Hi, The walnut bowl has a big problem: it has dried out nicely but it is no longer perfectly round. So yesterday I re-cut the exterior surface of the bowl to a round shape:
That part went well. But the inside doesnt match up, in fact we now have two different shapes superimposed on one another. You can see the uneven thickness of the rim of the bowl:
Solution: cut the interior of the bowl until it matches the outside. Here we go:
You can see the fresh cut surface beginning to match up with the exterior. The cone needs to be removed and the bottom of the bowl flattened and smoothed:
This took a lot of careful cutting but the interior and the exterior walls now match up. We have a bowl!
I am going to stop cutting it and let the wood fibers settle down for a few days. Next week Ill place it back on the lathe and cut the sides and bottom a little bit thinner. Its a nice day outside and I need to turn more darning eggs and tulips so I took some of my maple supply and cut it down into a cylinder and from there into a darning tulip:
Im going to take a break and come back and cut the other tulip out. Then I have a hickory plate to re-cut...in other words, its gonna be a busy day. Thanks for stopping by, Vickie
Hi Everyone, Well, I just came back from the King Tut exhibit and if you havent gone yet (Im referring to my friends here in the MidWest) you really need to get over there and see it. The artifacts are amazing--lots of statues, wooden furniture, and gold, gold, gold! Wow, they even had King Ts golden sandals! The displays were well done and you can walk around most of them and see all the detail up close-you can still see the tooling marks on some of them. The ancient craftsmanship was excellent, especially with the jewelry. And they had a replica of King Ts mummy--he must have been a small chap. Anyway, it was really worthwhile to go. And I got a genuine King Tut coffee mug at the gift shop--made in Thailand--a fitting end for a great exhibit. Im going to go and make myself some tea and drink it out of my King T mug and conjure spirits for a while....and Ive got to get me some of those sandals.... More later, VW
I completed my video on my Plywood Cutting Table! I think I am getting a little better at making videos too. They are getting more precise and to the point with less rambling and less "uhhh....." "and uh..." in it. Also, I think I ended up with a much better quality picture in the video since I rendered it to different specs. I hope everyone enjoys the video and feel free to comment and ask questions if you have one!
... and a mans worst enemy! If you like "bling", then this is your ring!!
Blue Round Diamond Lotus Flower Engagement RingA sparkling blue round diamond is set in this gorgeous bridal set.
Surrounding the solitaire are round diamonds and are set into the matching band.
The solitaire is a 100% natural diamond that has been color enhanced to achieve its rich blue color.
10k White Gold Diamond Twist Ring Round and baguette diamonds display eye-catching sparkle in this beautiful twist knot ring. Crafted in polished 10 karat white gold and embellished with 1/2 carat of channel and prong-set diamonds, its a graceful design thats sure to attract compliments. This ring makes a lovely gift for an anniversary or other special occasion..
Wedding & Engagement Rings
10k White Gold Diamond Engagement Ring
This ring is an absolute bargain - sparkly and shiny.
Diamond Clarity: No two diamonds are alike. A diamonds most distinguishing characteristics are its inclusions, marks that are often invisible to the naked eye. However, under a jewelers magnifying loupe or microscope they can look like crystals, tiny rivers, or clouds. A diamonds clarity is determined by the presence or absence of inclusions - fewer inclusions mean better clarity - and how visible they are. The greater a diamonds clarity, the greater its brilliance and value. A diamond categorized as internally flawless will have no inclusions, but this is extremely rare.
Diamond Color:Though diamonds come in a wide range of colors, colorless diamonds have traditionally been considered the most valuable. Most diamonds are graded on a scale using the letters of the alphabet, from D (colorless), the best grade, through Z (a light yellow). It is difficult for the untrained eye to notice such variations in color unless stones are being compared side by side. Diamond Carat Weight:A diamonds weight is measured in carats, with one carat being equivalent to 100 points. You will often see a diamond referred to as a 3/4-carat stone or a 75-point diamond. Larger stones are often more highly valued, but size should not be the only consideration - high brilliance, which varies according to clarity, cut, and color grade, is highly desirable in a diamond.Sterling Silver Simulated Diamond Heart Ring
Cubic Zirconia reveals the same brilliant shine one would fine in a well-cut diamond.
