Send in the ashes of your loved one, and they will be added into the glass for a lasting memento.
To purchase yours, please visit my Etsy shop.
Hello, My name is Christina Nixon Cole, and I torch my art.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
MemoryPearl Cages for Cremains Beads
Send in the ashes of your loved one, and they will be added into the glass for a lasting memento.
To purchase yours, please visit my Etsy shop.
New Gift Boxes
As I expand my glass business into the Cremains Memorial Beads, I am searching for delightful little gift boxes. I found a fantastic American box company, Bayley's Boxes.I went ahead and ordered a variety of boxes so I could see how they assemble and to see if the size would work. I'm glad I did this because some were quite time consuming and difficult to construct. Although they are adorable. Another thing I needed is for them to fit in the flat rate shipping VCR box. This ruled out a few as well.
They come with nice instructions for each box. They also come in many colors, prints, plastics, etc. The plain white you can even decorate, paint, stamp, rivet, glue, yourself. I am simply leaving mine white.
If you would like to see more photos of the boxes, I have an album in my facebook profile. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Torched-Art/251285824323
Here are the survivors. They are fairly easy to assemble, they fit in the USPS Flatrate VCR box.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Meetup: Jan. 21, 2012 at 1:00PM
Come join the fun at our next meetup gathering.
We are debuting the newly remodeled studio. Snacks and drinks will be served, glass will be melting, and friends will be made.
Please bring your jewelry, glass, or art for show and tell (or sell).
If you want to try your hand at the glass, this will be a great opportunity. A brief review of safety, and sign a waiver and you can make a bead or two.
You are welcome to bring something to contribute to the food table. Healthy is preferable.
PLEASE NO NOT WEAR PERFUME OR SCENTED PRODUCTS!!!!! Or I will hose you down and dress you in my bath robe. Ok, not really, but I will give you a washcloth and soap to go wash it off. Seriously, I ask because I am quite allergic to chemicals and perfumes.
Sign up and rsvp at Meetup. $5 at the door.
New Studio
After functioning for several years in a hodge-podge of shelves, equipment and chaos, I have finally made a much needed upgrade. I want to thank everyone who has spent their time and efforts to make this possible. (Dave, Mici, Richard, Ralph, and Charlie)
First off, let's just show you what the studio looked like this...
Seriously, I had a picnic bench and the steat for a shelf. Not really pretty, but at least it has been functional.
But now, I have beautiful white shelves, cupboards, countertops. I have so much storage, and drawers! But we had to put in our share of elbow grease to clean up these upcycled kitchen cabinets.....
You can see more photos and read more about the process on my facebook page.
First off, let's just show you what the studio looked like this...
Seriously, I had a picnic bench and the steat for a shelf. Not really pretty, but at least it has been functional.
But now, I have beautiful white shelves, cupboards, countertops. I have so much storage, and drawers! But we had to put in our share of elbow grease to clean up these upcycled kitchen cabinets.....
You can see more photos and read more about the process on my facebook page.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Cremains Bead for Kathy
Kathy has been the proud mama of a sweet rescue dog named Max.
She shares with me, "A bit about Max. I got him when he was 5 from a Bichon rescue. He had been a back yard breeder. Max was an old soul. He had big brown eyes and when you looked into them, you could see both the past and the future. He carried a "lovie" with him, a soft dog toy which had been de-stuffed. he was fun loving, but serious- not a lightweight. I will miss him every day for the rest of my life".
After some communication on what she would like regarding shape, size, colors, etc., she decided and sent the cremains to me. While in my possession, I keep the cremains safe. I offer to take care of opening the box and taking a small sample for the beads. Some people would rather not see this part.
Here is the process of making a cremains bead:
The core of the bead is made with ivory, silver, and transparent blue and green glass.
Then a thin layer of transparent is added so when I add the cremains, they "float" in the bead.
The thick layer of transparent glass is added. When it is thick, it creates a nice optic effect.
I use many tools to make the nice shapes of beads. This is an Osibin former.
Throughout the process of making the bead I have to heat it up. This is a great image. Can you see the heat going into the glass?
