Archive for February, 2009
Feb
28
I have recently added a new category (Fused Glass) to CraftingGlass.com
Some visitors are wondering just what fused glass is and how it is made. Fused glass (much different from blown glass) is glass that has been heat processed (fired) in a kiln at a high temperatures. There are 3 ranges of temperatures used in the fusing process that give different results in the finished glass object. These temperatures are: #1 (low range) 1100 to 1250 degrees F. Firing in this range of temperatures results in “slumping” of the glass. It sort of drapes over the mold. #2 (1250º-1350ºF) This is called the middle range. These temps result in what is called “tack fusing” of the glass. Finally; #3 (1350º-1500ºF), the highest range used in fusing, is called a “full fuse.”
Fused glass techniques are often used to create glass tiles or jewelry. However, the slumping process also allows the creation of larger pieces like plates, bowls and dishes. Doing this usually requires a second or third firing to fuse and shape the glass art pieces. Producing functional pieces generally requires 2 or more separate firings; one to fuse the glass and a second or more to shape it. For more information on fused glass please see: http://fusedglass.org
One practical advantage of fused glass is that it can be produced by a relative newcomer to glassworking. There is no need to melt or blow the glass and thus no need for complicated, expensive equipment. A fusing kiln can be set up in a garage or basement by any responsible, careful adult who follows the kiln set-up directions. After much study and practice the results can be impressive (see the pictures of fused glass objects )
“Purple Moons” and “Water dance” By Rhoda Baer
Fused Glass Tapestry Cup by Paul Tarlow http://www.fusedglass.org
Aurhor: Jerry (CraftingGlass.com)
Many homeowners wish they could update their home’s interior. Unfortunately, a major remodeling job is often out of the question. Renovating can be costly. However, homeowners need not give up altogether on the idea of remodeling. Owners can choose to give their home’s interior a facelift in lieu of a major renovation. Thousands of interior design ideas cost less than a thousand dollars. These seemingly small facelifts can actually go a long way in improving the look of a home’s interior. One of these inexpensive interior design ideas involves decorating with mirrors.
Decorating with mirrors is a superb way to stretch a home’s decorating dollar. It may even do more than stretch. It may also pay back dollars if the homeowner is in the market to sell his home. A $999 or less interior design idea may be the difference between a low and a desirable offer. This is known in the industry as “dressing up” a home. Homes that previously languished for weeks or month on the market sold within days after being dressed up.
Homeowner can try their hands at decorating with mirrors. Owners who don’t consider themselves particularly creative will even find it easy. This is a great interior design idea for a number of reasons:
* Decorating with mirrors is fairly inexpensive. There’s no need to hit designer stores. Any mirrors will do, even those from the local dollar store. A whole house can often be re-decorated with mirrors for under a thousand dollars.
* Decorating with mirrors can make a home’s interior appear larger. This trick has long been used by professionals. Small homes can benefit greatly using this trick of the eye. Mirrors create the illusion of depth. Create perceived space by placing a large mirror or a row or mosaic of small mirrors on a wall. Place mirrors along opposing walls for even more depth.
*Decorating with mirrors improves interior lighting. A room that is painted in a dark color can seem smaller and even feel oppressive. Adding mirrors to one or more walls can offset the darkness and enhance the color of walls. The best way to improve a room’s lighting without using more electricity is to place mirrors opposite windows. The mirrors will reflect natural sunlight streaming through the windows and brighten the whole room. Some homeowners even report a savings in energy costs by simply reflecting the free light from the sun.
Decorating with mirrors doesn’t require the help of a professional. Anyone with a toolbox can hang mirrors and create a room that looks better while costing little. Just remember these tips when choosing and hanging mirrors:
* Pick interesting shapes. Square is good, but unusually-shaped mirrors can add an extra element of interest to a room. Choose mirrors that are wavy, long and thin, diamond shaped or triangular. Instead of one or two large mirrors, create a mosaic of mirrors by using several smaller mirrors placed together.
* Look for different glass styles. Instead of a smooth mirror, hang a mirror with beveled edges. Another option is to use frosted mirrors. Hang a mix of framed and unframed mirrors.
* Use a laser level. It’s difficult to hang mirrors perfectly straight using the naked eye. Laser levels are inexpensive and well worth the investment for the difference they’ll make in your finished wall.
Few interior design ideas compare to decorating with mirrors. It’s one of the simplest and most economical ways to improve a home’s interior.
Julia Ritzenthaler
http://www.articlesbase.com/interior-design-articles/decorative-mirrors-interior-design-ideas-574983.html
Feb
13
fused glass– I cut it, smash it, shove it – push it -pull it – fire it
and I can make some for you
Duration : 0:0:57
you can see the difference of shrinkage when you compare double rolled to thin rolled fused glass
Duration : 0:3:19
Watch Mario Hausdorfer create beautiful blown glass holiday ornaments when the artist made a visit to Berlin in Amish Country.
Duration : 0:0:53
This is a updated video of a previous window installation. This deals with installing and flashing a window in a wall system which uses four inches of taped foil faced polyisocyanurate as the drainage plane
Duration : 0:7:10
This videos was taken at the open studio of Rick and Janet Nicholson who own a glass studio in Auburn, CA. The video shows the final stages of creating a large platter. http://www.nicholsonblownglass.com/
Duration : 0:4:35
cabs that I make and sell on my website: www.dichroicglassman.com… some of my favorite dichroic cabochons – might sell but just not yet. Great ones though still on my website
Duration : 0:1:42
I am talking about external, non-functioning types. I want to know how to measure my windows, how to choose among the different styles and materials, how to install, how to maintain. I am looking to be pointed to on-line references, hopefully one basic tutorial.
DYI.com is a good source for do-it yourself techniques. They usually have diagrams, how to measure, installation instructions.
Home Depot and Lowes websites have information on shutters.
americanblind.com may be helpful, too.
Feb
2
Today, for once, this is not about glass. As you know (as the old saying goes) all work and no play make Jack a dull boy. We all need a break sometimes. These pictures made me smile. :0) See here:
http://bellflower.elfle.com/the-cheerful-smile.html