He began a copper company called "Art to Burn" where he made copper clad candles. He found though that selling direct to the public fit his personality best and when the cost of paraffin skyrocketed, he began moving in other directions.

In the early 80's, in an endeavor to break away from the masses, Skip discovered and developed the technique of creating patterns and colors with the reduction part of an oxyacetylene flame. He then made a decision to concentrate on smaller pieces so he could spend more time with his two daughters, create beautiful pieces for common as well as the rich and hone his skill through sheer repetition. He disciplined himself to do nothing but butterflies for the first ten years. He made 15,000 butterflies. During that time he went from being a copper colorist to being referred to as a "flame painter" because of the detail he achieved using a flame. In his second ten years he developed the pins and in this last decade, he is creating intricately painted vases, ladles and such.

In the mid 90's, after 24 years of touring the United States as a copper artist, this American premiere Flame Painter became recognized for his unique and highly developed talent and was asked to become a resident artist at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri. In the new millennium, Racheal set aside her fine arts career to join Skip as a coppersmith, her desire to create with flame on copper overpowering her fear of the flame. This is now her medium of choice, producing along side her husband, many pins, wall décor and lidded pots. She enjoys the excitement of what the flame will do on copper and loves sharing it with others. Phillip Cook, Skip and Racheal's son-in-law, has also joined in this family business. Initially, he wanted to see the business prosper and do the back-up work, which would free Skip and Racheal to do more flame painting. While accomplishing both, he also brought in a desire and skill for working with his hands. His interest in creating a finished piece of art from a flat piece of copper drives him on. So far he has enjoyed the creative freedom he experiences in designing plant rings, candle holders and branches. Presently, he is building his skills in pattern work and color and composition with the flame. He is a great asset to Copper Colorists.

All of this has opened the door for Skip to add the larger fine art vases and sculptures to his repertoire. It has also given Skip and Racheal the opportunity to once again travel the country, sharing their work and their appreciation for God's many gifts. You can visit them at their shop in Branson Mills Craft Village in Branson, Missouri.