Dream Fire Glass

Getting excited! Amy Waldman- Smith's visit

2012-02-24T12:48:00.000-06:00

Less than a week!

Amy arrives Thursday. We hope to get a quick tour of the Alamo and dinner on the Riverwalk in Thursday before she gets down to business! Fridays crochet bracelet class is full of excited students! Don't worry there is room for 2 more if you want to join us - just call soon. I went shopping yesterday at Mica's for the size 8 seed beads we will be using in the bead crochet class. This is what I picked out.

I admit I have no idea how this works. My experience with seed beads is in costume making. Belly dancing costumes that is. I can't wait to see the crochet bracelets we'll be making. I hope to add this skill to my jewelry I think these crochet beads necklaces are elegant.

Friday's class is just the beginning Amy is also teaching the Ottoman Bead 2 day class while she is here.
These beads are the most intricate and exquisted lampwork beads you have seen.

Saturday March 3 Amy will be teaching day one of the Ottoman bead class.
That night at 6:30 we will have a meet and greet for Amy and she will be doing a Demo at 7 pm all here at Dream Fire Studio. This event is sponcered by the San Antonio Glass Art Guild SAGAG and the Society of Artisan Lampworker in San Antonio SALSA the local ISGB chapter

Amy will have her beads for sale too starting Friday!

So I'm excited! Not only is Amy an excellent teacher and talented beadmaker she is my friend!
Hope to see you there!
Sam

Hearts and Flowers

2012-02-14T13:17:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentines Day
I hope your day is filled with Hearts and Flowers.

Here are a few for you to enjoy.

One of my Dichroic hearts-Love is True

Pink flowers and leaf- By Sam

Encased Floral- Sam

Pile of yellow flowers-Sam

Pride of Barbados's- my yard

Surface and encased florals-Sam

Encased floral- Sam

Spineless Cactus-Heart shape by the deer

You have to get Roses right?-Anniversary last May

These are blooming on my fence right now!

Hope you enjoyed the eye candy- Happy Valentines day!
Sam

Bullseye, Carlisle and Jen-Ken Thank you

2012-02-10T16:50:00.001-06:00

You may already know that I am teaching 4 classes at the Glass Craft Expo in Vegas this March.
I have been to Glass Craft Expo and assisted in some fusing classes but I have not taught a flame working class there.
So it is really my 1st year teaching at Glass Craft Expo. So I had a little learning curve. Each instructor is responsible for their own glass, kilns and torch set ups. The 1st call I made was to Jen-Ken to get Chili-Pepper kilns for my classroom. Thank you Jen-Ken. Next on the list was my favorite Bullseye glass rods.They are sending all the glass we'll need for my classes. Thank you Bullseye But I was missing one important item TORCHES.
This week the phone rang and the caller ID said Carlisle I literally answered the phone "Oh I'm so glad you called I really need to talk to you". So now I have my torches for the classroom set up and all! Thank you Carlisle.

Vegas list is done!
Plane tickets - check
Room - check
Glass - check

Kilns-check

Lovely assistant- check

Torches check

Students - check
Ready set go!
I can sleep better now that Glass Craft Expo is all taken care of.

February Already?

2012-02-09T16:13:00.000-06:00

Yes and before you know it March will be here!

One of my good friends said referring to the quick passage of time " I feel like we need to hold on to something because the world is spinning so fast we might just fly off" I agree.
I already let time get away from me this month.

Like the fact that the Society of Artisan Lampworker in San Antonio (SALSA) is meeting at Dream Fire Glass Studio TONIGHT 2/9/2012! Yes 7 pm for any of you who are checking in to see if Sam has the time a place for the meeting on her blog,
Place- here at Dream Fire Glass 11916 Persuasion San Antonio TX Time - 7pm

What are we doing?
Short membership meeting and then make beads for Beads of Courage (bring your own glass or buy it at Dream Fire). Leia and Vicki will demo twisties and simple murrini making. Sam will do a quick heart demo as well! The Bead Swap for February will be Hearts or Butterflies! Arleen is bringing the raffle item so get your dollar bills ready! SALSA will be signing up folks for the 4th of July Mass Bead Swap! SALSA's bead swaps are a whole lotta fun! Don’t miss out!

What's happening the rest of the week?

Friday 2/10 is Fiery Friday there are a few spots left at the table.
Saturday 2/12 is the Heart Bangle Bracelet class. I have some little heart beads made for these bracelets.
Sunday 2/13 is Torchwork for the Fuser
If you would like to join any of these classes just call the studio

There are plenty of Beautiful Hearts in the Gallery if you need a little something for you honey.
There is a little treat too for anyone stopping by before Valentines Day.

So that's my short blog for today!

Fun in the Torchroom

2012-01-31T17:27:00.000-06:00

I have a minute to catch my breath and post some photos.
The beginning bead class this weekend was fantastic! Great students and great fun.
I did forget to stop and take a picture of this class. Darn!
I've been saving a few photos of fun and learning going on here at Dream Fire Glass Studio.

