Chris Hansen's work thread

[naughty pirate wench]

Some stuff I've been working on.

peace,
c

mixed media artcharm cluster pendant, made with my fractal swirl lampwork beads and artcharms
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detail of artcharm cluster pendant
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detail of artcharm cluster pendant
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moss green choker with pineapple "quartz" (lab-created, looks like boro to me), freshwater pearls, peace stones, and Czech glass beads
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turquoise fractal swirl bead
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ocean and purple necklace with fractal swirl beads
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detail of fractal swirl bead on ocean/purple necklace
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detail of fractal swirl bead on ocean/purple necklace
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fire pendant, bead-embroidered felted wool, argentium sterling silver wirework and three lampwork beads (mine)
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cobalt fractal swirl bead
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green and silver fractal swirl bead
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[pstvn]

sweet! i really like the fuzzy and glass ones.

[petto]

Those last 2 beads are my fav. I really like swirly organic colors like that.

[KahunaGlassArt]

really sweet. is this your start of boro work?

[naughty pirate wench]

Thanks, you guys! you made my day!

Garth - yes, EXACTLY - the play of the textures between wool and glass is irresistible for me - I think the contrast shows each medium to its best advantage.

Petto - yeah, me too - I started doing these after my DH Jerry showed me some pics of Mandelbrot sets and fractals - I can't stop. I was kind of hoping that I wasn't the only person on the planet who likes them.

CKauhane - well, yes, in a way, but none of the beads are boro. The plan has always been to DO boro - I like the colors better, and the potential for doing ANYTHING - I couldn't afford anything more than a Minor and soft glass to get started...I'm just grateful I have a torch and a kiln.:D

Again, thanks all!

peace,
c

[KahunaGlassArt]

hey dont underestimate your little torch. im working on a gtt bobcat, which is prettymuch the exact same torch, just a different company. its not even a triple mix, like all the rest of gtt's are, and I primarily work boro, only worked soft glass for about 2 hours on my torch.
ive made everything ive ever made on my bobcat, with the excepting of a pendant and a small marble i made while testing a redmax.

[naughty pirate wench]

OK, I won't give up on my Minor yet...but there is so much BIG stuff I want to do...:evilLaugh

peace, and thanks,
c

[jr23]

Chis I used to run a minor for too years and every one always forgets its flame range is small not pin point to 3/4 inch you can rage a minor hard. I used to pull 25 hvy points and go to town. Making lots of stuff, hell I would work for two weeks strait 2 time'a a year and pull off a show with it and made killer money. well for the weekend once I divided it down it was a hundo a day but so what it was on a minor making pipes. Good work good job and don't underestimate the minor.

[naughty pirate wench]

Thanks for the kind words and the encouragement JR - it's really nice to hear that I can do more than I thought I could on my Minor...going to finally play with the boro today...I can't wait!

peace,
c

[KahunaGlassArt]

post pics!!

[naughty pirate wench]

OK, y'all - here's my first boro stuff:

The bead release failed on my first bead, so it went in the quench bowl...

no. 2, clear bead, lop-sided
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no. 3, bead with AP, uneven, wonky ends
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no. 4, AP and clear pendant - a respectable first effort.
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no. 5, AP bead (clear core, AP wrap, clear encasing) - a little lop-sided
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Random thoughts and questions:

1. Initially it seemed like my torch wasn't hot enough, so I cranked up the O2 some, but it still felt like it took a LONG time to melt the boro. Am I going to melt my torch by turning it up too high? I use natural gas and an O2 concentrator - when I was working the other day, I put my gas where I usually have it (so I have about a 7" natural gas-only flame), then I cranked up the O2 - the flame got really narrow and really hot - I don't think I maxed out the O2 - was kind of trying to not max it out, 'cause I didn't want to melt my torch nozzle/jets thingies.

2. I tried to strike my AP according to Shawn T.'s suggestions - but don't know if I did it right - the first bead with AP and the little pendant with AP wound up with a pale butterscotch color with flashes of iridescent purple - please-oh-please, how do I bring out more of that purple? The last AP bead (encased in clear) turned out a cool toffee color...

3. I did this stuff on 1/8" mandrels - is that the standard for boro beads, or should I use 3/32" mandrels? (For my soft glass stuff, I've been using 1/16" mandrels, and stringers of opaque white and dark ivory for bead cores, and encasing with stringers of Effetre clear, so I'm used to working fast - it helps when you have, uh, attention issues, LOLOL.)

4. When shaping boro IN the flame - what types of tools does everyone use? graphite? brass? magic? I sure don't want to melt my brass shaper thingie... For my soft glass stuff, I've gotten in the habit of relying mostly on heat and gravity to shape my round beads, but I found that difficult to do with the boro - then again, perhaps that's a lack-of-heat issue???

Thanks to all for your encouragement and tips - I really appreciate them!

best,
c

[Pilgrim]

nice work, Are you able to make a living off of your bead work? I'm super sick of making pipes and I want my son to be able to look up to me when he is older, not some thing I think he can do as a pipe maker. so I have been making more and more bead as of late. I don't think being a pipe maker is a bad thing, its just not what I want my son to see in me... Also moving into a global securities co. and should be on my way out of the states in the next couple months....

[naughty pirate wench]

Thanks Pilgrim!

No...I'm not making money off of my beads or jewelry...YET. I feel like I'm still getting started - don't have much finished stuff complete and ready to sell, but I'm getting there...it just takes a while to build up inventory. Too, I have an ADD approach to my business - I make beads and jewelry, write articles (and a book is in the works), and teach art classes whenever I can, so there are a lot of facets of my business, each of which demands attention and effort. As a result, stuff happens v-e-r-y slowly.

I think being able to take pride in your work, no matter WHAT you make or do, is really important; quite honestly, I think making pipes is a valid occupation, but I totally get your concerns about what your child might think.

To me, the thing is, if you're comfortable and happy making pipes, your kid is going to see that, and say, y'know, my dad does this work, and does a really good job of it, and is responsible and pays the bills and so on... But if you're feeling kind of stressed about it, then your sweet little person is going to pick up the vibe that you're ashamed of what you're doing - I think *that* is the real danger...

Have you considered adding beads and marbles and other glass goodies to your product line? That might help you balance things out a little...just a thought...

sending good occupational energy your way,
c

[Pilgrim]

Thanks Pilgrim!

No...I'm not making money off of my beads or jewelry...YET. I feel like I'm still getting started - don't have much finished stuff complete and ready to sell, but I'm getting there...it just takes a while to build up inventory. Too, I have an ADD approach to my business - I make beads and jewelry, write articles (and a book is in the works), and teach art classes whenever I can, so there are a lot of facets of my business, each of which demands attention and effort. As a result, stuff happens v-e-r-y slowly.

