Aspen Light Glass Studio

A+Y Design Gallery, Montrose

2012-02-13T16:57:00.002-07:00

I was just accepted into a new and fabulous gallery in Montrose, CO, north of Ouray and Telluride. The gallery features earthy, yet contemporary wood furniture, metal art, photography, painting and now GLASS! Very excited.. the link...http//www.aydesigngallery.com. Check it out:)

Ahhh...the Booth Photo

2012-02-11T17:29:00.002-07:00

It has always been a challenge trying to get a decent booth shot, but try doing it in the middle of winter when it is 25 degrees and the ground is covered in snow! Nonetheless, Dawn Sudmeier and I were successful this week in getting the booth up and the photo taken. Let the art show application games begin!

Vitrigraph, Noodle and Frit Glass Panel

2012-02-05T20:32:00.002-07:00

The panel is complete. I made the vitrigraph leaves this summer and it has taken me this long to get the piece done. Thank you Carol Murphy for letting me translate your wonderful pastel painting.

"Gay Hill" Glass Frit Painting

2012-02-05T18:43:00.001-07:00

It's done! A 39.5 hour fire! Record for any of my kilns. I think my grandparents would be proud. I hope it brings a smile to my Uncle Corky and Aunt Arlene.

Building a Frit Painting - Final Pre-Fire

2012-02-01T20:24:00.001-07:00

The piece is finally ready for final firing. It is ready to go into the kiln for a very SLOW fire, both up and down. This took two full days of frit application, stringers, noodles, etc.... Now praying the kiln gods will show me great favor!

Frit Painting (Second Fire)

2012-01-27T17:00:00.002-07:00

Next major phase in building a frit painting. I have applied the horizon line trees and the large oak tree in the mid-foreground. Included is the swing and vines for the front flower beds. This just went back into the kiln for fire #3 (the large trees were a separate fire). I used fine frit (color) with a fine frit cap and some medium frit color in transparents and opals to add some early texture. This will be a contour fuse at a 36 hour fire because of the changes in thickness of the glass. Keep your fingers crossed that it comes out ok. If all goes well, we move next to the foreground layer including all of the foliage, fence, garden, etc...

Constructing the Focal

2012-01-25T13:39:00.000-07:00

The focal structure is now complete--3 days later! Next up, build the trees and frit intermediary applications. For all you family members out there, can you name the place yet? Hint--my artwork comes from deeper memories within....

Building a Frit Painting

2012-01-19T19:45:00.000-07:00

Phase 1: Create your drawing and cut your glass to scale. Choose your color palette and transfer it conceptually to your drawing. Then sift fine frit in shaded colors to build your background "wash". Add your background structures and then cover with a moderate layer of clear frit. Fire to a full fuse (see above). Next up--building the intermediate layer....stay tuned....

Moving on Up--Rebranding

2012-01-06T10:13:00.001-07:00

My new year's resolution is to devote 100% of my efforts now to developing my own unique style of fused glass frit painting. As part of this commitment, I am rebranding my business to Aspen Light Glass Studio. Palisade Stained Glass Art has served me well in the past, but since I am moving away from stained glass and definitely far away from Palisade, it was time for a change. Please visit my new website (still working on it) at http://www.aspenlightstudio.com if you follow my work. Wish me luck!

Carollers at the Gallery 809 Holiday Open House

2011-12-04T16:30:00.001-07:00

Wanted to share this wonderful moment at Gallery 809 when the Christmas carollers stopped by and filled the place with voice and song!

Project Angel Heart

2011-10-30T21:01:00.001-06:00

Finally finished my mosaic panel that is one of 16 that will be installed as part of the Project Angel Heart mural in Denver, Colorado. It is a rendering of a place setting (plate, tea cup, silverware, etc...) on a table. It is 18" sq. on mesh. Glad to have that one off of my list of many to do's. The holidays haven't even started and I am already overwhelmed. Next. Kenny and Paula's art auction piece for their fundraiser......

Painting with Glass (Frit Painting)

2011-10-26T17:04:00.002-06:00

It has finally arrived!!!!! I actually feel really, really good about a piece! The picture doesn't do it justice, I promise.

