Torch Working Ideas

I have been having a riot working with my torch again. This morning I was reading an article in the latest edition of Fortune Small Business. They have a web site, www.fsb.com . I got on it this morning to see if I could find the article I read in their July/August 2008 issue called, The Art Of Glass, and they only have past issues posted through May 2008. So keep watching for it.

Anyway, I have been working making pulled glass flowers like the one shown above on my name tag. I got an opportunity to make a large one at Greenfield Village in Dearborn for only $28 and anybody can do it. Their web address is: http://www.thehenryford.org/ . When I got back to my studio, I decided to try to make them in miniature on my bead torch and they are turning out very fun. Because a student brought in an article about people cutting glass bottles to make flower vases, I have been cutting the bottles and adding these cute little flowers and making very fun looking vases, business card holders, pencil holders, etc.

Then, when I read the article in Fortune this morning and saw them highlighting one company who uses the other end of the bottles to make wine glasses - guess what? I got excited again and tried it in the torch. So much you can do with recycled products.

My advise... go to glass shows, read articles, get excited and try some of this stuff at your studio! We all need inspiration every now and then and what better place to get it than a museum or art exhibit. The Lenawee Council for the Visual Arts has a really cool exhibit right now called Nature Inspired. There is a glass artist who has a beautiful mosaic mirror that is worth checking out. http://lcvamembers.blogspot.com/ This is their blog link with hours listed. You might want to call before you go, however, because this is a volunteer gallery and they don't always have somebody to sit for them.

Class Notes: I teach glass bead making at my studio. You don't have to do just beads. Try something different like these pulled glass flowers, wine glasses from bottles, etc. Give me a call about what you would like to learn and we can work out a good day for you!

Have fun, Pat Deere

Women's Rights - Flint Bus Depot

I am in the process of designing a stained glass window, about 4'x16' for the bus depot in Flint, Michigan. The subject assigned to me is women's rights. The committee has given me a list of several key events and people they would like me to include in the window. Through many of the organizations I belong to, I have met many strong women who have made significant differences in peoples lives that may not necessarily be written about in history books. If you have an idea, or a story to tell about a woman you know of who has made a difference to continue the efforts of some of these early historians, I would love to hear about it. Even if the individual person cannot be included in the design, perhaps the ideas they embody can.

For more information regarding the Greater Flint Arts Council, go to http://www.greaterflintartscouncil.org/ . They are the organization I have been working through on this project. They have a lot of wonderful art opportunities, galleries, art walks, etc.

More Mosaics

Mosaics seem to be of interest to people lately. This is a fun mosaic tray I recently finished. It began with a pre-existing tray that had a fun collection of buttons underneath. I added stacks of marbles, a melted glass bottle, fused glass for the flower, a melted wine bottle of my moms that had a chip in it, and an assortment of other glass to make it a fun serving tray. Over the top of all of it, I put a clear piece of glass to make a nice smooth place to hold items. I do have this tray displayed at the Lenawee County Fair if you stop by.

During the fair, I have been talking to a lot of people. One woman made a unique marble mosaic using a marble collection from a friend. It sounds like he collected these marbles since he was a boy... a collection that spans 80 +/- years. I asked her to send the mosaic in that she made using these marbles so I can post it on this blog.

If anybody has a unique glass piece you made that you would like to share to inspire others, please send a photo and description of the piece to me so we can post it. People really like to see what can be done with every day objects.

Pat Deere

Tara is getting a lot of help!

This photo shows Darshawn from Drager working on Tara. He has helped me for several days during the Lenawee County Fair. Without his help, and that of other volunteers, we would not be this far along.

Some of the other volunteers include Nicole from Onsted, Haley and her sister Hunter from Sand Creek, Chris and Sarah from Lenawee Christian, Patricia from Berean Baptist, adult ed students from the Hope Center helped out during a class I held and the Lenawee Council for the Visual Arts, a young girl from Blissfield created the design on her right pocket, several students during my free classes in April (Art Glass Month) got her started.

If you would like to help work on this mosaic, stop by the Lenawee County Fair this week. I am in the Ag building. If you helped and I didn’t get your name, send me an email. I’d like to keep track of the volunteers!

Pat Deere

Tara - The Retired Model

This is Tara. When my husband brought home this mannequin - minus one arm and a head, he told me he was going to use it for target practice. I objected and told him I had a much better use for it.

This is the beginning stage of what she looks like. She is being mosaic'd... small glass pieces glued to the entire piece. Once done, she will be grouted. I am using clear silicon adhesive for this project.

If all works out as planned, she will be given to the Art Bra Auction in Tecumseh to be sold to the highest bidder. The money made from that auction goes to breast cancer research.

The design: I have taken Tara to several different locations and many people have worked on her. Right now, I have her at the Lenawee County Fair (until this Saturday) where I am working on her as well as anybody wanting to put in a little time. The colorful piece on her right cheek was added by a girl who was at the Blissfield Festival. That has now turned into a design on her pants pocket. The pink ribbon... the symbol for breast cancer. The eagle - just seemed like it should go there. She also has many parts of her front finished. I'll add pictures as we move along.

So, if your visiting any of the fairs I am at, stop by my booth and help me finish Tara. It will be fun for you and go to a good cause. A list of the fairs I'll be attending are shown below under the Lenawee County Fair title.

CLASS NOTES: Mosaic classes are offered through my studio. The fun thing about them is you can use so many different things besides just glass. Add stones, pottery, broken dishes. The shedule is flexible and only limited by your imagination.

CUSTOM MOSAICS: If you browse through my web site you will see some pretty extravagant mosaics I have done in the past. They make wonderful backsplashes behind a stove. If you do not have the creative itch to make your own mosaic, or don't have the time, I would love to provide a quote for you to make a backsplash that will make your kitchen a showpiece!

Vacation during July!

Vacation, at last! My family has for several years taken a house boat trip similar to the one shown here at Lake Cumberland, Kentucky. It is an absolute riot. If you haven't tried it, click on this link http://www.statedock.com/houseboats.htm and check it out. It can be a little pricy, but we share it with 5 families, make our own food, and don't have any outside expenses... like video games, etc. We play spoons, mash potatoes with our feet (when we forget the potato masher), and swim in water that averages 80 degrees.

So, that's where I'll be from July 16-July20th! I'll see you at the Lenawee County Fair when I return.

Pat

Blissfield Fair Winner/Future Show Schedule

This is just a quick update... whenever I go to a show, I have a drawing for those interested in signing up for my mailing list... or just signing up for the drawing. The winner for those who attended the Fair in Blissfield this week-end is Melody P. The Garden Chapel, like the one shown here, is yours.

This Garden Chapel came from my need in the past to go to a church and pray. Several times, it was difficult to find a church that was open. Many have to keep their doors closed when a service is not going on due to vandalism. This little garden chapel can be set in a private area of your garden that will give you some peace and serenity, and a quiet place to relax and meditate.

Look for me at any of the future shows I am scheduled for, including:

July 20-26 Lenawee County Fair
August 2 Manchester Riverfolk Festival
August 15-17 Ypsilanti Heritage Festival
August 23-24 Cascade Civil War Muster, Jackson
September 19-20 Art-A-Licious, Adrain
September 26-28 Clinton Fall Festival
October 11-12 Appleumpkin Festival, Tecumseh
November 22 Sandcreek Craft Show

Class Notes: Where possible, during some of these festivals, I will be offering mini-classes using glass mosaic. Check us out if you come to the show!