dragonfly wings

PerfectDeb · #1 2011-02-04, 4:47pm

i want to make dragonflys - i'm fine with the bodies but i cant seem to work out how to make the wings (talking sculptural here)

can someone point me towards some tips or tutorials?

Ekkie · #2 2011-02-04, 5:53pm

Kerri Fuhr had a great tutorial. I hope it is still available.

Eileen · #3 2011-02-04, 6:11pm

http://www.lampworketc.com/forums/sh...ragonfly+wings

Look at these, she does explain a little how she makes them, but not a tutorial.

PerfectDeb · #4 2011-02-04, 6:17pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ekkie

Kerri Fuhr had a great tutorial. I hope it is still available.

i've seen that, but i'm looking for sculptural wings

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eileen

http://www.lampworketc.com/forums/sh...ragonfly+wings

Look at these, she does explain a little how she makes them, but not a tutorial.

that is perfect! if only she had a tut, oh well, its a clue so now i have to go figure it out

KJJames · #5 2011-02-04, 7:14pm

Something like this Deb,
http://www.marshglass.com/tutorials/...gonflytut.html

PerfectDeb · #6 2011-02-04, 10:48pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJJames

Something like this Deb,
http://www.marshglass.com/tutorials/...gonflytut.html

thank you!!

Eileen · #7 2011-02-27, 6:26pm

Which type glass is that? I love your dragonfly!

scoutycat · #8 2011-02-27, 6:36pm

onekura- great dragon fly! I'd love to hear an explanation of how you did the wings

vetropod · #9 2011-02-27, 6:41pm

Deb,

The type of tool Barb used for those pendants in the linked page above is called: "lineman's pliers" I don't know about in Oz, but here in the US you can get them in just about any hardware store for about $30. They're like regular pliers, but a little more beefed-up, and more importantly they have that waffle pattern.

Making wings like those in her link is VERY simple, although it takes a LOT of practice for the right heat control. You basically make a gather, smash it with the pliers, reheat if necessary and pull out. Here is the result:

Hope this helps!

Wes.

Sue in Maine · #10 2011-02-27, 9:29pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beast Master

Deb,

The type of tool Barb used for those pendants in the linked page above is called: "lineman's pliers" I don't know about in Oz, but here in the US you can get them in just about any hardware store for about $30. They're like regular pliers, but a little more beefed-up, and more importantly they have that waffle pattern.

Making wings like those in her link is VERY simple, although it takes a LOT of practice for the right heat control. You basically make a gather, smash it with the pliers, reheat if necessary and pull out. Here is the result:

Hope this helps!

Wes.

I got to see Wes make one in person. Next time Wes is in Maine, I hope to be in his class! What a talent.

I also ... um... er... Italian gent... uh, crud- should not try to type this late at night... (I have a thread on it.. brb)
Vittorri Constantini! Yes, knew I'd find the thread. He was at Louie Erskine's studio in Mass. What a great day that was.

http://lampworketc.com/forums/showth...ht=Constantini

I am spoiled.

Sue

DesertDreamer · #11 2011-02-27, 10:00pm

Both of these dragonfly examples are stunning!

Otter's Flame · #12 2011-02-28, 2:16am

Wes, I saw this thread and was going to link to post a link to your work. Thanks for posting in here, thanks for always being willing to share and help the glass community so much.

shawnette · #13 2011-03-01, 7:51pm

You can get Lineman's Pliers at Harbor Freight for less than $10. They have several sizes. I paid $5.99 for mine.

jeepinwelch · #14 2011-03-01, 9:55pm

Those dragonflies are amazing! I love the different interpretations of the wings. I never would have thought of fuming or lineman pliers. Now I'll be wandering around looking at all of my pliers to see what patterns I can get out of them. lol

I am in the development process for dragonfly murrini and still haven't quite figured out where I am going with the wings. Seeing the sculptural ones and how they were done has helped my thought process on where I am going with my mess. Thanks!

