Right on HUE: Dyeing Rodeo Outfits for Queens with Rodeo Ink

October 3, 2015 - posted by Jerica Parker

I have always looked at Rodeo Queen contestants and wondered how they got all their outfits to match so perfectly. It’s incredible! From their hats, to their boots, and even their horse tack, it is all the same shade.

A frequent question we get asked is, How do I dye my own rodeo queen outfits? So, we asked around to give you the answers.

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If you’ve ever tried to dye your own rodeo outfits, you’ve experienced just how hard it really is. Sometimes they can turn out, and other times the whole batch is botched.

So we talked to Ron Hansen, owner of the Rodeo Ink Company. We got the chance to sit down with him and talk to him a little bit about his business Rodeo Ink and dyeing rodeo outfits.

Dyeing Rodeo Outfits Q&A

S&E: How did you get started?

Ron: Ever since my little girl started doing rodeo queen contests, I’ve started dyeing her outfits. Pretty soon, word got out, and I began sending out dye orders for rodeo queens all over the states. It’s been 5 years now since I’ve started, and since Rodeo Ink opened for business.

S&E: What are some common mistakes people will make when dyeing on their own?

Ron: Well, dyeing is kind of a tricky thing. Many times, people don’t take into account all the different materials and dyes you have to use to get the same shade on everything. People can very easily can ruin a pair of jeans when dyeing. I hear a lot of “Help me fix this!” and a lot of times, stripping the dye out again is nearly impossible.

So I help people start over. Some good jeans to start with when dyeing are white Wranglers, style 13 or 14, and blank white boots. That way the dye goes on in its pure color, and you’re not overlapping and getting strange colors in the end.

S&E: What does a rodeo queen need dyed?

Ron: Just about everything! That includes shirt, jeans, boots, etc. Even reins, saddle pads, and custom tack. I can dye all those all the same color to match the outfit. Also, I have a contact with someone who does custom jewelry, airbrushing, and more.

S&E: What other events do you do dyeing for?

Ron: I do stuff for high school rodeo queen contestants, horse shows, Western pleasure, Texas stock shows, and even youth competitions – not just high schoolers. Also, I have worked with State Queens and Miss Rodeo America contestants.

Pearl and Perri Douglas for Box Elder County Minnie Princess

S&E: What’s rodeo queening’s effect on families?

Ron: Rodeo Queening is a great program for families. I have been involved in rodeo for more than 30 years and I was a rodeo clown & bull fighter for about 13 years. My whole family has been involved in rodeo for 10 years now and we have learned a lot, and not only about rodeo.

Being involved in rodeo queen pageants teaches kids about responsibility and self-worth, which is something that can help these kids out a lot when growing up.

Now We Know!

Thank you Ron! He gave us some awesome tips and ideas and we hope that those were able to help you as well. He’s got a knack for dyeing and says that he can match any color you send him. He recently added a new gal to help him out during the peak season, where they send out about 10-12 pairs in a week to orders from all across the United States and Canada.

If you would like to get into contact with Ron, or would like to look at some of his work, here you can check out his Rodeo Ink Instagram or his Rodeo Ink Facebook page.

Or, if you are interested in dyeing or other gear, come visit us in Ogden, UT, off I-15 at exit 351 – or, click here for Women’s Jeans, Girls’ Jeans, Paracord, and Tack.

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What You Didn’t Know About 4-H

August 11, 2015 - posted by Regan Taylor

When you think “Weber County 4-H,” what comes to mind? If you’re anything like me, you probably only picture lamb and other livestock showing and competitions.

Well, you aren’t completely wrong. The livestock and horse programs are a big chunk of what 4-H has to offer – Click here to read about showing livestock with 4-H!

BUT, what you more than likely didn’t know is that 4-H has SO many more amazing programs!

Variety of Programs in 4-H

Do you and your child love to cook? Try the food preparation and preservation project. Interested in learning more about photography? Gardening? Rocketry? Sewing? The list of what kinds of groups Weber County 4-H has to offer goes on and on. The best part is that it’s for youth in 3rd-12th grade and their friends or families. It’s an awesome way for youth to learn helpful life long skills and to get involved with others in their community.

4-H Reaches Far Across Communities

4-H is in all 50 states – plus over 50 other countries! Why? The success it has in each community of course! It’s all about empowering youth to reach their full potential and encouraging them to broaden their experiences and knowledge through activities that peek their interest.

Clubs and programs are added based on the communities interest and demand – so if you have an idea and it’s not already a club or program yet, it very well could be in the future!

Types of Clubs

So what existing clubs are there? Well, as I said, the list goes on and on. But here are a few that caught my attention:

Crime and Spy Science Clubs: Investigate and analyze using spy kits, messages, fingerprints and DNA.
Paper Crafts Clubs: Learn all about scrapbooks, cards, journals, origami, grow cards, and paper mache.
Shooting Sports: This is a recently added club! Learn about equipment, trap shooting, archery, how to use a shotgun AND a handgun.