I think being able to take pride in your work, no matter WHAT you make or do, is really important; quite honestly, I think making pipes is a valid occupation, but I totally get your concerns about what your child might think.

To me, the thing is, if you're comfortable and happy making pipes, your kid is going to see that, and say, y'know, my dad does this work, and does a really good job of it, and is responsible and pays the bills and so on... But if you're feeling kind of stressed about it, then your sweet little person is going to pick up the vibe that you're ashamed of what you're doing - I think *that* is the real danger...

Have you considered adding beads and marbles and other glass goodies to your product line? That might help you balance things out a little...just a thought...

sending good occupational energy your way,
c

Thanks for the Kind words.....Its not that I'm ashamed of making pipes or bong bowls. I just dont want to be a 40 some thing Pipe maker .I think God has bigger plans for me and my life.
I have enjoyed making pipes and am good at what I do. I just want more out of life then that can bring me.
I can say that Pipe making has given me great skill sets for other work.
Thanks again...

[naughty pirate wench]

Now THIS is some janky ass glass...get ready to laugh your socks off!

I think I might do alright after about 20 more years of practice...

Many thanks to Crip for inspiring the creative photo backgrounds. :D

Thanks for checking these out!

peace,
c

I played with the boro some more yesterday - cranked up the gas and O2 to the max and well, stuff melted faster...:D...I'm not any better, but at least it didn't take me quite as long, LOL.

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Also made a marble with some of the pomegranate glass - oooooh, pretty! The glass, not the marble. It's one of those conveniently shaped marbles, with flat sides, so it doesn't roll away from you. :twitch:

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And three pendants - the round one is a swirl implosion - I think the color is Amazon Jewel (most likely burnt to a crisp) - the red & white one is Borostix white and pomegranate, and the oblong one is more f***ed up Amazon Jewel that I wrapped and raked, and then kind of imploded/melted in.

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I made a clear heart - 2.25" wide x 2.50" long, not including the loop. Took me an hour and a half, and I dropped the sucker five times on my bench. :bangHead: Note the plier marks in a couple spots... I think I'm trying to work too big for my torch. :wes:

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These last pics are of my dad's birthday present - my soft glass fractal swirl beads on a pen...at least this didn't turn out janky...hope he likes it!

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[HOSS]

Hey, how did I miss this thread? :puzzled:

Your soft glass stuff looks great, I'm sure you'll get the feel for the boro in no time. If you're still having a hard time striking the AP colors, try letting the bead (or whatever) cool down until you can't see it glowing anymore when you hold it in the shadow of the bench, then set your flame so it is almost all propane and very little oxy, and heat it back up slowly. Figuring out the right amount of time to keep it there takes a little practice, but if you let it cool and it's still not purple enough, just do it again. :) There are some other purples that are a little easier to strike than AP too (imo), like triple passion or purple luster, maybe give some of those a try.

Oh and I'm sure you've figured this out, but don't use your brass shaper in the flame! Only graphite. But I do almost all my shaping out of the flame, just get the piece hot and pull it out, then do whatever it needs with any tool that will work. My main sculpting instrument is an old kitchen knife, a small graphite paddle is also very useful.

Keep at it, and good luck!

[Adapt]

That pen is super cool. I don't think I could get any work done if I was using it, I'd just be staring and thing about glass.:D Keep up the creativity!

[naughty pirate wench]

Hey, how did I miss this thread? :puzzled:

Easy Hoss - I haven't posted anything in months...:o: :D

I've been experimenting with some new glass (104 & boro), as well as some new techniques, and have been pretty frustrated lately with what's been coming out of the kiln. It's improving, but slowly.

Thank you for the kind words about my work, and also, special thanks for the tips on the AP - I used it that once and got frustrated and haven't used it since. :twitch: I'm printing your suggestions to post by my torch - and I'll dig that AP back out!


Oh and I'm sure you've figured this out, but don't use your brass shaper in the flame! Only graphite.

I'd heard that somewhere - also took a couple of metal classes - we soldered brass...I figured it'd melt in the torch...


But I do almost all my shaping out of the flame, just get the piece hot and pull it out, then do whatever it needs with any tool that will work.

Yup. I really like my tungsten picks and my brass 3-in-1 marver (http://artcoinc.com/beadpress.php) from Artco (scroll to the bottom of the page) is pretty nifty...but I love my graphite too! I'm pretty much a minimalist though, when it comes to tools - I'd rather spend my $$ on glass!


Keep at it, and good luck!

Thank you so much! I really appreciate the encouragement!

[naughty pirate wench]

That pen is super cool. I don't think I could get any work done if I was using it, I'd just be staring and thing about glass.:D Keep up the creativity!

Thank you for the kind words! I really appreciate them! I think my dad'll like it - he likes purple and brown...but I know he'll complain about how heavy it is. He's weird like that. :wes:

Again, thanks! :D

[filthy god brother]

That pen is beautiful!
Have you ever done a boro bead on a mandrel?
If you get a good circle with color or clear you can attach it later to a pendant.
It helps with the fusing tech and looks really clean when you are finished.
Maybe lay down one color then add some dots of something else or clear dots over a fancy color, just something to play around with.

[HOSS]

I just realized I left out a couple of important things about AP, and similar colors. The flame strike I described should be the very last step, while you're working and shaping the piece use a sharp high-oxy flame, get the color molten to the point that the yellow-brown "haze" burns off and it starts to look clear. If you can keep it that way until you're ready to strike it, you'll get the best colors. If the flame strike thing doesn't work for you (its trickier with AP than some others) You can also try leaving it in the kiln at 1150 for about an hour.

Hope this helps, keep us posted! :)

[naughty pirate wench]

That pen is beautiful!

Thanks Filthy! :blowkiss:


Have you ever done a boro bead on a mandrel?

Yes, I've done a very few plain (one color) beads on mandrels - thanks for the suggestions of what to try next! :D

I have to say, I struggled with my pendant loops until I went to the NW beadmaker's retreat at Frantz a couple of weeks ago.

Robin (don't know his last name, very nice guy though, think he came down from a Seattle studio) demo'ed an implosion pendant and then showed us how he does a nice loop...with some Peters Tweezers (link: http://www.frantzartglass.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=52_230&products_id=4559) - I picked up some and have been making reasonably acceptable loops since! :bouncy:

Thanks for the feedback Filthy! I really appreciate it!

[naughty pirate wench]

I just realized I left out a couple of important things about AP, and similar colors.

Hoss, you are an absolute sweetie! Thanks for the additional tips on the AP - I'll definitely give those a try during my next torch session. :D

Thank you so much!