Fiery Friday

Very productive Fiery Friday

Beginning Bead Class

Hot Head Torches to start out!

The fun and learning continues........
Here's what 's happening in February
This coming weekend Saturday February 4th is the Heart Class.
Hollow Beads on Sunday February 5th
Open torch February 8th and 22nd
Fiery Friday February 10th
Bangle Bracelet with hearts February 11th
Torchwork for the Fuser February 12th
Beadmaking 1 is at Southwest School February 18th
Beadmaking 2 is back here at Dream Fire February 19th

Dream Fire Glass Studio will be closed February 25th
So I can help with the SAGAG workshop
Well that's it for today
I will leave you with a few hearts fresh out of the kiln

What's in the Mailbox

2012-01-25T18:32:00.000-06:00

I was stalking the mailbox early in January.Well not actually stalking it because it doesn't really go anywhere.
I ordered the Convergence II and III exhibition catalogs and was diligently watching to see if the mail had come each day
Lulu press had printed them and they are were on their way.

I have a piece in each of the catalogs. I know I have mentioned these before but I think they deserve one more look.
The Convergence II catalog has Persephone's Lot a necklace I collaborated with Liza Connell on.
Liza made the beautiful PMC findings and leaves. I did the design work and of course made the beads.

Persephone's Lot just arrived safe and sound from its travels.

In the Convergence III catalog is Gaudi. Now this necklace is something else.

Peggy Potts and I worked for months on this one. We got together a minimum of once a week and planned and sketched and negotiated the design. I enjoyed the give and take and the process and the end result well it stunned us both.
Peggy did all the fantastic silversmith work. She handmade every silver component from the breastplate to the tiniest bead caps,yes she even made the chain. I made the beads boy did I make beads. We made our final selections of beads and put Gaudi together.

You may wonder what is Gaudi- who is Gaudi? He was an architect that Peggy and I both admire and the necklace is based on his work, primarily the Basilica of the Sagrada Família

The catalogs arrived and are beautiful. They document our modern bead history and are some great eye candy.I had to have them because not only do I have pieces in them but so do my friends and students.
SALSA President Vicki Munie and her mother Betty have pieces in both catalogs.
Now I'm going to settle in and enjoy everyone's work.

Grand Opening Pictures- Finally!

2012-01-21T14:25:00.000-06:00

The Grand Opening was a blast!

Sorry it took so long to get the pictures up but life gets in the way of blogging. The day after the Grand Opening we loaded our cars and headed deep into the piney woods of Texas headed for Stephen F. Austin University .
Our son is now settled into his dorm room, classes have begun and the next stage of his and our lives has begun.

I'm going to start with a few pre-party pictures. In the last post I mentioned finding the right spot to cut the hole in the piñata. Well here we are cutting the opening and stuffing the piñata. .

Nicole donated the piñata and the decorations.
The "Loot" in the pretty little star piñata was good stuff. Burger bucks from My Place Bar and Grille in Bulverde - YUM! Packages of my handmade murrini ,Chocolate candy,Tickets for the prizes and the slap bracelets had stickers for earrings, necklaces, tools and glass! Bullseye glass donated a t-shirt and and apron Pretty good huh?

We found the flame fringe at Amols the place to find party stuff in San Antonio

I think the flame fringe is really nice. The wind blew some of it away but we are going to keep the section on the sign. I think it’s just right for a flame working studio.

The agenda for the day was FRIENDS-FOOD-FUN-FIRE!
I’m going to let the picture do the talking. Thank you to Alan and Nicole for the pictures!

Louise's Mom brought the party animals

FUN

Waiting to start the pinata

Sam giving the instructions

The 1st good hit

will Jodi finish it off?

FRIENDS

The photographers capturing the Brothers of the Flame

DEMO's

Brothers of the Flame-FIRE-DANCERS

You can see we had a blast.

One last Picture that captured my day.

Drinking a great glass of wine with friends watching the Brothers of the Flame perform right behind my very own studio......what more could you want? Life is good!

2 Days until the Grand Opening!

2012-01-12T19:12:00.000-06:00

Wow time is flying.
My last post I had 10 days to get ready. By the time this posts it will really be closer to one day away.
I can guarantee I've been busy.
Just after the holiday break we made some changes in the gallery. Now there is a little bit more jewelry and glass displayed. I've added few more tools on the wall.
The Bullseye glass order came in yesterday. I measure out the frit in 2 oz containers. It is just the right size for beadmakers who want to sample a new color. Those are now labelled and hanging on the wall. The rods are all labeled and ready to purchase. The labelling of each rod is again a beadmaker thing. Most beadmakers use many different COE's of glass and having each one labeled is a great way to keep them from getting mixed up.
The pinata and its goodies are in the studio waiting for the "stuffing process". If you have never had a pinata before there are things you have to do before it is ready to have the stuffing beat out of it. You have to find just the right spot to cut a tiny opening just big enough for the largest item going in. Now you just can't cut a hole anywhere because you might compromise the structure and the last thing you want is the pinata to burst open on the 1st hit. So I've been studying it and the prizes and I'm not sure yet. I think that can wait until manana.
OK I promised I would post the schedule here. So loosely here it is:

10 am the doors open and breakfast refreshments will be available
11 am 1st Demo
12 noon we break out the wine and other yummy things
1 pm Demo
2 pm Demo
3 pm Demo
4 pm We go out back and hit the stuffing out of that pretty little pinata
5 pm Demo
5:30 announce the prize winners
6 pm we will be drinking wine and enjoying each others company and wishing that it wasn't over.

Want to know more about the prizes?
This is how it is going to work when you come in the door you will get a ticket. You will right your name and contact information on the ticket. There will be several prizes each one will be in front of a container. You will put your tickets in the container of the prizes you want to win.
The longer you stay the more tickets you get- one every hour
The pinata will also have lots of tickets in it.
Now for those loyal customers who have purchased from me here at the new location.
Don't worry if you can't make it. I have tickets for you based on your purchases and those will go in the container for the $50.00 gift certificate to Dream Fire Glass for any purchase (except visiting instructors)

Can't Wait! Hope to see you there.

Grand Opening in 10 Days

2012-01-04T18:33:00.000-06:00

The official, here it is,
Dream Fire Glass Grand Opening is January 14th 2012.
Yes I have been open. Yes I have taught classes, made sales etc. So why a Grand Opening?
I look at the past few months as getting ready for the Studio, Store and Me to become official, ready to say well we did it it is real.
I wanted to make sure the "bugs were worked out" and settle in.
Most brand new businesses wait a few weeks or months before their grand openings so why not.
Why January 14th? Well it is a Saturday and it is the New Year 2012. Let’s just say I like the date it seemed like a good day for a new beginning.

My main question is what the heck is one supposed to do for a grand opening?
I really don’t know what is the proper thing to do for a grand opening.
When your "store" is your studio it is a little different than a shop in the mall or strip center. I'm not really looking for the walk in traffic. So far the "walk-ins" are not looking for art glass they think I sell auto glass or fireplace glass or want to sell me fresh fruit.
The customers I want pretty much know exactly what they want before they find me. Word of mouth from my loyal customers brings in new students, beadmaking customers and glass collectors.
My website brings people to me and yes even this blog.
So why a grand opening?
Well to me it is a great big ole birthday party for the Studio.
Who comes to your birthday party? Friends and Family people you care about and care about you.
You are my glass Friends and Family. You are my wonderful students and great customers. So who better to come and celebrate this little dream come true than you!

What are we going to do?
Well there will be a piñata - it is San Antonio - no the glass will not be in the piñata but there will be prizes.
I picked out some good stuff and there will be several ways to win.
I'm going to have product demonstrations through out the day. If you have ever wonder how to use a particular tool or what does that glass do in the flame this will be enlightening.
There will be snacks and refreshment.
Yes there will even be things you can buy, glass, jewelry, beads, tools and classes you can sign up for.
Mostly we will just hang out, enjoy each others company and rejoice that there is a flameworking playground right here in San Antonio.

If you are reading this blog you are invited.

See ya Saturday January 14th 2012!

2012

2012-01-01T19:42:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year!

I think the very first day of the New Year is a gift.

To me the New Year is shiny and new, full of promise and possibilities.

At our house we eat black-eyed peas, reflect on the last year and plan for this New Year.

2012 will be the year Dream Fire Glass Studio will have lots of firsts and I’m excited about that. The first six months are planned and classes scheduled. The Grand Opening is in 13 days…….. more about that in the next blog.

I will be travelling and teaching more this year starting with Glass Craft Expo in Vegas.

2012 will be a year of change.

My husband and I will become “empty nesters”. I’m excited for my son. He is starting the journey of his life. I’m looking forward to the extra time together with my husband. He may have to come drag me out of the studio though. I’m looking forward to spending lots of time at the torch.

The sun is setting on this first shiny new day of 2012 so I wish you a Happy New Year and I hope it is filled with wonderful things for us all.

Sam

The Gift of Time Together

2011-12-27T11:18:00.000-06:00

To continue the theme of whats under your Christmas tree.
Sometimes the presents won't fit under the tree like a beadmaking class for your family and a friend. Last week a friend gave her family the gift of a beadmaking class and a bracelet class the next day. They made their very 1st beads and I annealed them. The next day they made bracelets using their beads. Pretty cool way to show off your 1st beads
Check out Tangerine Tabby's blog from the 22nd to see the results.
What a fun way to spend time together as a family.

Christmas Day 2011

2011-12-25T17:45:00.000-06:00

What's under your Christmas tree?

