Some People Are Amazing

Some people truly are amazing.  This mask belongs to one of those people. 

Anybody know what it is?

I will share the story down the road but for now just know this is my latest project.  I was given this mask with a request to make it into something special.  I have had it for - maybe a year or more.  I couldn't decide what medium to use.

Glass could be difficult and I didn't want to hide the mesh it is made up of.  Considered painting but that wasn't going to work out the way I envisioned either.  So, it is in the process now and I don't want to post pictures until I am done.

I would like to see some of your favorite masks and the stories behind them though.  Feel free to share and I will post them if I can!

Feel free to send them to me via this blog or via my Facebook page.  While there, be sure to "LIKE" the page to keep up on classes, events, and projects!  

Pat Deere

Holiday Market Today from 5-8pm

Hathaway House from 5-8pm.  Create customized greeting cards like this one, using your artwork, your photos, or professionally taken photos of your family or employees.

Click this link for more info:  Hathaway House, Holiday Market

This card was created using a combination of tools.  The frame is a stock item, the photo inside are ornaments hand blown by myself to make a truly unique Christmas card.  As a Dr. Seuss fan, I love the variety of colors and textures in these ornaments.

Would your original artwork make a wonderful card this year?  Let me help you.  Stop by the Holiday Market or give me a call!

Pat Deere

Ornaments are ready to claim! The addiction has begun.

Ornaments from my previous Elementary Glass Blown Ornament class are pictured below.  Most of the students wanted to get together for another big blow!  This time we will be using ornaments that are 1.5mm thick, and 40mm in diameter which will give them an opportunity to be a little more creative and have ornaments that are not quite as susceptible to breakage.  Although, in a beginning class, we spend a lot of time getting used to the feel of the glass.  How long does it take to heat and cool?  How strong should my breath be?  Am I continuously spinning my glass as I heat and blow the ornament?  How much frit or stringer is in the bulb and how does that effect the ornament?

Students should take a look at what ornaments are theirs and let me know.  I would also be interested in the best date to get together for another "blow off" week-end.  We talked about buying a box of 100 ornaments and splitting them, students purchasing a bottle of MAPP glass, and continuing to feed our addiction!

If you weren't in on the first class, let me know if you would like to join the next group!

Pat Deere

What a great addition! Hoola

Today I met with Nancy Snider, a Design Rep for Hoola.  I am so excited because in my blown glass ornament class, we will briefly touch on an upcoming bead making class I will be offering.

In the past, the jewelry findings I carried were not great quality but it did provide a vehicle for students to show their beads.  Nancy has the most awesome assortment of earrings and necklaces in sterling silver and a wide variety of shapes and sizes she offers through Hoola.  She is leaving some samples with me for students to take a look at and think about how the hand made glass beads would look combined with it.  Or, you can take a flyer home with you, order online directly from her, etc.  I know the jewelry really sparked my imagination and I hope it does yours too.  If all goes well, she may even be available to answer questions.

Working with other people is a benefit I plan to take advantage of more often.  If they can provide a better quality product for you than I can, it just makes sense to let you take a look and make the decision for yourself.  And, the prices are so affordable.  Can't wait to hear what you think.

Links:
Nancy Snider, Hoola
Pictures In Glass, Classes

Pat Deere

I got a little excited opening a box of Hot Head Torches

Getting ready for classes this week-end got a little nerve racking when the power went out... and we were told it may come back on by 11pm Saturday.

Say it ain't so!  Class begins at 9am Saturday morning.  I warned my students that class could go on, but we might not have bathroom facilities.  Not a pretty option but they seemed to be willing.

Then the box of supplies came and and several of these shiny new Hot Head torches were inside along with other supplies needed.  And, when I woke up at 3am this morning and couldn't go back to sleep, I looked outside and what did I see:

It might not look like much to you but seeing my neighbors yard light on in the distance let me know our power was back on.  All is well in the land of glass... at least in the land of glass PLDeere Style!

Looking forward to what the students will bring to the table this Saturday and Sunday.  There are still a few slots open if you haven't already signed up.

I have also been considering doing my classes via the web for those who can't come in person.  Would there be any interest in that?  Google+ has a nice option that could make it happen.

Pat Deere

It sure was fun playing today!

In preparation for my upcoming classes where we will be making blown glass ornaments using Glaskolben tubes and 90coe frit, today was a fun filled day creating. 

