Precambrian Stromatolite Fused Glass Coasters II

After my prior work with glass - click here- I decided to make some more stromatolite coasters to create a matching set. 

Stromatolite Coasters No. 1-6. (For coasters No. 1 & 2 (top left and top middle) see prior blog - click here-).

 The inspiration for these coasters was slightly different to the prior coasters. Instead of the stromatolites in plan, these stromatolites were to be in cross-section.

Cumulate stromatolite growth structures in a biostrome.
Hammer for scale. 

Two Dolomite bioherms in cross section.
Hammer for scale. 

Some basic planning.

Stromatolites in cross-section lead to a certain difficulty- as stromatolite coasters 1 & 2 were in plan, and as a result all of the lines were curved, primarily oval shapes. In cross-section however, straight lines for bedding and curved bioherms, creating a possible awkward contrast.

Unfired.

Unfired. 

The stromatolite coasters worked well. My favourite was the (below) top left, based on cumulate growth structures. This was done using kiln paper as a resist, along with a mixture of frit and powdered glass. A new form of glass that I hadn't used was a larger frit, in dark grey and 'vanilla', most evident on the bottom right.

One thing with the coasters, that differed from my first two, was that I didn't use photographs for reference for my first two coasters. For the subsequent four, I had a range of photographs, and this meant I gave more attention to scientific accuracy, for example shapes of the bioherms and the various bedding layers. It may be that, because of this, that the later coasters, were more poorly composed, with greater attention to scientific detail. While, they did not suffer too badly from this, it may have had an effect.

Overall, I'm really pleased the full set of coasters, especially with the small transparent feet that really finish the pieces.

Topside kiln paper effects: left: bedding, middle: bioherm and right: growth structure. 

Below kiln paper effects: left: bedding (note rubber foot) and middle:bedding and growth structure.
 Right: topside kiln paper. 

Topside large frit: left: 'vanilla' and middle: grey over black glass.
Right: bottomside kiln paper.