Submarine Rock

    This is the third out of four of my rock pendants (the fourth one isn't done yet.  It is one of those that is still speaking to me..... been doing that for three months now!)  While working on this piece, I was drilling a hole with a bur setting bit (creates a conical hole for the stone to set in), when I pushed a little too hard.  (There I go again!)  So, time to be creative.  I had a red CZ already set in a metal clay bezel that fit perfectly over the hole.  (Actually it was rather cavernous.)

    The piece also makes use of the same texture as "Mother Earth" but for some reason this piece reminded me of a submarine, hence the title.  All three rock pendants also have syringe work on them.  (I've come a long way baby with that syringe.  Now I control it.... somewhat.)  The fourth pendant does not, (so far.  Only time will tell.)

   I had a strand of garnet beads that seemed to go well with the CZ.  I also made some end caps to finish off the strand of beads and tie in with the texture on the bead. Okay, I just took a second look and I guess they aren't end caps but beads.  (Another mental lapse.) The picture didn't turn out as well as I wanted it to, but it still shows what it looks like.  Still working on the picture taking so I can start posting things on Etsy again.  

Mother Earth

    Here is another one of the rock pendants.  I still may change how I hang the pendant as I don't really like the plain black rubber cord. 

    All of these pendants start out plain and get textured and embellished after they are cut apart and pasted together.  That way there is contrast between the smoothness of the rock shape and the texture.  This particular texture is one that I originally didn't like.  But for some reason it now appeals to me and I have used it in three of the rock pieces.  It's probably because it has a very "earthy" feel to it.

   This particular piece reminds me of the strata of the earth, hence the name "Mother Earth".  Usually my pieces are tumbled and receive a patina, but this piece told me that it wouldn't look right.  (Yes my pieces talk to me.... don't yours?)  I've made four rock pieces so far and only one of them was tumbled and darkened.   They tell me they look best with a matte finish.

   Most of my work isn't finished in one sitting.  It has to sit and "simmer" while I look at it and decide what it wants me to do.  Often it takes a big journey before it becomes it's final self.  (Occasionally it goes back and takes another journey or two, changing as my perspective of it changes over time.)

 

     

 

Got Rocks in my head

    I stopped in the Appalachian Rock Shop on Route 19, north of Pittsburgh yesterday.  Haven't been there for a while.  Not sure why, as it is such a neat place for geology and art lovers.  They carry lots of Geodes, fossils and gems; along with finished pieces of jewelry.  And, they offer classes in silversmithing, beading and wire wrapping.  (And, if you are a dog lover, have two adorable dogs!)

    My daughter and I have taken a couple of beading classes there, (probably nine years ago.)  The class was fun and I learned some things I use with my metal clay pieces.  One thing I remember when taking the class was how little I knew about rocks and stones.  (I did take a geology class in college and did very well.  But, like my silver fabrication class, that was so, so long ago that I don't remember much. Except that if you bite sandstone it will be gritty and don't build your house downhill from the neighbor's outhouse.)  Anyway, during those classes the other ladies were all talking stones and they could tell just by looking at it what kind of stone it was.  I felt very stupid and tried to crack some kind of joke about the stones in my driveway, but they didn't see the humor in it.  

     Now that I'm into jewelry it is probably a good idea to get to know what certain stones and gems look like and what their properties are.  (There is just so much darn stuff to know!)  So, I bought myself "The Crystal Bible" which will be my new bathroom read.  (Sorry to share that with you, but that is my favorite reading spot.)   Did you see the Seinfeld show where they wouldn't take back George's library book because it had been read in the bathroom?  Funny show.  Guess I'll have to keep my new book.  

   Hopefully this book will make me more knowledgeable.  For now, any stone I don't know I usually classify as a jasper.  I can't even remember which stones my CZs are representing.  Now that is sad.