Working with Stone
I’ve started to do some work with soapstone. I’ve had a chunk of it sitting around for years now waiting to get turned into something interesting. I’m thoroughly satisfied with my drop spindle from Cauldron Farm, which has a soapstone whorl, so I decided I would try my hand at making a spindle of this style. Stone whorls were common in Viking age and pre-Christian Celtic drop spindles. Stone was not the only material used, but it was the one with the best staying power. Other materials used for the whorl included wood, bone, and earthenware. The whorl I’ve created is a large whorl, ideal for spinning thick fabric. I’ve tested it with a bit of alpaca which is what is visible on the spindle.
Triskel soapstone spindle with test-spun alpaca.
I’ve also carved a small pendant out of the soapstone that I’ve titled “Manannán’s Gift”. Manannán is the god of the sea and guardian of the gates to the Otherworld. This pendant is a representation of a droplet of water and is carved with a wave-like swirl.
“Manannán’s Gift”: Hand carved soapstone pendant.
“Manannán’s Gift”: Hand carved soapstone pendant.
I am currently in the process of carving more items from soapstone (mainly jewelry). I find it satisfying to work with. I am also working on some pieces made from maple along with replenishing my chainmaille stocks after Three Rivers and some private sales. I plan to be present as a vendor for Durham Pagan Pride Day this year.
Tags: drop spindle, Manannan, pendant, soapstone, spinning
