Hello fellows. I just finished these items up this afternoon. A wild rag slide, and money clip. I am working on my shading, and using a liner on my leaves, something I have not used very much. I am wanting to start using it, and hopefully get profecient with it, as well as shading. These are things I have avoided. I am going to try and make some time for myself to work on areas I know are lacking. I am fairly pleased with the way these came out. I would appreciate any and all comments.

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May God Bless you, as He has me
Mike Pardue
www.parduesilversmith.com

I like the items.I find myself staying in familiar ruts with my engraving and seem to lack the self discipline to practice new things. Chad

Hey Chad ,

I'm sure no expert engraver but your work looks good to me. How did you set the stone in the money clip?

Larry

I ment to say Mike not Chad on the last post sorry.

Larry

Mike

It looks to me like you have that liner figured out. I'd guess you just need some more practice to feel comfortable, at least thats how it worked for me.
Keep up the good work, you have developed a very distinctive style that makes your work instantly recognizable.
Hoot

Mike,

I have to agree with Hoot. As we have discussed I can look at a piece from across the room and instantly identify it as yours. The liner work is looking great. Give me a call.

D.C.

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The best thing for the inside of a man is the outside of a horse.

Hello guys
Thanks for the comments, I do apprecaite the comments.
Chad
I have found myself in a rut with the engraving. It seems I have gotten very busy turning out orders, and have not made the time to try new things or even improve my usual style. I am going to correct that, and take the time to do what I need, to get where I want to be. I just need to take the time to practice and hopefully perfect it.
Larry
Those little stones are easy to set. They are 3mm. I drill a 5/64 hole all the wat through the material that the stone will set in, this allows light to pass through the stone. I then use a 3mm burr to drill the hole oversize, and accept the stone. Once the stone is set at the right height, I use a square graver, and raise a small burr in several places around the stone, locking it in place. I hope this makes sence, I have not taken any classes on stone setting, but this works. I am sure a real jeweler would have some ideas and tips. I set lots of turquoise stones and Elk ivories. I just make a bezel to fit the stone, solder it to the piece its going on, and with a home made tool, I crimp the edges of the bezel.
Hoot
hope your well, havent heard form you in awhile. Thanks for the comments. I am getting used to the liner, used it all day today, lots of practice, and I am liking the way it looks. You should post some of your stuff, I have seen it before, and its very good. Best I remember you have a real nice wild rag slide, in fact I still have a copy of it some where around here. I am trying to do something that is mine, I dont want to copy anyone else, I do admire lots of folks, but want my work to stand on its own.
D.C.
howdy, when you going to get up this way. We have lots of stuff to do around here, and I can see lots of late nights in the shop iwhen you make it up here. We might find some meat to throw on the fire as well. In fact I butchered a hog last night, it will be mighty good. A buddy of mine shot it and brought it by, so its in the freezer. I will give you a holler

_________________
May God Bless you, as He has me
Mike Pardue
www.parduesilversmith.com

Mike,
Just got back from the Western Heritage and got my computer fired back up. Your work is looking great. When D.C. gets to Midland I will try to get down there and see you guys.
Take care,
Stewart

Stewart
Hello, hope the western heritage went well. I am sure you turned lots of heads with your work. Every year I say I am going to head that way, and I have not done it yet, maybe next time.
Yeah if D. C gets this way by alll means head this way, I bet we can find some ribs or a brisket to throw on the fire and burn. It would be good to visit, so I hope it all works out.

_________________
May God Bless you, as He has me
Mike Pardue
www.parduesilversmith.com

Mike
Your wild rag slide appear to have a rim around them. How did you do that?
Rod

Rod
Hello, the slide odes have a border on it. It is about 3/16 wide. I cut the border out, then brazed it down to my silver and cut the silver out using the border as a pattern. I put rope edges on lots of stuff the same way. Its about the easiest way I have found to do the edges.

_________________
May God Bless you, as He has me
Mike Pardue
www.parduesilversmith.com

Mike~ Nice and clean. Your engraving is distinct. Your proficiency
in your artistry is really beginning to show. Seems that you have
been taking Wilson's advice to heart. Once again, very nice!

Best regards,
Greg Pauline