Playful, yet simple is design, the Sterling Silver Cubic Zirconia Heart Ring is a great accessory for day to day wear.
The top of a bright 925 sterling silver band is accented with a heart-shaped adornment boasting wonderful sparkle. Wrapped in a roped trim, the inside of the ring is embellished with a variety of round-shaped cubic zirconia stones in a prong setting. Heart-shaped jewelry is a romantic gift that never goes out of style.10K Gold by Madison Avenue Collection made with Swarovski Elements Pear Shape RD Pendant Necklace Sterling Silver Diamond Oval Mother and Child Pendant NecklaceCelebrate the bonds of motherhood with this touching mother and child pendant, whose diamond accents within sterling silver make this a timeless gift.
Sterling Silver and 14k Yellow Gold Diamond Winged Halo Heart Pendant Necklaces
This heart-shaped pendant reveals a whimsical design with its angel wings and yellow gold halo accents. The heart is embellished with prong-set white diamonds; their sparkle of which is emphasized by the mixed yellow gold and sterling silver metals on the pendant.
10k Yellow Gold Red Enamel with Diamonds Naughty and Nice Pendant Necklacs
Keep them guessing with this fun and flirty angel and devil heart pendant. Its crafted in 10 karat yellow gold and detailed with bright red enamel and genuine diamond accents. Sporting angel wings and devils horns, a halo and a tail, this sassy pendant showcases both sides of your personality. It comes complete with an 18-inch chain. History of Birthstones Chances are you can name your birthstone, but have you ever wondered how certain stones came to be associated with particular months? Most gem scholars trace the tradition to the Old Testament story of Aaron, whose breastplate was decorated with twelve precious stones, one for each of the twelve tribes of Israel. Over time, these stones were linked with certain powers and tied to particular astrological signs, and later to calendar months. There are many variations of birthstone lists, including Mystical birthstones, which originate from Tibet and date back over a thousand years, and Ayurvedic birthstones, associated with ancient Indian medicine and beliefs. Birthstones have also been tied to ancient Pagan religions, and even to the collective wisdom of the legendary lost city of Atlantis. The Modern birthstone list, perhaps the most universally known, was released by the American National Association of Jewelers and officially adopted in 1912. Whether you embrace birthstone lore, or look upon it with a skeptical eye, there is an undeniable appeal to collecting a beautiful gemstone that is reputed to hold special power, meaning, and good fortune just for you.
10k Gold Heart Diamond Pendant NecklaceAwwww how cute are these earrings,
Pear-Shaped Drop Earrings
Who can resist the rich, dreamy color of Swiss blue topaz? A total of six blue topaz stones, in faceted round and pear shapes, dangle below curved ear wires with leverback closures. Light rope texturing details the sides of the prong settings, adding to the elegance of this pretty pair.
Theyre perfect for any formal occasion! (Especially if, like me, youre a sucker for white gold)
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a girl in possession of gorgeous earrings must be in want of a ring to match.
Sterling Silver, 14k Yellow Gold, Diamond, and Swiss Blue Topaz Ring A shining sterling silver band is accented with a triangular topaz stone, whose sky blue hue is framed by a bright yellow gold bar and three channel-set diamonds, creating a ring that is both classic and colorful. December Birthstone: Blue Topaz Blue topaz is prized for its soothing and captivating blue color, which is usually divided into three categories: sky blue for the palest shade, Swiss blue for the more saturated medium shade, and London blue for the deepest shade. Also known as an artists stone, blue topaz is reputed to inspire creativity and enhance concentration. Well my birthday isnt in December, but I am creatively enhancing my wishlist and my concentration is at an all time high right now!
