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