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Posted by: Mrs.CP Nov 26 2009, 12:55 PM

I love making stone hearts! Its another way of showing my love for rocks.

Here are a few I recently did, both from ThunderEggs. Hope you enjoy them, and thanks for looking!

Posted by: jim Nov 26 2009, 11:46 PM

Them's purty!!

Posted by: Mrs.CP Nov 27 2009, 07:46 AM

Thanks Jim. Here is the reverse side to the first heart. With this side, you can tell more that its from a ThunderEgg. I will probably give this one to the person who buys its matching heart pendant.




Here is one made from a piece of tube Agate I found near Del Norte a few years back, and just got to working it now.
It was well worth the wait I think! Here are pics of both sides. I love the way the light reflects off the tubes inside!!!

Posted by: russau Nov 27 2009, 08:18 AM

very nice! Valentines day comes to mind!

Posted by: Mrs.CP Nov 27 2009, 08:30 AM

Everyday is a good day to think of the heart! Even if it is a heart of stone.

Posted by: russau Nov 28 2009, 06:00 AM

very good point!

Posted by: ColoradoProspector Nov 29 2009, 01:49 PM

Tis' a good point isn't it Russ She's such a smart lady.
Denise has been doing alot of these hearts the past few years and they are fantastic, let me tell ya'
I can't do the dang things and get em' to turn out like she does. Here is another one she completed recently that I thought was really nice.
A chrysocolla chalcedony that is about the size of nickel. Nice work honey! This thread is gonna' have some pretty ones coming up too.......I know. That tube agate one turned out killer too!

Posted by: Mrs.CP Dec 1 2009, 10:01 AM

Im still not sure what to do with the Chrysocolla one yet. Looks pretty as is.

Here is one posted above, but after Dan wrapped it to go with a specimen set. Turned out great I think!

Posted by: Mrs.CP Dec 5 2009, 07:54 AM

Here is a Coprolite heart that I made and Dan wrapped.
I love how the wrap almost looks like an arrow with the feathers at the end! Good work Dan!!
Its hard to see in this picture, but there are metalic looking strips running through it, especially around the rose looking formation on the right of the heart.

Posted by: Mrs.CP Dec 11 2009, 09:14 AM

Here is a recently made one that goes with both halves of an Oregon ThunderEgg.
It has a 14 k. gold filled custom setting.



This one is by far my favorite so far!! The pictures doent do it justice though. Its made from a piece of Gunnison Crater Tektite.........The stories this stone could tell If it could talk. WOW!





Remember to have a heart today!

Posted by: Mrs.CP Feb 13 2010, 06:17 AM

Here are a few more of my favorites.
This one is from an Oregon Thunderegg. Just started to hit a druzy pocket in the center.



Here are a few that I did for the kids at one of our past outings. I kept one for myself.
Can you tell what one I kept?

Posted by: jim Feb 13 2010, 08:40 AM

I'd say you kept the pink one. Being a lady and all. It seems like I have seen that stone before....

Posted by: ColoradoProspector Feb 13 2010, 08:06 PM

Actually Jim no it wasn't the pink one. A young girl instantly fell in love with that pink one when she saw it so that's the one she went home with.

Nice work Denise!

Posted by: Mrs.CP Feb 14 2010, 07:28 AM

Thanks for the compliments Dan!

I kept the Thunderegg one pictured in the bottom left Jim. I love giving hearts out. Here are a few more (Jade) that were passed out to the kids.



Here is the first heart I ever made. Petrified wood.



Happy Valentines Day everyone!

Posted by: ColoradoProspector Feb 16 2010, 03:18 PM

Nice work honey, hearts are really difficult to complete. Or atleast that's what I'm told, I'm not gonna' try to do one free handed like that. I'd probably get all my knuckles no problem.

Here is a pair of hearts from an Oregon thunderegg she finished up. The one on the left began this thread and it's matching piece is a bit thicker and set with a silver necklace hoop. right one is about 35mm x 35mm x 11mm thick and the left one is 32mm x 32mm x 4mm thick.
This pair is also being added to the http://www.coloradoprospector.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=2393 this afternoon, I'm sure someone will love this as their treasure choice soon too.

Posted by: Mrs.CP Feb 24 2010, 09:18 AM

Here is a broken nodule we found that I wanted to make a heart from.



Looking at the broken section, it appears to be two layers of crystals.



Here is the problem im having. Im not sure if I want to work the faces down smooth or not.
I really like the natural faces it has.





