Search found 579 matches

by Valerie Adams
Tue Jul 17, 2018 1:18 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: replacement lid?
Replies: 2
Views: 6511

Re: replacement lid?

I had a few Paragons where the pins would drop from the lid during firings; I'd put them back in but that created kiln dust. So I finally removed all the pins and secured the elements in the grooves with Pyrolite High Temperature Caulk (I bought it from Paragon). I put a dab every 4-5 inches and jus...
by Valerie Adams
Wed Jan 31, 2018 3:37 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Is BE black really a deep green?
Replies: 6
Views: 10490

Re: Is BE black really a deep green?

I remember hearing (while at Bullseye?) that black varies; sometimes it's more blue, sometimes green, sometimes purple, etc.
by Valerie Adams
Wed Nov 15, 2017 7:03 pm
Forum: Newcomer Forum
Topic: Reduce/remove micro bubbles in full fused pieces
Replies: 4
Views: 11734

Re: Reduce/remove micro bubbles in full fused pieces

"Champagne bubbles" are an inherent trait of fused glass. Besides doing a good bubble squeeze (I ramp at 50° from 1150° to 1250° in my kilns), some people sift a very fine layer of clear powder between their layers of glass. I'm talking a single grain thickness. It's easiest to use a blank...
by Valerie Adams
Thu Sep 14, 2017 12:53 pm
Forum: Newcomer Forum
Topic: Slumping issue....1st post
Replies: 6
Views: 13654

Re: Slumping issue....1st post

I have a strict 'no bottles allowed' policy in my studio but awhile back found myself with a couple cases of those new 'vintage' look jars in green and blue. Because they're not tall and have a large foot, I sawed them in half vertically. That way they slump quite nicely, due to less mass. Of course...
by Valerie Adams
Thu Sep 14, 2017 12:51 pm
Forum: Photos and Stuff
Topic: Forest Floor #2
Replies: 8
Views: 13720

Re: Forest Floor #2

Wow, I love this piece!
by Valerie Adams
Thu Sep 14, 2017 12:49 pm
Forum: Newcomer Forum
Topic: Kiln Shelf
Replies: 6
Views: 11938

Re: Kiln Shelf

I stopped using fiber paper and my issues stopped. Now, if for some reason I have to use paper, I simply vent the kiln while firing.
by Valerie Adams
Thu Sep 14, 2017 12:47 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Should I switch to System 96?
Replies: 14
Views: 22921

Re: Should I switch to System 96?

1) First of all, while this is all true about Bullseye, I found their representatives to be exceedingly arrogant, rude and obnoxious. A long time ago I decided to make art with 96 rather than put up with unprofessional behavior. Considering the posts for incompatibility/ devitrification/ etc. I hav...
by Valerie Adams
Mon Aug 28, 2017 6:18 pm
Forum: Newcomer Forum
Topic: Cutting Very Thick Glass Slabs
Replies: 12
Views: 21247

Re: Cutting Very Thick Glass Slabs

That saw does a better job with a blade stabilizer on it.
by Valerie Adams
Mon Aug 14, 2017 3:54 pm
Forum: Business Topics
Topic: Gallery %
Replies: 9
Views: 30577

Re: Gallery %

Here in California it's been 50/50 for years. But since many have retired and/or closed for various reasons, many new galleries are back to 60/40.
by Valerie Adams
Mon May 29, 2017 1:53 pm
Forum: Art, philosophy, and content
Topic: The ethics of deconstructing and sharing secret techniques
Replies: 11
Views: 38234

Re: The ethics of deconstructing and sharing secret techniques

It comes down to integrity. If someone purposely deconstructs an artist's work and then gives the info away, I think that's just shitty. Your original post made it sound like you wanted to figure out how a professional instructor created their work, and then you'd write a tutorial or create free onl...
by Valerie Adams
Thu Jan 05, 2017 7:31 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Diamond Blade
Replies: 4
Views: 8353

Re: Diamond Blade

Are you using a blade stabilizer? That made a big difference on my 10" saw.
by Valerie Adams
Mon Dec 19, 2016 3:53 pm
Forum: Photos and Stuff
Topic: Prickly Pear Suncatcher
Replies: 9
Views: 16729

Re: Prickly Pear Suncatcher

Beautiful and inspiring, as always!
Merry Christmas!
by Valerie Adams
Fri Dec 09, 2016 7:06 pm
Forum: Newcomer Forum
Topic: Texture Tile Question
Replies: 6
Views: 12848

Re: Texture Tile Question

=D>
by Valerie Adams
Thu Dec 01, 2016 5:55 pm
Forum: Newcomer Forum
Topic: Texture Tile Question
Replies: 6
Views: 12848

Re: Texture Tile Question

I've needed to fire to about 1425° in order to get any decent texture on texture molds. However, I've never used Slumpy's molds, as I find they're not great quality. Be sure you've got a good separator applied (many people use Boron Nitride spray on texture molds). You can visually confirm your slum...
by Valerie Adams
Fri Nov 25, 2016 12:47 pm
Forum: Newcomer Forum
Topic: rough edges & needles after slumping - what am I doing wrong?
Replies: 2
Views: 8174

Re: rough edges & needles after slumping - what am I doing wrong?

Fire polishing temperatures are higher than slumping temps, which means you'll lose the shape of your piece if you just put it in the kiln and try polishing. Most slumping problems occur because of firing too hot/too fast. For 95% of what I slump, I use the same schedule: 200° per hour until 1150°, ...
by Valerie Adams
Thu Nov 03, 2016 11:22 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: cracked in half
Replies: 9
Views: 14005

Re: cracked in half

Because tack-fused elements form almost a 90° join instead of a smooth, full fused surface, the tension at those angles is extreme. Bullseye recommends annealing four times the length of time you'd normally anneal a piece, based on thickness. I see at least three layers in some places, so I'd anneal...
by Valerie Adams
Mon Sep 12, 2016 4:59 pm
Forum: Photos and Stuff
Topic: HELP me identify this glass please!
Replies: 3
Views: 8637

Re: HELP me identify this glass please!

I'd send a photo to CBS and ask if they recognize it. They've been amazingly helpful in identifying glass coated by them.

http://www.cbs-dichroic.com/contactus.asp
by Valerie Adams
Wed Aug 17, 2016 1:06 pm
Forum: Newcomer Forum
Topic: Unusual plate crack
Replies: 5
Views: 11748

Re: Unusual plate crack

Hi Becky, First, I want to commend you on your beautiful circle cutting! I've known glass artists who've got years of experience and still struggle with circles. So my question to you is, are you positive your clear glass is compatible with your colored glass? I'm not familiar with Wissmach but I kn...
by Valerie Adams
Thu Jun 23, 2016 5:55 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: re-fusing a thermals shocked piece
Replies: 14
Views: 19147

Re: re-fusing a thermals shocked piece

The other thing to consider is that you've got white glass sandwiched on either side with black glass; those have very different viscosities.