| Author | Content |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
January 6, 2007
6:12 PM Post #3059683
| Many of you may be familiar with mosaics using
shattered glass. In fact, there are several pieces at
Hobby Lobby and Garden Ridge with this very technique.
Yet another project on my 'wanna do' list.
Some time ago, a local window repair shop gave
me a good sized sheet of glass from an automobile
window. Today was the day I decided to smash it!
I cleaned the glass, then cleaned off an area on
the porch. Not knowing whether we had safety
glass or tempered glass, hubby and I prepared for
a possible bounce. Thinking it was going to take a
major blow to shatter it, he chose a big rock, held
it above his head and chunked it down.
SMASH!
It sounded like breaking ice. In fact, as I type this, it
is a good hour since he broke the pane and it is still
making cracking noises.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
January 6, 2007
6:14 PM Post #3059691
| Though this one is a bit fuzzy, you can see how it shattered
into nice pieces with veins running through it. This will look
really cool when grouted!
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
January 6, 2007
6:16 PM Post #3059699
| Another shot of the crackled effect: 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
January 6, 2007
6:18 PM Post #3059708
| This particular pattern of cracks is really neat!
They are truly shards clinging to one another. I can't help
but to keep staring at these pieces. Doesn't take much
to amuse me. LOL.
This message was edited Jan 6, 2007 5:57 PM
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
hmstyl
Cleveland, GA
(Zone 7a)
January 6, 2007
6:43 PM Post #3059792
| I'm not familiar witih that. What are you going to do with it now? |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
January 6, 2007
7:08 PM Post #3059873
| That looks great!! Sounds like you both had alot of fun smashing the glass. |
SacValley
Wilton, CA
(Zone 9b)
January 6, 2007
7:21 PM Post #3059919
| Better than watching paint dry. You Must post your project. I think whatever you do will be really cool.
|
balvenie
Marysville, WA
(Zone 7a)
January 6, 2007
7:23 PM Post #3059924
| I'm with hmstyl. What do you do with it now ? Having experienced the "joys" of broken tempered glass what I recall is thousands of little pieces that scatter like the devil when you try to pick them up. The patterns created really turn my crank, but as soon as they are touched they fall apart. How can you secure them to a point where they can be grouted ? This whole idea is really cool, but it looks like I'm missing some of the basics. Do you use the individual shards or areas like you show in the pictures ? I've never seen a "finished project" so have nothing to go by. More pics and progress, please, this is exciting.
edited to say: try tapping the edge of a sheet of tempered glass with a hammer. It should break with much less exertion, and maybe in a different pattern.
This message was edited Jan 6, 2007 4:26 PM |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
January 6, 2007
7:23 PM Post #3059925
| Often an image is applied to a surface, or painted. Solid,
patterned, varied. Whatever one chooses. Then, the pieces
of shattered glass are applied with a clear adhesive, allowed
to dry, then grouted. The result?
[HYPERLINK@www.ellenblakeley.com]
Be sure to click on the gallery in the toolbar at the top.
This is but one of the many sites which feature tempered glass
mosaics. If you are impressed with her work, you should see
the Mosaics by Mo. She does refrigerators!
[HYPERLINK@tinyurl.com]
You can do just about anything with this neat stuff. It's an
excellent way to recycle.
[HYPERLINK@tinyurl.com]
Another page with examples of tempered glass mosaic is above.
If you have time, you might Google using keywords such as
Mosaic Tempered Glass. You'll find a treasure trove of goodies.
:-) KM |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
January 6, 2007
7:26 PM Post #3059932
| While you can use larger chunks of the pieces still intact and stuck to
one another, they won't allow grout in, so you may wish to use individual
pieces. While it will take longer, the result will be spectacular. Use larger
sections of intact pieces to place on top of photos and such.
I'm thinking of doing a bowling ball first. I'm sitting here playing with the
pieces right now. LOL
|
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
January 6, 2007
7:28 PM Post #3059938
| Oh, and contrary to popular belief, tempered glass is not dull.
It still has the ability to sliver and splinter, so be careful. Don't
manhandle the pieces.