I know there are some happy people wearing their gifts this holiday.
This lovely necklace is now owned by the the wonderful woman who owned the first gallery my work was accepted displayed and sold in. I am so glad she is the owner of this necklace. I know it has a good home and will be worn and loved by someone who really appreciates glass.

Another necklace that found a happy home this holiday is this gypsy heart.

Whether is was glass or something else I hope you found your heart desire this year!
Merry Christmas and Happy holidays
Sam

2012 Workshops!

2011-12-13T21:23:00.000-06:00

Yeah! The brochure is done and going to the printer!
The website is updated with 2012's workshops.
This is an accomplishment in it's self and with my poor old computer that locks up with each task it was a monumental task.
I am glad it is done!
There are exciting workshops for 2012. Great visiting instructors and generally a whole lot so fun and learning planned.
Check it out!

Fiery Friday was a blast as usual. Look at what Nicole made during Fiery Friday. She's pretty good - for a fuser - I'm just teasing her she has become quite accomplished at the torch. Her twisted canes end up in some beautiful fused pieces.

And a reminder the open house and shopping opportunity are this week end starting Friday.
I am busy putting together some pretty trinkets to adorn yourself or gift your friends.
This is a post and run- back to work

Winter is Here!

2011-12-07T16:06:00.000-06:00

Winter has arrived in South Texas. For the rest of the country our "cold" weather would be a welcome
cool "ish" day. But for those of us who can survive 105 without melting anything below 55 is cold.
It has been a steady daytime temperature in the 40's and at night has dipped down to freezing and last night was 29 Brrrrrr.
The new studio is cozy and warm until the hood is turned on! As with most flameworking studio's it is a battle with the outside air and the A/C or heating unit trying to keep the inside air a nice temperature. So the last few days of beadmaking have been well lets say refreshing!
I'm getting ready for a Holiday Open House and Shopping Extravaganza here at Dream Fire Studio.
Friday December 16th 4pm-10pm (store is open 11am-)
Saturday December 17th 10am -6 pm or later if there is wine left

Dos Mimis who share the studio space with me are busy fusing all sorts of fun things for customers to give as gifts. I have been working making plenty of cute earrings and necklaces for gifts ready to buy and give.
I think I must have Christmas candy on the brain as you can see above.
I know it has been a month since the last post. Time just flies this time of year and I have been quite busy.

The new schedule for 2012 will be up on the "new" website by the end of the week. I have the brochures ready for printing and will announce the visiting instructors too.

Save the date! January 14th 2012 for the grand opening of Dream Fire Glass Studio. It will be a party for sure. Yes even a Pinata with more than just candy inside.
Well that is it for now got to get back on the torch.

Dia de los Muertos

2011-11-03T22:21:00.000-05:00

The Day of the Dead is not just one day it is 3 days.
It is a time to remember our loved ones who have passed on.
Honor their memory leave them a little something special maybe even build a little alter.
I think about the things I would put on my loved ones alters.
For my Mom a glass of white wine in a crystal glass, some chocolate, lipstick and a warm wool blanket from Scotland. I know she would enjoy these things. For my friend Diane piles of chocolate,cookie cutters, a fiesta hat and Christmas decorations these are a few of the things she loved..I'll stop there because I don't want to bring you down.
I never get around to building those alters where you can see them but every year I build them in my heart.

I did spend one of those 3 days making glass sugar skulls. I call these Happy Skulls
I mean look at them they are happy! I took the pictures below while they were still on the mandrels.
There are the ones I call poke eye girl/boy. These are truly inspired by the phrase I'd rather poke a stick in my eye. You know we have all had those days.

Then there are the eyelash girls some with the traditional flowers others with bows and the boys well they wouldn't be mine if there wasn't a spider somewhere.

Yummy New Glass Colors

2011-11-02T18:36:00.000-05:00

The Bullseye Special Production Rods are here.
They came in late last week and are now all labeled and waiting for you to take them home and make some awesome beads. I have sample beads below or come by and see them in person. This is the hardest part of having a Store I want to melt all this glass myself. But I have to share!

Below Left Raspberry Rose a yummy translucent pink and

Right Astro Yellow a really nice bright yellow with reactive properties

Next is Left Purple blue tint this is a really pretty light blue purple tint.
Right Rainforest this batch is full of green aventurine with nice streaky stripes in hues of greens

Below Left Lavender blush tint is a very pale pink

Right Sunset sapphirine is a nice coral/with a hint of brown transparent a bit deeper in color than Sunset coral

Left Carnelian beautiful root beer transparent

Middle Deep Red very intense dark read opaque

Right Goldrush a fall yellow somewhere between sunflower yellow and butterscotch

Below is left Raspberry Rose middle Raspberry Rose over French vanilla

Right sunset sapphirine again

Below Left Carnelian Middle bottom carnelian over French Vanilla
Middle top Sunset sapphrine over French vanilla and Right Sunset Sapphirine

Below Left Lavender opal a pale blue purple really pretty
Right Tranlucent Sky blue when it strikes( the bead) it becomes translucent. If it does not strike( the disk) it is a pretty sky blue both are nice

Not pictured Mossy Oak- deep green with hints of brown

Wisteria- a wonderful transparent blue purple

Hematite Lustre I think the best of the Lustres

They are moving fast too. So come on in and get yours before they are gone!