What do you all think? Should I grind it smooth or leave its natural faces?

Thanks for the imput!

Denise

Posted by: jim Feb 24 2010, 03:07 PM

I say leave it rough. It shows what love is really like. Rough and full of potholes. But at the same time it is surrounded by love(the heart shape) and has a solid center.

Posted by: Mrs.CP Feb 25 2010, 06:56 AM

Well said Jim. It does look cool as is, but granted it is still in the rough stage.

Posted by: Mrs.CP Feb 26 2010, 03:46 PM

Well here is the heart finished. Turned out pretty good I think. Great twinkles in the natural faces cleaned up!
The sides polished out great showing how the two layers of crystas meet.
Here is a picture of the front.



A picture of the backside. Not sure what the dark lines or the green inclusions are, but they sure add character to the piece.



Thanks for looking!

Posted by: Mrs.CP Apr 7 2010, 03:27 PM

Here are a few more hearts I recently made. Not sure what Im going to do with them yet though. Backstep If I decide they need to be drilled for a setting. I cant help myself, I love seeing the finished polished heart without it wrapped or drilled.

This first one is dinosaur bone one I made in memory of the Grateful Dead Its a little over 20x20 mm.




This second one is also dinosaur bone. It was a whopper to make with its larger size of 38x38 mm.
The red and white spots shown are translucent when help up to the light. Almost looks like the milky way with stars in a dark sky.
Pictures showing front and back side.

Posted by: ColoradoProspector May 12 2010, 01:06 PM

Yup! You sure are worth it babe! Those are all some spectacular hearts, WOWSER!

I'm sure I'd spike a scrape down the middle if I tried to do that shape. gggggaaaasssssiiiiiikkkkkkk! Oh rats!

Here's a one of A kind heart in boulder opal she just finished. Very sparkly veins through nearly all the ironstone matrix with some great green, blues, purples and even a couple red sparkles. Even though there are a couple fractures, she said no way she can grind it down any more.

In hand this flashes brightly in different colors at just about every angle from different points. Impossible to see that in just two pics but here's and idea how colorful this one turned out. The size is a chunky 32 x 32 at just over 14 grams and was carved from an end cut of rough material. One side rough and one flat, that was a toughie to even out.
This is the front side.....

Posted by: Mrs.CP May 28 2010, 06:50 AM

Thanks Dan. Each one I make is different and unique in its own way I think.

This is one I made for a club member who recently had heart surgery unexpectedly.
We understand what a difficult time this can be recovering from, so this was our little way of letting him and his wife know that were always here for them.



Excuse my little green friend, he wanted to see the heart as well.

Posted by: jim May 28 2010, 07:16 AM

Very pretty heart Denise! Cute little bug too.

Posted by: Mrs.CP Jun 3 2010, 06:09 AM

Hopefully they will like it also! Here are a few more I have been working on.

20x20 lace agate heart




20x20 Amazonite heart


Not sure what Im doing with these yet, but I will think of something.

Posted by: Mrs.CP Jun 4 2010, 02:32 PM

This is the smallest heart I have made yet. I free formed this one. Its 9 mm. wide and 3.7 mm thick. Would make a beautiful ring I think. Its made from a sweet colorful piece of gem grade dino bone, so when held to the light there are translucent round pockets.

Posted by: Mrs.CP Jun 17 2010, 10:43 AM

Posted by: Mrs.CP Jun 26 2010, 02:39 PM

Here is a cool piece of Microcline and Smokey Quartz Dan found in Park County. Made for some really cool sheeny patterns when he cut a few slices off of it. I decided today to make this heart (25x25 mm) from one of the slices. The little red spot sure gives it a nice touch. I think it turned out pretty well!! What do you think?

Posted by: russau Jun 27 2010, 05:22 AM

super nice work!!!

Posted by: Archer Jul 16 2010, 10:01 AM

Denise

We received the Microcline and Smoky Quartz heart yesterday. The wife loves it and I thought it was pretty neat too. You do excellent work Denise and we thank you for your gift and kindness.

Steve aka Archer and Charee

Posted by: Mrs.CP Jul 20 2010, 05:43 AM

Thanks Russ and Archer! Im really glad Charee likes it also.

Posted by: dickb Jul 28 2010, 12:34 PM

Hi Mrs CP:

Have you done anything with the blue heart in post 21?

I'm thinking of giving it to my wife as a gift and would like it to have a gold hoop that it can be hung on a gold chain.