(she states, as she pulls slivers from her fingers) |
balvenie
Marysville, WA
(Zone 7a)
January 6, 2007
7:30 PM Post #3059944
| That helps. Thanks Wuvie |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
January 7, 2007
9:55 AM Post #3061482
| Last night I began gluing the pieces of glass to a bowling
ball which was already prepared with the holes plugged, filled
and sanded over.
The interesting thing is, the ball was once painted copper for
another project, then when I sanded a bit of it, spots of yet
another color showed through from previous paint, as well as
the color of the bowling ball itself.
Then, when I used Bond 527 cement to adhere the pieces to
the ball, it sort of ate the paint, which is alright with me, as it
produced a swirly design in the colors on the ball.
Slowly but surely I began gluing the pieces about the ball. Nothing
fancy, not trying to put together a jigsaw puzzle. After all, I'll want
to leave room for some grout to show, so basically I just stuck pieces
here and there. Had to quit last night due to lack of proper lighting.
This morning I picked up a few more sections and will let it dry while
I have dinner with my parents.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
balvenie
Marysville, WA
(Zone 7a)
January 7, 2007
11:04 AM Post #3061699
| Rats ! If I'd only known. It took about seven weekly deposits in the trash to get rid of the remains of a three foot sliding glass door panel that broke. I had never thought of using the glass in a mosaic. Probably due to never having done a mosaic. The bowling ball will be really great in the garden. Do bowling balls come in different sizes ? I can picture three spheres epoxied on rebar stakes peeking through the poppies. Hurry hurry Wuvie, I can't wait to see the results. The iridescence will be stunning.
PS. I have four more of the three foot slider panels if anyone wants them. (delivery not included. lol) |
Emelle
Morrinsville ~Waikat
(New Zealand)
January 7, 2007
2:06 PM Post #3062234
| Thank you so much for telling me about this art form - I went to Ellen Blakely website and have marked it ...Her work is beautiful ! .I like the idea of having scraps of fabric underneath .I couldn't pick up about grout that is used - usual grout ? Wouldn't it dull the effect ?
Emelle. |
weedsgalore
Tampa, FL
January 7, 2007
4:30 PM Post #3062681
| Well, that was sure fascinating! Who woulda thought? Can't wait to see the finished piece, Wuvie! Thanks for that little tour! sue |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
January 7, 2007
5:57 PM Post #3062936
| Hello Emelle,
As some of the glass pieces have a larger visual area, I love the
idea of using fabric.
I'll show the ball before and after the grout to show the difference when
I get to that stage so you can see the change that is made. It doesn't dull
the effect, but rather add to it. But then again, I do see your point, if you
used the wrong color grout it could make or break the project.
Yep, just plain old ordinary grout. I think I'll use something complimentary
to the copper, because I have a bad habit of using black grout. I'd love to
use some of the new grout that is glow in the dark. Wouldn't that be cool?
They also have shiny copper, gold, silver, etc. which I may entertain as well.
Just got home from dinner, so will work on the ball some more as I work
on the computer.
*HELPFUL HINT* Instead of gluing on one piece at a time, set out
a number of pieces on your work surface, spread a bit of glue
on the ball and attach the pieces you've already selected. This
eliminates the pick one, glue one routine. Unless you have nothing
better to do and don't mind additional glue sniffing time. LOL.
:-) KM
Picture shows the progress on the bowling ball. Now about 8" x 6" has
been covered. A long way to go. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
balvenie
Marysville, WA
(Zone 7a)
January 7, 2007
6:26 PM Post #3063033
| Beautiful. Reminds me of a Peacock feather. |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
January 7, 2007
6:31 PM Post #3063051
| It really does look like a peacock feather with all the colors in it. |
Emelle
Morrinsville ~Waikat
(New Zealand)
January 7, 2007
9:15 PM Post #3063583
| Thanks for your advice .I haven't seen anything like it in NZ .
I usually use black or charcoal grout on my mosaics ,as it brings it into sharp focus. Glass is ,however,different ,as you would want a stained glass effect ,so I will be so interested in your choice.
Best Wishes ,Emelle (NZ)
PS -scorching Summer's day today -I have just unloaded a load of mushroom compost for the garden . |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
January 7, 2007
9:19 PM Post #3063594
| Mushroom compost? How lucky are you!
