Fun with Hearts

I love making hearts. They are fun to make, and I can play with lots of different combinations and elements. I can swirl colors:

I can alternate opaques and transparents:

I can embed copper cut-outs:

I can add frit and mica powder:

I can "crunch" them (transparent wrap followed by encasement):

I can wrap them in shards:

I can play with my favorite glass, raku:

I can even add flowers to them:


In addition to all that, I can combine any of these techniques to for a new look! I like experimenting and seeing what I can create. That is where most of the fun is.

The other night in bed inspiration struck! I could not wait to get out to the torch and see if I could make my idea a reality. I knew it would be beyond anything I had done up to this point, whether on- or off-mandrel, but I felt confident I could pull it off. I was so excited to find out I was right! I could hardly wait until the kiln cooled in the morning.

Meet my newest creations, mommy hearts and lovers:



I am thrilled with these! They are fun to make, and I can combine all the other elements that I have used in the past with these new styles. I can coordinate colors and inclusions and on and on. It is so exciting for me! I feel like I have opened a new door in my work, both off- and on-mandrel. I can't wait to expand on this at my next torch session!