This is a larger wall piece done in Bullseye clear, opals and frit glass. It was created under the tutelage of Donna Serafis at Dancing Light Fused Glass Art Studio. Thank you Donna for guiding me through and helping me to find what was inside again. I have come home again.

Featured Glass Exhibit at the Gallery

2011-09-01T15:45:00.002-06:00

I am the featured artist at Gallery 809 this month and have created an exhibit entitled "Pattern Bars and Bowls". The exhibit is a study in numerous glass techniques, including pattern bars and slabs, pot melts, mica inclusions, combing, and murini tubes. The exhibit will run through the month of September with a special glass demonstration on Friday, 9/9 from 5-8 pm.

Ridgway Rendezvous - "Best in Glass"

2011-08-15T08:34:00.001-06:00

I attended the Ridgway Rendezvous again this year and was completely surprised and delighted to have been awarded "Best in Glass" this year! I displayed my series of bowls that are to be part of my Featured Artist event at the Gallery 809 in September and they brought that first place ribbon home! The show was great as always. I love the relaxed and casual environment--wish I could move my studio there.....

Fused Glass Realism

2011-06-05T21:55:00.000-06:00

I am beginning to make some real progress in fused glass realism. This is a 9" x 17" panel using vitrigraph glass stinger for the tree branches and cut glass for the wisteria leaves and flowers. The water was done in blue aventurine and aqua blue irid with the pink crystal opal moon in shadow in white wispy. It was completed in 5 firings at different temps. It is currently on exhibit at the CCAH, Carbondale Third Street Center for the Arts, for the month of June.

Celtic Pique Assiette Birdbath

2011-05-14T16:16:00.001-06:00

I completed the commissioned pique assiette concrete birdbath today. The client had requested that the birdbath be in concrete because of the local deer and that it be in warm autumn colors with a celtic theme. This posed a bit of a challenge since celtic is often in cool colors but I was able to make it work. The base has three celtic trinity symbols in glass, while the bowl's focal is the celtic cross with four porcelain cross tiles about the center.

Pique Assiette Antique Washstand

2011-04-27T18:32:00.000-06:00

After nearly 2 months of work, I have finally finished the antique washstand. I completed the fused bowl first and then worked the glass and ceramic design around the basin theme. It is all that I first imagined when I saw it tucked away in the dusty corner of the antique store. It does amaze me sometime how our mind's eye can see what can become with a little creativity, hard work and love.

Organic Slump Mold from Creative Paradise

2011-04-22T11:20:00.002-06:00

My organic slump mold from Creative Paradise finally arrived and the results are just--WOW! I knew I had to have it when I saw it in Vegas. I used bejeweled frit mix, vitigraph stringers, millefiori and iridized frit for the flowers. This is a donated piece for the local CEC chapter for their spring fundraiser.

Japanese Style Sushi Plate Set

2011-04-20T10:59:00.002-06:00

This week I completed a 4 piece place setting of Japanese Sushi dinner plates and rice bowls with matching chopsticks. Each plate is banded in differing warm colors and all included a cyan/red dichroic swirl. These were done using Sys96 glass and Slumpy's Jumping Jill splash molds.

Geometric Roll Up Vessels

2011-03-14T10:44:00.000-06:00

The roll ups arrived from Washington last week. This is my favorite. The piece is a heart-shaped vase consisting of four layer-glass in plum, ivory, yellow and orange opals in various patterns topped with a fluted neck. Thank you Ryan Staub Glass (http://www.ryanstaub.com) for producing the wonderful and graceful shape.

Memories of Briarcliff

2011-03-12T07:31:00.000-07:00

I always try and keep the good memories about a place with me when I go. I miss my three deer who would bed down in the zoysia grass under the oak grove, the majestic Texas oak tree with the swing in the front yard and my prolific clematis vines forever weaving through the horse fence along the drive. I did this triptych to try and capture those images in glass.

