Fun with Fusing

[Tela]

I got it down so well now, that I have begun to play with other things.

Here is a wigjig project. I love the jig but I don't like it when there are two loops at the top of a piece, so I fused them.

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[Tela]

Here's another- This was Renate's idea. Champagne and glass earrings Too bad they weren't done for New Years.

I'm probably going to use some beads on these, too.

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[livewire]

I rarely use my wigjig anymore, but your piece with the beads inspires me to start experimenting with it again.

I really need to learn to fuse. I have books and a beaducation class on fine silver fusing, but I still haven't done it.

Joyce

[livewire]

I love, love the champagne and wine glass earrings!!! So clever!

Joyce

[Kate]

Tela, you make me want to learn to fuse! My mind has been spinning lately. So much to do, so much to learn! This process of opening a shop is taking so long. I have things to do, things to learn, tutorials waiting for me. All kidding aside, I'm looking forward to you new tutorial.

[Tela]

Thanks ladies. I had a visit from my mother in law yesterday, but as soon as she left, I got the torch out. I think I'm addicted! LOL! I made some bails. This is the first one I fused, I'm a little better now. The rest are in the tumbler.

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[Tela]

Here's the whole piece. The challenge was to get them smaller and to harden them after torching.

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[wickwire]

You've gotten to be a master at this. I find fusing to be harder than using solder because I have about a 25% meltdown rate.

[Tela]

Wow! Thanks, Nancy! I haven't used solder, yet. I will, but I haven't. I wanted to do this because I have no solder or third hands, etc. Plus, I'm accustomed to working with fire and find this way very liberating. I guess, I missed working with a torch. It quite fast and fun. I don't find I waste much, at all, now. At first, I burned through a lot, but I don't now.

Saw your blog this morning and still looking forward to using bronze.

[sarahsequins]

Tela, I continue to be impressed by your work with the torch. I love the fused pendant bail! And, well, everything else you've made.

Now I'm seriously missing my torch. I'll have to find an alternative to my garage so I can do some winter torching -- great way to stay warm, huh?

[glenda]

Love what you are doing Tela!!

Im knee deep in kiln and now you have made me want to work with my torch!! ;D

[christine]

Tela, You have inspired me to get my torch back out. There are so many possibilites you have opened me up to. Now to conquer the fear of flame and create! Thank you.

[Tela]

Hi Glenda!! I missed you and you, too, Christine- it's been quiet here.

Here's my update:

Borrowed my granddaughter's new camera, a Bloggie and had my son do the filming. I can get a heart fused in 3 places in about a minute. It goes real quick when you do it right. I took lots of video from 2 directions. They aren't the BEST quality, but I think they are ok. I used my glass blowing lens and taped it over the camera so the flare is minimized. It gets a little in and out of focus, but for a vid of torching, it isn't bad. Add an expensive video camera to my wish list!! LOL! I got the first part of the tute written and now I am working on the fusing. The video editing is going to be a slow pain. But, I should be done in about a week.

[wildivy]

Tela,
You seemed to have solved the camera problem. I was going to suggest trying a smart phone if you know someone that has one. Mine is a Droid 3 and has an HD video camera that will zoom in and out and can focus very close. Note: it really needs to be in some sort of holder to minimize camera shake and movement which is a problem since phones don't have tripod screws, but It might work for someone in a pinch.

Kathy