Monday, July 20, 2015
MORE TESTING WITH POWDERS
I finished another batch of tests using the powders on fiber. Almost all of them came out so well.
As I was cleaning the glass pieces getting ready for the final fuse firing, I dropped one of the pieces and it broke into three parts. How clumsy! I didn't expect it to work, but I placed the pieces on black glass and covered the top with a layer of crystal clear powder. It's the top piece shown below. It fused beautifully, without a trace of the breaks!
Here are a few closeups of the ones I liked.
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These are fantastic!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Vicki! I've subscribed to your blog and love your quilting projects. I'm ready to start on a quilted table cover and have been cutting squares. Wish me luck!
ReplyDeleteLove them all ! I still suck at getting the nice droplets - even last week tried and didn't get the nice separation and puddling you get
ReplyDeletenow you have lovely coasters
I wish I could help you solve the "pebble" problem. My first thought was too much water, as this keeps the powder from separating. I've had this happen to me. Maybe you are not using enough powder? I use three good coats, misting lightly in between and over the top. Then be sure you manipulate the fiber so there are lots of cracks. I use a wooden bbq skewer and run it back and forth under the fiber, turning the fiber too. I even make more cracks using a sharp metal tool. Yes, I have lots of coasters now! But they are so cute. Time for larger pieces with the new molds I have purchased. Hope you did well during your recent show.
ReplyDeleteI think its the manipulation - I only did that for the crack version not for the pebble - I've done the light and the heavy - weird think is I go on that was perfect - I think the thrid one I did and cant remember what I did for that one - even used the same powder colors - show was great - now Ihave to make for new show in october - you should make smaller round pendants with the pebbles I think those would look great - cant wait to see our new molds - which large kiln do you have ?
ReplyDeleteSo the cracking of the powders is necessary for both methods. That probably will solve the pebble problem, right? Can't wait for you to try again. My kiln is a Skutt ceramic kiln. The shelf is about 21-23 inches across. I fire one layer just below the thermocouple. Works great. I also have a small paragon SC2 and then a bead annealing kiln. Outside a 12 cu ft gas kiln and a small one for raku. I have some clay whistles to raku, but have to build a new basket with metal pieces and handle so I can fire at least 5-6 at a time. Then lift it out to place in trash can. So much work, so little time ... The pendant idea is a really gocd one!!
ReplyDeleteso your using the ceramic kiln (I have one sitting with a cover over to be installed - I guess I should get on that - I have the SC3 and a Sierra and 3 bead annealing kilns - and 2 aim small 6x6 and a 8 x 8 small kiln (that I have a ring for bead door - I have a HOAF gas kiln and a 12" evenheat - raku I always wanted to do raku - if you know a welder they could make you a basked that would fit in your firing can that you can reuse over and over - the cost is not usually very much - I'm lucky as here at work I get them to make me stuff as its not the cost of the item its the weight and shipping - I think Tanya Veit is doing a class based on the pebble effect for jewelry -
ReplyDeleteDeborah, you have a lot of kilns! You have lots of everything!! I forgot that I had one more ... an enameling kiln which I don't use because I don't enamel anything larger than jewelry pieces. Yes, I have taken the pebble class with Tanya. I have lots of notes and photos I took of the video itself. Never did get to the projects ... yet. A welded basket makes a lot of sense. But it's fun to go to the hardware store, buy those pieces of metal and put a basket together with nuts and bolts. They go through several firings. BTW, those lampwork eyes you are making are huge! You are so good at it.
ReplyDeleteThank you - SUCCESS ! I did tests today and I got puddles !!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI was going to suggest FaceTime or Skype so I could watch your next powder test!! Ha, but you did it. Go girl! Are you on Tanya's email list? She is going to have another Saturday video the first Saturday in August. I'll get the email link for you in case you are not on her list. Let me know. Again, congratulations on the puddles!! Little things make us so happy.
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