Ruby Red Enamel Ring with Vintage CZ Flower Design
As if molded from roses and lights in a silver garden, this ruby red enamel ring with vintage cubic zirconia flower design will make you feel wonderful and vibrant when you wear it. The glimmering white diamond cubic zirconias that dapple the petals of the flower create a sparkling soul with which to entreat the eyes. The red enamel strokes the eyes with its color as the sterling silver completes the effect with its cool luster. The ring weighs a good 8.9 grams to make this ruby red enamel ring with vintage CZ flower design a ring to make you feel great when wearing fine jewelry.
Creating a dazzling impression is as simple as black and white.
10k White Gold Black and White Heart Diamond Pendant
pave heart pendant is fashioned in 10 karat white gold, and paved all-over with black diamonds.
Two white diamond pave hearts add a striking contrast.
There are 160 round diamonds altogether in this elegant pendant, for a total combined diamond weight of 1 1/2 carats.
The pendant comes complete with an 18-inch chain.
Bling a ling!
Sterling Silver Black and White Diamond Angel Wing Pendant Necklace Stylish, not too expensive. Just GORGEOUS!
After spending all that money on your precious stones, and now are too busy showing off all your bling, here is a quick and easy solution to keep the sparkle alive
Diamond Dazzle Stik - Bring out the Bling
The Diamond Dazzle Stik uses a premium twist-to-dispense click pen to deliver a specialized cleansing solution to a flow-thru brush. The unique brush has been specifically engineered for ease of cleaning behind diamonds and other precious stones and their mountings. The high performance formula contains micro-fine cleansers and polishing agents combined with a polymer. The polymer fills in fine scratches on the setting, dramatically increases the brilliance and sparkle of the diamond, and reduces the future build-up of dirt. It also serves as a soothing emollient that is gentle on skin. With regular use, the Diamond Dazzle Stik will improve the overall appearance of your diamond jewelry. Its simple and easy to use, just twist, brush and dazzle.
Body chain jewelry is one of the hottest trends for celebrities currently, so get the celebrity look and make a statement
Celebrity Style Gold Body Chain Shoulder Statement Necklace
This body chain necklace features draping layers of gold chains that will truly make you the center of attention.
variety of body chains, Finger Ring Hand Chain Bracelets, chain-Shoulder Necklace jewelry here
Wrap your ankle in elegance5 Row Chain Anklet Looks great worn backwards when I wear heelless Makes a great stocking stuffer and gift for friends and relatives ANKLETSvariety of styles and prices 18k Yellow Gold Plated Sterling Silver Multi-Gemstone and Diamond Hoop Earrings
Sterling Silver with Pink Plating Multi-Color Butterfly Diamond RingGold PurityThe purity of gold is measured in karats. Pure gold measures 24 karats but is too soft in this state to be used effectively in jewelry. So it is alloyed with other metals--silver, copper, nickel, and zinc--to increase its strength and durability. Common measurements once the alloy is added are 18 karat (75% gold), 14 karat (58%), and 10 karat (47.7%). In the United States, the legal karat limit for the metal to still be considered gold is 10 karats. A higher karat measurement in gold content indicates a greater value of the jewelry piece. Gold jewelry should always be stamped with the karat mark, either 18k, 750 (European marking for 18k), 14k, 585 (European marking for 14k), or 10k. In addition, to assure its quality, the piece should be stamped with the manufacturers trademark or country of origin. Gold ColorThe color of gold may vary based off of the type of metal alloy included and the percentage of the metal alloy used. Most commonly, gold is available in yellow, white and rose coloring. Yellow gold is the most common color and is usually alloyed with silver and copper. Yellow and white gold are similar in strength and malleability, making them perfect for jewelry that is worn daily. White gold is alloyed with nickel, copper, and zinc--and while it looks similar to platinum, it has vastly different properties. Rose-colored gold is alloyed with copper and is often used to accent white or yellow gold. The saturation of color varies from piece to piece and according to gold content.
