Signature Fused Glass Candle Holder
Except not so much sugar plums dancing over my head, but a ginormous kiln. I've been dreaming of a serious production kiln for probably the better part of a year. It's a big decision on many levels, and with me being such a tool and tech geek I have to be sure that I'm drooling for practical reasons rather than the "Holy cow I want that because it's COOL!" reasons. I have to consider the space requirements, the cost of the kiln and kiln accessories, and the cost of having an electrician run wiring for the kiln. Then there's the whole set of growing pains of "getting to know" a new piece of equipment. But when it comes down to comparing the kiln I have now versus the kiln I want ... it's really a no brainer. My current kiln is wonderful, but it's small. The shelf is a 13 inch circle, which means I'm limited to that size or smaller for all the things I make. It's also only about 6 inches deep which limits me to making things no taller than my signature candle holders. I also enjoy making wine bottle dishes, but magnums don't fit in my little kiln. I'd also love to make serving platters and vases, but again, far to big of my kiln. So I went to Anything In Stained Glass in Frederick, MD and proceeded to drool over the enormity of the Olympic 3014 GFE Glass Kiln. By my calculations, I should be able to fit about 10 750ml bottles in this kiln at once. This kiln will also give me the ability to help out my fellow local glass artists by providing them another resource for firing their glass work.
Olympic 3014 GFE Glass Kiln
Isn't it a thing of beauty? The oval (versus round or square) shape heats the space more evenly which gives more consistent results. Heating elements on both the top and sides makes it more energy efficient because all of the heating elements don't have to be on all the time. And back to the size thing ... It's deeper than my current kiln is wide! I can make some glorious vases in this thing! It even has a lift assist for the lid so you don't need to be the Hulk to lift it.
This beautiful piece of equipment is going to revolutionize the way I work with warm glass. I'll be able to drastically expand my product offering, and I can't wait to start experimenting with my bigger space. But I will need to be patient a little more. I'll likely receive it in February - Olympic has to build it first. I'm OK with that. It gives me time to get the wiring done and do some housekeeping to clear out space for the beast of a kiln. Come Springtime, you can expect to see some new things coming from the studio. I also happen to know that my customers and friends are wildly intelligent and creative people too, so if you have any suggestions on things I should make, send them my way! I'm always happy to receive a creative challenge from folks because it allows me to expand my artistic horizons.
This beautiful piece of equipment is going to revolutionize the way I work with warm glass. I'll be able to drastically expand my product offering, and I can't wait to start experimenting with my bigger space. But I will need to be patient a little more. I'll likely receive it in February - Olympic has to build it first. I'm OK with that. It gives me time to get the wiring done and do some housekeeping to clear out space for the beast of a kiln. Come Springtime, you can expect to see some new things coming from the studio. I also happen to know that my customers and friends are wildly intelligent and creative people too, so if you have any suggestions on things I should make, send them my way! I'm always happy to receive a creative challenge from folks because it allows me to expand my artistic horizons.
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