Glass Top Nib
2007
Glass Top Nib
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What can I give my father for his 70th birthday? It's a question I've been pondering for a while, but without much success.
After all, 70 is a bit of a milestone and means he's been around for quite some time. Which as far as I'm concerned, is lots of years of being my dad, and doing it very well indeed.
Socks, belts or ties clearly won't do. I suspect that, over the years, he's probably received enough of these to stretch all the way to somewhere very distant. Or perhaps not quite that far, but you get my meaning: something very special is required.
Which reminds me of a time when my sister and I were still quite small.
All his working life my father was a journalist - a good one - and used to have to go abroad quite often when we were kids. At least, that's the way it seemed to us then.
After one trip to the Far East he came back laden with the most exotic gifts I'd ever seen.
I distinctly recall the tantalizing scent of spices that clung to the boxes he dug from his suitcase. Jade jewelery and a seemingly endless Chinese dinner service for my mother; a beautiful porcelain doll sporting tiny, hand-sewn clothes and exquisitely braided hair for my sister; and for me, my first ever fountain pen, a grown-up, blood-red beauty with a devastatingly real gold nib. Needless to say, for some time I was slightly afraid of using it.
Did I mention that my dad was - is - an unselfishly generous man? He ended up with a 7 inch single named 'Chairman Mao Is Together With Us', which proves my point entirely.
Perhaps from that moment on my sister and I believed he'd always come home with something, because I remember how, as little kids, we refused to fall asleep until he arrived back from work. We were probably bundled into bed at 6pm or so in those days, and I doubt he turned up until at least half an hour later.
But hearing the front door open, my sister and I would shriek continually until he trudged upstairs to kiss us goodnight. I don't think we even gave him the chance to take off his jacket.
All those late evening returns and early morning departures. An endless ritual that always seemed one of those things dads simply do. Very occasionally we were taken to his office and, surrounded by the smell of fresh newsprint, were allowed to play with typewriters, rummage through drawers and perhaps reach the conclusion that working life must actually be quite good fun.
It's only much later, of course, that you're able to appreciate the reality of working weeks without end; the pressures and anxieties and sacrifices involved. I never once heard him complain.
Knowing this now, it's little wonder that another recollection I have of my dad is how he loved dozing in the sun on a hot weekend.
He rarely got much time to do this - there were shelves to (try to) build and gardens to dig and shopping trips to make and the vagaries of English weather to contend with - but duties over, if the sun was blazing, he'd lie on a sun-bed with a radio tinkling beside him and eventually fall asleep. A small pleasure which, of course, he'd earned many times over.
All the little things that go into making fathers, fathers. The moments recalled as, contemplating the merits of book tokens, slippers, bottles of port - in short, all the things that just won't do - I pluck memories from the drift of years as dad approaches his 70th birthday. And still I need to find him the right gift; a thank you and a celebration rolled into one.
If I had the ability to make life do wondrous things, I'd conjure him a venerable, leather-bound chair in just the right place beside a snapping fire. There'd be two snuffling puppies to drape across his feet and a green and blue parrot astride his shoulder, nibbling at his beard.
Billy Bunter, William and Ginger would invite him round for tea, and later that evening Frank, Dean and Sammy would drop by to croon him a Happy Birthday, graciously accept a glass or three of bourbon, then warmly shake his hand before heading back to Vegas.
I'd let him read all his favourite stories as if he'd never read them before.
But life isn't made that way, and in the absence of things I wish I could give, I can only hope this might do instead.
Words that are written just for him. Words that want to be many different things, but end up saying: "thanks, Dad"; and "how time flies! And here's wishing you lots and lots of love on your big, 70th Birthday."
