Phew, sandblasting is dirty work! My husband help me get my sandblaster up and running yesterday! I now own more power tools than he does. I think he really enjoyed Christmas shopping this years as he didn't have to step into the mall at all. Pretty much just the hardware store. :)
I've been wanting a sandblaster for a while. This will make quick work of removing kiln wash and fiber paper that gets left on the glass. I can also remove devit and other imperfections. I think this will lead me to create less in the new year but much better quality.
I am going to fire polish the first few items I sandblasted, then I'll get a picture or two!
( Still waiting impatiently on my ring saw and glass order.....hurry up!!!)
Thursday, 31 December 2015
Wednesday, 2 December 2015
A few of my latest glass works
I realized I haven't posted any pictures of current work recently so here are a few pictures!
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| Farm scene and tree scene still available |
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| Sold |
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| have a variety still available |
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| a couple left |
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| sold |
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| Two top pendants still available |
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| Only the middle one left |
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| two small bowls are sold |
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| Was a donation, but it seemed to have disappeared before being displayed :( |
Monday, 30 November 2015
Deciding about consigning ..
I have a few items in an Homemade shop in Innisfail, AB called Ashlee's Attic. I had my items on a peg board to maximize the amount of product I can display. But it's not selling well. After seeing the display I think I get why. I chatted with the owner and we both agree the peg board isn't going my glass art jewellery any justice so today I will be moving it into a shelf/crate type display which is how I display my items at craft shows.
I've spent a bit of this today decided how to display my items. The pros of this new display, look for high end and professional, (hopefully causing more sales) the cons are that I won't be able to display as may items. I am also going to see if it makes sense for the month of December to rent two spaces and display a few larger items. A few of the dishes I'm hoping to sell are hugely on sale because I found a bin that had quite a few platters I made when I first started fusing 2-3 years ago.
This store is also offering their space up to use for classes or demonstrations. I'm thinking and trying to figure out if it'd be work doing a fused glass jewellery making class. or coasters? or small dishes?
This could be a new revenue source for me.
I have also decided to commit to another 3 months at the store, knowing that Jan, Feb and March are typically slower months for purchasing gift type items.
I've spent a bit of this today decided how to display my items. The pros of this new display, look for high end and professional, (hopefully causing more sales) the cons are that I won't be able to display as may items. I am also going to see if it makes sense for the month of December to rent two spaces and display a few larger items. A few of the dishes I'm hoping to sell are hugely on sale because I found a bin that had quite a few platters I made when I first started fusing 2-3 years ago.
This store is also offering their space up to use for classes or demonstrations. I'm thinking and trying to figure out if it'd be work doing a fused glass jewellery making class. or coasters? or small dishes?
This could be a new revenue source for me.
I have also decided to commit to another 3 months at the store, knowing that Jan, Feb and March are typically slower months for purchasing gift type items.
Wednesday, 25 November 2015
Ring saw
Well I've decided I need another bit of equipment. Soon I'm going to end up with more big power tools than my hubby! To help advance my glass I want to be able to easily cut unique and detailed shapes. Since glass tends to cut along a straight line or slightly curved, I would like to get a ring saw. I've been doing quite a bit of research and found 3 options: the Taurus 3, the Apollo or the Revolution XT.
The Revolution is the king of ring saws. I watched a few demonstrations and wow. To be able to cut shapes and have minimal grinding after would be spectacular. There is minimal chipping and it's fast! (also very pricy!)
The Apollo is the Revolution's little brother. Performs and similar job, slightly slower and smaller. Since I don't plan on needed the Revolution's size, this will be a good option. ( still pricy, but if my last market of this year is a good one, I should be able to afford)
The Taurus is quite a bit more affordable but is small and might not cut through the thickness of glass I intend to cut.
In reality I could cut and grid the shapes I want but it would take forever! Since I get maybe and hour or 2 here and there to run down to my studio, I value my time. Grinding and cold working isn't my favourite part of working with glass so I can save some time cold working and spend more in the studio actually working with the glass, I'll be a happy camper!
I'm also stalking a couple of web sites to see if they'll have black Friday type sales.
And trying to figure out some last minute ways to sell a few more items so I can afford my saw.
The Revolution is the king of ring saws. I watched a few demonstrations and wow. To be able to cut shapes and have minimal grinding after would be spectacular. There is minimal chipping and it's fast! (also very pricy!)
The Apollo is the Revolution's little brother. Performs and similar job, slightly slower and smaller. Since I don't plan on needed the Revolution's size, this will be a good option. ( still pricy, but if my last market of this year is a good one, I should be able to afford)
The Taurus is quite a bit more affordable but is small and might not cut through the thickness of glass I intend to cut.
