Rapid mask sandcarving and painting

To get the silhouettes on to the cast crystal pieces, I sandblast then apply black paint. I use a product called 'Rapid mask', it's a UV sensitive film that takes an inverted black and white image and through exposure to UV breaks down the unprotected 'white/clear' areas. It is fantastic to use with protective film on both sides that enable easy placement an adhesion. After sandcarving I left the film on. It also acts as a stencil for the spray application of enamel paint.

UV sensitve film in place, ready for taping up (masking)

After sand blasting

After clearing all the excess grit away I sprayed the paint on, waiting for it to dry between coats

the final product.

Silhouette feedback

So I thought I had all my images sized and ready when I get some feedback from the non artists in the house, about the Cinderella/Aschenputtel character.
"Why does she have a brush?" I'm asked. I try to explain how she needs something to denote who she is, since my previous suggestion and drawings of pumpkins were pronounced "twee". Considering her silhouette is in front of trees I conceded a brush was a bit useless. I thought and suggested a lamp, which we all agreed was atmospheric and suggested twilight or evening.

The thing with silhouettes is, you have to get the clues in without over complicating or making them look odd. With her holding the lamp, I needed a position where her arm would not obscure other details that I wanted or look as though she has an arm grafted from her stomach (even though it was anatomically right) and look very strange. It can be a curious balacing act.

So I spent another few hours working on these.

the 3 options

finding the right scale

playing with scale, finding a balance between the drawings and the glass

Bilk Christmas Show, Hollydays

This is where my petite fairy tale landscapes are going

Silhouettes blacked out

Silhouettes so far, Aschenputtel, Red, Talia (Sleeping Beauty) and wolf.

Silhouettes in progress

small fairy tale landscapes, 3 polished

Work in progress

Secrets ready to go

Despite some unforseen difficulties 'Secrets' are ready to go to the store...soon to be available for purchase at Gather! the Canberra Glassworks retail shop. Woot!

Matt makes a paperweight

Dougie's nephew Matt has been staying with us for a bit, while he finds his feet in Australia. After a hearty brunch in Kingston we visit the Canberra Glassworks. Before you know it Matt finds himself being signed up for OTS (off the street) make your own paperweight.

Matt re heating his glass in the glory hole

more keys, this time as ornaments

20 or so keys, ready to switch on the kiln