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Showing posts from 2014

Fused Glass Ornaments: Fun for Kids

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My little ones have been begging to get in the glass studio with me for quite some time. I haven't felt comfortable with the idea until now. Christmas ornaments seemed like the perfect project for kids to introduce them to the art of glass. Christmas Ornaments 2014 I pulled a bunch of pieces out of my scrap bin and ran any rough edges through the diamond grinder so they weren't sharp. I had amassed a collection of pre-fused frit balls and broke up a bunch of colored stringers and let them create their masterpieces.  by Nadia, age 7 & Benno, age 5 Previously I pinned a bunch of cute examples to my Pinterest board, pulled it up on the iPad and let them choose what they wanted to make. It was so much fun watching them design and create with very little guidance from me. I think they turned out fabulous!  by Nadia, age 7 It is almost hard to see them all go to new homes with family, but I believe they will be very much appreciated.  Merry Christmas and

Power Tools: Not Just for Boys

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Drilling Holes in Fused Glass A girl can never have too many power tools. I know, I know . Most girls are into fashion and makeup and sparkle and glitter. Not me. I could spend hours perusing the power tool section at the hardware stores. I can't last 5 minutes in the mall. My husband is the luckiest man on earth. One of my recent tool purchases ( to the delight of my husband ) is a drill press. He's been wanting a drill press for as long as I've known him. Apparently he was just waiting for me to suggest adding one to the workshop. A drill press isn't required to bring my glass work to the next level, but it certainly helps. I tried drilling a hole with a hand drill once. Once was enough. The press makes it much more precise. And I'm less likely to drill through my finger. I absolutely love the new finish the drilled holes give the pendants. With holes I can finish them off with wire instead of bails for a totally different look.  Are you looking for a ne

Hoarding - Encouragement to Use Those Craft Supplies

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I confess I have a problem. I am a collector of crafting supplies and I can't use them. Because I am saving them, you know, for that perfect special project ... The problem is those words "limited edition". It won't be around forever? I can't get more if I use it all up? Oh the horror. Better save it . And the collection continues to grow. It's not just a specific craft either. It seems to be all of them. My desk is a fire hazard with the stacks and stacks of scrapbook paper that is just too pretty to use. My studio glass racks are at capacity because I am hoarding these odd lot out of production glass rods that you will never get again! Because you know glass lampworking cane is a valuable collectible. Um yeah, not so much.  I might be able to fund my retirement with the stash of sterling silver beads and toggles that are just waiting for the perfect necklace. But hey, at least sterling silver is a precious metal and traded commodity so maybe that on

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