What is the possibility of that being done. I think it needs to be kept uncovered by a wire wrap to allow the detail of the stone to show.

Let me know what you think.

Thanks a lot.

dickb

http://www.coloradoprospector.com/forums/index.php?act=attach&type=post&id=4183

Posted by: Mrs.CP Jul 28 2010, 03:44 PM

Hi dickb, and welcome to the CP forums. Make yourself right at home here, its a great community.

It is a stunning Australian Boulder Opal heart, and all I have done with it since that picture was posted is admire it.

I would love for your wife to have it! Dan can definately drill and set it in gold the way you described also. I will send you a pm soon with more details. I'm sure we can work something out.

Posted by: Mrs.CP Jul 31 2010, 07:36 AM

This is the stone that Dick was refering too now with his setting design. The chain is just to show how it looks with one on it, but I think it turned out fantastic!! The little loop attaching to the jump ring (not soldered together) almost looks like a little heart to me.

What do you think Dick? Hopefully its exactly what you imagined it would look like.
Dan and I wish you both a very happy 43 anniversary with many more wonderful memories together to come!
Hopefully she loves it just as much as I do!!


Picture with flash



Picture without flash

Posted by: dickb Jul 31 2010, 09:01 AM

Yes, I think it turned out extremely nice.

The jump ring works real well, because it gives the heart enough clearance from the chain that it looks like the heart is just placed there all by itself. When you look at it, the chain doesn't pull your eye away from the heart and distract from it's beauty.

I am really looking forward to seeing it in person, because I'm sure that the picture doesn't have the ability to show it's true beauty.

I have not seen a piece that stands out the way that heart does. I was looking for something that was unique and I sure think I found what I was looking for. You both did a masterful job making this heart, and I know that my wife will love it and cherish it as a special gift.

Thanks more than words can say.

Dickb

QUOTE (Mrs.CP @ Jul 31 2010, 09:36 AM)

This is the stone that Dick was refering too now with his setting design. The chain is just to show how it looks with one on it, but I think it turned out fantastic!! The little loop attaching to the jump ring (not soldered together) almost looks like a little heart to me.

What do you think Dick? Hopefully its exactly what you imagined it would look like.
Dan and I wish you both a very happy 43 anniversary with many more wonderful memories together to come!
Hopefully she loves it just as much as I do!!


Picture with flash



Picture without flash

Posted by: Mrs.CP Aug 2 2010, 08:33 AM

Thank you very much for the kind compliments Dick! It was our pleasure working with you.
It sure is an amazing stone! The colors roll through it like clouds in the sky.

Posted by: swizz Aug 2 2010, 07:06 PM

WoW!
You guys outdid yourselves on this one.

Posted by: dickb Aug 9 2010, 07:16 PM

Hi Mrs CP & CP:

Well it arrived late today and was very pleased when I looked at it. I'm sure that it will make a very memorable gift.
I'm like you, I can't decide which side I like best. It will be interesting to see what Ma picks when she wears it.
The picture really doesn't give a true image of the depth of the color or many different looks from different angles.

All in all it really turned out great and I thank you for your efforts. I guess that it was worth the wait. HAHA By the way how many million years did it take?
DickB

Posted by: Mrs.CP Aug 19 2010, 03:25 PM

Dan and I both wish you both a very Happy Anniversary today Dick. We hope the day has been the best!

Posted by: dickb Aug 20 2010, 08:39 AM

Hi Mrs CP and CP:

Thank you for your kind words. We had a very nice day and Ma loved the heart. It's around her neck as I type this note and she wore it to work today. She was very suprised and was as impressed with the heart as I was.

I found a nice chain for it, rectangular box pattern, and had the jeweler solder the jump ring. All done with time to spare. If I can get her to take it off, I'll post a picture of the finished gift. I'm thankful for all of you help putting this together.



This isn't the chain I bought. When Ma came home after work she told me that the chain cut into the back of her neck due to the weight of the heart. We changed it to another one that she had for a different pendant and that helped out a lot. I was worried that the heart would be heavy, thats why I had the loop made so large. We will need to find a larger link chain or braided chain to carry the heart.

I thought I'd pass that along to you so you will be aware of the situation.

Other that that, I thought you'd like to know it was a hit at work and got a lot of OHHH's and AHHH's. Even the jeweler thought it was a very nice piece. You don't see anything like it around Iowa.


