12.28.2010

Something Blue...Artfire Collection

Just wanted to send out a thank you to ASpecialDayDesigns, for including my Cherry Wood Wedding Set with Lapis Lazuli Inlay, in a new Collection.  The Collection is called "Something Blue...Artfire Wedding"

Going along with this collection is an upcoming event for all those who are getting married, or just thinking about your dream wedding.  If this describes you, or someone you know then please checkout the Artisan Wedding Fair on Artfire! Jan 17th thru Jan 31st.  There are over 60 shops that are ready and waiting to help you have the wedding of your dreams.

Before the big event in January, you can checkout the Artisan Wedding Fair Blog for Invaluable information to help you through your big day.  Please be sure to Follow the blog so that you can recieve the most up-to-date information for the Wedding Fair.




12.25.2010

Merry Christmas to all...

Had a great Christmas with Family...  At this time of year we like to remember the reason for the season.  That Jesus Christ was born into this world.  However we must also remember the reason that He came, to die for our sins.

12.23.2010

Mystery Wood Heading to Fiji...

Recently I was contacted by a couple wanting a Wedding Set.  They were planning on eloping to Fiji over Christmas.  They were wanting to go as non-traditional as possible, so they decided on a set of wooden rings.

After some discussion they agreed on a design that they liked.  I happened to have a couple pieces of mystery wood that I thought would contrast well, and come close to the design sent.


I started with a Dark Wood Base, and used a Lighter Contrasting Veneer. The grain was set running across the ring, instead of around the ring.  It makes it appear that there are many small pieces of wood placed around the ring.

Please feel free to comment below, and let me know what you think.

12.22.2010

Padauk Ring and Necklace Set

One of my friends recently requested a matching set to include a Necklace and Ring. These were to be made out of Padauk Wood with Lapis Lazuli Inlay.

The color of the Padauk is just amazing, and it gives the Lapis a darker tint, that pops very well.  The pictures do not do this set justice.

Padauk Wood Ring with Lapis Lazuli Inlay

Padauk Wood Pendant with Lapis Lazuli Inlay

12.21.2010

Time for a Collection...

One of my clocks was recently featured in a new Artfire.com Collection, curated by bluejane.  Please take a look at the other great artists featured in this Collection.



12.17.2010

Turn back Time....

Today I am reaching back to some earlier turnings that I have done.  Several years ago, I decided to try and make a clock for my wife, while she was out of town.  I had receieved a piece of Walnut Root, that had some beautiful grain pattern.  As a contrasting wood for the number markers, I decided on Bethlehem Olive Wood (BOW).   BOW has an amazing Grain Pattern as well.  It also has a great significance since it is harvested from Olive trees just outside of Jerusalem.


Walnut Root Clock w/ Bethlehem Olive Wood Inlay

The clock I made at that time is approximatly 12" in diameter, and 1" thick.  This clock spurred my imagination, and I have since made other clocks.  They do take more time to make than my rings, but I hope to start working on more designs to build up a stock to sell.

More Examples after the break...

12.16.2010

Artisan Wedding Fair: Planning A Wedding?

Artisan Wedding Fair: Planning A Wedding?:
"We can help!
The Artisans of Artfire are planning a two week + Wedding Fair....with everything from centerpieces to garters to comfortable clothing for your big day!
The Dates of the Fair are Jan 17th thru Jan 31st.
We are going to be spending the next few weeks getting our shops ready to give you lots of choices for your Wedding Day. "

For more information, and some great wedding tips, please checkout our Fair Blog at artisianweddingfair.blogspot.com

12.13.2010

Materials - Katalox

Katalox Wood
Dark Wood
Color: Purple/Black color with a creamy/golden sapwood
Strength: Strong
Notes: Katalox, or Mexican Royal Ebony, is a dense Central American hardwood. It is listed in several USDA publications as a suitable substitute for African Gabon Ebony in stringed instruments. The dark purple/black color accents well with the creamy/golden sapwood to create contrast that can be well utilized for a unique look in your projects.

Examples:

Katalox Wood w/ Mother of Pearl Inlay

Materials - Amber

Amber
Stone
Color: Dark Golden Honey to Creamy Orange
Hardness: 2-2.5 MOHS Scale. 
Notes: Amber is very soft and easy to work with.  It turns and finishes nicely.  However it is very translucent, and should be paired with a light color wood to show off the Amber Color.

Examples:

Cherry Wood w/ Baltic Amber Inlay

12.11.2010

A Mother of a Ring...

This ring I finished recently as a present for my MIL.  This is the first time I have used Katalox, and the finish is just wonderful.  It has the texture and finish of Ebony.  Paired with the Katalox, is Mother of Pearl Shell.  Together they make a great piece.

Katalox Wood Ring with Mother of Pearl Inlay

12.09.2010

Walnut Wood with a Spalt...

I have been working on some Christmas Orders recently, 2 Walnut Pens with Satin Silver finish on the hardware.  I just happened to have a Spalted Walnut blank that would do 2 complete pens, or so I thought.

I started out preparing the blanks, and getting them ready to turn.  Everything was going great and then I got a catch with my skew.  The entire blank blew apart.  Now this is something that can happen regularly when turning pens.  The wood is so thin at times, and if there is a defect or crack in the blank it can explode.



Spalted Walnut Key chain w/ Chrome Hardware

No worries though.   Since my slimline pens are made from 2 separate blanks, and those blanks are the same size as a key chain blank. I was able to finish out the other side, and turn it into a key chain.

The spalting does not show up as well on this key chain, but it does still have a great color.

12.08.2010

Artfire Launches Shop Local...

Ok,  I realize that I am about a month behind the times, but I just found out about this feature.   Artfire has added a new search criteria that will allow you to limit results to local items only.  This is a great way to support your local economy, find items that could arrive quicker since they do not have to travel as far.  Or save on shipping costs.

To use this, just do a normal search, and then change the results from Best Match to Best Local Match. You will have to put in your Zip Code so that it can calculate the distance.  You can then choose from within 50, 100, 200 miles, or Everywhere.

If you haven't seen Artfire.com please check it out.  Artfire is similar to Etsy, but does not charge the artists re-listing fees to keep their items high in the search ranking.

12.07.2010

Cocobolo with Powdered Lapis Lazuli

It still amazes me how often this happens. I can have a specific Design idea, but the wood/ring wants to be something different.

This ring started out to be for a customer that wanted a dark wood with Amber Inlay. I got the ring sized, and was ready to start placing the stone. After placing the first couple pieces of stone, I realized that they looked clear. The Amber was so transparent, and the wood underneath was so dark, that you could not see any of the beautiful honey color. I stopped instantly and contacted the customer. We ended up deciding on going with Cherry for a base with the Amber.

So now what to do with this nice Cocobolo Base.

12.06.2010

Amber for Amber...

Recently a customer contacted me to see about having a couple of rings made with Amber as an Inlay material.  I had not worked with Amber before, but after some research I found that Amber is very soft on the MOHS scale.  Making it very nice for inlay and finishing.

I tracked down some Baltic Amber and placed an order.  The Amber I received ranged in color from a Dark Honey Red to a creamy yellow.

Originally the customer wanted a dark wood to go with it.

12.05.2010

1st Artfire Collection


This is my first Artfire Collection.  I have been getting a lot of requests for Wooden Wedding Rings lately.  So I decided to put together a collection of Wooden Wedding Items.  Please check out these great items from Artfire Sellers.



12.02.2010

How to Show different content to Fans...

In this post I will show you how I created a tab on my Facebook page that will show different content to those people who are not fans.  I use this feature to run specials from time to time for Facebook Fans only.