PerfectDeb · #15 2011-03-02, 3:57am

Wes and Onekura - both are perfect, thank you so much for explaining, i have a whole bunch of wingless bodies that i will now try to add wings to

vetropod · #16 2011-03-02, 7:34am

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeepinwelch

I am in the development process for dragonfly murrini and still haven't quite figured out where I am going with the wings. Seeing the sculptural ones and how they were done has helped my thought process on where I am going with my mess. Thanks!

Jody,

You might consider using some mostly-clear twisty cane, with perhaps some dense black twisted in to give a wispy quality to the wings. Just a thought...

jeepinwelch · #17 2011-03-02, 7:55pm

Thanks for the idea Wes! I have something partially done and if it bombs I will try your idea.

PerfectDeb · #18 2011-03-04, 6:48pm

oh pretty!

C-Ann · #19 2011-03-05, 11:11am

I love dragonflies and the ones in this thread are beautiful. Thanks for the tips on making the wings.

AlaskaBarb · #20 2011-03-08, 10:16pm

Thanks for that, Wes. I tend to pull mine out more, to stretch the diamond pattern, and sometimes add more texture with needle nosed pliers before pulling. I posted a pic a couple of years ago, but will try to do again, so you don't have to go searching. Give me few minutes, I'll look for them.
Hugs, Barb

UPDATE - oops, Wes, I just noticed the words LINKED PAGE, so I guess you guys already found the pics. Duh. Sorry. Posted them again.

alb6094 · #21 2011-03-08, 10:30pm

All of the dragonflies in this thread are just gorgeous, what lovely eye candy!

AlaskaBarb · #22 2011-03-08, 10:43pm

Okay, found two pics, of a necklace I made, called "Twiglet Fernbottom's Pressed Fairy Necklace. Still looking for the tool photo.

Basically, you grab a blob of glass and squish with the tool, which makes a diamond pattern. Then, stretch and shape the wing. Dragonflies have two sets of wings, the top set different than the bottom. Damselflies rest holding their wings together, up over their abdomens, while dragonflies' wings are horizontal to the body, like airplane wings.

AlaskaBarb · #23 2011-03-08, 10:51pm

This is the tool I use for wings. It's for working with rebar, and has a small diamond pattern. There are two pattern sizes. Go with the smaller one.

KJJames · #24 2011-03-09, 6:50am

Barbara, as always your work is gorgeous and your sharing is generous! Thank you!

AlaskaBarb · #25 2011-03-10, 1:45pm

No problem! Hope the info is helpful. By the way, I noticed Klein was also selling fisherman pliers or something next to the rebar model. Same pattern, half as big, but tool is also half the price (mid 20.00s).

PerfectDeb · #26 2014-04-25, 5:35am

Revisiting this thread because now i can make wings yay!

Now im just struggling to stick them to the bodies

AmorphousDesigns · #27 2014-04-25, 7:18am

It helps to make little clear "bits" or raised dots of glass on the body where the wings will attach. Make the bits at the time of body construction. Later, you can heat up just the bit with a pinpoint flame at the same time heating the body side of the wing, join together.

theglasszone · #28 2014-04-25, 8:14am

Loving this thread! And what wonderful help and tips everyone!

I am so missing my torch right now...but I DO have a Harbor Freight coupon!

I just may have to go use it!

Dott · #29 2014-04-25, 10:07am

Quote:

Originally Posted by AmorphousDesigns

It helps to make little clear "bits" or raised dots of glass on the body where the wings will attach. Make the bits at the time of body construction. Later, you can heat up just the bit with a pinpoint flame at the same time heating the body side of the wing, join together.

Thanks, cool tip! Hopefully I'll remember this if I ever do some two part sculpture stuff.

PerfectDeb · #30 2014-04-26, 12:48am

Quote:

Originally Posted by AmorphousDesigns

It helps to make little clear "bits" or raised dots of glass on the body where the wings will attach. Make the bits at the time of body construction. Later, you can heat up just the bit with a pinpoint flame at the same time heating the body side of the wing, join together.

I did that but they popped off in the kiln