Don't tell me!!!! The little shop I went to, was full of product, but not everything is on display, so I took only what I saw. Andrew told me about that stuff, but I forgot to ask!!!!
Will find another way and look on ebay too!
Thanks for your help!

This is a great pendant with nice colors in it, gold and red are not so often in a gray stone!
But then i would have tried a fancier cordon and setting, maybe glass bead to lighten it!

Yep, it's been a long time since anybody posted a new creation here!! Haven't been doing one myself for quite a long time!!
Beautiful cab you made, how are you going to use it?

I use moldmaker stones like these http://www.gesswein.com/p-422-moldmaker-plus-stones.aspx?cpagenum=&sortfield=&sortdirection=&perpage= T

Thanks a lot Debbie, I saw them, but the shipment is awfully expensive in this site!!! I order more from Rio grande as it is far more affordable, but they don't have that kind of product ! ! I'll carry on with my fingers!!!!

 Just some carving to turn it in a little otter!!!!

I am pretty sure it will turn out right!!!
What to you use to sand, till now I only use my hands and a **** of waterproof sanding paper. Does it exist kind of sticks or.... that would be easier to handle?

No I was a week before that!!! My boss would not let me stay when I learn about it  !!!!
I went to Suzhou and I found on the way that he had a restaurant and a gallery there, so you bet I took my chance to go and see how looks a professional workshop. By the way the restaurant is delicious (I already miss his Fish&Ships!!). Andrew was very nice and he even gave me a bit of white jade!!! I have to think of a good idea to make a great carving out of it!
 

I went to China just 2 weeks ago and I can say, you were crazy to go on a motorcycle!!!!!!  Those Chinese people have absolutely no laws on the road. It is an incredible mess and even in a car you get scared to death!!!! I am glad you survived that experience!!!
I am greatly sorry I didn't have much time to go wandering around stone or bead shops! But I was lucky enough to see Andrew Shaw in Suzhou and get the nice little micro motor he advised me to buy! I also some nice antiques carving in the museum. China is a great place for carvers!!!

Nice carving, and good inspirations!!!
 

Great job, the result is very nice. I don't work with metal  , but I guess I would have done the same with setting the stone before cutting them!!!

Cute little creatures! I used to see a lot in the French Alps, when I lived in France. I loved to see them, so free in their mountains!!
For sure we have to observe nature to get inspiration!!!

For sure, the easiest way is to dig a little hole is your cabs. You can do it with a dremel, I personally use little balls,http://www.ebay.com/itm/30-pieces-THK-Diamond-coated-rotary-point-burrs-burs-1mm-6mm-BALL-shape-/130556029617 -I ordered from that seller and use a lot of his product, they are good quality for the prices!
 I found they are easier to use than drills and they don't slip. Since I use that method I didn't brake any! I also don't use a  drill press, I find hard to control the strength you apply on the cab and therefore it can brake. If you have a little jewelry one then you can also use small drills like those one http://www.ebay.com/itm/3mm-14mm-1-8-9-16-THK-Diamond-coated-core-drill-drills-bit-hole-saw-11pc-/130874384670
There also is some glue on bails, easy to use and the effect is quite nice. To be glued with araldite
Wire wrapping is also a good way, but it is rather hard to get those nice wrapping you see on the site. The training is long!
on way is to make a groove round the cab and settle the wire in it and make a bail with the ends. You can find many post on the forum like this one that shows the groove http://gemstone.smfforfree4.com/index.php/topic,3056.0.html
Have fun!!
 
 

really nice bird, I am sure you'll find a nice setting, as usual 
The little Chamois is also a good idea, it change from the dragoons!!!

I post on the carving subject, but I know some might not go there. So here are my last flowers pendants. mix of Jade and mother of pearl

they are going to be great!