Playing with Metal and Glass

We made a beeline from our motel back to Bill's, full of enthusiasm to learn all we can from Bill.
We started work right away. Somewhere in his distant past Bill has an Italian heritage. They have excellent craftsmen, glassworkers and problem solvers.

Not only is Bill a consummate craftsman, but also a great teacher who is interested in people and does not hestitate to share his skills - even if they were hard won by trial and error. He has a wealth of skills and energy.

Wanda had the privilege of spending the whole day working with glass. She enjoyed learning the language, processes and techniques. Bill has a philosophy that techniques are only limited by your imagination where as, many glass workers seem to limit themselves to only a few.

It was necessary to make thin almost hair-like glass rods to start with. With control, practise, and technique you could then use it to pattern your glass. Glass beads were the first experiment.

 

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Glass implosion gives some fabulous floral effects.

Left;- the flower pattern in a glass ball is so realistic. A few other of Bill's experiments.

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 Chris was keen to learn more about forging aluminium, and spent his time swing on a hammer at the anvil before switching to the power hammer.

 We had an exceptionally interesting day. Lots of fun.