[naughty pirate wench]

Here's what came out of the kiln this morning. The more off-mandrel work I do, the more I realize that cleaning bead release off of beads sucks...I'm such a slacker, LOL.

This first piece is pretty exciting in a bunch of ways...it hit the floor and bounced and rolled a few times...you shoulda seen Archer jumping around in his bare feet doing the "hot marble naked toes" dance...my first most-rounded marble ever (I knew it was round by the way it rolled around on the floor :dieslaugh) ...now to just make 10,000 more...

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And I tried something new...something functional...:evilLaugh Don't know if I did it right, but the pomegranate sure is pretty...

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[bc]

dildo?

[naughty pirate wench]

bwahahahaaaaaa...it was supposed to be a chillum...

[KahunaGlassArt]

ITS A MULTIFUNCTIONAL DILLY-PIPE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
except whoever uses it for both is... well really frackin wierd

[HOSS]

ITS A MULTIFUNCTIONAL DILLY-PIPE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
except whoever uses it for both is... well really frackin wierd

http://www.glasspipes.org/Img140001_insertion.asp

http://www.glasspipes.org/Img140003_Img140003_15_83110.jpg.asp

[naughty pirate wench]

ITS A MULTIFUNCTIONAL DILLY-PIPE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
except whoever uses it for both is... well really frackin wierd

Or...really desperate...see below for another pic that gives you a better idea of the size of this thing...


http://www.glasspipes.org/Img140001_insertion.asp

http://www.glasspipes.org/Img140003_Img140003_15_83110.jpg.asp

OK, Hoss, now that's just wrong. :twitch:

So NOBODY thought my nearly-round marble was an impressive accomplishment...:wes:

The chillum (if we can call it that) didn't start out knobby - I drizzled on some Pomegranate stringer, then tried to twist it like I always do...then couldn't see the Pom anymore, so I laid down giant Pom dots on top of all the twisted places...and voila! something that looks like it belongs in the Adam & Eve catalog...if it was a bit bigger, LOLOL.

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[HOSS]

OK, Hoss, now that's just wrong. :twitch:

So NOBODY thought my nearly-round marble was an impressive accomplishment...:wes:


Hey don't blame me, I'm just the messenger. That one's all Howard Stern and Doshworld's fault. :D

And yep its a cool lil marble, I like the color! Mystery aventurine?

[mistahead]

BLM represent!!

[naughty pirate wench]

Hey don't blame me, I'm just the messenger. That one's all Howard Stern and Doshworld's fault. :D

I have a life-threatening allergy to Howard Stern. :twitch:


And yep its a cool lil marble, I like the color! Mystery aventurine?

Thank you Hoss. The color is fried-beyond-repair Amazon Jewel. Betcha didn't think you could get crappy poo color from that, did ya? I rock at making glass colors look like poo.


BLM represent!!

OK, I'm such a little old lady (complete with blue hair and walker), that you're going to have to explain that one to me. Bureau of Land Management? Blissed-out Love Monkey? Bad Little Marbles? Bad Little Monkey?

[naughty pirate wench]

What came out of the kiln this morning...a pendant and more lumpy mibs, including "Mom, That's The Most Lumpy Marble You've Ever Made" (complete with fried dichro stringer).

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[Mecha]

Stuff is coming along nicely. I like the pen from a few posts back.

Do you have a marble mold? If not, you should get one, they make producing perfect spheres a snap.

[Conchis]

Those are more round than my marbles used to be Chris. Mine weren't just lumpy, they had flat spots.

[CripSkillz]

and so this is the first i have seen of this thread ,, coool stuff chris,, i think you are part of the Bead Lady Mafia heheh

[naughty pirate wench]

and so this is the first i have seen of this thread ,, coool stuff chris,, i think you are part of the Bead Lady Mafia heheh

Thanks Crip! :blowkiss:

I doubt the Bead Lady Mafia would have me - my table manners aren't up to par...however, I may qualify for the Gangsta Bead Mamas...keepin' it ghetto, keepin' it real. :dieslaugh

[naughty pirate wench]

Tried to post this earlier, but for some reason, it wouldn't take.


Stuff is coming along nicely. I like the pen from a few posts back.

Thanks very much Mecha! :blowkiss:


Do you have a marble mold? If not, you should get one, they make producing perfect spheres a snap.

Yep, I've got a torch-mounted marble mold...but I take it off of the torch and set it on my bench to use it...no handle on the mold, so I use tweezers to pick up the marble and set it in an old spoon, then I try to fire polish it while it's sitting on the spoon, and I kind of hold it with the tweezers, all the while trying to keep the spoon and the tweezers out of the flame, LOL. I imagine y'all are getting a big chuckle out of this description.

I'm wondering if I'd be better off trying to drill a hole in the marble mold, and put a handle on it...I know, I know, TOTALLY ghetto, but money's tight right now, so I'm reluctant to go out and actually BUY a marble mold with a handle...I just don't want to shatter the only marble mold I have...


Those are more round than my marbles used to be Chris. Mine weren't just lumpy, they had flat spots.

Thanks very much Conchis! :blowkiss: Did you see the marble I posted the other day? Two right-angle flat spots on that one, LOL. Flat marbles don't roll away quite so fast...

[jr23]

you can put a hose clamp around the mold or have your hubby do something with it. I will p.m you my number and he can call or give me a e-mail and I can send him picks of home made tools and suppliers for cheap DIY lamwork supply's.


Chris you are def ready for a bigger gun minor's on natty gas take a long time to make a marble. Are you using propane when you work solid or just putting in the time.

I like using the rim of a smaller mold for final shaping I am sure you know this but its works good put in in the mold with the punty sticking out toward you then spin and raise it up to vertical re heat and proceed tell smooth. If you need more glass on your lens add it and re-peat. Then cold seal on that side and do it all over again. Then crack off into your mold and point your torch at it and polish the cold seal mark. Pick up from the side with a warmed set of whatever you like to use. I use bbq tongs wired doctor tools from auctions and many other things will send e-mail to your hubby for ideas.

[naughty pirate wench]

you can...

JR, thank you SOOOOO much for your suggestions! :blowkiss: I really appreciate them! I was beginning to feel like the only DIY glass tool person out there...

Yep, I'm using just the natural gas and the oxycon - making wee (5/8" dia?) mibs right now (except for the lumpy dichro one), so it only takes a couple of hours to make one, LOL. (nah, it doesn't REALLY take a couple of hours...more like an hour and a half...)

I have a sneaking suspicion that if I can pump up my fuel and oxy that I will be really happy with my Minor for quite a while...at least until I can save up for a Python. :evilLaugh :flamethro

Thanks again!

