October 2019 Update
 Multi colored vase available here Back to School... The past couple months have continued to be a challenge as my primary work hats have needed to take priority. That, plus still missing some pieces of equipment (like an actual door for the glory hole rather than a flopping piece of fabric and a yoke stand to hold the rod rather than the crook of my arm) was a challenge to my learning! Fortunately, was able to meet up with the fellow who originally built my glory hole piece and he made me a door and a yoke, saving me hundreds of dollars in the process.  Floppy door transition o more of a standard door design plus yoke - these two changes alone made a world of difference Additionally, was finally able to start getting back into the garage over the last week or so as I'm trying to get my stock of blown glass pieces back up above a one handed finger count. Definitely a good learning experience as I repeated some of my old mistakes and managed to find some new ones... still, was able to come away with a few beauties which I'm happy to share with you (the top vase being my favorite!) The Joys of Collaboration In addition to my finished pieces, I've also been making smaller rondels of spun glass, typically in the 1-3" diameter range. By themselves, they can be a beautiful piece to just hang in a window sill. However, when incorporated by a stained glass artist, it makes it a part of something truly special. Many thanks to one of my patrons who bought one of my sun themed orange rondels and crafted an incredibly beautiful piece of art with it.  Winter is Coming..... While the glow and fall seasons are quickly passing us by (links to my collections are on the left), I've been very much looking forward to finally being able to making my own Christmas ornament balls rather than having to rely on kits and a blow torch. Still a bit tricky as I work the kinks out (lost count of how many pieces I've cracked), but the colors and designs that can be produced when everything comes together and its not lying in a thousand pieces on the floor are just amazingly beautiful.  Large glass ornament balls available here These balls, which are suitable for larger Christmas trees, are about 5 oz or so and typically 2.5" to 3.5" wide. More coming soon! Also happy to take custom orders on these - let me know if interested. I still have a mix of the smaller ones available which are suitable for smaller trees (weighing just grams and usually about an inch in width or less) on my site. You can check out the full winter collection, including snowmen, stars, and other fun items here. Makin Progress... I've actually been focusing alot of my efforts on trying to complete a retirement gift for a colleague. With part of the barrier (the right tools) almost resolved, the last piece is the skill in carrying the piece out - a larger plate design in multiple colors. The plates are especially tricky as once the piece comes off center (by even a little bit) it no longer spins out in a circle but rather turns into a wobbly piece of malformed art that only an artist can love...In preparation, I've been working more on the bowl shapes (a precursur to the plate in terms of stages) and, as of yesterday, was able to pull off my first larger piece in the workshop. Presenting here a larger free form bowl in cobalt blue, measuring about 8" on the long side and 3" to the lip. Available here  Artist's Note... |
- Peter Antal
Comments 0