An accountant by profession, I gave up the corporate world last year and "retired" to make jewelry full time. I've been working in silver for about a year and consider myself more than beginner, but less than intermediate level. I've taken private classes and classes at the John C. Campbell Folk School. I have a Smith Little Torch (oxy/acetylene). I've been using the information from Orchid for about 6 months and have found it extremely helpful. I look forward to learning a lot more in the future.