Nichrome Wire and Glass Fusing

Nichrome wire is a high-temperature wire which is perfect for using with fused glass as it will remain intact at temperatures up to approxim...ately 1700 degrees Fahrenheit. By using your hands and/or jeweler’s pliers, high-temperature wire can easily be formed into any shape and secured in place with suitable glue  (a little bit of Elmer’s white glue works just fine) in between the layers of glass and fired in the kiln in order to create cabochons suitable for jewelry designs. You can also assemble your creation directly on your kiln shelf if you have steady hands and position the wire in between the layers of glass thereby avoiding the gluing process.

As the glass begins to slump in the kiln, the wire will become permanently encased between the layers of glass. After the firing is complete, the nichrome wire will appear somewhat discolored
and dull, and you can give it a gentle buffing with some steel wool to quickly restore the luster. The projecting outer end of the wire can then be used to attach the fused glass piece to a jewelry finding or whatever else you're creating. (my photographed piece is a small chime piece)

I'd suggest using the wire with glass other than transparent because with transparent glass the wire will show through, which is not attractive! I've used this wire for jewelry pieces, ornaments, suncatchers and chimes of light to medium weight, but wouldn't suggest it for heavier weight pieces.

Get some nichrome wire and check it out!

Take the Long Way Home

Early this morning I was driving back home after dropping Chris off at work and heard Roger's words in my head and after I went over the Valley Falls Bridge, I turned into the little hamlet and took the long way around to home instead of taking my usual route.

This song has always been one of my favorites, one whose words I know well, and one which applies to my life. All too frequently, we don't take the "long way home" and miss out on so many things we take for granted. Wife, mother, grandmother, full-time caregiver of an aging parent - my plate runneth over and there is little time for "me". I am grateful for music and for what it brings to my life.

Spring has long been my favorite season, the buds on the trees after a harsh winter and the birthing of new baby animals - horses, cows, goats, lambs - is so very beautiful and truly awesome. I know that word is so overused, awesome, but this truly is.

I will carry this song with me today. I know I am fortunate in being able to work each day at something I love and am passionate about. I hope that each of you will be able to take the long way home today too. ♥

Life's Majestic Moments

Yesterday Tony and I were driving up our road and saw the most beautiful thing in the neighboring property. A mama cow had just given birth, literally, to her little calf. She was licking all the birth sac from her little one and the afterbirth was still spilling out of her. It was so beautiful, I started to cry. Mama Cow kept eye contact with us while we watched for several minutes from a distance.

We went around the bend of the corner to the farmer's house but no one was home. We searched the barns, acreage, etc. but could find no one. Assuming that Mama Cow knew what she was doing (of course, because animals are just so instinctual and loving at the birth process), we went on our way to the store. When we returned 2 hours later, it was late afternoon and starting to get chilly.

Mama Cow was now lying down next to her babe, still licking away and giving much needed warmth to the calf. I knew she must be exhausted and most likely in need of nourishment and in the rapidly approaching dusk, must be getting cold. I don't believe for a minute that farm animals are "hardy" and don't feel the elements. Luckily, I knew the farmer's name and because she works at the same store that Chris does, I was able to give her a call. A short time later Tony drove back up the road and Mama and baby were both gone from the field.

I feel so blessed to have witnessed part of which was an amazing thing (and having actually helped our Katie Lala have her 10 pups many years ago, it is truly one of life's great moments.

Week-end Spotlight on Loving Anvil

Three words:

BIG HONKIN' RINGS

Now I've made thousands of fused glass cabochons in my life, but none so big as the ones I make for Coco of http://lovinganvil.etsy.com/

Her rings are truly amazing. A marriage of glass and metal like no other. Thanks, Coco, for making my glass look so damned good (and for always making me smile!).

Week-end Spotlight on Silver Made Studios

I'm always in awe of the incredible work by some of the silversmiths on Etsy and ArtFire.

Look at the rings that http://silvermadestudio.etsy.com/

made with my fused glass cabochons. Little bits of glass encased in such beauty. Thanks, Teresa!

Week-end Spotlight on An Original By Peggy

Peggy of http://anoriginalbypeggy.etsy.com/ designs, hand knits, felts and lines beautiful purses which are one-of-a-kind and come in various sizes and a multitude of colors.

The hand purses pictured include my fused glass cabochons as the focal point. I'm always so honored when another designer incorporates a little piece of my work in theirs. Thanks, Peggy!

Week-end Spotlight on jewelry designer Gemma Beads

I love seeing what other artists create with my fused glass cabochons. Here's a pair of Organic Black cufflinks from jewelry designer http://gemmabeads.etsy.com/ - didn't they come out great?