Dickb

Posted by: Mrs.CP Aug 21 2010, 10:04 AM

Im very happy she likes it! I understand about the weight of the stone. I have several heavy heart pendants I wear, but I usually use suede leather cord choker style on them so they sit higher tward my neck. I have placed them on a braded style chain as well when im looking for a classier look though, and it holds up well. I would love to hear what style chain you end up going with that feels best for her.

Denise

Posted by: Mrs.CP Sep 11 2010, 07:48 AM

Here is a cute one I made, but I cant remember what the stone is.
Anyone have any ideas of what it is? Very soft to work on the diamond wheels.

Posted by: ColoradoProspector Sep 24 2010, 10:52 AM

Guess no one had a guess at that last one, color is popular though, it's already spoken for and will be getting a drill through hole today with a jump ring in sterling silver.

Here's another one of Denise's hearts in stone she did this summer and will be listed for sale in the Miners Market soon too. A sweet dino bone with red and white colors through out, set with a sterling silver custom "turn key" style hoop.
You can see a clear looking crack where clear agate filled a split in the bone during petrification process in backlighting.
Nice work on this one too honey, love the hearts in stone. Tough shape to do, and she polishes these all both sides and the edges.



A side angle pic of the "turn key" style hoop setting.


This one will be listed as a necklace with sterling silver chain included.

CP

Posted by: dickb Sep 24 2010, 09:48 PM

Posted by: ColoradoProspector Sep 27 2010, 11:54 AM

Thanks for the compliments Dick. Yes actually that setting has been epoxied in to that single position so it would be impossible to "turn" the setting at this point, but the pendant is double sided and can be worn either side out.
It does look as if it could be turned though doesn't it? Kind of like a wind up turn key........let her rip!

Here's another recent completion from Denise hearts in stone collection, a sweet gem grade dinosaur bone heart with multiple colors through out.
This one was set for a custom order request with a 14k gold filled setting. I like the dino bones colors alot.

Posted by: Mrs.CP Oct 1 2010, 12:54 PM

You do a fantastic job wrapping the hearts Dan!!! They look fantastic!

Posted by: dickb Oct 1 2010, 03:29 PM

QUOTE (Mrs.CP @ Oct 1 2010, 02:54 PM)

You do a fantastic job wrapping the hearts Dan!!! They look fantastic!

Posted by: Voltaire Oct 4 2010, 01:29 PM

Opal from Lightning Ridge.

Posted by: dickb Oct 4 2010, 05:16 PM

Boy thats a KEEPER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nice job grinding and really nice fire.

Dickb

Posted by: ColoradoProspector Oct 5 2010, 07:46 AM

Thanks Denise and Dick, sometimes the heart shape can really be hard to create a wrap for.

Nice opal heart Voltaire, thanks for sharing. That one has a nice green flash.

Here's another one Denise recently finished from Austrailia too, a Boulder opal in matrix.
I'm suppose to attempt a wrap on this one too but one side is really bulky so I'm still wonderin' just how that's going to work.
32 x 32 mm and 14.3 grams, should not be worn while jogging I'm thinking.
front side

Posted by: dickb Oct 5 2010, 09:30 AM

Ok I'm butting in here, but this is just a suggestion from me.


http://cgi.ebay.com/SLIDE-STYLE-BAIL-14KT-YELLOW-GOLD-/130005648023?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e44f0c297

You could make this from wire instead of buying it, if you wanted too, like your wrapped bails.

Way too much interest in the stone to hide it.

Now lets see what you decide.

Dickb

Posted by: Voltaire Oct 5 2010, 11:32 AM

Lovely Boulder, but the colour seems slightly on the weak side?? Maybe I'm spoiled.
The pic below was taken with lightling, seemingly not very good.
In reality the stone is completely purple with slight blue hues every here and there.

Posted by: Voltaire Oct 13 2010, 11:28 AM

Experimental Welo opal heart:

Posted by: Mrs.CP Nov 12 2010, 08:03 AM

Beautiful hearts Voltaire!

QUOTE (dickb @ Oct 5 2010, 08:30 AM)

Ok I'm butting in here, but this is just a suggestion from me.


http://cgi.ebay.com/SLIDE-STYLE-BAIL-14KT-YELLOW-GOLD-/130005648023?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e44f0c297

You could make this from wire instead of buying it, if you wanted too, like your wrapped bails.

Way too much interest in the stone to hide it.

Now lets see what you decide.