Its a conversation piece for the man in your life
Deal yourself a winning hand with this handsome diamond poker ring, made from 10 karat yellow gold. The stepped design displays a fan of five consecutive cards, beginning with the ten of diamonds and ending with the ace.
The ace card itself is set with 24 genuine diamonds,
for a total diamond weight of 1/8 carat.
The polished gold band tapers in back for comfort.
This ring is eye catching but not over the top.
Mens 10k Yellow Gold Diamond Poker Ring ?
Sterling Silver and 14k Yellow Gold Martini and Jade Olive Cuff Links
also visit Gift Shopping Ideas BlogCelebrity Fashion blog Fashion and AccessoriesHandbags and more Bags Cute Fashions Gift Shops Bling a ling gifts Hello Kitty stuff
Types of GemstonesNatural GemstonesGemstones that are created in nature. They are often treated to improve their color and appearance. Created GemstonesThese gemstones are made with the same mineral composition as natural gemstones and are created in laboratories with equipment that simulates the high pressure in heat needed to create gemstones in nature. Simulated GemstonesSimulated gemstones are created in a laboratory but in most cases do not have the same mineral composition, color, hardness, and look as natural or lab-created gemstones. Synthetic GemstonesGemstone imitations that copy the same look and color of the natural gemstones but do not have the same chemical or physical compositions. ColorJewelers describe the color of a gemstone in terms of three characteristics: hue, saturation, and tone. HueA gemstones basic color is its hue, and those with purer hues (for emeralds, green; for sapphires, blue; and for rubies, red) are generally considered more valuable. Often, however, a hint of another color can be detected. Sapphires will range from purplish blue to greenish blue; emeralds, yellowish green to bluish green; and rubies, orangey red to purplish red. SaturationSaturation is a measure of the intensity or purity of a gems hue and is determined by the degree to which gray or brown hues mute its defining color. Value tends to increase with saturation, so a fully saturated purplish blue sapphire may well be more expensive than a muted pure blue one. ToneThe tone of a gemstone, a measurement of its lightness or darkness, is usually given as light, medium-light, medium, medium-dark, or dark. ClarityA flawless gemstone is rare and usually extravagantly priced. As with diamonds, most gemstones have inclusions, or tiny mineral flaws, that can be seen under magnification or by the careful eye. Sapphires tend to be moderately included, while emeralds and rubies are usually heavily to moderately included. Make sure that any inclusions in the stone do not penetrate deeply into the gem, as this may cause it to break or crack. Clarity grades range from VVS (very, very slightly included) to I3, in which inclusions are prominent and severely affect the gemstones beauty. CutA gemstones cut refers to its proportions and symmetry. It is essential in making a gemstone look appealing--the stone should be symmetrical in all dimensions so that it will appear balanced, and so that its facets will reflect light evenly, providing good brilliance. Color should also be taken into account when cutting for optical efficiency. If a stones color is highly saturated, a shallow cut will allow it to pass more light, while a deeper cut may increase the vividness of a less saturated gem. There is no generally accepted grading system for gemstone cut. SizeThough a gemstones weight is usually given in carats, this may not give an accurate idea of its size, because different types of stone have different densities. Therefore, a 1-carat sapphire or ruby will be smaller than a 1-carat emerald, though they have the same weight, because sapphires and rubies (both a form of the mineral corundum) are more dense than emeralds. Gemstones can also be measured in dimensions (diameter, length, and width). It is important to know the dimensions to ensure that the gemstone weight will be visible and well proportioned in the setting. Illustration of gemstone dimensionsTreatmentGemstones are often treated to enhance color and fill cracks. Please note that, if a gemstone has been treated, this information will be provided in the specifications on the stones product detail page. There are various accepted techniques, depending on the type of stone. For example, oils and resins are frequently used to fill surface-reaching fissures in emeralds and rubies. This process is not permanent, however; if a treated ruby or emerald is subjected to high heat from a jewelers torch, an ultrasonic or steam cleaner, or even hot dishwater, the filler may leak out of the stone. Sapphires and rubies are often heated in a kiln or furnace to enhance their color. Such heat treatment, which is considered permanent, has been used for centuries. Lightly colored sapphires may also undergo diffusion treatment. This is done by heating a stone in the presence of coloring elements such as titanium or iron, which causes a thin layer of color to be diffused into the stones surface. Because this color layer is so thin, a diffusion-treated sapphire should not be repolished. Heat-TreatedHeating is the mo
Dont be shy think of it as if you were the seller, they dont mind. George quite often asks the
home owner if they have any candles they want to sell. Not everyone thinks to bring out their
old unwanted candles to a yard sale but everyone has unwanted candles they would like to get
money for. I recall one lady going into her home and coming back with handfuls for him free
of charge. George melts the wax down, cleans it, mixes it, and makes new candles.