Here is the bead while it is still hot. It's ready to go into the kiln.
The bead has been taken off the mandrel, cleaned, and a wire bail added. It is on a crystal green necklace. Can you see the ashes? Here it looks like sand or salt and pepper. Sometimes the ashes can look like the milky way, or very bubbly. It all depends on the composition of the individual. But, they are always unique, and a pleasure to work with. I am happy I can offer such a personal and sentimental gift.
Max, you will always be loved and cherished.
If you would you like your own memorial bead, you can order yours through my etsy shop.
She shares with me, "A bit about Max. I got him when he was 5 from a Bichon rescue. He had been a back yard breeder. Max was an old soul. He had big brown eyes and when you looked into them, you could see both the past and the future. He carried a "lovie" with him, a soft dog toy which had been de-stuffed. he was fun loving, but serious- not a lightweight. I will miss him every day for the rest of my life".
After some communication on what she would like regarding shape, size, colors, etc., she decided and sent the cremains to me. While in my possession, I keep the cremains safe. I offer to take care of opening the box and taking a small sample for the beads. Some people would rather not see this part.
Here is the process of making a cremains bead:
The core of the bead is made with ivory, silver, and transparent blue and green glass.
Then a thin layer of transparent is added so when I add the cremains, they "float" in the bead.
The thick layer of transparent glass is added. When it is thick, it creates a nice optic effect.
I use many tools to make the nice shapes of beads. This is an Osibin former.
Throughout the process of making the bead I have to heat it up. This is a great image. Can you see the heat going into the glass?
Here is the bead while it is still hot. It's ready to go into the kiln.
The bead has been taken off the mandrel, cleaned, and a wire bail added. It is on a crystal green necklace. Can you see the ashes? Here it looks like sand or salt and pepper. Sometimes the ashes can look like the milky way, or very bubbly. It all depends on the composition of the individual. But, they are always unique, and a pleasure to work with. I am happy I can offer such a personal and sentimental gift.
Max, you will always be loved and cherished.
If you would you like your own memorial bead, you can order yours through my etsy shop.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Wine, Beer, and Cheese set.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Halloween Class
Halloween Workshop: Do you have any cool beads to wear to your favorite festivities? Let's get together. Our next class we are structuring around Halloween. Let's make googly eyes, bloody fingers, goulish ghosts, ugly green witches, jock-o-lanterns, and candy corn.
When: October, Saturday the 15th 10 AM -4 PM (6 hours)
Where: Christina's home studio
How much: $150
Available spots: only 3
When: October, Saturday the 15th 10 AM -4 PM (6 hours)
Where: Christina's home studio
How much: $150
Available spots: only 3
Friday, June 10, 2011
New mini classes
Mini Classes
I am offering small classes to add to your glass beadmaking experience. More details will be listed soon.
Pixie Dust, Enamels, frit.
Learn how to apply the different glass decorations and the tricks to make it work. Learn how to mix, encase, or use as surface decorations.
The joy in Stringer and twisties.
Master your control over stringers and make beautiful twisties. Apply them to make beautiful designs in your beads.
Making and using "branding" rods.
Learn how to bend your own designs into your own "branding" rod then use them to make your mark on your beads,
Dots Workshop.
Raised, encased, multicolored, square, or turn them into flowers. There are endless possibilities with dots. Learn how to apply them with control.
Reactive glass, and the chemistry.
There is all sorts of glass these days, silvered glass, reduction, oxidizing, striking, oh my! Let's discover the fun in this luscious glass.
Wine Stopper class
Design your own wine stopper. Makes a great gift, or conversation piece.
Blowing Shards and applying them.
Blow colorful glass balls and smash them! Why would you want to do that? You'll learn what glass to use so it saves money on pricey colors, and how cool the technique is when applied to your glass beads. Besides, it's fun!!!
A Thousand Flowers; Millefiore class.
Learn the secrets of how the Venetians make their classic millefiores. We will be applying them to glass beads as well as making our own in this colorful workshop.
Pyrophobic?
