Amy Raymond is a ranching mom of two boys, Pace (15) and Colter (12). They love riding, roping and spending time gathering cattle with their parents. Amy and her husband run cows for his fifth-generation ranch in eastern Oregon.

 

“I became a silversmith because it gave me the freedom to raise my children and help around the ranch,” Amy says. “Being a silversmith fulfilled my need to build cowboy gear and art with my hands. I also love to make out-of-the-box things in addition to the usual belt buckles and spurs. For example, my fun, one-of-a kind earrings; Thistle Hat pin; and Let Er Buck pendent.”

 

Amy got her start on her silversmithing journey by working with ring builder Travis Stringer. As the years passed, she wanted to progress to the next level. To learn more about making bits and spurs, she worked with local reputable makers, Hugh Coffelt and Jim Baltzor. 

 

Knowing there is no end to what you can learn in this craft, Amy wanted to keep pushing her skills and artistic style. She hit a point in her journey where she felt stagnate and needed to push to the next level. That’s when she sought out masters in the trade. 

 

Amy trained with Cowgirl Hall of Fame inductee and master engraver Diane Scalese; and world-renowned bit and spur maker Ernie Marsh, both great teachers. 

 

“I think of myself as a sponge,” Amy says. “If people are willing to teach me, I love to learn.”

 

For the last eight years, Amy has headed up the Pendleton Cattle Barons Bit, Spur and Engraving Contest. She also teaches classes with maker and silversmith, The Classy Trailer - Jill Skinner. 

 

“My personal goal is continuing to develop my skills, making and engraving techniques; keep my designs fresh and exciting, and teach people all that I know,” Amy says.

 

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