JB Cricket Silver Jewelry

Jim Ballard
Jim Ballard (JB Cricket) grew up in Colorado and currently lives in a little town near Greeley called Nunn, Colorado. He has been making custom silver creations for 19 years. He started back in 1993 by making bits, spurs and basic pieces. In 2002, Jim began creating fine silver and jewelry.
A few of Jim's mentors and teachers include Mark Liston and Lee Bennally.
Prior to making jewelry, buckles, bits and spurs, Jim made his living as a farrier. He graduated from the Oklahoma Horseshoeing school in 1988 and received his certification from BWFA. Jim claims that his attention to detail and creativity while shoeing horses has made him more skilled in his jewelry making.
Every piece of jewelry, buckle, bit or spur that Jim creates is an original...no two the same. Each item is hand-drawn, hand cut and hand engraved. There are no templates or repetitive patterns that he follows.
When not making jewelry or shoeing horses, Jim spends time team roping and writing poetry. He is competitive in both, attending ropings and poetry jams around Eastern Colorado.
A few of Jim's mentors and teachers include Mark Liston and Lee Bennally.
Prior to making jewelry, buckles, bits and spurs, Jim made his living as a farrier. He graduated from the Oklahoma Horseshoeing school in 1988 and received his certification from BWFA. Jim claims that his attention to detail and creativity while shoeing horses has made him more skilled in his jewelry making.
Every piece of jewelry, buckle, bit or spur that Jim creates is an original...no two the same. Each item is hand-drawn, hand cut and hand engraved. There are no templates or repetitive patterns that he follows.
When not making jewelry or shoeing horses, Jim spends time team roping and writing poetry. He is competitive in both, attending ropings and poetry jams around Eastern Colorado.
Life’s Secret
This secret so simple, so it seems
A difference in each heart of dreams
For some, it can be diamonds and gold
Others, maybe just someone to hold
For some, the peace of a child
A few on the edge to always stay wild
For a hot cup of coffee on the sunrise
A sip of strong whiskey is no surprise
To live in the mountains or on the plains
Maybe where it snows or where it rains
To each a different quiet inside voice
All need to listen such a small choice
Little things that go for granted so easily slip away
Secret is simple things and happy you will stay
Just a Secret
by James Ballard
This secret so simple, so it seems
A difference in each heart of dreams
For some, it can be diamonds and gold
Others, maybe just someone to hold
For some, the peace of a child
A few on the edge to always stay wild
For a hot cup of coffee on the sunrise
A sip of strong whiskey is no surprise
To live in the mountains or on the plains
Maybe where it snows or where it rains
To each a different quiet inside voice
All need to listen such a small choice
Little things that go for granted so easily slip away
Secret is simple things and happy you will stay
Just a Secret
by James Ballard