Advancing My Art

by John Rasmussen on August 8, 2011

The shop continues, Debora is doing the bead work, she keeps very busy and her work is fantastic.  She labors over each bracelet, anklet, pair of earrings and necklace.  She has great ability to create and design this work.  She loves creating pieces that have a great combination of colors.  While she continues her work, I have been able to concentrate on my lapidary and metalsmithing pursuits.  Over the years, I have acquired multiple sets of split rings, so I did a little chain work, and copper smithing to make a necklace that is at least not only beautiful, but unique.

JAR August Geology Bracelet

In addition to the necklace, I have been able to complete a commissioned piece for a geologist.  He wanted a bracelet (17 cm in length) made with Sterling Silver, that shows a cross bedded fluvial environment.  This is the background for the bracelet. The foreground is a river that is meandering.  The 10 gauge round wire shows the river, and also is the wave uncomformity in the cross-section.  In the slow inner portion of the meanders, rough diamonds were placed.  These were set with prongs and a ledge cut into the round wire.  Each of the rock strata were physically patterned, then patinated with Liver of Sulfur to create colors for different sections.  See thumbnail above.  Click on the thumbnails to see a full sized image.

Final item for this edition of my blog is a combination project.  While in Helen, GA, Debora and I went to a fee mine and bought several geodes.  I cut them into slices, them strung them from a crescent of brass to make a wind chime.  Also did a little polishing.  Here it is:

Photobucket

John Rasmussen
66 year old retired educator (geology and emergency medical care) and practicing paramedic. I came back to my passion, rocks and minerals, then making gemstones and jewelry with them.
John Rasmussen
John Rasmussen

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