Rhino design a complete fail

 

The casting and printing was a complete failure, it is nearly impossible to set stones on this ring as the claws are all blobed together. Back to the drawing board or in this case Rhino 

Casting retake

Due to the time restrictions given on this infinity ring, I had to use another printing company in Johannesburg. I am amazed with the outcome. It is so much cleaner and neater than the previous company that I used. The infinity sign on this ring and the previous are exactly the same yet I am able to have this ring set and it's impossible with the other. 

Air Drying Clay

There is nothing more disappointing and frustrating than having ruined and broken many of the clay sculptures I have tried to create. I sought out the advice of my B-tech peers a few weeks ago and they advised me to use a polymer clay called Fimo. They recommended I use Fimo as the completed sculpture will need to be placed into an oven or microwave for a few minutes to become hard as opposed to clay which needs to be fired in a kiln. Feeling encouraged and optimistic again I headed off to Waltons in search of Fimo, unfortunately they did not stock that product, I was advised to try an air drying modelling clay which is very similar to Fimo apart from the obvious difference with it being air dried rather than heat dried. I haven't tried it just yet. Fingers crossed.

Eureka!

 

 After a few trips to various fishing stores around the area, I have finally found red braided fishing line. Fingers crossed!

How to tie your lace

 

 The major issue that I am currently facing is finding a suitable material to use to lace the ring up that is durable and neat at the same time. I have made two prototypes, each of them using fishing gut. This seems to work well and is extremely durable. I was able to burn the ends of into little balls as apposed to having to tie it. The problem now lies not with the material but the challenge that I could only lay my hands on lumo green gut that doesn't have the same look and appeal as the red would. A trip to the local fishing store this weekend is in order.

Seduction

 

 In my previous post, I spoke about adding a black enamel paint to my work. I decided to add a random texture by using a rubber wheel which created ridges. (depicted as figure 1) I then coated the ring with a thin layer of black enamel paint. (depicted as figure 2) I am pleased with the outcome, as I feel it has given a crinkled leathery look to it. The black and red combination has a very sensual/seductive feel to it. Still not happy with the red string used, need to find something more durable.

Experimentation

 

I have created another ring to experiment with. I have doubled the distance between each hole as well as created a very bumpy random texture using a rubber wheel. I am not happy with the turnout of the 'lacy' bit, and  perhaps I should make the gap a little smaller instead. I found the random texture really cool as in my opinion it gives one the illusion of the possibility of being able to tighten the ring using the lace. I am toying with the idea of adding colour to ring to contrast the lace. The silver wire isn't giving me the desired effect that I seek.

Problem Solving

 

Following my previous post, I addressed the issue I had regarding the usability of lace, which frayed and got loose after a very short amount of time, by using wire. I have drawn 0.30mm sterling silver wire and threaded them to replace the red lace. I soldered the wire to the ring, which made the ends appear a lot neater. However after doing all this I feel that the gaps between the holes should be larger. 

Prototype of lace rings

  

I am having a problem with the tying of each end of the lace. It is difficult to make a big enough knot on either end as well as, the problem of the lace fraying after a short period of time. I will perhaps try making the last two holes slightly smaller or replacing the lace with  0.30mm wire.