

      Virginia knew exactly how to go about finding such information.  She quickly made a phone call to an old friend, and the response was just as quick.  We soon had our boot size and commenced to the finer details of what was expected.  I drew up a rough idea of the spurs I envisioned.  Something with the governors seal on it was the direction I envisioned.  After the design was approved by my client, I quickly called Pete and Virginia in excitement!  "We have a winner!  Let's get started!"  
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The conceptual design turned into my client

       I have been told, in the past, Anticipation can be sweeter than honey.  In those words I have found life an amazing adventure of what could be, what it has been, and where I am headed.  
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Naked Spurs desperately seeking attention!
        During the time I patiently awaited the spurs completion from Pete, I dreamed of what could be with sweet anticipation.  For me as a lowly novice, this job carried weight I have never felt before. 
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Hoss' beautiful leather work
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Hoss and Katie on their ranch outside of Bozeman MT.
      
       Near the completion of the Gov. Perry spurs I called a good friend from the Bozeman Montana area and asked if he would like to take on the task of hand making some spur straps.  Hoss and Katie Hopkins, from Hoss' Leather,  quickly took on this task with great enthusiasm.  Katie was essential in her efforts of helping to facilitate and email back and forth.  With out her help, I wonder if Hoss and I would have been able to make our set deadlines.  Thank you Katie for your endless help! 



       Each of us put forth the very best we could offer.   Many times I could feel the self-inflicted pressure pushing down on me to up hold the quality of work that was demanded of me.  After all, I had been given beautiful works by both Pete and Hoss.  "No Pressure!"  In the end, as it seems to be with most things, I found my worries and the pressure to be just enough of the right ingredients to push me to my best.  One step at a time.  
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Ready for delivering.
       Really that is all we can do, ask for one step at a time to get anywhere we need to go.  

       On November 19th, 2014, the the State of Texas receivedthier spurs.  

     
        A tremendous thank you to my friend and client.  Thank you for your continued belief in me and my work.  With out your kindness and willingness to see success, I would not be as far.  Thank you to Hoss and Katie, Virginia and Pete for all of your help with this project.  Who knows,perhaps we will be destined to put together our trades once again somewhere down the dusty trail.  
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Protection

12/15/2014

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       At times we all can use a little protection.  I know many that carry something as a reminder that Creator looks over them as they walk through their day.  Myself, I was given a small angel that was embroidered by a close friend.  I believe she is an angel by her own right; but this post is not about me; rather, it is about someone else's angel.   

      A friend of mine approached me not too long ago and asked if I could build something for his beautiful wife, his Angel.  She means the world to him and he wanted to build something that symbolized his love for her.  A beautiful piece that would perhaps bring her protection.  He asked the piece to be built out of, and engraved upon 18karat white gold; along with the angel engraving, he also asked if their first initials could engraved intertwined on the back side. 
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The Angel is rough drawn and sits next to a nickel to show size.
       I do love a good challenge, and this piece was quickly becoming the most intensive engraving job I will have completed to date!  We talked of her favorite colors and her favorite number as to include these ideas into her charm of protection.  
We decided on Montana Sapphires (being a personal favorite of mine). Side Note: I am picky of whom I go through to do business.  If I must outsource, the individuals must be a "mom and pops" operation with the right feel and humility.  After all, we are not just creating a one-of-a-kind 
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Montana Sapphires come in an array of colors.
jewelry piece, but a piece that can be worn to feel the warmth of the love put forth in the creation of such a charm.  It is important to translate the love and intentions that began such a piece.  So I searched and searched for folks in the local area that cut sapphires themselves, and I found the couple I wanted in Missoula, Montana!  They were perfect!  She cut stones and he is an amazing jeweler, each with their own wonderful stories. 
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All cut, soldered and polished; with sapphires set, I am ready to begin engraving the angel.
      
       After all of the cutting, soldering, dapping, drilling, drawing, polishing, and on and on, I was finally ready to begin the engraving.  Up to this point, I was okay with my nerves, but the engraving needed to be of such stature that I began feeling my nerves, and small question of doubt creeping in.  "Could I do this?  Can I engrave what could very well be the most prestigious job I have ever picked up?!"  

