SCHOLARSHIP STORIES
ANNE WAITE’S STORY
I have been interested in this craft (silver), since I was a child. I spent many winter evenings in my dad’s shop watching him build bits and spurs. Unfortunately my dad passed away when I was young, so growing up, I was not able to learn this craft from him. He left behind many beautiful conchos, bits, and spurs for us to admire as well as his legacy to follow.
I chose to take A, B, C’s of Bright Cut Engraving with Kelly McRae through Be A Maker School, because Kelly is an amazing engraver and the format of this class fit my life schedule since I work full time.
This course gave me all the basics I needed to sharpen my gravers, draw flowers and scrolls, and start engraving with no previous experience. The best part of this class was being able to meet with Kelly online once a month to ask questions and get some extra support as I was learning. I still have a long way to go in my engraving journey, but I feel like this class gave me a very good understanding of the basic fundamentals that I need to be successful with engraving. This workshop started me on the path of becoming an engraver. I have a strong understanding of the basics so that I can move forward.
Without this scholarship I can definitely say that I wouldn’t be engraving right now. This class helped me with the funds to start a dream that I have not been able to afford on my own. Thank you for this!
Personally I have grown because I have had to step out of my comfort zone. I have learned that no matter how old we are, we should still chase our dreams. I also had to learn to make time for me, so that I could learn, practice, and do something that I have wanted to do for a long time. I have just felt so grateful to have this experience and have enjoyed every moment of this class!
If I could give myself advice, I would say just create! Don’t worry about if someone likes what you are doing, just create and don’t be afraid to find your own unique style.
This scholarship has enabled me to learn something that I have been wanting to learn for a long time. I hate to talk about money, but without it I wouldn’t have spent the money on myself to learn this craft. So many times as wives and mothers we put ourselves last and that is exactly where I was. I am grateful for this scholarship because it pushed me to pursue a dream that I have had for a long time. I have found something that I absolutely love to do! I am not exactly sure where I see myself in 2-5 years. This craft is quickly becoming my passion, but I also have a job that I love and is very important. I suppose I see myself perfecting my craft, making things that make my heart happy, and sharing my love of this western craft and lifestyle with others.
Through this scholarship experience I have stepped out of my comfort zone and started making some things that I have envisioned for a long time. As my skills improve, I have many more projects planned. I went out on my own and started a small side business selling my jewelry. Someday I would like to do this full time, but for now, I am enjoying building things that make me happy and not worrying about the rest.
Thank you so much for believing in me and giving me this scholarship! This opportunity has truly pushed me to a place that I am excited about and I am so thankful for your generosity and your vision for this program!
