Tommy
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Member since January 2013
Posts: 12,977
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Post by Tommy on Aug 21, 2013 16:17:26 GMT -5
Searching for help making bails I ran across a video describing a style of wire wrapping called Soumak - which involves some wire weaving which I'm not ready for but the whole design concept interested me so I thought I'd try some variation on it. I figured what the heck - it can't suck any worse than my usual wrapping attempts haha. It's a REALLY simple concept which is one thing I really like about it - it lets the stone be the star of the show. Both attempts turned out very solid and safe and relatively snag free although it hasn't passed the wear-test yet heehee. The first one I did was craft wire - on a Prudent Man plume cab. The second which I did today was gold-filled around an unidentified jasper cab I posted here a while back. Feedback is welcome but don't be too blunt - we all know how easily my feelings get hurt hahaha.   Thanks for looking |
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riverrock
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since April 2010
Posts: 1,395
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Post by riverrock on Aug 21, 2013 17:48:51 GMT -5
I will give that I try .
Thanks for the post.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Aug 21, 2013 18:52:30 GMT -5
I really like it.
Jim
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Post by pghram on Aug 21, 2013 21:39:04 GMT -5
I really like that style but I always wondered how to harden the prongs to keep the stone secured. Any advice? These look really nice, and as you said, let the stone be center stage.
Rich
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Tommy
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Member since January 2013
Posts: 12,977
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Post by Tommy on Aug 22, 2013 0:01:00 GMT -5
I'm a noob and not really well versed on hardening wire other than a couple of techniques I've read about such as hammering. So far the square wire I've been using is plenty hard enough - the stone doesn't even wiggle after I burnished the little loops down and around the stones edge.
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Tom
fully equipped rock polisher
My dad Tom suddenly passed away yesterday, Just wanted his "rock" family to know.
Member since January 2013
Posts: 1,557
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Post by Tom on Aug 22, 2013 0:18:14 GMT -5
Those are. Really great I am going to try that
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Post by rockjunquie on Aug 28, 2013 10:17:25 GMT -5
Great work, Tommy!!! Love them. Judging by your work, I think you would really enjoy Ed Sinclair's work. You should check it out. He does this style, too. Moods in Wire |
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Post by vegasjames on Aug 28, 2013 19:01:37 GMT -5
Very nice.
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Post by Pat on Aug 28, 2013 19:07:16 GMT -5
I like the visual simplicity. Thanks for showing the back.
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Tom
fully equipped rock polisher
My dad Tom suddenly passed away yesterday, Just wanted his "rock" family to know.
Member since January 2013
Posts: 1,557
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Post by Tom on Aug 28, 2013 21:39:08 GMT -5
Again I must comment:). I love the minimalist approach to wrapping, I believe the stone should be the focal point and not the wire. Yet I love how the wire adds to the beauty of the finished jewelry. But just a bit of wire:). There are so many ways to make a pendant for instance; bezel, wire wrap, glue on bail, drilled and more. I love them all but I like the stone to be the focal point. This is just the simple opinion of a learning Canuck!
Love them Tommy
Take care
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Post by Pat on Aug 28, 2013 22:20:06 GMT -5
Re hardening the wire: tumbling will work harden it. I put finished pieces of sterling and Swarovski xls in the tumbler. Doesn't hurt the xl ever. Mixed Stainless steel shot, a drop of Dawn, and a little water just below the surface.
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Tommy
Administrator
Member since January 2013
Posts: 12,977
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Post by Tommy on Aug 29, 2013 11:24:22 GMT -5
Thanks for the kind words everyone :-) I made a serious mistake on the green one – I asked my dear sister to give it a test wearing for a week or so and let me know if any issues arose such as snagging or looseness etc. Well I saw her eyes light up when she first saw it, and at this point I think my chances of getting it back are slim to zero heehee.
Pat, thanks for the reminder on tumble hardening. I’ve got Tela’s tread bookmarked and one day very soon I’m going to buy the shot and give it a try.
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Post by kap on Aug 29, 2013 17:56:58 GMT -5
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Tommy
Administrator
Member since January 2013
Posts: 12,977
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Post by Tommy on Aug 29, 2013 23:19:28 GMT -5
Great work, Tommy!!! Love them. Judging by your work, I think you would really enjoy Ed Sinclair's work. You should check it out. He does this style, too. Moods in WireThanks for the book recommendation Tela! That's been my other hobby within the hobby - collecting books and this looks like a good one for me. |
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