Sandra Severini’s work is as exceptional as she is. A wonderful person and gifted artist with an amazing sense of humor, she brings joy to everyone who has the opportunity to sit and chat with her. It is an honor to have the opportunity to share with you a little more about Sandra in this Just Off The Wheels. Enjoy.

Erin Dana Balzrette: Where is this material found?
Sandra Severini: This particular Ocean jasper is from Madagascar.

EDB: What drew you to this material?
SS: I have to admit I have a bit of an obsession with Ocean jasper. I love the many color combinations in which it can appear. The slab that I cut this cabochon out of had a wonderful mix of translucent quartz, plumes of red, druzy pockets, and deep green background. How could I resist cutting cabs out of such wonderful material? The end resulting stone looks like there are layers upon layers of color floating and swirling around each other.

EDB: What general creative process do you use when creating cabs?
SS: When I look at the slab and evaluate it to determine what cabs I want to cut. I always first layout the stone that makes me say “wow.” I love looking for the art in the stone and considering what would make a dramatic or really beautiful piece of jewelry or an amazing cab for a stone collector. Will it be a stone I have a hard time letting go of? Once I have laid out those stones, I determine if there are still others that can be cut out of the slab. Often this causes loss of material, but I’m ok with that because I know I will be happy with the stones I will be getting out of the material.

EDB: Is there any special technique you would like to share that was used when creating this cabochon?
SS: Look closely at the slab you are using to cut the cab. What “wow” stone can you visualize? Look at the front and the back of the slab — there could be amazing cabochons waiting to be discovered on either side. If you use templates, layout the cab, wipe it off, and layout another. Go after that “wow” stone.

EDB: What is a new cabbing technique/process/approach you’ve picked up recently that is bringing you great excitement?
SS: I have been practicing a bit of stone carving. It’s a different technique for sure and will take a bit of practice. It’s interesting trying to see the form that will come out as you carve the material.

EDB: What is one piece of advice you’d share with someone considering learning about cabbing?
SS: Get to know your material. The material can be hard, have soft spots, or be a combination of different hardnesses. When you have the ability to feel how hard or soft a material is, you can know if you need to lighten up your touch (pressure) when cabbing. This is especially important for stones with soft spots that can easily undercut if you don’t keep your pressure light enough when working the stone. Also, get to know your material so that you know its health risks, if any. Some material may have particles that, if you inhale, can cause you health issues.

EDB: What motivates you to create, and what part of the entire process, from finding the rough to the finished cab, is your favorite part of this lapidary process?
SS: I started working with stones when I was quite young, a pre-teen. I always liked jewelry and pretty stones. My father first taught me to facet stones, which took a lot of patience at a young age. I think he did it partly because I needed to learn patience and because he wanted me to appreciate the work that went into each stone and that pretty stones and jewelry were to be appreciated and not just something a young girl should take for granted.

When we moved to Australia, our family had an opal claim. We would walk the town in Andamooka, and I could collect any treasures I would find on the roads. I started collecting all kinds of opals, and those were the first pieces that I used when I started cabbing. Again, learning lessons and learning appreciation came from the amount of time it took me to gather my material, how a simple wrong move can ruin a cab, and how to look for the stone within the stone. In opal, it’s called chasing the color. Learning how to look at a stone and see its possibilities is one of my favorite parts of cutting stones and something I still do for every cab that I cut.

WHERE TO FIND SANDRA

Company Name: SASsy Artistry

Facebook: SASsy Artistry

Facebook (Personal account): Sandra A. Severini

Author: Erin Dana Balzrette

The post Just Off the Wheels: Sandra Severini first appeared on Rock & Gem Magazine.

Amazing talent, with a wealth of knowledge, all matched with a wonderful sense of humor, makes chatting with Ray truly an honor. Please enjoy “Just Off the Wheels” with Ray Pohlkotte

Erin Dana Balzrette: Where is this material found? What drew you to this material?

Ray Pohlkotte: This is Cabochon made from Montana agate. It is an alluvial agate found not in one particular place but in the gravels of the Yellowstone River for hundreds of miles. It is well known for having wonderful brown and yellow inclusions which, as is obvious in this particular cabochon, will often form scenes or pictures that are aesthetic to behold.”

