Thursday, February 7, 2013

Butters Family Makes Silver a Family Affair

Oh how I LOVE the AMAZING people you meet out on the trail! 
The Talented Butters Family, Fine Sterling Silver Pieces are a Family Affair!
Swan Spurs by Randy Buuters, Engraved Sterling Cuff Bracelet by Braidie Butters
and Chinaware Horsehead Scarfslide framed in Sterling Silver by Brenda Butters

While wading through the crowds at the High Noon Trade Show,  a pretty little ring would catch my eye.  (Yes, I know, imagine that....me being distracted by pretty jewelry) That cute lil' ring would lead me stright to a gold mine!  The table of beautiful wares that I stopped to look at would be none other than the Butters Family!  Legendary spur maker, Randy Butters, Talented Silversmith, Braidie Butters, and Brenda Butters, with her stunning sterling jewelry!

After admiring their gorgeous pieces, I knew that I had to share their talents with YOU!  The Butters family was gracious enough to allow me to shoot some pictures and visit a little. 

1st off....My VERY VERY FAVORITE thing about this family was their humility and how encouraging they are of each other.  While visiting with each of them individually they were slow to compliment their own work and fast to speak very complimentary of the talents of the others. Brenda and Braidie both praised Randy's finesse with his Swan Spurs.  Randy was quick to compliment Braidie on her ever evolving silver engraving skills.  LOVE that spirit of encouragement and support that they radiate!

Randy Butters, SPUR MAKER (Father), has been making spurs for over 30 years.  His signature piece are the legendary Swan Spurs!  Brenda, shared the story of from years ago, at a show in Abilene, Texas.  Randy was commissioned to make a pair of Swan Spurs for a tall, thin, day work cowboy.  The rest is history!  The curvature of the swan's neck, so elegant and such a difficult piece to master.  Often imitated but never duplicated.  Randy's Swan Spurs are a beautiful example of artistry in a functional tool!   

 
Lovely Lady Leg Spurs!  Aren't those fabulous!  

Brenda Butters, FINE Sterling Jewelry (Mother)

"It is an honor to make heirloom pieces!  I am so grateful to be able to do what I do!  Love being able to make one of a kind pieces but even more than that it is such a honor to be able to take a piece of the past and turn it into art piece that you can touch, feel, and wear! " ~ Brenda Butters

 To read full article on Brenda Click on link below:
http://rodeotalesgypsytrails.blogspot.com/2013/02/brenda-butters-fine-sterling-jewelry.html



Braidie Butters, Silversmith/ Engraver (Daughter)
Braidie is the whole package!  Talent, beauty, and charisma rolled into one.  Braidie was one of the talented young guns in the TCAA Emerging Artist Competition.  Entering a intricately engraved "mini mug"
Braidie was also the recipient of the TCAA Fellowship Award, a program to help emerging artists hone their skills.  (:http://www.tcowboyarts.org/fellowship.html)
I asked Braidie if she had a favorite piece?   

 "I don't think I have a favorite piece...every piece is interesting in its own way and teaches me something about the trade. Maybe my current project of a 5 1/2" tall beer mug/stein will be my favorite. Who knows...until I come up with another crazy project!"  Braidie Butters

Such a talented young lady!  Can't wait to see more from her in the future! 

Braidie's skilled sterling engraving adorns the cuff bracelet and knife shown above

Here are a collection of photos featuring all pieces from all three talented Butters Silver Artisans!





Last but certainly not least.....the spunky lil' hereford ring that caught my eye!
If you would like to see more about the talented Butters family, please utilize the contact information below.
Contact Information:

Randy and Brenda Butters
4275 22 1/2 Mile Road
Homer, Michigan 49245
(517) 568-4188
www.bandbsterling.com
bandb@bandbsterling.com

Braidie Butters, SilversmithDalhart, Texas

bbutters2004@hotmail.com
(517) 936- 3226

THANK YOU so much for stopping by the gypsy trail today!  Hope you enjoyed getting to see a glimpse of the talented Butters family.  THANK YOU so much to the Butters family for taking the time to visit.  It was truly a pleasure to meet you. 
Happy Trails,
Mindy

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TCAA Emerging Artist Contest ~ SILVERSMITH



The first ever TCAA Emerging Artist Competition was held this January in Mesa, Arizona at the High Noon Western Americana Tradeshow.  Eight talented artisans worked for months preparing their silver entries for this prestigious contest.

