Vibrant Glass Art

2012-01-19T09:13:00.000Z

Come and join me.

Introducing the Protector.

2011-09-12T11:09:00.003+01:00

Here it is... Finished... Completed

The Angel Festival has started and will finish on the 25th Sept 2011.
Protector stands about 6ft high and the width is just under 6ft. In other words the gazebo is 2.5meters square and it fills the space.

Protector is for sale please contact me via email ann@vibrantglassart.com if your interested.

It's coming together!!

2011-09-12T11:03:00.002+01:00

Nearly done!

It's very messy work!!

Angel Project continued...

2011-09-12T10:55:00.002+01:00

Update of how I have made this epic sculpture.

Frame of wings and then wings filled with expandable foam ready to be carved into shape.

New Project Life Size Angel

2011-08-01T12:20:00.000+01:00

Okay I have been inspired, my village is holding an angel festival in September and once I found out about this an image popped in to my head.

So I am making a life size Angel.
I have used cardboard, newspaper, old magazines, fabric and a new found love MODROC.
Amazing material and so fun to work with.

Here is some photos showing development up to today.

Kids Art Half Term Activities

2011-05-12T19:40:00.000+01:00

Hi All, I am going to be running some half term activities for children at the end of May.
Here are the details.

Kids Art

Tuesday: Paper Jewellery £5 pp
Make your own paper beads and turn them into your very own necklace. Suitable for 7yr upwards

Wednesday: Glass Suncatcher £11.99 pp
Using pre cut glass make your own fused glass suncatcher. Suitable for 7yr upwards

Thursday: Transparent Art £5pp
Make art to hang in your window. Suitable for 7yr upwards

Friday: Glass Coaster £11.99pp
Make your own fused glass coaster with pre cut glass. Suitable for 7yr upwards.

Each event is held at the Epworth Hall, Kings Somborne.
Time: 2pm to 3pm
Free Tea & Coffee, Squash for the children and biscuits

Booking available via paypal online at
www.vibrantglassart.com or call Ann 01794 388078

For examples of work achieved by other children
please take a look at the website.

Inspiration Friday

2011-04-22T10:30:00.000+01:00

Something for all the Mum's in the world.
I love this.

Glass Coaster Holiday Activity

2011-04-16T20:10:00.003+01:00

Hi Are you looking for something to do during the Easter holidays?
Come along and have ago at making your own glass coaster with me.

Wednesday 20th April 10am at Cherished China in Andover SP10 1QL.
Suitable for 7yr upwards Cost £14.50 per person.
Book with Mandy on 01264 336776 Booking is essential.

Here are some examples of some tiles from previous classes.

Inspiration Friday

2010-12-31T10:00:00.000Z

I love fireworks, have a look at these.

The colours and energy are amazing.

Happy New Year!

2010-12-30T10:35:00.003Z

Wow, 2011 is just around the corner!
It has arrived so quickly. I hope you all have had a great time over the festive session.
Looking forward to next year I am hopping to do more courses and I am looking in to doing some different types of events.
You will also see an updated website soon with some new jewellery collections, including Funky Fusion Hearts.

Inspiration Friday

2010-12-17T10:27:00.000Z

This inspiration Friday I am going to dedicate it to a wonderful crafter who always brightens a craft event for me.
She is happy, cheerful and very talented.
Krysia you are inspiring.

Here are a few of her stunning products. Click on the pictures to go to Krysha's Shop.

Pretty Snow Pictures

2010-12-15T10:18:00.000Z

I love snow, now I know alot of you still have snow and are fed up with it but I think it can be soo pretty.
Here are a few pretty snow pics.

Look What I Made!!!

2010-12-14T09:59:00.002Z

Last Saturday I attended a craft fair in Romsey, it wasn't very good but I was so inspired by Krysia of Kryshees. Visit her website HERE
During the day she made a crochet hat, it inspired me so much I picked up my own crochet hook when I got home and made this for my daughter.

Yes it was meant to be a scarf but it was too short so I sewed the ends together to make a tube scarf.
In the morning it was greatly received and worn constantly!

How to Cut Glass

2010-12-13T10:13:00.000Z

Well this is my very first attempt at doing a video tutorial!!!