The piece was done through multiple firings, building layers of glass to create depth and dimension. I assembled over 150 pieces for each of the three panels. The base layer was create at a full fuse, including the tree, swing, fence and millefiori ground. I then fired the vines to a tack fuse using stringers made from vitrigraph. Finally, the flowers, made from cut glass, powder and stringers, were added to the vines and re-fused to a contour fuse to create the soft rounded edges. Here's to the celebration of spring!

This piece has been entered into the Glass Art Festival at Delphi Glass at http://www.delphiglass.com/gallery/store_viewItem?gid=11720. It also hangs in the Gallery 809 in Glenwood Springs, CO.

PieceMaker's Winter Mosaic Challenge--Get Out the Vote!

2011-03-01T09:51:00.000-07:00

Palisade Stained Glass Art's Interpretation of "Feathers"

If you enjoy stunning mosaic art, please visit the PieceMaker's website and vote for your favorite mosaic piece. The theme for the challenge was "feathers" interpretation. Click on the link and go vote! http://piecemakersmosaics.blogspot.com/

My Gallery Wall

2011-02-21T18:04:00.000-07:00

Still working on filling my gallery wall and floor space but at least it looks like something now. I can tell how much I am going to enjoy working at the gallery. All of the artists are such lovely people and talent galore!

Mosaics for the 809 Gallery

2011-02-21T17:23:00.000-07:00

I completed two mosaics for the 809 Gallery.

Red Opal Glass with Photo Paper and Frit Poppies

2011-02-10T15:39:00.000-07:00

I love working with photo fusing paper. I used photo fusing paper to build the backdrop for the frit painting. After 4 firings, it came out really well. I love the texture of the frit when it is taken to a tack/contour fuse before slumping.

Mountains and String Glass

2011-02-08T10:26:00.000-07:00

I added a twist to an old favorite--string glass made from the vitrigraph kiln. I added it to the clear space to mimic a textured matting around the painted glass.

Valentine's Day with Jewelry Boxes

2011-02-04T14:35:00.000-07:00

I am doing a series of cast glass jewelry boxes using the Colour de Verre molds. They are turning out fabulously and I hope they will sell well at the 809 Gallery in Glenwood Springs. I have also added some dicro COE96 embellishments for charm and interest.

Back to Mosaics

2011-02-02T09:48:00.001-07:00

A return to mosaics--A pique assiette antique red table with two finished platforms in roosters and feathers. The color scheme is red, green and yellows with ceramic roosters, daisies and glass beetle embellishments. It was finished in ivory grout. This was done for a mosaic challenge with Etsy's PeaceMaker's Mosaics Team.

Royal Glass and Dichroic Accents

2011-01-30T09:17:00.000-07:00

I am liking the new Royal Glass that Delphi Glass has come out with. I backed it with black wispy so that light still passes through, then capped the center with opaque black with dichro squares.

Roll Up Panels

2011-01-26T07:49:00.001-07:00

The three roll up panels are ready to ship to the Ryan Staub Studios in Seattle, Washington. I can't wait for these three ducklings to be transformed into swans.

The Gallery 809 in Glenwood Springs

2011-01-26T06:58:00.001-07:00

I have been accepted into the fine arts Gallery 809 in Glenwood Springs! I will start exhibiting in early February and hope to have a full display up by the beginning of March. Very excited--can't wait!

Combed Glass in White Wispy and Millefiori

2011-01-24T19:59:00.000-07:00

I finally incorporated the combed glass from the workshop into a shallow bowl. I used 2 layers of white wispy glass perpendicular to each other topped woth a clear cap. I then added lafayette mix 96 millefiori glass as a border. It is slightly slumped as to not detract from the combed glass.

Working with Other Techniques

2011-01-16T16:52:00.000-07:00

Another fused paper, frit casting with geneva stripes. This time I used a converted photo (into a line drawing) of purple columbine as my subject.

Red-tailed Hawk Fused

2011-01-16T16:48:00.000-07:00

It came out so much better than I had hoped. Like other artists, I constantly struggle to appreciate my own work, always finding the flaws and little things that didn't turn out exactly as planned. This piece, however, is as close to "YES" as it gets. The layering, the texture, and color all look right. Now to fire polish and slump. YES!

