Glass Fusing Decals

We wanted to get your feedback on your experience with our glass fusing decals. If you have had success or trouble using them, please share with us. If you ever have any questions at all, you can email us at info@aaeglass.com. We will be releasing a new, must have, fusing decal very shortly. This fusing decal will be sure to increase your Christmas sales.

Visit www.aaeglass.com for our full assortment of glass fusing decals and supplies.

AAE

Dichroic Glass Jewelry Artist of the Week Cynthia Valenzo

Cynthia's Etsy shop: http://ccvalenzo.etsy.com

I have been in love with glass nearly all of my life. About 20 years ago I decided I wanted to make stained glass panels for my Kitchen Cabinets so I went and took lessons at a local shop. After making lamps and many commissions later I decided I wanted to do a contemporary piece with fused glass pieces for my foyer Transom and side windows so I went and took a class in fusing.

There wasn’t a lot of information available. They primarily explained the chemicals, glass and rough fusing cycles and the rest was experimenting on your own. This was about 12 years ago. Since that time I have designed Glass Tiles, started playing with making jewelry with all of the scraps and working a full time job. In 2002 the company I worked for was bought out in a merger so with my severance package I ended a 30 year corporate career and went into the glass business.

A few years ago I had a B&M shop where I taught and sold fusing supplies. It was great fun and I met many wonderful people, but I spent more time teaching and managing the business and had little time left for creating. I closed the store and moved the studio to my home and since have had more time devoted to creating and working not only with glass but precious metals and semi precious stones. I work more hours than I did in the corporate world but the fulfillment in being able to work with glass and the challenges of continually creating new things is a constant joy. My husband is a retired electrician and serves as my quality control, maintenance and shipping department. I don’t know what I would do without him.

Working with glass is such a joy and challenge and every time I open the kiln and see what comes out it’s a roller coaster ride. There are a lot of disappointing moments when the kiln Gods have decided to laugh at you, but the joy of a beautiful piece really outweighs the disappointing moments. Being able to enhance the glass with Decals, Etching and Sand Blasting just to name a few makes it even more rewarding and keeps me pushing the envelope looking for the next plateau. Best of all are all of the people I have met all over the world with my internet business.

************************************************************************************

Thank you Cynthia for sharing. If you would like to submit yourself as "Artist of the Week" please send us an email at info@aaeglass.com Include 2 pictures of your jewelry as well as a blurb about you and your company. We look forward to hearing from everyone. \

Also, we have a new decal coming that will knock your socks off. Hang tight!

AAE

Tip #5 - Craft Show Season

With Christmas just a few months away, craft show season is upon us. Labor Day typically kicks off a long stretch of craft shows across the country, which culminate with Christmas. We have done many craft shows and fairs in our day, but haven't done any in a few years.

We get questions every week about tips on how to best prepare for a craft show. To be honest, we are not the best source of information, because we don't participate in craft shows as often as other artist friends.

So for this weeks tip, we are asking for your help. If you have any tips or suggestions on how to run a smooth booth at a craft fair, please click on the comment button directly below and share with us. I understand artist don't want to give away any secrets and we understand. We are just looking for suggestions on organization, display techniques and other general information.

If you are in an upcoming craft show, click the comment button below and tell us when and where. We have a diverse group of artists on our blog and I'm sure they would love to see local artists if at all possible. So take advantage of the FREE promotion.

Be sure to stock up on your dichroic glass fusing supplies and decals for Christmas season. www.aaeglass.com It will be here before you know it.

AAE

Dichroic glass artist of the week Judy Anderson

I am a retired family counselor. I moved from Arlington Heights, IL to AZ a couple of years ago with my husband and my 2 Pembroke Welsh Corgis. My son and daughter-in-law and my 2 adorable grandchildren live here also.

I love glass fusing and use art glass and dichroic glass in my designs. It is so exciting to open the kiln and see what it has created. I cut the glass and layer and fuse it, but the kiln has a mind of its own. The new decals I have been firing into my glass are beautiful and add a whole new dimension to my glass work. I especially like the decals that reflect nature.

My other joy is that my grandchildren are fascinated by my glass. When they are old enough I know they will want me to teach them the process and nothing makes me happier than spending time with them.

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5219638&ga_search_query=firefly&ga_search_type=seller_usernames
************************************************************************************
Thank you for sharing Judy. Your 10 free decals will be in the mail on Monday.
Judy will also be named in our news letter. Please take a moment to click on the link above and view Judy's work.

If you want to be featured as an artist of the week, email us at info@aaeglass.com with 2 pictures and a blurb about you and your business. We are having a great time with this.

Tip #4 Coldworking with Dichroic Glass Jewelry

Cold working: Revolution XT Tile Saw review

I usually save all my cold working on my dichroic glass jewelry for one day of the week and do it for about 8-10 hours straight. Cold working is not my favorite thing to do. I often receive emails on how I shape my pieces since my fused glass pieces are so thick.

I would not be able to have such thick pieces and cut them without some serious equipment. I thought I would share with you my personal opinion on the Revolution XT Saw by Gemini. This saw allows me flexibility with my pieces. I have been using this saw for 2 years. It is a workhorse and can cut through anything, however, this is a high maintenance saw. I paid 1350.00 for the saw. The replacement parts are hard to find and they are expensive. A blade costs about 150.00, replacement kit is about 300.00 and I would suggest replacing the saw blade 3-4 times a year. www.hisglassworks.com has most of the parts. There customer service is excellent and they have fast shipping.

Cleaning this saw, is not fun. It is a major chore, but doable on your own.

The good stuff...this saw can cut through 6 and 7 layer pieces with precision and little glass chipping. The diamond blades last a long time and I usually cut 100 pieces or more. It is very safe and comfortable to use. In addition, this is a heavy, sturdy piece of equipment and has a self contained water pump. What does this mean? It means I use it INSIDE my studio with little water mess.

Does anyone else use this particular saw, or a similar one? Please comment if you do. I would love to hear your experiences.

Visit www.aaeglass.com to view examples.