One thing you might notice there is no sound, I will be having another go at some point.
Anyway have a look.

Inspiration Friday

2010-12-10T10:14:00.001Z

I would like to recommend SwirlyArts on Folksy, She make some amazing bits and pieces and I love her Chickens. Here is one particular smart chicken. Click on his name to go to the shop.

Terence Tweed D'Arby cheeky chicken doorstop

I would also like to recommend a brilliant inspirational forum The CraftsForum
Every one is so helpful and friendly. A true place of inspiration.

New Make

2010-12-09T10:10:00.001Z

I have created a new design and I am soo pleased with how it has come out.
I tried it on my mum to make sure it sat well and looked good.
It looked so good I took some pictures.
What do you think?

Mum I think you look amazing!!

What is Dichroic Glass

2010-12-06T09:34:00.001Z

So what is dichroic glass?
Well dichroic means two colours so you get a shifting of colour from this glass. It has a reflection colour (where the light bounces off the surface) and a transition colour (where the light goes through the glass)

Dichroic black backed glass

Dichroic glass is made up of hundreds of layers of quartz crystals and metal oxides, these are sprayed on to a spinning circle of glass in a vacuum chamber. This means you get even coverage on the glass.

Dichroic clear glass

The origin of dichroic glass is as hard to pin down as an urban legend all that is conferable is that it was discovered in California in the 60's. It has many uses for example: lighting, sculpture, film making and it is used by NASA for various things.

Basically for glass artists it means an amazing array of colour to play with.

Week Round Up

2010-12-05T14:24:00.000Z

Wow what a week.

It started with doing a great course with some lovely people at Cherished China in Andover.
I then spent the week with the kiln on firing all the makes from the course. They came out amazing, the added bonus with having the kiln on it has made the room lovely and toasty.

Then on Thursday morning we awoke to a world of white!!!! The children were off school and where out playing in the snow by 8am!!
I have attached the necessary picture's of snow.

These were all taken from my warm lounge.

Friday the children had enough of being cold and had run out of dry cloth's so they put up the christmas tree, it looks lovely but it's the earliest we have ever had the tree up.

Inspiration Friday

2010-12-03T09:14:00.001Z

This Friday a couple of websites which have been long time favourites.
1st www.t2landscapes.co.uk
Amazing Landscape Photographer stunning pictures. One of my favs' is this one.

2nd A wonderful blog full of delicious recipes and stunning cupcake designs.

The Art Of Being Perfect

I found the delicious site through her amazing recipe for rice krispie cakes see below
It's the best recipe for these I found and very tasty.

Marshmallow Rice Krispie Cakes

Ingredients

250g bag of toffee
50g butter
3 tbsp milk
115g marshmallows
175g rice krispies

1. Lightly brush a 20 x 33cm roasting tin with a little oil, (I use my 9inch brownie tin and just pack it all in). Put the toffees, butter and milk in a saucepan & heat, gently stirring until the toffees have melted.
2. Add the marshmallows. (I let them melt in, stirring for a minute before moving on).
3. Add the cereal and stir until the marshmallows have completely melted.
4. Spoon the mixture into the prepared roasting tin, level the surface and leave to set. (At this point you could top with melted chocolate as I have, next time I think I will use a mix of white and milk chocolate and create a marble effect).
5. When cool and hard, cut into squares, remove from the tin and put into paper cases to serve.

Open House

2010-12-01T10:15:00.000Z

At the weekend I did an Open House to show off my products. To say I had low expectations is an understatement, for me it was a way of getting my contact and website details in to local households.
I made up a jpeg image (see below) and then I printed them as photos through an online site, they came out really well and at a good cost. I then handed them out t school and got my husband Peter to go round the village and drop the rest.
We only covered about an 8th of the village homes, so next time I will get more printed!
I had a good response and met some lovely people and sold a good amount of products with a couple of commissions to boot.
Well worth doing and I will do it again at some point but with more marketing before hand.

Glass Compatibility

2010-11-30T10:50:00.000Z

Which glass can you use for fusing glass work?

Well nearly any so long as they are compatible.

Compatible? I thought all glass was the same?

No glass types vary immensely, let me tell you all about it.