Cake Decorating Clubs: Teaches you how to create and bake a beautiful cake; from frosting, decorating, and the proper display of the cake. (Fun!)
Fitness and Healthy Snack Clubs: The importance of fitness and it’s effect it has on your health should be taught as early as possible. This class teaches you about cardio, balance, strength, measuring food intake as well as choosing the right foods and setting goals through healthy living activities.
Theater Arts: With this club you or your child will be able to use their imagination, body and voice to express their character. This club covers everything from dynamics to acting styles, and even auditions!
Horse Program: It doesn’t matter if you have access to a horse or not, if you’re interested in learning the science of equine care and management, this is the program for you! Activities can include anything from educational (and fun!) club meetings to trail rides, horse shows and service projects.

Robotics Clubs: Do you love to take things apart and put them back together to see how they work? From what makes robots move to how they turn, this class shows you how to do just that; learn the basics of the world of robotics. Maybe even build one yourself!
Sewing: Let your future tailor shine through with this fun class that teaches you how to choose the right sewing tools and even how to use a sewing machine. Make a pillowcase, a skirt or pair of shorts, or even a doll skirt.
Craft Beading Club: Bubble beads, wooden beads, bedazzling…. oh my! The possibilities of what you’ll be able to make are endless!
Dog Clubs: Why pay for a trainer to get your rowdy puppy in check when you can learn how to yourself?! This club covers barking basics, “sit and stay”, “get down” and “figure 8” commands.
Photography: From composition, shooting and editing, you’ll be taking beautiful pictures that tell a story.
Spa and Relaxation Clubs: Body butter, zen garden, lip balm, foot scrub, candles and yoga; all the relaxing ingredients you need to create a perfect spa oasis!

Alicia Teuscher with USU Extension – Weber County 4-H

“I would like parents and youth to know 4-H has something to offer EVERYONE! Farm or urban environment, 4-H has a project that will interest you and will encourage personal development. Some of our project areas include beekeeping, livestock, art projects, knitting, public speaking, record keeping, fashion and talent shows, livestock and horse judging teams…the list goes on and on!” – Alicia Teuscher, 4-H Educator with Weber County Extension Office

To get a full list of what Utah 4-H currently has to offer you or your family, please click here.

Let’s all Learn, Grow and Build Together as a Community!

With all of these amazing “hands-on” clubs, there’s no way you won’t be able to find something that fits you or your child’s personality! It’s all about finding what you’re good at, what you love doing, or what you want to learn how to do; and then taking that skill to the next level with a productive “learning by doing” approach.

4-H allows for individuality and personal success. It teaches leadership skills, the importance of citizenship and giving back to your community.

To become a member, leader or volunteer for Utah 4-H please contact the Weber County Extension office at 801-399-8209 (or your county’s extension office).

You can also visit their website at utah4h.org

Is your son or daughter in 4-H, or did you participate growing up? Leave a comment telling us what club you were a part of and why you loved about participating in 4-H!

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Thanks for helping us help Primary Children’s!

August 7, 2015 - posted by Rose Marion

Since Jim Smith started this program at Smith & Edwards in 1996, each year starting around Thanksgiving, Smith & Edwards asks every customer if they’d donate to Primary Children’s Medical Center — our local children’s hospital in Salt Lake City and part of the Children’s Miracle Network.

Every one of our cashiers has a personal story they can tell of a customer who gave greatly to this important center.

And your donations have a HUGE impact on children & their parents as they go through a difficult time in their lives. Children like Parker – an All-Star! (Read more about Parker here!)

Not only do your donations benefit Primary Children’s – they inspire others. As a Utah Ace Hardware member, we have the opportunity to serve dinner to families whose children are in treatment at Primary Children’s.

Our team was set to take dinner from Bella’s down to the parents at the hospital one night – but when we went to pay, Bella’s Fresh Mexican Grill offered to donate the meal.

Serving Primary Children’s really is an opportunity for us as a store to give to those in need – and it started with one man’s inspiration.

“If you’re not helping the kids, you’re not doing what you should be doing. ” – Jim Smith.

Last year alone, Smith & Edwards raised $33,089 for Primary Children’s. Your donations really add up!

Primary Children's Painting by Robyn Braeken

We were honored to accept this painting by Robyn Braeken, age 6, who benefited from care at Primary Children’s Hospital. What amazing talent Robyn has! The painting is Mommy Kitty, Baby Kitty.

Jim Smith, president of Smith & Edwards from the 1960s to the 2010s, knew the importance of supporting our local children in need. The Smith family has benefited from the skilled medical care available at Primary Children’s, as have many of the families of employees here at the store.