In reality I could cut and grid the shapes I want but it would take forever! Since I get maybe and hour or 2 here and there to run down to my studio, I value my time. Grinding and cold working isn't my favourite part of working with glass so I can save some time cold working and spend more in the studio actually working with the glass, I'll be a happy camper!
I'm also stalking a couple of web sites to see if they'll have black Friday type sales.
And trying to figure out some last minute ways to sell a few more items so I can afford my saw.
Tuesday, 24 November 2015
Time to reactivate!
I've decided to start writing in this blog again. Not sure why I took a break?! ( Laziness?) Anyways I've been very busy in the past few months with school starting up and all the winter craft shows. I am excited about a show I've been invited to apply for! Any guesses?
The Lacombe Encore Art Sale! This will be artists only not crafters or home businesses. It is also a very well known show and very well attended. Many attendees are looking to buy art, which is what I consider my hobby.
This is also a juried show. So I have to submit only 5 images of my work and my display. Only 5 images to impress the judges and to encourage them to accept my work. Since applications aren't sue until February, I am planning a huuuuuuge revamping of my display. I've have this little feeling in the back of my mind that my display has a greater impacting than I think on my clients.
I want to figure out a way to display wind chimes and sun catchers so they hang and do what they are suppose to do....catch the light :). I also want to figure out an easy shelving system. The booths I'm attracted to most at different shows are the ones that look almost like a boutique, not just a talkie with stuff on it.
Where am I planning on looking for my ideas? Pinterest, of course! :) Hopefully whatever I imagine, my hubby can create for me. I also need to be a bit practical, I want my new set up to be usable at other venues I attend. ( and it needs to be create as I am saving for yet another saw!)
I kinda like this shelf. Check out the tutorial here.
Any other thoughts? suggestions on how I should set up my booth or table?
The Lacombe Encore Art Sale! This will be artists only not crafters or home businesses. It is also a very well known show and very well attended. Many attendees are looking to buy art, which is what I consider my hobby.
This is also a juried show. So I have to submit only 5 images of my work and my display. Only 5 images to impress the judges and to encourage them to accept my work. Since applications aren't sue until February, I am planning a huuuuuuge revamping of my display. I've have this little feeling in the back of my mind that my display has a greater impacting than I think on my clients.
I want to figure out a way to display wind chimes and sun catchers so they hang and do what they are suppose to do....catch the light :). I also want to figure out an easy shelving system. The booths I'm attracted to most at different shows are the ones that look almost like a boutique, not just a talkie with stuff on it.
Where am I planning on looking for my ideas? Pinterest, of course! :) Hopefully whatever I imagine, my hubby can create for me. I also need to be a bit practical, I want my new set up to be usable at other venues I attend. ( and it needs to be create as I am saving for yet another saw!)
I kinda like this shelf. Check out the tutorial here.
Any other thoughts? suggestions on how I should set up my booth or table?
Saturday, 3 January 2015
New Year-small goals
I realize I should post more often!
Anyways this year I hope to accomplish a few small goals.
1.learn to use my wet belt sander, it should help me save a bunch of time cleaning up edges!
2. Learn to use more techniques with my dremel
3. Karen to "paint" with glass.
4. Work on projects that need to be fired more than one time.
Since I still need a water pump for my sander I will start with using my dremel. I currently have in the kiln a few pieces I hope to etch like zentangles. Check out this link to see what I'm talking about.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/100427613/dichroic-fused-glass-zentangle-pendant
I also received some cool stencils and decals for Christmas and also ordered a bunch more. I will have a few very unique pieces coming up soon!
Let me know if there is anything you'd like to see me try! Send a picture! I'd love to see what you all are interested in!
Thursday, 11 September 2014
100 day challenge
I have a few goals to accomplish in the next 100 days. By the end of this challenge I will be getting ready to head back t work and will have way less time to commit to my work.
1. I want to improve the quality of pictures that I take. Right now I must use my iPhone and take a quick picture when something comes out of the kiln. I'd like to have better quality images. I believe that could help me sell more online
2. I want to take more risks. Right now I'm worried about items turning out perfect after each firing. I want to wrk on projects that will push my creativity and will take multiple trips to the kiln to get it just right. After I get my Christmas stock done I will commentate on more technical and creative projects.
3. Build more of a client base. I'm not sure how to really go about this other then continue to go to markets. I am thinking of attending a market at the end of Sept. and have applied for three Christmas markets, which I have been accepted to. I have also been asked if I want a spot in a little shop by Edmonton. I'd have to commit to 3 months and pay about 60$ a month for my spot. I'd also be responsible to upkeep and check on my items which could be difficult as the shop is a 90 minutes drive. I think I should look for a similar shop closer to home. I would love to see my pieces in a store or gallery. I guess I need to get some confidence and try approaching a gallery.... Eek!
I'm starting to get a few Christmas orders, so if there is something g specific you'd like let me know so I can either put it aside or find time to work on it!
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