Forget your fear of the fire with special instruction to the sensitive of fire. Use techniques to safely learn how to play with the flame and relieve your fear of fire. Tap your way out of fear with EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) NLP, and hypnosis activities. By the end, watch how your fear has desolved away.
I am offering small classes to add to your glass beadmaking experience. More details will be listed soon.
Pixie Dust, Enamels, frit.
Learn how to apply the different glass decorations and the tricks to make it work. Learn how to mix, encase, or use as surface decorations.
The joy in Stringer and twisties.
Master your control over stringers and make beautiful twisties. Apply them to make beautiful designs in your beads.
Making and using "branding" rods.
Learn how to bend your own designs into your own "branding" rod then use them to make your mark on your beads,
Dots Workshop.
Raised, encased, multicolored, square, or turn them into flowers. There are endless possibilities with dots. Learn how to apply them with control.
Reactive glass, and the chemistry.
There is all sorts of glass these days, silvered glass, reduction, oxidizing, striking, oh my! Let's discover the fun in this luscious glass.
Wine Stopper class
Design your own wine stopper. Makes a great gift, or conversation piece.
Blowing Shards and applying them.
Blow colorful glass balls and smash them! Why would you want to do that? You'll learn what glass to use so it saves money on pricey colors, and how cool the technique is when applied to your glass beads. Besides, it's fun!!!
A Thousand Flowers; Millefiore class.
Learn the secrets of how the Venetians make their classic millefiores. We will be applying them to glass beads as well as making our own in this colorful workshop.
Pyrophobic?
Forget your fear of the fire with special instruction to the sensitive of fire. Use techniques to safely learn how to play with the flame and relieve your fear of fire. Tap your way out of fear with EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) NLP, and hypnosis activities. By the end, watch how your fear has desolved away.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Meet my torches
At the moment I have 6 different lampworking torches. I would like to share them with you.... and a few more things regarding torches.
Carlisle Wildcat $420
The 19 fuel port WildCat is the next step up from the Mini CC.
Minor Burner from Nortel $188
The 7 fuel port Minor Burner has long been the most popular surface mix torch because of its size for making beads, marbles and small sculptural work as well as its economic price.
Lynx by GTT $435
Surface mix. 7 fuel port triple mix. Uses ¼" BC Hose Set. Can use it with boro and get a hotter flame with the third oxy knob.
Hot Head $40
Uses disposable MAPP or propane gas bottles. Doesn't require oxygen (and is therefore not as hot as oxygen mix torches). Good beginning torch. See the Hot Head Holder and Work Surface accessory. You can get the hose listed below to hook up to a propane tank outside.
Italian Torch... well, I am still working on this one. I don't know what to call it. My Friend Kim gave it to me. The cool thing about Italian torches is the radiant heat. It's close to working in a furnace, so sculptural work is a bit easier to do.
Looking beyond the torch...
Torch Mounted Graphite Pad can be useful if you like to shape or marver your glass with the use of two hands on the mandrel. It can also be used to hold inclusions like metal leaf, or millefiores. Prices range from$25 to $78 depending on what torch you are using.
Hoses can be purchases in many lengths and sizes starting at roughly $33. The hot head hose starts at $29.95.
Flashback Arrestors are another suggestion. "Helps prevent reverse gas flow and flashback (flame burning back through the torch, hose, regulator and tank)."
Regulators are needed to regulate the flow of oxygen or gas. They are set specifically for how many torches are being used and what kind of torch. If you are using natural gas, a regulator is not needed. Hotheads don't need an oxygen regulator. Notice the chain holding the tank - very important.
Oxygen is used to make your flame hotter and burn cleaner. You can get various sizes of tanked oxygen. The larger the tank the better bang for your buck, however they cost a pretty penny.
You can also get liquid oxygen if you are in a retail or business location. They will not deliver to residential.
I suggest getting an oxygen generator. It needs a power source, and can be a bit noisy, but it will deliver unlimited oxygen, you won't break your back by lugging the tanks around. Just be sure to get the best size for your torch. I tend to work hot, and need lots of oxygen. Be sure to shop around as many glass suppliers offer sales. Generators come in 5, 10, or 15 lpm. Do your research on what generator is used for what torch.
