[support] advanced search using drop down fields

Hi, Can anyone suggest ideas how to design a custom drop down field tool in drupal? for example as a search tool: ie. Frame type = wood/metal/none Paint type = oil/water colors Artist = Local/National/International That way I could narrow down the search results retrieved when i do a sql search. I can do the sql statement - i just need some help with the drop down field form. Is there a module already written to do this? thanks, Paul