Flameworking Icons

It's not often that you see two glass icons working in the same room, while you're in class.  We were lucky to have Hans Godo Frabel stop by FlameTree Glass during our Loren Stump class.

He was showing owner, Lance McRorie how he makes his gorgeous large holiday ornaments (I so wish I had gotten a photo of it, so beautiful).  And Loren hadn't had a chance to see him work before either. I snapped a quick picture from across the room.  I didn't want to bother them.  But to see two flameworking icons sitting together and chatting, was pretty special.

Win a Torch Contest! Celebrate with FlameTree Glass

I copied this straight from FlameTree Glass's website, www.flametreeglass.com  This is a wonderful half day of celebration and a really nice glass sale.  FlameTree is my hometown glass studio and I think they are great - with advice, customer service and just being really great folks.

Hope you can join them on June 23rd and if not, perhaps grab some of the great deals and enter their contest.  

And by the way, I am not a celebrity.  They were just being kind and I am honored to have been asked to help judge the contest.  And I'm afraid no bribes this time.  I will be scrupulously careful to do my job!

Read on!

Marcy

FlameTree Glass, Inc. is celebrating their 10 year anniversary on June 23 2012!  Who would have guessed we made it all the way from our small garage to where we are today.  With a beautiful glass gallery, hi-tech studio and international instructors we continue the age old tradition of lampworking glass into fine pieces of art.  We give thanks to all our customers for their support throughout these many years.  We will continue to dedicate ourselves to good customer service and knowledgeable assistance.  We will keep up our commitment to education and active community participation.

---

 Free torch time on June 23 Sat 12-6pm

Come join the fun as we open the studio for free torch time.  There will be food, fun and some surprise demos.  Bring your favorite tools and eyewear.  We will provide some of the glass and mandrels needed.  Eyewear will be required at all times in studio. 

---

FlameTree 10th Anniversary Sale June 23 2012!

35% off

Effetre, Vetrofond and Messy Color Rods

No minimums except for the .25 per color.

10% off

Borosilicate Clear Rod and Color Rod

Sale does not apply to assortments, dichroics, stringers, powders & frit. or borosilicate tubing.  While supplies last.  No backorder discounts.

---

CONTEST! 

10th Anniversary Themes

Traditional: Tin or aluminum. The pliability of tin and aluminum is a symbol of how success needs to be flexible and durable and how it can be bent without being broken.

Modern: Diamond - durable and beautiful.  blue sapphire.  color: silver or blue

FlameTree 10th Anniversary Bead Contest! 

Win a Glass Torch Technologies Scorpion Torch!

Create the best flameworked bead using the 10th anniversary theme; such as, blue glass, silvered glass, metallic glass, silver foils, dichroic, fumed or CZs.  You can use a combination of any of these listed items for your bead.  Entries will be judged on creativity, detail and use of imagination with the 10th Anniversary Theme.  Winning Entries become the property of Glass Torch Technologies to be put on display in their glass gallery. All other entries will be returned to sender.  Only one entry per category per person.  Deadline to receive entry is June 21 2012.

FlameTree 10th Anniversary Marble Contest! 

Win a Glass Torch Technologies Sidewinder Torch!

Create the best flameworked marble using the 10th anniversary theme; such as, blue glass, silvered glass, metallic glass, silver foils, dichroic, fumed or CZs.  You can use a combination of any of these listed items for your marble.  Entries will be judged on creativity, detail and use of imagination with the 10th Anniversary Theme.  Winning Entries become the property of Glass Torch Technologies to be put on display in their glass gallery. All other entries will be returned to sender.  Only one entry per category per person.  Deadline to receive entry is June 21 2012.

Winners will be announced June 23 2012 during open house and at www.flametreeglass.com

Send or bring entries to 

FlameTree 10th Anniversary Contest

470 S. Atlanta St.

Roswell, GA 30075

Please include contact information name, address, phone, email and or website.  Shipping for prizes not included.  Return shipping for international entries not included.  Please include a return address on all entries.  Please let us know if you would like to donate your entry to the Beads of Courage Program or have on it display at the FlameTree Gallery.  Contest is open to all levels of experience.

Judges include:

Mega-Superstar Hans Godo Frabel

Celebrity lampworker Marcy Lamberson

also Lance & Maureen McRorie.

