Trials and Tribulations

My first attempt at an enclosed form. The idea is to mix different blue glasses with clear bevels to throw coloured highlights when used as a suncatcher.

First step was to build two pyramids. These were then cleaned ready for finishing. They were then joined together. My fear was that the solder would melt through the join and fall inside the piece.

Sure enough, after carefully tacking and then closing the joint all the way around, I ran a full bead to finish the seam. Only one side then flowed through the joint and created a blob across the opposite edge. My first reaction, working on the principle that solder flows towards the heat was to melt the joint solder over the blob, holding this edge downwards so that the solder could fall out. This worked and cleared the blob that was over the foil. However some had solidified on the glass surface and this did not move.

Only one thing to do - melt all the solder around the joint to separate the two pyramids. It took a while, and damaged much of the copper foil. The positive result was that I devised a technique that should  avoid the solder flow problem. Sure enough, after replacing the copper I was able to join the two pyramids and obtain a reasonable bead of solder.

The sculpture was then spoiled by overenthusiastic washing that caused a few drops of water to smear two of the inside faces. I was not opening the piece again. It has been finished and will be kept in the studio as a reminder of the lessons learned.

A simple star

After the complications of constructing the last suspended sculpture I decided to do something nice and simple.

A traditional star using bevels. Just foil the pieces and pin them down on the board for soldering . . .

Rather than apply a patina the solder has been left silver, polished with finishing compound to delay tarnishing. Occasional applications of wax polish will keep the shine.

Even in a simple two dimensional piece beveled glass can provide pleasing shapes and throw an array of highlights, making a delightful suncatcher.

A collection of suspended sculptures throwing highlights into the room.

Suspended Sculptures 1

I find that working on one project usually triggers ideas for more designs. To this end I keep a sketch book devoted to ideas for glass projects. Often, what is eventually made is in itself an evolution of the idea in the sketch book.

My final project on the course was a three dimensional star constructed from square bevels.

While working on it I could see a number of possible developments, primarily by using coloured glass and by changing the shape of the component pieces.

My next step was a combination of the two, using coloured glass in 'kite' shapes that kept the 90° angle for the core of the sculpture.

This resulted in a more obvious star shape, but with the same basic structure. I used wispy amber glass for the vertical arms and a transparent amber with surface texture for the other arms. I also treated the solder with copper patina to get away from the bright silver lines that distract from the colour and texture of the glass (but would all to soon become a dull grey).

 For me the pleasure of glass is seeing it changing the light that shines through it.

The projected sunlight in this image enhances the texture of the glass surface.

A week or two later I decided to extend the basic design using coloured glass squares and bevels. A simple jig was set up to cut a selection of coloured two inch squares (which incidentally inspired another cubic design).

While quite simple in concept this piece proved something of a challenge to construct. I really need a bench vise with a swivel head to hold the pieces for soldering. As it was I made do with the two salvaged computer hard drives, blocks of wood, card and push pins. These enabled me to position the work to keep the joint being soldered horizontal.

The two bevels throw highlights, enhancing the projected colours.

The solder has been treated with a more complicated patina, using copper and black, to give an antiqued finish. While holding the piece and polishing I was reminded of my sextant, with its selection of square coloured filters that could be pivoted over the telescope lens and horizon glass to protect the eyes from the full strength of the sun.

Fantasy in Glass 2

Weeks 3 and 4 of the course were for a three dimensional project. Treece had shown us samples and patterns during the first two weeks, so we knew where we were heading. None of the three who turned up for the third week used one of the class patterns, but all came with our own ideas.

Treece is an expert with decorative solder and ornamentation

At first Treece could not understand my pattern, but then became quite enthusiastic about it. It was a simple cube, standing on a cut (or truncated) corner. This time we had to buy our own glass, so I was overwhelmed by the choice in the shop. 3D or dimensional work is usually done using the copper foil technique. My cube was finished and ready to take home after staying on a bit longer than the scheduled time. I had thought of the sculpture as a candle holder, but was warned that the top would trap heat and might crack the glass.

I needed something for the last week. A web search found an interesting little 3D project. This seemed a good idea as I was not sure if there was a different technique when using bevels. No pattern this time, just the idea in my head and six nice shinny clear square bevels. Unfortunately, Treece came across to see what I was doing just as I realised that I had tack soldered a piece in the wrong position and was melting the joint.

Teaching studio

Figimodo checking my tool kit while I foil a bevel

Eventually it all came together in the correct order, giving a nice little 3D star.

Was the course worth it?
Most definitely, FIG is the place to learn stained glass techniques with a knowledgeable and enthusiastic team. I left each of the last two sessions with glass and tools to set up a basic home studio.

Fantasy in Glass 1

A search for glass working courses in Toronto led me to Fantasy in Glass. I chose their courses from their web site; it's informative with a slightly offbeat sense of humour.

They list a number of courses and seminars, but most had gone by the time we got to Toronto. However, the Beginner Course for stained glass was running in November so I signed up for the four Wednesday sessions.

First impression on going in to the shop was WOW. Colour (or on this side of the Atlantic "color") and light, lots of beautiful colours from all the glass on display. Being early I just wandered around the displays feeling somewhat overwhelmed. Looking at the tools confirmed that these guys were different in a good way - a display of soldering irons carried a note "we do not recommend this iron as the manufacturer no longer gives a warranty" or words to that effect.

In fact everyone at Fantasy in Glass is so friendly and helpful, they also know glass and their products inside out. Its a pleasure being in the shop.

The courses are run in the basement, a clean and pleasant working space with benches and necessary power tools for students to use. Treece was our teacher, and radiated enthusiasm for glass as an artistic medium. Only five students allowed for plenty of individual help.

After a short introduction we were practicing the technique of cutting glass. Don't tap the glass after scoring, that's just covering bad technique (Hum, that means at least one guy giving demos on You Tube would benefit greatly from a FIG glass cutting course). Having tried different glass cutters those of us without our own basic hand tools had to purchase them; I opted for the easiest way by getting the FIG tool kit that even included bandaids.

We then selected a pattern and some glass for a suncatcher, (all materials provided for the first two projects) and dived in to the Tiffany technique of using copper foil and solder. Having done some silver soldering in the past I tried to get all my joints to touch. Not really necessary, as I saw when Treece demonstrated soldering.

By the end of the day we each had a suncatcher to take home with bright silver solder beads. Lesson #1; opaque glass is not really suitable for a suncatcher, but looks good in reflected light. This picture was taken directly into the sun to show the texture of the glass.
As a footnote, the day was so intensive that I ate my packed lunch on the bus going home.

Week two was lead came work, again we had a choice of patterns, either all straight lines or one with a couple of simple curves. I chose the curves so as to learn more, and picked transparent glass this time. Once the glass is cut to the pattern everything is so much quicker with lead, but can not be as delicate or intricate as with copper foil. Again, by the end of the day we each had a panel to take home. The course is very much supported 'hands on' learning.

I did go away feeling a bit worried about the windows I had restored all those years ago as I used solder with a flux core (not recommended) however the following week Mikey reassured me that they would not have fallen apart. Its just quicker and neater to apply flux and then solder.