The weather has been really humid here and impossible to work with power tools in this heat.

Instead of waiting for a good day I bit the bullet and just paced myself until it was done. Hurray sunburn!

After much practice and determination I now have something to show for it. 9 months ago

Since this was my first attempt at carving shell, it’s not so unexpected that it didn’t turn out.

The design I applied was for a thicker material I noticed upon closer examination.

After a few hours researching designs and accounting for the natural curvature of the material, a few options were narrowed down and I can’t wait to set up the power tools next. 9 months ago

Today I started a test sample of shell to see what works and what tools I need to do what design.

So far I’ve learned what buffs and polishes, removes husk and soon to try the power drill for effect. 10 months ago

It’s a project that has been a long time waiting but here it is.

I cleaned a coconut years ago to begin carving into and it’s taken me this long to gain access to a dremel. 10 months ago

Ugh, I hate how tedious this project has become.

I just want my earrings.
For years I have been concerned about other people’s feelings above my own because I felt it was a small sacrifice. Why the hell should I?

It’s a matter of putting time aside to treat myself to something I really want. And after 10 years, my wanting very specific wooden earrings has never changed.

• dremel, with bits
• oil
• coconut shell, cleaned
• draft a pattern
• find a workspace 12 months ago