I was also playing around with creating a customized greeting card using a photo from some of the ornaments I was blowing this afternoon.

We will be doing this at the end of class, time permitting.  What a great way to keep in touch with family and friends this holiday season.  Blow a few glass ornaments, photograph them, and show off your artwork in your customized cards this year!  Guaranteed, nobody else will send one just like yours.

If you haven't already signed up for class, I still have a few spots available on Sunday, the 24th!

Pat Deere

JUST ADDED ANOTHER ORNAMENT CLASS

Sunday, November 24th
1pm-3pm

All of the details on the last post apply to the class on Sunday - with the exception of the date and time.

Frit, glass powder, is what we will be using to give color to your ornaments.  The more I think about these classes, the more excited I get.

You are in for a ride if you are signed up... if you are not signed up yet, you might want to do it soon.  Take a look at the previous blog post for information on cost, what to bring, what is included, and what you might want to purchase ahead of time if you want your own torch.

Call or email me if you want to be added to the class!

Pat Deere

CLASSES BEGINNING AGAIN!

Blown Glass Ornament Classes 
Saturday November 23, 9am-11am

Want a preview?  Watch this YouTube video (by Delphi) or one of the others on this page to give you an idea of what to expect.  I can't wait to see you if you are already signed up.  I can't wait to meet you if you have not ever taken a class yet.

This is an exciting introductory class that will give you the chance to create at least two ornaments.  If time permits and you would like to create others, you can purchase the necessary tubes/supplies needed.
Cost:  $30
Class Size:  9 maximum

Included:  2 Glaskolben Cylinders, Frit, MAPP Gas
Shared Equipment:  Hot Head Torch, Safety Glasses, Hangers, Fiber Blanket


Options:  Purchasing equipment ahead of time is possible if you contact the studio with enough time for supplies to be purchased and shipped prior to scheduled class time.  Another option, if you love what you made during class and want to continue, you can order supplies after class at a 10% discount and pick it up at the studio after shipping.

In this class I will have 3 torches set up for sharing purposes.  Unless you purchase your own equipment, you will be sharing with up to 3 people at a torch.  This will give you enough flame time to create the two ornaments that will be provided with class.

Remember - we are working with flames.  Keep your hair tied back or bring a bandana or hat for your hair, wear cotton clothes and shoes (not sandals), glasses or safety glasses (for use when observing).

I am super excited to be teaching this classes and reconnecting with students.  It has been a while and I truly miss the student/teacher interaction.

BONUS:  Want a really unique way to use your artwork on customized gifts or Christmas cards?  At the end of class, you will be given an opportunity to create a card with the artwork you just created, or send one at a later date if time does not permit after class.

Wait till you see the options!

Pat Deere

Residual Income With Art?

I have recently added another aspect of my business, which I have talked about before but would like to repeat.

Sometimes people complain about the economy causing problems for them, and they may be real complaints.  I believe we always have a choice to make changes and that is what I have done.

What you see here is a photo of a greeting card I created using my glasswork as the cover art.  What is unique about this card is, it also comes with an opportunity to create residual income.  Not lineal income, but residual income.  That is not something that was available to me in the past.

Traditionally in the art world, once you create a piece of art, you get paid, end of story.  With residual income, I can get paid continuously for the efforts I put in the previous day.  If you are a Robert Kyosaki fan, and have read, "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" you will know what I am talking about.

If you are an artist, and you create cards, calendars, or other products using your art, I would love to share with you how I am able to do this.  I still love my glass art, but I also love sharing this idea with fellow artists.  Whenever we can help each other... that is a good day.

Pat Deere

MY AMBER GLASS IS ON THE SALE BLOCK

I have had this wonderful little stained glass piece for a long time. It is made with an amber German New Antique Glass, Uroboros Fibroid Glass border, and a bevel cluster in the middle. 

The color in it is wonderful and the bevels, when put in a sunny window, give that wonderful rainbow effect we expect to get from cut glass.

After my sale, I took many pieces to the consignment shop in Tecumseh were you can find it now.  At least, I saw it in the front window the last time I drove by.  But, you would have to check with them to see if it is still available. 

This is their link:  What A Find, Consign.  You can click on the link to their new items and find this if it hasn't yet been sold!