Copper Embellished Glass Framed in Black Stripes

2011-01-13T19:51:00.000-07:00

I made time to do a piece using copper mica painted glass. I used a thin black base topped with the copper glass. I then alternated black and clear strips in two perpendicular layers to create a 3D appearance. I hope to do more experimenting with micas because of love the rich and elegant look. (Tough to photograph though!)

Iridized Gold on Black with Dicro Accents

2011-01-10T14:31:00.000-07:00

I love this gold-tinted iridized black glass. Blends wonderfully with dichroic on black accents and yellow strips.

Fusing Stacked Mosaics--The Hawk

2011-01-09T15:21:00.000-07:00

Red-Tailed Hawk Fused Mosaic Panel

Normally I would not show a piece as it was being built but this has been such an interesting WIP that I thought I would post a before and after. I have been building the piece for 3 days now and have only to fill the gaps with frit before I fire it. It is a stacked mosaic, consisting of two base layers of sky blue and clear with two to three layers stacked to define the bird and tree. I have also used rods cut on end for the leaves with bits and stingers to define the aspen tree.

I will post the fused panel in a couple of days to show the result.

Farmhouse in the Sunflowers

2010-12-25T20:56:00.001-07:00

I completed this commission piece Christmas Eve. It is hand painted and fused on two separate pieces of glass so that the sunflowers appear to stand in the foreground of the picture. The technique rendered a 3D dimensional effect.

Firebowl--Combing Glass

2010-12-17T14:27:00.001-07:00

This 12" bowl is an example of glass that was superheated and then raked while still in a molten state. The raked glass was then annealed and cooled, then added to two circular glass pieces and re-fused and slumped to form a bowl. The bottom was left clear glass so that the transparent layers remain visible.

Triptych and Roll Up Vase

2010-12-14T16:01:00.000-07:00

These two pieces are from the Patty Gray workshop. I had the triptych framed in black as three panels. The roll up vase stands 7" tall in a gentle heart-shaped form.

Christmas Cheer Wavy Bowl

2010-12-06T07:42:00.000-07:00

This is commissioned piece for the holidays, It was done as a three-glass layer blocked in a 12-inch casting ring and adorned with stockings and Xmas trees. I used pink/gold streaky glass capped in clear with irid white as the base layer. The glass was then slumped into an 11" wavy bowl mold.

Photo Fuse Paper with Glass Frit

2010-12-02T11:45:00.001-07:00

I wanted to share a certain glass coloring technique that I am working to perfect. It involves "burnishing" a photo onto the glass using photo fusing paper (requires a specific printer and iron-based toner) and then coming back with glass frit and painting on the photo to add color and dimension. I first full fused the piece at 1450. Using the photo fusing paper guidelines, I fused the photo on the "window" at 1300. I then added fine and medium frit to the photo using the colors taken from the original photo, applied hairspray to keep it in place, and refused at 1350. This retained the grain to give it a dimensional quality. Pleased with the results...

Western Colorado Journeys

2010-11-26T15:53:00.000-07:00

I recently joined the online gallery of artists at Western Colorado Journeys magazine (cover above). Several of my premier pieces are displayed online (http://www.westerncoloradojourneys.com/artist.php?userid=44) and will be published in their annual guide in March. Please visit the site to see some great artwork and great wines all from the Western Slope of Colorado.

Midland Arts Company

2010-11-26T15:37:00.000-07:00

A photo of my work on display at the Midland Arts Company in Rifle, CO. Join the Midland Arts Company for their Christmas Open House On December 3rd from 6 pm to 9pm. Visit their facebook page for more information.

Results of the Patty Gray Advanced Fusing Workshop

2010-11-26T08:29:00.000-07:00

As promised, several of the completed pieces from Patty Gray's week-long workshop at D&L Art Glass Supply in Denver. Patty is an outstanding teacher and I would recommend her classes to anyone at any level in glass fusing. D&L was also a perfect host and provided excellent class space and support (shameless plug but true!).

