The Road to the Golden Globes Part III

After I  completed 100 necklaces for the SWAG bags, it was time to create a necklace that will be on display in the GBK Gifting Suite.  Hmm, I knew that I had to choose a representation of my brand and  a creation  that was versatile for any wardrobe. Hmmm, it also had to be bright and vibrant and easy to photograph. YESSSSS, it came to me....a dichroic glass Tree of Life pendant adorned with handmade glass beads. 

As my hands were quite fatigued from creating 100 engraved Tree of Life pendants, I decided to etch my design with acid instead which for me, is a simpler process. The glass was fused and  refined and the pendant was complete.  I then hung it  from leather cord and attached my handmade beads to the  cord!  DONE....I thought, but not quite!  The most important aspect, the presentation was not complete!

I searched for weeks for the exact presentation that would "showcase" my brightly colored Tree of Life necklace, represent my brand, and not compete with my creation.  Also, it had to represent my style, "Artsy, yet sophisticated" and  be a subtle but interesting addition.  FOUND IT!!!! 

 

 

I am thrilled that I was able to choose a necklace that represented who I am as an artist and a display that truly conveys my brand!  Until the next time...I will be "cookin' with glass."

 

 

The Road to the Golden Globes Part II

Each pendant was made by creating a sandwich of 3 layers of glass.  An opaque on the bottom, dichroic the middle and clear on the top.  The tree image was then engraved onto the dichroic layer. Each layer was cut  with a hand glass cutter and refined with a glass grinder. 

 

It was then placed in a kiln and fired at 1500 degrees Fahrenheit for 2.5 hours in order to fuse the three layers together.  It took 6 hours to cool.  Lots of time for wine while waiting!

 

 

Ah the reveal!!!

 

 

 

Not done yet....The pendant is refined again with a glass grinder and then re-fired!   Ah, now it is time for coffee.

 

Finally, the pendant is signed and the bails are affixed.  YESSS! The final product!

 

The Road to the Golden Globes Part I

As a member of The Artisan Group, I have been chosen to make 100 items to be included in the SWAG bag, in addition to a display of my creations at the GPK Gifting Lounge.  Hmmm, as one who often chooses the road less traveled, it was difficult to choose a design which is contemporary yet represents who I am as a glass artist. 

Well, firstly I knew that it would be brightly colored, yet not over powering.  Not fuchsia or teal, I had to consider what colors would Hollywood love to see?  I pondered and decided to play it safe with blues, purples and silver.  Hunting down vibrantly, colored sheets of glass with a subtle pattern took days.

Next the design.  Following my most popular Tree of Life collection seemed like a "safe" and suitable choice.  "Hmmm," I thought, "This is this too ordinary for me.  Let me try a circular pendant with a Tree of Life.   That's it! 

Dichroic glass, a functioning kiln, new glass cutters, a dremel, bails and glue were all on hand.  YES!  I was ready to create!

 

The Best is Yet to Come!

"The journey between what you once were and who you are now becoming is where the dance of life really takes place," stated Barbara DeAngelis.  After retiring, I am now dancing to the music of dazzling colors, sparking  glass  and alluring beads.  Engaging in the arts has always been an escape for me; a safe haven that has no rules. It's my world of unconditional acceptance which is ruled by unharnessed creativity that flows freely like a waterfall.

My adventure into beading began in 2004. One April morning while facilitating a series of meetings, a colleague sauntered into the conference room wearing the most sparkly, brilliantly colored, crystal lariat.  She lit up the room like a firefly on a summer night. Amazed by the brilliance of the colors, I quickly became preoccupied  with her necklace and not the task at hand. With great constraint and self control, I waited until the break to question her about the work of art that adorned her neck.  She conveyed that she had created it herself and my color wheels began to spin! Yes, the rest is history! 

My First Lariat

Then, searching for more creative options, I began creating fringe necklaces......

                                           

It was time again to enhance my style. I signed up for a class in dichroic glass at a local art league. After the first class, I was hooked. The color combinations are endless!

                                                                                                                        

My First Dichroic Glass Pendant

I continue my journey to improve my dichroic glass creations.  Please join me again on this adventure to explore the many paths that I have traveled.  Until then, I will be cookin' with glass.