Saturday, October 27, 2007
Michael Barley Class - Day Two
Back at the hotel tonight. My head is spinning from all of the torch time I've had over the last 2 days. I hope I can remember it all. I spent some time looking through all of the glass at Frantz Art Glass - - the place is absolutely huge! Worth the trip if you happen to be around Shelton, Washington.
It's been really interesting to be around other lampworkers all weekend. As anyone who reads this site knows, I don't really know what's going on in the lampworking scene or even what's popular or not popular. Especially in the last year or so, I rarely look at beads besides the ones I make myself. I'm not saying that's good or bad it's just the way it is. Anyway, it was really interesting to see what everyone focuses on. It's fun to sit by other lampworkers who have different strengths and weaknesses. For example, since I never make barrel-shaped beads it takes me forever to work on one, and even then it needs help. Some of the people I take the class with could make them in their sleep I bet. However, when it comes to the technical dot placement type work I can tell that I spend a lot more time focusing on that kind of stuff. So I've really enjoyed watching all the other students make their beads....super fun.
So tomorrow is my last day in the class. I can't wait to get back home and start messing around with all these new techniques. I also miss Toby and Devera and can't wait to see them. I think they took a ferry ride today while Daddy was at "Glass Camp". ....funny huh?
It's been really interesting to be around other lampworkers all weekend. As anyone who reads this site knows, I don't really know what's going on in the lampworking scene or even what's popular or not popular. Especially in the last year or so, I rarely look at beads besides the ones I make myself. I'm not saying that's good or bad it's just the way it is. Anyway, it was really interesting to see what everyone focuses on. It's fun to sit by other lampworkers who have different strengths and weaknesses. For example, since I never make barrel-shaped beads it takes me forever to work on one, and even then it needs help. Some of the people I take the class with could make them in their sleep I bet. However, when it comes to the technical dot placement type work I can tell that I spend a lot more time focusing on that kind of stuff. So I've really enjoyed watching all the other students make their beads....super fun.
So tomorrow is my last day in the class. I can't wait to get back home and start messing around with all these new techniques. I also miss Toby and Devera and can't wait to see them. I think they took a ferry ride today while Daddy was at "Glass Camp". ....funny huh?
Friday, October 26, 2007
Michael Barley - Day One
Hey everyone -
I'm sitting in my hotel room after day one of my class. It's been fantastic so far. There are 8 students in the class. Most of the students have been making beads for 5+ years which is kind of fun. It's nice to see what other people are in to.
The class itself has been even better than expected. It's been probably 3 years since I've seen another lampworker make beads so I'm picking up all kinds of things. I should have some good pictures when I return home. ....these beads look a LOT different than my usual style. I'm hoping to blend some of what I learn into some new stuff when I return.
....stay tuned.
I'm sitting in my hotel room after day one of my class. It's been fantastic so far. There are 8 students in the class. Most of the students have been making beads for 5+ years which is kind of fun. It's nice to see what other people are in to.
The class itself has been even better than expected. It's been probably 3 years since I've seen another lampworker make beads so I'm picking up all kinds of things. I should have some good pictures when I return home. ....these beads look a LOT different than my usual style. I'm hoping to blend some of what I learn into some new stuff when I return.
....stay tuned.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Fast Turnaround Time
How funny is this? I left for the airport last night at 9:00pm for a red-eye flight for work. Went to my meeting in Chicago at 9:00am and then turned right back around and hopped on another flight back home. So I went to Chicago from Portland and back to Portland in less than 24 hours. So needless to say I'm a little tired. I figured out that I've only slept 30 minutes since Saturday night. I'm headed to bed now, but tomorrow there will be another auction up so stay tuned.
Also - this Friday I am going to Frantz Art Glass to take a class with Michael Barley. Usually I teach classes so it will be fun to be a student again....I'm pretty excited. Hopefully I'm have some new techniques/styles to show off next week!
Also - this Friday I am going to Frantz Art Glass to take a class with Michael Barley. Usually I teach classes so it will be fun to be a student again....I'm pretty excited. Hopefully I'm have some new techniques/styles to show off next week!
Monday, October 08, 2007
Triceritops Piggy-Back Ride
We bought this Triceratops (a dinosaur) pinata a long time ago but Devera has really taken a liking to it. Yesterday she decided that her mousies (the second picture) would take a ride on Triceratops. I'm a big dinosaur fan so I thought it was pretty cool. Especially when she let out the big "Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr" because of course dinosaurs growl. Anyway, lots of fun these days!Sunday, October 07, 2007
New York, New York
Just got back from a quick trip to New York this week. You know, I have to admit in the past I've never really enjoyed it as much as most people. However, it was kind of fun to walk around. My hotel was pretty close to Times Square and I must have walked about 5 miles over the course of three hours or so. It's great to see all those people in one spot. I'm always so amazed how huge that place is!