Thuja cones in sterling silver

Here are some earrings and a pendant that were made from the cones of a tree known as Thuja or Arborvitae, specifically these are from the Thuja occidentalis, which you can read more about here. These cones were used to cast these one of a kind pieces in sterling silver using the 'lost wax' process. All jewelry that I make with these is unique, as a different cone is used in each piece which accounts for small differences in size and shape.

More Mitsuro

Here is another ring from the first batch of rings that I made using mitsuro wax. This ring was repeatedly quenched in the pickle and then burnished to achieve the bright fine silver finish as compared to the previous ring that was oxidized with liver of sulfur.

Mitsuro Ring

I have been working on a making some new designs that use a Japanese wax called mitsuro.

The model for this ring was made using this wax and was then cast in sterling silver and is oxidized with liver of sulfur.

New Work from the New Bench

Here are a couple of new pieces that I made recently. I have just reconfigured part of my shop and built two new benches.

Here is a picture of the main view of my shop and the new bench where I do a majority of my work at.

Here is the newest member of my shop, a vacuum casting machine and investment table. Woo hoo!

Cherry Blossom Pendant

I made this pendant recently and have it listed on my Etsy store now. The pendant was inspired by a common motif of cherry and plum blossoms that appear in various Japanese metalwork. This pendant was made using an overlay technique where I cut the flower design in one piece of silver and then apliqued the piece onto another silver piece. The pendant measures 5/8 inch x 1 1/2 inch long.

Rolled and Riveted

Here is a ring that I have been working on for a bit and have just finished up. It features two panels of silver that were roller printed with the hull of a tomatillo to achieve the texture. The panels were drilled and then fixed in place with hand hammered silver rivets. The dark finish is a result of liver of sulfur that was applied at the end and then I used steel wool removed some of the oxidation to reveal the pattern.

Cuttlebone Cast Ring

I made this ring this past weekend to add to my newly opened Etsy store. The ring is fabricated and cast from sterling silver. This ring has a formed cast piece that makes the top of the ring that was cast using a mold made from the bone of the cuttlefish. The texture that is imparted on the cast silver can be seen on the top and inside of the ring.