Ring Class- the results...

Here are my two final cast rings. We used the lost wax cast process which was really interesting to learn. First we had to carve a ring out of a block of wax- which I found surprisingly difficult. Up until now we have been working additively, building and engineering rings. This carving threw me for a loop as we were taking away to get the form. The hardest part was getting started, and I just kept having to tell myself that is was only wax. Then we had to "sprue" the wax rings to a "tree" to make the model to pour the plaster investment around. Once that hardens the wax is melted out in the kiln leaving a plaster mold. Metal is melted down till molten, poured into the cast, and voila you have a sterling ring. I have really condensed the description of this process, of course there are many more steps but you get the gist of it. Enjoy!

That Heavy Metal Holiday Spirit

I've been struggling with trying to make a housewarming/holiday gift for a couple of parties coming up, and decided to let my kiln cool off a bit. I had these large copper discs hanging about, they were too big for pendants, but eureka!, perfect holiday ornaments. So yesterday I spent the better part of the day sawing, hammering, and giving them heat patinas- I even broke out my lettering stamps for more holiday cheer. I think they are pretty cute, even though it's hard to see the lovely rainbows of the heat patinas in these pictures. Cheers!- ooh that just gave me the idea for coasters.... Oiy, too many ideas, too much time away from the studio.....