       With just a bit of sweat beading up on my forehead, 
I began my engraving process with almost nightly updates to my friend and client.  And before this becomes a complete novel, I spent over 75 hours with this angel.  To build something beginning from sticks of wire and sheets of metal, to put in my heart and soul, this is my life's passion.  Here she is, the Angel of Protection for one special Angel out there.  Gifted with sentiments of a loving husband to his beautiful Angel.  
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One Angel engraved onto 18 karat white gold with Montana Sapphires surrounding her, including two yogo sapphires and six Rock Creek sapphires.
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Their first initials intertwined
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Little Moments

12/11/2014

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Now, ..... at the age of 37 I realize I am young, but the short time I have lived on this Earth, I have come to the understanding that life is made up of many little moments.  Some moments are quickly forgotten and some are made in a way that perhaps they will be 

remembered for ages to come.  Perhaps if done right, they will be repeated long after I am gone.   

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So important then is the choice of which moments we choose to propagate.  Tonight the moment is to devise a trap to snare the Gingerbread Man on-the-run;  a project from school to encourage creative thinking.  In my reality this is a moment for me as a 
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father to try and spend a moment with my son before those little moments are gone forever.  

So Lyrik and I put on some Christmas music and we went away at developing a ingenious plan to snare the on-the-run Gingerbread Man.  What would entice the Gingerbread Man? What else but a candy store!  A candy store with magical doors and windows!        After all the cutting, taping, and drawing
 was done, we stepped back to gaze upon Lyrik's amazing trap. No way this Gingerbread Man is getting away!   And in the end, beyond a project from school, my lesson of patience with my son to develop his own story was but just one part of my little moment with my son as he grows one day older.  Perhaps a little moment that he will never forget, and one I will grow a little wiser from.  I love you Lyrik. 
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Montana Moon

10/25/2014

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       The Montana Moon is not the idea of a moon over Montana. It's not that the moon in Montana is any better than the moon we see hanging over any other state, but Montana is where I have connected with my life in so many ways than I could ever have dreamed. 
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Moon over the Gallatins

       When I think of the Montana Moon it conjures up many memories for me.  Time spent growing up in many ways, under the Moon over Montana.  Some good memories and some I am happy to leave behind; but none that I would do without.  For it is my past that makes me who I am today, and I love who I have become.  

       Images strike clear inside my head of the many moons I have seen over Montana, along with the memories attaching themselves   
to those moments spent.

       But what does it mean to my jewelry?  My engraving?   My engraving and jewelry are small reflections of my time spent here in Montana.  The Montana Moon Collection represents the same reflection I have seen on the many lakes across Montana; like quick silver pouring out of 
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Montana Moon Collection 14 karat yellow gold and white gold holding onto a Montana Sapphire
some great crucible in the sky a liquid silver and gold stream ripples across our lakes, bathing the water in dancing light; catching the corner of your eye.      
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Montana Moon Collection 14 karat yellow and white gold.
     Memories of the times spent here are shared and locked up inside those countless ripples of gold and silver.  I see a frozen moment, a portrait of a moment, one small reflection winking back through the glimmer of the silver and gold. Communicating a dance of sorts intertwined with precious metals and stones.   Not just my memories, for the jewelry containing a piece of me is just a beginning unto the wearer.   

       The Montana Moon Collection is not just the moon but it represents the many 
memories including those made with the Montana Sunshine.  In the end, when my life comes to its close, I will have left behind little reflections through my work; little whispers of a moments past and dreams of a moments future. 

         With mindfulness woven into each piece created, is the intent of traditions being passed down through the ages.  With a richness of  intertwined silver and gold there is a moment attached to each story told.  Let the moment begin here, and before your story is passed on, sit for a spell, & let this moment last for generations…  -Turtle
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Moon dancing across Hebgan Lake, MT
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Semper Fidelis

10/17/2014

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       Always faithful.  A motto you hear from our US marines.  A motto that will strike a cord in one's very being, no matter what your origin or your past.

