Jim Strait Designs

My appreciation for the qualities of wood began at an early age, while working with my father and grandfather in Home Construction and Cabinetry. I became familiar with the different properties of wood and how to create interior touches that make a home unique.

I continued my learning by earning a degree in industrial education and industrial art from Colorado State University, which began a career of teaching furniture making and cabinetry at a technical school level.

In the 1970’s, because of an interest in metalworking, I was fortunate to train under renowned bit and spur maker, Frank Bradney.  Sunburst Bits and Spurs was launched, featuring my silver engravings.  For years I exhibited at major horse shows throughout the Midwest, gaining recognition as an accomplished spur and belt buckle artist.

Working with silver on western accessories naturally evolved into silver jewelry making—including design work, mold making and casting.

Silver designing and casting opened up many creative opportunities, but it was limited due to the high temperatures required for melting and the hardness of the metal.  I began to explore other media.  Silver pewter resulted from my experimentation—a pewter formula with fine silver added.  It gave me the strength, texture, and workability that I was looking for, while retaining the luster of silver.  This allowed me to work with a metal that could be inlaid into wood, without the complication of high temperatures.

My lifetime of experience has brought me to this point—working with the natural beauty and character of wood, silver pewter metal, and semi-precious stones.  I consider my functional furniture to be a unique testimony to the deep satisfaction I feel in creating One of a kind pieces from natural elements.

Jim Strait