Dickb

Posted by: Mrs.CP Feb 16 2011, 10:52 AM

Here is a sweet little fire agate heart. Most of this piece is more of the clearer redish agate, but there is a lively little fire agate bubble in the center.
Being so tiny, it was dickens to get pics of, but I tried anyways. Both sides polished. Enjoy!

Front of the heart...

Posted by: ASTROBLEME Feb 16 2011, 05:40 PM

QUOTE (ColoradoProspector @ Feb 16 2010, 02:18 PM)

Nice work honey, hearts are really difficult to complete. Or atleast that's what I'm told, I'm not gonna' try to do one free handed like that. I'd probably get all my knuckles no problem.

Here is a pair of hearts from an Oregon thunderegg she finished up. The one on the left began this thread and it's matching piece is a bit thicker and set with a silver necklace hoop. right one is about 35mm x 35mm x 11mm thick and the left one is 32mm x 32mm x 4mm thick.
This pair is also being added to the http://www.coloradoprospector.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=2393 this afternoon, I'm sure someone will love this as their treasure choice soon too.

Posted by: Voltaire Feb 18 2011, 02:57 PM

The Fire agate is cute..

Posted by: Mrs.CP Feb 24 2011, 08:24 AM

Thanks Astrobleme and Voltaire. The matching hearts were added to the treasure chest, but we pulled them for Joe and his wife Roxie in loving memory of their daughter Cindy. They are in good loving hands now.

Posted by: ASTROBLEME Mar 24 2011, 08:21 PM

I found this heart in a dinosaur bone gem set in sterling that I recently purchased from the Miner's Market. Thanks Denise & Dan for the fast next day shipment and as always...the excellent quality.

The recipient of the jewelry really loved it!

ASTROBLEME

Posted by: Mrs.CP Mar 25 2011, 08:42 AM

Your very welcome Astrobleme, and thank you for the kind compliments..
Fantastic zoom in picture of the cabochon, thank you for sharing it with us! We use a 20x loop to look at the pieces were working, but never caught that one. Beautiful little heart!
Good eye!

What did you use to magnify it if you dont mind me asking...thats a really close up look.
Im very glad the recipient liked it!

Posted by: ASTROBLEME Mar 25 2011, 04:51 PM

QUOTE (Mrs.CP @ Mar 25 2011, 09:42 AM)

Your very welcome Astrobleme, and thank you for the kind compliments..
Fantastic zoom in picture of the cabochon, thank you for sharing it with us! We use a 20x loop to look at the pieces were working, but never caught that one. Beautiful little heart!
Good eye!

What did you use to magnify it if you dont mind me asking...thats a really close up look.
Im very glad the recipient liked it!

Posted by: Mrs.CP Dec 15 2011, 09:25 AM

Good eye Astrobleme! I need to get me one of those stereo microscopes, great close up picture!

Here is a beauty that was just finished and shipped out. It's a cool piece of Chrysoprase with some very interesting inclusions.
Both sides are finished, but I can't decide what side I like better. Dan drilled the hole and set the setting for it.

Here are both sides pictured.........

Posted by: swizz Dec 20 2011, 11:16 AM

She is gonna LOVE it! You guys did a great job on this and I am very appreciative!

Here's a shot that displays it's translucency before I ship it off today. Thanks!!! It is beautiful, well done!

Posted by: Mrs.CP Dec 23 2011, 09:39 AM

Your very welcome Chris! Great picture of it back lit, it shows the inclusions great.

Here is a Australian boulder Opal heart (32x32) that I just finished. I'm not sure what I will do with it yet though....... I might add it to the "Treasure Chest" prizes. I'm still trying to decide. It even has the hugs and kisses symbols on the left side.......oxo
I will try to get a picture of that side later.

Front....

Posted by: Mrs.CP Dec 23 2011, 12:02 PM

Here is the side view.......sorry for the bad pictures, my picture taking has been really off lately.
The top o is cut off in the pic, but its complete.

I forgot to mention the two love birds I see in the stone. The one in flight is on the side between the o and the x, and the other is sitting near the upper top left looking right of the front of the heart. Can anyone else see them or am I just being silly?

Posted by: swizz Dec 27 2011, 03:37 PM

My brain sees something completely different there.
I see a woman's figure like a carving or statue on the front of an ancient sailing vessel.
The figure's waistline begins at the top of the blue X... where it changes color. Torso is a bit deformed but she appears to be facing right pointing her chin high.... the top of the yellowish material being her head.


Regardless, that is a beautiful piece!

