Well, brrrrrr! We're having a little "snow event" here in Washington State. I'm scrunch-scrunching back and forth to the studio this week. The upside is that I can't go anywhere for a few days and have time to  plan workshops for this spring.

The other benefit is that snow makes everything look lovely, even the piles of workshop overflow in the yard. Buckets, wire, barrels and miscellaneous piles of art junk all look beautiful. It's the one time of the year I can imagine I'm a tidy person.

In the spring I'll have to order a dump truck load of talcum powder, I guess.

Think warm thoughts - 2019 Workshops are coming together
 
I'm in the mood to teach something new this year. I've been experimenting in the studio, putting new workshops together and feeling inspired! I'm writing descriptions and making samples to photograph so final details should be ready later this month.

Here's what's in the works for spring.

   Advanced Landscape Workshop - Independent projects for former students, five days.
   Tentative dates March 22-24 and 30-31
   You'll complete your own design with lots of instructor support before & during the workshop.

   Sand Casting in the Kiln - April 27-28
   You don't need a hot shop; we'll make sand impressions and cast them right in the kiln.

   Glass Garden Art - May 18-19 and 25
   Make a variety of outdoor glass garden art, just in time for spring!

   Botanical Casting - June 22, 23, 29
   Cast perfect replicas of flowers, stems and branches in glass.

I think that's a good start. I can't wait to see the studio filled with creative frenzy, It's one of my favorite things.

Well, this will get you in a festive mood.  There's a Holiday Exhibition at the Schack Art Center in Everett, Washington. Can I just say? Handmade Heaven.

Those are my bowls on the right-hand pedestals. This gallery does it right. The Northwest Pastel Society has a lovely show on the wall, and the rest of the space is filled with glass, ceramics and jewelry. Ahhhhhh. Sparkly.

Remember, if you buy handmade for the artsy ones on your list, your name moves over into the NICE column. Just sayin'.

So, build up your strength with turkey, and venture out to see this show!

Wishing you and yours the happiest holiday season.
Steph

This is the piece that was under construction during the August studio tour. It was helpful to have a piece in progress so visitors could see how the landscapes are put together. Studio visitors from Whidbey purchased it after it was done. Turns out they are just down the street, how great!

I have some other new landscapes done, too. I just have to complete the panels and bases and they are off to the galleries. More soon!

I just finished teaching the first lost wax casting workshop since.. well, more years ago than I would like to disclose. Four kind people helped me dust off the old casting skills and turn them into a fun (and ambitious) workshop.

Look at these hard-working guinea pigs! A big thanks to Dale, Pat, Robin and Sharvari for their patience and enthusiasm. Look at the great work they did!

I've been concentrating on making some free-standing glass landscape sculptures. Here are the new pieces going to the Rob Schouten Gallery in Langley, on Whidbey Island. I love the way they glow when they have light streaming through them.

There's a whole room full of glass in the gallery - all sparkly and vibrant. It's worth a trip to see.

Through the Valley, 17x8x4

Rise Above, 15x7x3

Summer Fields, 15x7x3

Solitude, 14x8x3

Yes, we all know glass artists are kind of nerdy about technique. Here's a chance to embrace your inner scientist and make friends with glass volume, particle size and heat. 

How about a little frit sculpture? Doodling in frit is a lot more fun when you harness the heat! Knowing exactly what/how much/how long will make you positively drunk with power.

Then, make cullet pieces (I call it "erosion glass") with random holes that mimic nature's patterns. Add powders for an enameled look. This will be your new best friend for using up glass scrap.

Plus, take the guesswork out of glass lace. There's only a teeny bit of math, I promise. Face your fear and do it anyway. We'll all help each other out.

Come play in the studio!
Steph