Constructing a Flower Pot Plate
One of the new items that DarionGlass has added this year is a flower pot plate. The name reflects it’s first use – it is exactly the right size for a small flower pot that might be in a kitchen or den – and offers a little bit of color and whimsy. Of course, it doesn’t have to be limited to use under a flower pot. It is the right size for coins, keys, jewelry or paper clips. It also makes a wonderful unique gift for Mother’s Day or for wedding attendants. This small dish is something that the present recipient could look at for years to come and remember the giver.
The photo shows some of the basic steps needed to get from flat glass to dish. Starting at the top and moving counterclockwise, there are pieces of glass selected. Two pieces are needed, usually a color (here it is red) for the top side and clear for the bottom. The pattern is traced onto these two pieces, cut out, and ground to be the exact size as shown with the next item, the green piece is laid atop a clear piece. This is then placed in the kiln and full fused for 18 hours. When this is finished, the glass is cleaned and any decoration is added.
The next item, pale green, has been fused and the 3D flowers and decorative connection are laid in place. This is then fused in the kiln on the form that the glass is now resting on. This form allows the glass to slump down through the circle, creating the desired shape. After another 18 hours, the dish has finished slumping and is removed from the kiln. When cleaned, the dish is finished as the darker green dish shows. The final dish has a slight depression and an organic non-symmetrical edge.
Finally, just above the olive green dish you can see the flower pot plate in use with a small flower container in the plate.
If there is a particular item, color or design for an object that springs to mind for you and you want to know if we can create it, get in touch and we will see what we can do. Contact us by emailing here or contact us on Facebook.
Next week: Tabletop Art
