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Basic Western Style Engraving

For details, call Donna Haddow at 719-846-5724.
Class is limited to 10 students
Continuing Education only - not for college credit

Introduction and overview
Tools used
Types of gravers and how to sharpen them

  • Design Layout
  • Basic scroll design
  • Basic design layout
  • Do’s and don’ts of design layout
  • Getting started
  • Basic cuts
  • Putting cuts together
  • Practice practice practice
  • Tips & Tricks
  • Layout tips
  • Transfer tips and tricks
  • Books & CD resources
  • Online resources (YouTube and others)
  • More practice
  • More advanced techniques if time permits

 


About the instructor:
If anything can be said about Rex Crawford, it’s that he knows the cowboy lifestyle in and out. His appreciation for all things Western developed while growing up on ranches in Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico.

Rex first became interested in hand crafting Western gear in 2000 after receiving a pair of spurs built by his father-in-law. Since that time, Rex has been designing, handcrafting and engraving spurs, buckles, bits, jewelry and decorative items in his own style. This style is a blend of single point and bright cut engraving that is distinctive and unique.

When Rex speaks about his craft, it is clear he has a lot of heart. He says the best part of crafting his custom pieces is knowing they will live on in the lives of his customers. Rex believes in keeping his work true to tradition, making “heirloom quality” pieces that owners would be proud to pass down through their families.

Rex also has a very good-natured approach to his craft. When asked, he says he has no secrets to his trade. “The way I see it,” he said, “I was born not knowing how to do these things; I had to learn from somebody else.” Without sharing what he knows, Rex would be unable to pass on the trade that he loves so much. Because of this, he is a strong advocate for education in these arts. Rex regularly takes classes to improve his skills in the engraving trade, and encourages others to learn by teaching classes himself. Having a creative mind, Rex finds it difficult to identify the inspiration for his art. It’s mostly his “crazy ideas” that come organically and become beautiful Western pieces. One such idea became one of his very favorite pieces, a “Cowgirl Keepsake Box,” that won top awards in several competitions.

In addition to Rex’s unique engraving style, a tell-tale sign of his work is a Bible verse stamped near his maker’s mark. He enjoys creating his own designs in addition to trophy pieces and custom gear for collectors and working cowboys. In 2015, Rex was honored by the Academy of Western Artists as the Engraver of the Year.


Required tools and supplies:
• 18-10 Straight liner
• 14-6 Straight Liner
• QC-42 Flat Graver or QC-45 Flat Graver
• QC-37 Flat Graver
• Glensteel V Point 120 degree
• Glensteel V Point 105 degree
• QC handle of your choice
• Chinese White (pigment)
• Traditional QC 10 pack
• Dividers
• Scribe
• Optivisor #3
• Pencil & Sketch pad of your choice

The above tools are available from GRS engraving tools (Glendo Corp.) Please contact Aaron McMichael at (800) 835-3519 or amcmichael@glendo.com. Aaron will put together a package deal of all of the above supplies and materials needed (except the sketch pad).