Pablo Lozano

To create this sophisticated 18-piece Western wine set, Lozano contributed all the fine rawhide braiding found on each element — including the coasters, coaster holder, corkscrew, two bottle stoppers, two bottle rings and two bottle holders. He also recruited three other TCAA members to help complete the set.

Each bottle holder consists of 150 fine, natural color rawhide strands braided in various distinct patterns, while the custom cork stoppers are crafted utilizing bases of boj wood (a resilient hardwood) over which Lozano braided natural rawhide buttons with black interweaves. The bottle rings, which are made from cork overlaid with a natural rawhide braided ring and a sterling silver edge, serve to provide a barrier against wine drops. The braided handle of the corkscrew opener, which Lozano fabricated using the fid work technique, consists of 60 strands of natural color rawhide.

Using high-quality Hermann Oak leather, Pedro Pedrini created the hand-carved coaster holder, the ten coasters and the bases for the bottle holders. The engraved metal conchas atop the bottle stoppers — each with a sterling silver border and gold flower — were crafted by Ernie Marsh with a nitre blue finish to contrast with the boj wood and rawhide. The sterling silver components of the corkscrew opener were engraved by Beau Compton.

A fusion of style and functionality, this unique wine set — which took two years from inception to completion — embodies the essence of fine craftsmanship.

These elegant yet functional romal reins, which Lozano created with a lady in mind, are intended to become both a treasured heirloom and a collectible.

The reins consist of a three-strand segment of twisted natural rawhide transitioning into a six-plait flat rattler (or cascabel) style braid to form the loop, then transitioning into six-plait round braids embellished with an array of rawhide buttons, many with black interweaves.

The romal — which features a 16-plait round braid that forms a loop at one end and tapers into an eight-plait square braid loop at the top — is also decorated with a variety of rawhide buttons accented with black interweaves. In total, 35 buttons add balance and visual interest to the reins and romal.

The connector attaching the reins to the romal combines a flat center section braided in the traditional 24-plait Trenza Patria style with a 12-plait round braid that forms the functional closure. At the opposite end, a 16-plait neck is fabricated by splitting and using the strands from the 8-plait braid over the Trenza Patria to hold it securely in place. The connector’s neck is shaped into a loop and secured with a sliding button.

The carved leather popper, crafted by Cary Schwarz, features a scroll pattern and a flower motif dyed in red.

Lozano combined functional design, excellent craftsmanship and his own techniques to fabricate this one-of-a-kind set of rawhide braided hobbles.

Incorporating a 20-strand round braid in the center and a 12-strand round braid border, he laced these elements together on the backside with a rawhide strand to add strength and form the slots, or eyes. For secure closure, Lozano crafted walnut-shaped buttons of his own design, incorporating a sterling silver applique on the top of each button for contrast with the hardware. A sliding button helps keep the hobbles connected.

Larry Lorang fabricated the bow-shaped steel hardware, which is inlaid with sterling silver bars and overlaid with an engraved sterling silver oval bearing a TCA logo crafted from steel.

An original design, Lozano handcrafted this smart hatband from natural color rawhide using alternating round-braided elements laced together on the reverse with a rawhide strand.

Incorporating a 12-strand round braid in the center with eight-strand round braids on each side, all 28 strands subsequently come together to form a tidy tail. The hatband features three rawhide buttons for embellishment and to adjust the hatband to the desired fit.

Lozano fashioned this lady’s necklace using a 12-plait, natural color rawhide round braid, which he accented with an array of fine buttons and Spanish rings. The pendant, handcrafted from a round piece of softened rawhide with fine border stitching, features an intricately braided eight-point star, or octagram, that Lozano notes is a powerful cross-cultural symbol of harmony, hope, balance and divine protection linked to Native American tradition. A small sterling silver applique in the center of the star adds contrast.

Based on Argentinian-style hobbles that a rider can release after mounting, these “let-loose” hobbles incorporate one piece of softened rawhide folded and stitched together for strength. The straps are secured in the center by a rawhide braid overlaid with three gaucho buttons, while two strands of twisted rawhide cord form each eye and attach to hardwood pegs that serve as closures. The twisted rawhide cords are joined at the top where they are laced together with rawhide and secured with a gaucho button.