FMP Whats A Half Day ? 18th March

What's A Half Day?   18th March

Just one week before I have my PowerPoint presentation and I'm starting to get my research in order. I'm planning to do more of the PowerPoint over the next couple of days, gradually building it up over next week, adding to it as the testing carries on the next couple of days.

Getting back to the sampling, I quickly checked on the resin I did yesterday. Nothing has changed much, other than its got a lot harder, but they are still a little sticky so I have to wait till tomorrow to get them out of the moulds. I'm looking forward to seeing how they turned out.

Even with the test samples still drying, I took this opportunity to show Marriyah the resin. This was so I could get her opinion on which of the five she liked the best. We managed to narrow it down to just two of the samples, the dark green ink sample and the resin with the acrylic and glass fragment. I also had the chance to discuss the idea of adding letter into the resin. Marriyah seemed to like this idea. I then asked her if she had a favourite book or line. It just so happened that she did and it's short enough to fit into her jewellery piece. I was talking about laser cutting small letters and imbedding them into the resin. I'm hoping to try this out tomorrow, if not on Friday. I need to get my samples done so I can get my PowerPoint mostly done by Monday so I can spend the tutorial on adding the final images.

With my first test pieces still drying, I could move onto getting the glass samples sorted so I have some different materials to show Marriyah. With a greater range, she can pick which materials best represents her personality and taste.

Before I could do anything, I had to make the caste mould. This is a tricky business because I had to make sure I had the measuring just right. Luckily I had done all the measuring before my paper test piece. Taking the paper tester locket, I could use that as a template so I could get a perfect replica.

After picking a piece of wood that was deep enough for the vac forming, I could then draw round the templates and make three identical wooden samples. Once I had dawn out my shape, I could then cut and sand them. This was to get a smooth surface so that the plaster wouldn't stick to it and create a uneven mould for my glass. I'm used to the drills now and I feel a lot more confident using them. I have learnt how to use them safely and what they can and can't do.

Once everything was sanded and smooth, I measured and marked round the side of each of the templates in a different place to where they were to be sanded down to. This was so I could easily lift out the glass once it was melted and formed in the mould. I also think that having the glass formed in this shape mimics a gem a lot more than a flat piece of glass. Having carefully sanded each piece, I could then vac form each wooden piece again so that I could do more resin tests while the plaster is drying for the glass.

Once the vac forming was done, I could sort out how I was going to contain the plaster so that it would be stable while it dried. Taking boards and clamps I made a box. I then had some clay and added a small amount that would form a seal round the cracks and holes of the joining boards. Having sorted out the container for the plaster, I then had to cover the wooden templates with slip, a very wet clay, so that it would be easier to get them out of the plaster when the mould is dry. As I do this I make sure to cover every inch with a thin layer so that I wouldn't have to destroy the wooden templates in case I have to use them again. Once this was all done, I could then mix up my plaster, carefully pouring it over the wooden templates and leaving it to dry for tomorrow.

Having completed a lot today, I was happy with my work. I'm looking forward to seeing how the glass turns out and if it's a look that Marriyah is happy with.