Patty Gray at D&L Art Glass in Denver

2010-11-18T20:39:00.000-07:00

I have had the tremendous opportunity to study under Patty Gray all week in Denver. These are some examples of fused pieces that come out of her class. These are all in various stages of completion. I will post the final product once they are done, including a "roll up" vase.

Hand-Painted Rectangular Bowl in Hi-Fire Spectrum Glass

2010-11-13T15:46:00.000-07:00

Spectrum hi-fire glass produces beautiful slumped pieces. I like to use it with hand-painted pieces that illuminate the art as if it were backlit with a bright floodlight. You have to fuse it very slowly with a bubble squeeze schedule or else it will bubble up. I also do the hand-paintings separately and then fuse then to the larger piece in two fusings. This also minimizes bubble entrapment.

Christmas Ditties

2010-11-09T16:06:00.000-07:00

It is finally snowing here in western Colorado and with it comes holiday cheer! I bought this quaint 8" mold from Slumpy's and have had so much fun with it. The inner tree is done in aventurine green glass, rimmed with cherry red transparent and capped in clear thin. Once it was fused, I flipped it over and added dichroic trimmings and re-fused. Finally, the piece was slumped into the mold. Fun and festive! Yes!

Draping Bullseye

2010-11-08T20:23:00.001-07:00

My new mega-kiln allows me to do large drapes and slumps. I had some gorgeous Bullseye fracture/streamer glass and millefiori from another piece that I fused into an 18" draped vase. Although it is a larger piece than I am used to working with, it finished in a graceful form and bold color. I do love working in Bullseye Glass! Someday when I grow up to be a successful glass artist, I can work exclusively in Bullseye. But for now, it is the exception, not the rule.

The Holiday Gear Up

2010-11-04T14:07:00.001-06:00

My new studio is finally operational and I am diving full on into the holiday season. These are a few of the glass castings ornaments that I am presently making for sale on Etsy and at the Midland Arts Gallery. Please visit my Etsy link if you are interested in purchasing some of my holiday glass!

Go Saints!

2010-10-31T13:01:00.001-06:00

Wavy fused bowl in streaky black with dichroic stringers and amber fleur de lis accent

Amber clear with bejeweled confetti accents and fleur de lis streaky black center

As promised, a "Saints" themed bowl and platter for a Slidell non-profit fundraiser. Sorry for the sub-par photo quality.

Expanding the Shop

2010-10-29T16:46:00.000-06:00

Not only am I expanding the studio, I just received my new Evenheat GTS23-13 kiln! I can now do large fusings and drapes. My horizons have just expanded 10-fold. I also wired it with a dedicated circuit so now more power failures. Nothing worse that a tripped breaker right in the middle of annealing. I just have to figure out how to move a 200 lb. kiln into place.....

Back to Work (again)

2010-10-27T09:40:00.001-06:00

Indigo Blue Sys 96 Glass with Rainbow Leaves Dichroic Maple Leaves

The move is finally complete (although my studio is in chaos!) and I am back to work. I just pulled this out of the kiln--a commission piece made with transparent indigo blue glass embellished with dichroic-rainbow-leaf patterned maple leaves. I hope it captures the season as fall turns into winter. Two more commission pieces are in the works so check back in a few days for all you Saints fans!

Moving On Up--The Gallery

2010-09-12T16:01:00.000-06:00

Exciting news! The Midland Arts Company has invited me to show my fused glass art and glass mosaics at their gallery on East 3rd Street in historic downtown of Rifle, CO. I will be displaying my painted, fused plates and fused bowls, along with small mosaic mirrors (when I get them completed). I am so grateful to the artists at the gallery for allowing me the opportunity to show my work. Thanks guys!

Booth Sittin'

2010-08-16T15:35:00.002-06:00

Sitting in my booth at the Salida Riverside Art Fair. Unfortunately the show was poorly attended--it was a shame too because there was so much great art. Made some $$ despite the low turnout. Hopefully by next year the word will have gotten around about its potential!

