Well, it's been ages since I've blogged anything and I've had a lot going on. My mom passed, God rest her soul. I still get a little choked up every now and then, but she's in a much better place now. I know that sounds so cliche, but it's really the truth. She was miserable the last 3 years of her life, not being able to do anything for herself. Her independence was always very important to her.
Ok, enough of the sad stuff and on to the excitement! At the end of August I went full time at my job and they promoted me to Glassblower status!!! Yayyyyyyy!! I am very excited, happy and yet intimidated at the same time. Why intimidated? Well, first off, I've only been working glass for 2.5 years and it's all been soft glass beads. The other glassblowers have all been doing it for at least 10 years. Most of them for 20 or more, so I'm really a baby in comparison. Other than a Milon Townsend class that I just took and 2 beads I made last year, I have never worked with boro, much less large (to me) boro sculptures. Thank God my boss is very patient and understanding of my situation. He assigned me to make roses (and any other flower I'd like to try) and marbles. I've been at it for 2 months now and I must say, I absolutely LOVE making marbles!!
Ok, enough of the sad stuff and on to the excitement! At the end of August I went full time at my job and they promoted me to Glassblower status!!! Yayyyyyyy!! I am very excited, happy and yet intimidated at the same time. Why intimidated? Well, first off, I've only been working glass for 2.5 years and it's all been soft glass beads. The other glassblowers have all been doing it for at least 10 years. Most of them for 20 or more, so I'm really a baby in comparison. Other than a Milon Townsend class that I just took and 2 beads I made last year, I have never worked with boro, much less large (to me) boro sculptures. Thank God my boss is very patient and understanding of my situation. He assigned me to make roses (and any other flower I'd like to try) and marbles. I've been at it for 2 months now and I must say, I absolutely LOVE making marbles!!
I'm no Sabina Boehm or John Kobuki, but I'm making decent progress. My roses don't totally suck, but they're not the best in the world, either. I really need to work on my speed. Here are a few pics and don't laugh! The wonky red rose was my first:
A few marbles:
I made a couple this week that I'm extra proud of, but I didn't get to take any pics, :(. Oh well; On to the next topic: Goodies!! I have new Goodies for the shop!!! Yayyyy! And I have more on the way, but those are a secret.
First off, I have Silver Core Rivets:
I have them in 2 sizes, 5/32" and 3/16". The 5/32" fit beads that are made on a 5/32 mandrel. The hole is 3.5mm and will fit Trollbeads bracelets and necklaces and any other chain that is smaller than 3.5mm. The 3/16" fit beads made on a 3/16" mandrel. The hole is 4.5mm and will fit Pandora, Biagi and any other chain that is smaller than 4.5mm. The photos above are the 3/16 size on a Pandora necklace. The rivets have to be epoxied to the bead. I used a UV epoxy, but any 2 part should work just fine. Do not use Super Glue!! It will not hold and it also turns the glass yukkala.
A few marbles:
I made a couple this week that I'm extra proud of, but I didn't get to take any pics, :(. Oh well; On to the next topic: Goodies!! I have new Goodies for the shop!!! Yayyyy! And I have more on the way, but those are a secret.
First off, I have Silver Core Rivets:
I have them in 2 sizes, 5/32" and 3/16". The 5/32" fit beads that are made on a 5/32 mandrel. The hole is 3.5mm and will fit Trollbeads bracelets and necklaces and any other chain that is smaller than 3.5mm. The 3/16" fit beads made on a 3/16" mandrel. The hole is 4.5mm and will fit Pandora, Biagi and any other chain that is smaller than 4.5mm. The photos above are the 3/16 size on a Pandora necklace. The rivets have to be epoxied to the bead. I used a UV epoxy, but any 2 part should work just fine. Do not use Super Glue!! It will not hold and it also turns the glass yukkala.
