Before and After, or

the case of the kiln struck ruby

Just for kicks I took a picture before and after I annealled this ornament. The cobalt blue is a wysiwyg color, but with the exception of the new flame-striking rubies (which I haven't tried) boro reds are traditionally struck in the kiln, with an elevated soak cycle---unless you want more a brick (reduced) red. This latter situation happened where I attached the loop, as the flame was unavoidably cooler in that area.

Though modern ruby rods come pre-struck, the glass becomes clear in the flame---so only the cobalt stripes show.

Two views of the same ornament, after being annealed with a one hour 1150 degree soak temperature. Click on the thumbnails for full-size images.

Well, this picture not only shows red, but my rather uneven application of it.

 

This is a much better image---softer highlights, more attractive color distribution, better framing. However, the pair do show the variability of my striping technique...

 

file created 22dec05