SO MUCH GLASS SO LITTLE TIME!!!!!

What happened to October?

2011-10-29T18:09:00.000-05:00

See what happens when your Dream comes true.

You get busy -time flies when you are having fun- and a month slips away.
So before October is over I had better let you know what has been going on.

From the last blog post you see that the 1st flameworking class was taught on October 1 in the Studio.
The next week was spent getting settled in, double checking all systems and having a little alone time with my torch. Of course we had to have the annual Halloween bead class. Students learned about making pumpkins,witches hats, ghosts and some wicked hearts.

Then it was time to teach Beadmaking 1. I am teaching some Beadmaking 1classes on campus at the Southwest School of Art.
This time it was a Monday Tuesday class and I had the perfect two students. It was a small class but it allowed lots of time for extra beadmaking.

The Society of Artisan Lampworkers in San Antonio SALSA held their meeting at Dream Fire Glass Thursday the 13th of October. Everyone enjoyed looking around the studio then settled in the torch room for the meeting and Fall bead exchange. The beads below were made by the following beadmakers
Mummy- Valerie Larson Lohr
Enameled Acorn- Jodi Wheeler
Yellow Skull- Leia Edmonds
Witch hat with flowers- Kim Freund
Fused bead-Nicole Vachier-Lozano
Amber leaf ribbed bead -Vicki Munie
Nubby acorn - Arleen Ritchie
Frit heart- Karen Erickson
Orange ribbed bead- Betty Munie
Fall Aster- Nina "Sam" Hibler

October 14th was Fiery Friday!
Yeah open torch is back and a good time was had by all.

Now getting up and setting up for the show the next morning was not as much fun.
Nicole and I had a booth at the St. Thomas Episcopal Church fair.
We sold lots of glass and had a great time visiting with friend who dropped by the booth.

The next weeks were a frenzy of ordering glass, tools, deliveries and stocking the shelves, open torch time for students and a little private torch time for me. Not to mention a fun witches gathering.

Next was the San Antonio Glass Guild meeting at Valerie's horse stable/barn with a presentation by Vickie Munie on her horse beads and the inspiration behind them. We all huddled into the barn when the north wind started to howl. Member's munched burritos and horse enjoyed their hay. Vicki's presentation was wonderful. It was a great meeting!

So we are now up to date. All the new yummy glass rods are labeled and ready for you to buy.More on that next blog post.

The bracelet class today was fun as usual.
See what some of the students made.

I'm hoping to get some torch time in next week. As you can see I was a bit busy doing and not posting. I promise to do better in November and post at least once a week.

Fire - Good

2011-10-04T22:24:00.001-05:00

It is with great JOY I am announcing
Dream Fire Glass Studio is complete.

The hood is installed and working beautifully.
The gas lines are installed, safety tested and delivering O2 and propane to the torches.

the lines before the "speed bump" is installed

Girly safety-no one will trip over that!

Gas Manifolds With Shut off valves-safety 1st

The table now has a top covered in stainless steel with the exception of the middle 2' x 1' section that will have a glass mosaic installed (once I get it done).

Putting the 5' x 10' table top on

The chairs now have a place to be.

The 1st class has been taught! Below is a video- hope it works!

Fiery Friday's are back on the schedule and Classes too
Come by and see the torchroom, sign up for a class/workshop,buy some glass-tools or just say hi.
Dream Fire Glass now has Fire!
Glass, Fire, Friends and Fun!

It's Here! The Hood!

2011-09-28T23:14:00.001-05:00

The day we have all been waiting for the hood has arrived!
I spent the last week waiting and getting ready.It is finally here and it is now working!
Here is a quick peek at the fan- "Big Bertha", "Ziggy" the duct work and the "Go Big or Go home" the hood

Fresh off the truck

I'll post more about the final push on finishing the studio each day. But for now the HOOD!
Well and the fan too without that "it nova" That's no via really. I guess you have to live in South Texas for that one

Introducing "Big Bertha"

She's a big girl it took 2 men to hoist her up to the roof

dried in and ready to go- she's pretty

Now I think this part is really nice louvers that open when the fan is turned on. how smart is that?

Now this next little part is "Ziggy" the zig we had to make around a structural beam. Kind of cute in a ductwork kind of way. Actually there were 2 Ziggy's as the 1st one was too tall.

The too Tall

Put them all together and you have a hood with lights and everything

Well that's it for tonight. We are still working away getting ready for the 1st class this Saturday.

