Search found 41 matches

by dawnsud
Sat Feb 09, 2013 12:09 pm
Forum: Photos and Stuff
Topic: Navajo
Replies: 25
Views: 27296

Re: Navajo

Beautifully designed and constructed. You are patient!
by dawnsud
Wed Jan 23, 2013 11:42 am
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Alternate Frit Maker - any downsides?
Replies: 21
Views: 26374

Re: Alternate Frit Maker - any downsides?

I used one of the metal tube style crushers in class and found it to be lots of hard work but it worked. I tried the cement and hammer technique and it created sharp, jagged pieces. I tried the coffee grinder and wore the blades down to nubs. Finally I bought an old Waring blender at an antique shop...
by dawnsud
Wed Jan 23, 2013 11:34 am
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: devit more likely with spring green?
Replies: 11
Views: 11575

Re: devit more likely with spring green?

I agree with Steve's comment about cleaning---personal experience! To cure the devit, I followed a tip from this Board and sprinkled a fine layer of clear glass powder on top and then fired to a brief full fuse temp. Got a beautiful glossy surface again. If you do this, pay special attention to the ...
by dawnsud
Mon Dec 31, 2012 12:52 pm
Forum: Business Topics
Topic: business model 2013
Replies: 4
Views: 8477

Re: business model 2013

Works for Panera Bread. I think it depends on the area as to its success. Thanks for sharing.
by dawnsud
Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:25 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: school project
Replies: 12
Views: 12260

Re: school project

Great idea, Valerie. I've worried about transporting the work to the kiln. Even looked into buying a fiber kiln but opted out on that.
by dawnsud
Tue Dec 11, 2012 7:14 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: school project
Replies: 12
Views: 12260

Re: school project

Keep the Elmer's near the edge of the piece or it won't burn off. But the edge is about 1/4 inch.
by dawnsud
Sat Dec 08, 2012 2:54 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: sifting with a doily
Replies: 16
Views: 16857

Re: sifting with a doily

Bert, I'll remember that for future projects. These were just simple 1 layer holiday ornaments. We just tack fused them. But I see what you mean about paths to the edges.
by dawnsud
Sun Dec 02, 2012 9:16 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: sifting with a doily
Replies: 16
Views: 16857

Re: sifting with a doily

Two of my students did the hairspray thru the doily idea in a class this weekend. One did snowflakes from the old technique of folding a piece of paper in 8ths and cutting notches. We put the template down, sprayed, sifted fine frit, waited for it to dry. When we lifted the template, the frit on the...
by dawnsud
Thu Nov 15, 2012 10:23 am
Forum: Newcomer Forum
Topic: Kiln Heat in Room
Replies: 8
Views: 13523

Re: Kiln Heat in Room

I took a low cost approach to venting. My husband built a small shelf under one of the windows in my studio. I can put a 8" Vornado fan on it and face it to the outside. It sucks the hot air out. In the winter, I have a panel that fits in the open window and cut a round hole in it. This keeps t...
by dawnsud
Sun Nov 11, 2012 5:35 pm
Forum: Photos and Stuff
Topic: Bugaboos in the making
Replies: 4
Views: 5930

Re: Bugaboos in the making

Love seeing the planning that goes into one of your pieces. This is wonderful with so much movement in the piece.
by dawnsud
Sun Nov 11, 2012 5:32 pm
Forum: Photos and Stuff
Topic: strips work
Replies: 5
Views: 7577

Re: strips work

Your color choices and design choices are excellent. The construction looks perfect. I like your choice of dimensions with a long run to allow the theme of strips to develop a pattern. The inset of small strips makes it much more interseting.
by dawnsud
Tue Oct 09, 2012 6:04 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Kiln is dropping crap onto my glass
Replies: 5
Views: 6333

Re: Kiln is dropping crap onto my glass

Good point, Marty. I haven't used my Evenheat much lately. But when I get back to fusing, I will know how long this fix works.
by dawnsud
Tue Oct 09, 2012 9:22 am
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Kiln is dropping crap onto my glass
Replies: 5
Views: 6333

Re: Kiln is dropping crap onto my glass

I had the same problem with my Evenheat. I found that part of the problem was the crumbling edges around the elements and part was the crumbling around the lip on the sides of the kiln and by the hinges. I first used my blow dryer to blow off the crumbs, then vacuumed, then used refractory cement to...
by dawnsud
Sun Oct 07, 2012 5:02 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Fiber Kiln
Replies: 4
Views: 6034

Re: Fiber Kiln

Thanks, Jerry. Sometimes it helps to know what to avoid.
by dawnsud
Sat Oct 06, 2012 3:34 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Fiber Kiln
Replies: 4
Views: 6034

Re: Fiber Kiln

Valerie, thanks for the insights. I'm just starting my research. My back isn't perfect and I don't want to make it worse. Right now I can handle 40 pounds with a 2 wheeler and I'm not embarrassed to ask for help. I thought I'd be teaching jewelry and small items--just as an intro. I don't want to us...
by dawnsud
Sat Oct 06, 2012 10:43 am
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Fiber Kiln
Replies: 4
Views: 6034

Fiber Kiln

I'm doing more teaching and would like a lightweight kiln to take to different towns. I've looked at the Jen-Ken fiber kiln. Anyone have any experience with fiber kilns? Any other suggestions?
by dawnsud
Thu Oct 04, 2012 5:22 pm
Forum: Business Topics
Topic: First Gallery Opening
Replies: 8
Views: 11000

Re: First Gallery Opening

Remember, YOU are part of the entertainment. The customers want to hear your story, learn about your art. Let them lead you and you'll find out if they are interested in talking. Too many artists hide from the customer. Just enjoy them and you'll enjoy yourself.
by dawnsud
Thu Sep 13, 2012 10:17 am
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Wearing gloves when cutting glass
Replies: 17
Views: 27265

Re: Wearing gloves when cutting glass

Don, I thought the same thing until I tried these gloves. They are so flexible. Exam gloves puncture. When you can't afford an infection from a cut, you do what you can. And I've never had glass get inside the glove.
by dawnsud
Mon Sep 10, 2012 12:30 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Wearing gloves when cutting glass
Replies: 17
Views: 27265

Re: Wearing gloves when cutting glass

I have lymphedema in my left arm--my dominant hand of course. The high-protein fluid makes it easy to get bacterial infections. I am a believer in gloves. For handling half/full sheets, I use Atlas Fits gloves with a fabric top and heavy coating of rubber/latex on the fingers and palm. For grinding ...
by dawnsud
Tue Sep 04, 2012 9:25 pm
Forum: Techniques and Tools
Topic: Thin fire on floral form drape
Replies: 7
Views: 9867

Re: Thin fire on floral form drape

I kilnwash the former and sift a fine layer of kilnwash powder on the top before each firing as an extra caution. There were tiny gaps developing in the part that was the original kilnwash coat. When I added a circle of Thinfire on the top, with a simple plate of Tekta with frit and stringer fired o...