When glass is heated and cooled it expands and contracts at different rates depending on the type of glass.
To be able to tell them apart glass is given a COE number. COE stands for Coefficient of Expansion.
Window glass has a COE of 84
Pyrex glass is COE 32
Effetre glass used for lampworking is COE 104
The glass I use is bullseye glass which has a COE of 90. This is the most commonly used glass in the UK I think.
Right... so as long as you use the same type you should be fine. If the glass is not compatible it could cause cracking or even shattering of the piece when it cools.

To demonstrate the stress glass is under when fused with incompatible glass see the pic's below.

This one looks okay and seems to be fused together.

In this pic you can see the stress in the halo of light around the glass the dark gap is the compatible glass.

Inspiration Friday

2010-11-26T10:30:00.000Z

Things that are inspiring me this week include:

I love this song it is uplifting and has a great message, everybody needs to let their colours shine.

This is one of my all time favourite glass works.
"Growth I" by Amanda Simmons

New Products

2010-11-24T17:26:00.002Z

I have just updated my earring page with new products.
Check them out here Earrings

These are a couple of my favourites.

Tools of the trade

2010-11-24T10:00:00.001Z

Okay when working with glass you need three essintal tools.

1st You need an oil filled glass cutter,
these come in various shapes but the
most popular is this one a toyo pencil type
oil filled cutter.
The oil is held in the clear reservoir and it
has a wheel cutter at the end.

2nd You need a tool called breakers.
These look a little bit like pliers but have a
flatter head, the head also has a curve.
Breakers are to help break the glass once
you have cut it.

Lastly the last piece is not essential but very
very useful. This tool is called is called a Grozer.
Its great for tough corners or thicker glass.
The grozers have a serrated jaw which nibbles
at the glass.

New plan!

2010-11-23T17:58:00.002Z

Hi, I have decided to make a plan about blogging to help me keep on track and get in to the habit of blogging.
So I am going to do a few basic tutorials and impart some knowledge, I will also be doing an inspiration day where I will find pic's, music, etc's that inspire me.
So keep your eyes open more posts coming your way.

Wow what an amazing sound!!!

2010-10-29T13:15:00.001+01:00

I came across this choir last night and they are amazing.

New Course's for making fused glass

2010-08-26T15:47:00.004+01:00

Wow, where has the time gone!
Well it has been the school holiday's and I am now looking forward to the start of term.

Introducing brand new taster course's.
These course's will be held at Cherished China in Andover with thanks to the wonderful Mandy for supplying the venue.
I will be doing an adult Jewellery Fused Glass Course, which will consist of learning about how to cut and use glass and you will make two pendants, with the option to make more for a small fee.
This course will last for about two and half hours.
To book please contact Mandy at info@cherishedchina.co.uk

Also I will be doing a Coaster Making Course, this is open to children aged 7yrs upwards and adults.
You will be able to make a glass coaster with small bits of glass, no cutting of glass necessary but will be an option to older participants. The course will last about an hour.
The date for this course will be Wednesday 27th October, right in the middle of half term!
The first session starts at 9.30am.
To book this course please contact Mandy at info@cherishedchina.co.uk

Here are some examples of the coasters you could make.

Surrey and Hampshire Crafters

2010-07-31T12:33:00.002+01:00

I was asked by SHC to tell the world a little bit about me so I thought I would also post it on here too, for you to see.

1. Tell us a bit about you and name of your business

Hi I am Ann a glass artist and my business is Vibrant Glass Art. I am passionate about glass fusing, reading and anything creative. I live in a little village in Hampshire and it has become my inspiration as well as my place to relax.

2. Where did you get the idea for the business

I rediscovered my creative side at the point in my life which (so far) was the most stressful time. After trying my hand at various things I discovered dichroic fused glass. I was and still am fascinated with the depth of colour and vibrancy achieved with this media. I became hooked and my passion for creating the glass naturally turned into a business.

3. What do you love most about your business

The things I love most are the always changing colours and uniqueness of the glass, I love to experiment and see what happens and I love seeing a customer fall in love with a piece i have made.

4. What would you like to change

I would like to change the financial climate and increase the size of my kiln!

