Inspired By A Trip To The Desert

Yesterday I landed in Las Vegas.  My parents came and picked Colin and I up and drove us out to their home in Southern Utah.  We visit them once a year out there and I LOVE it!  I always come home from this trip filled with inspiration.  Let me show you why...

My parents live in the desert.  This is a short drive from their house.  

We usually go out for one or two hikes while we are there.  My parents took some rockhounding classes at their local community college and so we search for petrified wood, fossils and various stones.  

Sometimes we get lucky and find one!  You've probably noticed that spirals and fossils are a recurring theme in my work.

About 45 minutes away from their home is Springdale, Utah.  Springdale sits outside of Zion National Park.  Two of my favorite places are located in Springdale.  The first is The Worthington Gallery.  Located inside a historical home, this gallery is FILLED with amazing local pottery and art. I always select a few pieces to bring back with me.  

Also located in Springdale is this fabulous rock shop.  I go nuts in here every year.  Do I need more cabochons?  That's a ridiculous question!  Of course I do!

I created this ring using a septarian nodule cabochon I purchased from that shop.  The shop owner is  a lapidary. He uses septarian nodules local to Utah and a variety of other stones, including a few local jaspers.

And of course, if you drive through Springdale you end up in Zion National Park.  It's kind of hard to not be inspired by this place!  Look at those layers of color and all that texture!

And speaking of Zion, I'm heading out there today.  Going to stop at the rock shop first, then Worthington Gallery and then head into the park!  I wonder what kind of inspiration I'll come back with this time.

Happy Beading and Happy Thanksgiving!

Diana P.

Suburban Girl Studio LLC

Soldered Wire Prong Bezels

On Saturday, I went up to Sue Sachs studio to take a bezel workshop.  This wasn't just any bezel workshop, it was on setting stones that were unusually shaped.  I asked specifically for this workshop because I have a large collection of cabochons and flatbacks that aren't round or oval.

Sue had a selection of samples laid out for us, including this massive wire prong bezel pendant.  Right away I knew I was going to make a bezel using this technique.  

I brought my entire collection of crystal and fossil cabochons with me but ultimately decided I would set this pretty quartz piece.  I also used the sterling silver wire I already had on hand, which included 16 gauge and 20 gauge (I would not use 20 gauge in the future though as it would need to be work-hardened to be secure).  I do plan to add 18 and 14 gauge to my supplies in the near future.

The first step was to create a base that I would then attach all the prongs to.  I used the 16 gauge wire for this.  Once the ends were filed, I soldered the wire together.

I then cut several lengths of 20 gauge wire and created balled headpins to use as the prongs.

I eyeballed the length of the headpins and cut them down in size and soldered the first two onto the base.

Then the final two prongs were measured and soldered on.

I noticed along the way I must have goofed and I had to flip the base around.  Oops.  But it was still going to work!

I went with a simple arch for the bail.  I also realized at this point that the bezel looked kind of like a baby reaching out to be held.  Hehe.

I gave the bezel a Liver of sulfur bath and then I slid the quartz in and folded the prongs over.  

This was an easy and fun way to set a stone!  Colin is going to finish getting my torch set up in the workshop so that I can begin making these at home.  

What's your favorite way to set unusually-shaped stones?

Happy Beading!

Diana P.

Suburban Girl Studio LLC