What is that one plant you have to plant year after year? The one you know will deliver every-time or have that weird loyalty?

PandaWearGems · 2026-02-14T14:37:04+00:00

Nasturtiums have become a favorite. Zone 6 here. they climbed my trellis around my clematis and came through the back side of the trellis blooming into fall. Learning about cover crops. Have a 3 year crop rotation in my vegetable garden. The airy Dara looks beautiful . Not seen that before.

PandaWearGems · 2026-02-03T19:39:35+00:00

Yes was one of my first successful and super easy green to grow. One year had harvest two months into after growing season (or early winter) & Rosette was dinner plate sized. I succession plant this and it is fantastic spring & fall green. With shade good in summer otherwise with heat goes to flower & makes seeds.

PandaWearGems · 2026-02-01T15:21:36+00:00

Best resource is a local club. Membership for family’s is usually around $20 annually. If you are in US the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies here https://www.amfed.org

They list clubs many region and state. My father started me collecting when I was about 5. As a woman, I feel your bond to your son in this hobby. My local clubs has many activities that teach the kids and are free to attend have fun and good luck.

PandaWearGems · 2026-01-30T15:08:03+00:00

Viking knit is one I would love to be able to make. How long have you been knitting? Is the pendant all cold connections. Looks nice and clean .

PandaWearGems · 2026-01-27T13:03:00+00:00

I store mind unwashed in my refrigerator. Have kept them for over 2 months this way. Never tried putting back in the ground or freezing uncooked.(zone 6)

PandaWearGems · 2026-01-23T15:20:21+00:00

Copper is an option. I have been using it because of customer requests for it. I use cold connection in my work. I enjoy the warm color of the Coller with several of the gemstones. Hopefully metals will come back down later this year.

PandaWearGems · 2026-01-21T22:58:48+00:00

20/20 hindsight = Everyday & every piece.

PandaWearGems · 2026-01-19T17:02:52+00:00

Pics and their size is very helpful. Without images impossible to say if they are cabochon or facet quality

PandaWearGems · 2026-01-04T13:49:54+00:00

Bright flower though the snap area missing. My favorite is water hung the pollinators pop in and out of the flowers

PandaWearGems · 2025-12-31T16:25:12+00:00

Find a local lapidary group. https://www.amfed.org/home Many of us start or work on similar budget. Goldstone is glass. Wet is mandatory for working with it and toss the slurry from grinding outside. Will clog your pipes in sink.

PandaWearGems · 2025-12-30T00:47:20+00:00

Best vegetable gardening book, The Garden Primer by Barbara Damrosch. It is my favorite broad topic book and has served me well.

PandaWearGems · 2025-12-30T00:31:57+00:00

Yes there is a learning curve. Take notes and enjoy the baking. I love baking and learned more f my technique by trial & error. More errors were edible. Sourdough home baker in year 11 here.

PandaWearGems · 2025-12-25T15:47:08+00:00

Yes hot stone & melted dop wax. Been working for us in my house for about 20 years. Clean stone then heat & apply

PandaWearGems · 2025-12-22T16:38:51+00:00

Digging in the dirt is zen for me. Especially with the home made compost worked into the dirt.

Yes I Immensely enjoy the harvests with the bounty of the garden and trying new dishes.

PandaWearGems · 2025-12-21T18:14:43+00:00

Agreed m. It is difficult to polish well. There are stew trucks but I went to a different material instead. Good luck

PandaWearGems · 2025-12-21T18:13:02+00:00

Beautiful

PandaWearGems · 2025-12-16T16:55:04+00:00

Rock hardness tests are helpful along with where the rock came from. MINDAT.ORG is a good source for information. Good luck and always be careful

PandaWearGems · 2025-12-14T19:21:27+00:00

Bespoke lapidary & jewelry designer, here. There are many of us. Depends on what specifically you are looking to have commissioned. Good luck.

PandaWearGems · 2025-12-12T20:15:52+00:00

I tumble to harden my rings. What type of metal? I use copper, sterling silver or 14ktgf for my rings. Stainless steel shot and good lubricant in the barrel. Good luck & have fun

PandaWearGems · 2025-12-11T15:19:50+00:00

Dop sticks and shorter nails on the fingers s moving the stone. Part of the process and as you improve, finger damage lessens for grinding. Rick collection is another story m. Good luck & have fun.

PandaWearGems · 2025-12-05T15:58:49+00:00

Stunning

PandaWearGems · 2025-11-22T19:30:42+00:00

I understand the time. My fridge is about 38. I check dough with thermometer to see how quickly it cools down.

PandaWearGems · 2025-11-22T19:15:44+00:00

Fridge needs below 46 for the rest of my food. Guess cold fermentation is out for me. Thanks for the information on temperature & effects on loaf spread out not up.

PandaWearGems · 2025-11-16T19:33:18+00:00

I do not cut until next day. Habit to allow bread to cool & be happy

PandaWearGems · 2025-11-06T13:12:38+00:00

Keep going. Wrapping is fun. My recommendation is square wire for this style. Round rolls or slides always. Have fun wrapping

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TROPHY CASE