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Post by kk on Feb 11, 2018 10:10:51 GMT -5
How does this compare to Obsidian? Just curious. I love the color variations on the elephant. Dont have a lot experience with obsidian, but definitely no splinters in my fingers, no worries about getting hit in the eye and fracturing is rather rare (the dragon fractured eventually because I did not recognize a partially healed fracture before starting). Colour variation is due to use of the rind.
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Post by kk on Feb 11, 2018 9:02:42 GMT -5
Welcome to the addiction. You will find lots of info, just going through sections listed in the index. For more, there are always members around who can help you with the next step.
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Post by kk on Feb 11, 2018 6:50:33 GMT -5
Super exited, just heard that supplier is going to cut more slabs from the rock I got this stuff from, AND have a chance to get some more. Black Australian Jade seems to work very well for me. Does not fracture easily, no yellow burn-marks , and in comparison to other jade polishes rather well quickly. Only did one a year since I got that material, but now having pieces side by side its pretty obvious to me that I like working it. 2014 WJS entry 2014 WJS entry by Kainzer Kurt, on Flickr 2014 WJS entry by Kainzer Kurt, on Flickr Despite of obvious faults, somehow the organization gave me gold medal on this first try. 2015 Unfortunately the left horn came off just as it was ready to wear. 2015 by Kainzer Kurt, on Flickr 2016 2016 by Kainzer Kurt, on Flickr 2017 2017 by Kainzer Kurt, on Flickr And now of course 2018 by Kainzer Kurt, on Flickr Have invited seller to the forum, lets see if she drops in. Looking forward to more of the same, Kurt
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Post by kk on Feb 10, 2018 15:35:39 GMT -5
WOW, you have been busy. Some nice gems in the lineup.
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Post by kk on Feb 9, 2018 19:40:05 GMT -5
Yeah, it does, but humidity and sweat does break it down to a rather dull colour. Needs some form of protective coat to wear it on your skin I suppose.
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Post by kk on Feb 9, 2018 19:14:02 GMT -5
Got some somewhere. Unfortunately our humidity level in Hong Kong is way to high to keep them from oxidizing, and wearing them? Certainly not me with my excessive sweating....
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Post by kk on Feb 7, 2018 11:28:20 GMT -5
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Post by kk on Feb 6, 2018 11:10:43 GMT -5
Ohhh, its that heavy? Liked the piece as a whole, but now? ?? Win some, loose some, I suppose..... Interesting stuff, nevertheless!
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Post by kk on Feb 6, 2018 9:25:23 GMT -5
Yeah, but just imagine if this would be half size, and the absolutely stunning cab you could create with it. Even cutting into half and making two cabs still makes it stunners.
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Post by kk on Feb 6, 2018 9:10:50 GMT -5
Sorry about the fire agate mishap. That's a real shame. Your studio space just goes to show that a true artist doesn't need a full fancy studio to get things done. Very well done Kurt! (except for the mishap Glenn The fire agate is quite alright. Lost somewhere between 10 to 13% of the fire area, but that was the darkest part anyhow. So the break actually improved overall showing. The damage is mostly on the creature side. Had to slim down the whole neck area, create a (now improper sized) shoulder, and will have to find a new way to create some toes. All that without changing the head as the opal eye sits way to perfect to change it. Also there is no more opportunity for a cord to go through sideways other than at the bill (which I think is another weak point). So I drilled between the neck and wing straight down to string it eventually around its neck (but that will mean it will roll over all the time when wearing and there is no control as to which side is up). Win some, loose some,..... Australian jade elephant tomorrow.....
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Post by kk on Feb 6, 2018 8:55:01 GMT -5
Wow that last pic is just stunning.
