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Post by kk on Aug 31, 2014 9:08:38 GMT -5
A few months ago. I was gifted some opals for carving, and after cleaning up as far as I dared, I left them sit for a while. Last week, I started digging into a piece that seemed good for practice and dug out all the dirt I could get at. Now, I'm left with what I call an Australian Swiss Cheese!  After some more cleaning up and basic polish, this is what I'm looking at:  And here once more, back and front and up-side down for good meassure  It turned out a crazy shape and needs some more actual cleaning after going maybe another round or two at polishing. Its chaotic, and fire covers most surfaces from one angle or another, plus comes in at 20ct. Like it, that one will surely remain mine! Yipie, my first opal done! Finally! Thanks for looking, Kurt |
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Post by gingerkid on Aug 31, 2014 12:21:54 GMT -5
Congrats, kk!  Your carving is amazing!  Is it Coober Pedy? I don't have a clue how you got in all the nooks and crannies. Imagine it dazzles in sunlight. In your 3rd photo, it looks like a man, do you see him? |
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Post by mohs on Aug 31, 2014 12:48:10 GMT -5
Kurt your first opal carving
certainly
dances on fire
as it intends !
edmohs
what a lot places to nook & nannies to polish
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Post by kk on Aug 31, 2014 16:59:29 GMT -5
Thank you for the kind words. I'm not sure as to exact origin, this was mixed with black opal. LR would be my guess. Felt for surface, and bamboo for any nook and crannies.  Yes in the set of four pictures: The first looks like a creature of early Halloween, and he last like a creature dancing. A man? have not seen him yet, but there are lots of possibilities to see all sorts of things. Now, the question will be as to how to string it up safely for wearing. |
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Post by kk on Aug 31, 2014 20:41:52 GMT -5
Yeah gingerkid, Anna just confirmed, it is Lightning Ridge opal.
Will start a dully "Black" today that should give room for some type of actual carving later.
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Post by kk on Sept 1, 2014 4:34:23 GMT -5
As the last one went quite well, on to the next one, but this time with some actual carving. Just cleaned off all the sand I can reach today, and somehow, I think a mermaid could be hiding in there.  So will see what that leads to. |
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Fossilman
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Member since January 2009
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Post by Fossilman on Sept 1, 2014 9:26:25 GMT -5
Awesome carving with that opal...
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spiritstone
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Post by spiritstone on Sept 1, 2014 12:51:53 GMT -5
It's Unique. You should add your carved mouse to it? |
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jamesp
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Post by jamesp on Sept 1, 2014 13:30:37 GMT -5
Never seen anything like it kk. I sure like the way the light passes thru it. Opal is like no other stone and the thin areas really show it off.
It is very ornamental. A subject to carve is going to keep me anticipating. I like it just the way it is in it's free form state.
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Post by kk on Sept 1, 2014 20:52:57 GMT -5
Never seen anything like it kk. I sure like the way the light passes thru it. Opal is like no other stone and the thin areas really show it off. It is very ornamental. A subject to carve is going to keep me anticipating. I like it just the way it is in it's free form state. Nearly everything I have done to-date, needs movement in order to really see what attracted me to it in the first place. This piece is no different. While not as "in the face" exiting, without being back-lit, it does have some strong color-spots and is still covered in flashes. But they are subtle and come from a variety of angles, so it would still need uninhibited movement. |
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Post by kk on Sept 1, 2014 20:59:32 GMT -5
Thank you Fossilman  It's Unique. You should add your carved mouse to it? You still remember those mice?   |
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Post by gingerkid on Sept 2, 2014 12:18:30 GMT -5
A treat to see some of your carvings from days past, Kurt! kk, in the 3rd pic, the man is leaning over. Kinda reminds me of "The Thinker." |
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spiritstone
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Post by spiritstone on Sept 3, 2014 1:07:02 GMT -5
Thank you Fossilman It's Unique. You should add your carved mouse to it? You still remember those mice? Snap shot memory. |
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jamesp
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Member since October 2012
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Post by jamesp on Sept 12, 2014 19:13:00 GMT -5
Kurt does have a good memory for a bare foot stone carver.
On the weekend he is a stone temple pilot.
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Post by kk on Sept 14, 2014 7:03:15 GMT -5
Still not finished, but getting closer. Material is surprisingly easy to work, but having trouble envisioning the dophin coming into the picture from top.  Getting a bit better color as I move down the layers. Coveted steel-blue in there. But dont really like that colour. Looks dirty at hand(to me)  And last but not least, started a jumbo project. Negrita mine Mexico Nasty business, digging through black agate/sard trying to get to the color. But,...... Looks very promising. Could be a good 4 inches of color if I dont mess up.  Best regards, Kurt |
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jamesp
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Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,603
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Post by jamesp on Sept 14, 2014 7:56:28 GMT -5
You pulled the mermaid out of the opal. Never saw that one. Very cool, digging out the impurities has a big payback.
The swiss cheese/mouse project is a trip.
What material did you use for the owl ? A white jade ?
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Post by kk on Sept 14, 2014 16:56:27 GMT -5
What material did you use for the owl ? A white jade ? Origin is lost in time, but remember that the owl is common opal. |
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spiritstone
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Post by spiritstone on Sept 14, 2014 22:58:36 GMT -5
I see the dolphin behind the head of the mermaid. The shape is starting to come out of it.
I cant say that I have ever seen a black toned fireagate. I like it!
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Post by gingerkid on Sept 15, 2014 20:23:54 GMT -5
kk, cannot wait to see your opal carving completed. The mermaid is coming along great!!
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Your carving is amazing! 
Is it Coober Pedy? I don't have a clue how you got in all the nooks and crannies. Imagine it dazzles in sunlight. In your 3rd photo, it looks like a man, do you see him? 
