Natural beach stone necklaces with carved hearts and sterling silver

[eternallyeve]

I just finished putting together some limited edition hand carved pendants and I would love your feedback! You crafty bunch are always so amazing and your input is invaluable

If you have a minute please let me know what you think! Thanks 

[SunflowerSmiles]

I think they're really pretty   I love the darker ones since you can see the carved heart better. I love collecting rocks at the beach and these remind me of my love of them. nice work!

[DawnsTrees]

Very pretty! I especially like the last one - it looks like it has a line of a different color in it which is interesting!

I have wanted to try drilling stones for quite a while, but am not sure that I wouldn't damage myself... Can you share with us a little about how you made these or how you learned to work with stones?

[Bakeneko]

I like them, I would totally wear them.  The silver is classy.

[eternallyeve]

Thanks for your input!

DawnsTrees: The last one does have a line of different colour, since the stones are subjected to heat when i solder the jump rings I often find it brings out colours and patterns not seen in the stones beforehand

The first time I tried stone carving I was afraid of damaging myself too! I finally gave in to my curiosity and did my best to stay safe. I picked up a little rotary tool set at a dollar store for $15.00 and it came with grinding bits. It's not super fab but it did the job, though I have worn out a few of the bits now. I use a piece of scrap wood to hold the stone on and wear safety glasses and a paper dust mask so I don't get debris in my eyes or nose. I practiced on a few stones firstly, using the different shaped bits to get the hang of how much pressure to use and what angles gave the best result. To grind the holes I used a flat-pointed tapered grinding bit and just gently and patiently wore the hole through the stone. It really helps to have the stones semi-submersed in a bowl of water as it helps keep the drill bit from getting too hot and the stone from breaking. You can use an old ice cream container and pop a scrap of wood in the bottom and add enough water to just cover the stone. The water gets murky quite quickly which is why I don't suggest using too much water - you would lose sight of the stone pretty fast!

[DawnsTrees]

Thanks for the tips! I think that this summer I really may have to try this - I really want to make some buttons out of a couple stones that I have and you make it sound so... doable!    

[ISNATA]

So pretty