2025 Buckle Entries
***Product Photos Coming Soon***
All product photos by Nicole Poyo Photography
#1: Dawn Cline
I am Dawn Cline the maker behind 5c Metalworks, L.L.C. in Lebanon, Missouri. I grew up in south central Missouri on a very small farm and I’ve always been the weird art kid. My parents thought I would go into art as a career but, not being one to conform to anything, I actually went to school to be a paramedic and I’ve been in emergency medicine for 25 years. Growing up I had an unhealthy fascination with all things western and horse related and especially loved the patterns in leather and silver work.
Fast forward, and life happened. I grew up, had a career, husband, children and focused less on my art. Mostly using it as an outlet when I needed a break from whatever stress I had. A divorce, sale of a house, and the death of my dad when I was 41 prompted me to do something for myself for a change. After being the caregiver most of my life I took care of myself.
Using some the money from selling my house, I jumped in and bought equipment, supplies, and took classes with the goal of learning silversmithing and engraving. That was four years ago and I have never looked back. Engraving and silversmithing has become a passion I can’t seem to get enough of. I love the challenges and the constant evolution it brings with it as well as being able to keep this western tradition alive.
Most people wouldn’t associate western art with a small town girl from Missouri, but I’ve never been a conformist. I’ve always happily marched to beat of my own drum and continue to do so. Every day I look forward to drawing designs and watching them come to life and, when I can, I incorporate just a little bit of Missouri girl into my work.
The buckle I am creating I have affectionately titled “Home”. The Dogwood flowers and honey bee are the state flower and insect of Missouri. This is my way of infusing my southern home with my love and appreciation for the West and it brings me joy to know that someone will appreciate and cherish my work enough to wear it as a symbol of the things I love.
#2: Kate Montabone
Kate Montabone is the silversmith behind Seven J Silver. She is based in Snowmass, Colorado. She began her silversmithing journey in 2021, learning the art of silversmithing through the local community college and continuing her education with Be A Maker School. As the wife to a cattle rancher, she finds inspiration from ranch life, the Western landscape, and a deep appreciation for traditional craftsmanship.
#3: Bill Doramus
Bill is a self-taught silversmith and life long lover of traditional cowboy art and buckaroo traditions. He started his cowboy career on the ranches of Nevada, Oregon and California, rode the wagon a few times, worked feedlots, trained horse and has worked every cowboy job in between. He suffered a hand injury a short time ago that has resulted in a significant loss of mobility requiring him to re-train both his hand and his methods to adapt. He currently lives in Notus, Idaho on a small commercial cattle operation and enjoys cutting and working cow horses and his good dogs!
#4: Tyler Churchill
My name is Tyler Churchill and I am an emerging hand engraving artist and maker of all things out of Hurricane, Utah. I have had a deep love for hand engraving ever since my Grandfather let me wear his champion bare bronc buckles around the house when I was six.
Now at 31, I use silver, gold, copper and steel to create heirloom style one of one art pieces embellished with hand drawn and hand engraved artwork. I also engrave firearms, knives, lighters, golf clubs, if it’s made of metal I’ve already cut one and will gladly again. I am guided by master engraver and knife maker Julie (Warenski) Erickson. Making/Engraving is my passion and my purpose. Thanks for looking!