Barn Art Glass Studio - making a woven fused glass dish

I've been spending time in my studio learning a few different techniques. One of which is glass weaving. You can use this technique to create functional pieces, such as bowls or just for a conversation piece on your coffee table.
I'm going to out line the process for you. It's pretty basic in principle.

Start by choosing two complimentary colors. Decide on the finished size of the piece you are going to make. It helps to have an idea of what you are trying to achieve when you start. Don't get me wrong, there have been times when I open the kiln, and say "ah, that's not what I wanted it to do." That happens quite a bit when I'm slumping through a mold. This project had pretty predictable outcomes, though.

For this project I chose a dark transparent burgundy and an opal white. Once you've decided your colors, start cutting the pieces in the desired length and width. I chose 1/4" wide strips that were 8 inches in length.

Using simple math, determine the approximate number of strips you will need for your project. I was assembling an 8x8 square, so I cut enough strips for it all at the same time.


I assemble the strips on a base of clear tektra glass. This will allow for the finished piece to appear to have spaces between the strips, but will in fact be solid and can be used as a serving or candy dish.

The trick is to have patience when you are assembling and remember to build alternating layers so your piece will appear as if it is woven.

Once you are done, and happy with the placement of your pieces, I use glue to hold the pieces in place so that when I transport it to the kiln for the first firing, it will not slide of the base or lose the pattern.

After the glue is tried, you can full fuse to achieve a flat piece, which will still have a defined pattern, or you tac fuse for a more dramatic layered affect. You can experiment with your pieces and see which affect you like best.
Once you've done your initial fire, you'll want to shape your piece. For this piece, I chose an unusual shape using my Kaiser Lee mold set. At left, you can see the shape I slumped the piece into.

Kaiser Lee molds are very versatile and I've not had any problem with glass adhering to the product if you follow the directions included with the boards.
You can find out more about this mold system at http://kaiserlee.com

Below, left  is the finished piece, you can see the shine of the glass and in the center picture, and the interior curves.

The open weave method for kiln casting is versatile, you can also assemble your piece without the clear base for an open weave, which can create a very dramatic piece. Your options are limitless, so use your creativity and see what you can come up with.

Once you've mastered two colors, move on to three or four. See what you can come up with.
Until next time, that's all from the barn

Where did summer go?

I can't believe I'm getting ready for my second show of the season already. Apparently the late start to the summer has everyone rushing to catch up, myself included.
I had several things going on this summer, plus my studio isn't air-conditioned, something I hope to resolve before next summer, so I didn't spend a lot of time out there until the past few weeks.
I'm playing catch up now and trying to get some of my new items finished for the Covered Bridge Festival in Winterset, Iowa this weekend.
I'm scheduled to be on the south side of the square, so stop in and say hi, if you're in town. I'll have some of my new pieces for fall there and of course, my new line of fused glass belt buckles.
Hopefully, the weather will hold and everyone will have a wonderful time.
I've learned something very important through this year's heat spell, when the humidity is that high, nothing remains unaffected. I'm still finding things in my studio that are either rusted or ruined from the high humidity. Thus, another reason for an air conditioner to help eliminate the extreme temperature fluctuations.
All is well, now, I've recovered and only lost a few items. I'm always hurrying around at the last minute trying to put the finishing touches on something, but I promise to be set up and ready to greet you when gets open Saturday morning.

Is the economy turning around?

You read it in the papers and see it on the news. All the reports of how the economy is slowing turning around.
In Iowa, the answer seems to be build more casinos. I find it hard to believe this is going to create the stimulus needed to spur the economy.
Yes, creating jobs is important, but what about the ramifications when people lose hard earned money they can't afford to in order to keep these few people employed at casinos?
There are only so many dollars and I can't see this as an answer to the current situation.
There are too many casinos in Iowa as it is. Yes, they help the communities they are in and support some state funding, but where do those dollars come from?
The hard earned wages of people who should be paying down debt rather than lining the pockets a few corporate owners.
What happens when the market is saturated? Others in the industry see a loss. That's all that is going to happen if more casinos are built in Iowa. People who frequent new casinos hoping for better luck and higher payouts. The established casinos will see fewer customers, the need for less staff and those employees will be put out of work by the new jobs created in different locations.
How is this going to help stimulate the economy?
It's about as sound as the current universal health care plans. Not too well thought out.
It matters in the end, but there is always going to be the faction of people who will slip through the cracks and not gain any benefit when they are the ones who need it the most.

Can I make it as a jewelry artist?

I've got today off from my regular job so I intend to work in the studio. I'm setting up for the open house, which starts tomorrow afternoon. I have ideas I'd like to work on, probably won't get anything ready before then.

