Basketweave and Pendants

This started out as a basketweave project. And while I was waiting to get this in the kiln, I threw together some pieces of scrap and ended up making some really cool pendants. I think I had too much in the kiln at one time, because the pendant fused more on one side than the other. I plan on re-fusing, along with some other pieces I'll put together.

Dichroic Pendants

This was my first major project using dichroic glass scraps. I cut free-hand pieces of black and clear, layering the dichro scraps. When I fused, I allowed time for the bubbles to escape. They didn't disappear completely, and I think it's because I ramped up to the hold temperature too quickly. But the bubbles aren't bad.

I wish the clear glass had draped more evenly. I probably should have done a better job of cutting same shaped pieces.

But these are cool finished. Now to attach bails and make something with them!

Tile Disaster

My big plan was to create a tile that could be slumped into a mold I have. The trouble started with making the initial fused tile. I have HUGE (HUGE!!) bubbles. Probably from making it with the smaller pieces sandwiched between two pieces of clear.

This was a piece that I tried puncturing the bubbles while it was still in the kiln at about 1500 degrees. The bubbles didn't puncture, but my welding gloves smoked!

I decided to experiment with draping anyway. I used a terra cotta saucer (coated with kiln wash) and draped the piece. I thought it draped funny--like it wasn't centered. But by the time it was draped, it was too late.

When I took it from the kiln after cooling, it actually looked pretty cool. Except there was a big crack in one of the corners, right through a bubble. I grabbed a small screwdriver and a hammer, and proceeded to puncture the bubbles, planning on refusing. I figured it would flatten, the bubbles would collapse, and then I could re-drape.

Except while it was just sitting there, it cracked in an entirely different spot. I hear some funny popping sounds, had no idea what they were. Then CRACK!

I'm thinking the piece needs to be put to rest. Maybe I can use pieces for some other project. But I'm thinking its life as a draped or slumped bowl are long gone!

The Melting Continues

I played with dichroic glass yesterday. I bought some pieces of dichro on eBay--they're all about 3/8" square. Most are clear, and it's a little difficult to see exactly what the dichro design is.

I layered 4 squares of the dichro on a 1.5" x 1" piece of black, which I capped off with a piece of clear cut slightly larger than 1.5" x 1". I put all of this on a clear glass fusible bail.

I glued things together with white school glue. And then waited impatiently while it dried before fusing. I don't think I was patient enough as there are some bubbles.

I like it though and will wear it proudly!

About the fusible bails...these things are great! I haven't had much luck with glue since I started this fusing business. So I was glad to see these bails. I highly recommend them. You can get them at Fused by Phil.

Gardening

All the rain this year is making the garden thrive! All the rose bushes have hundreds of buds. I was hoping that more would bloom all at once.

These are all pictures from the front of the house. I've planted containers for the back patio. Pictures to come!

First Grade Is Over

Aaron is all done with first grade and moving on to second! He's grown so much this year! He wants to be as tall as the twins!

Pool Season

We're still getting the pool ready to use. But in the meantime the kids are all playing in a wading pool. Yes, Jim and I got the dogs a pool. Hey, it was hot! They were playing in the water dish.

The only one who really uses it (besides my boys!) is Roxy. She jumps in, smacks the water with her paw, and then thrusts her entire snout into it.

Pets are fun!

Kiln Chronicles

I had such a disastrous experiment that I took a breather! I tried fusing two pieces of glass--same glass from the same sheet--with a piece of fern between them. I thought the fern would vaporize and make a cool etching on the fused glass. Nope, the top piece flew across the kiln.

When I opened the lid and saw the glass everywhere but on the thinfire shelf paper, I panicked. Instantly, I emailed glass groups. The consensus was I had made a pretty big mess.

Except...that none of the glass stuck! I was blessed by the glass gods that day.

This picture is of some fused jewelry pieces. I fused them once and wasn't wild about them--too darn plain. So I took some stringers, added to the top, and refused.

I've worn the pendant, but am having glue issues. It came off the bail and needs to be re-glued. I'm planning on wire wrapping one piece and attaching it to a key chain finding I got.

40 Ain't so Bad

Well, not as bad as I thought. I have been sick pretty much since my birthday. Hopefully that will clear up soon and I can enjoy being 40. Because I'm going to be 40 for a very long time!

I was showered with flowers on my birthday. First came the mystery bouquet. With a card reading, "I'm glad you were born." Who would send such a thing? Well, my friend Sherri Campbell--one of my favorite people in the entire world. The florist forgot to sign her name!

I also got flowers--and a teddy bear--from my brother Paul (aka #3) and his girlfriend Debbie. My first toy from a sibling! lol

It was a great day. I spent time with friends. Got a little silly. And came home to where I exactly want to be!