Dona Family Tool Thread

I've been avidly reading Ofilia Cinta's Lampwork Etc. thread about Carlo Dona's tools.

I've heard they are some of the best and of course I want to know more.

It's filled with photos of the tools and items that have been made with the tools, like the murrini eyes in this fish by Ofilia. (uber-cool, isn't it?)

And the tool names make me smile too. Seeing the "guillotine"...well, that name says it all. It chops murrini just like its namesake.

The fin mold or raggiera, really peaks my interest. Ofilia uses it for her eye canes and I read it's used for flower petal cane as well. I'd really like to try that one out. And it's made in multiple sizes as well. Oh what fun I'd have with these and more. Whether it's his porte cane or rod warmer, or the bellflower presses, I'd love to test them all out and see what they're like.

So stop by the thread and enjoy the photos and comments. I love threads where you really learn something and this one is perfect with that goal in mind.

Ciao. See you tomorrow- Marcy.

Blue Moon's Website Changes

It's been a fun couple of weeks. I've been enjoying a renewed friendship with Jim and Rose Berry of Blue Moon Glassworks of Austin, TX.

We've been working together to tweak their website and make it a little easier for customers to navigate and find their wonderful products and notice all of the fabulous classes they offer. I've been their "new set of fresh eyes".

I really like how quickly the viewer can find the important aspects of their business when reaching the website. For me, it was important to show that they take Paypal as that is mine and many other artists' major form of payment.

And if you want a little fun, click on their "Get Directions". Once that page loads, click on their little picture and it will bring you to a real view of the shop.

One of my highlights of this website is the tremendous number of photos on it. Starting on the homepage, are photos from the previous month's classes and events. Clicking on "Gallery" will take you to tons of photos from classes, and even it goes all the way back to their opening.

Check out the lampwork classes they offer. I think Stephanie Sersich's class starts this Saturday (have no idea, whether there are spaces, but call if interested), and there are so many other teachers whose classes I'd love to take as well.

So pop by and check out Blue Moon Glassworks. And while you're there, snoop around, enjoy all the photos. classes, products and other glass options.

My Favorite Tools

I thought I'd show you some of my favorite tools that I use in today's StudioMarcy blog post. I think we all have some trusty stand bys and it always interests me what appeals to different people.

And of course I'm wondering which tools do you use all the time? Please post and let us know.

Left to Right:

A.Pliers- these are kind of an all around type tool- for mashing, pulling and poking

B. Ruffling Pliers for wire wrapping-called concave. Ah, great for animal ears, tutus, flower petals and other small curvy stuff. (Thanks to Jen Geldard for introducing me to them.)

C. tweezer mashers or equivalent are helpful. Why work with the larger ones, when these will do? Their small size can angle in to mash small areas too.

D. slotted paddle- this is hard to find, but I love mine. I can level animal legs in one movement.

E. Stump Shaper- probably my favorite tool of all. It does so much and I use all sides and angles on it.

F. Razor blade - thin creases for sculptures

G. imprinter or equivalent- small presses that add texture or design to my beads

Not pictured- barbecue mashers, "poke small holes" tools like the Whimsicalities brand, glass or kitchen shears and my trusty torch mounted marver that I use all the time.

I don't use all of these tools every time I torch. Feel free to check out my lampwork beads in my Etsy shop and see whether you can figure out where I used them. I don't always use them, but a lot of times, there's that extra little bit that uses one or more of them.

So let us know what tools you love. Who knows, it might become someone else's new favorite too.

See you tomorrow!

Jim Moore's Pi Divider- Great Glass Tool

Have you seen this tool before? If not, it's one that can save you a lot of time and energy.

Please welcome Jim Moore's Pi Divider. It's a handy item that is reasonably priced and well worth it.
Depending on the size you need, it can run $25-$35. I have the smaller one.

A pi divider is used to figure out how long of a cane or twisty you need to go around the circumference of your bead.

You measure with the small cupped end and the distance of the "tong" side" is how long it needs to be.

Cool, isn't it?