Back from Road Trip II

2011-09-22T16:43:00.001-05:00

Headed North on 281- a pretty drive

Yes there are miles and miles of TEXAS and this month I have driven from one end to the other! Far North and Deep South.

I got back on Monday from the road trip to Dallas/Southlake. Teaching at Wired Up Beads was fun! The students were great and good time was had by all. They made lots of sparkly beads (Thank you CBS Dichroic glass) and have some pretty cool buttons to show for it too. Everyday was an adventure in glass.
I got to spend time with Patti Bullard the owner of WUB. We always have fun and lots of laughter.
I even got to go to puppy class with Patti and her new Corgi puppy Tank. Nothing better than a sweet little puppy. I attended the Grapevine Bead Societies meeting and did a demo on halloween beads a bat and a pumpkin.
I know where are the picture? Well the camera is having issues and I can only take about 12 shots before I have to download them. I left the camera dock at home and well that meant no more pictures.

Maybe one of the students will send me some pictures they took and I'll post later.
Look I have some pictures Thank you Micheale

Bobbie's 1st beads ever!

Andi's little tiny cane bundle

Erika making a big bead!

Michaele looking good marvering

Myrt making twisted cane

Yep me with my month open

There is a lot going on at the Studio this week. The torch room is under final construction. Table, gas lines, the hood all being installed. I'll post more tomorrow. If the inspectors approve everything we will be having an October Fiery Friday! Now that is exciting.

Great Students fun Classes

2011-09-11T19:55:00.001-05:00

The road trip to McAllen was great!
McAllen Stain Glass is beautiful. The wonderful and talented Yoli Cantu is the owner. She recently received the Art Glass Associations Stained Glass retailer of the year award. See for yourself it is a beautiful store and gallery.

Yoli designed and made this

The formal Gallery

The Student's and I in the retail area with my trunk show

Friday night was the art walk and we had a steady flow of people walking in the galleries and enjoying the entertainment. Nicole was working away selling my beads and jewelry while I demo'ed making beads. Thank you Nicole!

The student were great and they made some pretty little beads on those Hot Head torches.

Bead One class

Showing Liz the tricks of making a puffy heart

Ana took both days and made some good looking beads

Now after teaching the evenings were filled with great food, good wine and time with friends. There was chocolate too! I love traveling and teaching.

I also love teaching at home in my brand new studio. The 1st official class was this Saturday Bangles bracelets. This class was offered through the NEISD adult education program. I haven't taught a jewelry class in a long time and I had forgotten how much fun they are.
I had great students who were eager to make something pretty. They learned how to make their own chain using simple links and how to attach lampwork beads and charms - I call them bangles and dangles.
When the class was over they went home with a proud smile wearing their new jewelry they made themselves!
Look at a couple of the bracelets they made!

Karen B

Sylvie D

Lampwork beads by Sam

I will definitely include this class as a regular offering.

The next trip is this next weekend to Dallas/Southlake TX I'll be teaching at Wired Up Beads another lovely studio. Can't wait !

For another perspective on the McAllen trip see Nicole's Blog
McAllen pictures by Nicole

Cover Girl who me?

2011-09-07T18:25:00.000-05:00

What a surprise to open your email and find out there is an article about you in a magazine!
Yes I had done an interview in late July but I hadn't heard anything so I assumed not the right fit?
So I was surprised and excited when a fellow beadmaker emailed to say:
"Hey, Sam, Got my Crafts Report the other day--love your article!!!! Congratulations!"

I thought wow it really happened this is great! I still didn't know the "big news".
I wrote her back to ask about the issue and where she got it. That is when I found out:
" it's the October 2011 issue (and your dichro necklace is on the front cover!!!)."

Now I just about fell out of my chair. What a wonderful surprise! I haven't gotten a copy yet Crafts Report is sending me a couple. But I have now seen it! A fellow beadmaker posted it on the ISGB forum. I hope she doesn't mind that I snagged her scan.
Here it is.

As I like to say. Luck is just being prepared when opportunity knocks.

Thank you for knocking!

I feel like a Lucky girl!

Road Trip(s)

2011-08-31T23:33:00.000-05:00

September is a road trip month.

The 1st trip is September 2-4 to McAllen Texas down in the Valley.
Friday is their 1st Friday Art Walk in McAllen. I'll be participating.
Then I will be teaching Beadmaking I and II on Saturday and Sunday at Yoli's studio.
McAllen Stainglass is located in the most beautiful Art Village. Yoli and her studio were featured in Art Glass magazine this July/August issue.
Nicole Lozano of Glass Touch will be coming with me to assist just in case I need and extra pair of hands .

Don't worry if you need to drop by the Studio in San Antonio my Son or Hubby will be there to assist you on Friday September 2 and Saturday September 3.