Pat Deere

Not my work but it is for sale!

UPDATE:  THIS PIECE IS SOLD! AND TO A WONDERFUL PERSON WHO BOUGHT SEVERAL OTHER ITEMS AS WELL.  MORE POSTS OF WHAT IS AVAILABLE CAN BE SEEN THOUGH!
 
This is a glass panel with a lot of beautiful color.  It was brought in by a customer over 5 years ago and she never came back for it and I can't get a hold of her.  She told me she purchased it at DuMouchelles in Detroit, brought it home, and her dog jumped on it.  So I had to make a repair or two to it.

If I don't sell it soon, I think I will be taking it to a local consignment shop. 

Pretty glass!

Pat Deere

SOLD - Update

Garden Chapels - Gone
Metal Frames - Gone
Wine Cabinet Glass - Gone
Many Suncatchers - Gone
Round Vase - Gone
Blue Barn Oval - Gone
Hutch -Gone
David's Rose Garden Piece - Gone
Self Portrait Glass - Gone
Night Light Boxes - Only a couple left
Scooter - Gone
Blue Vase - Gone
Mosaic Tray - Gone
Distressed Window Box - Gone

What's left?  Lots of stuff but I am selling.  Just added Tonka Trucks, Glass Jewelry, loft bed set, and more.

Pat Deere

Recycled Church Glass Cross - In The Sale Tent

I absolutely love this cross.  The glass came from a church in Adrian that a wrecking ball was about to demolish (or the story goes from the person who gave me a box of treasured glass pieces from that church).

Because I can't see beautiful glass go to waste, I have made many crosses of various sizes and shapes using the painted glass pieces.  This one is unusual because every piece of glass in it has been recycled from that church.

I have an old window in my sale that will stay in the sale until Saturday.  If it doesn't sell, I will be dismantling it and turning into similar pieces like the one shown here.  It takes up less space in a box than it does in a frame.


Pat Deere

Detroit Monopoly - You won't find another one like it!

The story behind this is kind of interesting.  I was contacted by a suburban Detroit city to create a piece of art from a steel door at a KMart store that had closed.  Cool!  I can do that.

So, I went to work and had my son Travis grind off all the old paint, I welded it into the shape of a table, and my son Matthew helped with the making of the money and the mosaic top.

When I called to deliver the door, I was told by the representative of the event, "Sorry.  We changed our minds on this project for the time being."

I am thinking, "Do you realize how much time we have invested in this project?".  But, it didn't matter much to the person on the other end of the phone.  In fact, I think she was a little overwhelmed herself.  So, since 2009 I have had this beautiful mosaic table in my studio covered up to keep it from getting ruined.

The properties are all Detroit:  GM, Ford, Chrysler, The People Mover, Renaissance Center, Hudsons... The property buildings are glass gems/glass globs.  And the money was all custom made as well.   Guaranteed to be one of a kind.

Right now it is in my sale.  But, rumor has it, a local Detroit reality show may be interested in selling it in their shop!  Time will tell.  It was nice to uncover it and see once again what it looked like!

Pat Deere

Garden Art - Yep, it's on sale too!

 So... I love these copper and glass pieces.  At one time I thought I would take these to a whole new level.  Not.  But I do have few pieces to sell.  Love the colors in this one.  The yellow rondel on the left is actually a pressed bird.

Some mini bird baths...

And the Garden Chapels.  I always loved walking into churches when I was younger and the doors were always open.  Later on in life, you were lucky to find an open church if a service was not in the process.  So, my garden chapel reads:  Garden Chapel, Always Open.  There was a really cool outdoor chapel along the Au Sable River around Grayling.  If you are kayaking or canoeing, you simply stop your boat and stay for a while.  There were window openings but no glass, seats, and open air.  Beautiful.

And for my mannequin.  Is it time to get rid of her.  I'm not quite sure.  I guess if I got the right offer I would let her go.  The dress is mine though.

 And - when you drink out of a glass at a party, how do you know which one is yours?  You look for the right color of lipstick?   Ewwww.  These glasses will let you know which one is yours by the color of the flameworked flower.  Just a little more desirable in my opinion.

 More garden art, bird cages, mosaic.  If you come by, I'll tell you the story of the bird cage.  Too long to go into here!

 Pat Deere

I know it's not glass, but it will be for sale!

