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