As I sat there … in his extensive shop, I could not help but feel like I was sitting with my dad. Tools meticulously arranged along the walls, heavy-duty machinery covered up just waiting to spring into use, and saddles crowding every corner told me I was in the presence of a craftsman.
He began as a silversmith, working on jewelry and all kinds of silver applications. But a chance meeting at a hobby fair would help him find his future in leather. He apprenticed under a pro and was given the gifts of the trade freely.
Larry Royston had a future in leather indeed, as he’s now one of Colorado’s premier saddle and tack repair artists. And he doesn’t just work on the mundane; he’s got a slew of trick saddles and surcingles he’s helping come back to life.
His shop, a zen temple, “I like working with my hands,” he said. I understood. The meditative quality of working with one’s hands is addictive. You start with nothing—scraps. And you wind up with a quiet mind AND a finished product. Who could say no?
The truth is that Larry is drowning in work. He’s too busy to take on many projects and feels bad for having to turn people away.
But Larry didn’t turn me away when I approached him about helping me sew my crystals into browbands. He did me one better: he sat down next to me and taught me how to do it myself without asking anything in return.
I find myself so fortunate to sit at the feet of masters of their trade, and Larry is no different. His affable nature and willingness to work with people make him highly sought after, as it should be.
So I’m not writing this blog to garner more work for Larry; he doesn’t need it. I simply want to point to the angels that flood my path when I open myself to receiving the help I need. Larry Royston is just such an angel.
Thank you, Larry, for your time and attention, and for helping me learn something rather than taking my money to do it yourself. YOU are a true teacher and benefactor of humanity. I am so blessed to know you.
Here’s to a future of bandaids and callouses, and here’s to Royston Saddle & Tack!
P.S. My time with Larry helped me recapture time lost with my dad after his passing. He had an impressive machine shop filled with all sorts of interesting things. As I sat with Larry, even though I’m 20 years older than his daughters, I could not help but feel my dad’s presence. There are no words to express the gratitude I feel.