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Smith & Wesson SWFRS First Response Serrated Knife List Price: $26.62 Sale Price: $14.50 |
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The ComboEdge blade measures 3.3 inches in length; the overall length is 8 inches. The blade material is 440 carry while the handle is made of stainless steel and G10. It has a liner lock, a pocket clip, and is ideal for use as a glass breaker and seatbelt cutter in accident and other emergency situations. |
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NIB $249.99 Alexis Gorodine NIB - Limited Edition |
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Flat Top Key Finder $7.95 Keep Your Keys Always in Reach This clever key ring fits over the side of your bag so your keys are always within reach. Decorate it with your own custom glass cabochon for a truly one-of-a-kind gift. Or, make one for yourself. Nickel plated. Flat top, 1-1/2 at widest point. 2 high. Images courtesy of Aanraku Stained Glass Studios. |
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Flat Top Purse Hanger $6.95 Keep Your Bags Safe and Clean with this Stylish, Innovative Hanger. Decorate your hanger with a custom glass cabochon and you will be the talk of the table next time you are out with friends. The sturdy, nickel-plated purse hanger is rubber backed to keep your bags secure, and holds up to 30 pounds. The 3-3/4 swivel arm folds flat to tuck easily into your purse or handbag, and opens easily to slide onto any table top. Flat top measures 1-1/2 at widest point x 2 high. This a must have accessory for any gal on the go. |
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Double Strength Clear Stained Glass $2.15 Use clear glass to create table top boxes, display cases, or use to press dried flowers or transform other keepsake items into a gorgeous gift. |
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Aanraku Flat Top Cabochon Bookmark $7.95 Fused Glass Has Never Been So Stylish Make keeping your place an art form. Flat top cabochon bookmark features a swivel joint so it folds flat for storage. Create a beautiful glass cabochon and glue it onto the pendant plate of this bookmark. Flat top measures 1-1/16 at the widest point by 1-15/16 high. Bookmark sold unfinished - You supply the art. |
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Flat Top Key Holder $7.95 Show off your fused glass art with a great looking key ring. Key chains offer a bright silver colored finish and a flat base for adhering your glass cabochons. Sold unfinished and individually. Image courtesy Aanraku Studios. |
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Cloudy Green Glass Block $6 Styles You Will Not Find Anywhere Else Originally designed for the architectural industry, these glass blocks are now available to you. Glass blocks features a smooth, clear outside surface, with a textured inside. Painted on the inside for a long life. Blocks sold individually. Measures 7-1/2 x 7-1/2, approximately 3-1/8 thick. Use glass blocks in building projects. They are perfect for basement windows, dividing walls, and glass showers. Glass blocks are also perfect for crafts. The smooth outside surface makes it easy to paint and decorate. Drill into the top so you can fill it with lights, photographs, or whatever you wish. Create picture boxes, flower vases, creative lighting and much more. For architectural installations Delphi recommends consulting a licensed builder. |
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Round Top Purse Hanger $5.95 Keep Your Bags Safe and Clean with this Stylish, Innovative Hanger. Decorate your hanger with a custom 25mm (approximately 1) glass cabochon and you will be the talk of the table next time you are out with friends. The sturdy, nickel-plated purse hanger is rubber backed to keep your bags secure, and holds up to 30 pounds. The 3-3/4 swivel arm folds flat to tuck easily into your purse or handbag, and opens easily to slide onto any table top. This a must have accessory for any gal on the go. Shown with a fused cabochon, not included. |
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Round Top Key Finder $7.95 Keep Your Keys Always in Reach This clever key ring fits over the side of your bag so your keys are always within reach. Decorate it with your own custom glass cabochon for a truly one-of-a-kind gift. Or, make one for yourself. Nickel plated. 1 diameter bezel. Sold unfinished. Delphi Tip Use 1 pre-cut fusible glass circles for perfectly round cabochons every time. Delphi carries them in a variety of colors including dichroic colors. Images courtesy of Aanraku Stained Glass Studios. |
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Clear Stringer Bits On Clear Uroboros Stained Glass $146.75 Uroboros clear stringer bits add a variety of texture. With clear stringer on top of clear glass it makes for a very unique look. Uroboros fusible glass is completely compatible with 90 coe. This glass is also excellent for stained glass projects. |
