TCAA in the Classroom
Monday, October 19th, 2009In its efforts to preserve traditional cowboy crafts, the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association offers one-on-one mentoring opportunities for students, as well as spring and fall workshops for craftsmen hoping to progress in the trades of saddlemaking, silversmithing, rawhide braiding, bitmaking and spurmaking. In advance of the 2009 TCAA show, held September 26, silversmiths David Alderson and Mark Drain conducted a four-day engraving workshop at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. Alderson and Drain shared insights on design, tools and techniques. Students included veteran craftsmen from across the United States, Canada and Australia. The museum will host a TCAA leather-carving workshop in February 2010.
Ideas for engraved designs first take form on paper.
TCAA silversmith David Alderson demonstrates a technique for transferring a sketched scroll pattern from parchment to sterling silver.
Alderson's pattern, transferred to silver, is now ready to be engraved.
Students observe as TCAA silversmith Mark Drain demonstrates engraving techniques.
Drain’s pattern nears completion.