[OpenFireGlass]

Hey Chris, you are very inspiring to me. I love your style, especially the mixed media necklace at the beginning of the thread; and the pen!

How did you do that pen? Where do you buy pens like that to put beads on? I'm a writer, so I love love love when writing utensils and glass come together. Did your papa like it, or have you given to him yet?

Anyway, keep up the good work, and keep sharing! It's very motivating! Maybe I'll be brave enough to post some of my work.

Peace,
Naomi

P.S. I also love your writing style: DH is adorable!

[CripSkillz]

chillum looks chilln to me,, looks like it works thats so cool .. and round mibs are over rated,, floor marks thats where its at..

[naughty pirate wench]

Hey Chris, you are very inspiring to me. I love your style, especially the mixed media necklace at the beginning of the thread; and the pen!

Naomi, thank you for your kind words. Mixed media is something I have a lot of fun with - and lampwork beads and pendants play so well with other stuff! :D


How did you do that pen?

It's a bead pen...lemme see if I can find a link for you...try this: http://www.beadpen.com/index.htm


round mibs are over rated,, floor marks thats where its at..

Crip-Sweetie, what about plier marks...are those acceptable too? :blowkiss:

[naughty pirate wench]

Just spent a chunk o' time on my ArtFire studio - I've got just a few things listed. I'd appreciate any feedback or suggestions you can offer.

http://wwww.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&seller_id=26326

Thanks in advance,
C

[OpenFireGlass]

Cool, thanks for the link, Chris!

Naomi

[CripSkillz]

You got it girl heeheh

art fire looks good.. and so do the beads but you need to make em hollow with some holes in em lol .. they are really nice tho .

[naughty pirate wench]

You got it girl heeheh

art fire looks good.. and so do the beads but you need to make em hollow with some holes in em lol .. they are really nice tho .

Thanks very much! You just made my day! :blowkiss: I'll get right to work on those hollow beads with extra holes...:evilLaugh

[Corn-dogg]

He Chris! Nice stuff! I must admit, my favorite is the very first picture-the mixed media necklace. I just love that stuff! The glass, the felt, scrabble tile!! Also, your work is progressing quite quickly. Keep it up!

[naughty pirate wench]

He Chris! Nice stuff! I must admit, my favorite is the very first picture-the mixed media necklace. I just love that stuff! The glass, the felt, scrabble tile!! Also, your work is progressing quite quickly. Keep it up!

Hi Corinne:
Thanks very much for checking my work out, and also for the kind comments! :D I'm glad you like the mixed media piece - that's one of my favorites. I love to put different stuff together, and then dress it up with my beads.

[naughty pirate wench]

I've been working on my marbles a bit - not perfect by a long shot, but they're starting to look more round, and I'm starting to get the hang of working with punties as opposed to mandrels. :D

The first one is a janky off-center vortex mib, made with dichro stringer and transparent cobalt for the vortex (which looks really cool BTW), then backed with a little Ruby Slippers to give it some sparkle and then backed on top of that with swirls of black and a sparkly dusky blue which behaves nicely until one tries to encase it.
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This is an implosion of amber purple - I didn't even bother trying to strike it - was just hoping to get something round...and I gotta say, this is the nicest marble I've made so far. :D Only 9,987 to go...
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And, for laughs, here is my ghetto marble mold. It started off life as a torch-mounted marver/mold, but I don't like using it mounted on the torch, so I took it off. It scooted around my bench when I tried to use it, and the graphite got hot when I tried to hold it, so I swiped one of Jerry's c-clamps and voila! DIY ghetto marble mold. (the c-clamp DOES get a little warm, but it's not as bad as holding the graphite with my bare hand.) Yes, Santa, an infinite rim mold IS on my wish list.19185

[Mecha]

Definitely looking better and a lot more round, keep it up.

Nice ghetto rig too!

[CripSkillz]

good use of hubbys tools hehe.,

the ap one looks cool, are those lil air bubbles in teh dots?? looks liek all teh centers have nice fingers.. really cool.

[naughty pirate wench]

Thanks Mecha and Crip!

I am definitely loving doing the marbles - and after another 20 years of practice, I might be ready to take a class from John Kobuki.

Right now, I'm just working on getting my marbles as round as I can and on becoming more comfortable working with punties.

I used a frog (about $4 from JoAnn's, in the floral arranging section) to make the implosion on the AP one - I can't tell if there's air trapped in the "fingers" or not, but there ARE a couple of teeny tiny bubbles on the outside of the fingers.

I'm using my long tweezers and an old spoon for my "holding fingers" - it's way ghetto, but it (kinda) gets the job done. I think I need to put together a set of rollers too - realized that 2-1/2 feet of 12mm rod gets heavy after a while.

[KahunaGlassArt]

lovin the custom tools. my dad welded together some mashers. they work like a charm. why spend assloads of money just to make it pretty?

WHO CURRS?!

nice stuff of course by the way :)

[jr23]

looking good, my my my that was a great Idea for your mold just put a old welding glove around the part you hold or some kevlar. If you get to hot that is.

Maybe jerry can add a handle give you some distance but it looks like a winner I thought you had a round mold.

That is the way to go on a the one you have.

nice mibs too? coming along very nice.

[naughty pirate wench]

Thanks very much Chris and JR - yeah, I just love my ghetto tools. Store-bought tools have their own appeal, but there's something extra cool about using a tool that you've (or a loved one has) put together yourself. :D

Hoping to make another marble or two today...:bouncy:

[Big Jay]

and round mibs are over rated,,..


so true.. leave the flat spot and call it a paperweight.

[naughty pirate wench]

OK Jay that works for me...but how do we 'splain the plier marks? :twitch: :evilLaugh

[Big Jay]

great place to add a couple dots? great wisdom ... anything that happens you meant to do it. The best artists in the world are really great at coming up with story's for why something is a certain way.

[jr23]

Thats part of the job.


The Sale's rap

I am a better salesman than I am glassblower. Makes for some long shifts after a good run of my mouth.

I am bad about taking my best time on a item and creating a deadline around it.

[naughty pirate wench]

anything that happens you meant to do it. The best artists in the world are really great at coming up with story's for why something is a certain way.


Thats part of the job...The Sale's rap

And all this time, I thought plier marks meant I needed to put in more practice... :evilLaugh Thanks for setting me straight guys! :blowkiss:

[LifeGlass]

I like the vortex colors, very cool

[naughty pirate wench]

Thanks much Tree of Life - the cobalt really kicks up the dichro a notch or two. Here's what I pulled out of the kiln this morning - they're improving, slowly but surely.

