I can only see a message saying the attachment is awaiting approval, but can’t see pictures.

Ack!  Congratulations to auscarver and sorry I'm late getting your picture up.  It was a real squeaker!

Stonemon thanks for the reminder!

I picked up a bag of this at the craft store today. Their was a display with all sorts of ''decorative'' dyed rocks and then a bag full of this...they are coated with a heavy coating of wax, so I cut this side down to see if it was actually painted on or real banding.
It's real, I'm thinking yellow jasper?  Any other thoughts?
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So Amanda are you working your friend's booth this year?  Made it here a day late but in town. Got some more good deals today so happy and got to meet with old friends and swap stories which is the best.  Headed back home tomorrow mid day.

Thanks Bill, it was very close this time, I think the way I carved it made it stand out.

Just thought I would bump this for auscarver... Congratulations sir!
Truly a beautiful piece of stone.
Best regards..

I am actually finding that my biggest problem with the hand work is the coarser grit that works loose from the paper is rubbing my fingertips... they get pretty sensitive to touch after a session.  But I take my time, and I do take a day or two for a break, and that is enough.

Sometimes it's possible to fashion a "handle" from good (very sticky) duct tape.

A narrow strip folded and stuck together in the middle section - leaving two tabs with the adhesive still exposed - can be used to hold a stone for some operations.

Yes, I'll have to work on the larger pieces for now.  I found working that smallest piece was difficult to control since it was smaller than my fingertip... made it hard to keep an even stroke while sanding it.  Anything else will have to be large enough to be held with at least two fingers comfortably.  Anything smaller will have to wait for dop sticks.

I think you're doing a fine job on those by hand.  Just remember to give your hands a break when you're doing it and stretch them out.  Last thing you want to end up with is carpal tunnel or something!