Meet The Maker
Chayse Romero, the founder and chief silversmith of Frontera Designs. I am a dog mama and outdoor enthusiast rooted in the Southwest.
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SER•EN•DIP•I•TY : good luck in making unexpected and fortunate discoveries.
I have a new technique under my belt. I can now “flush set” stones, meaning setting small 1-3mm stones so that they sit flush into the metal. It’s reminded me that this trade offers (no joke) a lifetime of techniques to learn and perfect, which is one of the many reasons I love this craft.
From snowy Southwest Colorado, happy #MountainMonday from me to you <3 For those of you brainstorming intentional valentine gift ideas, these custom landscape pieces are a huge hit among partners. I have custom mixed metal rings available (big hit among the fellas) as well as dainty landscape necklaces and durable bracelets.
Today is a good day. 🥂 Who else is feeling hopeful?
YALL, I recently learned about a new gem called moissanite and it is blowing my mind! It is one of the world’s most brilliant gems AND meets the highest environmental standards. It has the optical properties of a diamond but has sources that are traceable AND are eco friendly. This stone was crafted in a controlled lab in the United States for two-three months. It is more scratch resistant than a diamond, has more fire than a diamond and is has more brilliance than a diamond…meaning (in my opinion) it is better than a diamond but is ethically sourced!
Desertscapes and mountainscapes are beginning to fill my bench. For the next few days I’ll be working with mixed metals to form the Grand Canyon, Arches, the San Juan Mountains, Sangre de Cristos and more. Connecting, studying, and making replicas of landscapes are some of my favorite projects. If you have a favorite place you’d like to be created into jewelry, checkout my Etsy shop for jewelry options. Link in bio 🤍
Stepping into the New Year is like breathing in fresh mountain air. It brings a sense of renewal, rejuvenation, and so many possibilities. I hope you’ve all been enjoying these first few days of 2021! We’ve spent them well - hibernating, nesting, and getting outside. In the studio, things have been quiet. I did a little bit of sprucing up, cleaning up, and am prepping to create SO many beautiful mountain pieces.
What a blessing it is to be able to tell stories in metal and to be able to weave light and love into each creation.
We’re on the other side of the darkness and welcome in more light, more love, more movement. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for continuing to follow me on this journey. I’m learning, evolving, and honored to continue to create. Oh yeah and...
Today is a two torch kind of day... I’m working on the largest cuff I’ve made to date, so large it takes using two EZ Propane torches. So far a tiny fire started from the wood under my lazy Susan. Luckily Cliff was there to blow it out. Most of the overlay went down on the first try, most. So I have to try again. Then I’ll form it to be cuff shape, solder on the decorative balls and the bezel, polish, and photograph. It will take me all day and reminds me good things take time. Wish me luck y’all! I need it.