Background
Randy Butters, a life-long resident of Homer, Michigan, has farmed his entire life. Upon his marriage to Brenda Rodgers of Campo, Colorado, Randy was introduced to bits and spurs through his father-in-law, Clyde Rodgers. Randy experimented on his first pair of spurs, made out of a tire iron, during a cold Michigan winter in the mid 1980s.

Inspired by Ray Anderson, Erlon Shirley, Jerry Cates and Bill Klapper because of the quality of their work, Randy began making spurs in 1985. Then, Randy studied the past Texas legends such as McChesney and the Kelly Brothers and eventually mastered the detailed and ornate inlaid California styles of G.S. Garcia and others.

Since 1985, Randy has continued to farm part-time and has made more than 1,000 pairs of spurs with silver inlays and overlays and fine hand engraving. Much of Randy's work is featured in museums and western stores across the United States.

Randy was honored by The Academy of Western Artists as the 2005 National Spurmaker of the Year during an awards ceremony in Richardson, Texas on July 12. The Academy of Western Artists is a dedicated group formed to recognize and honor outstanding individuals who, through their accomplishments, preserve and perpetuate the traditions, values and heritage of the American Cowboy.

In addition to designing custom spurs, Randy creates bits, belt buckles, jewelry and performs repairs and restorations on other spurmakers’ work. Known for his interest in the work of past craftsmen, many spur and western collectors seek his expertise and skills.

“I find the challenge of restoration enjoyable and believe it a privilege to restore bits and spurs to preserve the early work of the great western artists and makers of cowboy gear,” Randy said. “Replacing worn out rowel pins for cowboys is the greatest compliment a spurmaker can get.”

Randy and Brenda have five children, two sons, Laramie and Quint, and three daughters, Kara, Kendra and Braidie. Their family continues to expand and bring more joy with the addition of grandchildren..

With help from Randy, Braidie and Brenda began making custom jewelry in the summer of 2007. Their unique heirloom quality jewelry is hand crafted from solid sterling. The graphics are taken from Wallace, Westward Ho, Vernon Kilns, Shenango china ware and other collectible plates. Indian pottery shards are also used. Each piece is individually hand made and includes a solid sterling backing. Antique sterling silver spoons are used to make pendants and earrings from the spoon bowls and bracelets from the spoon handles. All jewelry is marked with the B & B Sterling logo. Visit their web site to look at samples of the custom jewelry. Braidie also operates her own silversmith business - B. Butters Silver.

Randy continues to work on the family farm where he grew up. He raises feeder steers each year and grows hay for area livestock producers. He also enjoys taking care of the growing herd of longhorns.