I have written about my wonderful friend Diane in several blogs. We took a boot camp from Tanya Viet last year and learned 15 different fused glass techniques, most were for fused glass platters and bowls. However, due to our daily lives we have not had a chance to create these new fused glass techniques. Therefore, over the last couple of months, we got together for fused glass dates to do just that.
During the first fusing party projects included black and white pattern flow bowl. On Edge Construction 8 by 10 Egyptian blue streaky glass and iridized glass. Kiln Carving plates with iridized (I’m not sure if you can see how truly stunning this platter is since the camera can’t really pick it up). Two Flow Pattern Bars that I am incorporating into other plates or bowls. We also did a couple of crackle items – I’m just including one. I love black and white and this piece is beautiful!. I also made a sampling of Anne Nye’s frit painting, which turned out wonderfully.
NOTE: Anytime iridized glass is face up the dish should not be used as a food dish, however if you really wanted to you could put fruit but why would you! I used iridized glass to add some sparkle to the platters so these are more aesthetic than for food.
The second fusing party was at my house. We did some sandblasting as in my Asian inspired theme, used my new UV light to adhere the feet on the bottom of one of her plates we made during the first fusing party. The great thing about UV light is it only takes a minute or two and it lasts! We also used loose silicon Carbide grit, which is very messy and time consuming but it, was also somewhat relaxing as long as you have earplugs to block out some of the noise. In addition, to these coldworking activities we also used Anne Nye’s technique to create our Aspen trees. We both loved the result so much we made a second one (I’ve since made my winter aspens as well). So much fun, even my husband and daughter were like “Wow very nice”. Since they are continually inundated with my fused glass that says a lot. I showed the aspens to my friend and she’s like I want one! We also started our scenic pendants, however they take several steps and aren’t complete yet. Additionally we made components that we will use in other glasswork. Which is what the other platter is, it’s an on edge with a flow bar section on the top. It’s got a beautiful satin finish as well
Besides showing off our creations I wanted to share these “Fusing Parties” with you because when you share your passion with someone else that has the same passion it just makes you even happier. These two weekends meant a lot to me and it was more than just having fun with fused glass. Thanks Diane for sharing your time with me.
I have several of each technique but they are on the sites, Fused Glass by Karen, My Etsy store, my Artfire Store, my Pinterest, and my YouTube Channel. If you have any questions please email me or if you want custom fused glass artwork.
If you would like to stay abreast of what I’m up-to and learn a little more about jewelry, check out our newsletter. It is published the last Sunday of each month.
Karen
BTW sorry about the photography I’ll try to sweet talk my husband into taking better ones and I’ll get them on the site.
