_Next PageToday we are going to discuss the topic of the "challenge project". I've mentioned in past pages, mainly the project page, about the "challenge project". The idea behind the challenge project is to improve your stained glass work. To improve on one's self. To enhance one's ability to work with the medium of stained glass, to become one with the art…
Since I know about boxes and 3-dimensional work best, I'll talk about making boxes and maybe lamps.
Basic Box #2: It's the same type of box as the above only you may have cuts in the side or lid. You might want to put a butterfly shape or some other design in the lid. This requires extra work. You would need to build the lid separately, and it has to be squared (the corners at exact right angles) and the edges have to match the box.
Basic Box #3: Again it's the same box, only this time try to work on your color utilization skills. Try using Spectrum's Baroque. Lay the design out on the glass with the lid in the middle, the sides at the side and so forth. The box should look unfolded. If you can't imagine it, try ripping a shoe box down its corners and see how it lies flat. That's the way it should look on the glass, like a squashed spider. Be sure to leave 1/8” clearance for the sides.
Medium Box #1: The medium box is like the basic box, only it has a 5-piece lid. As I mentioned before, a 5 piece lid is really a shallow box that's used as a lid. This type of box is much fancier then the basic box and more professional as well. From this point on you should be able to handle a 5-piece lid.
Medium Box #2: This can be anything really. You could use the Baroque, or a fancy texture. You can embed a shell in the lid or an agate. If you choose a shell you have a choice: either solder it on as is, or remove some glass so when you open the lid, you can see the inside of the shell. That technique works well with nautilus type shells or pearl shells.
Difficult #1: You now can design and build a 5-piece lid type box. But it can be boring to look at, it needs something more. Ah, I got it: put in a tray. Design a shallow box that can fit inside of your jewelry box. Be sure to figure out a way for it to "float" off the bottom. You can use glass or wire or pebbles, etc., depending on the design. Leave at least a total of a 1/8” clearance all the way around the tray in order to be able to remove the tray. You must remember to do that. If you don't, you might hit the foiled edges. Also the chain would fall out of the box or into the tray. But you don't want the space to be any larger then 1/4" total, otherwise it may be to loose and it will rattle.
Difficult #2: Ok, you figured out how to do the tray. Now try a drawer. Drawers are much harder to do. You need a tighter clearance, because you'll be seeing it from the front. Plus you need to make the measurements just right so the back of the drawer doesn't make the front of the drawer stick out. That can be tricky. It gets even harder when you make a drawer with a curved face.
Difficult #3: Now you can make a drawer and a tray, why not combine them? Make a box that has both things. Or build a box that has 2 or 3 drawers. Like a small dresser.
Curved #1: Ok you now know how to do a basic box. In the basic box category there would also be boxes with angles. Anyway curved boxes are next. Start with a pre-made design and follow their instructions. First, start with a circle, then make other shapes.
Curved #2: Same as the above, only do it with a 5 piece lid. The 5-piece lid is just a term; the lid itself can have a million pieces in it if you wish.
Curved #3: Design your own. Make it your own design and type. If you want to kill yourself, design it with a tray or a drawer.
Now you're primed on the basic types of boxes. From here go fourth and design. Each time you design something new make it a little harder. If you make a flat lid, next time make it curved. If it's square, next time make it round. My projects all seem to double in difficulty.
When doing 3-d things you can only use certain colors. With a panel, you can really use dozens of colors without it looking odd. So all the new creations need to use new techniques.
Why make challenge projects? It helps sharpen your skills, and enhance your abilities. Challenge projects are best for hobbyists who have some time on their hands.
Some people have told me that I have better work then people working this craft for 40 years. Those kinds of people never try to enhance what they do. They just keep doing what they know. And since they don't challenge themselves, they'll never improve.
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Started on 9-22-98