Hi there all! I have been lurking and responding off list where I
feel appropriate, and finally feel comfortable enough so I can step
in and give a great big thanks to all the people who post with all
their experience and knowledge.
First a bit about me, I am a native american (a real tribal member)
in NW Montana, I make silver and whatever stone takes my fancy
jewelry. Generally I like the fabrication part od the job, but enjoy
the cutting when I get a little too much on my plate. I work at a
tribally controlled college in an environmental lab as an analytical
chemist. about two years ago I took a class here in SW style
silversmithing (which I believe by definition is really goldsmithing
and lo and behold! the past thirty years of going to celebrations
and pow-wows and such and looking at jewelry are paying off. Locally
people are very interested in silversmiths to set their elk teeth and
apache tears and the like. I just finished a pair of rings from elk
teeth for a friend, and thanks to I absorbed from this
list over the past year of so, I was able to design and finish them
with no problems. I tend to accumulate until a critical
mass forms and them by blending what I know and what I can do I
finally gain mastery over what I am learning. I have tried several
other “arty” things without much success, but with silverwork, I have
a market and now know what to do with it. I also know (well, better
than before) what to charge people for repairs AND when to say “I
can’t or won’t do that repair”. I recently showed at the new this
year Helena Indian Summer Art Market, and did well enough, and am
planning to go back next year. I thank all who impart their
knowledge and wisdom and technical expertise to this list, and for
the support everyone lends everyone else! Orchid is a great
community and i love being a part of it!!!
Take Care and Have Fun!!!
Frank A. Finley