Contest sponsored by Glass Torch Technologies  www.glasstorchtech.com

Have a Glass Bobble Head Holiday Class with Me

Marcy Lamberson - Holiday Bobbleheads

Nov 5,  Saturday     10 am - 5 pm  (one hour lunch break)

Ho, Ho, Ho!

Join Santa (me!)  and you will become his chief elf toymaker during this  fun full-day class.

You'll learn these two part bobblehead (and bobble belly) beads and how to put them together after they are annealed. Yes, we'll make their inner workings in class and have a demonstration on how to put them together. You'll know the techniques for designing your own bobble heads -- or other body part bead when you're done too!

Holiday cheer, smiles, fun and possibly another holiday bead will be the order of the day-- depending on our spare time. Hope you can join the fun at FlameTree Glass in Roswell, Georgia.  Here's the link!

Witches and a (Blue-ish) Black Cat

My friends on Facebook have already seen these, but I thought I'd share them with the rest of you. These are my first three witches of the year.  I was working on a small variety to decide which one I wanted to teach in an upcoming  2 hour "Wicked Witch" class at FlameTree Glass in Roswell, GA on October 4th.

And the next evening October 5th, I'm teaching a black cat class there too.   Although this one is actually blue.  I was playing with Czech glass and tested the design with it.  This one is actually available in my Studio Marcy Etsy shop.

If not for those, I also have a Santa and Elf Bobblehead making class at FlameTree on Nov. 5th for a full day.  Lots of workshops lined up close to my home.  Hope you can join me.

My Glass Seahorse Demo Video

Awhile back I did a flamework glass Seahorse demo for FlameTree Glass.  Well, it's up on their website and you are welcome to take a peek.  (and if you haven't shopped with FlameTree or taken one of their classes, you're missing out.  (I am teaching Holiday Bobbleheads there on November 5th, for one day, if you can join me.  It will be fun.  I promise!

And at this time, also wanted to give a shout out to Brad Pearson who taught me.  I made one in his class and of course changed it up, but you know, it's nice to give credit to our influences.  (Now, if I could just make awesome marbles even a quarter as well as he does!)

My Video from Demo Daze (And Sylvie Lansdowne too!)

My friend, Sylvie Lansdowne and I were the featured artists at FlameTree's Demo Daze for the month of June.  What a blast!  Lots of folks showed up and a good time was had by all!  Had to say it, but it's true.

Here is a link to a condensed video of the demos that Maureen McRorie made. It has my seahorse and dog with a bird balancing on its tail and Sylvie's three part delightful mermaid.

Well need to give you a little of the background too...  The room was very comfortable temperature wise, with a large air conditioner blowing hard.  This made the much hotter torch than usual play a few games.  And I had chosen dark ivory glass because of its "gooeyness".  So you can imagine what it was like in there, if you melt glass.  I felt like an acrobat with that hot ivory moving all over the place. I chose that glass, because sometimes I get chatting during the demo and wanted a glass that had a little more "give" to it.  It sure did!

And later, as Maureen was putting together the video and adding music, she asked me, "what song do you want?"  Does anyone out there know what music goes with a seahorse?  I thought perhaps reggae, maybe Hawaiian, but I ended up just picking Jessica by the Allman Brothers.  Although it has nothing to do with seahorses, it just sounds "happy" and that's what making seahorses does to me.  Hard to feel sad, when you see those cute little faces appear.

So that's the behind the scenes dirt on the demo...  Now here's the LINK so you can watch it.  (you thought I forgot, didn't you?)

And if you can come up with seahorse music, please post and let me know.  There must be something out there!

NOTE:  I just heard, the music is copyrighted and Maureen has temporarily taken it down until she can find some "free" music to use.  Sorry to tease.  The video is fun and the seahorse is so cute.

Shell and Starfish Class Wrap Up

Here's a quick snapshot of the some of the shells and starfish from my last  2 hour class at FlameTree Glass.  I was really impressed that my students did so well.

Those starfish can be a bit hard to do the first time around.  And we all were laughing.  Before they get their decorations, they look a bit like an uncooked chicken ready to be popped into the oven.

