Chessmen!

I've officially begun my chess set mission! This will be an ongoing project in the coming months, and I imagine I'll be over the moon when I have finally managed to create an entire useable set.

 

The knight was the piece that was intimidating me the most construction-wise, so that's the piece I started out making. That ended up being a very good call, because I discovered that it really wasn't as difficult as I'd anticipated, it just took some time and patience. As it turns out, I think I might have a harder time with pieces that are more geometric, like rooks. Horses are organic and fairly forgiving compared to the hard lines of castles and architectural forms. Hot glass never ever wants to make sharp angles and edges.

So this is version 1.0. Prototype A. Not as clean as I'd like. Lots of room for improvement. The base should be less awkward, and I have to get my symmetry down better, not to mention the large amount of room left for more intricate detail (though I kind of like the smooth, simple look - if I really clean up my proportions and symmetrical accuracy, I think I could make some very cool minimalist chess pieces). Next up, The Queen!

Keep 'Em Coming

This week I am working on regularity in my studio schedule. No matter what I make, I need to be making on a regular basis if I want to expand my knowledge and experience, not to mention make a buck. Not all of my creations turn out awesome, but then again there will always be room for improvement, even when I get good.

So pendants are nothing out of the ordinary, but I did whip up some swizzle sticks at someone's suggestion, which look very stylish in drinks! They are the perfect size for tumblers.

Also in the works... CHESS SETS! I am very excited at the prospect, and at the same time intimidated at the sheer number of hours each set will take to produce. At least 32 hours per set, I'm estimating. I've dabbled a bit and made a few test pawns so far, but I have yet to really get going on it. It will certainly be a long-term project, and of course, photos will happen when I get there.

The 2012 Etsy Crusade

The day has come - I am setting out into the world of Etsy.

I have finally decided to take this whole "selling my wares" thing somewhat seriously, because I think it could become not only a stream of income (if only enough to feed back into the process and be self-supporting), but also satisfying. If anyone has any tips or important things to note, I would love to hear them. I expect as I go along I will be constantly learning and improving.

So! Please check out my shop and tell me what you think: Fine Specimen on Etsy

I think it certainly in still in the process of becoming cohesive, but you gotta start somewhere.

I Mustache You For A Drink...

 

Here is some mustachioed glassware! I need to work on making my 'staches a bit more clean and distinct, but other than that I am quite pleased with how these turned out. A little bit of sharpie goes a long way (*ahem* Carolyn K, that one's right up your alley!).

 

I'm happy with the size and straightness of this mustache glass, but for some reason my bottoms are never flat enough for my satisfaction. Ah well, just another thing to keep working on.

 

Holiday Season

Merry Christmas!

 Christmas ornaments! Products of the first trip down to Corning. This was my first time making ornaments. Most of them turned out pretty alright.

 Aaand - terrariums! From our second visit to Corning. This one has three little blown out feet that have been filled with pebble substrate, and is now a tiny terrarium that can either sit on a surface or be hung. I was only able to complete five terrariums, some of which are only for hanging. Here they are all together.

 

Photos from the third trip to Corning will be posted after Christmas. ;)