Fused Glass Mirrors!!

A wall of mirrors.... !  I  am pleased to announce that after weeks of studio time, in a creative whirl, I was able to produce over fourteen beautiful fused glass framed mirrors in various designs and shapes.  Back in March I was approached by a wonderful store in San Francisco called Kumquat Art to get together a collection of framed mirrors for the store. Kumquat sell beautiful art and home accessories-almost all from local artisans and designers. I was grateful for the opportunity and thrilled to get back into making framed mirrors- with a deadline no less!

Just as my after school class was wrapping up- this new project came my way. I love when life gives us these golden nuggets. Do what you love, do what you  love, do what you love.. I feel lucky (see above mirror- ha ha!)

In my mad rush to get all the mirrors done, I was not able to get great photos of all the mirrors but if you would like to get more of a peak, check out Kumquat on Clement Street and 3rd ave in San Francisco(inner Richmond). I also have about a dozen pretty dishes in the store as well! Yeah!

I am still deciding on dates for the next class series for the summer. If there are specific days/dates that work  best for the summer months- please contact me. I know summer days can get booked up fast between camps and vacation plans. My idea is to do a class one day a week in a series of 3 sessions so that students can get a chance to make some special projects!!

Frames Galore!! Auction Item!! wrapping things up...

Check out these fun frames! A few of the students created words with their glass pieces. I love the "looking good" frame and the frame that says Daddy really showcases the students increased skill level with working with stringers in the flame to bend the glass stringers and make shapes. Much thought and creativity went in to these frames!

I am happy to showcase this amazing platter made specifically for the Coleman School Auction.

Eight panels were made by the students with a garden, animal or nature theme. I then fused the panels on a large sheet of clear glass and framed each panel with some colored stringers. I must say, I think this is a lovely piece. There are flowers, a praying mantis, a penguin, turtle/ladybug design and bright inviting colors. Functional and Beautiful.  Great work!

We had our last class this past Monday. I have had so much fun and enjoyed getting to know this wonderful group of kids. I am going to miss our group. I hope to get another class going- if not this month for sure in the summer. I am thinking Fused Glass Summer Camp! Stay Tuned! 

Also...Look for upcoming posts of some new work that I am doing for a fabulous store in S.F. called http://www.kumquatart.com/shop I am making fused glass framed mirrors- my special niche in fused glass. I am so excited to get this opportunity to get back to making mirrors.

Having Fun with Glass Frit and Fiber Paper!

Students made colorful wall plaques using fiber paper and glass frit. Fiber Paper is an amazing material to work with- it comes in a variety of thicknesses and has a cardboard like feel to it although it does not burn or melt in a hot kiln. Wow!
In one of our latest projects, I had students trace their hands or make words of their choice and then cut out the shapes. The next step is to lay the shapes on sheets of glass and fire them in the kiln. After firing, pull the fiber paper off the glass and voila!- the shapes of the cut fiber paper are embedded into the glass. The final step is to fill the shapes with glass frit and add some colorful pizzazz! Glass frit is just ground up glass. Frit can be very course or very fine- Very fine frit is called glass powder. We used a medium course frit for these projects.

What an amazing display of creativity! Yeah Fusers!

Glass Fusing in Action

The after school fused glass classes at Coleman are rockin' with creativity and flair. Students are really owning their unique designs and letting themselves explore the many different dimensions of working with glass. Some are drawn to patterns or abstract designs while others go for a more literal composition. Bending glass stringers with a candle flame seems to be the big experiment of the session. The challenge is to bring a form to the bending. Sometimes its like watching clouds and seeing shapes appear. So far, this class has been a really fun group and I am enjoying their enthusiasm and imaginations.

Check out some of their work in the photos below....

Basket dishes are so cool!

Fusing Fun! Next Class Series Begins 3/5

To Enroll: http://eplay.livelifelocally.com
or call- 485-3333 Register Soon!
This month seems to be flying by...I have been busy developing ideas for new glass projects for the students and making examples for inspiration. The next series at Coleman begins March 5th.
The workshops are held in the art room(rm 18). 3:10-4:40
Register soon- Lets make it happen!
Check out some of the cool projects from students made in the last class at Coleman.

Pretty cool!

I am so thrilled to expose younger people to the craft of fusing glass. It is such a gratifying experience to see the look of 'wow' when they see their fired pieces. Glass is so beautiful- with just a touch of imagination and focus- it comes to life. Color, light, depth, sparkle....

Happy Valentines Day!

1st Session of After School Classes Cancelled.....

The good new is that the 2nd session is on! There are still a couple of spots left. !!
I decided to change the grade minimum to 2nd grade- however, if your 1st grader is really into making things and can stay pretty focused for the class time then go ahead and sign them up. You know your child....if you think its a good match then enroll them. Its a great class and the kids love all the glass colors, making designs and especially learning how to score the glass!

Dates for the 2nd session: 3/5 to 4/16
Mondays- 3:10-4:40
$235- All glass, materials, kiln firing and finishing work included.

FYI... 25% of the fee goes to city of San Rafael, and a portion of the fee also goes toward renting the space out. I just want folks to understand the pricing. I am actually charging less then I normally do to bring these classes to Coleman, but I really want to share the craft and I enjoy working with the kids so much that I am going for it!

To Enroll: http://eplay.livelifelocally.com
or call- 485-3333 Register Soon!

Lets Get Fusing!!!! Please spread the word...Thanks!

Will there be a Fused Glass Class on Monday????

I'm not sure!!
I have been super excited to bring Fusing Classes to Coleman through the after school enrichment program however its looking like it may not fill up. If you are interested in signing your child up there is still time but if I do not have at least 6 students I am going to cancel the class.
If you are not sure what a fusing glass is all about here are the details...

Workshop Details:
This class is all about fun and making some cool stuff at the same time. Students will learn the ancient art of glass fusing and create their own art-glass masterpieces! The workshop lessons will give an overview of glass properties and history, fusing techniques and the slumping process, safety skills to have while working with glass, a demo of glass cutting and suggestions on how to set artistic designs and patterns. Students will also learn about the process and temperatures of firing the glass in the kiln and all students will learn to score glass themselves. There will be a variety of projects to choose from: small dishes and candle holders, sun catchers, pendants and ornaments and seasonal pieces are just some of the possibilities. The class includes all glass, supplies and finishing work.
Returning fusers welcome- build on what you have learned!

To sign up for the class, register at http://eplay.livelifelocally.com
or
call San Rafael Community services at 485-3333.

There are 2 five week sessions being offered:
Mondays (3:10-4:40)
1st session: 1/23 - 2/27
2nd session: 3/5 - 4/16

The cost is $235 for each session. Workshop Includes all glass, kiln firing and finishing work!

I really hope to get this class going at Coleman. If this session does not take off then I will try again next year and of course, I will continue to hold the private workshops throughout the year.