Teaching myself inlay

Next was carving out the shape. But not too deep. This was probably the easiest step, but ya gotta make sure you stay inside the lines. It was fairly challenging to get a nice point.

Gluing in the stone just right was the hardest part. First you smash up the inlay stone into tiny pieces. You start with the bigger chunks (pea-sized) and progressively fill in with smaller pieces until you are literally using dust. I had to watch a couple youtubes to guide me and I still didn't do it right. Maybe I wasn't using the right glue. Or I wasn't patient enough. I kept getting spaces. And then some of the clear glue dried unevenly.

 I should have probably used bigger pieces and less dust. 

Once everything dries, it's time for sanding and polishing.

Not too bad. But I kept getting small pits and white spots. Unfortunately, I kept messing with it trying to get it perfect. I probably should have left it alone.

Once I waxed it, the little pitted parts turn smooth to the touch, but I still see the little "holes." And the little white spots drive me crazy. I don't know if it's the glue or the crushed stone.

Still, I think it turned out ok for a first try. Now I gotta work on the rest of the skull. (If you look real closely, you can see where all the sanding made the skull a bit uneven. It's really hard to tell in person, but I need to fix it and make some other minor improvements.)

I'm thinking maybe a rose inlay on the back if I can find some suitable red and pink stone.

Stay tuned.

oh and a front view.... I could maybe make the eyes a little more "Stealie," but my gut says not to mess with it too much more. 

And thanks as always for your feedback. Much appreciated. You Phil Zoners are always the first out there on the Interwebs to see my new work -- since I know most of you are "stoners."