Propane vs Natural Gas
Propane comes in a tank that you have to refill. It lasts quite a while if you are on a smaller torch working with soft glass. A 5 gallon tank lasts me a long time even when I teach. When traveling be sure not to let it tip over as it will leak. Propane is roughly $3-4 per gallon in 2011. It burns a little dirty compared to natural gas. And it it heavier and cause more of a carbon monoxide hazard. Another good thing is that it is portable, useful for demonstrating and teaching. Must be stored outside. Get a long enough hose.
Natural Gas is usually piped in to homes and businesses. It costs around $1.78 per gallon. It burns cleaner, and dcipates better than the heavy propane. It is pumped in at 3 psi, so no need for a regulator. For more information visit http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/transportation/afvs/cng.html
Carlisle Mini CC $229
The 7 fuel port Mini CC is popular for its size and economic price. Excellent for making beads, marbles and small sculptural work.
The 7 fuel port Mini CC is popular for its size and economic price. Excellent for making beads, marbles and small sculptural work.
Carlisle Wildcat $420
The 19 fuel port WildCat is the next step up from the Mini CC.
Minor Burner from Nortel $188
The 7 fuel port Minor Burner has long been the most popular surface mix torch because of its size for making beads, marbles and small sculptural work as well as its economic price.
Lynx by GTT $435
Surface mix. 7 fuel port triple mix. Uses ¼" BC Hose Set. Can use it with boro and get a hotter flame with the third oxy knob.
Hot Head $40
Uses disposable MAPP or propane gas bottles. Doesn't require oxygen (and is therefore not as hot as oxygen mix torches). Good beginning torch. See the Hot Head Holder and Work Surface accessory. You can get the hose listed below to hook up to a propane tank outside.
Italian Torch... well, I am still working on this one. I don't know what to call it. My Friend Kim gave it to me. The cool thing about Italian torches is the radiant heat. It's close to working in a furnace, so sculptural work is a bit easier to do.
Looking beyond the torch...
Torch Mounted Graphite Pad can be useful if you like to shape or marver your glass with the use of two hands on the mandrel. It can also be used to hold inclusions like metal leaf, or millefiores. Prices range from$25 to $78 depending on what torch you are using.
Hoses can be purchases in many lengths and sizes starting at roughly $33. The hot head hose starts at $29.95.
Flashback Arrestors are another suggestion. "Helps prevent reverse gas flow and flashback (flame burning back through the torch, hose, regulator and tank)."
Regulators are needed to regulate the flow of oxygen or gas. They are set specifically for how many torches are being used and what kind of torch. If you are using natural gas, a regulator is not needed. Hotheads don't need an oxygen regulator. Notice the chain holding the tank - very important.
Oxygen is used to make your flame hotter and burn cleaner. You can get various sizes of tanked oxygen. The larger the tank the better bang for your buck, however they cost a pretty penny.
You can also get liquid oxygen if you are in a retail or business location. They will not deliver to residential.
I suggest getting an oxygen generator. It needs a power source, and can be a bit noisy, but it will deliver unlimited oxygen, you won't break your back by lugging the tanks around. Just be sure to get the best size for your torch. I tend to work hot, and need lots of oxygen. Be sure to shop around as many glass suppliers offer sales. Generators come in 5, 10, or 15 lpm. Do your research on what generator is used for what torch.
Propane vs Natural Gas
Propane comes in a tank that you have to refill. It lasts quite a while if you are on a smaller torch working with soft glass. A 5 gallon tank lasts me a long time even when I teach. When traveling be sure not to let it tip over as it will leak. Propane is roughly $3-4 per gallon in 2011. It burns a little dirty compared to natural gas. And it it heavier and cause more of a carbon monoxide hazard. Another good thing is that it is portable, useful for demonstrating and teaching. Must be stored outside. Get a long enough hose.
Natural Gas is usually piped in to homes and businesses. It costs around $1.78 per gallon. It burns cleaner, and dcipates better than the heavy propane. It is pumped in at 3 psi, so no need for a regulator. For more information visit http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/transportation/afvs/cng.html
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