Posted by: Mrs.CP Dec 30 2011, 09:45 AM

Thanks Chris, that one was added to the "http://www.coloradoprospector.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=2393&st=0" as the newest item for choices.

I try to see the lady that you see, but everytime I try to see her head, I see Homer Simpson's head facing right with his mouth open about to eat a square doughnut with a hole.

Here is a fantastic piece of Colorado petrified wood from colo_heff that will be made into a 32x32 heart. This one will be fun to work!

Posted by: Mrs.CP Oct 7 2012, 08:29 AM

Here are three Wyoming Jade hearts CP's grandpa was working on a long time ago. Both sides are worked and the edge comes together great. They almost look like heart guitar picks. These are very special, not only because his grandpa made them but he and his partner were the men who discovered Jade in Wyoming.

Posted by: Mrs.CP Nov 10 2012, 05:20 PM

Here is a banded Fluorite heart I made Dan's mom.
This stuff is fun to work but so soft it is like butter on the diamond wheels. Took a great shine and feels like a piece of candy in hand.

Posted by: Mrs.CP Dec 29 2012, 09:56 AM

Here is one I recently finished. Sweet little Opal I hand shaped and polished with Diamond hand files and wet dry sandpaper. It measures approx. 10x10 mm.
A firend of ours saw it and thought it would make the perfect ring, so she is going to have it set for herself.

Here's to lovin' Opals!

Posted by: Mrs.CP Jan 12 2013, 09:21 AM

Here is a cool 26x26 mm petrified wood heart from South Park Colorado that I made. It is a matching stone from the guitar I am making. I also have a standard guitar pick that will also match. The darker patterns in the stone are translucent when held up to the light. Pictures of both sides finished.....

Posted by: Mrs.CP Jan 16 2013, 08:30 AM

Lee won the seasonal drawing and chose the large boulder Opal heart pictured above in several pictures!
It is a great heart and it's good to see it get a new home. Congratulations Lee!!

Posted by: Mrs.CP Feb 9 2013, 10:33 AM

I love making hearts in stone! I was looking over a few very tiny pieces of Opal that I had. I flattened a back side to a few and dopped them to toothpicks with superglue. Looking over one I said, "this one would make a great little heart, I would just need to work it by hand still on the stick!" I looked over at Dan and he replied "no you can't" and then smiled really big. That would be way too hard to do babe, you can barely even see it now let alone work it to a polish."..... He really knows how to inspire me. He knows I hate being told that! Sorry, just a girl. By far the smallest heart I have made yet! By the end of the day, I had not only made it a 3.17 x3.17 mm (1/8 x 1/8 in.) polished heart, but I took pictures!

The larger one measures 6 x 6 mm. Still not the best Opal pictures but hopefully practice will help. Both polished on the back sides also! The smaller one in this picture looks like a shot from space if you look at the larger image for more detail.


They will make great little inlays for something I think.

Posted by: Mrs.CP Feb 17 2013, 08:48 AM

For anyone interested in this thread......Another Opal heart (5 x 5 mm) with a tiny circle. Not a perfect heart shape but i thought I would share a picture with everyone. Both are polished on the back sides also.

I have to admit....I could not have made any of these smaller Opal hearts without my 20x loop. Work it a bit, look at it through the loop.....over and over. How else could I see if there were any scratches while I work it?

Posted by: Voltaire Mar 6 2013, 03:39 PM

Welo?

Posted by: Mrs.CP May 20 2013, 06:30 AM

Yes those are Welo. I love Opals!! Here are a few Australian boulder Opals. Holes drilled and ready to be set.

Front and back side.....

Posted by: Mrs.CP May 20 2013, 06:43 AM

Better pics of the stones....

Posted by: Mrs.CP Jan 24 2014, 06:06 PM

For those who like the stone hearts......Here is a recently done 26x26mm Sow Belly Agate heart from Creede Colorado that I made. Second pic shows the bands better when held up to the light. Thanks for looking!

Posted by: traddoerr Jan 24 2014, 10:48 PM

QUOTE (Mrs.CP @ Jan 24 2014, 05:06 PM)

For those who like the stone hearts......Here is a recently done 26x26mm Sow Belly Agate heart from Creede Colorado that I made. Second pic shows the bands better when held up to the light. Thanks for looking!

Posted by: russau Jan 25 2014, 05:16 AM

kinda wish i didnt sell off all those lapidary tools/equipment,but i didnt have room to store them muchless set all of it up!

