When we were out at the Salado Glassworks last year, owner and master glass artist Gail Allard recommended that I look into classes at Blue Moon Glassworks (which, as it happens is five minutes from my house) - so that's exactly what I did.
Over the next few weeks, I'll be posting about my classes - and hopefully - ideas for incorporating fused glass into my jewelry.
We started with a very simple impression project - and a technique know as kilnforming - cutting shapes out of a heat resistant fiber board, and then placing the glass over the form before firing.
I decided to stick with a motif that I am familiar with - Texas and hearts. I've learned that - especially in the beginning - it's important to keep designs simple. I cut out the Texas and a small heart, and we glued them to a piece of special paper that doesn't stick to the glass when firing, and then placed two sheets of glass - one clear and one colored - on top before fusing. The result is an impression glass plaque - suitable for hanging in a window.The second project was more involved - requiring cut pieces of colored glass to create a design on a six inch square. Our instructor advised us to have a good idea of what we wanted to do before class.
I have long loved the work of Dutch abstract artist Piet Mondrian - so I went looking for a simple example of his work to use for my design. With a quick Google search I found exactly what I was looking for.
To get the look I wanted, I started with a black base and colored opaque glass for the top layer. I cut and arranged the squares so that black lines would show through after the pieces fused together.I am thoroughly delighted with the end result!
I'm also excited about learning new things - there are three more weeks in the introductory class, and I've already signed up for my first open studio.Stay tuned as I start to experiment with ideas for incorporating glass projects into my jewelry.
Until next time.
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