 Every picture tells a story...

This wrought iron was a find when I had my studio on Maumee Street in Adrian.  Loved the studio.  I was only there a year before a fire destroyed the property and I moved to the location I am in today.  These wrought iron pieces have been around to many art shows over the years.  I used it for my display for many years before I purchased the set up I have now.

OHHHHH.  The train.  I found this at an antique store.  I have children.  All boys.  They used this as a toy box, or a train if they threw the toys out.  It rolls and has such great memories.

The third photo is my sons fishing shanty.  He went to school for 4 years in the U.P. and got a lot of use out of it.  Now that he is in school for another 4 years and not up north any more, he feels the need to let it go.

But, the tub in front of it.  OMG.  My husband tells me he carried it down 2 flights of stairs 25 years ago.  Time to let it go I think.  It does need refinishing and a couple of legs.

 And finally, this wooden furniture belonged to my husbands, cousins, grandmother.  She used it for a long time and so did I.  It needs some TLC but is kind of cute.

Bring me some offers this week!  Would love to see my stuff become your treasure.

Pat Deere

The sale is on tomorrow. Pictures, pictures, and more pictures...

All finished glass 1/2 off or best offer.  Would love to sell it all.

Magic is looking for a new home.

Let me introduce "Magic", my coin operated horse.  He has been in my studio and at shows for a number of years.  I am trying to make more room for the card and gifting side of my business, so he needs a new home.  Could it be you?

Details can be found on the link below for Craigs List.  He will be available for rides and or sale during my sale May 2-4th.

Pat Deere

Links:  Craigs List info for Magic

A nice addition to a red kitchen!

Kitchens can get a quick lift with just a few things.  My customer, Bev, has a beautiful kitchen with red highlights.  She wanted her corner cabinet to match the rest of her decor, be see through but still hide what is behind it, and add a decorative touch to what she already had.

The design has simple lead lines, copper foil soldered and left natural, and has been siliconed into the cabinet door they had routed out for this purpose.Preparation of the panel for stained glass was only $25 at their kitchen supplier.

The glass we used is a clear, double glue chip glass.  The red highlights are from Spectrum Glass, and it is a red Artique (152A).   The 30 mm red jewels in the center add a lot to this simple design.

Want to know what I can do for you?  Give me a call to see what we can come up with together.

Pat Deere

Links:  For more information on custom glass work, check out my website.

If you are going to have lamp shades, you have to have bases... and cherubs!

Some of these bases I am having a hard time parting with.  You know how artists can be.  Sometimes we see those things we "Have To Have", only to have them sit around forever because we still have good intentions to use them.

I even had some blown glass roses made for the bases in the front.  I guess if they don't sell they were meant for me to keep and make shades for.  Otherwise, adios and I'll free up my shelves for things I really need.

This was a funny piece.  It started because I had a beautiful oak frame and needed something to put in it.  I love using mirror cityscapes and that is what you see at the bottom.  Can't remember where the rest of the design came from but it was important at the time!!!  This has a few character flaws I didn't like but a lot of people love it.  Maybe you will too!

That's it for now.  More as I keep sorting.

Pat Deere

Lamps, Lamps, and More Lamps

Some old and some new but they are all on sale.  All 1/2 off or make an offer during my sale!

What you see here is a collection of lamps made by myself, customers who had lamps on consignment before my studio fire in Adrian, one imported lamp, and a collection of other bases.

The lamps in the background on the shelf are either mine, or works in progress for customers and not for sale.

Will be a fun sale for sure so come out early!

Pat Deere

$ For ME = Savings 4 U

Round 2 of purging.  For a long time I planned on having an auction, had the auctioneer out, and did everything but sign the bottom line.  Instead, I am having a 3 day studio sale.  Pretty much, anything not covered with a tarp is 1/2 off, or negotiable. 

For example, what you see here are my glass bins.  I buy a lot of Uroboros, Youghiogheny, Bullseye and also Spectrum, Kokomo and others.  My goal is to sell everything on the left bin and keep my own supply limited to the right bin.  My studio needs more space and the custom work I am doing most often, requires specific glass that I order for each job.

On top of the bins is scrap glass I will be giving away for service groups, those who do mosaics, etc.  This will be given away free on a first come, first serve basis.  And, I will limit it to one 12"x12" (approx.), box per person so I can share the wealth a bit.

