Monthly Challenge entry - Ornamanet "Revels"

Nothing like waiting until the last minute to get a picture. This ornament was done a few weeks ago, but I didn't get a picture. I finally did it on the last day to enter.

This was the second attempt. When I fired the first one, one side pulled in so I had to recut and fire. This is all BE. The base is BE white. The notes are BE black and BE black stringers, as well as the stright lines.

WRITINGS:

The words are done with Liquid Stringer. I attempted several different things, but not really came out. I'm not really pleased with this, but it was the best of all the attempts.

Some of the attempts I tried, but didn't like the look was to use rubber letter stamps and stamp on the song with pixie dust. I couldn't get the text to "flow" and look right.

I also attempted the same thing with dry enamel and that didn't work.

I also tried to write with enamel that was made into liquid form using gum arabic and another attempt using water. Since the enamel doesn't really stick to the glass like it would to a porous material, it would pool up in areas. I'm assuming this might have been easier if it were a large piece, but this is only about 4" in diameter.

FIRING:

The first 2 were to tack fuse. First the stright lines, then a second firing to add the notes.

Turn on to Lo-starting temp 135 deg

At 1 hr. - increase dial to .5, temp at 635 deg

At 1 hr 30 min - increase dial another .5, temp at 730 deg

At 2 hr - increase .5 (Level 2) , temp at 850 deg

At 2 hr 50 min - increase .5 (Level 2.5), temp at 1040 deg

At 4 hr 11 min - increase .5 (Level 3.0), temp at 1220 deg

At 4 hr 34 min - increase to Level 3.5, temp at 1300 deg

At 4 hr 45 min - temp at 1350 deg. Hold at 1350 deg for 20 min.

At 5 hr 05 min - Turn down to Lo

At 6 hr - turn kiln off.

This same firing schedule was repeated for the second tack fuse firing.

The third firing was for the Liquid Stringer and went to a hire temp. The manuf. recommends 1500 deg, but I took this up to only 1450 deg, holding only 10 minutes. I didn't want to look the raised quality of the notes so I didn't take it up that high. I also didn't want the sides to pull inwards, causing me to start all over again.

Dance dance wherever you may be I am the lord of the dance said he...