I work in encaustic medium to create work that speaks to remembered moments through selected bits and pieces from the natural world, usually with a reference to trees. Sculpture, Photography, Public Art, Installation ArtĪcrylic, Oil and Resin Paintings, Landscape, Architectural and Abstract The Particle Track Series are highly colorful, energetic, lively abstractions based on the imagery of high speed sub-atomic particle collisions gathered at the high energy particle physics facilities. For all our best tips, check out our Ultimate Guide to Caring for your Crystal Jewelry.Multi-media painter, bringing color and whimsy to collectors! Once you piece is complete, you’ll want to take good care of the crystal and the metal wire, so you can enjoy its shine and beauty for years to come. Now, your gemstone is ready to be wire wrapped using the pre-drilled crystal technique mentioned earlier. If necessary, use a small file or the polishing attachment on your Dremel to smooth the edges of the hole. Once the hole is complete, carefully remove the stone from the clamp or vise and inspect your work. Regularly dipping the drill bit into the water helps prevent overheating and ensures a smoother drilling process. Softer stones will require less pressure and a slower drilling speed, while harder stones may need a bit more force. Keep in mind that different gemstones have varying hardness levels, so you'll need to adjust your technique and drilling speed accordingly. Be patient and maintain a steady pace, allowing the bit to do the work without excessive force. The diamond-tipped drill bit will gradually create a hole in the stone. Begin drilling at a slow speed while applying gentle pressure. Secure the stone in the clamp or vise, ensuring it's stable and won't shift during drilling. Start by selecting the gemstone you wish to drill and determining the desired location for the hole. This method is easy to set up and works well for smaller drilling projects. Place the container directly underneath the drilling area, and position the stone so that it's partially submerged in the water while you drill. A simple and cost-effective option is to use a shallow plastic container or bucket filled with water. To begin, you'll need a few essential tools: a high-quality rotary tool ( such as a Dremel), diamond-tipped drill bits of varying sizes, a clamp or vise to secure the stone in place, safety goggles to protect your eyes from debris, and a water container for lubrication and cooling during the drilling process. However, it's important to note that drilling gemstones requires precision, patience, and the right tools. This technique allows you to transform a raw gemstone into a personalized work of wearable art. Check out our video below for inspiration on wrapping your first cabochon.īONUS: Drilling Your Own Holes into Gemstonesįor those who relish a hands-on approach and wish to exercise their creativity to the fullest, drilling your own holes into gemstones opens up a world of design possibilities. This technique can be time-consuming at first, but it allows you to learn the wire wrapping skill based on methods and instructions that have been developed over time and documented for sharing with each new generation of crystal lovers. This technique results in a harmonious blend of metal and gemstone, each enhancing the other's natural beauty. Once the frame is secure, weave the thinner wire around the frame, guiding it to create an intricate design that adds a touch of enchantment to your pendant. Begin by shaping the thicker wire into a basic frame that encapsulates the cabochon. This method is perfect for those who wish to showcase as much of the crystal's surface as possible while ensuring its stability.Ĭhoose a cabochon that resonates with your intentions, and to keep the traditional look, use 22 gauge copper wire for the frame and thinner 28 or 30 gauge copper wire for weaving. The traditional wire wrapping method is a classic technique that involves creating a cage-like structure to cradle and secure a crystal, usually a cabochon.
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