By my nature, I’m not much of a planner. I’ll admit, this is a bit of a learned behavior having had so many plans completely fall apart. Whether this is poor planning or just life’s quirky sense of humor…that is up for debate.
But these days, I’ll make some vague sort of plan before I begin something along with a contingency plan. Those who know me know there’s usually a plan B through Z kicking around should they be needed.
Well tonight I needed plan B, and really, I think I like where it took me.
I’m starting in on a new chess set. This one’s going to be a little smaller than the ones I’ve been making, but it’s an ambitious project involving 122 handmade glass parts, plus the board and case. And I’m trying to have it done in time for my show on May 16th. I think I’ve gone a bit insane.
Here’s the rough design I was going to use for the pawns:
This didn't work....
It turned out that making those bases was going to be an exercise in frustration. I have enough frustration in my life right now, thank you very much.
So after making the king and one of the pawns in this style, I would up with a slight design variation:
That's better!
The big difference? Ditching the flat base at the bottom in favor of a flattened marble. Believe it or not, it’s a lot faster to make a small marble and attach it than try to make a base and get it centered properly, and flattened on the bottom. Remember, it has to sit flat, and whatever sits on it be vertical so it’s not off balance. It ain’t as easy as it sounds. Try it, go ahead, let me know if you have any suggestions. I even tried my button mold. Maybe with practice it would be easier, but I’m a little pressed for time these days.
At any rate, there’s a new set in the making, keep an eye out!