Current Read

Enameling on Metal by Oppi Untracht, 1971 (first published in 1957).  I love reading vintage jewelry and craft books and even more exciting to me are the period images which are great for inspiration.  Of course I make sure to read current books for advanced techniques and safety measures.  Oppi includes asbestos gloves and an asbestos block in the quipment list which have of course not been available in artist stores for years.

Treasure Hunt

Treasures found this weekend.  I was told the black ammonite is from Morocco but I think it might be from Peru.  Several magnatite crystals (the black cube shapes) and a chunk of Aragonite crystals are simple and sparkly.  The hand painted cameo is signed on the back, from Poland but I am not sure how old this might be.
 

 

The porcelain girl with flower bouquet has a cork stopper and is marked Germany.

Old piece of branch coral and a coral cameo.  I haven't seen a red coral cameo before.

The glass elephants are so sweet although many have chipped trunks or legs. They were part of a bracelet and earring set.  Again not sure on the age, at least 40 years old I suspect.

A pair of blackamoor clip earrings with rhinestone and faux pearls and blackamoor pendant with tiger's eye stone and enamel. 

 

 Lastly a filigree peacock with enamel and turquoise colored stones.

All roads lead to Zzyzx

 

You have seen this sign before and thought "I wonder where that road goes?" or "they must have ran out of street names".  When I was a kid this sign 50 miles past Barstow was always a landmark on the way to my uncle's house.

I am so excited I get to find out what is on Zzyzx Road in March.  I signed up for California Federation of Mineralogical Societies' (CFMS) Earth Science Seminar.  It will be held at an area designated for desert studies and is off the grid! 

My classes will include soapstone carving, scrimshaw, enameling, lapidary and hopefully a few great field trips into the desert in search of treasure.  So what is on my mind right now?  More tools!