EDB: What general creative process do you use when creating cabs? Is there any special technique you would like to share that was used when creating the ones featured today?

RP: I generally make my cabs from pre-cut slabs of material and I wet them to darken the colors and turn them all directions until a shape or design jumps out at me. But even when I have drawn the form I want to cut, I am always open to changing it as the design or pattern in the stone can migrate as you are cutting into it during the doming process, so ultimately I allow the stone to lead me into what I think is the most appealing shape.

EDB: What is one bit of advice you’d share with someone considering learning about cabbing?

RP: Probably the best advice I could give is to always work with the very best material you can. It might seem intimidating at first, but even though the effort is the same, the reward is much greater – and you will rise to the occasion. I absolutely love the idea of creating something beautiful out of something ordinary, or just in making something that was not there before.

EDB: What motivates you to create, and what part of the entire process from finding the rough, to the finished cab is your favorite part of this lapidary process?

RP: I enjoy all aspects of this process, from cutting rough into slabs to the final polish – each step involves decisions and creative input, and each has its own rewards.

WHERE TO FIND RAY

Company Name: Magma Karma Studios

Facebook: MagmaKarmaStudios

Facebook (Personal account): Ray Pohlkotte

Facebook Groups: Cabs and Slabs

Author: Erin Dana Balzrette

The post Just Off the Wheels: Ray Pohlkotte first appeared on Rock & Gem Magazine.

Juvy Andres’ quiet, polite, compassionate, and kind-hearted way of chatting could easily make you fast friends. If you are fortunate enough to know her well, you would also learn, this amazingly talented lapidary artist has courage beyond measure. Enjoy her beautiful work and conversation with Juvy. 

Erin Dana Balzrette: Where is this material found? What drew you to this material?

Juvy Andres: This (Souris agate) was collected last year in Souris, a small town in Manitoba, Canada. When I found this material, I knew it was different from the other agates I found in that area. There was a circular pattern that was quite noticeable on the surface of the rock.

EDB: How long have you been a rockhound and/or lapidary artist, and what attracted you to cabbing?

JA: I was attracted to rocks starting in childhood. I was always fascinated by their colors. When my son was about five years old, we went to a town called Hecla Island in Manitoba. The ground was just full of rocks, mostly granite and a few obsidians. I collected the rocks that I thought had beautiful coloring, hoping to draw my son into collecting. I even bought him a rock tumbler and books.

My official rockhounding days started about five years ago. I make jewelry, and I previously bought cabs to set, but I got frustrated when I couldn’t find the right sizes and shapes that I wanted. That’s when I decided to try my hands on cabbing. That was eight years ago.

EDB: What general creative process do you use when creating cabs? Is there any special technique you would like to share that was used when creating the Souris agate featured here?

JA: I examine the slab; find what I think is its best feature, and start from there. For this particular cabochon, as soon as I slabbed it, I saw right away the pattern I wanted.

EDB: What is one bit of advice you’d share with someone considering learning about cabbing?

JA: My advice for new cabbers is to practice patience, patience, and patience. Do not rush your work. Quality, over quantity, is always better.

EDB: What is a new cabbing technique/process/approach you’ve picked up recently that is bringing you great excitement?

JA: I like to try to cab different shapes. I’ve done a few cabs with concave curves lately, and I’m pretty happy with the outcome. In the future, I’d like to try carving.

EDB: What motivates you to create, and what part of the entire process from finding the rough, to the finished cab is your favorite part of this lapidary process?

JA: What gives me the motivation is finding new materials to work on. Something different and unusual. My favorite parts of the process are the early stages of grinding and forming the dome. It’s just like peeling the cab layer by layer until it reveals its true beauty.

WHERE TO FIND JUVY

Company Name: JC Cabochons (for cabs) and JayCi Gems (for jewelry)

Facebook: JuvyAndres52

Facebook: JC Cabochons

Facebook Groups: Cabs and Slabs

Author: Erin Dana Balzrette

The post Just off the Wheels: Juvy Andres first appeared on Rock & Gem Magazine.

It is only recently that I have been fortunate enough to get to know Laura Hiser. She is an outstanding artist, as well as endlessly positive and upbeat. I am grateful for the chance to get to know her and hear stories about her wonderful dog, Buddy. Sit back and enjoy learning more about this talented and inspiring artist and person.

