chrisperez
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2009
Posts: 457
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Post by chrisperez on May 7, 2009 22:09:39 GMT -5
Well.... I really used the shape of the stone on this one.... I think I got a little carried away though!!! So, after 20 seperate binds, 3 hours, and one major modification.... I give you an agate nodule heart.... Front... Side.... to show the little " strut " I used to make it lay strait.... Back... isn't the little basket cute, it protects your skin from the rough stone very well... In my hand.... it's not as big as it looks, 2" top to bottom.... And Hanging.... I originally had 2 bails on this. I had a second one on the right side of the heart also, but I realized it will hang strait with just the one, so I cut the second off. It really cleaned up the design too, but the wire is beat up a bit on the top of the right side ( so don't look there ) Well, what do you think? Chris
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adrian65
Cave Dweller
Arch to golden memories and to great friends.
Member since February 2007
Posts: 10,786
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Post by adrian65 on May 8, 2009 0:31:14 GMT -5
Beautiful and original! It's amazing how can you envision such complex designs starting from a stone. No, I don't think the wire is too thick, it looks really good this way.
Adrian
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Post by 150FromFundy on May 8, 2009 6:57:05 GMT -5
Interesting possibility. If you turn that upside down, and modify the wrap slighlty, you could turn the binding into a treble cleff. Maybe attract a few musicians to the world of rock.
150FromFundy
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nancyf
has rocks in the head
Wired Cowgirl
Member since April 2007
Posts: 629
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Post by nancyf on May 8, 2009 11:18:38 GMT -5
Now THAT is thinking outside the box! I love it!!!! ;D Tumble it...put painters tape over the druzy part tho. Tumbling will take the scratches off most of the time.
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kjohn0102
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since April 2006
Posts: 774
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Post by kjohn0102 on May 8, 2009 12:20:00 GMT -5
Verry Coool Chris! Nancy, whenever I tumble my copper, it seems like it oxidizes quicker-although that's not always a bad thing. Do you notice that?
kj
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nancyf
has rocks in the head
Wired Cowgirl
Member since April 2007
Posts: 629
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Post by nancyf on May 8, 2009 15:24:37 GMT -5
Naw...course, I wash it real good to get any previous metals, dirt, etc... out and wash it again if I go to a different metal. This isn't necessary when changing between Sterling & goldfilled...still, I find I get a better lasting shine when I do. "IT" meaning the rubber drum. ;D
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Post by Bejewelme on May 9, 2009 7:05:25 GMT -5
Chris: You have so much originality it is unbelievable, that is the sign of a real artist!! Beautiful heart, I love it!
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Post by sitnwrap on May 9, 2009 8:26:58 GMT -5
This one is so amazing! I couldn't figure out where the heck the bail was to hang a chain on til the last pick. You did a great job also of center balancing between the weight of the stone on one side and the weight of the wire on the other.
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chrisperez
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2009
Posts: 457
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Post by chrisperez on May 9, 2009 20:36:19 GMT -5
Well everyone.... thanks as always!!!! Really, I just can't say that enough here.... And if anyone was wondering how I come up with these designs... It is from looking at all of your wraps!!!! I look at how everyones wraps are done and I learn how the different elements are done. And each new wrap you all post tells me ( please, everyone, don't take this the wrong way ) what NOT to do. That sounds bad, but it's true... I love everyones designs and respect the individuals style so much that I don't want to copy anyone else's wraps. And you see what I end up with.... If that makes any sense (I know.... I'm crazy )Nancy..... Tumble it ?!?!?! What, like the whole thing? Could you please explain more... you've just opened up a whole world of questions here .... Amber.... Awwww, I'm no artist..... just some dirty electrician , playin' with some wire , your too sweet! Lori.... Yeah, I didn't even know what I was going to do for a bail untill after the whole thing was pretty much done... I just had two wires that were left over, And ended up using just one in the end.... as for the balance thing..... I got lucky ( that's why I eliminated the second bail ).
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Post by NatureNut on May 10, 2009 7:03:59 GMT -5
Very cool how you innovate, Chris! Keep 'em coming. Jo
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Post by frane on May 10, 2009 14:50:38 GMT -5
Very artistic Chris! I love your design and you are very modest. You are an artist. There is no doubt. You study and decide what you want to do and you are enough of an electrician that you can modify any design if you hit a snag! Who did you give this to? Was it a mothers day gift? Fran
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Post by rockmanken on May 10, 2009 20:14:17 GMT -5
Chris, I know your wire is cheap as you can get scrap wire from the electrical job, but if you did some in silver or gold filled.....WOW! They would be amazing as you are thinking outside the box big time. Really gorgeous wraps.
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Post by akansan on May 10, 2009 22:21:38 GMT -5
I absolutely love what you did with that - the right side has just enough binds. Tumbling: Buy some jeweler's mix stainless steel shot. A pound or two'll do it. Throw it into the tumbler barrel with some of the pieces (don't mix metals!), add water and a drop or two of Dawn soap. Close it up and tumble for 15 minutes - 3+ hours. The longer you tumble it, the harder the wire'll get. The pins, balls, and planets (for lack of a better shape description!) bang against the wire, removing oxidation and light nicks and plier marks. It comes out a bit more hardened and clean!
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chrisperez
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2009
Posts: 457
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Post by chrisperez on May 19, 2009 20:15:58 GMT -5
naturenut... thank you!!! But look what happened, you said, "keep 'em coming" and I haven't done a wrap in over a week now... I don't listen well I got a bunch of ideas though ;D Fran... this one is still sitting here, so, for now it's Diane's ... My mom got the last montana agate I did ( dripping with copper ).... Ken... All I can get from job sites is 14 awg and bigger, much to large to wrap with ( Hmmmm...or is it... you've given me an idea ), the wire I use is 20 and 24 awg copper from Hobby Lobby ( still cheap though ). I may just have some gold and/or silver soon though.... akansan.... thank you for the info ( and then some ), I will have to try that...
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