Yummy New Glass

I can't seem to leave Austin without new glass and tools. It's like working in a candy shop. So here is some of the glass I bought at Blue Moon. The coral really excited me. I bought some new clothes and it goes perfectly. And yes, that's evil purple in the pile. I will handle it carefully and hopefully coax the beauty that I know is within. CiM Electric Avenue and Atlantis (more yum), complete the picture.

Other colors not shown...red roof tile, which is one I use often as well as opal yellow. I buy that one two ways...sometimes I look at the core for the pinkish tones and sometimes to have less of them. It just depends what I am making. And copper green and dark ivory round up my pile. I love both and their great reactions.

So that's the glass... Will show you my new tools in the future. And by the way, we had two great classes. Color Mixing and Intro to Murrune, Twisties & Stringer, and Sculptural Pets. Loved the beautiful work the students made and highlights are always seeing the big smiles from their accomplishments.

Class Pound Puppies

I had three fun filled days of classes in Austin, Texas this weekend. Yesterday wrapped up my glass Pet class. Here are some of the first beads made. Each pet that we make builds skills, so by the second day, the students design and make their own sculptural glass pet. It's really fun to see their excitement as they pop them into the kiln. Thanks to Blue Moon Glassworks for hosting me!

YouTube- World's Largest Blown Bottle

I'm a member of a group on LinkedIn that chats about interesting things about glass.  Recently this YouTube video was posted for the World's Largest Blown Bottle and it shows you how they machined the mold, and blew and constructed it.  Pretty interesting and about 6 minutes.

I am on my way to Austin for the two classes today, so I might not blog every day, but I'll save up some photos and give you the details on my return for sure.

Class ... Color Mixing and Murrine for Newbies

I promised I'd talk a little about my other class that I'm teaching for Blue Moon this week.  It's a one day class for people with zero or little torch experience.  Color mixing, twisties, murrine, stringer and all kinds of things that fit into those categories.

Blue Moon has a lot of mosaic and fusing students, so this one can give them more fun and exciting ways to stretch what they are already doing.  Isn't that what we look for...how can we broaden our artistic vocabulary?

It is also fun for beginning and early intermediate beadmakers.  It's a laid back, feel comfortable with soft glass, its elasticity, heat control (one of my favorite topics!) and learning how the traditional color mixing we did as kids in painting, doesn't always work in glass.  I find in my work, often I need a specific color that isn't offered in our rods, so sometimes mixing is the best way to achieve it.  (What I would give for the perfect Golden Retriever opaque glass!) But you know, necessity sometimes teaches us great lessons, and I'm having a lot of fun, passing it on to others.

Pets Class at Blue Moon in Austin

I'm excited to be heading back to Blue Moon Glassworks in Austin Texas to teach two classes.  One of my favorite classes, is the Pets Class, where we make a variety of pets- dogs, cats, a bird, hamster and most fun of all, is when each student brings reference photos and designs and creates their own personal pet, or the animal of their choice.  I taught it last summer at the Gathering and it is as much fun for me to see the delight in the student, as it is for the student to take home a glass miniature of their furry (or feathered) friend.

I'll tell you a little about the other class on Thursday. (tomorrow's blog is already reserved- see you then)

A Little Husky

I am still following musher DeeDee Janrowe in the Iditarod Race.  She is carrying two of my Husky Dog beads for Beads of Courage.  Currently, DeeDee is in 10th place and I am so excited for her.  And thankful that she is so kind to carry beads for this awesome not for profit.  Beads of Courage makes a difference in this world, and I am lucky to be a very small part in all of what they do.

Important Lunch Day

It's my friend Jane's birthday...you know, one of those important ones. So my buddies chose a special place for her celebration lunch. We're at the elegant St. Regis that sparkles and shines everywhere you look. And believe me, I am scoping it out. Not my typical funky artsy place where we usually eat. It's a little bit like being inside of a Swarovski bracelet.

So here is a discreet quick photo that I took. Now off to explore a little more. See you Monday, if not before.