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Black Stringer Bits On Clear Uroboros Stained Glass $15.45 Uroboros black stringer bits add a variety of texture. With black stringer on top of clear glass it makes for a very unique look. Uroboros fusible glass is completely compatible with 90 coe. This glass is also excellent for stained glass projects. |
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Single Strength Float Stained Glass $1.85 Use float glass to create table top boxes, display cases, glass-on-glass mosaics, or use to press dried flowers or transform other keepsake items into a gorgeous gift. Delphi Expert Tip Use thin single strength float glass to sandwich any flat object to preserve a special memory. Create your own keepsake and gifts by pressing flowers, photos, or even paper. |
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Designs For Glass Enameling $29.95 Designs for Glass Enameling Techniques and Patterns Pattern book and CD feature over 130 multi-purpose designs in various complexities, sizes, motifs, and styles from traditional to abstract. The collection includes painting, silhouettes and stencil patterns ideal for creating tiles, tableware, box tops, panels, tabletops and more. Simple instructions and color photos demonstrate how to apply various types of glass enamels. Use these techniques with this huge assortment of patterns to easily add color designs to your fused glass. A wonderful reference for every glass artist, these versatile patterns can also be used for fused, sandblasted, or stained glass projects. You can easily enlarge, reduce, or customize patterns to fit your design needs. The included CD-ROM contains all the patterns in the book and is Mac and PC compatible. See the table of contents and a sample instruction page below. Delphi Tip This pattern library, by the art world and 39;s top glass enamellist Kay Bain Weiner, is the perfect companion to her best selling techniques book Contemporary Glass Enameling - Fusing with Powders, Paints and Frit 6629. Delphi and 39;s glass enamels are compatible with both 90 COE (Bullseye, Wasser, and other glass) and 96 COE (System 96) fusible glass. Flower panel by artist Nancy Weisser using glass enameling. Circle floral pattern by artist Kay Bain Weiner. |
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Inland Swap Top Grinder $134.95 The SwapTop Glass Grinder is a full-size, full feature machine for all your glass grinding, shaping, and drilling needs. It and 39;s able to professionally handle large scale projects but precise enough for fine detail work. Use the SwapTop Glass Grinder to grind, shape, edge finish, and drill glass, mirror, mosaics, Venetian tiles, tesserae and like materials. It also works on tile, ceramic, stone, and marble. It even operates wet or dry. The large 9 x 10.75 work surface provides plenty of work space for your larger projects yet the machine only takes up a small portion of your entire work bench. Set-up is quick and this grinder is easily convertible to a wet/dry table saw. The motor is encased in a cleverly designed base that allows it to operate with the motor shaft either vertically or horizontally for a table saw. You can add the other option whenever you want by purchasing the Table Saw Conversion Kit 10665. The SwapTop Glass Grinder does the work of several individual machines at a fraction of the cost and frees up your work space. Also available 220/240 Voltage Product is also available in 220/240V for our international customers. Click Here for pricing and information. |
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Glastar Molded Top Plate For G5 $17.95 This sturdy top plate comes with an insert to accommodate a 3/4 grinding head. |
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Bullseye Pink Opal Thin Stained Glass $25.65 Bullseye Thin Glass is perfect for fused glass jewelry and other fusing projects because it and 39;s lightweight and very easy to cut. Thin-rolled is 2 mm thick and tested compatible for fusing. 90 COE. Glass matures to this color upon firing. The main image shows a sheet of the glass in strong light after firing. In the additional images you and 39;ll see a comparison swatch of the unfired glass color (top) and the glass after firing to a full fuse (bottom). |
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Bullseye Gold Purple Opal Thin Stained Glass $26.15 Bullseye Thin Glass is perfect for fused glass jewelry and other fusing projects because it and 39;s lightweight and very easy to cut. Thin-rolled is 2 mm thick and tested compatible for fusing. 90 COE. Glass matures to this color upon firing. The main image shows a sheet of the glass in strong light after firing. In the additional images you and 39;ll see a comparison swatch of the unfired glass color (top) and the glass after firing to a full fuse (bottom). |
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Reservoir For Touch Top Grinders $21.95 Keep your grinder in top shape by replacing worn out parts. This is a replacement water reservoir for all TouchTop Grinders from Inland including the TouchTop Impulse (item 7204). |
