[Geode/Agate Slices Suncatcher]

February Featured Projects

This month on the glass boards brought some new people and some really different projects. New techniques and ideas seemed to be on everyone's mind. These projects were all selected by C-ster members (you) who clicked “This Rocks” on projects they liked for February.

Special thanks to these members for contributing to the Glass section. Keep them coming, we love seeing new glass & more members visiting our glass boards! Don't forget to share tips techniques and how to's with everyone. The more we share the more people will test our very addictive medium
 


In no particular order, here are the February Featured Projects:

Geode/Agate Slices Suncatcher

Geode/Agate Slices Suncatcher, by v0x

Tardis Box

Tardis Box by Xandrigirly

Crazy Quilt

Crazy Quilt by CrazyEyeGlass

Jellyfish Pendants

Jellyfish Pendants by GlassPeace

Lampwork Pendants

Lampwork Pendants by GlassPeace

Thank you to everyone who posts glass projects, and please post more! We love seeing what you are all doing. Keep voting the "This Rocks" for projects you like, and who knows, maybe your project(s) will be featured next month! 

[Tool #1 - Glass Cutter]

The purpose of this tutorial is to show the base tools used in glass working, to be more specific, mosaics.

Disclaimer: In this tutorial I am not promoting any specific brand, but using the tools I personally own. There are many brands available in various price ranges. You are encouraged to explore the options out there.

Tool #1 - Glass Cutter
This particular one if a Pistol Grip Handheld Cutter


This is used to score glass in places where you want it to break.


Once the glass is scored you need to snap it on the line or shape created by the cutter. That is where tool #2 comes in.

Tool #2 – Running Pliers
These are used to snap glass that has been scored.


It has a line in the center of the top flat side, and this is the guide used to aline with the score, and “SNAP”.




Tool #3 – Wheeled Glass Nippers
These are one of the most used tools in glass work, and in particular mosaic. This tool is used to nip away or cut glass pieces off of the larger piece. They can also be used to shape pieces of glass.



 


For another tutorial for the glass nippers check: Mosaic Glass Catch-O-Matic

In glass work there is one tool that can frequently come in handy. It instantly ends frustration when a project is headed south, and need help turning things around.



Tool #4 – The Hammer



Sometimes it just makes you feel better!

Thank you for checking this out, and hope it helps you in your pursuit of glass. Let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Been making some mosaic tile trivets with clay base tiles. The base tiles are waved on the bottom. Using various tiles and designs on the tops to keep them interesting, too.

Here are two of them.

First one has such a fun retro feel to this trivet. The redish orange and black really pop. The tiles are 1x1 and the whole trivet is 6x6. Large enough for all pots.




Second one is more calm in colors, but still really pretty. The eggplant purple and mint green look good together. The tiles are 2x2 and the base is of course 6x6.




This is the bottom of the clay base tile.

These are a fun and quick project, so I am sure I will be making more. Plus I've got tons of tiles.  Thanks for checking them out!

Ever since 2008 when Babyangel posted her Rubik's cube, I've had it bookmarked to make for my hubby.

Well, we decided to make our gifts for each other this year. Here is my version of the cube, but mine is not nearly as neat as hers was. But he liked it very much, and is taking it to work for his desk.


Anniversary Rubik's Cube by HRSG, on Flickr


Anniversary Rubik's Cube by HRSG, on Flickr

Thanks for looking

January Featured Projects

Where did the month of January go? This month features 6 "rocked" projects. Well, some people were busy creating new ideas and techniques with their glass projects. These projects were all selected by C-ster members (you) who clicked “This Rocks” on projects you liked for January.

Special thanks to these members for contributing to the Glass section. We really appreciate you. Keep them coming, we love seeing new glass & more members visiting our glass boards! Don't forget to share tips techniques and how to's with everyone. The more we share the more people will test our medium. (Come to the dark side, we have lots of cool tools!)
 


In no particular order, here are the January Featured Projects:

Fused Glass Votive Candles Holders

Fused Glass Votives, by joby560

Fused Suncatcher Miniatures

Fused Suncatcher Miniatures by CrazyEyeGlass

Fused Glass Miniature

Fused Glass Miniature by CrazyEyeGlass

The Beatles a Mosaic

the Beatles a mosaic by Doodlelou

Hey Jude (Hmmm..sensing a Beatles theme here )

Hey Jude by Doodlelou

Pink Flower Appetizer Dish

Pink Flower Appetizer Dish by CrazyEyeGlass

CrazyEye, joby560 and DoodleLou have been uber busy. Making me look like a glass slacker. Better step up my projects so I can post a few this month, too.

Thank you to everyone who posts glass projects, and please post more! We love seeing what you are all doing. Keep voting the "This Rocks" for projects you like, and who knows, maybe your project(s) will be featured next month!  

[Blueberry Crunch]

This recipe is so yum, it is easy to make, and oh by the way, it is healthy!

Blueberry Crunch
1 1/2 cups Old Fashion Oatmeal
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup chopped almonds or walnuts
1/3 cup of flax seed or safflower oil
3/4 pure maple syrup or honey
2 cups of fresh or frozen blueberries
2 1/2 Tablespoons corn starch
3/4 cup cold water


Preheat oven to 400F.

In medium saucepan put blueberries with 1/2 cup of maple syrup/honey, and bring to boil. Dissolve corn starch in cold water, and add to blueberries. Cook and cover on medium heat, stirring frequently till thickens.


In a large bowl mix oatmeal, flour and nuts. In a seperate small bowl mix oil and 1/4 cup maple syrup/honey. Add liquid to oatmeal mixture, mix with hands creating a crumb mixture.

Use an 8x8 dish and spray with cooking spray. Press with wet hands 2/3 of the oat mixture to create a sort of crust. Pour the blueberry mix over top, and then top with remaining oat crumbs.






Bake at 400F for 20-25 minutes until browned slightly. Let cool, cut into squares and enjoy!


Has vitamins, protein, fiber, antioxidants. Dessert, without the guilt. What's not to love?
Enjoy!

Pretty cool looking!

When you post pics just copy and paste the link from below the image itself.

Pretty clever! Looks very comfortable, too.

I'll post your pics for you, but post some comments (11) and you can post pics.

Finding working in miniature is a nice change for me. This one has 6 lavender roses (hence the name). Completed mosaic area is 2 x 3.

The mosaic is stained glass, tempered glass, polymer clay, grout, glue and frame. Think I will be doing more minis.

6Roses Done by HRSG, on Flickr

Thank you for looking! Any questions and comments are welcome.

Been needing to do some quick crafting, so warmed up the old sewing machine. Made some bookmarks and book covers in no time.

IMG_4740 by HRSG, on Flickr

Think I like the brown and pink one best.

Then made 2 siddur covers, one with name on and one without.

IMG_4737 by HRSG, on Flickr

Thanks for checking them out!