Wow! |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
January 7, 2007
9:36 PM Post #3063636
| I'll take some of that!!! |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
January 7, 2007
11:35 PM Post #3064005
| Balvenie, re: your edit:
edited to say: try tapping the edge of a sheet of tempered
glass with a hammer. It should break with much less exertion,
and maybe in a different pattern.
___________________________________
Are you reading my mind? As I glued the pieces onto the bowling
ball, I wondered if the fractured pieces would be larger if hubby had
used a lighter blow. Smacking the sides, now that is a good idea. There
is a sliding glass door out back just waiting to be tested. Heh heh.
I have a giant wooden spool calling out to me. "Make me a shattered table.
Make me a shattered table."
I'll put it on the long list. LOL. |
Emelle
Morrinsville ~Waikat
(New Zealand)
January 8, 2007
2:59 AM Post #3064232
| I'm following this thread with interest .
There is a mushroom factory on the outskirts of our nearby town .They make the compost out of maize stubble ,animal manure ,and all sorts of other goodies. ..Mushrooms are grown in dark sheds in this mixture...When the factory wish to replace the mixture with new ,the locals can buy the used compost for gardens .Just take a ute along to the depot ... It smells very strong !- I was driving home and came to a traffic police checkpoint (licences,vehicle registration etc) The officer couldn't stand the smell ,so I was waved on !
Emelle. |
balvenie
Marysville, WA
(Zone 7a)
January 8, 2007
10:33 AM Post #3064832
| Wuvie, one of the oddities of tempered glass is its ability to withstand a sharp blow (within reason) to the face, but very little to the edges.
What do you think would happen if the spool was coated with adhesive, glass put on top and then banged on the edge to shatter it ?? There probably wouldn't be any gaps for grouting, but covered with a coat of epoxy there shouldn't be any sharp edges showing. The patterns might be very interesting. Just a thought. |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
January 8, 2007
11:40 AM Post #3064989
| Bal, good points, thank you!
I looked at the spools again today, but they are not flat on the
top, rather they have several big bolts sticking out. In just what
I've completed on the bowling ball thus far, I am absolutely intrigued
by this method and can't wait to do more of it.
In fact, I was up very late laying in bed, unable to control all the
ideas coming into my head. I can see why someone could easily
go nuts with this method. It is intoxicating. Must smash. Must break, LOL.
The bowling ball is sitting on a table in the bedroom right now, with
the sun bouncing off the glass. Wow. The entire room is covered in tiny
speckles of light - on the ceiling and everywhere! This, of course, led to
the "Oh, I must do one with mirrors next" idea.
I'll work on the ball later and will post more pix.
:-) KM |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
January 8, 2007
6:32 PM Post #3066056
| Fun website featuring an exhibit at a science museum
using bowling balls and tempered glass:
[HYPERLINK@buzz.smm.org]
|
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
January 9, 2007
12:24 PM Post #3068133
| Update January 9, 2007. The bowing ball is about 3/4 covered with
tempered glass at this point.
(Photo taken indoors in a sunny location.)
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
balvenie
Marysville, WA
(Zone 7a)
January 9, 2007
12:27 PM Post #3068142
| Gorgeous ! Anxiously awaiting the grout. |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
January 9, 2007
12:56 PM Post #3068215
| This is all that is left of the space to fill with glass.
I should be done by tomorrow, but then I will allow it
to dry thoroughly for a few days. I may grout it this
weekend, so I'm open to suggestions for grout color.
But not black. LOL
Karen Marie
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
keyi
Yukon, OK
(Zone 7b)
January 9, 2007
6:18 PM Post #3069062
| Wow! It's looking very nice. Thank you for researching this Karen Marie. I am feeling a bit like your smashed glass, but not nearly as pretty, so am not up to adding glue fumes just today. Your ball is looking just wonderful. Personally, I think that black sets copper off to perfection, but as pretty as that is looking, I don't think you can mess it up. Whatever color grout you use will be beautiful.
Michelle |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
January 9, 2007
8:19 PM Post #3069403
| My first thought was copper grout, then I agreed with Michelle on the black, now I can't make up my mind!! LOL |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
January 9, 2007
8:28 PM Post #3069429
| Hmm. Now you both have me thinking maybe black
would be best. It's just that I've used black on several other
projects, and white on another. I didn't care for the white, it
looks like I stuck things in a frosted cake.
