Glass Tumbling for mosaic project

Today I began tumbling glass for the big outer space mosaic project. I have cut round shapes for planets and ground the edges smooth. I nipped bits of glass and 24K plate rims using Leponitt glass nippers. I loaded one barrel and tumbled the glass for 35 minutes. It came out great, shiny with smooth edges. I was concerned about the iridescent glass and the 24K gold-plated porcelain but it was fine. This first load was a test. I loaded up another barrel and started it, noting the time. I got busy with supper and granddaughters, etc., and suddenly realized that the tumbler had been going for almost an hour. I dropped everything and ran out to rescue the glass. It was still in good shape; the iridescence was still there and so was the gold.

These pieces will be used to mosaic galaxies and nebulas and comet tails. I decided today that I will write a Hubpage giving detailed instructions on how to tumble stained glass. When I publish it, I will come back here and post the link. I am having a great time, putting together all the tess for this large and wonderful project!

Still haven't heard from the CowParade, but if my design is not selected, I will use all these pieces in a large wall hanging with the same theme. So either way, I am anxious to get started!

Maryland Mosaics order - gift from my friends

My lovely and wonderful friends, the Waid Women, gave me a gift certificate from Maryland Mosaics for my birthday in February and my order came today! MAC glue, new Leponitt glass mosaic cutters (wheeled nippers) and Kathy included a little goodie bag of beautiful mini-tiles, one is a bag of crystal sparkly glass tiles and the other is a bag of ceramic tiles. Oh and what are those strange little thingies in the upper left? Why they are Wedi Board Wall Installation Kits! What is Wedi? Wedi (pronounced Weedy) is a mosaic substrate that is light-weight, can be cut with a sharp knife, and can be used outdoors (or in). I ordered Wedi from her also and it will be shipped separately. On her website it says that the hardware must be attached to the board before you begin to mosaic. So this will be a new experience for me, actually Planning Something before starting it! More about the Wedi later . . .

Nipping . . .

Today I am nipping purple and caramel stained glass, using my wonderful Leponitt wheeled nippers. I learned something recently from reading the Stained Glass and Mosaic discussion board on GardenWeb. Someone posted the proper technique for using the wheeled nippers, and they said to hold the handles down near the ends. I have been gripping the handles up too far all these years. Holding them properly cuts way down on fatigue. It's a beautiful day here in the Hill Country of Texas. I like to hang out on the front porch and nip. When I'm done, I sweep all the little bits of glass and they fall down between the boards and underneath the porch. Here are some good instructions for nipping plates: http://www.happycraftnsmosaicsupplies.com/Helps/LeponittCutterDirections.html