Erin Dana Balzrette: Where is this material from, and what drew you to it?

Laura Hiser: Bou Hamza agate from Morocco. The striking colors that seem to “splash” together are just amazing to me. I have had Moroccan stone before, but once I acquired the Bou Hamza, I became obsessed with its unusual beauty.

EDB: How long have you been a rockhound and lapidary artist, and what attracted you to cabbing?

LH: I was introduced to rocks by a family friend just over seven years ago. His garage was and still is bursting at the seams with rocks and fossils sort of like a “Rock Awesome Land.” I have been rockhounding and collecting since his introduction.

Initially, I was drawn more to collecting/buying/trading rough stone because I thought you needed special training to make cabs. But after going through Facebook with a friend and looking at all of the wonderful cabs, I decided it was time to try. I started cabbing on an old machine I bought for $50 years ago. I am still truly amazed at the beauty that can be made from something we dig out of the ground.

EDB: What creative process do you use when creating cabs? Is there any special technique used when creating the ones featured today?

LH: It is certainly an ongoing process for me. I don’t think I have a consistent way of creating. I learn from each cab I make and also by watching and looking at work done by all of the amazing cabers out there. I have learned to look for that “One Great Cab.” So if I only get one cab out of a large slab that’s fine, as long as it is a superior creation.

EDB: What is a new cabbing approach that is bringing you great excitement?

LH: I recently saw a good friend post a “double-domed” cab. That will be my next cabbing adventure.

EDB: What advice you would like to give new lapidary artists?

LH: Don’t overthink it. Just get out there and try! I have talked with a lot of people who say they would love to cab but just can’t afford to get into it. And yes, a new cabbing machine with upgraded wheels, etc can be an overwhelming cost. But used equipment is out there and always available. Again, I bought my cabbing machine for $50 and put on some used wheels. While I have upgraded the wheels over time, it is still the machine I use today. Anyone can do this. You just have to try.

EDB: What is your motivation to create, and your favorite part of the process?

LH: I think because I have such a love for rocks, the chance to create a beautiful gem piece out of one is my motivation. I also love showing them off and getting feedback. The feedback is both positive support and constructive, but it drives me to keep getting better. My favorite part is sitting in the evening with a slab, template, and a sharpie and deciding how to get the best cab out of each slab.

WHERE TO FIND LAURA

Facebook Groups: Cabs and Slabs

Author: Erin Dana Balzrette

The post Just Off the Wheels: Laura Hiser first appeared on Rock & Gem Magazine.

In many examples of lapidary work, colors and silver work are both given the room to shine for themselves. Heather is one of my favorite artisans and someone who uses both color and silver to create stunning pieces.

Not only is she a kind and caring person, good friend, and generous in nature and spirit, but her work speaks of all things real, elegant, honest, and beautiful. I hope you enjoy learning more about Heather in this “Just Off the Wheels” profile.

Erin Dana Blazrette: Where is this material from, and what drew you to it?

Heather DiLello: Blue Mountain Picture Jasper is from Oregon. It is one of the “Porcelain Jaspers.” I love the glass like finish it takes and the subtle orbs and simple linear patterns. It has a quiet elegance about it.

EDB: How long have you been a rockhound and lapidary artist, and what attracted you to cabbing?

HD: I’m primarily a silversmith. I learned metal fabrication and a bit of casting at the University of New Mexico as part of my undergraduate degree in Fine Arts. I’ve been making jewelry to sell for almost 12 years. I discovered the amazing world of natural hand cut stones not long after I started my Etsy store. I have been incorporating cabs into my designs ever since.

I started doing my own lapidary work about five years ago while living in Chicago. I discovered that the city’s Parks District had lapidary equipment that was available for use by jewelry students. I signed up for their entry level jewelry class so that I could learn lapidary. I got a little bit of guidance from the jewelry instructor, but mostly I am self-taught through trial and error. I think the fact that I’ve purchased many cabs, (possibly too many), and set many different styles of cabs, gives me a great foundation for cutting stones for my own use and for resale.

EDB: What process do you use when creating cabs? Is there any special technique used when creating the featured cab?

