What do you do with those tiny pieces of wood left over?

[CallMeKelly]

What would I do if Daisy ate my scraps!!!??? (she only comes and sniffs)

I love the idea of tumbling and adding fragrant oils... brb

[KathyRo]

Originally Posted by jim_mex

Kathy - I'm curious to know - what are 'Apache tears'?
Also if you try tumbling I'd be interested in seeing the results. Its got me thinking yet again... LOL!

PS - try differing grades of grit as depending on the hardness of your woods you might need to increase the grain size. A could choice of grit would be white silica or quartz which you can probably find at your local builders merchant. I've seen it sold here in Mexico as an additive for giving texture to plasticized wall paints

Have fun
Jim

Jim, it’s called obsidian which as I understand it’s volcanic. When polished it’s a beautiful black or can be a gray-black. We actually have a few pieces that you can almost see though. There are Indian Yavapai/Apache stories of it’s healing and spiritual powers. Unpolished it’s a very dull unattractive stone, but tumble it in the machine for eight-ten weeks and it become a beauty.
Here in our Yavapai County of Arizona there are certain areas where it can be found. I believe it’s located all over Arizona and other states too. It is was also used by the Indians and others for flint napping of arrow heads and spear heads. These stones some times can be found naturally polished by the wind and sand brushing over them.
That is the only stone my hubby polishes, he enjoys the process and the stones.
Thank you, for your interest
KathyRo

[jim_mex]

Hi Kathy - thanks for the information which now familiar to me we have loads of obsidian deposits very close to hand where I live. We are situated about 40 miles north of Teotihuacán - the ancient Aztec city to the north of Mexico city and famous for the pyramids of the Moon and of the Sun.

At the entrance to the archeological site you can find loads of small artisan shops selling obsidian figures in all shapes and forms including the arrow and spear heads you mention. of course, nowadays they are manufactured in small backstreet workshop scattered in and around the area!

By the way, I was drooling over your site late last night, utterly fascinated with your work. You are a very talented lady and in so many differing areas. Truly inspirational... I particularly like how you have shown some of your sculptured works in progress - very, very nice.

This forum is surely blessed with so many talented folk!


Best regards

[KathyRo]

Wow, Jim you live not far from some history I've only read about or seen on TV. It must have been so interesting when you saw it for the first time.
Thank you, for visiting my web site and I'm pleased you enjoyed your stay--come back anytime. I had just been studying clay sculptue for about 5 months before we left California. While in class I created a relief--actually didn't get to finish it and had to brake it down. That hurt, but I promished myself I'd rebuild it one day--haven't done so yet. LOL I use plasteline to make models of planned works, like the one to saw. It helps me to see what the figure looks like from all sides. So when I sculpt or carve it's like having an extra set of eyes.
Well, anyway thanks again, Jim for your most generous compliment.
KathyRo