Experimenting with Surface Decoration

The combination of materials to create a new color which wasn't originally in the mix is always an exciting find.  Detailed notes help one to recreate the reaction at a later date.  I would highly recommend flameworkers to keep a studio journal of sorts.  Enjoy!

Painted Desert

On Tuesday night, the lesson covered shaping cylinders and color reactions of a variety of glass.  These are some similar beads to the design demonstrated in class.  They feature only 4 colors of glass.  Enjoy!

Blown Hollow Demo Tonight

Looking forward to class tonight. We will be working on blown hollows. Bring your puffy mandrels and favorite glass. Shards optional.

Dichroic Swirls

Smore Anyone?

Here is a peak into the class project for this week:  The Smore Snowman.  The little guy can be strung onto a drop pendant, tree ornament, or displayed on a custom stand.  Not to be confused with the real sugary thing... that would sadly require a trip to the dentist. 

2014 Beads of Courage: Bead Challenge

 A lovely day creating beads for super-special kids.  Special thanks to Beyond the Torch for hosting the wonderful giving works event to benefit Beads of Courage.  A great reminder of life's blessings. 

2014 Fall Early Bird Code

The 2014 Fall discount code for Mesa Arts Center is “Circus”.  The code will allow students registering for 2 Fall classes to receive 10% off the regular price.  It is only valid during the first week of registration.  Registration begins tomorrow, August 1st.  

**2014 Fall  Classes**

Flameworking: Intermediate to Advanced

Register online or by phone (480) 644-6500.

Mesa Arts Center Glass Studio on Tuesdays from 6:30 pm to 10pm

2 Class Sessions:
CAF14GL025-01  August 26th - October 14th (8 week class)
CAF13GL025-11  October 21st - December 16th (8 week class) 

Learn new techniques to design and create a variety of beads and off the mandrel projects.
As always, student demo requests are welcome!

A short list of the upcoming class syllabus and demonstrations:

Complex Floral Cane
Double Helix Silver Glass - Terra

Pumpkins and Gourds (CiM paperweight demo)

How to pick a Fall Themed Palette
Mesh: Copper, Brass, and Fine Silver

Landscape Focals

Fine Silver Foil:  Encasing and Surface Detail
The Basics of Stringers and Dots in Seasonal Themes
Lapidary Faceting with a Denver Lapping Machine
Flamework Cabochons and Cabochon Systems
Painting with Stringers

**2014 Fall Workshop**

Fall and Winter Workshop

 October 12th from 1pm to 5pm

Workshop Section:  CAF14GLW058-01

Register online or by phone (480) 644-6500.

The workshop combines a variety of designs from my Festive Fall and Winter Wonderland Workshops, along with new designs for 2014.  Let's welcome the holiday season by creating fun themed focals from

molten glass through use of various techniques!

Welcome to Paradise

 "Welcome to Paradise"

3 x 3.7 x 2cm

Soda-lime glass, enamel; flameworked glass bead.

The concept of my latest work arose from the desire to create a nature inspired, sculptural piece based on a Dionaea muscipula, aka Venus flytrap.  The original design featured a mosquito hawk (see image below), but as with most of my initial pieces changes are made, techniques are tested and it is back to the drawing board.  Pictured above is the second design featuring a common housefly.  I feel it better captures my intended humor, thus coining the title:  "Welcome to Paradise".

"Dionaea muscipula"

Soda-lime glass, enamel; flameworked sculpture. 

5.5 x 7 x 2 cm

Exciting News!

 Ben Browne, a friend and fellow glass geek, is now on Etsy!  Check out his shop:

Ben Browne Art
Starting this Fall, Ben will be offering workshops at the Mesa Arts Center.  His innovative mind is truly a gift.  I expect to see great things come from his desire to push the creative limits of glass.  His passion for art extents to photography.  Feel free to convo him via Etsy for custom work and professional photography pricing.  (Photograph courtesy of Ben Browne Art)