I'll have to mull this one over. Hmm.
|
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
January 9, 2007
8:58 PM Post #3069513
| NO WHITE!! And no gray either. If it wasn't for the copper tone I would say blue but I don't think blue would look good. I also thought about green because when copper ages it takes on that green color. |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
January 9, 2007
9:42 PM Post #3069659
| Okay, folks. As of one moment ago, the bowling ball is covered.
Right now I'm just going back with tweezers and glass, filling in
spaces which I feel are too big to leave blank.
Pepper, no worries about the white. I guess I've just seen too many
white things, and am not very fond of the look in general.
This has been more fun than I thought, and I can't wait to begin
another project after this one is finished. I looked at the giant wooden
spools again today, thinking what a bizarre table that would make. Hmm.
Though this project consisted of mainly glue it and stick it, I think the
next ball I do will take longer, as I have a good deal of long, straight shards.
I think they would look fabulous if adhered in a particular pattern, even
grouted with various colors on the same ball.
What I've learned in this project:
* Use a small fan to blow fresh air your way when using
Bond 527 cement. Phew!
* Remember, tempered glass is still sharp and you will get splinters.
* Do not try to scrape a pile of tempered glass with your hands.
Use a dust pan and dust broom. When you are finished, always
vacuum your work area!
* Work in small sections. You can't do the entire project in one day.
* Have patience.
Trust me, I'm sure I'll have more to add when I grout, which is something
I'm looking forward to. I can't wait to smear grout all over this thing!
|
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
January 12, 2007
4:34 PM Post #3077605
| Here sits the ball awaiting grout.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
balvenie
Marysville, WA
(Zone 7a)
January 12, 2007
5:30 PM Post #3077766
| Splendid. canst thou seest into the future ? Thy sparklingest globe foretells of a radiant future. How about a teal grout ? |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
January 12, 2007
5:39 PM Post #3077792
| A radiant future. That sounds nice! I'd like a bit
of radiance by way of the Powerball in my favor.
I guess I could make it on 155 million.
Now teal is a thought. Indeed a good one.
My sister in law asked about it, and I mentioned it was a
gazing ball. I guess I used the wrong term, as she asked if
I could see the future. LOL.
What does one call this thing, anyhow? Garden ball? Gazing
ball? Ball? Hmm. |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
January 12, 2007
5:53 PM Post #3077845
| Teal sounds kinda cool. It's different that's for sure. |
shellabella
West Central, FL
(Zone 9b)
February 5, 2007
1:42 PM Post #3160182
| Hi I have been following this interesting thread with great interest...thank you for sharing with everybody!
I thought it was called a gazing ball for sure.
Tell your sister that when you look into it you really can see the future ..."and zee future holds more tempered glass mosaics for me" lol! |
mgh
Willamette Valley, OR
(Zone 8a)
February 5, 2007
1:48 PM Post #3160197
| I've always heard these called gazing balls. A crystal ball is for seeing the future. ;o)
Wuvie, have you grouted it yet? |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
February 5, 2007
2:28 PM Post #3160323
| *pout*
Sadly, I have not yet grouted it. I did a dry grout test,
though, in white and also in black, and was not happy with
either. My original intention was to use an expoxy grout with
sparkles in it, but my gosh, the product runs a fortune.
I'm also of the opinion that I may make another one just like
the other, as I'm not completely satisfied with the way it turned
out. Hindsight shows I prefer the pieces to be closer together, not
leaving so many gaps. I suppose I could apply additional pieces into
the larger sections, but this would take some time.
:-) KM |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
February 5, 2007
8:54 PM Post #3161601
| Well, it was an experiment. lol. The glass looks great but the grout didn't come out the way you wanted. Start another one and try again. I know you are very good at doing that so put your butt in gear and hop on it!!! LOL |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
February 7, 2007
9:19 PM Post #3168044
| Alrighty, folks. Time for an update.
Camera is not functioning, so no pictures.
