working with glass?

[dminton]

Does anyone do work with warm glass? Or cold glass (stained glass)? I just visited the Fire Arts Center and my friend, who is a glass artist, showed me how to set up some things for putting in the kiln; I made two window hangings and a pair of earrings, all in about 2 hours! Now I have to wait and see what they turn out like, it takes about 2 days to heat and then cool the items. It was really fun playing with the colored glass and deciding on the composition of the pieces. It really takes your mind off of IC and sends some good chemicals into the body because you are having fun!

[Rosalie]

The only glass work I have ever done is painting. However, I have watched artists blowing glass and found it fascinating. The pieces you have done sound very interesting.
I would love to hear you describe in more detail what it is all about. Do you use sone sort of a template for the work?

[dminton]

Well, my friend and I worked on a table while standing beside it, and she told me to go through and look for scraps of glass that appealed to me. I then took two clear rectangular sheets and made a sandwich with colored pieces in between. These are glued lightly together and then placed on some sort of surface that gets slid into the kiln. After two days, you get to see what it looks like. The glass fuses together, so it's not an exact science. The rectangles will then get two holes drilled into them and a decorative chain with beads passed through to make a window hanging. I haven't gotten to see what happened yet as there are several folks sharing kiln space. I also made a pair of earrings; I cut some lovely glass that has a finish on it like peacock blue iridescence, covered it with clear glass of the same size, glued some copper tubing in between through which copper wire will go after firing to make the part that goes through your ear. It was really fun to play with colors and wonder how it will turn out! I hope to take a formal class next month.

[Rosalie]

That sounds like a very interesting process and I agree that the fun will be to see how it all turns out after the firing. Where did you do this? Was it at a class or a friends? I was wondering if the process has a formal name. I would be interested to look it up and see if there is anything like that offered here in Melbourne.

[dminton]

Hi, Rosalie,

It goes by the name "fused glass" or "warm glass". The idea is to warm the glass enough to be able to change it's shape or fuse pieces together. Cold glass would be stained glass windows, for example, warm is I think 1200-1700 C or F, can't remember which, and blown glass is hot. Do a search for either and I'm sure you will come up with some wonderful sites, beautiful to look at. There is a place in town called the Fire Arts Center. Folks there do ceramics, glasswork, welding, all those things done with heat I guess. It's been there for about 8 years.

Diana.

[dminton]

Well, I got my stuff out of the kiln finally, and I can see that it takes more than just piling glass together and fusing it to make something that looks impressive! These things looked impressively like an experiment. The weird thing is that some of the glass changes color in the kiln process, so that is something that is learned over time. All the orange turned red, and red is my favorite color, and I was told that red glass is the most expensive color, so I lucked out in that way. But it didn't turn out looking anything like I thought it would.

I saw some professionally done fused glass earrings in a store today, and it is something to strive for. They are so lovely. My class starts in April, so it should be interesting!

[Rosalie]

Diana, are these large pieces? Obviously I realize the earrings aren't..well maybe you like really big ones?...Hahhaaa
How do you manage the shaping of the glass? I have seen 'slump' glass pieces done as serving platters and bowls.

[dminton]

Hi, Rosalie,

The "window hangings" I did were about 4" x 6". Since I am a beginner and it was an experiment, I don't know much about the specifics of the technique. There is a glass grinder you can use to smooth corners and edges if you want. I did this with the rectangular earrings. The hangings did this on their own in the kiln.

I wish I could take that class this month; I have instills scheduled right when the class meets! Wouldn't you know. The next classes are offered in June.

I wonder what the ceramics classes are like? I would enjoy playing with glazes, I bet! I'm realizing how long it takes to master any craft. I have always lacked patience, and I think this is what has kept me from pursuing things, partly, plus the arts seem impractical (but very enticing) and I've always been in favor of the practical approach. This has clearly had its' disadvantages and advantages!

Have you ever tried painting on flower pots? I think that would be fun.

Diana.

[Rosalie]

Diana,
I have done painting on ceramics and enjoyed it very much. However the studio where I did it closed down last year. There are others but I liked the people at the first place and have now moved on to other crafts.
I did do some stenciling on planter pots once as well and that was effective...didn't make the tomatoes grow any better but!

[dminton]

Rosalie,

What type of paint do you use on flower pots? Using stencils sounds like a very fun and very easy way to pass the time and beautify the garden. I think I'd like to try that very soon!

I was going to enroll in a fused glass class but it conflicted with my heparin instillation schedule this month at the uro's office! Wouldn't you know. The good thing is that I found the nurse's technique entirely painless, unlike what I experienced when doing it myself at home without numbing gel first squirted up into the urethra. I was so happy I went straight out to look for a new car! It was a very successful instill. I didn't feel too bad when the lidocaine and marcaine wore off either!

Diana.

[Rosalie]

Diana, I'm glad your instil went well.
With the stenciled pots, I just used a spray gold paint but if you wanted to hand paint a design, I think you woud just use an acrylic paint.
I really enjoyed doing the ceramic painting. Seeing the pieces come out of the kiln after painting ws fascinating.

[trytosmile]

I do stained glass and just love it. Haven't had my equipment out for awhile and how I've got the itch to do it. Oh boy another craft on the go...eck !

I enjoy doing it outside in the summer time, that way no dust from grinding the glass.

[dminton]

To Rosalie - Wouldn't acrylic run in the rain? Do you need a waterproof paint for outside pots?

Jen, I have really wanted to try stained glass for years! I need to see if there is anyone locally who offers classes or training; I know there are suppliers. There are so many wonderful, simple things one can start out with, like picture frames! I bet choosing colors and also the composition of windows is really fun.