I'm also making cinnamon rolls to take to a friend. I'll be hopping between the house and barn most of the day.

I've got to get off to a good start with my morning workout at Curves.

There are pros and cons, but to me, it is better than nothing and for many, it's the only source of exercise they will get involved with.

I should know as a former owner of two Curves, that was the story with many of our customers.

I made several good and lasting friendships during my years as a business owner.

The upside was being your own boss, the downside was I had a business partner and as it turned out, things happened that were uncontrollable and we ended up selling the businesses.

It was a learning experience, one that I have chosen to grow from.

It was sort of doomed prospect in the first place, people wondered if we were just going to close up shop as our building to the ground in a bizarre fire that took our an entire square block in Osceola, Iowa, in 2004. As a Phoenix, we rose from the ashes an opened a new place on the square and added another business to the mix.

My jewelry business is my endeavor, so I have no one to help or hinder.

I have to stick my neck out there and test the waters, maybe I'll turn this into a real business and maybe not, I am the one to do it.

I read information on the Internet on how to promote your business and it's work.

Blogging and social networking are important in this day and age. One jewelry artist said if you aren't socially connected online, people will consider you out of touch, it can hurt your business.

Far be it from me to be socially challenged. Sometimes, I think about chucking the whole blogging thing, because it doesn't seem to be getting me any followers as of yet, but then I'm of an age where I want instant gratification now. Maybe it's because I grew up in a time when if you wanted something badly enough you saved your money until you have enough to buy it and didn't use credit cards.

Doesn't sound like such a bad way to go does it? But, as I digress, I will try to stay on task. It's not easy starting a business, but I must admit, a franchise, although a more expensive alternative to starting a business, tends to provide a good support network. Of course they do, they want all franchisees to do well, so they will continue to make money.

As a jewelry designer and artist, you are on your own to research your best markets and the venues where you want to show your work.

I would like to have a retail outlet for my jewelry, get some exposure, but it has to be the right outlet, and it has to present my jewelry in a positive atmosphere.

I'm trying to step out of my comfort zone and market my jewelry line. I know it isn't for everyone and there may be a limited market, but at least I'm going to give it a try.

The first step was to take it to craft show, then I put some on Etsy, but haven't sold any.

Now, I'm having an open house. I have to keep a positive attitude where it's concerned. I hope for a big success. I just have to try and not give up hope.

Save the date - my first open house

It's a done deal. I've set the date for an open house for my jewelry. I sold at craft shows during the Christmas holidays and did quite well, it was suggested I make my designs available to a wider audience. Not everyone has time to go to craft shows.

I knew I'd have to set a date or I would just keep putting it off.

My studio has a double purpose. It is also my potting shed, I will need to make room on my workbench for trays of seedlings.

I simply have a hobby addiction!

There isn't room in the studio for my loom, which sits in the dining room and my scrapbook supplies take up half of the basement.

I'm starting today to clear space on at least one of the shelves hold my potting/gardening supplies for a jewelry display.

I have an idea for a new glass piece. I've experimented with different textures as designs between the layers of glass. So while I'm trying to sort things out on the shelves, I'll also be seeing if my idea will work.

Sometimes it's totally amazing what comes out of the kiln, then there are the uh oh moments, the times I look at the finished piece and wonder what I was thinking.

There are a lot of specifics to firing glass. Temperature, COE and what the materials are you're trying to fuse.

There are several different types of fuses. I usually use a full fuse, but I've also done some pieces using a tack fuse method, which just anneals the pieces of glass than a full fuse where the glass is smooth and rounded into a finished piece.

Tack fuse creates a more textured design and is used to create specific designs.

Well, as close to a design as possible.

I have used some pieces of broken glass from pieces that broke during firing and created some freeform pendants that I've wire wrapped to finish them.

Just another way to make them stand out from the crowd.

Inspired by life

I've gotten comments from people who see my jewelry designs and ask me where I get my ideas.
I have to admit I literally dream some of them up.
I wake up in the middle of the night with an idea for a design and can't wait until I can get to my studio and try to realize that dream-inspired design.
Sometimes it's awesome and sometimes, it's just awe.
One thing that helps is having the proper tools for wire work.
I have a variety of pliers, files and different gauge and texture of wire available to work with.
I've found a great source for tools, wire and instruction at Wire-Sculpture.com.
The support offered on this site and through the staff is great.
If you're not sure what specific tool you need simply call their 800 number for support.
If you're into wire sculpture or just curious about all the different tools available just visit the tool link on the website Wire-Sculpture.com Jewelry making tools! and browse around.
You're liable to become a tool junky like myself.