I have about 20 large abalone shells just sitting here in my yard. They are pretty old, got them from a woman who went fishing off the cali coast If my memory serves me well. How do I go about cutting into em? I have a few tools but I've never done it so I'm not sure. I'd like to make bracelets and pendants with them.
haven't done anything like it myself, but this page describes how to make paua shell jewelry. (paua shells are the new zealand species related to abalone.) pretty heavy duty process... dunno what kind of equipment you have! good luck.
I love abalone shells! This is something I want to do, too! I make Pine needle baskets and I think the baskets would look awesome with abalone shell beads, etc woven in them. I haven't cutted abalone shell yet, but one thing I was told is that the dust from the shells is toxic and it's real important to use a face mask when cutting the shell. If ya ever interested in doing a trade(for one of my baskets), after cutting beads, etc, let me know! Lara