As Winter Returns

2010-08-16T15:28:00.002-06:00

In celebration of the sunsetting summer, a 10" sushi dish is born. I had Mt. Sneffels in mind when I made it. One of my favorite peaks truly.

Cabin in the Woods

2010-08-13T19:50:00.001-06:00

This piece was done for a family member. It is a rendering of her cabin set in the dense woods of NM near Ruidoso. The glass painting is framed in sedona spirit glass.

Birdbath of Fall

2010-08-04T17:27:00.001-06:00

This one will probably go this weekend or next. Nearing the end of the garden season so I hope it moves at the next couple of shows...

Lamps, etc...

2010-08-02T21:54:00.002-06:00

Soft and warm light cascades across my living room. I will miss it when it sells.

Grapes, Peaches, Cherries

2010-07-31T18:26:00.001-06:00

One down, two to go.....

Upcoming Painted Glass Fusings

2010-07-13T15:52:00.000-06:00

I have found that attendees enjoying seeing the artists working at their craft during a show so I have started taking work with me to each show. This weekend, I painted three plates for glass fusions. Each will be very slowly full fused to seal the paint in glass, and then full fused to a larger piece for slumping into form. I have just started this technique and it seems to be hugely popular and in demand. I should have them ready for the Ridgeway Rendezvous in early August. Bet all three will sell!

It's All About the Show!

2010-07-13T15:37:00.000-06:00

A shot of my booth at Steamboat Springs, Art in the Park. So much beautiful artwork in one place! I just can't make those birdbaths fast enough...never even got a picture of Glass Fishpond.

Paint in Glass

2010-06-15T18:00:00.001-06:00

I did this mountain scene as a test for fusing schedules to minimize bubbling. Fusing the painted glass separately then fusing and slumping into a final piece was definitely the right formula, This is the way to go and I look forward to doing a number of pieces using this technique.

Lamps, etc...

2010-06-15T16:52:00.000-06:00

They finally came out with a lampshade mold for smaller kilns. This should prove productive.

Garden Pansies Birdbath

2010-06-13T16:45:00.001-06:00

Finished....

Table Done

2010-06-12T18:09:00.000-06:00

Between broken plates and broken saws, it is finally done. Ready in time for Strawberry Days in Glenwood Springs next weekend.

Garden Pansies Birdbath

2010-06-04T15:08:00.000-06:00

Since I sold my Clematis & Vines birdbath last week, it is time to replace it for the next show. I have already cut the glass for the pansies and leaves. I am going to use a 3/8" tile in a more formal pattern as the surround. I am showing you more work in progress so no one thinks I am just lazying the summer away. The replacement bandsaw came yesterday so I can finish the pique assiette table as well. TOO MUCH to do!

Ring of Fire Art Challenge Submittal

2010-05-28T09:16:00.000-06:00

I entered the Ring of Fire competition sponsored by Delphi Glass and ArtFire. In order to enter, you must use at least one of several glass elements, including the spring mix millefiori and dichroic scrap used in my piece. If you would like to "vote" for my artwork, please follow this link, http://www.delphiglass.com/index.cfm?page=store_viewItem&gid=9492, and click "yes"!

Thank you for your vote!

Shabby Chic!

2010-05-22T17:07:00.000-06:00

So another pique assiette table is under construction. Things were going swimmingly until my bandsaw broke! So, now we wait until the replacement saw gets here next week. The pattern requires too much precision to do it by hammer and nipper alone. This has to be done by Thursday for the Estes Park show. Good luck with that!

WIP (Work in Progress)

2010-05-19T15:04:00.000-06:00

I said a while back that someday I would do a piece in my beloved Van Gogh glass. Well, that day has come. I am doing a southwest style mirror in Van Gogh reds, greens and copper with electric red nuggets, blood stone and copper beads. My husband offered the array of colors (I think because we have been spending a lot of time in the Great Basin near Utah) and it looks deep, rich and "desertie". Believe me, photos do it no justice--you have to witness the glass in person to understand its beauty.

