Time to stretch a bit

I recently got the latest issue of the online 'Fused Glass Projects Magazine'.  A contributor, Gil Reynolds, described a process to create what he calls 'flow bars' -- a glass bar with a pattern running through -- something like the spiral pattern inside a jelly roll.  Sounds intriguing -- so worth a try.  The process involves suspending a stack of glass atop a couple of stainless steel rods suspended above a 'box' to collect the liquid glass.

Once the fusing was complete (about 24 hours later), the 'brick' of glass was sliced into strips using a tile saw.  I trimmed the pieces to align evenly and placed them back in the kiln. Because glass wants to be 1/4 inch thick, I dammed the piece to preserve its shape.

Now, what to do with the piece.  I decided to make a dish.  I used a clear base and arranged the elements of the dish on top.  Back into the kiln.

I love the way the clear areas allows light through to highlight the other design elements.

The final step was to slump the piece in a shallow mood to complete the dish.

Well since this worked quite well, I thought I'd try a larger and thicker set up.  The initial fusing went well -- but I had a rather hard time cutting the strips afterward.  I have a few intact strips and many colorful pieces -- so my challenge now will be how to use them.....

Summer is coming to an end

First chance I've had to sit down and think about glass for awhile.  Kids are back at school -- gardens are littered with falling leaves (hiding all the weeds!) --- so it's time to get back to work.
One of the many highlights of my summer was seeing my grandchildren 'getting into' glass.  My little entrepreneurial granddaughter (8 years old) and her brother (6 years) have been busy making night lights -- which have been selling well in my studio and in a local gift shop.

Here are a couple of examples of their exceptional creativity.













A Prairie scene that I had in a Winnipeg gallery sold over the summer -- and I have been asked to make another for a customer that missed out.

It is quite similar to the first one as requested....

Beginning the background

Adding some detail to the background
-then into the kiln for a full fuse

The foreground is done
separately and full fused as well.

The fused background gets more detail and is fused again.

A clear layer is sandwiched between the background
and the foreground and is full fused.

Finally the piece is draped over a mold and fired once again.


I  was recently asked to create a small heart-shaped grandmother's pendant -- with birthstone (colored glass) pieces to  represent six grandchildren.  I have posted pictures on my website.  Check it out at www.purplepelicanartglass.com