bitsandspurs

Hello All,
I am new to this site and do not do any engraving yet. I am very interested in learning more. I have been a silversmith since the 70s and working with metal wire since I was very young.

I love the look of really nice engraving and tooled leather work. So, where do I get a reference to the designs like the "Lazy Daisy" or Sheridan Leather scroll work with a good history of the craft?

Currently, I work with sheet, wire and precious metal clay in bronze, gold, and silver. I'm a cowgirl at heart (even though I don't own a horse and grew up in the city). I'm trying to decide if the time and investment in tools would be wise without a tutor in this fine art.

Thank you for your help!

I get alot form these guys and this site. Also alot also from the site igraver.com. Ive been to a class also. Also Ive got books from Ron Smith Understanding and drawing of scrolls and Advance Drawing of Srolls. You can find these books and more at GRStools.com.
Welcome to the site I like your work.
Ronny

I know it would take a lifetime to master the engraving techniques I have seen on old spurs and saddles by some of the masters. I am amazed and in awe of the work I have seen on this site. It is inspiring to know people still carry on this art.

How many years of practice do you think it takes to really learn the techniques involved? I'm thinking of using some of the techniques in a different medium.

Thanks again.

Me I am just a young maker just been engraving an year. But these guys I meet on here some have been doing this for 15 to 20 years. I really think its the person will'n to learn that makes the maker. You have some really great work there I dont think you it would take you long to pick up.
Ronny

I had a saddle maker ask me to show him how to engrave. I showed him some basic cuts and told him that Lee Traveno said to hit a bucket of balls every day. He went home and practiced every day after making saddles. He came back three weeks later to show me his progress. I wanted to take lessons from him but he didn't do a cut I didn't show him how to make. He just did it very well. I would think after a class in what ever type of engraving you would like to start, with your artistic could do quite well.
Rod

Thank you again for the recommendations for resources and tutorials. My mind is already spinning.

Study the books that were recommended. Study every example you see of engraving, whether western or other. Above all draw designs every chance you get---you can't cut what you can't draw. I still have fears about my artistic talent, but the best advice I ever got was "do it foryourself." Every great artist of every persuasion did that work to suit himself and someone else came along and marveled at it. Look at what Michaelangelo did to the Sistine Chapel. Not engraving but you get my point. Just keep plugging away and the ideas will come. Mike

Thank you Mike for the reminder about following your own muse...I usually do. This adventure is different in I always admired work in engraving, just never really studied it to find out how the components work together to make the complete design. I want to be true to the art, so to speak. I want to know what each component is called and where it originated, so I can be knowledgeable about the design. I also don't want to copy someone else's work. Especially if they are known to do a certain design in all their works. So, I am starting at the beginning. Not to offend anyone, but since I am a 7th generation Texan, I would like to incorporate mostly Texas elements into my designs...