Heather Sellers Art Glass: tutorial

Showing posts with label tutorial. Show all posts

Soda Lime Times - June 2018

The June issue of Soda Lime Times comes out this evening. Thrilled to have Orville included in the "How Cute" issue. It is available here: http://sodalimetimes.com

Cabochon options for flameworkers have changed considerably since my original post back in February of 2012. Here is an update to help navigate the world of cabochon systems and tool suppliers.

Changeable Systems for the Artist who enjoys Options:
Beadhoppers
Mango Beads

Flat-back Cabochon Mandrels:
Arrow Springs

Cabochon Mandrels with a Nub (yes, nub or nubbin are incredibly technical terms):
Zooziis (available in a variety of shapes)

Snap Cabochon System by Patty Lakinsmith:
pattylakinsmith.bigcartel.com

Cabochon Molds:
CG Beads

Soda Lime Times: January 2017

Have you signed up for Soda Lime Times??? The theme for this month is white and what better artist to feature than the talented Manuela Wutschke! Also included are some great articles/tutorials by Sandra Schenck, Debbie Sanders, Darryle Jadaa, and Donna Felkner. A great "me" gift for the Holidays. Go on, you deserve it! Visit www.sodalimetimes.com to subscribe.

Soda Lime Times - October 2016

Are you signed up to receive the latest issue of Soda Lime Times? October's issue focuses on unusual shapes including some super quick hearts for the Beads of Courage program. Personally, I enjoy keeping a few extra in the studio for visitors to string as a keepsake for stopping by. Enjoy!

Good Morning Sunshine!

Hopefully you awoke to a new issue of Soda Lime Times or maybe you waited up for it's midnight release. Either way, this issue is a generous 77 pages of all things non-beady. The super talented Amanda Muddimer is the featured artist, so you know it is going to be a fun issue with great eye candy for all! I personally hope you enjoy the "Dive into Glass" paperweight. Happy melting!

Lessons Learned from an Antique Key - Class Notes

Years back, I attempted to create a trapped bead on a key. Being self taught, the initial project was full of valuable lessons. Here are a few gems of knowledge for flameworkers attempting to create a trapped bead on an antique key.

Key Jargon for Reference:

"Bow" - the part of the key a person turns or handles.

"Bit" - the part of the key which operates the lock.

"Shank" - the part of the key connecting the bit and bow.

What to look for when buying a key:

Shank: The shank design is very important. A hollow-barrel shank can receive a heavily dipped mandrel. Try to avoid trapping bubbles in the bead release. During heating, the trapped air expands and will "blow" the dried release directly out the end of the key barrel. The sound and blast of hot air is very startling. I suggest gently warming the barrel and wet bead release during the drying process to let the air expand and bubble out the end of the shank, near the mandrel.
Patina: The patina helps to indicate the key's make up. A dark patina usually indicates the key is made from cast iron. Newer keys made of nickle/zinc alloys are not recommended for flameworking, and can shatter under the intense heat of a torch.
Bow: The bow gives a clue to the age of the key. Circa 1800-1900, the bow of keys were commonly curved and smooth. Bows can feature designs such as trifoils, bishop's miters and crosses.
Size: Smaller keys are easier to balance on a mandrel. The weight of larger keys can quickly wear upon a flameworker's fingers and wrist. Keys between 1-2 inches are recommended.
Quality: The craftsmanship of the key will be reflected in the final project. I tend to look for keys with unique bits and bows. Some keys have tapered shanks and added fluting.

Upon locating the right key for the project, choose a mandrel that loosely fits the key's hollow barrel shank. A good rule of thumb is to pick a mandrel 1/16 inch smaller than the barrel opening. Dip the mandrel in bead release and insert into the key shank. Be sure not to trap air in the barrel (refer to tip #1 above). Place the flame dried dipped mandrel upright in a cup of sand until the key has cooled. It is important for the key to be on the same axis as the mandrel's axis line.

Once the bead release is dry and the key is cool, use a paint brush to coat the key's shank with bead release. The final step of preparation will allow the glass to adhere to the shank during flameworking.
Note: A heavy coating will allow the bead to later spin freely on the key. A light coating will keep the bead trapped in place on the key without movement. I suggest using a gray Sludge Plus, Dip & Go.
Upon drying, the key is ready for the bead of your choice! After creating a bead on the key, place the "key" mandrel in a 950'F kiln to anneal.

Once the cooled key emerges from a long soak in the kiln, clean the bead release with a mild soap and water solution. A soft bristle brush comes in handy when cleaning the bit.

I hope you have enjoyed these notes from a recent class. Feel free to email me with any questions. Always remember, you are in charge of your own safety!

