February 11, 2014

Koi fish continue. Beginning if photo transfer design. 

Week 3: preparing for deep bowls

First firing of peacock design

Week 2:

Deep bowl project. I changed from my original abstract idea and opted for a peacock design.  The photo shows the first stage--to fuse the "eye portion" together.  For the second firing, I plan to use the fritz powder to form the remaining organic feather shapes down the stem.  

Week 1 FUSED GLASS

January 14, 2014

Nothing like starting the new year learning something new!

Week 1: Overview of class,  learning the capabilities of fused glass and we received our supplies! Flipping through "Contemporary Fused Glass" by Brad Walker opened the door to fantastic opportunities...and a huge learning curve. First assignment: practice some techniques while making a set of coasters. I was more than a little rusty getting back into the swing of cutting the glass. The design that I wanted was the narrow stripes which required multiple 1/4 inch strips... It didn't go well. I opted for a more abstract design to allow for my not so concise cuts. Someone suggested using clothes pins to hold the layers of glass in place during transport.  The white-ish areas shown below are tiny bits of glue to hold the shapes into place---hoping that it will burn out in the firing process. Week 2: cancelled for a snow day :(

second glass project underway...

I came in and put An extra couple hours into my glass project today. I'm happy with the design that I created and pleased with glass color and texture choices, but I'm envying the design of all straight lines. What was I thinking?

Soldering the glass together...

I was really hoping that I had been a welder in a prior life and that this stage would be a little easier than the cutting of the glass. No such luck . I guess I will have to rely on good old fashioned hard work and practice.