My friend Ralph has been bringing me rocks from Wildtype Ranch http://www.wildtyperanch.com/, near Cameron, TX for a year or so. He usually brings these tumbled treasures wrapped in a handkerchief and it’s fun to see what emerges. Originally, we thought I might use them as cabachons in bead embroidery, but the irregular shapes and curved backs have made that quite difficult. Finally, while cleaning the studio this past weekend, I rediscovered them and was determined to make them work for something. Some of the wire-wrapped results are shown in the picture. They have been a real challenge since traditional wraps have not worked for very many of the rocks. I’m hoping that after some buffing to remove the dings from my pliers Ralph’s Rocks will make nice pendants. Do you think I can call this is “freeform” wire wrapping? I’m currently working on a neck armature that these can be used to adorn (one rock at a time, of course).

By the way, if you’re looking for excellent beef, check out the Wildtype website. They market delicious pasture raised Angus beef.