5. What is your aim for next year

Oh... to keep playing and experimenting with glass.

To show my glass and to have it available to a wider audience.

6. Where do you ultimately see yourself

Working with glass in my own light bright space.

7. Top 5 tips you could pass on to other crafters

Trust your intuition when you feel like your being pushed the wrong way you probably are.

Learn a little distance from your work to protect yourself, not everyone is going to appreciate it as much as you.

Smile, Smile and Smile some more.

Learn from others.

And lastly trust your heart and follow your instincts with your creativity.

8. How can we buy from you (website etc)

You can buy online at www.vibrantglassart.com and at my future events, which are listed on line.

You can also give me a ring and come and see me and my full range of glass products.

White Teardrop Pendant

2010-07-16T11:38:00.001+01:00

Fresh out the kiln a new experiment.
Made by making my own mould from thick fibre paper and with handmade frit.

Current Read The Magicans Guild

2010-07-15T09:31:00.003+01:00

My current read at the moment is The Magicians Guild by Trudi Canavan.

I am really enjoying discovering this author and this world. It is fast paced and you immediately feel connected to the lead character and drawn to her.

Here's the blurb from amazon:
Each year the magicians of Imardin gather together to purge the city streets of vagrants, urchins and miscreants. Masters of the disciplines of magic, they know that no one can oppose them. But their protective shield is not as impenetrable as they believe. Sonea, angry, frustrated and outraged by the treatment of her family and friends, hurls a stone at the shield, putting all her rage behind it. To the amazement of all who bear witness, the stone passes unhindered through the barrier and renders a magician unconscious. The guild's worst fear has been realised ...There is an untrained magician loose on the streets. She must be found before her uncontrolled powers unleash forces that will destroy both her, and the city that is her home.

Stripy pendants New!!

2010-07-14T18:14:00.002+01:00

Brand New Fresh Out Of The Kiln Stripy Pendants.

I had some leftovers so I thought I would try something different...
What do think?

Just Finished!

2010-07-13T17:26:00.003+01:00

I thought I would share some of my fav reads with you all.

Today I have just finished this book Demon Hunts by C E Murphy. I loved it... I think it only took me two days to read, very involving and funny.

Here is the blurb from the back of the book:
This case is way out of her jurisdiction...
Seattle police detective Joanne Walker started the year mostly dead, and she's ending it trying not to be consumed by evil. Literally.
She's proven she can handle the godsand the walking dead. But a cannibalistic serial killer? That's more than even she bargained for. What's worse, the brutal demon can only be tracked one way. If Joanne is to stop it's campaign of terror, she'll have to hunt it where it lives: the Lower World, a shamanistic plane of magic and spirits.
Trouble is, Joanne's skills are no match for the dangers she's about to face - and her on the job training could prove fatal to the people she's sworn to protect....

11th July 2010 New work

2010-07-11T22:08:00.002+01:00

Fresh from the kiln full fused instead of tack fused Purple Heart.

April Makes

2010-04-21T09:25:00.002+01:00

Wow I can't believe it's been nearly a month since my last entry!
I have been busy making new bit and pieces and love my new fairy with attitude.

We have also got a new addition to our family, a lovely beagle cross spaniel called George! He's lovely and loves to curl up next to me while I'm working.

You can see all my new items at my next event, Saturday 24th April at Winchester Guildhall.

New Project Glass Fairy

2010-03-23T09:43:00.004Z

This week I have been trying new thing's.
Here is my first Glass Fairy.

I found a patten/design and printed it out on to paper.
I then used this a guide to cutting the glass, you can see below how it's coming together.

One tip make sure you look out for the needle sharp shard's of glass.
I didn't and kept leaving my mark on bit's very annoying and painful!!

As before in my commision project I put the glass in the kiln with clear glass covering the joins.

Here is the finished piece.

Hanging in the window.

When in place in the window I think she comes to life.
For my first attempt, I am pleased with the results.

You can Purchase her here http://www.vibrantglassart.com/gifts

Craft Fair at Alton.

2010-03-17T10:12:00.003Z

Here are a few picture of my stand at the recent Craft Fair in Alton Hampshire.

It was the first one of the season for me and I was worried how it would go. Luckily it went really well and to say I was relieved is an understatement!