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Penland Book Of Glass Hardcover $34.95 Master Classes in Flamework Techniques Dedicated to showcasing the stunning work of artists from across the globe, this gorgeous book focuses on ten top contemporary flameworkers. All leaders in their field, they offer a personal perspective on their influences and work. Each one demonstrates a particular process from surface techniques, including methods of sandblasting and adornments, to paperweights and glass cages. Hardcover, 232 pages. |
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Penland Book Of Glass $19.95 Master Classes in Flamework Techniques Dedicated to showcasing the stunning work of artists from across the globe, this gorgeous book focuses on ten top contemporary flameworkers. All leaders in their field, they offer a personal perspective on their influences and work. Each one demonstrates a particular process from surface techniques, including methods of sandblasting and adornments, to paperweights and glass cages. Softcover, 232 pages. |
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Wissmach Sky Blue & White Opal Stained Glass $5.55 For over 100 years the Wissmach Glass Company has be providing artisans top quality products. Opalescent glass is made with a combination of white glass and a cathedral color. Wissmach Opals have a low opacity, meaning it transmits a low level of light. |
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Cloud And Mist Dichroic Glass Block $13 Styles You Will Not Find Anywhere Else Originally designed for the architectural industry, these glass blocks are now available to you. Glass blocks features a smooth, clear outside surface. A slightly wavy inside texture gives the dichroic glass a unique, hazy look. Dichroic coating is applied to the inside to ensure long life. Blocks sold individually. Measures 7-1/2 x 7-1/2, approximately 3-1/8 thick. Use glass blocks in building projects. They are perfect for basement windows, dividing walls, and glass showers. Glass blocks are also perfect for crafts. The smooth outside surface makes it easy to paint and decorate. Drill into the top so you can fill it with lights, photographs, or whatever you wish. Create picture boxes, flower vases, creative lighting and much more. For architectural installations Delphi recommends consulting a licensed builder. |
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500 Glass Objects $24.95 A Celebration of Functional and Sculptural Glass One of the most magnificent collections of handmade glass creations ever assembled. Be inspired by these 500 outstanding pieces which capture the finest work done by top artisans worldwide. Cast your eyes on flameworked goblets, cast vases, blown cups, and fused and slumped bowls. The magnificent techniques on display include mosaics, enameling, engraving, carving, and etching, and the unique shapes and eye-catching designs will amaze any glass lover. An exceptional book for your coffee table and design library. All full-color, with beautiful photography. Softcover. Below is just a small sample of the art found inside. Eclipse IV by Jong Pil Pyun (photo by artist). Appalachian Landscape by Gary Beecham (photo by John Litteton). Damselfly Over Tea Roses, Blueberries, and Bulbous Roots Botanical by Paul J. Stankard (photo by Douglas Schaible). Topsy Turvy by Kate Vogel and John Littleton (photo by artist). Flaming Glass Vessel by James and Renee Nielsen Engebretson (photo by Don Pitlik). |
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Bullseye Marzipan Striker Opal Thin Stained Glass $55.25 For delicate kiln work and precise additions to layered works of jewelry, choose Bullseye and 39;s thin sheets, which measure 2mm thick. Glass matures to this color upon firing. The main image shows a sheet of the glass after firing. In the additional images you and 39;ll see a comparison swatch of the unfired glass color (top) and the glass after firing to a full fuse (bottom). 90 COE Special order glass is available in SHEET SIZE ONLY. |
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Bullseye Almond Striker Opal Thin Stained Glass $55.25 For delicate kiln work and precise additions to layered works of jewelry, choose Bullseye and 39;s thin sheets, which measure 2mm thick. Glass matures to this color upon firing. The main image shows a sheet of the glass in strong light after firing. In the additional images you and 39;ll see a comparison swatch of the unfired glass color (top) and the glass after firing to a full fuse (bottom). 90 COE Special order glass is available in SHEET SIZE ONLY. |
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Bullseye Orange Transparent Double Rolled Stained Glass $11.55 For high-quality kiln work, the flatter double-rolled glass minimizes bubble entrapment. Standard thickness is 3mm. Glass matures to this color upon firing. The main image shows a sheet of the glass in strong light after firing. In the additional images you and 39;ll see a comparison swatch of the unfired glass color (top) and the glass after firing to a full fuse (bottom). Swatch image is about 1 inch wide. 90 COE |
