This is the best image that I have of the Log Chains. Described by one Archaeologist as "Zoomorphic" - as in - a two headed worm shape, I really should start calling them the "Worm Chains".
Basically, the design is something like this.
I created one model for testing. This is the way that it looks in fresh polymer clay. Of course, I had to choose the ugliest color of clay available (what was I thinking).
The model has a tiny piece of fuzz in the middle that I can't get out. We will see how badly it effects the model after cooking.
Here it is, all baked and hardened. I used a 275° F oven and baked it for about 1 1/2 hours. See the indentation in the middle? Did I do that with my tool when I was trying to get the fuzz out, or did the fuzz do that when the model was cooked? Some shrinking thing or something? I'm not totally sure, but I think I did it with the tool. There is also an indentation in the upper left area that I don't like. I'm going to practice a bit.
There are quite a few slightly different sets of these Zoomorphic worm chains. The photos I am making these sketches from are not great, but I've tried to pick out the designs. Some of the elements have rounded ends and some are more blunt.
Next, I slice the worm in half as close to middle as I can get.
Then, I cut about a 4 inch piece of brass wire and impressed the straight lines.
After that, I made a curve in the end of the wire and bent it at a 90° angle.
I used this curve to impress the partial circles of the worms eyes.
Last, I bent the other end of the wire into a really small "L" shape and impressed it into the eye centers.
I wanted to post this now, before I got all the pictures ready, because I found a photo on-line - http://historicaldis.ru/blog/43894071142/Novyie-nahodki-Staroy-Ryazani - of an actual Jeweler's model. The archaeologist is calling it a matrix. This has to be the most exciting thing about this whole research excursion.
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| From the Seventeenth Ryazan Hoard - Found in 2013 Rus - XII - first quarter of the XIII century |
Basically, the design is something like this.
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| design sketch |
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I created one model for testing. This is the way that it looks in fresh polymer clay. Of course, I had to choose the ugliest color of clay available (what was I thinking).
 |
| Model - Fresh |
The model has a tiny piece of fuzz in the middle that I can't get out. We will see how badly it effects the model after cooking.
_____________________________________________
Here it is, all baked and hardened. I used a 275° F oven and baked it for about 1 1/2 hours. See the indentation in the middle? Did I do that with my tool when I was trying to get the fuzz out, or did the fuzz do that when the model was cooked? Some shrinking thing or something? I'm not totally sure, but I think I did it with the tool. There is also an indentation in the upper left area that I don't like. I'm going to practice a bit.
 |
| Model - Hardened |
There are quite a few slightly different sets of these Zoomorphic worm chains. The photos I am making these sketches from are not great, but I've tried to pick out the designs. Some of the elements have rounded ends and some are more blunt.
 |
| Element Designs |
I also just found this really beautiful picture - I don't know if this is a reproduction or the real thing
and bigger
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(I will add photos to this next part a little later - once I get some "GRAY" polymer clay)
Here are the steps I am going through to make the model:
First, I roll out a little worm shape just using my hands. I form the ends how I want their shape to be.
Next, I slice the worm in half as close to middle as I can get.
Then, I cut about a 4 inch piece of brass wire and impressed the straight lines.
After that, I made a curve in the end of the wire and bent it at a 90° angle.
I used this curve to impress the partial circles of the worms eyes.
Last, I bent the other end of the wire into a really small "L" shape and impressed it into the eye centers.
I wanted to post this now, before I got all the pictures ready, because I found a photo on-line - http://historicaldis.ru/blog/43894071142/Novyie-nahodki-Staroy-Ryazani - of an actual Jeweler's model. The archaeologist is calling it a matrix. This has to be the most exciting thing about this whole research excursion.
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| Jeweler's Treasures - buried prior to invasion of Ryazan by Batu Khan in 1237 Ryazan Hoard #17 - found in 2013 |
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| Zoomorphic "Worm" Jewelry Element Matrix |
I'm learning a little bit more about these every day and soon, I hope to be reproducing them. Waiting on mold making materials and Hydraulic Press parts.
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