Las Vegas 2013 Glass Craft Expo!

Time to get back to beads and glass.

Bullseye color reactions

Even though I can't get on a torch right now I can talk about it. I can post pictures of beads we all like pictures!

In a few more days it will be 2013. Plans have already been made for classes and those classes are filling up. Personally I really hate having to plan out my life 6 month to a year and in some cases I even have 2014 dates booked. BUT it is necessary if you want to teach or take a class. If you want to take one of these you have to get moving and sign up.
My four classes in Vegas - Glass Craft Expo are already filling!
I don't want you to miss out on a class you really wanted to take because it filled up.
Here are the classes and links to more information and how to sign up.

Wednesday April 3rd- HG-WE-61 -SOFT GLASS BLOWN VESSELS AND STOPPERS
Thursday April 4th - HG-TH-61 - TWIST AND SHOUT- LATTICINO BEADS
Friday April 5th - HG-FR-61 - DAY OF THE DEAD BEADS OR HAPPY SKULLS
Saturday April 6th - HG-SA-61 - MYSTERIES OF BULLSEYE GLASS COLOR REACTIONS & THE FLAME


Vessels and Stoppers is so much more than just vessels and stoppers you will learn how to make hollow beads and master some sculptural techniques on your way to the finished product. Everyone should go home with a finished vessel and stopper.

Twist and Shout is a popular class with only one spot left. You learn how to make 3 different kinds of cane. You learn the planning, building the pulling really nice canes that can be used for so many things. We will make beads with the canes but there is so much more they can be incorporated in.


Day of the Dead - two different kinds of skull construction. Cute, fun, kind of silly Happy Skulls and then we get busy with the elaborate realistic "Sugar Skulls". Now you wouldn't think you would be learning floral bead skills in a skull class but wait..... yes raised florals decorate these Sugar Skulls so we will learn a little floral cane building and decoration...and a little lesson on using murinni for eyes.

Mysteries of Bullseye Glass color Reactions.... Hmmm what is that? Well most of us know that some glass colors react with others and that sometimes this is good and sometimes it is a mess. This class is all about who's who in Bullseye glass and what is going on and why. We will talk an little and there will be charts and then we will make some awesome beads. Then there is what I call alchemy mixing silver and copper with the glass to make completely new colors

If any of these classes interest you and you can get to Vegas now is the time to sign up.
I hate to sound coy ( this definition "reluctance to provide information or make a commitment") but due to my duties as Executrix my schedule is going to be crazy in 2013 and who knows when these classes will be offered at my studio.
Well I hope the eye candy was enjoyable.
Sam

White Christmas

Well that was an unexpected gift a White Christmas at least in North Texas

It is melting away much faster than it fell. It was nice while it lasted.

OK so we are still here

Surprise the world did not come to an end today.
I was not holding my breath on that one.

But changes are coming.....................
Personally I am looking forward to 2013. The first six months will be hard work. Trying to run the studio, travel and teach, get some of my own work done and dealing with my cousin's estate.
June 12th 2013 should be the end of the waiting period - probate- and then I should be done with that.

Before my cousin passed I was already looking at a bit of a restructuring of the way I look at the studio as a business. Looking at the priorities of why I started my own studio and what I like and don't like about having a business.
I love being at the torch creating.
I love pushing myself and my students technically and creatively
I love teaching.
I love having a place where my students and friends can come and torch and learn.
So that stays
I do not like having a retail business
I do not enjoy sitting around at the studio just in case someone needs to buy something
I do not like having to be at the studio when I could be productive elsewhere.

DON"T worry I'm not closing the store. I look at the supplies as a necessary evil a convenience for  students and friends but the retail part of the store can not become the tail wagging the dog. It is not like
I sell bread or milk. Glass is not a necessity of life ( I know some of you will argue that) but it is something you can plan to get ahead.

So 2013 will mean six months of trips back and forth to Georgia and the store being closed more.
There will be classes,torch time, Fiery Fridays and National Instructors and glass, frit , tools and jewelry.
We will all have to plan a little more. I promise it will all be good.
Hang in there!
Sam

I'm Back

Yes the Blog has been silent for several months. Life got really busy.

Wesley Fleming came and taught in October. He is AWESOME!

There were lots of shows
ART 281, Uptown Art Stroll, St Thomas and the studio Open House
Teaching classes at the studio on the road and at Southwest School.

Then my cousin passed away and we found ourselves dealing with his estate.

This is going to take a great deal of time and energy. So hang in there.









Classes will resume in January. The exciting and marvelous Sharon Peters will be teaching at Dream Fire Glass in February.
I will be dividing my time between the studio and the work I have to do in Georgia.

Happy Holidays everyone!
Sam