Technique: Simple extruder pendant
Win: Yes
Challenge:
• Creating an extruder cane slab that could be cut cleanly into square pendant shapes
• Testing whether metal square frames could be used as pendant edges for a more refined finish
Lessons Learned:
• I really enjoy the visual effect of extruder cane slabs
• A backing layer consistently improves both strength and finish
• Metal frames create beautiful edges, but adhering them securely remains a challenge, as they tend to detach after baking
Confidence Level: 8/10
Notes:
- Today felt like a quiet exploration of structure and finish. Working with extruder cane slabs continues to be deeply satisfying—the patterns feel both controlled and a little unpredictable, like they reveal themselves as I go. There’s something about slicing into the slab that still feels a bit like opening a gift
- I set out to bring more precision into the piece by shaping it into clean squares and experimenting with metal frames as edges. The idea worked beautifully in theory—the frames elevate the piece and give it a more polished, almost “complete” look. But in practice, they reminded me that good ideas don’t always translate easily. Getting them to stay attached after baking proved to be frustrating, and it’s clear this is something I’ll need to refine
- One thing that did stand out clearly today is how much a backing layer matters. It’s becoming less of an optional step and more of a quiet foundation that everything else depends on. Strength, finish, and overall confidence in the piece all improve when I take the time to include it
- Overall, this was a day of contrast—between what works effortlessly and what still resists me. But even the resistance feels useful. It’s pointing me toward the next problem to solve