The next trip is September 16-18 to Wired Up Beads in Southlake TX that is in the Dallas Forth Worth area.I will be teaching a Sparkle and Bling class on dichroic glass Friday and Saturday then a cool Button class on Sunday.

Wired Up Beads studio

Now if you are going to need any glass or supplies while I'm away this trip please come by Dream Fire Glass Studio early as it will be closed Thursday September 15th through the weekend. From time to time the studio will be close to accommodate my traveling teacher schedule. To make sure you are in the loop please sign up for the newsletter by clicking on link on the top right of the blog. This will allow you to sign up to get emails from me about the studio and special announcements.

Product of the Week

2011-08-23T22:36:00.000-05:00

Exciting news That Frit Girl Frits are now available at Dream Fire Glass

Bunches and bunches of cute little jars of full of wonderful frit blends.

There are Raku blends, Adventurine blends, Faux Boro blends and Fun blends

Aren't they pretty? Come by the studio and see for yourself.

Check out That Frit Girl's blog or website

ISGB Gathering 2011

2011-08-20T21:27:00.000-05:00

I thinks it's about time I showed you some of the fun that we had at the Gathering.

These Photos are some of the picture Carlos Bazan and I took.I am so grateful that he shared his wonderful pictures with me. I was really busy with volunteering this year and I missed taking as many photos as I usually do.
My Gathering started with two full days of meetings.
No picture there....
But after the meetings there was fun

Now volunteering is really fun !

I had the pleasure of being the bus tour guide.Where I not only got to meet friends but visit my work ands that of my friends at the Galleries.

Sharon and Janice

Gallery Jonjobe

Sam and Pendents at Jonjobe

Vicki Munie's Neptune's Horse at Flame run

Two South Region members Sam and Sage

The Bead Bazaar was great this year.

Amy Waldman- Smith She is going to teach at Dream Fire Glass

Ronit she amazes everyone each year

Annemarie and me at Annemarie's table

Shruti at my table best hugs ever!

The Banquet and silent auction were fun

Kim wins

Sam, Ellie(took her 1st class from me)and Emily

Then at the closing party - trading there was lots of trading

Awe Shari don't be shy she loves it

Carlo's trading

Sharon draws a crowd!

Well friends that is the short version

And a good time way had by All!

Start saving for next year.

Friends on Friday

2011-08-13T15:17:00.000-05:00

Dream Fire Glass had a little get together for The Fiery Friday Regulars.

Yes those are chairs hanging on the wall- small space living!

Now that the retail part of the studio is open we have a place to get together but no torches up and running yet.
We all miss the camaraderie and hearing what everyone is up to as much as we miss the torch time.
I wanted to get everyone back together for a little face time. Even without fire and melting glass we had a good time( can you tell by the smiles) and will do it again on September 9th. The advantage to Friends on Friday is we can have a little adult beverage with our snacks. I would say a good time was had by all.

I was there with glass in hand

I forgot to take pictures earlier in the evening. So I just have the night owls pictures.They are use to Fiery Fridays going into the wee hours of the night.

Now on to the studio progress.
The good news is the fan for the hood is on order!The hood is being built! We have the insulation

The insulation in the warehouse is going in today thanks to my great hubby,son and the nicest friend ever Tom.

Remember it is VERY HOT here right now even in the early morning. Their hard work will be enjoyed by all in the hot summers or cold winter (Ha winter - well it could happen).

A beautiful sight

Thank you to everyone who came by and said Hi and supported you local Flameworking studio!
Thank you guys for your hard work on the insulation

Soft Opening August 10th

2011-08-09T18:57:00.000-05:00

Soft Opening:
An unannounced or lightly announced business opening.

Yes tomorrow is the Soft Opening for Dream Fire Glass.
Why a soft opening?
I'm saving the Grand opening for later. When the torches and hood are ready to go and classes begin.

The glass is in and labelled the supplies and tools are on the wall. The jewelry is displayed in the cases.
So why not open the retail part!

Come by say Hi and support your local flameworking studio.

Friday will be a special treat. For those of you missing your Fiery Friday camaraderie come by after 6pm and have a glass of wine or a cold drink and a snack. We'll stay as long as their are cool drinks and friends.
Please let me know if you are going to drop by Friday night.
210-342-3473 leave a message.

Where is the new Studio?
Just off West Avenue
11916 Persuasion
Look for the black and white sign
Dos Mimis & Dream Fire Glass
Art Glass Studios

From West avenue turn on Rhapsody (if you turned into Panchito's that's the wrong way) and then right on Persuasion Dream Fire Glass is on the left next to the alteration shop.

Coming from 281 take Nakoma to Persuasion (the street before West avenue) turn left go one block cross Rhapsody. Dream Fire Glass is on the left

If you are coming from Bitters turn on West avenue and go to Rhapsody turn left (the left hand turn signal is really a long wait.) I prefer turning on Nakoma and then a quick right onto Persuasion- I'm in the next block

Now Parking is limited in front of the studio. During the week days - Only park in 11916 or un marked spaces. You can also park on the street.