The Fair is held every second Saturday of the month, and I will be there for every one, so if your in the area next month come and say hi.

Finished Commission!!

2010-03-10T11:57:00.004Z

Here it is the finished item! I am so pleased with how it's turned out

And I couldn't resist taking another photo of mark 1

New Commission

2010-03-09T14:20:00.007Z

I was asked by my local school to make something special to hang in their class room. They had a competition for a design and here are the pictures of the process.

Glass and tool used

I used an oil filled glass cutter and breaker to cut the glass to shape. All the glass used is transparent to let the sun shine through.
In the design all the colours represent meanings so I selected the colours used with great care.

The first attempt ready for firing.

I used black stringers, which is very very thin bits of glass, to cover the seams.

Here is the first attempt ready in the kiln.
You can see the heating element is the lid, this provides an even heat.

Here is the first attempt finished.
I really like it, very organic. Although not what is required, so back to the glass board.

Here is mark two I have used stripes of clear glass over the seams, hopefully this will hold the design together.

Later I will post Mark 2 after firing as it is still in the kiln cooling down.

2010-02-18T20:54:00.003Z

Okay, I know I am meant to be making one a week unfortunately this week the flu decided to hit and hit hard.
So today I am featuring a piece I am very proud of my Waterfall set in soft lilac and pink with soft blue shimmer.
This piece is no longer available a lovely lady fell in love with it.
I am happy to take commissions for a similar piece.

New Make CUPCAKES!!!!!

2010-02-11T21:14:00.004Z

As I have recently been without my laptop,
I have had alot of time on my hands.
So got the glass and had a play, Here is the result!

I am going to mount them on to canvas so they can be hung on the wall.

Hang Your Heart

2010-02-03T10:33:00.001Z

New Hanging Hearts.
First we have a double deep red transparent fused glass hanging heart. Attaching the two was quite difficult but I am very happy how they have turned out.

Next big blue and then small sweet pink and lastly a solid sweet pink which is textured and has small holes making it very organic.

These would make a perfect gift for the one you love, hang your heart in their window.

Hearts Hearts Hearts for Valentines

2010-01-27T13:44:00.008Z

Heart made from fused seed beads make these fun and funky glass hearts, clear, deep purple, blue mix, and orange.

Will be on sale at www.vibrantglassart.com

Valentines After Pictures

2010-01-27T13:26:00.005Z

Here they are hot from the kiln.
I love them and are very pleased how they have come out.
I also like the holes in the red one I feel it gives an organic feel to it.

Valentines Makes Before Firing

2010-01-25T16:08:00.003Z

I've been bust today making some Valentines items.
These need to be fired and then they will be suncatchers to hang in the window of that special someone.
Will post tomorrow fired finished images.

Before and After firing AFTER

2010-01-23T12:55:00.003Z

Here they are after the firing.
I am really pleased how they have come out, bright and funky.

Before and After firing

2010-01-15T11:26:00.004Z

I am firing some coasters today, lovely and bright colours.
So here is the before picture all ready for firing.
We will have to wait until about 9pm tonight to see how they have turned out.

New Glass Pendants

2010-01-14T15:36:00.003Z

Here are some of my latest creations, I'm really pleased how they have come out, really bright and colourful.

Also this was wednesday and so another picture of more snow.

Trip to British History Museum Sat 9th Jan '10

2010-01-14T15:16:00.002Z

An amazing trip taken by the whole family to the British History Museum in London. We braved the snow and cold and where rewarded with some amazing sights. We all loved the moving T-Rex.

Warm Fire

2010-01-11T12:55:00.003Z

Some artistic picture from our log fire.
Taken on Friday 8th Jan

2010-01-07T18:28:00.000Z

Hot out of the Kiln, brand newly created piece of Art!!!
Also introducing my kitten's Lilo ( tabby) and Stitch (black and white).

2010-01-07T18:21:00.000Z

After the snow a warm and snug log fire!!!

Snow Snow Snow

2010-01-06T11:19:00.001Z

Snow Snow Snow everywhere!!!
My first post and today it's snowing!!! Here are few photo's of my surrounding environment and my DD foot print. Ahh sweet.