Demo Daze at FlameTree Glass

Thursday night, Sylvie Lansdowne and I had a great time demonstrating some of our whimsical glass art at FlameTree Glass in Roswell, GA.

I went first.  Yikes, that tanked oxy and phantom torch were quite a difference from my small concentrator and Minor that I generally use.  But what fun!  I could make such different and much larger pieces using that great set up.  I chose a one of a kind seahorse focal bead to demonstrate.  The gooey dark ivory Moretti glass combined with the heat, made it both a challenge and a delight.  I'll post a photo after I pop by FlameTree to pick up my work.

Because my allotted time wasn't up, per request,  I also made a little spotted dog with his long tail extended and a bird sitting on the end of it.  I love playing with heat control and seeing what I can do to stretch the glass.

Sylvie entertained us with funny comments as she made one of her gorgeous multi part mermaids.  Oh they are so pretty and she is generous with her tips and tricks.

Maureen and Lance McRorie were the consummate hosts too.  Food, drink, and lots of air conditioning were offered along with the free demos.  You can find more dates, topics and presenters for future Demo Daze on their website, http://www.flametreeglass.com.

Sculptural Beach Shells Glass Class

Well folks, there still is room in my 2 hour Saturday class at FlameTree Glass in Roswell, GA from noon until 2 pm.  I'd love for you to come join me in making seashells and starfish.  If there's time, we'll dive into something else oceanic as well...the class members will decide.  

Just give Lance and Maureen a call...1-888-FLAMETREE  or stop by their website...www.FlameTreeGlass.com

Donna Wins the Southern Flames Tree & Vote Reminder

I wanted to show you a photo of our Southern Flames Christmas Tree that we raffle off each year. Members of our Atlanta based glass beadmaking group create ornaments and for each one donated, receives 2 tickets for the drawing. We can also buy a ticket for a dollar a piece. Most of the fun is seeing what ornaments everyone makes and we spend a lot of the meeting admiring them and eating. (Not a bad combination, I must say)

This year, Donna Myrick, pictured above, was the lucky winner. I was excited for her win. One of those karma things, I think. She had just shown me a wonderful collie bead that she had made as a custom order and told me that she couldn't have made it if she hadn't taken my sculpture class. Hearing that not only delighted me, but made me doubly happy that she won the tree.

One quick reminder to please vote for my Elf and North Pole Pups glass entry to FlameTree's Christmas Contest. Here is the link and I really appreciate it. I'm hoping to win the Scorpion to work off of my concentrator. Thank you so much for your help.

Help Me! Please Vote for My Elves and Puppies

Today is the start of FlameTree Glass's first Christmas Glass Contest. I have to admit, I love Christmas and when there is the possibility of winning a torch involved, I got excited. You see, I would love a Scorpion and that is second place. I've been working off of my concentrator and I think it would give me a better flame for my bigger pieces. So my fingers are crossed!

So PLEASE, click here and take just a minute to vote. You scroll down through all of the entries. I love the variety and you will really enjoy all of them. A lot of them are my friends and so talented.

And one more bit...FlameTree Glass who is sponsoring this contest has a 35% off soft glass sale going on through the end of the year. Their shipping is super fast and customer service is great. Please consider shopping with them. Thanks! And don't forget to VOTE (for me!)

More Angel Making This Saturday at FlameTree Glass

Aw, I was so touched when my two hour class students a few weeks ago asked if I would continue on and teach another class for them (and open to everyone) on more angels, fun bead stands for them and maybe touch on other winged and fantasy folks.

So FlameTree added me in to their busy schedule and I have a 4 hour class this Saturday from 3-7 pm. It will be fun of course. But I also wanted to tell you the really reasonable price. It's only $75 for 4 hours. In this day and age, I think that's a really good deal.

So pop over to FlameTree's website and sign up, or give them a call.

Don't Forget - Flametree Glass's Halloween Contest!

Don't forget FlameTree Glass Has a Halloween Contest going on. Click here for the details--you could win a TORCH! (like I have in the past!)

This was one of my entries a few years ago. The three little trick or treaters are all bobbleheads and the dog is stationary. I enjoyed making it and thinking of how often a slightly older big sister would stand just behind the younger ones, making sure that they got their candy and said thank you.

