After a hectic couple of weeks, and the last Shopping-mall Santa-jobs done (pic actually from the last job)

Its time to ring out the year quietly with family and a couple more final projects before 2015 is done.

Filigree Agate, or there might be some other name that has recently turned up/been mentioned.
Chips, fractures, undercuts, etc., a pain to work if not stabilized, but such a wonderful stone to look at when winter is the theme.
The chosen shape is one of my favorites as it reminds me of home. Its shape is that of a Marterl (as we call it in our region) Marterls are a common sight around German and Italian speaking regions. I'm not sure if they exist outside those two regions. They are usually found in commemoration of someone who has left this life to early and/or as warning about dangers ahead. Most hiking trail-heads in my region of Austria have them. So basically, its warning as well as an invitation for prayer before starting on your adventure.

The following pics are of one and the same piece of cab, yet every turn gives you a different view and design.
FRONT

BACK

And showing the polish as well as chips and undercut

Now, I need to find someone who can complete my vision. Got two elements already ready, just needs to be combined and elaborated.

I hope to be able to talk a local gold/silversmith from my hometown into doing it, to have at least part done by someone who is surrounded by those Marterls every day. If not, will have to find someone else.
Now to close out the year, there is one more thing in progress. My worst nightmare. A head.
Fraser Agate Pebble, about half way through the cutting.

Wanted a wild man, yet it turns into a rather kind face! Never get what I want, it seems.
Happy save holidays, and thanks for looking, Kurt