I have been working with spiral patterns all week; paper nautilus, fiddlehead ferns and ammonite castings. A customer asked if my ammonite fossils could be drilled. Well, they certainly can be!
My goal with this one was to get a large, at least 5mm hole, so that it could be worn on any of my vintage chain necklaces. I have always been drawn to ammonites and have collected them at rock, gem, even antique shows and flea markets over the years. My collection was relegated to a dusty drawer in my studio until yesterday. After drilling the fossil, I realized it could never be worn without leaving a dusty, rusty spot, so I sealed it (the surface and the hole) with several layers of professional jeweler's lacquer. Not only will it preserve the finish, but it really enhances the beautiful color and texture of the ammonite without changing it all. I'll be spending some time in the studio today, drilling and lacquering more of these beauties to be worn my favorite way, on a simple leather cord....the perfect accessory for summer: easy and natural! The crew working on our CREP (Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program) was here this week and planted trees and other native shrubs along the creek and in the wetland pasture to enhance the woodlands, wetlands and stream on the property.
Thye did an amzing job and now I can't wait for things to start growing Here's my haul from the beach....will be back with what I am making with these! Aren't they beauties?
I am also working on some whimsical flower pods that are going to be parts of my "tiny dancer" necklaces....
We actually almost accidentally "caught" a wild swarm of beads..lots to learn..photos to come
In the meantime..this amazing video of the first twenty one days of a bee's life |
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