        As many of you know, I am not in the business to make it rich in monetary gain.  The starving artist path seems to be my way.  I have chosen my line of profession based upon the souls that I can touch.  Beyond the jobs I may maintain to pay my bills, my true purpose in this life is to help provide a door to a spiritual connection for the right individual.  This idea puts me into many interesting and amazing views of life and connections; and I am extremely blessed to be a part of.   
       
       Building and creating jewelry is not merely different metals placed strategically, soldered, polished, and sold as a shiny and pretty thing.  Jewelry is more than that.  It is a symbol or mark of a memory.  A chosen place in time that holds dear moments to us.

       Meet Roger,  he was a young man that touched many souls.  His selfless acts earned him a kind smile and a warm place in many hearts.  Roger loved Wyoming.  As true to many of us living away from the hustle and bustle, he found himself enjoying the company of his friends and family in the great outdoors.  He loved hunting. 
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He served his country proudly as a marine.  He was creative; his hands found ways to build beautiful log furniture.  He loved the rodeo.   Always faithful and true to his heart he would give his last if that meant he could help.  In 2003 a fatal motorcycle accident 
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took Roger at an early age of 23.  He is continually loved and missed by his family.  May your memories and lessons left behind ring true in all you touched.  

       Jump forward to the last Farmers Market in Whitehall 
Montana; in which the day found me cold and not making much of a monetary gain for the day; but, regardless of the sales, I am enjoying my day and visit.  I am set up along side my Father and Mother-in-law's booth; their's filled with plenty of yummy homemade breads and fresh produce found from their garden; mine filled with the usual.  As the day drew to a near end, a woman stopped to look at my few things that laid upon my table.  She seemed most interested
in the Elk Ivory work I have done.  My ivory work is a bit different than that of the common found in Jewelry stores across Montana.  There is great delight to be found in changing the expected; and at times, new and beautiful creations are born.  

       Terrie, Roger's mother, 
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Three Elk Ivory Pendants set in Sterling and Fine Silver, finished with a 18 inch Sterling Chain.
explained to me that her husband had suggested to stop at the market on their way through; something that was unlike them to do, but something that seemed a good idea.  After mentioning the interesting cuts of ivories and settings she found on my table, Terrie asked if I might be able to set her son's ivories he harvested some time ago.  She told me a bit about her son, and her dream to share with his sisters the ivories set as pendants; one for each of them; ivories which held memories that were obviously so dear to this family.  She asked if I could possibly shape one into a heart and set it in gold for her.  I now know why I was there.  To help build a connection. 

       I am honored to be where I am and who I am; to be able to help others build a symbol of a dream; something that will be cherished for many years to come; an item created to hold as a locket all the moments so preciously attached to a time past.  Thank you Terrie for sharing your story; and thank you for allowing me to be a part of it.  Always faithful and Always remembered.  Roger Lee.  
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Bull Elk Ivory shaped as a Heart and set into 14 Karat Yellow Gold, finished with an 18 inch 14 Karat Yellow Gold Chain.
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Big Fat Bird

10/15/2014

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       For as long as Lyrik can remember, I have made sure to spend the time hunting in the mountains with him.  I will be honest here, I am originally from Southern California and I did not grow up hunting and fishing.  The ideas of hunting and fishing were ideas that were written down in some children's books, or found in movies.  

       Although I did not grow up in the woods out back from the house, my imagination and soul did; but, these are realities I have been able to give to my son.  

       So each year, from when he was about two, Lyrik and I spend a little time during Grouse season walking around the woods not too far from our house.  I want him to know how to hunt and provide for himself.  
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Thank you Grandpa for my first gun and Cabela's cap! (Age 2)
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       I wanted to teach him gun safety from the very beginning; but how to teach him gun safety was my question.  I did not grow up with guns around the house.  I thought and prayed hard about it.  Finally it made since to me if I were to get Lyrik a nice cap gun, one that would be kept separate from all the toys, hung on a wall in his room, then it would be possible to teach him gun safety at the tender age of two and three; without worries he will accidentally fire his weapon at the wrong time.      
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       I found him a nice lever action cap gun made in Italy.  The little rifle was perfect; it was just heavy enough.  It bore weight and extreme importance.  It was kept only for target practice and hunting.  We called his little gun his "real gun."  

