I've been having so much fun wire wrapping glass lately that I have run out of pieces that tickle my fancy. Time to make a few more. It is always questionable as to what is going to turn out in the end and as of late I have had a few with cracks in them. Beautiful but damaged. So make more!!.
I always have to laugh at the prep it takes to make a few little bobbles. Here is the supplies all spread out on the table ready to cut and design.
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| goodies to play with. |
Not being sure what glass code the glass is (bought a bit of scraps out of our local stained glass scrap bucket) I have been trying to keep clear glass with clear and opaque glass with opaque (not knowing the glass code may explain the cracking).
Today is red day, add a bit of clear and a very cute millefiori slice. It should be cute.
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| fun to play with |
When the are all designed and cut the glass is ready to put in the microwave kiln. Making sure to put down a piece of kiln paper first.
Transfer the bottom to the microwave and making sure the glass hasn't moved place the top on and set the time.
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| All ready for the microwave |
My microwave is 900 wats which means it takes a little more time to fire than a bigger and stronger microwave. According to research some microwaves need as little as 2 min. It is a trial and error to find what works best for each microwave.
The microwave I have seems to work best at 12 min. Then it is a matter of waiting the 12 min and a quick peek to make sure it melted. Make sure that you are wearing heat proof gloves as the kiln is really really hot.
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| Great gloves |
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| It's hot!! |
After a quick peek, close the lid and move the kiln to a save place. I use a wire trivet to set the kiln on, on my bamboo cutting board just to make sure I don't scorch the counter.
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| On a trivet |
And then you wait....... and wait..........and wait........even Carl waits,
....... might as well pick tomatoes........... and wait.
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| Heart Patio Tomatoes |
After about an hour check the kiln to make sure its cool, remove the lid and cross your fingers. Lets see what we have?
Definitely not what I had in mind. Interesting that the beautiful red glass turned almost black.
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| Has potential |
Oh well back to the cutting board. Hummmm maybe opal glass next time.
Here is one that did turn out. All wrapped and finished.
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| cute little fishy |
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