lampwork cabochons

[mizgeorge]

I'm working on some sample pieces for a workshop next year, using lampwork cabochons and various bezel settings. Here's last night's piece. Fabulous cab by Julie Haveland Beer at www.dolmairicdesigns.co.uk, set on a guitar pick shaped pendant, with just a little touch of 18k gold to go with the amazing colours in the glass. *


oxidised (but just a bit!) by mizgeorge, on Flickr

[Dennis]

Very nice George, bet you enjoyed setting it too. Here are three questions:
Do you use something soft for pushing on the gallery strip to avoid marking it? Personally I use the flat end of a chop stick.
How do you make sure the ends of the strip match correctly?
What did you use to patinate it?
Kind regards, Dennis.

[mizgeorge]

Thanks Dennis. I have a pusher made from a piece of soft copper rod for gallery (and for small prongs). The copper will mark long before the silver deforms but has a little bit of 'grip' to it.

I match the ends by cutting between the prongs, slightly smaller than the cab if necessary and then stretching gently after soldering with my oldest, softest mallet.

I do all my silver patination with platinol. I'm too impatient for Liver of Sulphur to go through its various colours, and platinol will get me to gunmetal quickly!

[fi79]

Gorgeous! Really beautiful. How big is it? Always tricky to tell in photos.

[mizgeorge]

Thanks Fiona
It's about 35mm long - the cab's 15mm diameter.

[Ominicci]

Amazing pendant George!!
She lives in Westward Ho! where my Nanna lives (although Nanna is poorly atm and is staying with my Mum and Dad in Bath)

(P.S. the Link is not working)

[mizgeorge]

Thanks Nicci - yes, she's in Westward Ho! - my hubby's SIL lives there too, just round the corner from Julie (as we discovered the first time we visited). Love the beach there.

I can't edit the link any more because of the stupid rules, perhaps a mod could edit for me? It should read Handmade glass beads & jewellery

[Sandra]

George I am just so impressed with all your work, you are my idol! I can only hope to create something remotely as beautiful someday.

[Tabby66]

That's lovely George, the gold addition is a great contrast and highlight

[ShinyLauren]

I love that George - the gallery strip goes with the design really well. I'd never have thought of using gallery strip, as I think I've always had in the back of my head that it's somehow 'old fashioned', but your pendant is very contemporary.