Please stop throwing tomatoes. LOL
After much debate and an urge to do something other
than sit watching the ball sit, I grouted it. It doesn't matter
which color, because I plan to use Rub-n-Buff on the grout
to change it to a copper color. At present, it is grouted in white.
Although some do like white, it is not what I was after for this
particular project. So. Tomorrow we may wander about the craft
store in search of Rub-n-Buff.
Next, a trial and error issue to report. When the ball was originally
painted copper in the very beginning of another project that went
to the wayside, I doodled on it with a Sharpie pen, thinking I would
follow the lines with my pattern. Well, I scrapped that idea and proceeded
with the tempered glass.
Lo and behold, now that I have grouted the ball, the Sharpie pen
marks show through. Nothing too bad, because I happened to use a red pen,
so I can turn the ball to hide the ink. I never even considered the ink would
seep through the additional layers of paint.
Off to fight the camera. Work, darn it, work!
KM
|
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
February 7, 2007
10:02 PM Post #3168167
| Okay, I was able to convince the camera to work.
Here is a comparison. The ball before grout:
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
February 7, 2007
10:04 PM Post #3168176
|
And the ball after grout, but before the Rub-n-Buff.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed the ball will turn out
well once the buff is on, because the white is not
working for me.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
mgh
Willamette Valley, OR
(Zone 8a)
February 7, 2007
11:58 PM Post #3168479
| Oh, Wuvie! I think it's gorgeous! I love the white grout! |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
February 8, 2007
7:06 AM Post #3168721
| It looks good with the white but personally i like the copper better. lol |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
February 10, 2007
2:09 PM Post #3175361
| Slight update, I'm sort of jabbering on two different threads about this same ball:
[HYPERLINK@davesgarden.com]
I've grouted it with white, then used a product called
Rub'n Buff. I think I'm going to buy a different Rub'n Buff
to go on top of this, as it looks brown and was supposed
to be copper.
Having fun, though.
:-) KM
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
February 10, 2007
5:44 PM Post #3175873
| Still looks good with the brown grout. Not as good as copper of course but still better than white. |
soulgardenlove
Marietta, GA
(Zone 7b)
February 13, 2007
10:47 PM Post #3186769
| amazing!!!! Wow :) I'm following with great interest! Did you wear gloves when glueing or was that just not possible to handle those small pieces? What about latex gloves or would they even help? The thought of getting glass in my skin makes it crawl!!
What is rub and buff? Sounds like a male enhancement product.
:)
Susan |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
February 14, 2007
10:12 AM Post #3187837
| Hello Susan,
Actually, the glass won't cut you unless you try. After smashing the
initial sheet of glass, I used heavy leather gloves to get a few handfuls,
then put them in a metal wire collander / strainer. The plastic strainers
do not work. Just wiggle the strainer and twirl the glass in a cirlce, this
allows all of the tiny slivers to drop into a waiting trash bag or other
receptacle.
Rub'n Buff, LOL Susan :-), is not a male enhancement product, but rather
a wax metallic finish for highlighting, stenciling and more.
It is an Amaco product which can often be found at Hobby Lobby.
When grouting, yes, I did wear a pair of pink kitchen gloves, but worked
carefully, so as not to rip my gloves. I did not have to be overly cautious,
just slow and sure.
Hope this helps. :-) It was very relaxing to make this ball, and I'll soon
start another one.
KM
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
soulgardenlove
Marietta, GA
(Zone 7b)
February 14, 2007
10:50 AM Post #3188015
| Thanks.. I have a ball, I just need the glass now :)
Susan |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
February 14, 2007
12:25 PM Post #3188428
| Hi Susan,
Call around to a few automobile windsheild repair shops.
Explain that you are doing an art project and wonder if
they had any broken tempered glass, or even windows they
can no longer use. Offer to bring in a bucket so the next time
they have to remove a window, they could save the glass in
a bucket for you. The side windows are generally what you
are after. The front windows tend to be laminated between
sheets of plastic-like stuff and do not separate into individual
pieces like the glass I use, tempered glass.
You might even check with a regular glass shop. Be sure to
specify you are looking for discarded TEMPERED glass. :-)
It is often free for the taking.
The only other option is to get a police scanner. When a car
crash occurs, race to the scene with a dust broom and pan,
offering to clean up. No, really, just kidding. But yes, auto glass
is broken every single day.
