Father's Day Present

[xxKristie]

Hi all,

I am in completely over my head on this forum but my dad has recently become obsessed with cabbing and has built his own machine. I want to get him some decent potch/rough opal to play with, can anyone recommend some reliable sites to purchase from?

Thanks so much,
Kristie

[mehoose]

Hi Kristie...oooo another with the opal bug!What a wonderful daughter you are!I know Black Opal Direct has some parcels on his site but maybe if you shoot him a message, they could put together a beginners parcel for you?They are heading off to the US for the Denver show but if you're quick enough, like messaging today or tomorrow, you might catch him?Also, there's a wealth of info on his site and he has heaps of youtube cutting vids where your dad can pick up some good tips.
You could try your luck over on the opal Auction site. Opal isn't 'cheap' but you might find some smaller parcels or single pieces for him to play with there. I'd probably stick with Aussie sellers purely for speed of post and not having to come through customs. I'd also suggest he cuts Aussie material first too before going to the Ethiopian route.

[xxKristie]

Thanks so much, mehoose! Yes, he retired early this year so this is how he occupies his time now, not a bad way to spend it! He absolutely loves watching Justin from Black Opal Direct's videos (I think that's how he got into it) so was thinking of getting him an apron from there too! I'll send them a message

I've been watching a few on that auction site and looking at a few items on opalshop.com.au.

Thanks again for your quick reply!

[mehoose]

You're welcome!I'm trying to find someone selling the opal body tone charts but no luck at the moment.I know Black opal Direct will be getting more in soon and when they do, I'll be wanting to grab one too. 
Yes, I spend at least a few hours every week watching Justin's vids.Maybe your dad might join in here one day and show us his finished opals. 

[xxKristie]

Haha he may already be lurking on here  Hopefully he doesn't see this post! Below are two of the first pieces he cut and sent to me so I will have them made into a ring and pendant:

[mehoose]

oh that is super special!
I treasure the coffee table my dad gave me. It was the first item he made as an apprentice in the cabinet trade.
You look after those opals and when wearing, you'll always be close to him, now and years down the track.