Name: Marble_0002.jpg Views: 3532 Size: 38.3 KB

(0.75" diameter)

Decided to try something different and try an implosion (or as John Kobuki calls it, a compression marble). I studied his video from CMOG here very carefully. I think I've watched it at least four times and every single time, picked up something new and subtle I didn't notice earlier. I know he has another video from CMOG here, however I don't think it's as useful for a beginner, because his hands a little more shaky in that one.

The rounding on this one is significantly better. I don't believe there are any noticeable punty scars which is great. However, I did miss a spot when rounding and there is a small dimple. Oh well!

But I really want to get my implosion technique down and there's a lot of room for improvement. The implosion I have right now is lopsided, because I believe the rod was not perfectly centered on the maria. So I'll take another run at it.

I also tried a different color, Asian Jade Green as sold from ABR along with the Cobalt blue, not as good as I was expecting it to come out. That's another thing I need to improve upon: picking colors! As Jackass Glass advised earlier, yes, the cobalt does thin out (it looks a lot worse in person than in the image) and so does the Jade Green. I have some TAG Red Elvis and Northstar Millenium Moss. I think those colors can handle heat fairly well so I'll take a run at using them.

Another thing I found I need to improve on is my heat control, particularly when working with stringers. I was working too near the candles, causing my strings to melt and drip instantly, making it a little more difficult to apply the design. I believe the stringer has to be just soft enough so that you actually "deposit" the glass on the maria. I think turning my flame down and working further away from the torch head should allow me better control.

As always, if anyone has any tips, advice, suggestions, pointers, comments, please do let me know.

Thanks!