Here are 4 barrel beads from the last couple days. It feels like I'm gaining some control over the glass- I'm beginning to feel more competent, more like what I end up with is at least related to what I envision going in.
The light today is dodgy- this is the best photo I could get.
I'm having a fair bit of trouble with cracking and breakage- I think from not keeping a consistent temperature while working in the flame. I have such a lot to learn!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Peyote Dreams
The new sculpture. I'm too close to it yet to be objective, but I think I really like it. The process was dreamlike and intense though unflavored with any actual hallucinogens.
In other news, 2 of my pieces have been juried into a show at a Vancouver, WA gallery. The show runs through the end of January, and I'll post more information as soon as I can. I've been unable to actually deliver the pieces since we've been completely snowed in. In Gresham, OR- which is just weird. We don't get snow as a rule.
I hope to have some new lampwork bead photos soon, too.
In other news, 2 of my pieces have been juried into a show at a Vancouver, WA gallery. The show runs through the end of January, and I'll post more information as soon as I can. I've been unable to actually deliver the pieces since we've been completely snowed in. In Gresham, OR- which is just weird. We don't get snow as a rule.
I hope to have some new lampwork bead photos soon, too.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Bead Art Originals Items of the Week
Here are this week's special items from the BAO team!
More details, and close-up photos, available here:
Bead Art Originals Blog
More details, and close-up photos, available here:
Bead Art Originals Blog
Friday, December 12, 2008
Computer Woes and New Beads
Yesterday I fired up the torch around 2:30 pm. I worked steadily for what I thought was a few hours. Dan came in to fetch me and I asked if dinner was ready. He grinned and told me it was nearly 9, and that dinner was hours ago. I had no idea that much time had passed. There are a lot of mandrels sticking out of the kiln door this morning. I can't look yet as they are not quite cool, but I'm very excited to see the results of that intense and timeless stretch of time.
My computer is in the shop for a few days. It needs a new drive, which I guess is what happens when one listens to library audio CDs all day. It's odd not having my own machine, but probably not bad to be forced away from the keyboard for a bit. In addition to the flamework, I also got a couple inches into a new beadwoven geometric patterned bracelet.
My computer is in the shop for a few days. It needs a new drive, which I guess is what happens when one listens to library audio CDs all day. It's odd not having my own machine, but probably not bad to be forced away from the keyboard for a bit. In addition to the flamework, I also got a couple inches into a new beadwoven geometric patterned bracelet.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Etsy BeadWeavers' December Challenge
I didn't enter this month's challenge because I was too studious. Heh.
The entries are amazing- over the top gorgeous. Check 'em out and vote for your favorite here: Etsy Beadweavers Blog.
The entries are amazing- over the top gorgeous. Check 'em out and vote for your favorite here: Etsy Beadweavers Blog.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Roger That!
Here's the latest beadweaving project, a Jolly Roger skull & crossbones bracelet. Rather, it will be a bracelet as soon as I get the toggle on it. I'm very happy with the skull- it took a long time to refine the design until I was satisfied with it. The bones I'm not so sure about, but I really am happy with the skull.
The 3rd batch of beads
Here are the new kids! I'm learning as I go. The orangy ones on the right are my attempt at a set.
It's interesting to work with a set of colors chosen by someone else. I did try to sort out the glass rods a lot last night, and I don't have nearly enough opaque white or cream to suit me. But I'm not buying any more glass till I'm better at this. The pale blue bead in the middle row, one up from the bottom, is my best formed bead yet. It's almost completely bead-shaped. So there's hope.
It's interesting to work with a set of colors chosen by someone else. I did try to sort out the glass rods a lot last night, and I don't have nearly enough opaque white or cream to suit me. But I'm not buying any more glass till I'm better at this. The pale blue bead in the middle row, one up from the bottom, is my best formed bead yet. It's almost completely bead-shaped. So there's hope.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
TaDa!
Here are some of the first beads out of the kiln!
Be gentle with me, I'm just learning. I know they aren't even. And some of the edges are not quite right. But whee!
Also? I learned this morning for the millionth time that friction causes metal object to heat up. And that if you touch the end of your Dremel bit to see how much grit wore off right after you remove it from your bead hole? Ow.
Be gentle with me, I'm just learning. I know they aren't even. And some of the edges are not quite right. But whee!
Also? I learned this morning for the millionth time that friction causes metal object to heat up. And that if you touch the end of your Dremel bit to see how much grit wore off right after you remove it from your bead hole? Ow.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Timeless
I just spent about two hours making beads. It felt like 15 minutes, and I had to tear myself away from the torch because I had other things I had to do. Now I can't see the beads I made till tomorrow. And I want to see them now! Right away.
I got my glass rod from a guy on craiglist who was switching from soft glass (what I want) to hard (which requires more equipment). So I have all this mystery glass, which is all Bullseye. The stuff I was working with today starts off clear and turns all kinds of wonderful rainbow colors in the flame. It's magic! There are also rods infused with sparkles and shiny bits. Shiny! And streaky pastels that will come out of the kiln looking like heaven only knows what.
I think this is about as much fun as a person is allowed to have.
I got my glass rod from a guy on craiglist who was switching from soft glass (what I want) to hard (which requires more equipment). So I have all this mystery glass, which is all Bullseye. The stuff I was working with today starts off clear and turns all kinds of wonderful rainbow colors in the flame. It's magic! There are also rods infused with sparkles and shiny bits. Shiny! And streaky pastels that will come out of the kiln looking like heaven only knows what.
I think this is about as much fun as a person is allowed to have.
Beading Side of Studio
This is the side of the studio where the little bitty beads live. And the books! Inside the desk are threads and needles and findings and other junk. I want to assure my public (all 6 of you) that this area will always look exactly this neat, especially when I'm working on 4 projects at once.
The only side of the room I've not shown yet is the metalworking area- which is not finished! But it's shaping up.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Working Studio
Whee! Installed the fire extinguisher & carbon monoxide monitor today and it's a real studio now. I've got my first beads annealing in the kiln right now. I couldn't be happier!
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