Gecko Glass Art – New shop at ETSY

I’ve figured out how to ship small fused glass art from Costa Rica to the US and Canada. So I’ve taken the plunge and opened an online shop on ETSY – Gecko Glass Art – to sell my handmade jewelry and small items. Take a look and tell me what you think of my presentation.

For now, the shop will focus on ornaments and a variety of jewelry including bead embroidery cuffs, wire wrapped necklaces, and dichroic glass pendants, all hand made by me.  I’ll be adding new pieces all the time.  Watch for Christmas and holiday items to show up in the next few months.  If you’re interested in something larger that you’ve seen on my website, email me and we can start a conversation.

If you’re here in Samara, you can avoid shipping charges by calling me or by visiting Samara Organics Mercado, where my fused glass work is displayed for sale.

Washed in from the sea?

Image

 

Red coral wall piece, this fused glass artwork of transparent reds with black accents looks like it washed up on the beach. The flat bowl shape stands just off the wall so that ambient light makes it glow from behind. It would shimmer with an added halogen fixture.

This piece was commissioned to hang in a home here in Costa Rica.

 

Fusing with Frit

 

I’ve been working on a new series of chipbowls and salsa dishes, using window glass which is (usually, almost) free around here, left over at construction sites – Thank-you, Kristina.

People have been curious about the process so here is what I do.   I like the philosophy of recycling glass but the material is not as forgiving as System 96 glass which is made specifically for fusing.  The learning curve has been steep.

After cutting the ¼” thick glass to the size I want, I mix up a paste of glass frit powder with an organic fusible gel.

The paste is spread across the glass and left to air dry in the sun.

Then, with a soft pencil, I draw a design on the dry glass powder.

The design is carved away with a drummel tool.

The negative spaces are then refilled with a different color of glass powder.

When the design is complete, the piece is fired at full fuse (1535F for float glass).

Before molding the piece in a second or third kiln firing, the edges are hand sanded with 80 and 220 grit.

All in all, it takes me nearly a week to finish a piece.

I’ve also been using fusible System 96 glass as well, which is more expensive but produces more consistent results.

Black and Copper Platter Sold

This 14″ black glass platter sold at the Friday market in Samara recently.  Made up of glass, copper inserts, and high temperature paint, it’s on it’s way to a home in nearby Punta Islita.  I didn’t get the buyer’s name, from Albany, Oregon, but I thank you for your support .

 

Christmas Tree Ornaments

 

Simple wreath

I’m running late this year but I’ve just finished some new Christmas Tree Ornaments.

Wreath with Bow

The wreaths are about 3 1/2″ diameter.

Snowflake

The snowflake is 4 1/4″ diameter.

All ornaments are $10.00 each.  I’m taking orders now for delivery on Monday 12th in central Samara.  Email or call me.

 

New Glass Paintings

New England Lighthouse

 

 

Starry Night

 

 

Samara Bay with Barco

Here’s a photo by Alex Alvarado of a morning on Samara Beach

 

 

 

And my interpretation in glass – Samara beach Morning

Seven new pieces

     I’ve been having a lot of fun recently making these wire-wrapped pendants.

 

I’ve enhanced them with beaded ropes.

 

I recently selected a few for gifts for the girls and women in my family.  When I laid them out on the table so each one could choose her favorite, my 16 year-old grandson swooped in, made his own selection, and wore his pendant the rest of the weekend.  So, you see, these designs are unisex.

  

These earrings are using a new technique with a new material.  I hope you like them.

  

All of this jewelry is for sale at Samara Organics at the Natural Center.