Delicate Druzy

This may look familiar if you read my previous post. I have finished all the sanding and filing on this one an without further adieu, the druzy agate pendant.

Side views...

In my original post I mentioned that this stone reminded me of something delicate. So I used this idea, this feeling, to make a bird cutout on the back.  

These pictures really do not do this stone justice. The colors are somehow off, this looks a bit too yellow...but for now they will do. 

A Preview of some Unique Pieces

It's been a little quieter than usual around my blog, I know. I have been busy in my studio (and not so much busy with my camera).

Although I've started (or even completed) construction on many one of a kind pieces, not one is complete yet. Not really surprising given the amount of finishing each one takes...but I thought I would share a preview of some of the stones I'm using.

You may recognize this fossilized coral from an earlier post.

I decided to make a pendant with the matching stone. I am using an interesting but uncomplicated bail and a simple cut out because this stone is just too cool to hide it's wonderful detail. I am also going to use patina (as I did with the ring) to give it character and interest. I'm thinking I will also oxidize the chain and clasp for congruity.

This is a druzy agate. 

A side view...

It has beautiful subtle greens and happy yellows with a few spots of orange. The abundance of tiny crystals has a wonderful sparkle. This stone makes me think 'light' 'airy' and 'delicate'. It is also translucent, so I wanted to do a cut out on the back. You will have to wait and see what I came up with!

A while back I bought a few jasper pieces from my local bead shop. You may recognize this one if you follow me on FB;

Another view...

This is also jasper...

...and it's shape also reminds me a little butterfly happily floating around. So it too is destined to have it's very own butterfly cut out.

You may recall this bracelet I made using a fossilized dinosaur bone;

This specimen of dino bone is quite different. It is a rich red with a really cool stripey pattern.

I've started construction and decided to make this into a necklace as well.

Stay tuned for the finished pieces, I will hopefully roll them out soon.

Greenhills Spring Fundraiser

Here is the piece I donated to Greenhills for their annual fundraiser. Look familiar? This Varscite stone is  the 'sister' stone to the Varscite ring as they were cut from the same piece of stone.

And, if you didn't notice, I'm using my new bail design again. I also couldnt resist doing a few circular cutouts on this one.

Stylistically it is very similar to my 'cosmic larimar' pendant, but holds it's own.

I Heart Trees & Your Paper Craft Can Too!

As you may or may not know, I am a contributor to the newly rolled out abluehouseblog. Head on over to  to read my post about how to make some custom gift packaging- green style.

A productive weekend- part 2

Last Sunday was also productive. I made a pair of earrings (for my mom's b-day), another set of stacking rings w/curved discs and a new pair or earrings. The new pair is a copper and silver combo. I used my dapping block to give them a nice curve and finished them with a brushed texture.

I've also been making some necklaces for the show that don't require the use of my torch. They all have a bit of sparkle and femininity about them. These have cut-outs of silver sheet mimicking the shape of the stone.

And...

Guess I have a thing for purple lately, the top stone is faceted amethyst and the second one is Iolite.

None of these pieces will appear in my Etsy shop. In fact, I am planning a 'boycott' of sorts for my Etsy shop for a few weeks; I won't re-list any items or post new ones. This means very little shop traffic. But for now, that's a good thing since I'm trying to build inventory.

A productive weekend- part 1

At the risk of alienating Brian and other friends and family, I will be spending a lot of time in my studio for the next few weeks. Last weekend was no different.

Most of Saturday I spent making this Lariamar pendant (please excuse the carpet background- I needed something light and I had only a few moments of sunlight left...so this had to do). I didn't sketch for this piece, which isn't terribly common for me. I felt inspired enough to just go for it. It was a studio session where ideas just came from the piece while I was working.

I thought I would do a neat cutout on the back to show a bit of both sides of the stone...

After I completed the cut outs, I soldered the bezel on and the idea of using a circular domed bail hit me. Its shape would mimic the cutouts and give uniform feel. The bail was a new style for me and there was a bit of trial and error that meant spending a lot of time on just this part.

Plus, it just seemed to be a bit of a stinker...move views...

Anyway, I am really happy with how it turned out. The studio session was also very satisfying because it was a raw creation in process- no plans, just go. I really love this bail setting and definitely plan to use it again.

Overall, this piece has a very modern clean feel to me...and with the circles it somehow has a 'cosmic' feeling. What are your thoughts?

Having Fun with my Dapping Block

My brother got me a great dapping block for christmas this year, and I have been playing with it quite a bit. For those of you who don't know, a dapping block is a usualy made of steel and/or wood. It allows you to form domes out of circular cut metal.

You may have seen this creation posted on FB;

I just love these new little stacking rings; simple but attractive. They are a good 'every day' accesory wether it be one or three together.