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[CripSkillz]

Looks round.. good sparkles too,, what is the color on the 4th one up teal kind sparkle..??

good job,,

[naughty pirate wench]

Thanks Crip! :blowkiss: I was afraid someone would ask about the colors, LOL.:twitch: It's either Heavy Blue Lep, or some sparkly slate blue stuff Filthy God Brother shared with me (thank you much FGB! :blowkiss:)

[Conchis]

pretty nice...love the pinky/red/fumey looking one...and they look pretty round!!!

[naughty pirate wench]

Thanks Conchis! They ARE getting a little more round - guess it's just a practice practice practice thing. Who'da thunk it?

The pinky red fumey one (also my favorite) is amber purple backed with opaque green (unknown green also courtesy of Filthy God Brother - again, thanks!!! you rock!). I think I have more luck with the AP when I don't try to strike it...:twitch:

[Big Jay]

Thanks Conchis! They ARE getting a little more round - guess it's just a practice practice practice thing. :

Some marbles are easier to round then others. Different colors for instance can cause stiff spots that make rounding a nightmare. Having trapped air bubbles can also make getting a MIB round impossible.
Not sure if your doing it this way or not but using the smaller mold then the mib so it rides the edge. Also using water in your graphite mold will help you get a very polished MIB that you don't have to stick back in the flame and worry about getting it out of round again. I also like to use the smallest punties I have.

oh yeah and don't give up... rounding can take a long long time. Like stated before I've flattened too many MIBs just cause I got tired of trying to make it perfectly round and decided a paper weight it'll be.

[naughty pirate wench]

Different colors for instance can cause stiff spots that make rounding a nightmare.

I think I experienced that last night - tried to implode transparent cobalt blue...it took forever...and it never really did implode nicely.


Having trapped air bubbles can also make getting a MIB round impossible.

Sooooo...how do I un-trap the air bubbles? I'm having a great time using the frog to put multiple "pokes" in my marbles, but I think it might possibly cause air bubbles...

I am using a smaller mold than is my marble - Emmett shared that tip with me a while back right when I first got set up. (thanks Emmett! :blowkiss:)


using water in your graphite mold will help you get a very polished MIB

?!? How much water? Do I fill the thing up, or just get it damp, or what?

Right now, my focus when I make marbles is getting them round, and attaching and cracking off punties for best hold/least punty scar. I use a 4 mm punty, heat it to molten, take it out of the flame and count to 4 or 5, then attach it - seems to work OK, except when it doesn't. :shifty:


oh yeah and don't give up... rounding can take a long long time.

Thank you - it's good to know I'm not the only one!

[Big Jay]

I just put enough to create a steam layer for the MIB to ride on. Think it was Doug who shared that tip. It looks like a millimeter or so of water in the bottom of the mold.
If the air trap is in the center and/or not getting heated enough for it to want to travel it shouldn't effect rounding. If the glass around it is hot enough for the air bubble to travel then it can play hell on you.
I'm not trying to talk like a MIB expert by any means either. Just stuff I've picked up here and there.

[filthy god brother]

Well done chris looks like you're getting the hang of it.
Get a spray bottle for the steam layer on your mold you don't want to dunk hot boro.
The color with the sparkle is unobtanium which to me is a ridiculously long word so I just call it the "dub",hip hop slang and less syllables so I don't hurt my brain.
The other color in question is deep green.
Try some implosions with the AP and back it with the cobalt. Flame anneal it, leave it on a punty in the kiln and then flame anneal a little more.

10,000 times

much love

[Lurch]

Cool marbles :)

I really like the green and dap!!!

[naughty pirate wench]

I just put enough to create a steam layer for the MIB to ride on. Think it was Doug who shared that tip...I'm not trying to talk like a MIB expert by any means either.
Jay - thank you (and by extension, thanks Doug!) You're more of a MIB expert than I am, that's for sure, and at this point, every little bit helps!

Well done chris looks like you're getting the hang of it.
Thanks FGB! That's high praise coming from you!

Get a spray bottle for the steam layer on your mold you don't want to dunk hot boro.
OK - makes sense - I was thinking dunking hot glass is how we make frit...

The color with the sparkle is unobtanium...The other color in question is deep green.
Oh - thank you! (again!) I'm loving that Dub stuff.

Try some implosions
Okie dokie. Thanks for the suggestion!

10,000 times
I knew you were going to say that. :blowkiss: Making 10,000 marbles isn't such a bad deal, especially if it improves my skills.

Cool marbles :)
I really like the green and dap!!!
Thanks Lurch! That's my favorite of the batch from yesterday. I'm hoping to make more today, if the kids cooperate.

[naughty pirate wench]

I made this bracelet for a close family friend who just graduated high school...a few of my Fractal Swirl beads, a bunch of my other lampwork beads, freshwater pearls, and brushed sterling beads.
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[Pilgrim]

I made this bracelet for a close family friend who just graduated high school...a few of my Fractal Swirl beads, a bunch of my other lampwork beads, freshwater pearls, and brushed sterling beads.
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Me (Pilgrim) really likes the bracelet... Give me some Ideas for the future....

[ALIEN!]

Yeah Jay, its all about riding the steam. Weaver molds kick ass, they're the easiest to just dip it your water bucket quick like and leave as much water in as desired. I got my weaver mold hose clamped to a BBQ tongs. Ghetto, but works good.

Nice mibs Christine, go crazy with implosions, tons 'o fun IMO.

[Swampy]

I tried the water thing last night and knocked out two nice ones, thanks guys it definitely works. I used distilled water, by the way. You can definitely feel it spinning on a cushion of steam. I just poured a bit into the bottom of the mould.

[faded]

i, as well, used a spray bottle on my marble mold for the first time yesterday. THANK YOU!! :)

[naughty pirate wench]

Me (Pilgrim) really likes the bracelet... Give me some Ideas for the future....

Thanks Pilgrim! I used memory wire which I got from Shipwreck Beads (dangerously close to my house :evilLaugh). Here's the link to their memory wire page: http://www.shipwreckbeads.com/search/?cmdSearch.x=1&txtSearchTerms=memory+wire&ThanksToIE=SoCmdButtonIsSentForFormsWith1TextField&cmdSearch.x=0&cmdSearch.y=0

Do NOT use your regular jewelry pliers or cutters with memory wire - it'll mess them up with nicks and dents. :bangHead: There are a couple of different options for finishing memory wire ends.

1. You can glue a memory wire end on - a bead with hole 3/4 of the way through, not my preferred method, since the glue method is a major PITA to hassle with, and I'm never certain that the end won't just pop off and scatter beads all over the place. :wes:

2. My preferred method is to use old funky round nose pliers and old funky chain nose pliers to create a very small loop which tucks into the hole of the last bead. If you need a visual, I can prolly enlarge one of those pics for you.