HD: Because I am a bench jeweler, I always approach cab making with the intention of the finished product being made into a piece of jewelry. If I’m working from a slab, I look at the patterns in the rock and find a section of the stone that I think looks interesting. When I place shape templates on that spot to get an idea of what shape works best with the pattern. As I am deciding shape and size, I am usually also thinking along the lines of what the piece will be once it’s done, a ring, a necklace, a bracelet? How is this material going to be best represented? Even if I’m cutting a cab for resale and not going to set it myself, I still take these things into consideration.

EDB: What is a new cabbing approach that is bringing you great excitement?

HD: What brings me excitement is finding new materials to work

with or getting my hands on some of the harder to find materials like Peanut Obsidian or Tahoma Jasper/Agate.

EDB: What advice you would like to give new lapidary artists?

HD:I still consider myself somewhat of a newbie. My best advice would be, don’t rush the process, and always use protection. This would be my same advice for jewelry making. Always be aware of fumes, and dust, wear an apron, wash your hands, and protect your eyes!

EDB: What is your motivation to create, and your favorite part of the process?

HD: I love being creative. In lapidary my favorite part of the process is probably grinding the preform on the diamond wheel and seeing the shape take form.

WHERE TO FIND HEATHER

Company Name: Starving Artist Stones

Etsy.com Shop: StarvingArtistDSGNS.Etsy.com

Instagram: @starvingartiststones

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Starving-Artist-Designs-43517225925/

Facebook Groups: Cabs and Slabs

Author: Erin Dana Balzrette

The post Just Off the Wheels: Heather DiLello first appeared on Rock & Gem Magazine.

Carl F.T. Harris shows impeccable taste in materials with his Wingate Pass Plume Agate! Quick witted, and fearless about his crazy hat choices in his Facebook profile, he is a wonderful artist. It’s always a pleasure chatting with Carl. Enjoy!

Erin Dana Balzrette: Where did you find the material for this cab, and what drew you to it? 

Carl F.T. Harris: This is Wingate Pass Plume agate from San Bernardino County, California. What drew me to this material was the super intense colors, and the fact that I found it in the $1 bin at a local rock show; don’t tell the person I sold it to.

EDB: How long have you been a rockhound and lapidary artist, and what attracted you to cabbing?

CFTH: I have been seriously afflicted with the rock bug since I was in the eight grade back in the Early Triassic Period. I had an amazing earth science teacher who kept a large quartz crystal on his desk. I had never seen anything like that and wanted to learn all about it, and all things lithified. My mother was a scientist and encouraged me by having us attend local rock club meetings where I was exposed to lapidary, and fell in love. I love to work with my hands because it’s just me, the stone, and the wheels. There are no formulas to follow, no rules that must be adhered too for success, and I’m only seeking the self-approval of my own work.

EDB: What process do you use when creating cabs? Is there any special technique used when creating the featured cab?

CFTH: For me the creative process is outlining the cabochon on a slab. I use templates but, I will often nest two templates on top of each other to try and create unique shapes that complement the pattern in the stone that “speaks” to me.

EDB: What is a new cabbing approach that is bringing you great excitement?

CFTH: I’m very much an old-school lapidary. I have been using the same 8-inch Raytech Gemaster with Silicon Carbide wheels since about 1977. That thing is still going strong on the same motor and bearings, although I have gone through two drive belts over the years. About two years ago some friends of mine shamed me into retiring my dop wax and start dopping with super glue. I reluctantly gave it a try and never looked back. Now these same friends are telling me to ditch my silicon carbide grinding wheels and go diamond, and I’m seriously considering it for my 100 grit grinding wheel.

EDB: What advice you would like to give new lapidary artists?

CFTH: Slow down and enjoy the craft. Carefully and critically inspect your work and fix problems before the customer sees them. No flat spots on the dome. No scratches. Make sure that the girdle tapers upward toward the dome slightly so that it can be securely bezel-set. Polish and bevel the backs of your cabochons, and, don’t give away your works (except to friends and loved-ones) as a fair price is good for everyone.

EDB: What is your motivation to create, and your favorite part of the process?