Posted by: Mrs.CP Jan 25 2014, 11:29 AM

Thanks Dennis! The Opal ones did turn out really nice. Here is a 20x20mm Red Agate heart I finished yesterday. The patterns in this one are really cool I think. Hard to see in the picture but the darker colors are green. This one will make a great pendant wrapped in silver or gold I think.

I'm chomping at the bit to cut the Lapis Lazuli and make a heart from it. Broke out the 6" saw for that stone.

Posted by: Crusty Feb 1 2014, 01:32 PM

That agate is amazing!!

Posted by: Mrs.CP Feb 2 2014, 12:19 PM

Thanks Crusty, very cool Agate indeed! I wish I had more material from it but it's gone now.
Here is a worked piece from the Lapis Lazuli that Brandon sent us. Very fun stuff to work, was even bleeding blue on me as I was working it. Even turned the polish water a bluish grey. Alot softer to work than Agate and takes a great polish! I will drill a hole in the top down into the cleavage then set a gold loop into it for a pendant. I hope she enjoys this one Brandon, it's a beauty!!

Pics of both sides polished out.

Posted by: Crusty Feb 2 2014, 01:40 PM

That Lapis will be a great piece to remember your sacrifices!

I didn't have this made in Afghanistan... while there are surely skilled artisans around, we certainly didn't have access to them! So I ordered this piece off ebay from China.

Posted by: Dypheron Feb 3 2014, 01:46 AM

Awesome work on that heart guys! And plenty of time left until Valentine's Day!


Crusty, that's a nice ebay find, you're right about the artists around here. The rock and gem shop at the boardwalk is the only place left that has lapis for a decent price, and it seems their stock is starting to thin out a bit. I wish the bazaar was still open for some really cheap prices but that's not going to happen any time soon.

Posted by: Mrs.CP Feb 4 2014, 09:00 AM

You are very welcome Brandon! I know the heart wasn't something you were expecting for Valentines day, so I knew it would be a nice surprise for both of you.......plus this will help you earn some brownie points since it's from you.

Very cool piece Crusty! I have wanted to try making a skull since they are so popular, I was going to try to make it from Microcline. Actually I am in the process of working on something close....the "Pick of Destiny" for a special request. What? It's a skull.......

Posted by: fenixsmom Feb 4 2014, 09:11 AM

I'm not gonna lie, I'm green with envy with the specimens you've created! The way you brought out all the characteristics that have been enhamced! Very, very good work Mrs.P!

Posted by: Mrs.CP Feb 4 2014, 01:59 PM

Thanks fenixsmom! The feedback really means alot to me. It is definately a fun process. I wished you lived closer so I could just show you how it's done. I work alot of stones in different ways but hearts are one of my favorites.

Posted by: fenixsmom Feb 4 2014, 02:11 PM

I've always wondered about the process of cutting stones and gems. I guess I've always thought of them in a rough geode form and it's just the luck of the cut per se. I've never really put much thought into it. At least not like I have been recently since you've shown off the hearts. I love em!

Posted by: moontan Mar 30 2014, 03:28 PM

No need to live closer. Just saddle up and drive. Work out the plans and meet up. One thing I have learned by putting off, when does the next opportunity come along?

Posted by: Mrs.CP Apr 30 2014, 06:34 AM

This pair of Botswana Agate heart earrings turned out pretty nice I think. Size hearts are 20x20 mm. and set with sterling silver. Was really hard to photograph but I managed to get this decent shot.
When you move the stones around, you can see dancing shadow bands. Just listed these in the Miners Market.

Posted by: swizz Feb 27 2015, 10:37 AM

This heart in stone is from mother nature's lapidary bench.... about the size of my hand. I noticed it at my feet while fishing the Roaring Fork near Basalt. Coincidentally it turned out to be my favorite drift run of the trip that produced gem-like Rainbows and a few Browns. Maybe it was a good omen!
https://flic.kr/p/qrwGfbhttps://flic.kr/p/qrwGfb by https://www.flickr.com/people/121086004@N07/, on Flickr

https://flic.kr/p/rowprxhttps://flic.kr/p/rowprx by https://www.flickr.com/people/121086004@N07/, on Flickr

Posted by: Mrs.CP Feb 28 2015, 09:33 AM

Very cool natural heart Chris! I love the way it's sticking out of the water.
Lucky indeed.....

Posted by: Crusty Feb 28 2015, 09:37 AM

Awesome on both counts!