Back to Work

2010-05-16T17:46:00.000-06:00

The GJ art show just took the wind out of my sails so I took a week off to recoup and regroup. I sold "Finding the Perfect Tree" on Etsy on Friday (WOW!) and am so excited but also panicking because now I have to make two tables and a mosaic mirror before the Memorial Day weekend show in Estes Park.

So, it is back to work on Monday. I will be doing a Van Gogh glass mosaic mirror in red, green and copper and a 19" octagonal table in stained glass with a cat in the garden theme. I'll post pics as I get underway on each. It has been a really great month for sales and I thank all who have supported my art!

Art Exhibit at the Grand Junction Art and Jazz Festival

2010-05-06T09:31:00.000-06:00

I will be exhibiting at the Grand Junction Art and Jazz Festival this weekend. Look for my booth #413 this weekend. The weather (knock on wood) is supposed to cooperate and there should be lots of good music, food and best of all, art!

Please note that my Artfire Marketplace site is "on vacation" until after the show. It will be back up on Monday.

Thanks and hope to see you there!

Spring Aspens in Glass

2010-04-29T16:57:00.000-06:00

I am going to quickly get addicted to this...the joy of painting in glass. I love it!. I will need to refine my firing sequence and add longer holds at 1000 and 1250 degrees for more effective bubble squeezes and then I will have it down. I think I have found my new passion. Here's to the start of something grand!

Working with Uroboros Glass

2010-04-29T10:28:00.000-06:00

I love Uroboros glass. It has to be my favorite for stained glass and fusing. Of all the glass I have worked with, the fractured streamers are the most beautiful, expensive and difficult to handle. Once you get it to behave, it can produce the most amazing pieces. This granny fluted bowl is no exception.

Peaches

2010-04-27T14:38:00.000-06:00

An example of a contour fusion of a peach into opal art glass.

Fusing Paint

2010-04-27T14:36:00.000-06:00

I completed a successful piece with Glassline Paints. The paint is fused into the glass and then slumped into a spoon rest. I really am pleased with the effect and hope to do more glass painting.

Grapes and Sushi

2010-04-14T18:46:00.000-06:00

This is a commissioned piece that I just completed. Nearly 26 hours in the kiln! That is what it takes to get a tack fuse done successfully with castings. It did turn out nicely though...egad...my electric bill this month!

2010-04-07T10:28:00.000-06:00

My latest pique assiette piece. Two Wrens in the Birdbath.

Fused Drop Ring Vase

2010-04-05T15:02:00.000-06:00

A drop ring fused vase made of iridized purple glass interlaced with purple spirit glass. The vase sets in an elegant iron stand; perfect for candles or flowers.

Tack Fuse & Slump

2010-04-01T15:26:00.000-06:00

I admit that I have gone iridized crazy! This is a double iridized black and clear 9" sushi plate embellished with two ruby red poppies and leaves. It takes 18+ hours in the kiln to make it work but the slump and the tack fuse are done simultaneously. Works for me!

That Which Emerges....

2010-03-25T11:52:00.000-06:00

I was in the middle of a drop slump and the daughter has a self-imposed emergency...When I get back to the kiln, the glass had over-slumped! So I flash vented it and hoped for the best. This is what you call a "perfect mistake"! Sometimes the accidents turn out the coolest results...

Castings

2010-03-24T14:42:00.000-06:00

A cast and slumped sunflower bowl in yellows and summer greens.

Kiln-formed Rippled Bowl

2010-03-21T11:45:00.000-06:00

A rippled 10-inch transparent cobalt blue bowl embellished with dichroic center and iridized red insets.

Kiln-formed Sushi Plate

2010-03-18T17:07:00.000-06:00

I am now experimenting in the geometric. These sushi plates provide good form for working in geometric squares and triangles.

Fuse and Drape

2010-03-17T13:10:00.000-06:00

Two additional pieces just completed. I have become a huge fan of fusing with iridized glass. I love the way it glimmers and the texture it takes on under firing. Too cool.

Grace of Fused Glass

2010-03-16T16:34:00.000-06:00

These are some examples of the fusing, slumping, draping and casting glass art pieces that I have done these last several weeks. I love the graceful lines and delicate bends that firing glass creates. Although the process is tedious and requires great patience, I am captivated by what emerges from the kiln.

