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Post by opalpyrexia on Feb 18, 2024 19:36:42 GMT -5
Last summer I cut two cabs for the RTH Benefit Cab Contest. This plasma agate is the one that I didn't enter. It was cut in an unusual shape to feature its prominent druzy, and it just sat because I couldn't decide what to do with it until Saturday. To deal with its odd shape, I chose to extend the pendant's backplate to create a basic shield shape. That provided a traditional and familiar frame for the cab, while also providing a high contrast illusion. The druzy also forced the cab to have an open bezel. That worked well, but I really, really don't want to set and polish any more inside/concave bezel curves! The shield shape is finished with a 600 grit scratch texture. That helps to catch and reflect indirect light (while obviously eliminating bright reflections) and it's an easy way to make smithing scratches disappear. That also reduces the silver's ability to compete with the cab. The back is also scratch textured, which I routinely do to my pieces.
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Post by opalpyrexia on Feb 17, 2024 17:49:29 GMT -5
Welcome from Washington.
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Post by opalpyrexia on Feb 17, 2024 17:40:44 GMT -5
Welcome from Washington.
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Post by opalpyrexia on Feb 17, 2024 17:39:07 GMT -5
Welcome from Washington.
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Post by opalpyrexia on Feb 15, 2024 18:25:59 GMT -5
He doesn't mention the fact that the island is home to hundreds of cougars. You probably won't see one, but it would be good to remain alert.
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Post by opalpyrexia on Feb 15, 2024 18:05:04 GMT -5
Welcome from Washington.
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Post by opalpyrexia on Feb 15, 2024 13:57:59 GMT -5
Very pretty pieces, Roy! My favorite is the seraphinite pendant.
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Post by opalpyrexia on Feb 12, 2024 9:44:55 GMT -5
Welcome from Washington.
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Post by opalpyrexia on Feb 11, 2024 17:38:44 GMT -5
So.... about those skidmarks.....
Nice! And it has a Nike smile smirk!
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Post by opalpyrexia on Feb 11, 2024 11:23:47 GMT -5
WOW! The front is absolutely elegant, Patty, but there's a lovely surprise behind it.
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Post by opalpyrexia on Feb 11, 2024 11:20:16 GMT -5
Sweet set of cabs, Rick.
Just curious, are your other cabs about the same size as the Mtorolite? They look larger to me because they don't have indications of scale.
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Post by opalpyrexia on Feb 9, 2024 11:35:26 GMT -5
Congratulations, Jason!
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Post by opalpyrexia on Feb 6, 2024 10:34:28 GMT -5
How wonderful for your family, Jason — congratulations! I love the "Hug Me" outfit and the "The winner is Beckett!", arms raised, fighter symbolism in the last photo.
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Post by opalpyrexia on Feb 5, 2024 20:13:34 GMT -5
Welcome from Washington.
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Post by opalpyrexia on Feb 5, 2024 10:13:19 GMT -5
You might also try scoring or deforming the eye pin shaft to add a slight friction fit.
Another product to possibly consider for coating your Petoskey Stones: Amazon has "Rust Bullet - DuraGrade Clear". But it's a bit pricey at $57/quart.
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Post by opalpyrexia on Feb 4, 2024 21:00:21 GMT -5
Welcome from Washington.
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Post by opalpyrexia on Feb 4, 2024 10:54:09 GMT -5
Welcome from Washington. I like your mobile, too!
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Post by opalpyrexia on Feb 3, 2024 21:29:01 GMT -5
Welcome from Washington.
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Post by opalpyrexia on Feb 2, 2024 17:42:38 GMT -5
Very nice!!
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Post by opalpyrexia on Feb 1, 2024 16:03:15 GMT -5
Welcome from Washington.
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