Before I do this, I like to file the cut end of the memory wire so it's not obnoxiously sharp, but if you finish it correctly, it won't stick out and pose a hazard.

BTW, she LOVED the bracelet! :bouncy:

[naughty pirate wench]

Nice mibs Christine, go crazy with implosions, tons 'o fun IMO.

Thanks Snake! I'm hoping to get out there today and try the steam technique - and the implosion color combo FGB suggested. I just loooove making marbles! :D

[naughty pirate wench]

Swampy and Faded, thank you for testing out the steam trick! I'm going to give it a shot later today.

[Aussie]

wow, you're really coming along, Chris, thanks for sharing your journey with glass. When I first started with marbles I didn't use colors at all, just fuming, it's a cheap way of getting color in and it's a lot easier to shape a fumed marble and get some cool patterns on without having to worry about which color is stiff and which color soft ...

[naughty pirate wench]

fuming, it's a cheap way of getting color in and it's a lot easier to shape a fumed marble

Thanks for the kind words Aussie! :blowkiss: I've been considering fuming...I have a pretty decent stash of fine silver, but I'm kinda leery of fuming, since I don't know what I'm doing and I don't want to jack up my lungs. Would a dedicated vent system and an N-100 mask make it safer? And is yellow the only color I can get out of silver? (I'll use the search function after I get dinner prepped...) :evilLaugh

[Big Jay]

don't fear the fume! Definetly should have a venting system for working glass period. Fume can take on a few colors white, blue, etc.. Mixed with colors or using different color backing can enhance or shift the color. The amount of fume you need to make small pendants and mibs is so minute. The amount of silver for instance in a fume spiral would probably be almost unweighable by the even the finest scales.

[naughty pirate wench]

Time to pull this thread out of the moth balls...between finishing the book and taking care of Jerry with his broken back (he's all better now, and back up on the roof trying to finish it before the rains arrive), I was off the torch for about 6 weeks.

Marbles have become my main glass obsession (beads? what beads? we don't need no stinkin' beads...). I've been doing the steam layer trick, and it's working nicely, thankyouverymuch.

The following pics are all soft glass marbles - 'cause I was too lazy to reprogram the kiln for boro. Having said that, I've lost the last three soft glass marbles I made - two cracked badly while I was working on them, and when I went to fetch the third out of the kiln, it rolled out and dropped on the floor and busted big time. Soooo, once I get over this stupid cold, I will be reprogramming the kiln for boro and will try doing boro marbles again. No fuming for me yet - the vent system is still disabled due to the roof project, but that should be complete in the next couple of weeks (I hope).

These marbles are beginner marbles - my only goal at this point is to get them round and get better at using punties.
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[glassdocnc]

Yay for round!

[naughty pirate wench]

Thanks Doll! :blowkiss: They're getting there...

[Bo Diddles]

Wow! Those look great Chris!
They sure don't look like 'beginner' marbles - the pinwheeeling is sweet.

[Fiorino Glass Art]

Very nice marbles. I too like the pinwheeling. It would be sweet if you did that but with a dark backround and shades of orange, yellow, and red to make flames!!! That would be sweet! Once again, lookin good!

[naughty pirate wench]

thanks very much Brad and Fiorino - I really appreciate it! (you both made my day!) :blowkiss: :blowkiss: I will def try the orange/yellow/red flame ones - I LOVE those colors!

[bzglass]

I have to agree with those guys. First thing I noticed was the beautiful pinwheeling, and the great color combos. keep em coming.

[ras_eel]

very nice marbles

[Swampy]

me too Chris, all I've done lately is marbles, my most favourite thing to make.

yours look like neat colours.

[CripSkillz]

HElll ya chris mibs are lookin way better, I like all teh purp n blue ones but the bottom one best.. good patterning on the back too .

[vetropod]

Nice mibs Chris! I like those little pinwheels.

Are you using a steel mandrel as a punty? If not, you should try it!

[poncho]

Awesome marbles! Wes taught me about the steel puntie thing for soft glass marbles back at Snow Farm, i was like 16 haha

[KahunaGlassArt]

COME BACK TO THE BORO WORLD!!!!!
nice marbles tho

[Lurch]

looking good!

[faded]

i really like the red/orange one.

[naughty pirate wench]

beautiful pinwheeling, and the great color combos.

Thanks BZ - I do love playing with color! :blowkiss:


very nice marbles

Thanks Ras! :blowkiss:


all I've done lately is marbles

Thanks Swampy - I'm glad to know I'm not the only one obsessed with marbles, LOL. :blowkiss:


HElll ya chris mibs are lookin way better

Thanks Crip! :blowkiss: I'm having a lot of fun with these.


Nice mibs Chris!

Thanks Wes! :blowkiss: No, I wasn't using a steel mandrel as a punty - I was just using 5-6 mm clear Vetro - I'll give the steel mandrel a try for sure. Is that just for doing soft glass marbles? Or should I try it with the boro marbles as well?


Awesome marbles!

Thanks Poncho! :blowkiss:


COME BACK TO THE BORO WORLD!!!!!
nice marbles tho

OK Chris, OK. I just re-programmed the kiln for boro, so I'll be doing boro for the next few days (or years, LOL). Thanks! :blowkiss:


looking good!

Thanks Lurch! :blowkiss:


i really like the red/orange one.

Thanks Faded - that one was a little frustrating - I was kinda trying to do a wigwag sorta thing, but as you can see, it didn't quite work out as I'd planned. The orange is really sparkly stuff - looks great in the light, but difficult to capture with a camera. Thanks again! :blowkiss:

[faded]

i have the hardest time getting good pics.

[Aussie]

pffffff, beginner marbles ... coulda fooled me, those are very cool. Nice pinwheeling, too! Can't wait to see the boro versions of these.

you should see my beginner marbles ... they all look like they have crutches and leg casts!

[naughty pirate wench]

pffffff, beginner marbles

Thanks for the kind words Aussie! :blowkiss: I hope to do some boro marbles today. I'll post them if they turn out.

[naughty pirate wench]

OK, it's been a little while since I posted to this thread, so it's time to start the new year off right!

I've been putting some bracelets together lately, steampunk-style artcharm bracelets, which incorporate mixed media artcharms as well as my lampwork beads. Here's the two I have currently posted on ArtFire. More pics here (http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=930484) and here (http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=949686). Thanks for taking a look!

Steampunk meets Greenpunk:
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Steampunk Navy/Cobalt/Brass:
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[glassdocnc]

How fun! I love the twisty wire thingies.

[Corn-dogg]

Yay! More mixed media-I just LOVE it, Chris!

[rahoorkhuit93]

I love the mixed media stuff too, and if I were a chick I'd wear it!

