Making the Cherry Blossom Andon: Selecting glass and cutting

© Jo Perez

 

 

 

Next, the glass for the flower petals is considered with shading in mind.  Sections of different shades are selected for each flower.  Uroboros and Youghiogheny glass was chosen to create a play of light on the petals.  A light table is used to view the pieces of glass with light coming through.  As the cutting progresses, many pieces need to be re-cut due to breakage and changes in color choice.

 

Following that, the glass for the tree trunk and branches was selected.  Wissmach glass was selected for the swirling dark brown lines that suggest tree bark.  The pattern pieces were placed around several large sheets of glass to find just the right movement of color and texture.

 

After cutting, each piece is laid on the pattern and adjusted for a close fit.

 

 

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