Newbies: Silversmith/Jewelry-maker Putting his Mettle to the Metal

In an era that seems to have abandoned handcrafting in the main, there are still those who take pride in their craftsmanship. Many are on this very Island.

Joining that group, are the new kids on the block, Travis Starr and Becka Berna. A silversmith and gemsmith (if there be such a thing), Travis creates myriad items by his own hand.

Travis followed more than one tradition, that of the aforementioned “smithie,” the other being a family of Marines – both his father and grandfather were Marines. His father died in Vietnam so Travis spent much of his youth with his paternal grandparents, both full-blooded Apaches, of Arizona.

Travis’ mother, first generation Irish, also died fairly young, leaving him in the hands of his Godparents. “Good people,” he says.

His soul mate, Becka Berna is originally from Biloxi, MS but both she and Travis spent years in Pulaski, WI. Besides being a standup helpmeet, Becka works at KK Fiske.

Travis began doing metalwork at age 6 as he worked at the side of his aforementioned granddad, Erik Starr.

“I was a cranker of bellows,” says Travis and as he grew in age, he grew in ability to work the metal, learning from his grandfather. Travis prefers to do the metal work and the gemstone work in the old-fashioned way…custom design, hands-on.

The shop, located at Mann’s  Den Norske Grenda Stabbur, is upstairs from the Books Up the Road. It’s filled with beautiful pieces of art. So many lovely and interesting pieces are presented in handmade cases around the shop that it may be difficult for buyers to decide on which to purchase.

The couple moved to the Island three months ago; Becka knew the Island as a visitor on and off over the years and now both consider it a nice fit for the kind of life they enjoy.

Besides the silver, there are both yellow and white gold Travis works with. And he cuts the gemstones himself creating their settings as well. Travis connects with the stones, he says, giving him a sense of where to cut for the best advantage of the stone.

I was impressed with the work and with the prices of the pieces he’s done. Earrings, bracelets, and necklaces are unique in their settings. Some have a Native-American look but there’s enough variety for any prospective buyer.

Among the items created from metal, is a pair of tiny salt & pepper shakers. These were made because Becka suggested the need for shakers that might be easily used while eating in bed. The little shakers fit the bill.

Black opal is among the most unique stones to buy. Cutting them can be very touchy, according to their cutter. Visitors will learn much about gemstones and metals when talking to Travis, whose experience has been some 30 years in the making.

There are also collectibles in the shop, like comic books, National Geographics (back to 1931) and various other items of interest.

The couple has had booths at art shows and craft fairs but seem now to want to be a bit more settled in one place. The Island, says Travis, “is quiet, but has its loud moments.” That’s fine with him and Becka. And, perhaps Travis’ son, and Becka’s adult children will be visitors to the Island, bringing along the newest four-month-old grandson. Will there be yet another generation of smithies? One can hope.

The shop is open 6 days a week, Monday – Saturday, 10 till 4:30 and Sundays by appointment. The couple plans to keep the shop open all winter as well. “If we’re not busy, I’ll use it as production time,” says the silversmith.

Travis repairs and resizes jewelry too. Watch for the Silversmith’s ad in the next Observer. In the meantime, do visit the “newbies” and welcome them to the Island as you enjoy their wares.

by Gail Larson Toerpe

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