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Post by kk on Feb 5, 2018 7:14:39 GMT -5
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Post by kk on Feb 4, 2018 22:52:58 GMT -5
I haven't commented here but I follow this thread closely. Don't know anything about rock carving but this interests me a lot. How exactly are you carving these stones ? And your place on the mountain, How could it get any better than that? Ok the pictures are a bit older, but the process still remains..... Space comes at a premium around here, so the only space available to cut and grind for me is at the front door ..... Workstation and tools by Kainzer Kurt, on Flickr I use a Fordome (equivalent) with flexshaft for absolute everything. Got the unit for about 80$ and works perfectly for me. Handpieces and shaft need replacement, but other than that works fab. Due to the absence of fixed points, precision work will never be possible to the point I would like, but will keep trying...... Attachments in use for carving and final polish,... Workstation and tools by Kainzer Kurt, on Flickr Workstation and tools by Kainzer Kurt, on Flickr Sanding is done by hand using rolled up paper at grits between 400 to 5000 before polish. Softer material dont really need polish, paper will do all you can do. BUT the process with paper does dull edges, hence it will never be as sharp as when you use special burrs for it. Workstation and tools by Kainzer Kurt, on Flickr Sanding is done virtually any time anywhere. Standing in line somewhere, on public transport or while walking the dogs..... Workstation and tools by Kainzer Kurt, on Flickr
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Post by kk on Feb 4, 2018 17:31:51 GMT -5
I shared some of your photos with a friend who loves elephants, unique rocks and craftsmanship. She was wondering how much you charge for a completed piece like this. Either post here or PM me with the info. Thanks. Thank you so much for the interest. My process is not commercially viable, it takes too long to make things, and hence is not cost effective. That's ONE of the reasons I never considered selling anything I do. I sometimes trade for material, but could not say what I want. In the end, because it remains purely a hobby, it allows absolute freedom in what and how things are done. Again, thank you for the interest shown, there is no better validation than when someone is willing to buy ones creations. Kurt
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Post by kk on Jan 30, 2018 21:18:34 GMT -5
Orange ones are amazing, for sure. The black one will look awesome with moonstone tusks. Remember to never carry a piece in progress, with delicate components in pocket while walking. Love the frustration piece. Amazing eyes, opals? What is the rest of the piece? Underside is amazing. If I cant carry it in pocket, then it will be to delicate to wear. needs to withstand that test... Orange one has eyes of botch opal (remains from the first attempt of tusk) Black one moonstone for both, eyes and tusks Fire agate has an Australian opal as eye Fire agate has a sort of griffin at its back. Smooth body (leg should be like a big cat), bird head and neck, bat/dragon like wings and a long tail. The challenge is to have features stand out. At hand, things are obvious, but pictures are a pain as there is something going on all round, and only a combination of them all makes really sense.
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Post by kk on Jan 30, 2018 19:32:46 GMT -5
Still not done, but close. ppneed eye cleanup by Kainzer Kurt, on Flickr Eyes need cleanup to get rid of the remains of the glue, other than that its ready. Cut up silver wire for tusks and botch opal for eyes. The blue/green colour of the opal somehow appears pink in the surrounding orange. The Black one still gives me grief. Have now broken or missshapen about 15 tusks. Moonstone for eyes and tusk. Will keep trying, but very frustrating..... pptrouble by Kainzer Kurt, on Flickr In my frustration about the tusks, I put it aside and restarted the long overdue re-work of an old project that at the time I feared I might mess up. Undercut a lot to make the head and leg stand out. Tunneled under the leg to allow cord and cleaned up a lot on the colour side (should be fine after sanding and polish, colour shown in water). Next it needs refining the head and lifting the wing above the head more to become clearer. ppredo by Kainzer Kurt, on Flickr Thanks for looking, and... bearing with me for so long, Kurt
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Post by kk on Jan 23, 2018 19:17:48 GMT -5
Happens! We all got our moments..... But on the other hand, a lot of mishaps, turned into a blessing in disguise, and its an opportunity to look for new horizons and learning to deal with them.
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Post by kk on Jan 23, 2018 17:02:21 GMT -5
That looks very special. Cannot wait to see the tusks. me too! Unfortunately, my better half managed to drop one of them off the table where they where awaiting setting and the tip broke off. So now, above pictures are the only ones I have with the opal tusks. Both are drilled for wearing now, and will turn my attention to the sides and back, while searching for silver wire fitting as tusks.
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Post by kk on Jan 22, 2018 19:01:05 GMT -5
Same as most replies above: DILLIGAF! Dearest will be willing to give things away to friends and family and occasionally talks to them about me doing what I do, BUT never ever has she worn anything I made. The only exceptions are things that I designed and had a jeweler set it in gold. My daughters do wear pieces from time to time. The older one likes Pietersite, and the younger one continues to wear a piece of pink jade (she broke it and glued it back together, too many times that I can count over the years, but continues to refuse to take a replacement). The younger one has a boyfriend who is into making trinkets, so there is new competition now too. The upside on that is that I can do basically any design that is to my liking, and don't have to worry about anyone else.....
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Post by kk on Jan 22, 2018 9:55:42 GMT -5
Now I like the orange on best! Tried with moonstone, but broke 4 and realizing that any other material than metal will be in danger of breaking or has to be extremely short. In addition, will recut past mishaps in Pietersite and hope to get suitable scraps for a possible inlay of the eyes.
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