more lighting up (getting a bit repetitive here!)

Not last Wednesday but the Wednesday before was the last glass class of the term, no more classes until October!  The previous class I'd only got as far as cutting out the pieces for another tea light holder so I had to work really quickly this time!

There was grinding and wrapping in copper foiling and soldering and balancing and soldering and soldering and more soldering!

I really should have cleaned the solder off the glass and washed off the sharpie marker before taking the photos!

Seeing them together, I definitely need to add wire and beads to the orange/yellow/red one.  I think it looks quite plain in comparison.

I could also do with improving my soldering.  I'm considering buying a soldering iron so I can make these at home, to use up the scraps of glass I have and to practice, but if I can't cut the glass cleanly enough, I don't have access to a grinder...  decisions, decisions!

Light up. Again.

I promised a non-sewing post and a non-sewing post you are going to get!  Remember the tea light holder?  I added some wire and beads.

My tutor didn't know if silver plated wire would work with the solder, but I did a little experiment and it did, so I pressed ahead.  I used my pliers to make random shapes, added on beads, then held them in place with masking tape whilst I soldered.

You would not believe how many times I forgot that solder is hot.

I'm happier with some of the decorations than others.  Originally I wanted them over the glass panels, but I ended up putting them in gaps of glass.

I stuck to two different types of beads to keep it cohesive.  Big word.

I think this curly wurly one is my favourite.

I may have made it a little bit too big to be a tea light holder!