Material for eyes on panel carving

[gmoore230]

Hi,

I am looking for advice on what material to use for my First Nation style panel carvings for eyes.
I think I have seen some that use abalone shells as eyes? Do you recommend this or other materials? Anyone know where I can get suitable materials from?

I am currently doing an eagle panel and think the piece could really finish off well with a shiny eye stuck to it.

Any advice is appreciated.

Many thanks,
Graham

[pallin]

Insets of stone, shell or metal might do the trick. The stones could be agate, jasper, or turquoise. Copper is frequently used for metal highlights. The shells could be mother of pearl or abalone. Grinding the pieces to fit the insets can be challenging. For sources, you might start with amateur jewelry makers or lapidery hobbyists.

[Duffer2]

Abalone shells with mother of pearl look incredible. I have used it as inserts on carvings in the past. If you are going to shape it be careful as the dust from the shells can cause severe respritory problems.

[AlArchie]

Try searching for "cabochon". These come in various sizes and materials. I've cut and polished my own abalone eyes and other inserts but it is labor intensive and dusty. Hematite, abalone and banded agate cabochons are nice to use for eyes, etc.

Here's one source...there are many others.
Gemstone Cabochons Index
or

http://www.gembeads.com/hematite-cabochons.htm
Mine came fron Santa Fe Jewelery Supply, but it seems they are currently out of a lot of the cabochons and you have to have a comercial or business license to purcase there.

Al

[brent]

google Constantine's......they have them

[scooter]

Echoing the grind-the-abalone-yourself replies - challenging and dangerous. You'd do well to find a place that sells pre-cut/polished pieces.

And thanks for the links!


S~

[mobjack68]

Originally Posted by scooter

Echoing the grind-the-abalone-yourself replies - challenging and dangerous. You'd do well to find a place that sells pre-cut/polished pieces.

And thanks for the links!


S~

If you have your heart set on a piece of shell for an eye, by all means...educate yourself about shell and go where your heart leads you!!
As stated above, it is challenging. I use motorized tools for cutting/shaping/carving shell (weapon of choice for me is a foredom with dental attachments) but the Maori in the S. Pacific have been shaping shell jewelry for centuries.
It is also DANGEROUS....any dust/shavings you generate are a health hazard. I suffer from asthma and allergies and have had breathing difficulties as a result of not wearing a mask. Much older, much wiser and MASKED UP when I cut shell....please do the same.
get some shell, educate yourself, wear protection, vacuum as you cut if need be, PLEASE don't shy away from seeing your vision because it's new or mysterious.....
here or pm if you need some help??? Oyster shells are great for practice (cheap and plentiful...I grew up in an area that uses oyster shell for parking lot fill...), I am going to the coast this weekend, you want me to send you a couple??
good luck