Happy Beading,
Heather

Soda Lime Times - August 2016

Soda Lime Times this month focuses on lampwork jewelry. The featured artist is the talented Irina Sergeeva. This issue is full of great photos and informative tutorials about jewelry. Included is a Carry a Bead tutorial by yours truly. Enjoy!

Here is a link to subscribe: Soda Lime Times

Soda Lime Times - July 2016

Hope you are having a wonderful Summer. If you are looking for some fun fish themed projects, check out the July issue of Soda Lime Times. The featured artist is none other than the immensely talented Deb Crowley. Looking forward to exploring tutorials by Diane Woodall and Corina Tettinger. Goldie will be making her tutorial debut. Enjoy!

"Goldie" look-a-like tutorial in the July Issue

Soda Lime Times: June 2016

The June issue of Soda Lime Times focuses on the theme of Summer. The featured artist is the talented Angelika Kaufmann. It is a great opportunity to see how she makes her colorful beads and learn how to incorporate the techniques into your own designs. Also included are tutorials by Terry Hale, Diane Woodall, and myself. Enjoy!

Taming the Dragon

Second attempt at the Cerura vinula design pictured above.

Confession: Creating a new sculptural design is always a learning process. Even after 11 years at the torch, I find some designs extremely challenging. During the torching process, mistakes occur when I hit the proverbial wall.

The heat...

the challenge...

minutes ticking away...

pure exhaustion of the mind and hands...

the breaking point when one chooses to continue or surrender to the beckon of the quenching bowl.

Three hours into the first torch session for the design, I forgot to add the layered dots on the caterpillar's side. Truth be told, I am my worst critic. After the initial attempt, I reassess the approach, reorder the steps, tighten the techniques, adjust the proportions, rethink the glass color choices, and reassure myself that I can do better next time.

The first attempt pictured above.

Soda Lime Times - May 2016

A new issue of Soda Lime Times is available! This month it's all about magical themes. Hope you enjoy a special Woodland Fairy design featuring Lori Riley's Dichroic Gems. Get your copy here:

Soda Lime Times

Flamework Cabochon Workshop: Intermediate to Advanced

Still a few spots left for the cabochon workshop. Hope to see you there!

Soda Lime Times - March 2016

Happy Valentine's Day! Very excited for the midnight release of Soda Lime Times murrini issue. The featured artist is none other than the immensely talented Renee Wiggins. Looking forward to settling in for a good read and enjoying the eye candy by Kathryn Wreschinsky-Guler, Darryle Jadaa, Jolene Wolfe, and many more. Wally will be making his tutorial debut with Lori & Kim's Koi murrini stuck in between his teeth... what a silly goose! Enjoy

Available at www.sodalimetimes.com

Soda Lime Times: February 2016

A new issue of Soda Lime Times is available! This month it's all about metals. Did you know silver glass can be used for Beads of Courage if properly and fully encased with a non-metalic glass? The featured artist is the amazing Leah Nietz whose tutorial is for this blown vessel. Enjoy! http://www.sodalimetimes.com/

Glass Bead Evolution Volume 3 Issue 4

The recent issue of the Glass Bead Evolution features some great information. I especially enjoyed reading the article on tank safety written by Robert Simmons, Ph.D. David Orr's helpful tips regarding photography were fantastic. The issue also included many other fabulous artists. Hope you enjoy the Indigo Plume design tutorial on page 34. All the best, Heather

March 2014

Free Penguin Tutorial

Visit www.bocbook.com to download a free penguin tutorial. While you are there, check out the new Beads of Courage eBook available for $20 ($1.25 per tutorial). 100% of all sales go directly to the wonderful Arts in Medicine program.

Happy Beading!

Tutorial Contributor for Soda Lime Times

Some exciting news, Soda Lime Times will feature a monthly tutorial designed for Beads of Courage. The first issues comes out at midnight tomorrow night! The tutorial will teach flameworkers to make a bumpy, hedgehog-sidekick for a child participating in the Beads of Courage program.

Soda Lime Times - November 2015

It's a Holiday Celebration in the latest issue of Soda Lime Times. Now available for instant download, the eMagazine features some wonderful designs by Rebecca Jurgens, Sabrina Koebel and Cara Washington. Always an honor to contribute to such a wonderful glass publication. Enjoy!

Soda Lime Times - October 2015

Explore the wild side of glass in the latest issue of Soda Lime Times. Now available for instant download, the eMagazine features some wonderful designs by Kerri Fuhr, Marcy Lamberson, and Sharon Peters. Always an honor to contribute to such a wonderful glass publication. Enjoy!

Happy Beading with Soda Lime Times

The April issue of