my story

Amy Raymond

I am a ranch wife, mom, silversmith and engraver.  My life is crazy and busy but, I love what I do and I do it best when my family is with me.  I have two wild boys who rope and show cattle.  My husband is a fifth generation rancher on his family ranch in Helix, Oregon.  We have a registered Angus herd and a commercial cattle operation.  Together we love the life we lead.  We try to balance cows, kids, horses, dogs, fence, 4-H, roping and learning.   

I have been working as a maker since 2004.  I don't believe you can ever stop learning.  I have spent time with a few different makers to help push myself to the next level.  When I started I hit a road block and needed some help.  I found a talented local maker to help me named Jim Baltzor who was willing to let me come into his shop and build a set of spurs and a bit.  He showed me that there is more out there than what I knew.  From there, I started looking for people who would be willing to help push me further.  I called Diane Scalese and was thrilled when she said she would be willing to help me if I traveled out to see her.  From then on, I have spent a lot of time training with her and soaking up her knowledge.  She is one of the top Bringcut engravers out there and a spectacular teacher.  I really don't know what I would do without her being a mentor and friend.  I am always looking to push myself to the next level.  I wanted to build a bridle bit with TCAA member Ernie Marsh.  He is exceptional at high relief engraving and he is one of the nicest guys in the world.  My husband uses the bit everyday while working on the ranch.  I have spent a considerable amount of time at GRS attending different classes.  I have taken a gun engraving class taught by Rex Pedersen and a Jewelry class taught by Todd Daniels.   They have some of the best teachers and their classes keep pushing me to the next level. 

Thank you for checking out my website this has been fun showing people what I love and about my life.