Recycling 101!
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Buy ...
I buy what catches my eye and even though I resell many items it must be something I would want
in my own home. Same goes for you, buy what you love, and only what you love. Hey if someone
is selling your exact printer cartridge with a good receipt date you dont need to love it just make
sure its a smoking deal.
Chances ...Not every home owner is as prepared as the next and not every item will be priced before you arrive,so if you like something and it isnt been marked yet take a chance and ask for a price. These are the moments most sellers are grateful for and will give you an even better deal than you had thought.We all think we can get a bit more for an item when we are writing out price tags. However when we have someone interested right there in front of us there is no time to think ...give them the best price to get it out of the garage for good. SCORE for both the buyer and seller!
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Demographics ...
We get asked how and where we find it all. Over time you do learn key words to look for when
reading garage sale listings, you also learn the good areas, and if you consider what it is you are
looking for and target the neighborhoods with the demographic that uses your item you have a great
chance of finding it. For example Georges canning jars ...
Country homes have gardens thus the home owner might do some canning and have left overs.
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Estate Sales ...
This morning one address we found advertised took us from our planned route. I grumbled and
we struggled to even find it but we persisted and ended up at the best darn estate sale this year.
Oh Glory Be the furniture selection was amazing and the van filled fast.
Fun ...Make sure to enjoy the experience and have fun. Thrifting with a GF can be a great outing. Yard saling with your best guy can be a fun date. Be open to a chat with a home owner if it presents its self. Some times you learn a lot about an item they have for sale or some information about the neighborhood you didnt know. They may even give you a better deal after a nice chat.
Hardware ...Do not walk past those boxes of miscellaneous items, you never know what you might find in there. When you do find that little thing you need to make something work better at home it might cost you a quarter. Its way cheaper than walking the isle of the hardware store.
Goals ...Im here to say it doesnt always work, but do your best to set goals for what you want to buy and what you want to spend. I like to leave the house with a certain amount of cash and when its goneIm done.
