Today we’d like to introduce you to Wilson Capron.
Wilson grew up on ranches in West Texas and has studied horsemanship and roping since his youth. In 1996, he began working for a friend’s father, legendary bit and spur maker Greg Darnall. He lived with the Darnall family while attending Texas A&M University-Commerce, where he earned an Ag-Business degree.
At first, working for Greg was a way to earn money for rodeo fees, but Greg’s encouragement for Wilson to learn engraving sparked a passion for craftsmanship that continues today. As Wilson developed his engraving talent, he found guidance in artistic principles from his father, cowboy painter Mike Capron. In 1999, Wilson launched his own business.
Capron plans out on paper the designs that define his contemporary interpretation of Texas- and California-style bits and spurs. He has been a member of the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association since 2004. Wilson and his wife Katy, who helps manage his business, and their daughters Macy and Emmy live in Christoval, Texas.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I don’t think anyone involved in business can say it has all been roses. I have certainly learned a lot since the beginning about running a business. As an artist/craftsman learning to juggle the requirements of CEO duties of the business and then making sure I have time to produce a product as well can be challenging. The challenge of pricing is always a problem as one gets started when you are creating with your hands. Today I am much more confident running my business. It is super important to me that I am proficient went at that so I can continue to create and do what I love. The process will continue and hopefully, I never stop learning.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am a bit and spur maker who creates one of kind pieces that are specially made for my customers. My bits and spurs tell the story of the West through my customer’s eyes. Design and ornamentation on the bits and spurs along with the fabrication is what my business is built on. My interests lead me to everything from the basics of blacksmithing all the way to the fine ornamentation of firearms engraving. The whole process of creating the bits and spurs is a real joy for me.
What separates my work from the ordinary bit or spur found in the local feed store is I not only allow, but I insist my customer get involved in the creation of their piece. No, I don’t allow the customer too so to speak “hold the pencil and do the drawing,” but I want to design something that tells my customer’s story. The greatest joy is to see my customers face light up when we finally get their project completed.
What were you like growing up?
As a young kid, I was extremely shy. The first nine years of my life I lived on a ranch in far west Texas. In fact, I was the only one in my kindergarten class. There were nine students in the whole school of K – 5th. At 9 the family moved to Ft. Davis where I started to overcome my shyness. That was quite the process. As a kid, I always wanted to make something but I never knew what. That is a characteristic that means my time in the shop is a real joy. I have always been a hard-headed, determined person that can’t help but follow my own path. I enjoy being around people and hearing their stories, but I tend to follow my own interests regardless if anyone else wants to join me.
Sports were always a large part of my interests growing up too. I played sports going through school and believe they played a big role in my discipline as I work for myself. They sports dynasty that wins year in and year out is one that has always caught my attention. Anyone can win once, but those that repeatedly win have to really work and understand their craft. Maybe I didn’t realize that as a kid, but it sure is clear now.
Pricing:
- Most bits and spurs start around $2,500-$3,000 and go up from there.
Contact Info:
- Website: wilsoncapron.com
- Phone: 4329670684
- Email: wkcapron@gmail.com
- Instagram: @wilsoncapron
- Facebook: Capron Bits & Spurs, LLC
- Twitter: @WilsonCapron
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