KM |
soulgardenlove
Marietta, GA
(Zone 7b)
February 14, 2007
4:23 PM Post #3189236
| ha ha ha ... for a minute I believed you... until you said JK.. you know, if your an addict like I am about plants you will go anywhere for them.. I have seen the inside of a dumpster in full makeup, well dressed and had very quizzed looks.. I just pretend i know exactly what i'm doing and keep on getting my stuff! :)
Thank you God that I've never personally had any broken auto glass and lets please keep it that way :)
Susan |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
February 14, 2007
7:27 PM Post #3189832
| Susan,
I'll dumpster dive with you any day. One year I happened upon
a young man tossing roses into the trash can. I said "I'm sorry,
but why are you throwing those roses away?" He replied "My
boss told me to."
I waited until he was finished, then proceeded to help myself
to a load of roses still in the packages. Quite a few of them made
it. Sure, they needed some TLC, but free rose TLC comes cheap
and easy.
:-) KM
|
soulgardenlove
Marietta, GA
(Zone 7b)
February 15, 2007
7:35 AM Post #3191103
| YEA!!!!!!!!!!! :() |
ArbaStar
Snow Hill, NC
(Zone 8a)
February 16, 2007
10:09 PM Post #3197352
| Wuvie,
I'm itching to try the tempered glass. Love your orb!
Auto repair around the corner will let me have lots! Just gotta get my thoughts together on what I'm gonna do!
Kimmy |
soulgardenlove
Marietta, GA
(Zone 7b)
February 17, 2007
9:13 AM Post #3198156
| okay.. I've had an idea...
I do have a ball to do, but now I have another idea. The other day I went to TJ Maxx and more and saw their garden art section. They had those concrete garden sculptures.. like the large winged angels and St. Francis. What was special about them is that they were tiled in all the places where there was a flat surface.. like St. Francis' robe and the angels wings. I entertained the idea of purchasing one, but they really were on the pricey side.. St. Francis was $100. Then it hit me! Glass mosiac on my own garden stauary figure would be so much more incredible looking than the large tiles pieces they had on theirs... I've asked for help in the Georgia forum in finding one of those frugal concrete statuary yards. There are some intown that cater to the upscale.. with lavish fountains and such with prices to match. I'm really looking forward to doing this.. I just need to find a reasonable seller.
The possibilities are really limitless. Like a frog.. paint him green and glass him up and mortar with another green and whalla.. The most lovely garden frog in history! :)
Susan |
bsulli42
Lakeville, MN
(Zone 4a)
February 17, 2007
1:42 PM Post #3198997
| Wuvie/KM -
I am new today and just read this entire thread. The ball is gorgeous and, like others, I'm off to my local auto glass repair shop. It looks so much better (and less pricey, unless you include the labor) than what can be purchased commercially. THANK YOU so much for sharing all the details and your journey.
- Beth |
Crimson
Clarksville, TN
(Zone 6b)
February 17, 2007
4:43 PM Post #3199478
| I wonder if you could some how break and use cd's for this project... could be interesting. |
soulgardenlove
Marietta, GA
(Zone 7b)
February 17, 2007
4:54 PM Post #3199508
| How about a smashed mirror?
Susan |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
February 17, 2007
9:38 PM Post #3200418
| Hi Susan,
Indeed a smashed mirror can be used. At present I have a few hours
invested in my latest project, but I am cutting the mirror with my tile nippers
to get a more distinct shape. Sometimes I use the glass cutters to get a
certain width strip, but most of the pieces are rough cut.
Beth, so glad you joined us! Hope you will make one of these
balls or anything with tempered glass. It is a lot of fun, relieves stress
and makes quite an interesting conversation piece. :-) Welcome aboard!
This message was edited Feb 17, 2007 8:47 PM
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
February 17, 2007
9:45 PM Post #3200445
| So as not to make this thread too long, I'll post a link
to the new thread about my latest project:
MIRROR, MIRROR, ON THE BALL
[HYPERLINK@davesgarden.com]
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Emelle
Morrinsville ~Waikat
(New Zealand)
February 17, 2007
10:03 PM Post #3200504
| The mother of teenagers might have some CDs that she would give you to break into a thousand pieces !