When is the sale?  Thursday - Saturday, March 2, 3rd and 4th.  Most likely no charge cards.  Cash or check only.  I am beginning my separation of what I am keeping and what I am giving away today so watch this blog for more photos!

Why am I doing this?  Because I need more space for my card and gifting company items.  I'll share that with you when you come so be prepared!

Pat Deere

A Violin From Childhood

Another fun project!

 

 

When I was asked to take the violin of my customer and mosaic it for her - it was a little intimidating.  She did let me know it would not be ever played again because of the shape it was in.  This was her daughters when she was very young.

 

So, I came back to the studio and started pulling out colors and playing with designs.

 

The sides, that I just realized I didn't photograph, were all dichroic strips which helped to pull the orange from the front and back together.  The rest were an arrangement of colors she liked.

 

Yesterday I was able to deliver it to a very happy customer.  What do you do with items laying around the house that you can no longer use, but just can't throw away?

Keep in mind - during my sale on May 2, 3, and 4th I will be giving away another bunch of glass for mosaics.  If you want any, you probably need to grab it right away, bring boxes, and it goes fast!

Pat Deere

Customers Like This Can Come To My Studio Any Day

What a fun project.  I have to honestly say, these are the kind I like to do best.

Linda called and said she wanted some glass for the space above her bathroom shutters to help block visibility from outside.  She currently had curtains and wanted something more artistic that still allowed a lot of light to enter the room.

So, I started laying out pieces of beveled glass, a beautiful end piece from Kokomo that was highly textured, and melted glass baby jars.  BAM - this is what we came up with.  Adding a little dichroic glass and a few glass globs (my term), gave it some additional interest.

Although I forgot to get a photo of both pieces together, they were finished in a set of two, complimentary in design, but not exactly alike.  I let the Kokomo end piece drive the design.  Linda was happy.  I was happy.  And I think I have acquired a new friend in the process. 

Thank you so much for your trust in me!

Pat Deere

LINK:  For more information on getting your own custom designed glass, feel free to check out my web page or give me a call!

Kiln Full Of Serenity

Another kiln full of glass and a great day to work on my Serenity!  Sunny and Michigan Warm outside which means my kayak is calling.  The day is full of events with people I have come to know and love.  Doesn't get any better than this!

Pat Deere

The Family That Prays Together

What an honor to create a family cross for this beautiful family!

The photo below shows this glass work in several shots so you can see the final piece, a close up with the background glass, and another close up showing the very textured state the crushed glass was left in.

I love working with various sizes of crushed glass, including frit to give the frayed edge seen on this piece.

For my work, lately I have been using System 96 in sheets.  I cut them to size big enough to fit into my glass crusher.  From there, I sort out the sizes so I can layer the glass in the way it will work out best for each piece.  For things like this where I want a frayed edge, I use a simple mold cut out of foam board and layer the glass until it gets no thicker than the 1/2 board I am using.  Carefully, I pull up the mold, rearrange any stray pieces, and fire it to about 1300 degrees.  The background with names and dates was fired separately.  Next, the glass is glued using KOA 300 and an ultraviolet light to set it.  This gluing method has been working very well for me on transparent glass.

What a beautiful wedding gift for somebody special in your life, don't you think?  Elizabeth, thank you for giving me the opportunity to give you a gift I know your family will enjoy for a long time to come.  Because this has to go through 2-3 firings in the kiln, advance notice for gifts of this type are necessary.

Pat Deere

LINKS:  Click HERE For more information on custom designed stained glass by Pat Deere.

New Bern, NC (Final Firing - I Think)

Sometimes the hardest thing about painting, is knowing when to quit.

Taking a look at these photos you can see where I started on the bottom left.  Mixing glass paints with water, no gum arabic this time, and grinding it with a glass muller allows me to get a fine surface to work with.

Once the glass paint is mixed to my satisfaction, I paint a thin surface on the already fired glass.  Not mixing gum arabic in with the paints allows me to easily remove paint I don't want on the finished piece.  It brushes off with a fine bristle brush, a course brush, a cloth, or whatever other tools work to get the result you want. 

This time I will heat the kiln to 1250 degrees, because I am anticipating that this will be my final firing.  Once out of the kiln, and cooled, I will make that decision.

Can't wait!

Pat Deere