CFTH: For me, a huge motivator is when an artist shares what they have created with one of my stones. Not only does it validate that I what I’m doing has value, it’s also that what I do sparks inspiration and creativity in other people.

WHERE TO FIND CARL

Facebook Groups: Cabs and Slabs; High Grade Stone Art Showcase and Market; Creative Cabochon Connection

Author: Erin Dana Balzrette

The post Just Off the Wheels: Carl F.T. Harris first appeared on Rock & Gem Magazine.

Thoughtful, compassionate, and an amazing lapidary artist and wire wrapper, Mattie Gadd is always a delight to chat with. Her work is harmonious and beautiful, and she can keep you laughing for hours. Enjoy this installment of Just Off The Wheels with Mattie.

Erin Dana Balzrette: Where did you find the material for this cab, and what drew you to it? 

Mattie Gadd: This material (BC Ocean Wave) is found in British Columbia, Canada. I grew up on the Oregon Coast and love the ocean.

EDB: How long have you been a rockhound and lapidary artist, and what attracted you to cabbing?

MG: I’ve been rockhounding for around 12 years but only cabbing for about the last two. I’ve watched my husband over the years and decided I wanted to learn.

EDB: What process do you use when creating cabs? Is there any special technique used when creating the featured cab?

MG: I don’t really have a special process. I just like to find the best pattern and shape to bring out the beauty of the material.

EDB: What is a new cabbing approach that is bringing you great excitement?

MG: It’s all exciting to me because I’m still learning. Just the pure beauty of a rock is exciting.

EDB: What advice you would like to give new lapidary artists?

MG: Take your time with each piece; each one is worth your time.

EDB: What is your motivation to create, and your favorite part of the process?

MG: I think the finished cab is the best part for me. It’s so amazing that what appears to be a plain rock can contain so much beauty on the inside.

WHERE TO FIND MATTIE

Website: http://stores.gaddaboutrockcreations.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mattie.gadd
She’s also active on a variety of Facebook group pages.

Author: Erin Dana Balzrette

The post Just Off the Wheels: Mattie Gadd first appeared on Rock & Gem Magazine.

It is true, seeing a cabs colors and design take shape from stone is amazing. Equally amazing is having the privilege of seeing Teddi’s lapidary skill, and enjoying her friendship. It is beyond words. A wonderful person, gifted artist, true friend, and amazing soul, please enjoy this ‘Just Off the Wheels’ chat with Teddi Giannakopoulou.

Erin Dana Balzrette: Where did you get the material for this cab, and what drew you to it? 

Teddi Giannakopoulou: I absolutely admire all the stones, but Crazy Lace is by far one of my favorites, for now.

For me, Crazy Lace is like a magical surprise with every turn of the polishing wheels. The waves, the colors, and patterns of nature never cease to amaze me. There’s something old fashioned about its look with a modern flair. Cute story; the first time my youngest son saw a Crazy Lace cab he was in awe and wanted to know how in the world I painted it so perfectly. That cab is in his reserved private collection now.

EDB: How long have you been a rockhound and lapidary artist, and what attracted you to cabbing?

TG: Collecting little stones and putting them in my pocket goes back to a time I can’t even recall. However, I came to the lapidary world by “chance.”

About four years ago, my husband, who does beautiful lapidary work, gifted me, with great enthusiasm, a six Saturdays (5 hours each class) course. How odd of a gift I thought to myself. Not wanting to hurt his feelings, I went to the class. The instructor asked everyone what their goal was for being there. When it was my turn to answer, I said I did not want to offend anyone, but I had no goals or intentions of using this new found skill and was rather there to have fun.

Well, we all know how that turned out. Talk about love at first sight. OMG, the beauty of the rock as it turned into a cab was magnificent and mind-boggling. It took me three Saturdays to finish the first cabochon which was a beautiful Brazilian Agate. Yes, 15 hours from start to finish…but I was happy, proud and absolutely hooked on cutting. We have two lapidary machines now and needless to say, Elias has not been able to go near one in over four years…they are my babies.

EDB: What process do you use when creating cabs? Is there any special technique used when creating the featured cab?

TG: I am not sure I have a creative process or style per se. Rather, I follow my gut. I could look at a slab for days, and do nothing with it, and then out pops a little surprise I never saw before that inspires me to take it to the saw and cut
it.

