synthesis

Hi Sam,
As a student in your recent "Synthesis-Flame Working for the Fuser" class, I wanted to
thank you for helping me become less "torch challenged". As a kiln worker (fuser) I was
intimidated by "torch working" and so decided to take your class to learn a new technique
as well as overcome my fear of the "torch". Your expertise in flameworking, awesome
teaching ability and extreme patience, as I learned a new skill in one short day, was
nothing less than remarkable. With your attention to detail and emphasis on safety, I feel
comfortable enough in my new skills to set up my own "hot head" at home. I can't wait to
start making my own stringer, twisted and ribbon cane and simple murini.
For those reasonably experienced fusers out there who want to add a new skill and "kick
their work up a notch", then this is the class for them!
Thanks Sam! You rock!
Gretchen Mayes

Recent Synthesis Student test tile
Gretchen Mayes

Synthesis - Flameworking for the Fuser
Learn to make Flame worked components for your fused pieces
Techniques covered in this workshop are:
Simple Stringer * Ribbon Cane * Twisted Cane * Dichroic
Stringer and Cane* Simple Murrini
Manipulation of components in the flame,Fusing Techniques and
Creative Thinking
Below are examples of a heavy tack fuse of the components made
in the class

Murrini

Twisted Cane

Striped Cane

Ribbon Cane

To the right is an
section of a full fused
piece with two different
types of murrini and a
ribbon cane.

Synthesis Students Finished Pieces