So remember this?
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of course you do- (assuming that you have a better memory than a goldfish)
and if not, you can scroll down to my last post.
so I took those (ends of glass rods, bead that cracked or just looked down right stupid)
and made it into this:
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glass frits
First, I tried to do it the quick and dirty way with
a hammer
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latex gloves
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placed glass on news print (I know this is blue glass, but I didn't take pis of the green during all this)
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and smashed away
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This was quite unsuccessful and more glass went flying about than was getting smashed.
So then I made a simple ball mill largely based off of these instructions on instructables ( I love this site)
On a rinsed out maple-syrup container made of heavy-duty plastic, I marked and cut a hole in the bottom.
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Then I placed a screw through the hole and tightened it on with a nut
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Then I covered the end of the screw with epoxy and stuck it in where the drill-bit goes and added more epoxy.
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Waited for it to dry.....
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And put in about 40 nuts (these are substituting the 'balls' in the ball mill)
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added my glass and held the trigger till the battery died.
My glass came out nicely crushed
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and then I added a little this
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and this
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and made this :)
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21 comments:
I'm apoligizing for the poor picture quality on the last couple pics... I ran out of day-light
This is beautiful.
Look at you go, you crafty woman you! This is awesome :) Your upcycling rules!
Wow! your very own ball mill! The end result is cute. :)
aw- I don't know what to so to y'all but thanks!
And that's dedication! Awesome!
Sarah Kelly- thanks... although it may be more of a product of stubbornness :)
Up with upcycling!
You creative mistress you!!!
That's pretty!!! I make semi-precious jewelry so I'm always keen on seeing any quirky little cute things like this! Plus I love coloured or blown glass.
That is way cool. I like the word "upcycling" too. Seriously, I can't wait for your etsy shop to open!
And this is why you are great! Thanks for the tech link!
I wonder if I could use my hydraulic press to make frit?
Blow torches, glass..AND a finished product....I'll be looking for that Saturday class at Home Depot soon !!
my dad has one of those, made from a bucket, for bullet casings. because he's a wacko.
in other news, i love the little heart guy! adorbs.
Soda and Candy- thanks lady. You're pretty creative yourself ;)
veg killer- I learn something new about you everyday. something wonderful. I may try to stalk you next time I drive back home.
Young mom/wife- I'm a little slow on starting that eh?
Eric- flattery, works all the time. I wish I could go to your house right now and use your hydraulic press for all sorts of dangerous things.
K of NYH- first off, I love your name. second I like your style, and 3rd I am on my way to adding you to google reader
mylittlebecky- don't let your dad meet my fiance; it equals too much gun stuff. Glad you like the heart!
Is your dad's name McGuyver!? I'm always amazed by your beading skills.
I like that word "upcycling" and how ingenious of you. You sure are a crafty lady. Thx for sharing.
My peasure glorv1, but I can't lay claim to the word upcycling... although I'm not sure where the credit is due.
Critty- lol- actually, pretty much. I mean he is a mechanical engineer.
That it such a cool process and you my dear are very creative!
Thanks Laura :)
Oh. My. God. I think I am seriously in love with you now. Any woman who can smash beads with a hammer, think up a better alternative using nuts and power tools, then make something so freakin' pretty with a blowtorch while having an Australian cattle dog as her faithful assistant is my instant crush. I can't wait to see what arrives in the next few weeks...
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