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Thursday, July 30, 2009

Upcycling

Because it sounds so much cooler than "not being wasteful".






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

glass rods 2


and this







and made this :)

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21 comments:

Valerie said...

I'm apoligizing for the poor picture quality on the last couple pics... I ran out of day-light

The Peach Tart said...

This is beautiful.

Sami said...

Look at you go, you crafty woman you! This is awesome :) Your upcycling rules!

Sandy said...

Wow! your very own ball mill! The end result is cute. :)

Valerie said...

aw- I don't know what to so to y'all but thanks!

SarahKelley said...

And that's dedication! Awesome!

Valerie said...

Sarah Kelly- thanks... although it may be more of a product of stubbornness :)

Soda and Candy said...

Up with upcycling!

You creative mistress you!!!

Anonymous said...

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.

Anonymous said...

That is way cool. I like the word "upcycling" too. Seriously, I can't wait for your etsy shop to open!

Eric said...

And this is why you are great! Thanks for the tech link!

I wonder if I could use my hydraulic press to make frit?

King of New York Hacks said...

Blow torches, glass..AND a finished product....I'll be looking for that Saturday class at Home Depot soon !!

mylittlebecky said...

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.

Valerie said...

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!

Critty Critty Bang Bang said...

Is your dad's name McGuyver!? I'm always amazed by your beading skills.

GlorV1 said...

I like that word "upcycling" and how ingenious of you. You sure are a crafty lady. Thx for sharing.

Valerie said...

My peasure glorv1, but I can't lay claim to the word upcycling... although I'm not sure where the credit is due.

Valerie said...

Critty- lol- actually, pretty much. I mean he is a mechanical engineer.

Laura M said...

That it such a cool process and you my dear are very creative!

Valerie said...

Thanks Laura :)

the girl with the pink teacup said...

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...