      That little rifle became a staple for his gun safety training.  When we were target shooting, I would stand off to one side and fire my .22 rifle when Lyrik pulled his trigger.  
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     Well, I am proud to say that this year marked a new year for him.  At the age of six years old (almost 7), he brought his first bb gun along for the hunt.  I bought him a small Daisy Red Rider bb gun for his first real gun.  He had his choice to bring his cap gun or his bb gun.  He at first chose his cap gun; for that is what he learned on; but the huge deciding factor was his step-brother Moss was bringing his bb gun.  That settled it!  Lyrik wanted to bring his bb gun.  
       Although I am rarely successful at my grouse hunting, my perception weighs mostly on the time spent with my boys. What kind of memories I can provide the opportunities for.  What will they grow up to remember.  This year marked Moss jumping on board for our walk in the woods for big fat birds; and this year also marked Lyrik growing up just a bit more.  
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Moss and Lyrik over looking Hebgan Lake, Madison River, and Yellowstone National Park off in the far distance.
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K is for Kym

10/7/2014

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K is for Kym.  And so goes the idea of building a special pendant for a special someone.  Kym emailed me with a precious idea to build a birthday present for her husband.  She asked if it would be possible to build a pendant with her first
initial on it.  

      Of course I love the idea of being able to help build something that will have family written into it for years to come, so I accepted the challenge.  Kym gave me a few ideas of size and left the rest of the art design up to me.  

       It seems to me, in my short span of 37 years on this Earth, that anything worth value was built over time and showed its value though the ages.  This is 
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what I imagine for Montana Turtle as it slowly develops over the years.  Within time is the key to beauty and happiness.  Kym provided this blessing of time for the sake of beauty.  Her husband's pendant took a near total of over 5 hours to draw and 13 hours to engrave.  What a beautiful letter K for a wonderful thought and warm moment to be shared when her husband opens a gift he may wear for years to come. 

       Thank you Kym for this special opportunity to build something beautiful; and, thank you for the push in the right direction.  Since the making of this pendant, I have gone on to begin developing my own font.  I have the "K" done! 
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Ann's Heirloom Ring

10/7/2014

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       I have said since the beginning of my chosen career path that I am in the family business, whether by winter when I have the privilege to guide families and their friends into Yellowstone for a once in a life time memory that     
will be talked about for years to come.  

      What a privilege, what an honor to be part of such an amazing memory.  Perhaps my name will be forgotten, and perhaps the idea there was a guide will be long passed away, but the memory of sitting in front of that elk will never go away.  

       So to is the honor of building a piece of jewelry or engraving a moment on to a rifle.  What an honor to be a 
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part of the creation of an heirloom that will be passed along to family with its own folk-lore attached.  Ann asked me to build this ring for her, using the ivory of her very first elk harvested when she was a young lady, and using a bear claw from a bear with a story of troublesome ways.  I suggested there would be enough room to add some scroll engraving to the side, she agreed that would look beautiful, but wondered if I would be able to engraver her brand, which was her father's brand.  I of course said yes and expressed a proud smile with the thought of being able to engrave such an honorable symbol attached with many years of memory.   I asked Ann to tell a little about her story.
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Ann: "WOW It's BEAUTIFUL It brings tears to my eyes. Thank you so much Turtle. The Bear claw, is from the first bear, I ever saw get killed, by my Dad, in his underwear, (top only it was still dark outside kinda) after it got into our 'kitchen', we had set up while building our cabin in 1963. The Elk Ivory, is from my very first Elk kill from 250 yards, first time shooting My dad's, 25/35 lever action. and The Brand was my Dads and is now mine, The Heart, Lazy H Bar. Thanks so much Turtle.
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       Thank you Ann!  Thank you for letting me be a part of an heirloom piece that will continue through-out the ages.  I am honored.
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