My name is Anita and I'm a retired Stockbroker/Financial Planner. My passion was horses and riding on my small ranch in Florida until 2 years ago when my father passed away. I wanted to make something to hold a memory of him in the way of jewelry. With the help of my favorite uncle, Tom (who introduced me to Orchid/Ganoksin), we made silver and gold amulets that I shared with my family. I had so many people ask me about them, I've made some for others too. We sold the ranch and now my husband and I live full time in our Motor Home. We work as Camp Hosts (Volunteer) at the California State Parks in San Clemente, CA. I am a Certified Interpreter and do the Campfire and kid programs, teach basket weaving and soapstone carving through the summer. Like some here, I'm new to working with metals. I so appreciate the knowledgeable artists here willing to share techniques and ideas with everyone. I've been reading the daily digest, visiting galleries and websites. I especially like the bench tube videos and the bench exchange pictures of everyone's workspace. I recently bought a new torch from one of the members here who was retiring. She helped me over the phone get it set up. She talked about "my studio", not knowing that "my Studio" was a picnic table here at the state park. It "opens" when I bring out the box to block the ocean breeze from blowing out my torch! (I'll post a picture) I love working with silver but switched to copper for a bit to get used to the new torch. I'd sure like some help with some kind of wax or finish I can use on copper to slow down the change in color. I bought a patina kit from the Metal store that had a small bottle of wax in it. I used some of that today. I've also ordered the Renisance Wax that hasn't arrived yet. I'd also like to learn how the Shibori technique is used on silver. One of my favorite artists here is Sally Jewett-Brocato, of Naked Jewelry. I think she lives nearby and hope to contact her to see if she teaches. Thanks in advance for your patience and inspiration.