November 30th, 2014 by Ron Branch

Etching clouds for some door panels.

What a challenge clouds can be… takes a bit of study, especially when going “free-hand”. Here’s a video of some of the practice involved.

Note: In photographing etchings I use a black background and lighting, but when etching glass for a client, first considerations are for where the glass will be installed. What will the real lighting be like? What will be on the other side of the glass. There are different ways to etch for different situations.

Art Glass, Clouds, Sandblast

August 20th, 2014 by Ron Branch

These birch trees are an example of a style I am developing that is a combination of carving and shading. The idea is to have the design hold up in any lighting conditions.

Often the details of an etching which is just shading are only effective in front of a dark background. I’m trying to combat this by including carved elements in a strategically balanced way.

Birch Trees, Etched Glass, Sandblast, Vancouver Wa

March 7th, 2010 by Ron Branch

I always enjoy fixing up a fixer-upper. I knew I was going to love this old potters wheel once it got cleaned up. It’s quite a contraption. It has a lever that you push with your foot that turns the big heavy lower wheel. Once you get it going, it goes for a long time on its own.

This was todays project. Several hours of sandblasting off the old layers, and then some really cool Rustoleum spray I found that gives the finish a “hammered” look. (Click on the photo to see progress shots).

Potters Wheel, Sandblast, Vancouver Wa