Posted by: Caveman Feb 28 2015, 09:59 AM

Love the heart, and the 'bow!

Posted by: Mrs.CP Mar 17 2016, 08:33 AM

Here is a 38x38mm. heart that I made for my sister Kelly. It's made from an Oregon Thunderegg with pink moss. I am also making myself one from the same stone but will have to be on hold since I hurt myself.

Thanks for looking!

Posted by: James and Cyndi Mar 17 2016, 10:05 AM

Very nice!

Posted by: Mrs.CP Mar 19 2016, 07:33 AM

Thanks James and Cyndi! Now it just needs a wrap to be a pendant.

Posted by: aggum1983 Mar 20 2016, 11:49 AM

Hello Mrs. CP
I would like to carve some hearts for my wife for next Christmas. Do you have any tips on how to do that? You are very talented with that. I have zero experience so anything you can advise would be greatly appreciated. I only have basic tools (rotary tool, chisels, and rock hammers). Thank you for your help

Posted by: Mrs.CP Mar 22 2016, 07:09 AM

Thanks aggum and great questions! I bet your wife would love a gift like that made by you.

Gold Barnstormer started a thread asking about http://www.coloradoprospector.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=2706 a while back. Great info about equipment used that will answer your questions, check out the link when you get a chance.

Here is a 20x20mm. agate heart that I made for Caveman while Colin and Glenda were here. I hope he likes it!

Posted by: Silky Mar 22 2016, 11:40 AM

QUOTE (Mrs.CP @ Dec 5 2009, 07:54 AM)

Here is a Coprolite heart that I made and Dan wrapped.
I love how the wrap almost looks like an arrow with the feathers at the end! Good work Dan!!
Its hard to see in this picture, but there are metalic looking strips running through it, especially around the rose looking formation on the right of the heart.

Posted by: NewRockHounder Mar 22 2016, 03:58 PM

Posted by: aggum1983 Mar 28 2016, 11:26 AM

QUOTE (Mrs.CP @ Mar 22 2016, 08:09 AM)

Thanks aggum and great questions! I bet your wife would love a gift like that made by you. Gold Barnstormer started a thread asking about http://www.coloradoprospector.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=2706 a while back. Great info about equipment used that will answer your questions, check out the link when you get a chance. Here is a 20x20mm. agate heart that I made for Caveman while Colin and Glenda were here. I hope he likes it!

Posted by: Mrs.CP Mar 29 2016, 07:11 AM

Thanks Silky!

If you started off with a slab aggum, it would still need to have the shape trimmed in with a trim saw. A Dremel can be used after that point but would be very timely and not as efficient as a cabochon machine. It could be done though but with a lot of hard work. Always remember to keep the stone wet when working them as well, very important as you don't want to breath the dust.

I hope this helps some.

~Denise

Posted by: aggum1983 Mar 30 2016, 08:56 AM

QUOTE (Mrs.CP @ Mar 29 2016, 08:11 AM)

Thanks Silky! If you started off with a slab aggum, it would still need to have the shape trimmed in with a trim saw. A Dremel can be used after that point but would be very timely and not as efficient as a cabochon machine. It could be done though but with a lot of hard work. Always remember to keep the stone wet when working them as well, very important as you don't want to breath the dust. I hope this helps some. ~Denise

Posted by: aggum1983 May 6 2016, 04:14 PM

I am now in the market for the Cabochon machine. Any recommendations on type or brand? I found this one on amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Lapidary-Horizontal-Grinding-Polishing-Cabochon/dp/B004XNTMZY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1462572735&sr=8-2&keywords=cabochon+machine

I'm not sure if this would be good or not, but I thought I would check to see.




Thanks for the tips Adam

Posted by: Caveman Jan 11 2017, 11:25 AM

Denise,

Sorry it took so long to get back and thank you for this heart.

I absolutely LOVE it!!! It is very special, and sits next to the rabbit you made for Karen.

Posted by: Denise Jan 11 2017, 01:49 PM

You're welcome Caveman, I'm really glad you like it.

Posted by: swizz Mar 26 2017, 01:44 PM

Here's one that was made by the Roaring Fork river near Basalt.
https://flic.kr/p/Tenscshttps://flic.kr/p/Tenscs by https://www.flickr.com/photos/121086004@N07/, on Flickr

Posted by: Crusty Mar 26 2017, 02:51 PM

Nice one Swizz!!

Found this one on the Arkansas yesterday.