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Bullseye Chartreuse Transparent Thin Stained Glass $48.45 For delicate kiln work and precise additions to layered works of jewelry, choose Bullseye and 39;s thin sheets, which measure 2mm thick. Glass matures to this color upon firing. The main image shows a sheet of the glass in strong light after firing. In the additional images you and 39;ll see a comparison swatch of the unfired glass color (top) and the glass after firing to a full fuse (bottom). 90 COE Special order glass is available in SHEET SIZE ONLY. |
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Bullseye Opaline Striker Opal Thin Stained Glass $13.95 For delicate kiln work and precise additions to layered works of jewelry. This glass matures to this color upon firing. Color swatch is density of color in strong light transmission. Thin-rolled is 2 mm thick and tested compatible for fusing. 90 COE. Glass matures to this color upon firing. The main image shows a sheet of the glass in strong light after firing. In the additional images you and 39;ll see a comparison swatch of the unfired glass color (top) and the glass after firing to a full fuse (bottom). |
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Flat Top Letter Opener $8.95 Create custom gifts for coworkers or a beautiful desk accessory for your home office. Easily attach your favorite fused cabochon with glue, like Triolyse Adhesive 77201. Measures 7-1/4 with 1-15/16 x 1-1/16 flat top. Cabochons not included. |
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16 Round Mosaic Table Top $34.95 Here and 39;s an economical way to make a fun and practical mosaic project, a mosaic table. Add a mosaic table topper to your base (sold separately) and create a mosaic attention grabber. This 16 round, 1/2 thick topper has a smooth wood surface, perfect for stained glass, hot glass or tile mosaics. Changing the topper is easy. Buy just one set of legs and create different tops to display for each season. Sold unfinished. Use with our Wrought Iron Table Legs 425660. Blue and white table created with ceramic and glass tiles. By Dorothy Yarosh. Patriotic table created by Jen Olsen with stained glass. |
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Water Ripple Dichroic Glass Block $19.95 Styles You Will Not Find Anywhere Else Originally designed for the architectural industry, these glass blocks are now available to you. Glass blocks features a smooth, clear outside surface, with a textured inside. Dichroic coating is applied to the inside to ensure long life. Blocks sold individually. Measures 7-1/2 x 7-1/2, approximately 3-1/8 thick. Use glass blocks in building projects. They are perfect for basement windows, dividing walls, and glass showers. Glass blocks are also perfect for crafts. The smooth outside surface makes it easy to paint and decorate. Drill into the top so you can fill it with lights, photographs, or whatever you wish. Create picture boxes, flower vases, creative lighting and much more. For architectural installations Delphi recommends consulting a licensed builder. |
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Christian Stained Glass Window $396.95 Celebration of Faith and Spirit This wonderful Meyda Tiffany and 39;s panel is a beautiful original design. Handcrafted by professional artisans for top, long lasting qaulity. This panel measures 30 high x 24 wide. Every Meyda Tiffany piece is a unique, handcrafted work of art. Natural variation in the glass and finish make each and every one a masterpiece all its own. Photographs are a general representation of the product. Colors will vary. From Supplying the Tiffany Studio to Your Home Meyda Tiffany is known for their authentic Victorian styles, attention to detail, and quality that speaks for itself. Although founded in 1974, the Meyda Tiffany and 39;s roots actually date back to the early 1900s, supplying Louis Comfort Tiffany and Tiffany Studios with lighting products, and creating the original Coca-Cola stained glass lamps. Meyer Cohen and wife Ida (whose names were combined to make the company name Meyda) founded their first studio with a devotion to stained glass art and dedication to quality. Still family-owned and based in Yorkville, NY, their son Robert runs the company on the same strong principles. |
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Glass Accents Cats Black Decal $14.95 Fire on decal sheets help you create permanent designs with only one firing. Get imaginative and make beautiful custom patterns - you can even layer different decals between sheets of glass for daring 3-D effects. Sheets are approximately 4 x 4. The easy formulation matures between 1250° and 1425° F. Must be fired on top of glass. Detailed instructions included. |
