Category: Bottle Glass

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Q & A, August 21st edition

Today I’m answering reader questions about diamond drill bits, hole saws, melting glass insulators and custom molds.  If you have a great glass question, send it over to us through the About/Contact page.  All personal details have been removed for privacy.

Q:  Help! I’ve been buying hollow core drill bits from various places used for drilling holes in recycled bottles. I use water an have used both a drill press and hand held dremmel. I also drill in pulses to allow water to cool the bit. Some have worked well and some wear out immediately. Can you recommend a brand of bit that is reliable? I don’t mind spending a little more. I want quality at a reasonable price. I appreciate the help. I haven’t seen any advice on glass forums on this topic. Thanks.

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Q & A Monday, August 7 Edition

Today I’m answering reader questions that came in via email.  All personal details have been removed for privacy reasons.  If you have a glass question that simply must be answered, give me a shout through the About/Contact page.

Q:  Hi there,

I am getting ready to fire my first Bombay Sapphire bottle and I wondered what you do with the writing/ink on the sides of the bottle. I was looking at the pictures in the Tips for Removing Labels and I couldn’t see anything specifically about it, and it looks like the print is still on the bottles in the picture.

A:  The lettering is an enamel, so it does often stay on. I’m not sure if etching cream will take it off or not, I usually just roll with it. If you really, really don’t want it, you could grind it off with a dremel and diamond bit before you fire.  Oh, I should have mentioned, if you are selling your work, people LOVE the little enamel letters that stay on. Odd, but there you go! Continue reading Q & A Monday, August 7 Edition

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Q & A Monday, December 5 Edition

Bottles for fusing

Today I’m answering reader email questions.  The personal details have been removed for privacy.  If you have a burning (ha!) glass question, please send it on over using the contact form.  Please be patient, I receive hundreds of emails a day, sometimes I get a little behind schedule.

 

First, a huge Thank You to everyone who sent Thanksgiving messages, it was inspiring to hear from so many people from so many places, I love the glass community!  Now, I have a fresh cup of coffee, so here we go!

Q:  can stoneware milds be used for glass casting? There are some cute Brown Bag cookie molds that I think would make sweet ornaments and suncatchers.  There are stoneware.  can they be used for glass casting?  Stoneware means they have been fired at a higher temperature than bisque (used to do pottery…still want to). Continue reading Q & A Monday, December 5 Edition

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10 Bottle Fusing Projects for Holiday Shows

Are you participating in holiday shows and boutiques this year?  Have you made enough art?  Getting stressed out?  Here are some ideas to get your inventory beefed up and ready to go!  (Click the title to go to the tutorial.)

1. Bottle Trinket Boxes

Bottle Glass Trinket Boxes
Bottle Glass Trinket Boxes

Made with cut bottles and fused lids.  With a little care you can create an amazingly wide variety of boxes and lids.  Cut some of the bottles taller to create bathroom storage containers.  Try displaying one with cotton balls or swabs so people get the idea.

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April 2015 Free Kiln Carving Pattern

fused bottle glass starfish

Like most people who live in snowy climates, spring always makes me think of the beach with longing.  Since I actually live in a landlocked state, it’s not like I can just run down to the beach for the afternoon.  I can, however, make a fancy starfish dish with a nifty free kiln carving pattern.

Step 1.

Download the pattern from the online store.  No credit card is necessary, simply add to cart, proceed to checkout and you’ll get a download link after check out.  There are a few other free patterns there that you may want to check out if you haven’t already. Continue reading April 2015 Free Kiln Carving Pattern

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March Kiln Carving Pattern

kiln carving with bottles

Well, we’ve been doing kiln carving patterns together for a long time now, I thought it might be fun to switch it up and make a pattern that is a slightly different shape and can be used in many different ways.

Step 1 – Download the pattern

Download the pattern from the online store. No credit card is required, simply enter your information, proceed to checkout and you’ll get a link for a downloadable file.
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