Archive for September, 2009
An example of a lovely glass pendant
Just below this post is a new video that I think is one of the better ones I’ve seen on making jewelry using fused glass. It illustrates the basic technique without any spam or excess advertising to get in the way of the lesson. If you are a “newbie” to the glass arts then please pay special attention to the mention of “coefficient of expansion” (COE). This is important because all glass used in your project must be the same COE, such as 96 COE. If you don’t follow this rule you will likely have breakage problems at unpredictible times.
To do fusing work you will, of course, need to have a kiln to heat and “fuse” the glass objects. And, two final notes of caution, be careful to avoid looking into the kiln without kiln glasses (special safety glasses) and wear heat resistant gloves and/or use tongs when handling anything going into or out of the kiln.
Now enjoy the video below from RioGrande.com
Jerry (webmaster Crafting Glass)
Try your hand at the exciting craft of glass jewelry! Easy to learn, fused glass jewelry offers a wide range of creative opportunities. A Bead, Baubles & Jewels project. For more projects and jewelry-making know-how, visit us at http://forum.riogrande.com/ or visit http://www.riogrande.com/ for all your jewelry-making tools and supplies.
Duration : 0:5:22
For those who want to learn to etch lovely glass windows or glass objects I have added the three videos just below this post. Etching glass is perhaps one of the easier glass arts to learn, at least for the basics. But remember I didn’t say it is a snap! To be REALLY good at this art you have to be able to draw or paint a nice freehand picture or design (for the rest of us there are stencils). The chemical creams or chemical solutions used in etching are somewhat dangerous if used carelessly. Please, only adults should do this work. Wear rubber gloves and follow the directions carefully. The three videos below give only some of the basics in this craft technique. You will need to learn more, of course. One site that gives more instructions is http://www.glass-fusing-made-easy.com/how-to-etch-glass.html Another web site with more tips and instructions is http://www.etchworld.com/ccp0-display/ste_manuals.html
Here are some more web sites that show examples of beautiful glass art created by chemical etching or by sandblasting. Some of the glass objects also are created by glass carving and by etching. This technique, done by a master glass artist, results in a stunning piece of glass art!
There are other fine web pages, of course. Just search for etched glass artists. Now please view the videos (three) just below this post. I wish you much enjoyment and success!
Jerry (webmaster Crafting Glass)
Techniques to create etched glass projects. Learn about uses and techniques of glass etching in this free arts and crafts video from a professional designer.
Expert: Lisa Quinn
Bio: Lisa Quinn Inc. is a design entertainment firm, specializing in residential and commercial staging, set design for television and film, and television production.
Filmmaker: Sam Lee
Duration : 0:1:29
This business makes thousands of awards.
Tips for cleaning glass project after etching. Learn how wash off and remove tape from your glass etching project in this free arts and crafts video from a design professional.
Expert: Lisa Quinn
Bio: Lisa Quinn Inc. is a design entertainment firm, specializing in residential and commercial staging, set design for television and film, and television production.
Filmmaker: Sam Lee
Duration : 0:1:3
Usually I write or feature articles or videos about art or decorative glass. Today is a little different. Here is a free money saving idea for you handy people out there (this idea would likely work best for a workshop or garage heater).
As you know there are many foreclosed homes being sold today at ultra low prices, or worse yet, being torn down! I have seen whole windows, with the intact glass panes, being placed on the lawn for rubbish pick-up. My idea (certainly not that original) is for you (a handy person) to collect as many windows as needed (or as many as you have space for) and use them to build a simple solar panel. A few years ago Mother Earth News featured an article showing how to build such a panel. The original article instructed the builder to use polycarbonate panels for the “windows” of the solar panel. If you use intact glass windows, that are still in the sash (or “frame”), you will save building time and money. You will need only basic carpentry skills (or hire someone) to build the solar panels. Go here for the original article: http://www.motherearthnews.com/Renewable-Energy/2006-12-01/Build-a-Simple-Solar-Heater.aspx
There are other plans on that site, and elsewhere on the internet, for simple solar panels using sun warmed air for the heat source. Just type “simple solar panel plans” in the search box on your browser. Don’t forget to use cheap (or free) old glass windows rather than plastic or polycarbonate for the clear panel covers to save a lot of money. I wish you much success!
Jerry (Webmaster, Crafting Glass)
This web article has some good information (IMHO) also:
http://www.mobilehomerepair.com/article17solar.htm
Look at the frame. You should see a lip all the way around it on the side the glass goes in. Measure over the lip to the solid part of the frame both ways and order your glass to the exact measurements.I’m assuming of course that your window is the kind held in by the little clips the screw in around the frame.
Hello Everyone!
Starting in October I will be writing an article on an artist in one of the glass categories featured on Crafting Glass. These categories are: glass blowing, dichroic glass art/jewelry, etched (and carved) glass, fused glass, glass beads, and stained glass. There will be no particular order (such as alphabetical) in which the artists will appear. I have several artists in mind for the first and subsequent articles. If you are an artist and want to appear here please contact me and be willing to let me use an article about your work or a video or picture of your work. New artists in the field of glass arts are welcome to apply also.
Thanks,
Jerry (webmaster, Crafting Glass)