Frankie Sidaras was born in Farmington, New Mexico, the home of deserts, orchards, and oil fields, and not far from the Navajo Indian Reservation to the south, and the Rocky Mountains to the north. She grew up with an appreciation for the Navajo silversmiths and weavers. "When I went to Northern Arizona University I majored in Metalsmithing. After that I spent a few years making custom wedding bands for people."

After stepping away from metalsmithing for a time, Frankie returned to it full time around 1995. She now owns and operates her own shop in Salado, Texas.

"Tribal cultures believe that a bit of the artist's spirit goes into the things he makes. I think I believe that maybe more than I can admit to myself."