Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Glass Casting Jewelry
Since coming home from the Glass Craft and Bead Expo in Las Vegas in April this year, I've been wanting to create some Glass Links jewelry using the Oval Links casting mold from Colour de Verre. I saw so many ladies walking around with their creations. But when I stopped by Jayne Persico's booth, I was so inspired by her creativity that I had to order my supplies immediately!
So, I've been madly mixing color combinations in my basement with my scale and measuring spoons...I feel a bit like I've got my own glass lab! You've got to be careful for reactionary glass - glasses that will turn unexpected colors when combined (generally yellows and blues which turn a baby poo brown). Aside from that, let your imagination run wild!
Shortly after making my very first creation, the lime and lemon links necklace, I happened upon the news that Ed Hoy's was sponsoring a contest using Glass Links molds from Colour de Verre!
I am competing for the title of "Most Innovative Jewelry Artist" in a contest sponsored by Ed Hoy's International and I need YOUR vote! If I win I will receive some fabulous prizes as well as recognition and promotion for my work. To vote for me and my work follow the instructions at the top of this page http://edhoy.com/What_Hot.html Voting ends May 15th! Thank you!
Now, I don't remember exactly what the fabulous prizes are...But, I'm crossing my fingers for some more molds so I can create necklaces a bit faster! Right now, I can cook up 12 links in an 18 hour period. When the links are done, I have to clean out my mold, prep it with glass separator and fill them before popping them back in my Caldera. However, the cleaning and filling part sometimes have to wait until after dinner, or sleep. If I could have a second batch waiting to go in as soon as the first set came out, I could really rock and roll and have that Caldera running all the time!!!
As a side note, you'll be able to find my Glass Links creations next week at the LUX Center for the Arts Spring Bling jewelry trunk show! I'm so excited to share what I've been making the last few months. Stop on by, Thursday, May 19th from 6-8:30pm and try on some glass jewels!
I'll be previewing some new fused glass cuff bracelets, as well;)
So, I've been madly mixing color combinations in my basement with my scale and measuring spoons...I feel a bit like I've got my own glass lab! You've got to be careful for reactionary glass - glasses that will turn unexpected colors when combined (generally yellows and blues which turn a baby poo brown). Aside from that, let your imagination run wild!
Shortly after making my very first creation, the lime and lemon links necklace, I happened upon the news that Ed Hoy's was sponsoring a contest using Glass Links molds from Colour de Verre!
I am competing for the title of "Most Innovative Jewelry Artist" in a contest sponsored by Ed Hoy's International and I need YOUR vote! If I win I will receive some fabulous prizes as well as recognition and promotion for my work. To vote for me and my work follow the instructions at the top of this page http://edhoy.com/What_
Now, I don't remember exactly what the fabulous prizes are...But, I'm crossing my fingers for some more molds so I can create necklaces a bit faster! Right now, I can cook up 12 links in an 18 hour period. When the links are done, I have to clean out my mold, prep it with glass separator and fill them before popping them back in my Caldera. However, the cleaning and filling part sometimes have to wait until after dinner, or sleep. If I could have a second batch waiting to go in as soon as the first set came out, I could really rock and roll and have that Caldera running all the time!!!
As a side note, you'll be able to find my Glass Links creations next week at the LUX Center for the Arts Spring Bling jewelry trunk show! I'm so excited to share what I've been making the last few months. Stop on by, Thursday, May 19th from 6-8:30pm and try on some glass jewels!
I'll be previewing some new fused glass cuff bracelets, as well;)
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Making Fused Glass Globs
Begin by cutting strips of fusible glass:
You can use mosaic nippers to cut some strips into single layer squares for smaller globs.
Stack other squares into two and three layer stacks and place on a prepped kiln shelf.
Fire the glass squares up to 1500 degrees Fahrenheit and hold for 8-10 minutes.
In a small kiln (like my Caldera), I go AFAP (as fast as possible) to 1500 and hold for 10 minutes, then the next segment of the firing schedule is off. The kiln holds enough heat, and they are small enough that I'm not worried about thermal shock. Plus, I'll be firing these again in a larger project. They'll really anneal in that piece.
You can use mosaic nippers to cut some strips into single layer squares for smaller globs.
Stack other squares into two and three layer stacks and place on a prepped kiln shelf.
Fire the glass squares up to 1500 degrees Fahrenheit and hold for 8-10 minutes.
In a small kiln (like my Caldera), I go AFAP (as fast as possible) to 1500 and hold for 10 minutes, then the next segment of the firing schedule is off. The kiln holds enough heat, and they are small enough that I'm not worried about thermal shock. Plus, I'll be firing these again in a larger project. They'll really anneal in that piece.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
LinkWithin
