A while back, I was given a blue wine bottle to play with when I made beads. I broke the bottle and tried to figure out how to melt the glass without me burning my fingers. I tried a punty. Believe me, punties and I just don't get along. (A punty is a glass rod you attach to some molten glass to pull or push it.) The punty broke off long before I was ready. I didn't get much glass on the mandrel. As a result, the bead was tiny and misshapen. So, I just kept looking at the beautiful broken blue glass. I tried using my hemostats to hold the broken blue glass as I applied it to the coated mandrel. Because the glass is so thick and viscus, the hemostats got way too warm before I could apply the glass to the coated mandrel, and I managed to burn my fingers. OUCH! Then, day before yesterday, as I was pulling cane for a different project, I realized I was making cane by applying the glass to an uncoated mandrel, then pulling the cane. A light bulb went off. I mean literally. A light bulb went off in the lamp by my work area. I saw the blue glass reflecting the soft sunshine. I finished pulling the cane. I cooled the mandrel by dipping it in cool water. I began to melt the broken glass, which immediately broke into smaller, more manageable pieces. In their smaller sizee, the glass melted more quickly onto the uncoated mandrel. It took a long time, but I melted the blue glass onto the uncoated mandrel. I then grabbed a coated mandrel and began to apply the blue glass to the mandrel with bead release. It worked! No burnt fingers, and, although it took a long time, the glass melted on to the mandrel. I was able to push the glass and shape it into a heart. It is a beautiful heart, too! I plan to continue to work with my wine bottle glass. My only regret is that I don't drink. I guess it's not really a regret. I just want the bottles. This could be a great way to use up glass that might end up in a landfill. Once in a while, though, it would be nice to have a glass a wine. I wonder how long it would take to use up a tall bottle of wine, if you only drink 2-3 times a year?
Mallory, I just asked for some tips over on WC. Gorgeous job, love the heart! I have a pink and a blue bottle I'll be smashing in the future. Bought them for the glass. You need to find a friend who can save bottles for you.
ReplyDeleteMallory, the heart is beautiful! I love that you've recycled the glass :) I'm currently hoarding champagne bottles from a friend's wedding, some beer bottles since the DH likes beer once in a while, and even some soda bottles...but I haven't gotten up the nerve to tackle them yet. Using the two mandrels like you did was a stroke of genius!
ReplyDeleteYup, got wine bottle syndrome myself! The one I've got in the fridge is from two years ago...I guess it's vinegar by now so I ought to clean the coffee pot. Wonderful repurposeing (is that a word?) Your heart is great and the video too! It's about time I found your blog Mallory. Why didn't you tell me??? May I link you?
ReplyDeleteHi Mallory! Why didn't you point me toward your blog silly girl, it's wonderful. It's great what you did with the wine bottle, I guess we think alike..or maybe it's drink alike. The one in my fridge is from two Christmas's ago. I think now that it's vinegar I ought to clean the coffee pot with it. Hearts for Beads of Courage...YES! Sharon
ReplyDeleteSharon, Thank you for your comments. I just didn't think of it. I'm glad you found my blog. I love yours, too! I have linked you to mine, and, yes, feel free to link me to yours!
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