Home from the Road

We just returned from The Art of the Cowboy Makers contest in Loveland, CO.  We had a great time and met some wonderful people.  It was an amazing display of many different artists in categories such as braiding, chaps, engraving, spurs, hats, saddles, boots, cinch making and of course leather carving.  I decided to enter this year even though the project was building a purse, which I had never done before.  Mainly it was a good excuse to go to Colorado. 


We stayed in Fort Collins which was having a huge forest fire.  Not knowing what to expect when we arrived, we took off early morning and made the long stretch to Amarillo the first day.  Had a picnic at one of the coolest roadside picnic areas I've ever seen right outside of Guthrie (home of the famous Four 6's ranch).  We hit a lot of picnic areas along the way and I believe they are a dying breed that needs a resurrection. 

Once we made it to Amarillo, I went out and branded the Cadillac Ranch with the ol' BR.  Teaching the kids the fine art of graffiti, I'm sure that will come back to bite me when they get older.

On into Colorado and a view of the smoke from our hotel window.

The makers competition was a good one this year.  I was really impressed by the talent showcased, especially Don Butler (woolies) and Nancy Martiny's (chinks) entries into the chap category.

The prizes were custom buckles for 1st place and people's choice.  I wasn't fortunate enough to come home with one this year, but it means improvement for next year's go around.

There was an entry in the braiding category that had everyone talking and gawking.  It was a miniature bit and reins that a gentleman in the Arizona State Prison had sent in.  He ended up taking the people's choice award for it.  It was well deserved, the picture doesn't do justice to the detail in it.

Here's a picture of the maker's that were able to be in attendance.

I would like to thank Casey and LeEllen Jordan and Dave and Kristi Wilson for their hard work putting this show on.  Hopefully it will continue to grow every year.  Check out Art of the Cowboy Makers website for more pictures and information about the event.

After it was all said and done, we were ready and thankful to see this sign:

I love the mountains, but it's nice to be home.  Thanks for putting up with the long post and check out my post that focuses on the purse I made for this event.  Take care, RW

La Grange Cowboy Gathering 2012

I did this same show three years ago and the week of the show a cold front blew in with rain and sleet and it stayed throughout the show.  Well two for two for us, the week was beautiful leading up to the show and then the rain came, and came, and came....  We still had a few troopers come out and swing by the booth and we managed to strum up a little business and meet some new folks.  Not many pictures taken but here's a few.

This was taken while packing up items in the shop.

Here is part of the booth. 

The booth next to me was none other than George Boutwell, the Texas artist.

This is my new chink stand that Doug did for me in exchange for the chainsaw chink work.  It worked out perfect and is a great addition to the booth.  Thanks again Doug.

We had some guys from Israel (they were from Houston but were raised in Israel) next to us selling fresh made crepes and orange juice.  Not exactly what I expected at a cowboy gathering but neat guys none the less.  Dutch oven cobbler outside and crepes inside, you don't get to see that hanging out in the mall.

That's all for now.  I'll be getting the orders taken at the show out soon as possible.  Thanks, RW