This particular cabochon was easy in deciding which direction it was going to be cut. I wanted to capture all the elements it offered; starbursts, colors, lines and the shape all came naturally with such a pretty slab. I think it turned out well.

EDB: What is a new cabbing approach that is bringing you great excitement?

TG: A new cutting approach that I would love to master soon is intarsia. I also would like to become more comfortable with boulder opals. I consider them to be magnificent when done right.

EDB: What advice you would like to give new lapidary artists?

TG: My advice for anyone trying their hand at this art is to not be rigid about shapes, styles, or fears of getting hurt using the equipment. Once you create something, I promise you will not want to stop.

Go to shows, meet people who love the same art and talk to rock hounds. Save all your scraps. Be yourself because there is no right or wrong in your creative style. Expect to be frustrated when a cab is giving you trouble, like scratches, breaking etc. Put it down, walk away, and start working on a new one. In time go back to it…somehow walking away from it and picking it up later seems to be a solution.

EDB: What is your motivation to create, and your favorite part of the process?

TG: My motivation is seeing the finished product as perfect as it can be done, and the excitement it creates for a buyer.

My favorite part is naming the cabs and giving them a bit of their own personality by doing so. (The cabochon featured) is named “Independence Day.”

WHERE TO FIND TEDDI

Company Name: Ancient Beauty Stone Designs
Facebook Groups: Stone and Silver and Cabs and Slabs

Author: Erin Dana Balzrette

The post Just Off the Wheels: Teddi Giannakopoulou first appeared on Rock & Gem Magazine.

Chatting with William Clarke Walker III, better known as Skye, it is easy to see how self-assured he is about his lapidary abilities. He is confident, and as one of the best lapidary artists today, he has every reason to be. What makes him even more special is his confidence in other peoples’ abilities; if they strive to work hard as well.

Time and time again, Skye raises the bar showing us that the sky has no limits for him or the lapidary community. If you are planning to attend Quartzite, you can find Skye quite easily, just follow the sound of his guitar and singing.

During my chat with Skye, we discussed the piece featured and his approach to lapidary work.

Erin Dana Balzrette: Where is the material in this cabochon from, and what drew you to it?

Skye Walker: The Polka Dot agate is from Oregon. Keith Dull sent me some chunks and one of the slabs was exceptional; already showing the pattern you see in the cab.

EDB: How long have you been a rockhound and lapidary artist, and what attracted you to cabbing?

SW: Close to 20 years. I started by digging minerals at Topaz Mountain in Utah, and I later learned about and collected Tiffany Stone from the same area. Once I had a good pile of Tiffany Stone, I started looking for ways to cut and polish it, and learning bout lapidary in the process.

EDB: What creative process do you use when creating cabs? Is there any special technique used when creating the ones featured today?

SW: Creatively I prefer to be out of the box in a sometimes unknown territory. This forces me to innovate and problem solve. I want my work to be distinct from others and to stand out as unique and artistic, so I try to push toward contemporary styles and techniques and even into the experimental. The cab featured here was designed to simply frame the beautiful inclusion the drop flame shape evolved from during free-form shaping. Its evolution into the most graceful and pleasing shape within the limits of the material.

EDB: What advice you would like to give new lapidary artists?

SW: Take your time…wait to cut your best material for as many years as you can stand. Be willing to spend higher prices for better material. Don’t start thinking you’ve got it even partially figured out until you’ve cut hundreds of cabochons.

EDB: What is a new cabbing approach that is bringing you great excitement?

SW: In the past few years I have completely given up using dop sticks on larger cabochons. When I used dops, I would finish the back of the cab after the front was finished. Now I finish the whole cab all at once. I do lose a lot of fingernails not using a dop, but I find the control and precision and freedom of movement is far superior to attaching the stone to a stick.

EDB: What is your motivation to create, and your favorite part of the process? 

SW: I’m simply creative. My nature dictates that I create. I’m compelled to do it and will keep doing it unless I can’t or I die. The finished piece is the payoff. It doesn’t hurt if I can get someone to pay for my work but it’s really the process and completed art that satisfies me.

