The Kiln

This is the very first batch of pendants that I am about to fuse in this brand new Evenheat Hot Shot Kiln. Hopefully they will come out beautifully. I'm intimidated by the size of this kiln and all of the settings, so we shall see.

Fused Glass

I started making fused glass pendants. It's like putting together a little puzzle with glass, of course you have to create that puzzle first, cut all the pieces, fit them together so there are no gaps, glue them down, then fire them in the kiln. There are a few from my 1st batch of 5. Two of them were quickly scooped up at my show yesterday. I am now firing three new ones in my own kiln at home, I've never fused glass in it so this is a new experience. 

Brrrrrrrr!

So cold! The I did atwo day festival in Milford PA. Saturday was wonderful except for the 34 degree temperatures. It did warm up later on in the day but never hit 60. The mornings were brutal. Luckily people still came out. Driving up there a black bear came darting out of the woods and ran across the highway and again I saw one on Sunday running across the road. Boy, they're big! I guess they are on the hunt for food before hibernation. I started doing chain maille. Only earrings, in the beginning I realized I had two left hands but after about an hour I got the hang of it. Lots of fun and people loved them.

Alba Winery

This past weekend I was at a two day festival at Alba Winery. What a beautiful place. The vines were ripe with grapes and the bee's were out in full force. There were two great bands that played both days and I met lots of new wonderful people who loved and purchased my jewelry. The wine festivals are only 5 hours a day. It's twenty dollars to get in and you get a wine glass, a list and a pencil and can taste all of the different wines from the 20 or so wineries that are there. Then go back and buy your favorite bottles. The smart people come in large groups and rent a bus to take them to and from. It's like a party with a thousand or so people. And a good time was had by all!

Prince Edward Island Sea Glass

Prince Edward Island has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and from these beaches come these translucent gems, lovingly referred to as Mermaid Tears. They are tumbled smooth by the constant friction of water and sand. The first Mermaid Tears Sea Glass Festival was held at the Woods Island Lighthouse on July 18, 2009 and the 2010 festival is in the works. This could be a great way to start your next PEI vacation.

PMC3

I have started working with a product called Precious Metal Clay. It is sterling silver particles mixed with a binder which is clay. Once you roll the clay out, make an impression, cut it out carefully with a scalpel, let it dry then you sand it. I then gets fired in the kiln which burns off all of the clay. It comes out of the kiln all white. Then you use a steel brush to get all of the white off and what you're left with is a beautiful sterling piece. It is a fascinating process and I love it! These are the first 2 pieces I made. One is a leaf from my Tuberous Begonia plant and the other is a Ginko leaf.

Sellersville

It was a very busy show weekend for me, but Sunday's show was the best. It was the Pennridge Gallery of the Arts in Sellersville, PA. It's a small, quaint town in Buck's County that has a population of less tha 5,000. The main street was lined with wonderful artist's and crafters and it was so busy. It was a beautiful day and everyone was in a good mood.