Fused Decals

06/29/10 - Fused Decals - This month the site has been all about Hawaii and our recent trip there. These glass decals are perfect for the palm tree pattern. Before discovering the decal, I was going to etch a palm tree into some dichroic glass and fuse it, but these decals are so much easier.

There are only a few steps in using these simple decals. It is recommended that you first fire two or more pieces together before actually firing the decals into the glass. This gives the piece a smooth surface to adhere the decal on to and also helps to eliminate bubbles in your final piece.

Palm Trees

06/28/10 - Palm Trees - A Fused Glass Decal Pattern - Everyone has seen the dark silhouettes of palm trees as they stand gracefully against the gorgeous sun setting horizon. There is absolutely nothing like experiencing this very romantic tropical scene in person.

Using a fused glass decal to bring this scene to glass fusing is a simple process. The fusible decals are a nice break from etching glass, which can only be accomplished on dichroic glass. With the ease of decals you can place this pattern on any color of glass desired. Bring the glass to a full fuse before attaching the decals to avoid bubbles and have a smooth surface.

Dolphin Tail Pattern

06/22/10 - Dolphin Tail Pattern - This newest page added to the Kona - Hawaiian Themed pages is for a dolphin tail. The design is very simple and basic. It would make the perfect gift for that certain male someone in your life.

Use stringers or other fusing glass to accent the piece. I have used black stringer on the brown fins to indicate the presence of lines in the tail.

Hawaiian Orchid Pattern

06/20/10 - Hawaiian Orchids - While on our latest vacation to the island of Hawaii, we took a small venture to the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. There we saw unimaginable vegetation. There were plants of just about every shape, size and color. The Hawaiian Orchids were especially inspiring to me, so I wanted to try capturing this elegant flower.

This piece is made using transparent glass in the shades of dark green, pale yellow and light violet. Pre-fired fiber board was used to lift the center petals.

Green Sea Turtle from Hawaii

06/19/10 - Green Sea Turtle from Hawaii - Sea turtles are very common off the shores of Hawaii. This large Green Sea Turtle is one of the most common and also the largest.

Since the usually come in various colors ranging from a dark brown to an olive green, I have made this guy using a dark brown color of glass. He has a shell made out of Dichroic with a clear cap to give the piece some depth.

Graceful Oceanic Dolphins

06/16/10 - Graceful Oceanic Dolphins - Continuing with my Hawaiian themed page, I have added this Graceful Oceanic Dolphins page. These beautiful creatures can be actually seen from the rocky shores of Hawaii.

I have used brown glass for the body, even though these creatures are generally gray in color. Dichroic glass gives the appearance of ocean water gliding across his body.

The Coqui Frog

06/16/10 - The Coqui Frog - The Coqui frog would make a great gift for any of your frog collecting friends or family. This pattern can be turned into a pendant, pin or adorn other fused glass items with the design.

Although this tiny guy lives in Hawaii, he didn't originate from the green island. He actually transported from the Caribbean many many years ago.

I have put red eyes on this frog although they generally have black eyes. I think the red really stands out. Millefiori has been fused on to his back to indicate some warts.

Barefootin

06/15/10 - Barefootin - Barefootin in inspiring Hawaii is such a sensual experience. Feeling the warmth of the oozing sand between your toes and noticing that as you walk you are leaving prints in the soft sand. This experience can be not only sensual but also liberating. Enjoy the experience and feel this small delight yourself.

This simple pattern can be embellished with other glass fusing items, such as frit, Glassline paints, etc. I have used the Springtime Millefiori to add the indication of toe nails and Glassline paints to draw on the other patterns.

Kona - Hawaii

06/14/10 - Kona - Hawaii - Well we are back from our trip to Kona, Hawaii. This quaint city is located on the big island of Hawaii. It is quite a tourist town with shops and restaurants lining the streets and facing the spectacular ocean view.

On this trip we stayed at the Otrigger Keauhou Beach Resort. Everywhere we looked our senses were filled to overload with the atmosphere. The grounds were filled with tropical plants and flowers. I have to admit I went camera happy everyday. There was just so much to see and experience. There were large turtles basking in the sun and we even snorkeled with a few. Sail boats gliding along in the distance helped to make the peaceful surroundings complete.

All this overload of Hawaii gave me inspiration to create a few beach themed items for the web site. I have started making the patterns and fusing a few pieces for this month's theme.