Every time I show a Chalcedony bead I think of the Andrea True Connection song "More, more, more". Showing my age there methinks!
Are you all getting sick of it yet? Chalcedony I mean! I almost wish that I was - but no such thing! I discover something different every time I work with it, & I just love every little thing I discover. This glass has taught me so much & allowed me such a vast amount of freedom that I feel as if I owe it big time.
The minimal investment in comparison to other silver glasses, has allowed me to relax without fear of wasting money if something doesn't work as anticipated. Heck - if I'm truthful this costs me less by weight, than getting a 1/4lb of one of the Vetrofond oddlots, or most of the CiM range.
I've relaxed a lot & been able to focus my attention on form, shaping, ends & all those little things that needed improving, due to working with this glass. Knowing that it will do something, no matter how long I work it in the flame has relieved me of the juggling act that was associated with trying to maintain a design & shape, have nice puckered holes & tidy ends - without risking losing any design elements by the repeated marvering required at times.
Because of the strike cycle of this glass, I have learned patience & how to work slower. I have an gained insight into heat control that I never had before. I have learned to read the heat of glass & when it is ready to be marvered or pressed.
Because of this my skills have improved immensely. I still struggle with even ends on tube beads, but that too will come. I finally feel as if I am 'getting there'. It's amazing what relaxing can do!
Are you all getting sick of it yet? Chalcedony I mean! I almost wish that I was - but no such thing! I discover something different every time I work with it, & I just love every little thing I discover. This glass has taught me so much & allowed me such a vast amount of freedom that I feel as if I owe it big time.
The minimal investment in comparison to other silver glasses, has allowed me to relax without fear of wasting money if something doesn't work as anticipated. Heck - if I'm truthful this costs me less by weight, than getting a 1/4lb of one of the Vetrofond oddlots, or most of the CiM range.
I've relaxed a lot & been able to focus my attention on form, shaping, ends & all those little things that needed improving, due to working with this glass. Knowing that it will do something, no matter how long I work it in the flame has relieved me of the juggling act that was associated with trying to maintain a design & shape, have nice puckered holes & tidy ends - without risking losing any design elements by the repeated marvering required at times.
Because of the strike cycle of this glass, I have learned patience & how to work slower. I have an gained insight into heat control that I never had before. I have learned to read the heat of glass & when it is ready to be marvered or pressed.
Because of this my skills have improved immensely. I still struggle with even ends on tube beads, but that too will come. I finally feel as if I am 'getting there'. It's amazing what relaxing can do!
6 comments:
Deb, you should always keep working with the glass that is pleasing you. . .sorta like jocks who insist on wearing the same pair of socks throughout a winning streak, only a lot more aesthetically pleasing! While I was reading this post, I could almost reach out and touch your enthusiasm for and satisfaction with what you are doing with the glass right now. I'm slightly jealous, too, because I thought I'd managed to turn off the artist in me until we get moved and settled, but now I'm craving the day when my shed arrives and I can unpack stuff and create!
Deb,
Your pleasure (and skill) really shows in your work. Nice bead holes! ;-)
You're getting color from Chaldedony that looks (to me, anyway) like terra - very nice.
I didn't know that this glass was economical...must go shopping.....
Have a great day, and thanks for sharing your beautiful work.
Deb, your color development on your beads is such a treasure for me, I love them a lot and I think that you should keep on, loving what you are doing is the most important thing.
Hugs from me, I am happy to be home again.
P. S. Have you ever watched the DVD from Jim Smircich Vol I.? You will never have any shaping problems :-))
Wow, Deb, that looks absolutely great! I know how much you love Chalcedony! I wish I did! lol Great job!
It doesn't look like you have shaping problems to me! But let gravity take care of those holes.
Manuela is oh so correct - Jim
Smircich's class made for great bead ends.
No way I'm sick of it... I wish I had some! I feel so deprived every time I see all the gorgeous beads you guys are making with it. I haven't found anyone selling it over here yet or I'd be right there with you. It's gorgeous stuff, I say, if it feels good, do it!
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