WHERE TO FIND SKYE

Company name: Skye’s Gems: www.skyesgems.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skyesgems

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Skyesgems

Facebook Groups: High Grade Cabochon, High Grade Lapidary, High Grade Stone Art

The post Just Off the Wheels: William Clarke Walker III (Skye) first appeared on Rock & Gem Magazine.

One of the finest lapidary artists today, Keith Dull’s cabochons are beautifully made with breathtaking designs. Their distinct, extreme, elegant edge, photograph brilliantly and could be the cover of rock ‘n’ roll music albums. A true treasure to lapidary art, it was my pleasure to interview Keith Dull for this feature.

Erin Dana Balzrette: Where is this material found? What drew you to this material?

Keith Dull: This cabochon was designed from an agate and crystal geode that was imported in Uruguay.

I became interested in this material through my wife. She pointed this material out to me at a regional gems show. She said I needed to look at it closer and see if I could design cabochons from it.

EDB: How long have you been a rockhound and/or lapidary artist, and what attracted you to cabbing?

KD: Starting about 60 years ago I remember my parents taking our family to a river or to the beach and pointing out and picking up agates.

This was several more years later the college I attended offered lapidary courses. I was having fun and was being rewarded financially for my efforts. I started finishing cabs out of slabs of picture jasper. It really began my interest in visualizing scenes and patterns in rocks. In the early years, I strictly used the blue template found in every lapidary cabochon finishing shop. I cut thousands of picture jasper cabochons. After five years or so, I slowed way down for a period of about 20 years and went into the working sector.

As my children were finishing high school and preparing for college, Ken Dull encouraged me to return to the cabochon finishing world. He told me I needed to use different shapes for my cabochons. I was lost. He encouraged me to go online and research what shapes were being done and to find shapes that I would enjoy finishing. I owe a big thanks to those cab finishers who pioneered the way ahead of me.

EDB: What general creative process do you use when creating cabs? Is there any special technique you would like to share that was used when creating the one featured here?

KD: The cabochon featured here came from an agate geode that was crystal lined in the cavity. There was interesting needle-like inclusions that I wanted to capture in conjunction with the crystals. I was looking for a dramatic shape that would catch the eye that wasn’t the usual curved shapes.

After I had drawn a few different shapes on the slab, I decided this would give this material the effect I was looking for all along. The straight edges really accentuated the stone and drew my eye into the finished cabochon.

EDB: What is one bit of advice you’d share with someone considering learning about cabbing?

KD: When new to finishing cabochons, one of the most important consideration is to take a close look at the slab. Don’t jump at the first lines you draw on it for the shape. Keep an open mind and be flexible with what the slab of rock has to offer. I study cabochons online all the time. For me, I am looking for both the quality of the material, but also how it was utilized.

EDB: What is a new cabbing technique/process/approach you’ve picked up recently that is bringing you great excitement?

KD: There is so much to be learned by keeping your eyes open to new possibilities. I was accustomed to processing my cabochon a certain way. Inside curves really made me radically change my whole line of thinking about how to process and finish a cabochon. After many failures and disappointments, I was able to revamp or more correctly, turn my process on edge, on how I finished a cabochon.

EDB: What motivates you to create, and what part of the entire process from finding the rough, to the finished cab is your favorite part of this lapidary process?

KD: New lapidary material is still being found quite often these days. I am always wanting to work with these new finds and it really keeps me motivated. I love learning the ways to finish a cabochon, as each new material almost always requires a different approach and technique.

EDB: What is the name of your company and how can people find your work?

KD: I named my business Summit Cabochons. My parents chose to be climbers of mountains, and most vacations each year were spent hiking and backpacking into the wilderness. Getting to the summit was, of course, the idea. Reaching the summit meant meeting the challenge and achieving the goal.

I sell on several different high-quality lapidary Facebook sites. I am fortunate to be allowed into these other established business sites and have the utmost respect for their leadership. The owners have gone out of their way to help me. They have given me valuable advice when there was no incentive for them to do so, and I am very grateful.

WHERE TO FIND KEITH

Company name: Summit Cabochons

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SummitCabochons

Facebook Groups: Cabs and Slabs https://www.facebook.com/groups/CABSANDSLABS

The post Just Off the Wheels: Keith Dull first appeared on Rock & Gem Magazine.