Craft Diva

Fused Glass Pendants and Cabochons

 

Fused glass cabochons by Lynn Smythe

A few years ago, I became interested in fused glass. I purchased a small, bee-hive type kiln, by Evenheat, a few books on basic glass fusing, and a bunch of glass and glass cutting tools. I taught myself the basics of glass fusing and started making a variety of fused glass beads, cabochons and pendants.

 

Close-up of fused glass beads, created by Lynn Smythe, used as a focal point in a beaded necklace.

As my interest in glass fusing grew, I bought a bigger kiln, so I could start making larger glass pieces such as plates, bowls and vases.

 

Fused glass pendant by Lynn Smythe. This piece required two kiln firings. A basic, square shape was fused in the kiln, the piece was shaped with a diamond band saw, then the piece was fire polished in the kiln.

Here are a few photos of my fused glass cabochons. Glass cabochons can be used in beading and applique projects, silversmithing, art clay silver and wire wrap pieces.

  

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Craft Diva

Craft Diva's Favorite Glass Suppliers

ABOVE: Sculptural peyote necklace featuring 3 fused glass donuts by Lynn Smythe

In the coming weeks and months, I'll be posting up lots of photos and information on my various fused glass creations. I make a variety of fused glass cabochons, pendants and gift items such as plates, bowls and vases.

Fused Glass Classes
Not ready to place a catalog order, do you want to be able to pick out your glass in person? Visit your local stained glass studio. Many of the studios in my area also teach fused glass classes, rent kiln time and sell a variety of fused glass supplies. You can't just use any type of glass to make fused glass, it has to be tested compatible.

If you are new to the medium of fused glass, I highly recommend taking a basic/beginners level class. Check out bead stores in your area too. I've taught fused glass classes at both local bead stores and my local gem & mineral society.

ABOVE: Detail of fused glass necklace by Lynn Smythe

Fused Glass Suppliers

Here is a quick list of my favorite glass suppliers.

1. Delphi Glass - www.delphiglass.com
2. Ed Hoy's International - www.edhoy.com
3. Glass Crafters - www.glasscrafters.com
4. Slumpy's - www.slumpys.com

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Craft Diva

Pin Woven Objet d'art

ABOVE: Key to My Heart by Lynn Smythe

On June 2 I blogged about my Warped Women Doll Pin that I created from a kit. Once I learned the technique of pin-weaving, I started designing my own pin-woven projects including a variety of one-of-a-kind necklaces and objet d'art.

ABOVE: Detail of Key to My Heart by Lynn Smythe


ABOVE: Extreme close up of Key to My Heart by Lynn Smythe

Exhibition Pieces
Occasionally I enter my art pieces into museum and gallery exhibitions. The two objet d'art pieces shown in this blog post are part of my Heart Woven series.

The red and white piece is called Bleeding Heart, while the green and amber piece is called Key to My Heart. The third piece in this series has yet to be made, but will be created in shades of lavender and purple and will be titled Broken Heart.

The pin-woven portion of each piece is created first, using a temporary loom made from foam core board. Once the woven portion is completed, it is removed from the temporary loom then attached to a fused glass frame. I create the one-of-a-kind frames from tested compatible bullseye, wasser and uroboros fusing glass in one of my two kilns.

 

ABOVE: Bleeding Heart by Lynn Smythe

 

ABOVE: Detail of Bleeding Heart by Lynn Smythe

 

ABOVE: Extreme close up of Bleeding Heart by Lynn Smythe

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Craft Diva