[naughty pirate wench]

How fun! I love the twisty wire thingies.

Thanks Marina! I made those with The Coiling Gizmo (http://www.coilinggizmo.com/) - inexpensive and really fun to play with - I figured those twisty wire thingies would go pretty good with the steampunk theme. :D


Yay! More mixed media-I just LOVE it, Chris!

Thanks Corinne - I really appreciate it! I'm having a ton of fun putting all this different stuff together. Can you tell?


I love the mixed media stuff too, and if I were a chick I'd wear it!

Thank you much - that's high praise indeed coming from a guy! :bouncy:

Guys and gals, it is wonderful to get feedback on this stuff - I know *I* like it, and my hub and the kids say it's cool, but it's even better to hear what other people (who are not depending on me to cook their dinner) think!

[Conchis]

Nice work Chris...I really like the copper green looking bead with the white daisy sort of pattern...nice work!

[jes]

wow, thats some pretty interesting artful creations I am very HAPPY you shared them and I hope to see more soon...

[Icarus]

That's awesome work!

You're a cool, cool lady CH!

[glassdocnc]

That coiling gizmo looks like fun and way quicker than the handwound alternative method. Thanks for the link.

[naughty pirate wench]

Nice work Chris...I really like the copper green looking bead with the white daisy sort of pattern...nice work!

Thanks very much for the kind words...I'll pass along your appreciation of the daisy bead to my writing partner Peg - it's one of her polymer clay milli beads. :D

[naughty pirate wench]

wow, thats some pretty interesting artful creations I am very HAPPY you shared them and I hope to see more soon...

Thanks Jes! :blowkiss: I've got an aqua blue/brass one ready to post next - and a bunch more in my brain, waiting to become reality. Though I should prolly make some more beads at some point, LOL.


That's awesome work!

You're a cool, cool lady CH!

Thanks Icarus! I really appreciate it! And I'm only cool because I hang out here. :twitch: :evilLaugh


That coiling gizmo looks like fun and way quicker than the handwound alternative method. Thanks for the link.

It IS fun, and y'know, it's not expensive at all - Shipwreck has them for $8.50 here (http://www.shipwreckbeads.com/catalog/Beading-Tools-and-Accessories/Beading-Tools/Wire-Working-Tools/Wire-Wrapping//orderBy/sku/itemsPerPage/20/page/1/item/MS51) :bouncy:

[ArtisanofGlass]

wow really good !

[vetropod]

Nice work Chris!!! That's sure a fun collection of stuff on that necklace :D

[naughty pirate wench]

wow really good !

Thanks very much for the kind words! Most appreciated! :D


Nice work Chris!!! That's sure a fun collection of stuff on that necklace :D

Thanks Wes! :blowkiss: I'm having a great time playing with this concept...I love to include tons of tiny details - I think it's more fun to look at, and more fun to wear.

[naughty pirate wench]

I've been working on marbles lately (they're coming along nicely, though I still need to get them perfectly round and smooth), and another mixed media artcharm bracelet in hot pink and black. This one is for all of us "Naughty" grrls - the centerpiece charm features a photo I took in Seattle...it's the sign from The Lusty Lady - says "The Pole Vault" "free admission" and "have an erotic day!" Thanks for looking!

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[glassdocnc]

Nice marbles Chris! And naughty is always fun!

Marina

[cc_bob]

Nice marbles, I like the last one.

[CripSkillz]

I didnt realize how small they were till I saw the pins heehhe gotta be hard gettin those pinwheels so small heeh

good stuff girl ;)

[naughty pirate wench]

Marina, Bob, and Crip, thank you so much for checking my work out!

I'm loving the marbles - I have a TON of ideas for this style, but I think I need to just make a few plain clear ones to get my rounding skills up to par - it really sucks to take so much time on a mib making it pretty and getting it "perfectly" round to pull it out of the kiln the next morning and find out it's not quite "perfectly" round after all...

I did try "fixing" a few marbles by heating them up in the kiln and puntying up and trying to re-melt...not real happy with the results - but at least now I know I can do that.

[vetropod]

Chris - those tiny mibs are sweet!!!

As for "fixing" glass, a friend has a microwave kiln and is making killer cabs from people's dead work (mine included :bouncy:)

[mer]

lovin the latest work, my friend used to work at the lusty lady... hardcore! the mini's are great, nice detail. :)

[naughty pirate wench]

Wes and Mer, thank you both for your kind words - I really appreciate them!

The mibs are pretty small - only about an inch or so in diameter - when they get much bigger than that, they take forever. I love making them but am going to hold off for a bit while I improve my "rounding" abilities. I plan to invest in an infinite rim mold, but funds are super tight right now, so I'm trying to make do with what I have. The goal is to get these uber round and smooth, then see if I can sell a few to finance the IR mold. Wish me luck!

[vetropod]

Chris - two questions for you:

1) which torch do you use for these?

2) what is your base (underneath all of the color and design)?

I'm not the best at making perfectly round mibs (have a janky, low-density mold I got super-cheap from a machinist a few years back), and basically work on a Lynx (never turn on the outer propane of my Phantom) with a concentrator (M-20 by Unlimited Oxygen.)

I can make mibs up to maybe 1.5" inches fairly quickly by starting with a base of condensed large-diameter clear (Effetre, which I assume is what you're working with), then adding my color on top of that. Obviously this doesn't help if you're making a dichro-twist or something else which is mostly clear, but if you don't care about the inside not being super-clean I recommend this. Also, Frantz carries large-diameter Effetre in many colors other than just clear. Clear melts down the fastest though.

The trick is to having that mass of glass already pre-heated. I do this with my porta cana rod warmer, but you could do this even better with the kiln. I also add a counterweight ball on the other end of the rod - don't want to blow out my wrists! Just cut the large-diam rod into lengths that will give you roughly the amount of glass you want, add a punty, and then the counterweight. Obviously wait a bit before using since it'll be hot on both ends :D

Hope this helps!

[naughty pirate wench]

Wes, you da MAN! Thank you for your suggestions and ideas!



1) which torch do you use for these?

2) what is your base (underneath all of the color and design)?

I'm running a Minor on natural gas and one 5lpm oxycon. Yes, I know I'm oxy-starved, that's on the "gotta get" list too.

These marbles are boro; I start with a clear core, and get that as round as I can, then I cover that with BoroStix white stringers (thankyouthankyouthankyou Aymie for your awesome BoroStix piece in The Flow!!!), then I melt that in and round it all up again, then I start with the design work.

