Update on kiln cast beads

I have been trying to make cast beads in my kiln using molds I had made from cork clay....The third and final attempt was probably my last they picked u a terrible smokey color and were so ugly... I'm not even going to post a picture. I might try and acid etch the ones I have..we will see.

2ND bead making Class

I took my 2nd class with glass bead artist Robert Jennik.

I am working on getting an oxygen concentrator for my minor bench burner ( torch that runs on a mixture of oxygen and propane)...thats what we used in class ....I am just not happy with the limited amount of heat I am getting from the hothead torch I am using now...and the oxygen tanks are a bit to scarry for me.

here's the beads from the second class...

progress on kiln cast beads

Well, I'm hoping the 3rd time is a charm for me...I fired this second batch with a longer soak at fusing temps...they are holding together better but still crumbling. I'm sure a little longer soak should do the trick...though I might lose that sugar texture I was hoping to keep.....I will keep you up to date.

Other news...my hubby took our girls to see the new Harry Potter movie....they loved it..so all you Potter fan's make sure you don't miss it!

Also planning to go see Land of the Lost..it is supposed to be funny!

The Black Crowes

I went to the Waukesha co fair with my hubby John and my good friend Debby ( we have been friends since we were 6 yrs. old ) to see the Black Crowes. The show was great and I will definatly go see them again!

UPDATE on kiln cast beads...well my first run was a disaster..I didn't hold them long enough at fusing temp..so when I unmolded them....they crumbled...will be doing another test run this weekend so hopefully all will go well.

Bead Studio Progress

Well I did manage to get a bead area set up in my studio and got to practice some. My husband, daughter, and myself took turns at the torch and coaching each other...what a great evening. I'm waiting on an order of glass rods so I can practice more...can't wait to get back to the torch.

I've also been working on some kiln cast beads..I have the filled molds cooking in the kiln right now...hopefully post some pics soon.

Busy weekend

What a great and busy weekend! I got to spend a little more time working on my bead studio...hmmm will I be able to truly get organized..when I work I end up with stuff everywhere laid out piles of this idea and that, and lots of doodles.

Saturday I was treated to my sisters lasagne and a nice visit for my birthday..I don't see her much since we moved, we even brought the dog along.

Sunday we went to South Shore Follies http://www.south-shore-frolics.com/ in a great little park on the south side of Milwaukee. I love the lakefront, I also really liked the neighborhood. They had lots of food, a Parade, art show, we saw the band Mt Olive, http://www.mtoliverocks.com/ and a great firework show...next year we plan to go much earlier.

Ok well I'm finally taking the first leap and I'm blogging ( help I feel so lost ) I had signed up for some classes with bead artist Robert Jennik http://www.knotjustbeads.com/ I have taken the first class which was great!! He had a neat trick for encasing and getting a frit look with stringers. I ended up with a handfull of usable beads..and here they are........

I have been working on getting a bead area setup in my little basement studio...so I can get some practice in before my next class the end of July...Can't wait!!