[trytosmile]

I love doing it and yes as you are putting the project together it is so much fun to watch it unfold. My next project that I want to tackle is a tear drop type light fixture for my upstairs. It will be infront of a cathedral window so really taking my time and looking for the "right" one. I've never tried something like this but you don't know it you can do it if you don't try, eh.

I started out taking classes at this amazing place in the city that I used to live in. If I was closer I'd still be going there today. A friend of mine used to do stained glass but was getting out of it and so she sold me all her equipment so I really lucked out there.

Oh now I really want to get my equipment out.

[Rosalie]

Hey Diana, I suppose I was thinking of acrylic house paint - won't run.
I love stained glass but never have I had a chance to learn...one day maybe. I have done painting on glass with the imitation lead, so it looks like the real thing...from a distance that is Hahahaa.

[MarthaB]

:) I think after the painting on the pot, it should be sealed with a laquer, it also stops the soil from drying out if you intend to put a plant in it!!

[dminton]

Rosalie,

Okay, I get it, that kind of acrylic paint. This sounds so easy and fun, and Spring is here and flowers need to be planted in pretty pots! Thanks for the information!

Diana.

[dminton]

I just completed the first day of a two-day workshop in stained glass (foil method). Boy oh boy, is that fun stuff! Some of the steps are more enjoyable than others, but overall I think it will be a nice diversion from thinking about my bladder, migraines, and my upcoming hysterectomy! Anyone else do stained glass projects?

[Rosalie]

Hey Diana, that is great that you are having such a good time with the workshop. You know we expect to see photos of your projects here.
I've pmd you but I'm not sure if it got through...my computer is having a rest from behaving itself...I've threatened it with a format! I threatened it a few days ago and it pulled itself into line. :biglaugh:

[trytosmile]

Oh I'm so jealous. I do stain glass and just love it. That been said I haven't got my tools out for a good year. I have been renovating a century farm house so not much time for stain glass. Almost ready to do it, I love doing it outside on a nice warm summer day. Hum, maybe I'll pull out some books today and get a project all lined up.

[dminton]

The renovation sounds fascinating!

I can't believe how much I learned in 12 hours of instruction. Every step is new and different, and unlike anything I've done before. I loved cutting and grinding, and also the selection of color! The foiling was tedious until he let us use a dispenser which sped things up considerably. The soldering was tricky but had a steep learning curve. The copper patina didn't work as well as it should have, and the teacher couldn't figure out why. Still, my 9" x 14" window turned out nicely except for something I couldn't have known as a novice and that is how a certain color looked once it was set up in a window, which was drastically different than what it looked like on a table! I dreamt about glass all last night!

Have you done stained glass for a long time? Any idea when you will be able to get back into it?

Diana.

[Rosalie]

Sounds like you are just brimming with inspiration! I would love to see your work. Are you prepared to post a picture?

[dminton]

Rosalie,

I'd post but have no clue how to do so!

Also, thanks for the info on gum trees; you know a lot and it was fascinating. I think they are gorgeous!

Diana.

[Rosalie]

Ok Diana, in order to post you have to join up with a site like www.flickr.com or www.photobucket.com..there are quite a few like these around. You upload your photos and the site will create a URL for you. Now when you are on the ICN and creating a post go to the 'go advanced' click on the icon that looks like a little mountain...a box will pop up. Paste the images URL from flickr or whatever. Have a go and ask if you have any problems.

[trytosmile]

Oh yes Diana, do post some pictures. Would love to see your work ! I'm sure it is just lovely.

I did manage to get all my glass materials in one spot. Now I have to pull it all out. I think I need a new blade for my cutter and I'm sure my grinder needs a good cleaning. Everything has been sitting for a good year so will need to be cleaned up.

I must get some pictures of some of my work and post.

[dminton]

Hi, everyone, I miss working with glass as I had my hysterectomy 2 weeks ago and have just been busy recovering! The "window" I made brought me great comfort, displayed by propping it up against the kitchen window. It is of a sunset or sunrise, whichever, and it looks so bright and cheery, which was great since I had so much anxiety before surgery and the weather was SO gloomy and gray. When I get my strength back I hope to do another weekend workshop to remind myself of how to do this work. The teacher does stained glass renovation and had such fantastic spirit and attitude, just being around him is a joy. I can't wait to hold up those sheets of glass to the light again, just to enjoy the color and light and texture. He has a supply shop here in town. Anyone else doing work in glass of any type?

Diana.

[Rosalie]

Diana, I hope you recover is a speedy one and you can get back to the glasswork that pleases you so much.

[trytosmile]

So glad to see you are up and round Diana ! I was in my basement yesterday and dug out some of my stained glass equipment. Oh boy, dusty ! It's been awhile. Went to a place yesterday to get just a regular sheet of glass cut and didn't know it but this place sold stainglass supplies...now I'm really in the mood.

Here is a picture of the first stainglass project I ever did. It is just on the wall so easy to take a picture. All others are in windows and I just cldn't get a clear shot.

In this picture the tulips are all shades of dark peaches. I used quiet alot of different clear classes for out framing of the focal point.

http://community.webshots.com/photo/550762199/2089286190081355626GcrTFy

[dminton]

Wow, that's outstanding! How did you pull off something as professional and complex-looking as that for your first project? I'm really impressed! It's very beautiful. Did you have a hard time choosing the color for the roses? Thanks for posting that! I'd say you better get to work, because you have a talent to share!

Diana.