I bought some Glass Alchemy Eclipse a while ago, because I was looking for a good consistent black to back my pendants. Previously I had been using whatever scraps of black I had from various different odds&ends bundles, and was therefore getting wildly inconsistent results (understandably).

It was my understanding that Eclipse is a very durable and workable black, and lots of people say it doesn't have much (or any) issues with going gray/matte like lots of other blacks do.

GA says "Described by many as “bullet proof”, Eclipse does not contain any chrome, so graying and checking are not a major concern." They also say "Working Tip: This color can handle different flame atmospheres but as always, we recommend working in a neutral flame."

I've tried just about every single flame chemistry my torch can offer, and I keep getting graying/matte finish on the backs of my pendants. Not every time, and to different severity, but almost always.

Obviously, I'm doing something wrong 😅

For context, I'm using a GTT Cheetah on propane and 20LPM@20PSI oxycons (right on the low end of what the torch is rated for, I know). If someone wants to tell me that this torch/oxy setup is the problem... I'm definitely willing to believe it haha. But if there's any "skill issues" I can work on while I save up for equipment upgrades, I'd greatly appreciate some tips!

Thanks yall 💛

My grandpa(whom was like a father to me) died during the pandemic. Struck with grief I made the very out of character decision to buy a skydiving Groupon. I had always been consumed by fear but my abuelo wasn't. He came to America with 500$ in his pocket, he traveled the world as a missionary doctor, bought a Toyota land cruiser, had 4 children and 13 grandchildren. He was the American dream and I miss him everyday but what I learned was that life is about experiences not accolades. This piece sold through a local gallery, but I'll never forget coming home from jumping out of a plane and the inspiration it gave me to sculpt this in my garage.

Hey everyone,
iam quite new to lampwork and i was wondering how this effect is made.
Thanks for everyones help

Welcome back to another round of Glass Man Standing!
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Theme of the Night: Haunted House

After playing with the fire side on some other sections I had to revisit this one.
Lots more white in the recipe gives it some fun soft tones

Stepping up to some bigger flips, 684 dots make up this one
Building a collab list if you wanna hop on or wanna see a dream piece get made

I'm working on building my own lab/workshop in the near future, and glassworking is something I'll end up needing to do a fair bit for chemistry, optics, and vacuum electronics projects.

I'm looking for a rundown of necessary tools and useful information.

For clarity sake, I am not looking for links or recommendations for specific tools or brands of tools, but rather a rundown of tool types. My workshop/lab is an exercise in building up from scratch, and there will be no shortage of making tools to make more tools with. I live in a rural area, so I do have the available space to construct larger assemblies like furnaces and kilns when needed.

That being said, recommendations for specific books and reference materials are entirely welcome.

Boro plate for clout and durability, birddog bought this when I first started auction went for almost 50$ which was a lot of money to me at the time

Wookery will always prevail to my favorite Disney princesses

Took this custom piece outside to catch the afternoon sun. Love how the crushed opal in the outer can plays against the wigwag core.

Kept the straight fab holes clean so it pulls smooth without dragging down the base.

What do you guys think of this color combo on the Switch 2?

Hey gang, probably a long shot but does anyone have a copy of the manual for the Aim 2418 GD kiln? Recently purchased one (not from aim) and it didnt come with the manual for set up or scheduling an annealing cylce. (Pic for attention)

Thanks in advance!

I like these black and white ones where the face can be cohesive with the bead. Thanks for looking!

Here’s a jar with a bubble trap technique that I’m currently working out.

Im slowly setting up my in home studio after using a makerspace. I have a torch and a temporary kiln, but the kiln is just on loan. The one I know is the Jen ken chili pepper but I see theyre not being made right now.

What else is at that price level/cheaper and good for garaging and annealing? I do boro right now, havent gotten into soft glass yet. The breadbox size is ideal for my space, I cant do much bigger.

Thanks!

Starting to explore these faces in hollow. Starting with beads, next slides. Thanks for looking!

6 week class at Pratt Fine Art Center in Seattle.

Hello! There is a lamp working set up for sale that I'm considering buying. I'm new and wanted to know if you all think it's a good price. The kiln looks like it's hand made out of a tool box. Any advice is appreciated! Thank you!

I have made 20 pipes over 1.5 years and after completing ruining a piece of prep I worked on all day im desperate to learn how to properly shape a pipe. Seems like my blank got the thin on the handle pulldown, I tried to condense it to make it more durable and then it folded on itself and popped a whole. Can only salvage the top half.
How do I make the connection between the bowl of the spoon and handle a smooth look? All of mine are akward looking. I included some pictures of the blank I started with.