Friday, April 20, 2012

Akela Flats Trading Post

Bowlin's Akela Flats Trading Post is located on the north side of Interstate 10 (Exit 102) in southern New Mexico. It is about 20 miles east of Deming (the Duck Race Capital Of The World) and about 30 miles west of Las Cruces (home of New Mexico State University main campus). From the moment you step foot into our store, the enticing aroma of fresh, homemade cookies will cause you to want to pick up a dozen of the fresh baked goodness...or try some of our homemade fudge! While you are snacking on these delicious goodies, enjoy browsing through the tremendous selection of merchandise such as southwest souvenirs, Native American handcrafted jewelry, Minnetonka Moccasins, or even the huge selection of fireworks offered at this store!  Exxon® fuel is also available with 24hr pay at the pump service.

The next time you are headin' our way, stop on in Akela Flats where we can show you true Southwestern hospitality!



Friday, April 6, 2012

Handmade Inlay Jewelry

Step 1: Wax Molds


Step 2: Silver just out of the kiln
Step 3: Silversmith linking the silver                               

Step 4: Shaving and placing the stones in the silver moldings











Step 5: Polishing the piece

There is no other jewelry quite like Inlay.  First, the silver molds are created from wax moldings and melted silver.  After the silver has been hardened, it is linked by a silversmith.  Next, each stone is shaved down by hand to fit perfectly in the silver moldings.  Each color you see is a different stone, and these stones come from all over the world- Brazil, India, Afghanistan, China, and even right here in the United States.  Finally, the inlay piece is polished and is ready for you to wear!  Every inlay piece you will find in our store has been diligently and tirelessly handmade, using exact precision.  When you purchase one of these inlay pieces, know that no one else will have an inlay piece like yours, for no two are alike. Make sure to check the back...there you will find the initials of the Native American artist responsible for crafting your piece.
We do offer a 90-day warranty on all of our jewelry items.  Upon purchasing a piece of inlay, you will receive a certificate of authenticity with our warranty information attached.