Garden Stones

2010-03-13T03:41:00.000-07:00

These are two examples of a series of simple garden stepping stones done in stained glass and white concrete.

Pressed Flowers in Glass

2010-03-13T03:35:00.001-07:00

Back to producing more flowers in pressed glass. These are flowers that I pressed from my Valentine's Day floral arrangement since it is winter. As soon as my garden starts producing again, I will press roses, columbine and lavender from the garden. I love using natural stone as the accent pendant.

Spoon Caddy

2010-02-21T19:36:00.000-07:00

A spoon caddy slumped in red and white opalescent with a clear overlay.

Business Card Holder

2010-02-21T19:34:00.000-07:00

This is a "drape" molded into a business card holder. It uses opalescent blue glass with white interior mounted atop 4 nuggets.

Fusing Fun

2010-02-19T20:21:00.000-07:00

Hot out the oven--a fused/slumped oblong candy plate. I used a multicolored ribbon in the center, framed by baroque blues on either side. This time, the clear glass is fused to the bottom.

And now its a bowl...

2010-02-16T11:09:00.000-07:00

It worked pretty well! My first fused/slumped piece. I am especially pleased with the glazing effect that using clear over the avaturine green created. I probably need to increase my slump hold time to get the most uniform slump. No bubbles, no devitrification....All said and done though, I feel good about my first attempt. it will make a nice little candy bowl.

Looking for the Perfect Tree

2010-02-11T19:24:00.000-07:00

Just completed the small mosaic mirror. I have already had much interest in doing a consignment version in a larger size.

Finally...the Bird Bath

2010-01-30T11:58:00.002-07:00

The bird bath is a work in progress. Much tile, much cutting and nipping, even more patience. I make it up as I go along. The theme is a blue violet clematis with green vines gracing the flowers. I decided on a plum grout for the bowl and a sandstone/yellow grout for the base. Now I have to clean and seal and then voila--done!

Mosaic Abound

2010-01-30T11:51:00.000-07:00

This is a themed pair I did in rose and green. I named the mirror Waltzing Matilda because of the small porcelain doll sitting in the sugar bowl on the lower left.

This pique assiette table was made using two platters and three plates all with the roster theme.

Pique Assiette

2010-01-21T19:17:00.000-07:00

Just completed the Blue Willow mirror using a hybrid pique assiette/mosaic method. I really enjoyed doing this piece and intend to several others to follow. It uses 4 different types of blue willow china, blue glass and mirror tiles and blue mirror glass nuggets set in white grout.

Daisy Mosaic

2010-01-03T10:27:00.000-07:00

The completed mosaic table. A centered daisy offset in colored glass tesserae with black mortar.

Production (Again!)

2009-12-15T09:42:00.001-07:00

Now that the holiday season touring has ended, I am back to work. One good thing about the show tour is you get exposed to alot of new ideas. I am always careful not to duplicate another's work, but drawing and combining ideas to create something innovative and beautiful is what crafting is all about.

This first is a bevel mobile with an inner and outer diamond that rotates about an amethyst pendant jewel. It can be placed as a 2-D piece in the window, or hung as a 3-D glass mobile near a light source. I plan to make several of these using different stone pendants (rose quartz, citrine, flourite, etc...)

The second is a glass flower press with an amethyst jewel accent. The flowers are red roses and lavender from my garden. I finished ii in rope chain and copper patina and can also be hung flat or as a mobile.

Songbirds in the Peach Orchard

2009-10-29T16:15:00.001-06:00

I am finally ready for patina and wax. This is an example of big things come in small packages. Although it is only 12"x18", there are over 125 pieces, 150 yds of copper foil and 2 lbs of solder. It took four days of cutting, 3 days foiling and 2 1/2 days soldering to get it to this point. Needless to say, I am pooped out. It is a steal for who ever buys it.

Amesthyst Rose

2009-10-03T09:42:00.002-06:00

The rose panel is nearly complete. It will ultimately be bound is an 1" oak frame.