And hey- while you're checking out FlameTree's contest, they have a 35% off sale going on. Check it out on their homepage- http://www.flametreeglass.com . They ship superfast and are so nice. Tell Maureen and Lance "hi" from me, if you call them to order too.

FlameTree Glass Halloween Contest

Don't miss this one!
FlameTree Glass and GTT are teaming up again to bring you a fabulous Halloween Glass Art Contest!! 1st Prize: GTT Scorpion Torch, 2nd prize: Linx Torch, 3rd prize: Bobcat Torch and 4th Prize: Cricket Torch.

Contest Rules: "Make the best Flameworked Halloween themed glass art. Can be hard or soft glass, but make sure it is entirely flameworked.

Email the following to Contest@FlameTreeGlass.com....
-2 photo views- jpg. format, no larger than 7 x 10" 72 dpi.
-Description of the entry piece
-Short bio with your contact information

Only one entry per person. No "Adult" content
DEADLINE for emailed entries is October 24, 2010
Online voting at www.Flametreeglass.com open October 26-30th

Winners will be announced on Oct. 31st at www.flametreeglass.com

Shipping for prizes not included. Torch prizes may not be exchanged for cash or credit. Winners must send actual entry piece to GTT to redeem for torch prizes. Will be disqualified if entry piece is not what was represented in the contest. Winning pieces become property of GTT to be put on display in their gallery.
---------------
Okay, now you have the scoop, get out there and start creating. Often folks think they don't have a good enough chance, but you do. Once you submit, rally your friends and family to vote for you. Where else do you get a chance like this to win a new torch? Yikes, I'd love a new Scorpion. I'm not participating this year, but I really hope one of my blog readers wins. Now one more hint...make sure your photography is great. Voters only see what you show them, so give them your best shot...literally.

And the Vampire pictured above was my entry the first year FlameTree had this contest...I think 4 or 5 years ago. He took second place and won a Bobcat Torch for me.

Now I want to see what you can do!

Emilio Santini

I am currently in a three day class with Emilio Santini at FlameTree Glass. I'm doing his soft glass human form class while his other boro goblet class starts on Saturday. I'll post photos when I'm done.

He's a blast. His teaching style is perfect for my learning style. Not only will he repeat his demos (sometimes over and over- okay, I'm a slow learner when it comes to human form in the Italian style --I keep wanting to flash the piece in the flame and then limbs start dropping all over the place) And he is very verbal in his explanations... Emilio started working in glass at 11 years old in Murano and his years of experience really give him the knowledge to explain so much. Besides, I get to hear his lovely Italian accent which is so lyrical.

So, more later. But for now, just wanted you to know, that if you get an opportunity to take a class from him, jump at the chance. I've learned so much and day one is just over.

Autumn Leaves, Acorns & Pine Cones Class-Saturday at Flametree

Ah the joys of autumn. I honestly can't wait for the cooler temperatures and leaves changing. So when Maureen and Lance asked me to design a half day class for their FlameTree Glass Studio in Roswell, GA, I jumped at the chance.

I hadn't really made a lot of any fall items other than pumpkin and Halloween related beads, so this was a treat getting to play at my torch and decide what I thought would be fun.

And I think acorns ARE fun. Their shape reminds me of a spinning top and although they are normally rather sweetly muted in color, I thought they are the perfect bead to have a little fun with. So once the shape is learned, it will be great to see how the students can come up with their own ideas. I have all kinds of ideas in my sample box as well. (I just finished making two with glow glass rod and powder for our friend Joe of Glow Glass. That was a kick!)

So if you're in the area and have time, we're going from 12-4. The price is so reasonable too. Just $75. I think that is very fair and I promise, you'll learn a lot too. We'll even work on multiple styles of loops for the leaf beads and get a little glass cutting action with shears as well. Hope to see you...there are only a few spots left in the class, so hurry!

