Category: Ring-A-Day

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Ring-A-Day: Memento Mori

O.K., so if you’re not self-centered enough to know what Memento Mori means, loosely translated, it means remember your own death. If you were to phrase it in a positive light it means carpe diem, or cash your day rate check. (Oops, sorry, different diem.)

Because I tend to deflect our daily trials into metaphor, I prefer this ring to symbolize our mortal coil, or Portia’s father’s less-than-whimsical game of caskets. This ring has many more than Shylock’s 3 caskets to choose from, but of course, you can only see 3 at once. Tempting! Which is your casket; and does it contain silver, gold, lead, or — most importantly — the hand of Portia?

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Ring-A-Day: Peace Ring

So this ring was someone’s roof at one time or another. I got this roll of copper from a dumpster and have sketched many ideas on it over the years from hammer forming on manhole covers to copy them, to small simple things like this ring. Copper is the jeweler’s sketch pad. It’s conductive properties allow many metals to be deposited onto it. I’m considering gold plating this piece so it doesn’t react with skin.

I got the idea from a book called 30 Minute Rings and added the hammered texture. I may select other ideas from this book to keep up with my Ring-A-Day project. It’s a great book to help get your creative juices flowing.

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Ring-A-Day: Star Ring

I know, I know. You’re thinking I’m a Marvel junkie. Avengers, Captain America, Stephen Colbert, the works. No, really, I carved a ring profile that I had no idea what to do with. Then I found the star from our next-door-neighbor’s four-year-old and I applied it to the wax model. It fit perfectly. (It was blue, not gold if you care). I was carving wax and I didn’t care either.

I hadn’t realized that it was a signet ring shape with both Captain America overtones as well as wicca foundations (if you wear it upside down).

In the end, I just love this ring. I want to make lots of them. I’ll put what ever color star sticker you find gratifying in the center. We all have our favorites.

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Ring-A-Day: Dia de los Muertos

I’ve been thinking about the folks I’ve lost in the last 6 months. Several have left the party too soon. 
I started a Ring-A-Day project and wanted to share the importance of those who’s shoulders I stand upon. I’m not Mexican, so Dia de los Muertos / Day of the Dead may not be something from my culture, but November 1st (All Saint’s Day) and November 2nd (All Souls Day) have always resonated with me being born near these important international holidays recognizing the people who made each of us possible. 
I carve this ring thinking of marigolds in the eyes of each of my family members who have helped shape me.
Thank you.
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