I've got a basic crappy marble mold, I'm using droplets of water in it so the mib rides on the steam, and I'm changing the axis of the punty a bunch - seems like if I just do the north and south "poles," it doesn't get as round as if I switch punties 6-8 times and go at it from different angles, but my mibs are still not perfectly round. :wes::tantrum::wes: I'm using 4mm rods for punties.

[naughty pirate wench]

At long last, I've finished a commissioned piece - mixed media art charm bracelet, theme, ancient goddess Hecate, colors, royal purple, black, and silver. Here's a teaser pic and a link to my online portfolio. Thanks for checking it out!

http://hansens.smugmug.com/Art/Christine-Hansen-work/hecate-13/947084166_MKfcx-S.jpg

http://hansens.smugmug.com/Art/Christine-Hansen-work/8729719_zGcMT#947084166_MKfcx

[Pogo]

Ahoy, Lookin good, Matey....
:pirate:

I dig the color scheme...

System wouldn't let me rep you.....
You must still be swollen from last time:ashamed:

[kage]

nice stuff. i just spent 20 min browsing your portfoliio...
ms. pittenger's pink necklace was my favorite.

[naughty pirate wench]

Ahoy, Lookin good, Matey....
:pirate:

I dig the color scheme...

Thanks very much Pogo! :blowkiss: I love these colors too - gotta send this one away, but I'll definitely be doing more of this scheme. :D



nice stuff. i just spent 20 min browsing your portfoliio...
ms. pittenger's pink necklace was my favorite.

Kage, thanks very much for checking out my work! :blowkiss: Yeah, I'm happy with how that turned out. Did you see the Mother's Day necklaces I did a couple of years ago?

[naughty pirate wench]

System wouldn't let me rep you.....
You must still be swollen from last time:ashamed:

Pogo-Sweetie, I can't rep YOU either...guess you're still a little swollen too. :evilLaugh

[Aussie]

I can't rep you, either, lol ... great colour combo, Chris! Thanks heaps for your advice, too :)

[CripSkillz]

ya looks crazy cool .. thats got some story to it i bet .. weeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[Albino Sasquatch]

...

[Albino Sasquatch]

naughty pirate "I've got a basic crappy marble mold, I'm using droplets of water in it so the mib rides on the steam, and I'm changing the axis of the punty a bunch - seems like if I just do the north and south "poles," it doesn't get as round as if I switch punties 6-8 times and go at it from different angles, but my mibs are still not perfectly round. I'm using 4mm rods for punties"

on your marbs just let them cool a little before floping them in the mold depending on sise if its large wait longer but if its under an inch its a second or two not much and spin really fast and move the axis around as you spin and it will help round out the marble with one puntie maybe two instead of so many. and the other trick is leaving just the right amout on the other side of the marb where you pulld it off this could make it wonky if its not right or real close to the amount you need to make it perfectly round. just a few ideas maybe it might help you out!

[naughty pirate wench]

Aussie and Crip - thank you both for the very kind words! :blowkiss: :blowkiss:

And Porterman...thank you tons for the marble-shaping tips! I will definitely try your suggestions next time I make marbles! :blowkiss:

[Pogo]

Pogo-Sweetie, I can't rep YOU either...guess you're still a little swollen too. :evilLaugh

You rep'd me long time :D

[ALIEN!]

Chris Hanson? Who's Chris Hanson? She that chick that walked the plank?

[naughty pirate wench]

You rep'd me long time :D

bwahahahaaaa! you find the BEST pictures Pogo! :blowkiss:

[naughty pirate wench]

Chris Hanson? Who's Chris Hanson? She that chick that walked the plank?

Uhhhh, perhaps Chris "Hanson" walked the plank...but Chris Hansen is the captain and as such, makes others walk the plank. :evilLaugh

[naughty pirate wench]

Gosh, it's been a while since I posted anything here, hasn't it???

Wanna see what can be done with soft glass, a National 3A, and one of Mike Shelbo's wonderful torch tips? Yeah? I thought so. Thanks for checking it out.

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[Bunyip]

The soft glass palette is very nice, and I love that sunflower-looking bead. My personal favorite color is Ivory + any color it reacts with. Lately that's been Dark Ivory + Davinci... I need to remember to delve into the warm colors. Gotta be so careful with them in boro, it's a joy to play with them in soft glass.

[glassdocnc]

Lookin' good Chris!

[p.j.]

it must be spring...i see tulips!!!

great work, pirate lady

[Mecha]

Nice flowers!

I like the set in the last pic especially.

[vetropod]

Ooooh, purdy flowers Chris!!! Nice work!

[mark206nj]

Gorgeous beads Chris. Ahhhhhh, spring time is when all the naughty wenches come out to play......with glass. lol. Good work girl. Keep 'em comin'.

[Bo Diddles]

Right on Chris, I love your colour choices.
That sunflower is especially eye catching!

[Aussie]

celebrating spring, are we? nice one Chris!!

Sometimes I envy the colour palette of soda glass ...

[Hazeey]

Nice beads, you naughty wench! Thanx for the softy inspiration, now I need to find my sticks to play with. Haven't touched soft rods since I started, some were pretty ugly then.

[naughty pirate wench]

It's been another big long while since I've posted. Things have changed a bit since I last posted - I'm now working on my beloved GTT Lynx, which has opened up all sorts of possibilities for me and has really made a difference in production speed...at least I *think* it has - I started out with a Minor + natural gas + O2 concentrator - moved up to a National 3A + natural gas + tanked O2. Now I have the Lynx + propane + tanked O2.

I've gotten into making memorial beads - combining ashes with soft glass to create beads and pendants. This has turned out to be a really wonderful niche for me. Here are a few of my favorite pieces. The white dots are the ashes. Thanks for checking it out. 6628166282662836628466285

[naughty pirate wench]

Whoops! I forgot to mention that I totally re-did my website, AND that the local newspapers, The News Tribune (Tacoma's daily) and The Olympian (Olympia's daily), both ran a feature on my work last week.

Link to website: http://christinehansen.com/

Link to article and short video: http://www.thenewstribune.com/welcome_page/?shf=/2014/09/25/3393316_ashes-to-ashes-to-glass-lacey.html

Cheers and happy Friday,
C

[glassdocnc]

Nice!

Congrats on the media coverage!!!

[PyroChixRock]

Awesome!! Your work and the article. Way to go, chica.

[naughty pirate wench]

Thanks very much ladies! This has kind of turned into a crazy week - crazy good, actually, but now I have a teenager begging me to set "business hours" and "Mom hours" - this was not an issue before. And it took me a week and a half to get the laundry folded. But still, it's all good. Annnd, I'm taking a class with Holly Cooper next month, so I'm hoping to develop some skills and techniques that will allow me to expand my bead designs. SO stoked about that - first class since I took "Intro to Beadmaking."