mucha ring

This is my Ring a Week, episode 02.
(check out all of the awesomesauce artists taking part: http://www.flickr.com/groups/ringaweek/)

I have had this one percolating in my brain for about a month and half!
Originally, I was going to create something with this stone, a beeeeoooootiful chrysoprase from cabbing rough, along with three little light purple chalcedony pyraminds. I just couldn't get it right. Nothing seemed to work.

I soldered together the ring shank from some gallery wire and then carved the edges to follow the floral motif.

Then I was stuck. As they say, my muse went for a very long walk. So I put the ring shank and the stones off to the side on a little furry pad that I keep for just these "special" occasions. "Maybe something will come to me later", I said to no one in particular...which is kind of normal for me since I am the only person in my studio!

Then, a few days ago, I decided to take some pictures of my bench and work area for all to see on my flickr page. It was in the midst of taking said photos that I noticed the neglected Alphonse Mucha poster that I have hanging on the wall to the right of my workbench.

The style of the gallery wire and the green color of the stone, coupled with the artwork of Mucha inspired me. So, two nights ago, I created what you see here. It all came together perfectly. No broken sawblades, no soldering issues (I thought FOR SURE the leaves and flower would never work the way I saw it in my head)...even the oxidation process didn't leave me gasping for fresh, non-rotten egg aromas. I guess the three lavender incense sticks helped in that regard.

I couldn't wait to take these photos. Even the photography session wasn't all that bad....
and I DREAD taking pictures!

It was all a pleasure.
I love me some Ring A Week!