Here are a couple of new pieces for Summer 2014 that can now be found at The Old School House in Qualicum.

I decided to use the kiln for a bit of fusing (might as well use it for fusing when I'm not making beads). I made a couple of sets of coasters (complete with silicone feet) and thought I'd throw them up for this post. I'm of course partial to the blue ones. :)

Sunday we hooked up the oxycon to the torch and low and behold we had flame! I made a few beads and was amazed by how quickly I could now melt the glass. I used some raku frit on a bead and it looked like I was getting color I had never seen before on the Hot Head torch. I was excited to see the beads Monday morning, but they all turned out "scummy". It seems I will have to play with the fuel/oxy ratios before I get good beads. That's okay though as I have already designated Febraury as play and experiment month. I bought a few rods of Double Helix Silvered Glass that I will play with once I have the new torch mastered.

This year was the first year that I have done Christmas Tree Ornaments. I started with snowmen, which I think are really cute, but I wanted to try for something a little more elegant. After several attempts, I've come up with a design I'd be happy happy to put on my own tree.