And if you aren't familiar with Jim Moore's tools, pop by and view them. I own several, and each one is beautifully made with care and expertise. I know I'll get quality equipment when I order from him or any of his distributors. I'd like to thank Andrea Guarino for introducing me to his tools and Patti Cahill for showing me this particular one and what it does. They are both fabulous beadmakers and wonderful teachers.

What Do You Need To Get Started in Lampworking?

This is a reader participation post.  I would love for you to comment and add to my ideas for what is needed when you're starting out to make glass beads.

One of my friends, who is a fuser, wants to teach herself.  She has a kiln and has decided upon a Hot Head Torch.  I think she has this book by Cindy Jenkins, which is my favorite beginner book already too.

So I asked my facebook friends what do they suggest as items that are needed when starting out and here are the responses, which I've edited for space reasons.

*****

glass assortment bundle

mandrels

Fusion bead release

safety glasses

how-to books

rod rest

iPod

cookie sheet to put under the torch to keep rods from rolling in your lap

tungsten pick

Whimzishapers

graphite paddle

ear plugs

patience

water bowl

pliers or tweezers

tweezer mashers or barbecue mashers

aloe or burn cream

But now I'd like to ask you for your advice.  What does she need?  What are some pointers that you'd like to add?  Think "beginner".  What do you wish someone had told you, when you first started?

Tools, Glorious Glass Artist Tools

I don't use a lot of tools, yet I have collected quite a few. There are certain times that one of these babies would make my job easier. Or perhaps I've taken a class and at the time, been totally convinced that I will be using that tool again in the future.

Sometimes I design a bead, just so I can use a specific tool. It's like my own personal tool challenge. What would be a "Marcy" bead, if I used this one? Do you do that too?

And not being the most organized, (ha, that's an understatement), I keep a lot of my tools on my work table. The top photo shows that I stash them in a wide flower vase (vertical storage helps!) and in coffee cups.

My lower photo shows the tools that I have been using recently. The bottom one is one of the Leonardo Imprinters that I mentioned yesterday. Wanted to show you what they look like.

As you can see, my Stump Shaper has gotten quite a work out. I forget, and sometimes it migrates into my flame. The razor wiggles too much, but I still use it. I just need some fine lines sometimes.

The slotted paddle is similar to what Amy at Zoozi sells now. If you're doing sculptural beads that need to stand by themselves, I highly recommend it. It gives you an even surface, which is so helpful. I just checked and they are currently out of stock, but you could maybe make your own with a graphite marver and carving the slot.

These aren't all of my current favorites. I have others that just didn't make it into the photo.
What's in your tool box?

Tool Lust

I'm in Tool Lust.

I saw this Carlo Dona tool called a "Spoons Crimp" and I fell in love. I know that somehow I need it, but not sure exactly for what.

The spoon itself is 1 1/16" which is too large for ears , but might make a dandy base for bowls and other roundish items. (where was it when I was making my cereal/noodle bowl in my previous post?)

I just don't have the extra $189.00 plus shipping for it.....yet.

I think I need to contemplate this tool and his other crimps a little more and find a way to justify it in my mind as to why I really, truly need it. And perhaps I don't. It could be a figment of my imagination, which could be a relief also.

If you want to look at more of the beautifully made tools by master tool maker Carlo Dona from Italy, visit www.spiralarts.com and feel free to drool along with me.

And if you have suggestions as to how I can use it, please feel free to post those too.

Cool Tools: Fingernails or Smiles

Yesterday I was asked which tool I used from Etsy, for my angel's smile.

I'd like to introduce you to AMCreatures of etsy. Alexander is a sculptor who has developed his own tools for his art, but I found these and use them for glass too.

(Note: they have a wood base, so be careful, please.)

I use these for mouths, but I'm sure you'll find more uses. Please send me photos of what you do with them. I'd love to post some of their other uses.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=12740211

Visit my blog tomorrow to see which of my beads I chose for my "pump up this bead" make over. And as always, please feel free to visit my shop, http://www.StudioMarcy.etsy.com