Fused Glass Flower Earrings Made in a Microwave

Yep! That's right! I made the fused glass pieces in my microwave with the Fuseworks Microwave Kiln Kit (Find one here! -> http://www.delphiglass.com/jewelry-supplies/fused-glass-jewelry/fuseworks-microwave-kiln-kit-90-coe) 

BASE: Red/Orange 90 COE Glass
FLOWER: Red, Black, and Yellow Flower Millefiori
A Handmade Black and White Twist Stringer cut to resemble leaves and a stem

PROCESS: I assembled all the pieces on a small square of kiln paper, placed the base with the assembled pieces in the microwave, put the top on the microwave kiln, shut the door, set it for three minutes. When I checked the piece the first time, it didn't fuse completely to my liking so I put it in for another minute until I liked it. Then when cooled, I sanded the pieces rough edges, then I attached the flower bail to the back with E600, and added the surgical steel earring hooks once it was dry.

This was honestly my first attempt at making two identical pieces, especially all in one session in the microwave. They were the only ones that turned out as well as they did. 

Ever since I started fusing glass in the microwave a year ago, I've always thought that Millefiori look just like flowers and I kept wondering how to display that moment for everyone else to see. After I made the black and white twist stringer for a lampwork bead, I decided to see how it would fair in the microwave and I'm so glad I did because they turn out amazing together! 

INSPIRATION: The overall simplicity of the piece echo's a memory of mine. As a child, I would often take naps outside during the warm months because the warm breeze and noises were very calming. I would find a spot near a field and lay down under a large oak tree. One late spring day, different variations of flowers were blooming in the field and the sea of colors was absolutely amazing. Since then I've tried to incorporate those childlike feelings and memories into my work. 

• Black and white twist stringer
• earring hooks
• E6000
• Fuseworks Microwave Kiln
• Flower Bail
• 90 COE glass
• millefiori