Steve Yellowhorse Navajo Silversmith Demonstration

[trqsnslvr]

Thank you all for your kind words, they are very encouraging.

[Gerkins1313]

Mr. Yellowhorse, I have 3 of your rings and am always on the lookout for more. I love your pieces!  Thank you for letting us in on some of the magic.

[nothingtosea]

amazing demonstration. thankyou very much!

[marszenka]

Thanks so much for posting that. I've spent 2 summers working in giftshops in Tucson, and I love the Native American jewelry -- I've always wanted to see how it was made. It's really very nice of you to put it up. Also, the bracelet is lovely. I hope your wife liked it. :)

I might have to look into a silversmithing class. I like jewelry a bit too much for my own good!

[GenerationalCouncil]

Dang man that was one of the coolest videos, you should be my teacher. :D 

[trqsnslvr]

It would be simpler and faster if you found a class to join, going it alone involves a lot of trial and error. And it's important to study design at any stage you are in. Most libraries have an art section, and the world around us is full of design elements. The more you think about it and study it, the more your mind will focus on the patterns and textures of design. Add to that the techniques you learn in class and soon you'll be making and designing your own jewelry. My best wishes to you!

[erinmooresays]

I really want to get into silversmithing... I just dont know where to start.

[trqsnslvr]

Yes, my stamp is a horse with SY under it, sterling and copyright, I started using that in the late 80's, but when space is too small I just use SY, sterling, copyright. As for the bracelet, I just made the one during the filming, then gave it to my wife. On the question of symbolic meaning, I try to avoid using symbols, I'm striving for simplicity of design in my work. Thank you for your questions and comments.

[apence4904]

Hi - I bought a bracelet that the seller said was made by you. It has a maker's mark that's a horse with SY under it and STERLING under that. There is also a copyright symbol. Could this be yours?

Love the video - very informative and a beautiful bracelet!



[flojogrande]

Some of my favoite pieces are Rings with Eagle themes by an artist named Larry Hoskie. He generally adds leaves and tear drops and swirls that come to an end. What meaning do the swirls have to Navajo or Native Americans? I want to have a better understanding of what I own. Thanks again, Blackcloud

[flojogrande]

Steve, Thank you so much for posting. I own a small collection of 6 Rings and 3 bracelets. Your video really gives me a much deeper appreciation as to what work went into the pieces I own. I now understand how some of the leaves and things were created by means of stamping. I have been fortunate to have picked up most of my pieces relatively cheap. Some I've owned for 10 years or more. Thanks again, Blackcloud

[trqsnslvr]

Thank you! I love making jewelry, I like being in "the zone" where I'm intensely focused, and I like having a finished piece when the fun is over. It is "work" and yet it's so much more. And yes, God has been good to me, and I'm grateful. As for silver and tools, I usually get my supplies at Indian Jewelers Supply here in Gallup.

[ejmontoya]

Steve, God has you blessed with a gift. I am from Pojoaque just North of Santa Fe. I have been working silver for many years. Just watching your video inspired me to dig out my equipment and start again. When I work on any piece it truly helps me relax and be creative. Where do you typically order equipment and silver from?

[jmrdea]

Thanks is the best jewelery video ever

[fearlessRita]

Thank you !!!!

[trqsnslvr]

Thank you all for your kind comments, it's very encouraging and much appreciated. The "contraption" story - my Dad was selling at the last Pow Wow show in Flagstaff, AZ, probably 1976, and had asked me to demonstrate silversmithing, so I set up my tools and was trying to act like I knew what I was doing. A young "hippie" couple came by with a box of these devices, I was intrigued and bought one. It's one of my favorite tools, I would sure like to meet that couple again and thank them.

[wheresmonique]

Hi Steve - great video. I'm taking a silver-smithing course in London next April. In your video (~ 5:58) you mentioned the 'contraption' you were using was really useful because you could swivel it as you soldered. Would you mind sharing where you got it from?

[cutedogmom1]

Love this bracelet. I made a very simple silver ring in school many years ago. A lot of work which makes me appreciate the effort going into this piece. I love Native American jewelry and especially turquoise. Goes with everything and I am proud to wear this lovely jewelry.

[cruel666]

the achievement of the leaves is superb.

[vanessahjkeys]

I'm just getting started in silversmithing and this video of your creative process was very helpful and informative. I enjoyed listening to the background music too! Beautiful bracelet!

[sonicUnison]

What a wonderful informative demonstration you've kindly shared with us all Steve. Thanks you very much, you're an inspiration.

[sonicUnison]

What a wonderful informative demonstration you've kindly shared with us all Steve. Thanks you very much, you're an inspiration.

[sonicUnison]

What a wonderful informative demonstration you've kindly shared with us all Steve. Thanks you very much, you're an inspiration.

[trqsnslvr]

Hi Craig and Deborah, it's good to hear from you. Thanks for the encouraging words.

[deborahnel]

Hello Steve from Craig and Deborah of Silver Eagle in WI, FL and NC. Still selling your beautiful jewelry in our stores and remembering the years at Turney's. Great video of a hard working talented artist. Your work is better than ever.

[trqsnslvr]

Thanks, SneakerHustler, yes, I do have a cousin that works in Las Vegas. I come from a very large family, I have over 50 cousins, that I know of.

[trqsnslvr]

Thank you, Mike in Hawaii. The silver supply stores here in Gallup NM could probably special order that sheet for you. Try Academy Silver or Indian Jewelers Supply, I'm sure they would be glad to help.

[trqsnslvr]

Thank you treelovingal, I'm glad to hear that you are enjoying the ring and bracelet.

[SneakerHustler]

truly fascinating...do you have any relations to Yellowhorses in Las Vegas, a recent trip to Indian River Gallery we came across some work there and the lady behind the counter was a Yellowhorse, she was very helpful and the pieces purchased were absolutely fabulous....

[Bluesman74460]

you are a rare craftsman sir . I do lost wax myself. I also hand hammer metal wall sculptures. I wonder where i could get a 24x 10 sheet of flat silver sheet?I also paint and sculpt clay. Have a hard time staying on one project.. Your work is great! Mike in Hawaii

[treelovingal]

i wear my ring and bracelet every day. i am happy to see the work that goes into them. thank you for posting this!