Thursday, December 30, 2010

Lettering in Glass

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12 x 9.5 cm framed, soda lime glass and enamel
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Like so many, I crafted and created all sorts of things long before I ever came to work with glass. Along the way, I was exposed to all kinds of techniques and materials, some of which I still enjoy and share with you here from time to time (e.g. crochet, calligraphy, photography and bookbinding). These are not experiences one just checks at the studio door. In fact, they often contribute to the design or direction a particular work in glass may take.
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Of particular interested to me has been bringing my love of calligraphy to my work in glass. So I am very excited to be offering a one day workshop highlighting multiple ways to letter in glass. During this workshop we will work both on the surface of glass and in/with glass itself learning to etch, sandblast and carve lettering onto the surface as well as using various techniques to apply enamels and glass powders which will be kiln fired.
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This class will offer techniques fusers can include in their “toolbox” for design. But it is not just for fusers. Open to anyone interested in lettering, this is a great opportunity for calligraphers, scrapbookers, or writers to experiment with ways to capture words in glass.
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12x12" sandblasted and kinformed float glass
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Lettering in Glass workshops are scheduled for Saturday, January 8, 2011 from 9:00am-5:00pm and Sunday, June 26, 2001 from 9:00am-5:00pm. For more information and to sign up contact Wired Designs Studio at 210-495-4495.
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Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Crocheted Scarves

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With fall in full force and the solstice less then a week away, I have begun to break out my winter wardrobe. As I head off to work I find myself reaching for a scarf or hat to stave off the chill of the morning air. Each year when this happens I instinctively react by reaching for a crochet hook and a skein of yarn, as if  I needed yet another ten foot scarf with tassels. This year is no different. So as I have an abundance of winter accessories, I decided to share this year's creations with others by posting a selection of my handmade crocheted scarves on Etsy. Each one is unique and a great addition to your winter attire. Pick one up for yourself or as a truly warm gift for someone you care about.
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You can see these and other crocheted scarves on my Etsy Store.
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Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Glass Craft & Bead Expo 2011

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I am very excited to announce I have been invited to teach at the 2011 Glass Craft & Bead Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada. In 2011, Glass Craft & Bead Expo will be March 30th through April 3rd. The show room floor will be open April 1st through the 3rd.
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FEELS FABULOUS!
A  2- day workshop for all skill levels
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How a finished piece feels in your hands is as important as how it looks visually. Learn what goes into making glass feel smooth as satin, as well as how to create dynamic textures. Students will learn a variety of fusing and cold working techniques to add additional interest and complexity to their finished work. They will work with Bullseye powder, frit, stringer and sheet glass to create surface application that enhances the overall work. We will discuss when and how to utilize primers, fiber paper/blanket and lava cloth to achieve specific results. Make a piece people will pick up and never want to put down. There is all kinds of good information for any fuser who is ready to take their work to the next level.
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Friday 8:00am-4:00pm and Saturday 8:00am-4:00pm
Price: $525.00
Materials fee of $45.00 per person payable to instructor
Class Code: FR-48-A
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IMPRESSIONS IN GLASS
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Drop your chisel and learn how to achieve a sculpted look in your glass with the assistance of your kiln. We will design and create bas relief images and textures using fiber paper to form impressions in glass. This is a wonderful technique to add dimension and pattern with economy of both labor and materials. Use the smooth clean surface on top and look through to the pattern within the glass. Or turn it over and not only see but feel the shapes and textures.
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Friday Evening 5:00pm-9:00pm
Price: $145.00
Materials fee of $45.00 per person payable to instructor
Class Code: FR-E-56
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You can sign up for this and other workshops online at the Glass Craft & Bead Expo website.
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Monday, December 6, 2010

The Glass Bathyscaphe, How Glass Changed the World

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The Glass Bathyscaphe: How Glass Changed the WorldI recently completed an on again off again reading of The Glass Bathyscaphe, How Glass Changed The World by Alan Macfarlane and Gerry Martin. The book delives into the history of glass looking at  the impacts this material had on science, art, education and society. The excerpt below is taken from the chapter on glass and the Renaissance. I enjoyed this chapter in particular and thought I would share a bit of it with you here.

"Prespective and realist portraits are natural and normal, but usually the cultural conventions of a society teach artists and others that the representations their audience want are not of this kind. Artists are, as it were, systematically taught to distort the world they see and would normally portray, in order to make it fit a symbolic system which conveys deeper meaning then the prosaic world of sight. What is the point of art if it mearly duplicates what the eye sees?"
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Saturday, December 4, 2010

Yulefest

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Yulefest Arts and Craft Show
Sponsored by the Seguin Oakwood Art League
Tomorrow
Sunday, December 5th
from 10am to 5pm
at
the Seguin Coliseum
810 S. Guadalupe Street in Seguin, Texas
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Nina "Sam" Hibler from Dream Fire Glass and I will have glass jewelry, functional and art items for sale at this one day event in Seguin, Texas. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the charming town of Seguin and do some holiday shopping. Handcrafted items make unique one of a kind gifts that stand apart from department store finds. If you make it out please stop by, say hello and take a look at the wonderful glass items on display. Hope to see you there! 
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Wednesday, December 1, 2010

'Tis the Season for Jewels

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Trunk Show
Friday, December 3rd
Noon until 8:00 pm
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Artisans at Rocky Hill proudly presents ‘Tis the Season for Jewels” A Trunk Show, showcasing six Hill Country jewelry artists. This delightful Holiday event will introduce visitors, not only to the latest creations by these talented ladies but, also provide the opportunity to meet the artists, enjoy the development of their work plus purchase never before seen pieces. The Holiday Season is the perfect time of year for giving locally created, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces to your special someone.

The show is from 12:00 pm until 8:00 pm during First Friday Art Walk Fredericksburg. Jewelry artists unveiling their never-before-seen pieces and demonstrating their unique gift are Debra Carlise of Austin, Anna Elrod of Austin, Nicole Lozano of San Antonio, Dottie Moon of Hye, and Michele Thomas of Boerne.

Enjoy the season, along with the many galleries located in the historic district of downtown Fredericksburg, during First Friday Art Walk Fredericksburg.

Wines by Torre di Pietra will be served along with cheeses by the Amish Market.
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Artisans at Rocky Hill
234 West Main St., Fredericksburg, Texas 78624
(830) 990-8160
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