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[drnihili]

This is from the end of a cobble I picked up from the hill last night (old river bed).  It has a striking contrast between the red and gray.  I've tried to get the colors, right, but my software didn't match my eyes.  The red is a deep brick and the gray is fairly cool but with a hint of warmth.  Playing with the natural shape of the end I cut off, it started to look like a bear tooth.  A bit of nudging, and this is where I am.  It's about 1.5 inches long.

My current thought is to put a high polish on the flat face, but to leave the rounded back with a few flaws and a whittled look rather than trying to smooth it out entirely.  I'd leave it more matte than the face, but polish it a bit as if it had been in someone's pocket for a few years.

What do you think?  I'd love some comments and suggestions.  (Also, I think I'm heading towards doing more 3D sorts of work, not really "carved" per se, but not really cabs either, is this sort of stuff better here or in carvings and sculpture?  I think of them more as fidget bits with interesting shapes.)

[MrsWTownsend]

Polishing the back is a good idea, that way you have the option to leave the back showing as a type of setting.  I like the look and orientation of the stone; the whittled look does give it character; is it possible to make the back have that same kind of texture?

As far as where to post future projects, in my opinion this piece is still a cabochon.  When you get to the point where your work no longer has a flat back, the carvings section would be a good place to put it I suppose.  :)

[Itsandbits]

nice looking rock and what you've done with it  As far as where to put it; in my hand once you're done with it is an option :)

[drnihili]

I need to emphasize the whittling on the round side more.  Right now it looks lazy rather than intentional.  I'm a bit worried, as every time I try to go in and fix something on a stone after the initial work, I end up not liking the result as well.

[lithicbeads]

Lapidary is much like ceramics where if you over think things the design tends to go down hill. Over working is definitely always risky. The composition is right on , that concept works well.I would go with a mat finish and see if that would help you out of your quandry.

[drnihili]

Lapidary is much like ceramics where if you over think things the design tends to go down hill. Over working is definitely always risky.

I have made one pot in my life.  It's a winter pot with a fitted lid.  Shair rightly advised me against trying the lid, and warned me that my choice of glaze (copper blood red) was dicey.  It came together perfectly.  The lid doesn't wobble.  The glaze transitions smoothly from the color of liver to an almost granite.  The transition on the lid matches nicely.  Ok, the walls are thick enough to be made by a 3 year old. 

I've used up my ceramic luck, I shall never make another pot.

[lithicbeads]

Every one has a arm breaking first pot.I bought a few of her pieces last weekend. Her functional ware is pure genius. The differences from others are subtle but very real. She is still healing from her wrist operation ( on the right hand) and I was surprised to find she was still throwing. She explained that she throws with her left hand  and her husband uses his right. She had an odd expression when I made the obvious response that he was her right hand man. Very talented lady who needs more time for creativity and less making a hard won living.