Introduction to NZGBA
Posted by Emma on June 12, 2010
Hi everyone
Just thought I would get online finally and introduce myself as one of the NZGBA newest members! I started lampworking on 7th May 2010 with a 1:1 session with Lisa Jane and have not looked back since. So a big thanks to Lisa Jane for the excellent introduction and and encouragement to give it a go!
Since then I have set myself up with a studio in my garage complete with oxygen concentrator and a home made ventilation system – thanks Kristan, I showed your pictures to my electrician and he came up trumps!!
I am extremely excited about where this will lead and hope, in the future, I will be able to produce some of the amazing works of art I have seen on this site. Currently I only have about 20hrs torch time but thought I would share some of my “baubles” with you .
I am now off to the studio to practice some more…..
Emma
P.S: my partner is resigned to being a lampworking widower! 
Geoffery bunker said
well done still getting my ventilation set up how did u do yours.
have a good day
Emma said
Hi Geoffrey
My electrician had an industrial lampshade which he deliberately dented to get it to sit flat on the workbench. He taped it down with gaffer tape.
A flexible foil duct has been taped (with same tape) to the neck of the lamp which is supported by a brick. The foil duct leads to an extractor fan (again taped with silver gaffer tape) and a second piece of foil ducting leads to a vent in the garage wall (covered on the outside).
So the system is a bit heath robinson but it works well. I tested it with the smoke of a blown out candle, which disappears nicely though the funnel.
I got the idea from Kristan Horne, so please have a look at her post from a little while back.
Hope this helps and good luck.
KristanHorne said
Hi Emma
Welcome to the all-consuming addiction! lol.
Your beads are really good – well done it looks like you are making fast progress, and I love your studio setup. Glad to hear my ventilation advice was helpful.
All the best with your glass work:)
BorntoBeadnz said
Wicked setup, when can I come for a coffee?