A Celtic Sunset

[Kev]

Thanks LA. I love the translucency of it. I only did a very light frosting on the back so the paint would have something to grab onto.

[Judy K]

Wow! aren't you the tricky one! That is a very interesting idea! Good job

[Kev]

Thanks Judy!

[Anne]

I thought it was irrid when I first looked at it!  Interesting idea Kev, what are you planning to do with it?

[Rebecca]

Have you tried sandblasting irridized glass, Kev?  I have never tried it, but someone said that sandblasting the irridized coating off of black glass was an interesting effect.  I wonder if you could sand blast it and then heat just enough to get the shiny back, but not enough to make the irridized coating that was left wrinkle?  Just rambling...

Rebecca

[Kev]

Thanks Anne. Currently I have it sitting on my dining room table. Where it will go from there is anyone's guess...LOL

Hmmm.....Very interesting thoughts there Rebecca. You know me...love to experiment. I'll have to give that a go when I get some black iridized glass. Frosting opal glass leaves it kind of smoky looking and would look better fire polished to return the gloss in this case against the iridized colors.

This is my experiment for today.

I took 2 more pieces of float glass 6x15" and painted them with multiple shades of enamels for firing. Since they mature at 1050 - 1175, and my float slumps at 1130, I thought...hmmm...I could enamel and slump at the same time...we will see...LOL  

I did check to see which side the tin side was on, and enameled on the opposite side...facing up in the kiln. Once slumped, these 2 panels (depending on the results) will be etched with aquatic themed items...at least that is my thought at this time. I guess it will depend on the final coloring once fired. My next experiment will be using traditional stainers, painting the whole surface then etching off where the design will be. That will have to wait till my next set of days off.

It sure is fun playing with this stuff and learning what will and will not work, and different ways of going about things to get the results you want. Sometimes even the mistakes can turn into something really cool. God knows I have many of those moments...lol

[Rebecca]

I agree, Kev.  There are no mistakes, just learning opportunities.  The contrast of the cloudy, sandblasted surface and the irridized could look cool.  And if the temps can be worked out just right, that could look cool, too.  I think the black irridized and the sandblasted surface could be spectacular with the right pattern.  Sandblaster is on my wish list, but it's a LONG list!

Rebecca

[Kev]

Another possibility to work with Rebecca.

Here are 2 pics of the painted panel..it just glows in the sunlight! I love it!

[Rebecca]

It really is beautiful, Kev!

Rebecca

[Kev]

Thanks Rebecca.

[ct4mom]

It sure is pretty with the light shining through!!

[Kev]

Thanks Di.  I'm hoping once the paint is fully cured that it will be an option for actually doing pieces like this for sale.

[Glassic]

I'd buy one if I had somewhere in mind to put it, maybe a bathroom window or somewhere with a privacy issue.

[Kev]

Thanks Y!

[Barbara]

That really is gorgeous Kev, I love it.

[Kev]

Thanks Barb.

[PiscesGlass]

Kev,

Thanks for explaining your process, wow, those pics of it in the sun are fabulous!  Now how on earth did you come up with this idea?  I have got to hand it to you as far as being creative and trying new and different things, you are the tops!!

I really like this piece, just beautiful!  De

[Audrey]

What wonderful coloring. Another success for you.

[Kev]

Thanks guys...I love this piece as well.

[Judy K]

I am loving this line of thought!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!