12.13.2017 - Make That Mandrel Hole Disappear!

Pure uninterrupted color, clarity and sparkle... no, I'm not talking about a diamond... but I've often called this type of earring the "New Diamond Stud"!  The go-with-everything, lightweight, droplet that moves with you and doesn't tire you out. (doesn't weigh much).

As usually happens when the weather cools, my inner silversmith emerges... and this time it was to make custom findings for my earrings.  Long ago my friend Jane had said that I should eventually fabricate my own findings - thus giving my work a OOAK uniqueness.  I've been making ear wires & headpins for years, but no decorative parts for the earrings.  I'm quite pleased with these - and will bring more out soon.  (waiting on a delivery of silver sheet!!!)

It's interesting the process I use to make these beads means I'm balancing a gather of glass on a tiny rondelle that's 1mm x 3mm D, it brings to mind that quote of balancing a dollop of honey on a toothpick.  To add insult to injury - I make two beads to a mandrel so that they pair match... I find that I hold my breath as I'm working on the second one - hoping I remember to flash it in the flame - so as not to thermal shock the first one!  

The one thing I did want to mention is that the clarity & viscocity of the glass is key.  You all know that I work mostly with Lauscha because it can tolerate the heat and not scum or boil, and this glass also tends to be a stiffer glass to work with - often people say they like it for sculptural work as it doesn't move so readily as the Italian glass.  This is so evident in these beads.   

I have always been a proponent of lose-the-hole mentality... and of late have been working to eliminate all signs of it on a transparent (non-off mandrel) pendant... but need to modify some of my tools to achieve this. WORKING ON IT!  as always, smiles - Jill

When I start working - on a new direction, I usually like to work in multiples - below are the pairs (all wired up as matching pairs, as they were made as a matching set) Here are three color groups  I have, while the photo below that shows them shortly after I cleaned them - strung on a wire...
I will sell the beads solo or made into a finished product.

12.6.2017 - Brrr - said with a SMILE!

I've been making those 1/2" diameter beads with scrollwork and designs done with these stringers.  I'm holding 15 of them here...  I apply the design just as if writing on paper... (only much hotter).  I just am hooked, for now.  You know me, I'll transition to something new when it happens... in the mean time... I am having fun!

OK, I know it's Wednesday - and I'm sorry, no update tonight - I made only what brought me joy this week, and it looks a lot like what brought me joy last week.  ONLY I'm much better at it - you know... repetition & refinement!  So.  I'm firing up the oven instead of the torch since the temps have dropped about 35 degrees these past few days - I feel quite like baking.

I'm grateful for a gas stove/oven, I've always felt at home there... and somehow when the world looks so cold... I'm quite content to bake.  Oh... I forgot to admit - I did turn on the A/C last week so I could make soup (oh, and yes - biscotti), I guess I felt the cold coming!

As far as what's been coming from the kiln, I'm working on refining a cabochon based pendant  with a hanging hole, but making it polished on both sides.  It involves some cold work and another torch session... and so far - I can report that it is less successful with the dip in temperatures we've had this week (think temp shock going from kiln to torch).  It's been in the works the last few sessions - with tweaks each time.  I had a fight with my Twin-Spin grinder this morning, but - I am pleased to say that I won!! more on this next week perhaps.

I feel that the beauty of transparent glass is slightly lessened IMHO by a mandrel hole.  I have fought this for years - trying to obscure the hole when wiring a pendant... or obscure the hole by making it disappear - polishing it... but I think I'll be truly satisfied when it's simply *not there*.

See how beautiful this pendant is? Uninterrupted color and transparency? Plus the fun optics... that's where I'm going.  Of course more on that later too.  

I drove to Gilbert AZ a few years ago to pick up a used OXY Generating and holding tank system.  I'm pleased to report that I just (ahem, finally) ordered/received a new gauge... so will be tinkering with getting that up and going as well.  AND a new Oxy regulator so my Smith Little Torch will once again be up and running for those silver projects.

I know... this sounds like a lot, but these are the little projects that are on the horizon and... I'll keep you posted! smiles and shivers... Jill

10.11.2017 - Cute Posing Beads

*Remember - Weekly Wednesday update tonight at 9pm eastern. http://www.jillsymons.com

I love how glass transmits light.  (yes - think fiber optics!!) These wonderfully chunky tabs do that with these night straight edges.  I remember sitting at the torch while making these - looking forward to photographing them! Yes... seriously!  they're 1" across and about 3/8" thick... chunky - and I've left the chill marks on the surface - because it makes them all that more interesting!  Most of the glass I use is Lauscha or glass from the Czech Republic.  The transparent colors are just rich and clear. (OK... the light green is Effetre, and has some small bubbles... but the color is enticing enough to put up with them)... 
 

So, you know what the intent of this post is about... right?  Just how nice it was to stand these on their edges and capture their personalities!
smiles, Jill

9.27.2017 - ...That Nod & Knowing Whisper....

Years ago, my friend had quietly remarked how many times lampwork is an exercise into proving just how much you can cram onto the 'tiny canvas' of bead surface.  Yes, she is still my friend... and I remember that quite often as I work.

I've always felt less-is-more... and it shows in my work.  But every now and then something comes and nudges you... for me, this week, it was this piece.

While this piece has a mix of Boro and soft glass beads... I absolutely love the feel.  I have also found recently that my long-held belief that focal beads had to be just that - the focal - the belle of the ball... etc.  what I am now finding is just the opposite - that while they need to be interesting, it's better if they join everything together with a nod & a knowing whisper.  I like that approach much better. : )  Smiles, Jill