seasonal confusion

The hens are molting. It’s a shame, too, because this is quite the coldest weather we’ve had in a couple of years. Not out of the 30s today. Doesn’t sound like much to you, maybe, but neither does your summer high of 90 sound like much to me. Remind me next summer: heat is annoying [...]

kiln carving

So, kiln carving, for those who asked, all one of you. I didn’t pick a very good project to illustrate it. Here are my soap dishes:

This glass wasn’t made for fusing, so it devitrified a lot. The fiber paper stuck to it quite badly. I had to get out the so-called dental tools I use [...]

parietal workout

I’ve got glass in the kiln. I have some kiln carving projects in mind for Christmas, don’t know much about it, so I will label this project an experiment.
Kiln carving really has little to do with carving and is not actively manipulated in the kiln—who names these things? It is a relief technique, related [...]

Rx: glass

I’m bushwhacking. Cutting my way through, chopping at the giant weeds that have sprung up, shaking off the moss, getting an encouraging glimpse at the sky now and then, even if it is balanced by the occasional boot full of mud. Sucking swamp mud. Lo and behold, a clear space ahead…why, it’s my blog! Poor [...]

interval developments

I ain’t dead. Yet. Haven’t even had the flu. Yet. And gosh I’ve missed me.
In the interim, fall has befallen. Befell? That’s a big deal here in Texas. Also, it’s raining again. Not right now, I mean, but in general. That’s another big deal.
In blog news, I’m thrilled to have been cited as an authority [...]

iridescent plans

Now I’m scared. I’m just home from a buying binge in Austin…daughter Shan’s wedding reception/party is coming up and I need a dress, so I headed for Silk Road in Austin, which is the only fabric store truly worth its pins around here, and now I have six, lord help me, six yards of dupioni [...]

you will get burned

You will get cut. You will get burned. If this troubles you, take painting lessons.
That’s my favorite warm-glass t-shirt. But this week it’s too hot to melt glass. Or shall I embrace the obvious hyperbole: it’s almost hot enough outside to melt glass. It’s definitely too hot to sit in front of a torch. The [...]

sagging stuff

I guess everybody who gets a kiln slumps a few bottles. I don’t mind being one of the herd. Saggy bottles are neato. Everybody likes them. And they’re not entirely predictable, so there’s always that moment of great anticipation just before lifting the kiln lid.
The Martini & Rossi bottle that went out to Dad [...]