Glass Pinecones...Collaboration with Mother Nature

Pine cones have always intrigued me. Whether it's picking them up and just admiring their symmetry and form or the cinnamon scented giant ones scattered around the house during the holidays. (I have to admit, I do buy those and like them)

So it was no surprise to me, that I decided it was time to figure out how I wanted to make them. Maureen McRorie from FlameTree Glass asked that I teach a half day "Autumn" class and the subject matter was up to me and pine cones seemed like a natural fit. (By the way, the class still has a few spaces left- here's the info) And of course, I wanted to try my hand at coming up with some slightly different fall leaves. The final item, was up in the air...."pumpkins" seems like the typical choice, but they might be taught in a Halloween class, so I added acorns with a different twist as well. Their little chubby shape always delights me. (oh it is so hard refraining from making them into little faces with the caps as hats).

So here is a sample of my glass pine cone bead. I am now stocking them in my Etsy shop and they come in different sizes and with a slight variation in shapes, colors, etc. They have a 1/16th hole and different configurations for custom orders are always welcome.

Stay tuned for another post on the bails that look like tree branches that I designed for them. Versatile and fun, if I do say so myself!

Tonight- Demo by Loren Stump at FlameTree Glass

I'm excited about tonight's free demo by glass master, Loren Stump at FlameTree Glass in Atlanta.

Loren has been teaching his week long beginners' class and offered to do a demo for our local Southern Flames chapter. What a nice gesture.

I'm hoping that he will have his new tools to show us. You can see them here.

See you tomorrow. It will be a personal post...(pssst, it's my birthday!)

Robert Mickelsen- Glass Artist & Cool Teacher

I just finished a 3 day Robert Mickelsen class at FlameTree Glass in Roswell, Georgia. And I have to say, it changed my entire personal perspective about glass.

I had taken it thinking that I would just want apply what I learn about boro sculpture, to my soft glass work, but I'm slightly dazed and amazed, because he changed my perspective and I now love boro too. I wouldn't have guessed that would happen in a million years.

You see, Robert is an amazing teacher and a super nice guy. He makes everyone feel comfortable, no matter what level they come in at. He is encouraging, helps us all out throughout the entire day and is so generous with his knowledge, extra demos and kind words. I don't say this about just
anyone, but this guy really has earned my respect.

He has a list of important concepts and then teaches
the sculptural pieces that explain what he is writing. We made trees at the beginning of class to illustrate how to properly connect the boro glass. I liked that. We learned to seal it and got a start at feeling what the glass feels like when molten.

The top photo shows him making a black widow spider. I am sad to say, mine died. She lost some of her legs and has come home with me never to see the light of day again. But, making all those tiny connections and feeling the pull of the glass, finding the right flame and the right spot in the flame made that exercise, and her demise all worthwhile.

The bottom photo was a request demo that he did late in the evening. Jessica Boggs and I were looking through a book and asked him to make one of the mermaids. He not only made her, but made her into a goblet as well. Holy cow, I think my mouth was open in amazement the entire time. One of the concepts with this piece was watching Robert achieve flow and movement with the body. It's what I've been trying to learn, but got to see in action for three days. I can't wait to practice more.

So I bet you've come to the correct conclusion that if I get an opportunity to take another class from Robert Mickelsen that I will jump. You bet I will! He rocks. And I strongly suggest that you jump at any chance too. He made a believer out of me. And once I finish here, I'm heading up to FlameTree to pick up my pieces and buy a little boro to get started.

Bobblehead Holiday Ornament Class - Still Room

Hey, if you're going to be in the Atlanta area, I still have room in my Christmas ornament- bobblehead class. You can see that we'll make a bobblehead Elf and Santa is a bobble-belly. Because his tummy shook like a bowl full of jelly!

These are both two part beads that we'll make in a single day. Class is Saturday, November 14th at FlameTree Glass in Roswell, GA. You will be able to use these ornaments as table decorations or I'll also show you how to wire them up as ornaments for your Christmas tree. I even sometimes wear them on change a bead style pendants. We'll make some little stands for them too.

But besides the actual item, we'll work on forming faces, heat control, surface decoration, cased cane hair and other fun concepts that can translate into your other beadmaking skills.

You can click HERE for the rest of the class information, Remember, FlameTree supplies the tools and glass. You just need to pop on over to take it. I'll give you lots of personal attention and we'll have a good time. This class is for intermediate beadmakers. If you want to double check on it, feel free to contact Maureen there too. Call tollfree: 1-800-FlameTree (cool telephone number, huh?)

So hope to see you there. Ho, ho, ho!