Luckily, I missed my flight home on Sunday and was able to grab a glimpse of the Silver Entries.  Please forgive the glare.  The pictures were taken through the glass viewing case but I wanted to be able to share  a peek at the contest with you! 

Here are the 8 Silver Entries in the Emerging Artist SILVER Contest


Rex Crawford
 The cutest thing ever was Beau Compton's family cheering him on.
  Their little boy was so excited to get to wear the trophy buckle that his Dad had made for the contest.  
Beau Compton, Silversmith

Arne Esp, Silversmith

llll
Laddan Ledbetter, Silversmith
Photo courtesy of Laddan, Thank You


Braidie Butters, Silversmith

Scott Jason Hall, Silversmith

Denise Kramlich, Silversmith


TCAA EMERGING ARTIST WINNER in the SILVER Category
Matt Litz
I had the opportunity to meet this talented young silversmith while at the High Noon show. 
Talented and charismatic!  Congratulations on your big win Matt! I'm sure we'll see your name at the top many times in the future! 
Matt Litz, Silversmith
Matt Litz, Silversmith,
Photo courtesy of Matt Litz.  Thank You
Congratulations to all of the silversmith contestants.  Everyone brought unique and exquisite pieces to the competetion.  It was an honor to be able to enjoy all the talent there.  Looking forward to more greatness from each and everyone. 

Thank You for stopping by to admire all this STUNNING SILVER! 
Happy Trails,
Mindy
*****ALL RESULTS EXPRESSED ON THIS PAGE ARE UNOFFICIAL.  THIS IS A PERSONAL BLOG AND HAS NO AFFILIATION WITH THE TRADITIONAL COWBOY ARTS ASSOCIATION*****
Rodeo Tales and Gypsy Trails
is proudly brought to you by
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 Check out MARTINY LEATHER CARVED CERAMIC TILES at Lil' Red Roan
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TCAA Emerging Artist Competition


The first ever TCAA Emerging Artist Competition was held this January in Mesa, Arizona at the High Noon Western Americana Tradeshow.  Twelve talented artisans worked for months preparing the saddle entries for this prestigious contest.

I was able to travel down to Mesa and see all the entries in person and wanted to share just a glimpse of the beauty with you!  Here are the 12 Saddle Entries in the Emerging Artist Contest


Paul Van Dyke Saddle Entry
Steve Mason Saddle Entry

Douglas Krause Saddle Entry
LOVE the Beautiful Flower Carving in the Roughout Seat of this Saddle! 
Crisp and Beautiful
Christopher Cheney

Greg Gomersall

Ryan Cope
Super impressed with Cody Tippe!  This was only the 9th saddle for this young gun!  Looking forward to seeing more from him in the future!  Loved the beautiful horn!
Cody Tippe
Ross Brunk


Love the Style!  The scroll work is just stunning!

Lester Yoder
Shane Deeter's Saddle won my heart for creativity and degree of difficulty with his amazing mother hubbard style saddle.  This saddle had so so so many amazing details! 
The saddle's theme of "One Nation Under God" carried through every piece of the saddle from the Red, White, and Blue Seat to ALL 50 states flowers being represented in the carving!  The conchos were created from the 50 commemorative State Quarters.
Shane Deeter Saddle Entry

Shane Deeter

Shane Deeter
Nancy Martiny's Idaho Winter Rose Saddle ~
The fluidity of the carving and the masterful execution of the color was absolutely stunning!

