Collection: Sun Catchers

Suncatchers 

The Process: Each one of these darling vignettes starts with a sheet of clear glass, cut to approximately 2” x 3” blanks with a corresponding 1/2” x 2” topper (the size sometimes varies slightly to within 1/4”). Next, a trip to the kiln to fire the blank, a hook, and a smaller blank topper to enclosed the hook, or to “fuse” the hook into the glass. This firing reaches 1430-1440 degrees and takes around 15-18 hours. After that firing is completed, any necessary ‘cold work’ takes place - this is often required to smooth any rough or sharp edges. To accomplish this, a 400 grit diamond sponge is used with water. Those little diamond grits must be used wet to extend the life of the specialized and expensive sponge.

Then the designing happens!

Each designed piece is typically created in 2-3 hours depending on the components of each piece. Components can include torch worked petals, stems or leaves, small Vitrigraph bits, Murrine cane is chopped, stringers are sized and trimmed, Frits are gathered and placed as strategically as possible, the larger components are glued to hold in place, and THEN each piece is ready to be fired in the kiln a second time. The second firing generally reaches 1375-1385 degrees and takes another 15-18 hours. After the second firing, any further cold work is completed and each piece is cleaned and dressed with a satin ribbon of a corresponding color.

The best thing about my pieces, ALL of them, is that each one is made individually through my vision and by my hand. My torch work is accomplished offsite, in space rented from Bullseye Glass’s Resource Center.