Showing posts with label shop handmade. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shop handmade. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Handmade Fused Glass Napkin Rings Set of Four

My first love, a part from my husband, is by far jewelry making, but I have come very fond of glass work as well.  In some instances, I'm not too sure which I prefer.  It fascinates me to see the changes that happen when glass is introduced to high heat.  Although my goal is to one day learn more about blowing glass, fusing glass is a wonderful introduction to me becoming better acquainted with its properties.  Working with glass can be very tricky and your piece easily ruined if you don't know what you're doing.

The technique used for making the napkin rings below, is quite interesting.  It's actually made in different steps with multiple fusings in the kiln.  The brown decorative part is made separate and then added to the main ring.  In order to make the napkin ring rounded, I needed to work in the kiln with heat resistant gloves and special a special tool to form the strip of glass; let me tell you it's quite intimidating at first.  How often does one stick their hands in a heated kiln??  It is a long process.  I can only work on one ring at a time, because each ring needs to be at a certain temperature, which I need to hold, before forming (curving it) and then, each individual ring needs to sit in the kiln, with the cover, to gradually bring down the temperature up to the cooling time.  I do admit, it is quite a feat, but it's so worth it in the end, don't you think?

This beautiful set of four shiny napkin rings in warm tones of green and light brown are very classy and would make anyone receiving them happy as can be. Absolutely lovely for the person who loves to entertain!!  Click here for more info-