For more on this saddle, Read the Idaho Winter Rose Article
Click on link below:
:http://rodeotalesgypsytrails.blogspot.com/2013/02/idaho-winter-rose-nancy-martiny-saddle.html#
Nancy Martiny Saddle
Nancy Martiny

Conley Walker, TCAA Emerging Artist Winner!!!!

Conley's full flower saddle was paired with stunning silver flower conchos!
The back cantle concho made my heart skip a beat.  So beautiful!
Coordinating conchos also adorned the stirrups. 
Conley Walker Saddle

Conley Walker

Conley Walker

Conley Walker
THANK YOU so much Traditional Cowboy Arts Association for the time and energy put into presenting this event.  Congratulations to all the Emerging Artists!  Looking forward to see great things from everyone in the future! 

Thank You so much for traveling the gypsy trail with me today!  Hope you enjoyed a glimpse of the talented Artisans at the TCAA Emerging Artist Competition!  ~Mindy

*****ALL RESULTS EXPRESSED ON THIS PAGE ARE UNOFFICIAL.  THIS IS A PERSONAL BLOG AND HAS NO AFFILIATION WITH THE TRADITIONAL COWBOY ARTS ASSOCIATION*****

Rodeo Tales and Gypsy Trails
is proudly brought to you by
Lil' Red Roan
 Check out MARTINY LEATHER CARVED CERAMIC TILES at Lil' Red Roan
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Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Idaho Winter Rose, NANCY MARTINY SADDLE

IDAHO Winter Rose Saddle by Nancy Martiny
 "The saddle that I choose to build for the TCAA Emerging Artists contest represents TRADITION with a 15 1/2" Wade tree with semi Quarter horse bars-a COWBOY favorite in the Great Basin. The 3" high Ray Hunt style horn and the 3 1/2" x 13" cantle with 1 1/2" Cheyenne roll,also represent the tradition of the Dorrance influence. The EMERGING ARTIST in me decided to fully carve the saddle in a distinctive  domestic rose pattern, and tint the flowers and leaves with a delicate red and green wash of color.Swivel knife cut designs decorate the center of the seat, the rope strap, cantle bind, and stirrup liners.  As the color may lead one to think that a woman might ride this saddle, I installed an in-skirt rig and half stirrup leathers to keep the rider close to the horse, as well as lighten the weight of the saddle.
"Beauty is only skin deep" Anyone who sees past the color will notice the 7/8 position of the rig, and the lined and stitched back billets and cinch for durability and security while roping. Tradition and quality also show in the Hermann Oak skirting leather, Harwood brand rigging plates, and the Warren Wright saddle tree.4" Stainless Steel bell bottom stirrups (by (J Hats&Horses) solid sterling buckle set on the rope strap and antique berry edge conchos(by Vogt Silversmiths) add a finishing touch to the saddle." Nancy Martiny, Saddle Maker
TCAA Emerging Artist Saddle by Nancy Martiny

Love the Vine! 


Swivel knife cut designs fill adorning the hand hold

Swivel knife cut designs decorate the center of the seat, the rope strap, cantle bind, and stirrup liners.

Emerging Artist Contest 2013


Swivel knife cut designs decorate the stirrup liners.
 
 The perks of having a super amazing saddle maker Mom.....you get a sweet interview about her lastest masterpiece!  
 
When I got my 1st peek at this saddle I was completely and totally blown away.  It is the fanciest saddle I've ever seen and I knew it was a big big leap from anything she had ever attempted before.  Countless hours spent working through sickness, health, working cows, Christmas orders, and family time....all to create this stunning piece!  THANK YOU for sharing your talents Mom!  Love you!   So proud of my beautiful and talented Mother, Nancy Martiny!

Thank You so much for stopping by the Gypsy Trail today!  Hope you enjoyed a peek at this masterpiece!
The Idaho Winter Rose Saddle is available for purchase. 
For more information please contact:
Martiny Saddle Co.
Nancy Martiny
martinysaddle@yahoo.com

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