Hi Everyone, Im having some technical difficulties with the coffee scoop at the moment so Im going to work on a different project today--wooden spoons. Ive been asked by a buddy of mine to make her some wooden spoons for her kitchen. She and her husband cook a lot and shes asked me to make some tasting spoons. Ive never heard of this type of spoon (being the big peasant that I basically am, I just use what ever spoon happens to be laying around when Im cooking) so I looked on the Internet and found that these are spoons with a very long handle and a small bowl on the end. The ones that I saw appear to be flat and as most spoons are contoured somewhat (and rather elegant looking if done well) I suspect that these spoons are simply cut from a straight piece of lumber. I checked with my friend and this is what she wants so away we go... My friend would like 3 spoons so Ive gathered up some of my usable scrap lumber and Ive sawed out three blanks: mahogany, maple, and cherry wood and Im going to put these on the lathe and turn out the handles and then cut the bowls by hand:
I drew a line down the center and sketched out a spoon on each of them and then placed the cherry blank on the lathe between centers:
And turned on the lathe. You can see a dark line towards the left. I drew that there to keep me from cutting into the bowl section:
Here is a photo after the handle has been turned down:
Ive shaped the handle even more and added a little detail:
Heres a closeup of the handle:
I finished this by sanding it with 100 and 150 grit sandpaper. As these are going to be used and washed, the grain will eventually raise and the spoons will have a rough surface so theres no point in sanding it to a high finish. Ive done the same thing with the other two spoons:
The handles look a little too wide for the width of the bowl so esthetically speaking, theyre not going to be winning any awards. But they are very strong and will last a very long time. And I like the mahogany one. The bowls have to be hand carved. The top will be scooped out and the bottom will be rounded. And Ill admit--I had to have a dental biopsy today and the novacaine is wearing off so it will be nice to go upstairs and get off my feet and carve for a while. So go sit down and Ill get a cup of coffee and go and get some ibuprofen and Ill be right back... Ok, Im back. There is a company called FlexCut and they make terrific carving knives. Im going to be using there large, roughing knife for the outside of the bowl:
Ill work on the mahogany one first. Mahogany is one of the softer hardwoods and a joy to work with in any capacity-carving, turning, or general wood working. Here is the back of the spoon:
Here is a photo after about 10 minutes of gentle carving:
ARRRGGGHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!
And here is the last photo for the time being:
Ive rounded off the back and the sides and Im going to stop for now. My eye-hand coordination is a little off today and I dont want to cut off a finger. And I need to leave enough wood for tomorrows hollowing out. Im going to go and finish my coffee and tomorrow Ill finish the spoons and work on the coffee scoop some more. Also the walnut bowls and the black ash-Brazilian cherry bowls are in their final finishing stages so Ill have photos of those tomorrow too. See you then, VW
That part went well. But the inside doesnt match up, in fact we now have two different shapes superimposed on one another. You can see the uneven thickness of the rim of the bowl:
Solution: cut the interior of the bowl until it matches the outside. Here we go:
I am going to stop cutting it and let the wood fibers settle down for a few days. Next week Ill place it back on the lathe and cut the sides and bottom a little bit thinner.
Sterling Silver Simulated Diamond Heart Ring 
Awwww how cute are these earrings, 
Sterling Silver, 14k Yellow Gold, Diamond, and Swiss Blue Topaz Ring A shining sterling silver band is accented with a triangular topaz stone, whose sky blue hue is framed by a bright yellow gold bar and three channel-set diamonds, creating a ring that is both classic and colorful. 
Sterling Silver Black and White Diamond Angel Wing Pendant Necklace 
18k Yellow Gold Plated Sterling Silver Multi-Gemstone and Diamond Hoop Earrings
Illustration of gemstone dimensions
I drew a line down the center and sketched out a spoon on each of them and then placed the cherry blank on the lathe between centers:
And turned on the lathe. You can see a dark line towards the left. I drew that there to keep me from cutting into the bowl section:
Here is a photo after the handle has been turned down:
Ive shaped the handle even more and added a little detail:
Heres a closeup of the handle:
I finished this by sanding it with 100 and 150 grit sandpaper. As these are going to be used and washed, the grain will eventually raise and the spoons will have a rough surface so theres no point in sanding it to a high finish.
The handles look a little too wide for the width of the bowl so esthetically speaking, theyre not going to be winning any awards. But they are very strong and will last a very long time. And I like the mahogany one.
Here is a photo after about 10 minutes of gentle carving:
And here is the last photo for the time being:
Ive rounded off the back and the sides and Im going to stop for now. My eye-hand coordination is a little off today and I dont want to cut off a finger. And I need to leave enough wood for tomorrows hollowing out.