Emelle |
makshi
Noblesville, IN
(Zone 5a)
March 15, 2007
5:25 PM Post #3285317
| I love this. Does anyone know of a glue that doesn't have fumes? I have COPD and can't use anything with strong smells or fumes. I really want to try one so I hope someone can help me locate a glue. |
adina72
Pennellville, NY
(Zone 5a)
March 20, 2007
7:08 AM Post #3301452
| Weldbond doesn't have fumes. I use it for mainly indoor projects and outdoor projects that are protected from the elements.
This BB is amazing. You did a fantastic job! |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
March 20, 2007
1:50 PM Post #3302750
| Thanks, Adina,
Makshi, I second the Weldbond idea for indoor projects.
I've never seen it locally, but it can be found online, even
Ebay, but shop around. Some sellers charge way too much
for it, when it can be found cheaper.
:-) Karen Marie
|
flowerette
Gulf Coast, TX
(Zone 9a)
October 28, 2007
3:43 PM Post #4132712
| Wuvie, just found your project. What a wonderful idea! Your info and pictures are so inspiring that I hope to give it a try. Thanks for sharing.
Carol |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
October 28, 2007
3:50 PM Post #4132733
| Hi Carol,
You are most welcome, thanks for the flattery! (blushing)
Be sure to wear safety glasses. :-)
KM |
somersetsue
Portland, OR
(Zone 8b)
March 8, 2008
1:30 AM Post #4636766
| Wuvie, I've been watching this and other threads on using tempered glass being applied to BB's. Can you tell me what kind of glue or adhesive to use on pictures, photos etc. and then the tempered glass of top??? My neighbor just got her sliding glass door broken and I asked for the glass...score!!!! |
Maxine
Western, WI
(Zone 4a)
March 8, 2008
7:32 AM Post #4637095
| Wuvie, do you have any additional pictures of your bowling balls?
Have been busy collecting bottles of different colors, but right now have around 20 of the blue. Blue is my favorite color.
Also patterned glass and mirror. Local glass shop is very accomodating in saving me their scraps.
Maxine
|
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
March 9, 2008
12:32 PM Post #4642082
| Hello Maxine,
So good to see others in the bowling ball craze! Can't wait to
see what you do.
Sadly, I often have so many things going on at once that I
fall behind on paying attention to any one thing for long. As such,
I don't have many pictures or projects to show at this time, but
perhaps soon now that the time has changed, I will have more
daylight after work.
:-) Karen Marie
|
chickeemama
Graham, WA
April 10, 2008
2:57 AM Post #4785671
| I just realized I never posted on this. I absolutely LOVE IT!!!!
I really didnt care for the bb with the white grout but your brown rub n buff really made it beautiful!!!
I love the mirror ball you started. Any more progress on that??
I did a nice mirror ball and it lasted for about 2 years out doors. The adhesive I used to put the pieces on failed...I didnt realize it was for indoor use only. I have used GE II clear silicone for all my other outdoor projects with a lot of success. You dont get so much slippage with it like you would using weldbond. Which btw I would NOT use for any outdoor project. If your grout cracks it will re-hydrate the glue and the pieces will fall off just like mine did..
I have some glass that I've been saving...you make me want to start a ball. I have a beautiful purple one that would look great with all that crash glass and maybe a glass glob or two!! |
iwait2cu
Allentown, PA
August 20, 2008
3:47 PM Post #5442681
| I work at an auto glass repair shop. Every day people come in here with their broken windshields and doorglasses. Every day I see piles of broken tempered glass, beautiful blues, greens, bronze and gray. For 2 years, I've been saying, 'I could do something with this stuff'. Thanks for all the ideas, photos, and links! I'm inspired, and I think I'll finally put some of this stuff in a bucket, take it home, and start a project. |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
August 20, 2008
10:09 PM Post #5444613
| Iwait,
Whoo hoo! Good to hear you are going to give it a try.
Have you seen the various items in craft and hobby stores with
tempered glass? I'm even seeing pieces at Lowe's in the garden
section.
Hope you'll keep in touch and post what you are up to, we'd love to
oogle your work!
:-) KM |