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Glass Accents Celtic Gold Decal $14.95 Fire on decal sheets help you create permanent designs with only one firing. Get imaginative and make beautiful custom patterns - you can even layer different decals between sheets of glass for daring 3-D effects. Sheets are approximately 4 x 4. The easy formulation matures between 1250° and 1425° F to a lustrous gold finish. Must be fired on top of glass. Detailed instructions included. |
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Bullseye Plum Striker Opal Thin Stained Glass $26.15 Translucent purple with light plum wisps, glass strikes to a consistent opal. Color darkens with extended heat work. Thin glass best for delicate kiln work and precise additions to layered works of jewelry. Thin-rolled is 2 mm thick and tested compatible for fusing. 90 COE. Glass matures to this color upon firing. The main image shows a sheet of the glass in strong light after firing. In the additional images you and 39;ll see a comparison swatch of the unfired glass color (top) and the glass after firing to a full fuse (bottom). |
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Glass Accents Cats Gold Decal $14.95 Fire the elegance of real gold directly onto your glass creations Rich 22k gold decals in intricate designs are the perfect embellishment for your project. 4 x 4 sheet contains a selection of playful cats and kittens. Cut out individual images for jewelry, fused glass projects and even ceramics. Includes over 50 cat images and a smattering of decorative elements like mice and balls of string. Individual decals measure 1/8 to 7/8. The easy formulation matures between 1250° and 1425° F to a lustrous gold finish. Must be fired on top of glass. Detailed instructions are included. Shown fired on black glass. Compatible with all COEs and ceramics. Plate project shown below was created by glass artist Melanie Churchill and Karina Foster using butterfly decals from Sampler Decal 40429 and the Kingston Plate Mold 81025. Cat pendant project by Robin Dempsey. Step-by-Step Embellish With Decals See images below 1. Cut glass for cabochon. Full fuse. 2. Cut out decal and soak in water. Once decal separates from paper, place on glass. Fuse. 3. Adhere cabochon to pendant plate with Triolyse Adhesive. String on necklace. Wear or give as an unforgettable gift. |
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Glass Accents Favorites Gold Decal $14.95 Fire the elegance of real gold directly onto your glass creations Rich 22k gold decals in intricate designs are the perfect embellishments for your project. 4 x 4 sheet contains a selection of favorite designs from our other decal selections. Cut out individual images for jewelry, fused glass projects and even ceramics. Includes approximately 40 images with nature, religious, and decorative themes. Individual decals measure 3/8 to 3/4. The easy formulation matures between 1250° and 1425° F to a lustrous gold finish. Must be fired on top of glass. Detailed instructions are included. Shown fired on black glass. Compatible with all COEs and ceramics. Project shown below was created by glass artists Melanie Churchill and Karina Foster using butterfly decals from Sampler Decal 40429 and the Kingston Plate Mold 81025. Step-by-Step Embellish With Decals See images below 1. Cut glass for cabochon. Full fuse. 2. Cut out decal and soak in water. Once decal separates from paper, place on glass. Fuse. 3. Adhere cabochon to pendant plate with Triolyse Adhesive. String on necklace. Wear or give as an unforgetable gift. |
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Wissmach Light Amber Opal - Granite Stained Glass $5.15 For over 100 years the Wissmach Glass Company has be providing artisans top quality products. Opalescent glass is made with a combination of white glass and a cathedral color. Wissmach Opals have a low opacity, meaning it transmits a low level of light. Its rough granite texture gives this piece of glass even more visual interest. |
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Bullseye Garnet Red Transparent Thin Stained Glass $12.25 For delicate kiln work and precise additions to layered works of jewelry, choose Bullseye and 39;s thin sheets, which measure 2mm thick. 90 COE. Glass matures to this color upon firing. The main image shows a sheet of the unfired glass color. In the additional images you and 39;ll see a comparison swatch of the unfired glass color (top) and the glass after firing to a full fuse (bottom). Swatch image is about 1 inch wide. |
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Bullseye Clear Herringbone Ripple Iridized Stained Glass $113.15 Premium clear textured glass from Bullseye Studios. Herringbone Ripple textured-glass represents a pinnacle of glass-making craftsmanship. The rough ripples with a zigzag or feathered pattern is created during the sheet-forming process, then quickly cooled to maintain its shape. Top surface is iridized for even more allure. Special order glass is available in SHEET SIZE ONLY. For UPS delivery the sheet will be cut as two pieces, approximately 20 x 16 each. |


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