Hi Sara,

I have a small studio in my home, tiny space really, with a diamond pacific cabbing machine, and hand tools. I am now ordering pickle, flux etc. from the US after searching in vain for them here long enough to get sick of waiting. I have just purchased a micro butane torch at a local hardware place, but haven't had any success yet, as no proper flux...

I am ordering through Rio Grande, and have had orders sent already successfully. I am sure that there is a Canadian equivalent.

Also though, I distrust the purchase of silver here, both for reliability, and my inability to understand Mandarin well enough.
I did go in September to Lijiang and met a couple of folks doing real smithy work who had what appeared to be locally mined, good silver. Their skills at fabricating too were worthy.

I buy my sterling from Navajo Indian stores in Arizona and New Mexico, or also from Gallup New Mexico Indian Jewelry Supplies (not actually owned by native americans, but good quality stuff--website not so good, but high quality and cheap.)

If I get any intelligence on reliable sources, I will let you know, please do the same.

Best of luck,

Jeff