Hand Pressed Figural Glass Cabochons

Being inspired by lamp working artists as well as the glass work of LaLique and the making of Czech glass buttons I have been working on how to use glass as a medium to compliment our work with vintage designs. Using steel dies as molds I relate my processes for pressing molten glass into them to create pieces that can then be incorporated into jewelry. Please note that you undertake any of this sort of work at your risk and discretion, I have not shown all the safety measures that must be observed so do not attempt unless you are comfortable with the techniques. To facilitate viewing I will relate the different sections and where they begin in time stamps. Introduction 00:15 Quick Start for about $100 02:43 Preparing mandrels 06:22 Overview of methods 08:15 Hot pot garage for temporary storage 09:55 Using the propane/oxygen torch 10:42 Single gas torch 20:55 Microwave kiln 37:17 Cutting and polishing glass 39:22 Annealing 45:47 Finished annealed pieces 52:30