Jim also made it his mission to support the community’s contribution: to this day, for each dollar you donate to Primary Children’s at Smith & Edwards, the Smith Family matches that donation.

Since the program started in 1996, Smith & Edwards has sent over $490,000 to Primary Children’s – nearly half a million dollars. This entire donation benefits the kids: none of it is sent to administrative expenses!

“As long as the Smith family’s involved with the store, Primary Children’s will be a priority for us.” – Misti Smith Kosoff

We are able to continue donating to Primary Children’s through our partnership with Ace Hardware. In July 2015, representatives from Ace Hardware and Children’s Miracle Network came to congratulate our cashiers – and we received a trophy marking Smith & Edwards the Western Region Champion store affiliated with the Ace Foundation.

We couldn’t help Primary Children’s without your help. So thank you for your donations, and when you come in to Smith & Edwards during the Christmas season, please say YES when you’re asked to donate. Your donation makes a BIG difference!

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4-H Helps Kids Build Confidence through Showing Livestock

August 6, 2015 - posted by Rebecca Adams

Alicia Teuscher with USU Extension – Weber County 4-H

I had the pleasure of talking with Alicia Teuscher, an Extension Educator with the Utah State University 4-H Program. The Weber County 4-H program has many different departments, but the main program that people think of when working with 4-H programs is the livestock department.

Beginning with Clover Bud, at age 5 to 8 children can participate in some activities at a basic level. There are livestock showing opportunities for Clover Buds, which helps participants build confidence in themselves as they move to the 4-H club when they reach 8 years old.

From Clover Buds, youth work their way up to the state level as they become involved in 4-H programs in high school. 4-H members can become an officer at state level and even participate in national conferences as well.

As you build confidence in showing your livestock, you build confidence in yourself and become more responsible. Building a skill level always takes time and patience, but the reward of being able to show your hard work is what makes the livestock department so important.

How Your Kids Benefit from Showing Livestock

As you build your confidence in showing your livestock, you build confidence in yourself. Alicia told me, “4-H and doing the demonstrations that I did, and going to conferences and being a state officer, helped me to overcome my difficulty of public speaking and the ability to show my livestock with confidence.”

Kennedy Douglas with her hog. Kennedy won Reserve Senior Class Showmanship at the Weber County Fair – congrats Kennedy!

One of the big benefits of doing livestock is learning to take care of animals. There’s so much you can learn as far as grooming, feeding, fitting – and having the proper shelter as well.

There is a lot of responsibility with raising livestock, because you clean up after them and make sure that their habitat is taken care of & uncluttered so your animal stays safe. As you gain confidence, you learn how to train your animal.

Wells Thompson walking his hog. Wells raised the Grand Champion hog at the Cache County fair last year!

Training is important and taking the time to prepare and show your animal. Being able to lead the animal, set up the legs, and keep the animal between you and the judge at all times are key elements to showing your livestock. Tip: Keeping eye contact with the judge is very important to showmanship.

Getting Ready for the Show

Preparing your animals for the show takes a lot of time. A child works with their animal for months before the show: weighing and charting, walking, and grooming their animal as it grows. Luckily, there’s a lot of support and resources to guide 4-H members with their steer, lamb, or hog. Then in the summer, it’s time to get ready for the big event.

Fitting, as it is called, requires you to shear your livestock right before a show. You’ll also trim the hooves and wash them with specific soap that is safe for them. You learn how to scrub and wash your animal; for example, in between the hooves and under their belly and legs. You can also learn how to shear your animal: this is an important skill because shears are sharp, and the animal can be cut easily.

Pace Thompson with his hog

There are many different animals that are a part of livestock showing. Steers, lambs, and hogs are a few that are presented and auctioned off during these shows. “When looking for an animal for the fair you want to look at their health: that they have good feet and legs, the width and length of the animal, and their breed character.”

“The biggest thing is to practice, so it becomes second nature. With lambs you use a halter that helps them to be able to lead and set up for a show,” Alicia advised.

With hogs, you don’t use a halter – rather, a leading stick that helps them to follow your lead. With steers you use a halter as well as a leading stick to help them with posture and form. “It takes a lot of time and patience to train the livestock. They spend a lot of their summer training these animals for the shows.”

Gavin Douglas and his steer (and showmanship buckle!)

How your kids can get started

Getting into the program is simple! There are offices you can call to get involved in, and even as an adult you can sign up as a volunteer. If you have several children interested, you can sign up as a family group. There are so many different resources and clinics that help you become involved and learn more about your livestock and the proper ways to show and train your livestock.

If you are in Weber County, reach out to Alicia’s office at 801-399-8206 or WeberCounty4-H.org to get your son or daughter involved. You can also find Utah State University Extension on Facebook!