Post #254167 by Tamapoutini on Wed, Sep 13, 2006 2:43 PM

Hi Guys.

Thanks Heath (dont worry about the 'voices', I keep hearing SpongeBobs laugh whilst cruisin' this place, haaahhaaaaheeeehheeehhaaarrrrghghh..!!)

JP/Benz -The basics can be achieved without too much financial outlay. If youve got a Dremel, youre halfway there. Many local jade carvers rely on each other at times & we often visit to borrow tools that are only on our 'list' at present... Im sure you would have a local rock-hound group that could help with slabbing/trimming down stone to a point where you could take home and continue with your handpiece..?
There is something a bit magical about pounamu/nephrite jade for sure. To a neolithic/stone-age culture, there was no higher 'technology' in fact! I believe that I had to serve an 'apprenticeship' of sorts before being 'allowed' to discover her... You guys already have the 'qualification' in my opinion!

Its been one of those weeks where plenty of work has been done but nothing finished... Dragged out another of the '50' (begun almost 6mnths ago!)& worked on the head yesterday...

*looks almost finished but is only up to sanding stage & has had the magic squirt with WD-40. I wont keep boring you with the Trad. pieces, but am very pleased with how this one is turning out... I intend to give this one some 'hidden-holes' at the back, (or 'ox-nose' holes, developed by the Chinese jade carvers 1000s of years ago) so that a hole isnt seen from the front. Will hopefully see this one to the end in the next day or two...

*Santa tells me that you have been eating your vegies, so Ill do a wee feature on the 'prize-winner' ('hei-tiki Kohatu') soon.

Thanks for watching! T3