Studio Hours
Wednesday - Friday 11am -7pm (well this friday later)
Saturday 10 am to 5pm
closed Sunday ,Monday Tuesday

I think that covers it. Looking forward to seeing you!

Took a Break

2011-08-03T23:25:00.000-05:00

Yes I took a little break before the studio opens. I went to the International Society of Glass Beadmakers ISGB annual get together called the Gathering.
This year it was in Louisville KY. There was so much to do and see.
I visited the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft to see the Gaudi piece and all of the Convergence III necklaces.

Beautiful is all I can say.

I also went to Gallery Jonjobe and saw the Pendent show. I was blown away to see my necklaces prominently displayed right in the front as you walked in the door what an honor

I'll be home soon and the store will open but right now I'm visiting my friend Susie

and eating Cupcakes.

Winner of Cupcake wars!

What can I say life is hard.

See you all soon! Hope you need lots of glass. Drop by on Wednesday and check out the new place.

The Glass is Here!

2011-07-22T22:47:00.000-05:00

It is always fun when the glass rod shipment comes in.
Pounds and Pounds of Glass Rod!

Some of the Bullseye Glass

The Bulleye COE 90 rod is labeled and in the rack on the wall. It looks like a glass rainbow

The COE 104 is unpacked and waiting for it's labels!
That's the update for today!

Were did July go?

2011-07-20T15:00:00.000-05:00

Wow my last post was July 4th and here it is July 20th. Were did July go?

I know there was lots of ordering of glass and tools and other fun things for the new studio. There was lots of activity getting everything ready for all the new goodies. Making sure the places for them to be seen were built of put together and then there were labels so you know what they cost. All the boring stuff of starting a new business was churning away keeping me busy. The days just flew away.

Then there were all the things that had to been done for the ISGB Gathering in Louisville Kentucky.
Yes I broke out the Hot Head and made some little beads for the Gathering 1st timers. Boy do I miss my "Big Girl" torch. Stay tuned for the pictures of the beads.

All this work and no posts made me a bad blogger...... My apologies to my followers I promise I will do better. The good news is I have lots of pictures so the next few post will have some eye candy.

And for those of you who are waiting and wondering.
I do have some dates.

Retail store opens August 10
Wednesday 11am to 7pm

The workshops will follow. Yes there will be a spectacular grand opening when the hood is in!
The 1st workshop is scheduled for October 1- Beginning Beadmaking

Keep those fingers crossed the fume hood comes in on time and the inspectors are kind.
Then we will all have our flameworking playground and the fun can begin!

Slowly but Surely

2011-07-04T23:07:00.000-05:00

Yes it is coming along Slowly but Surely!
You know the saying about two steps forward three steps back? This seem to be the theme for the last week of June.
My most excellent husband had the glass holder for the Bullseye glass put together painted and on the wall.

So I ordered the plastic tubes and they arrived quickly. Good !

Hard to see but these are 4 foot tubes

I like the wing images the light made in the tubes

I got busy cutting them to the correct lengths but when I tried to slip one into place..... OH NO wait the plastic tubes are just ever so slightly too big around. What happened? I ordered the right ones.

Oh yeah I remember now. It's the paint it makes the holes just one itty bit to small. So down comes the rack and the sanding begins. That is what happen when 8 years passes between putting one of these together.

My desk is painted and in place.
We did get the stat wall up and it is starting to look like the retail part of the studio is closer to being open.

coffee corner

Desk and slat wall

Now I just have to fill the walls up with fun stuff for you to buy..

Patience my most excellent students, customers and friends I'm getting there.

"Arts of Engagement: Beyond a Glass Bead"

2011-06-26T23:52:00.000-05:00

This Monday June 20th an email arrived with:
Congratulations! Your work has been selected for ISGB's pendant show,"Arts of Engagement: Beyond a Glass Bead".
This is great news! I'll be in two galleries on the gallery tour at the ISGB Gathering in Louisville Kentucky.
I'm sending 6 Corazon de la Gitana's - Heart of the Gypsy pendants and a selection of necklace's from very fancy to plain.

Here is a sneak peek of the pendants and the necklaces. All Six above and close ups below.

The Studio is coming along nicely.I finished painting my desk and moved it in. This next week I will be ordering the glass and supplies and in a week or two I hope I'll be open for retail.
That it for this week.

Some Assembly Required = Progress

2011-06-19T23:02:00.000-05:00

OK yes I admit long time no blog! It has been just a little over a week.
But...... I have been busy getting the studio ready.
Some of the best buys come with "some assembly required" on the box.
Here are some of the new additions to the studio.

This is the coffee cart I put together.

almost together-

Yes Dream Fire Studio has coffee or hot tea for students who need a boost before or during workshops. If you stop by to shop there's a cup for you too.
I know in the Texas heat hot beverages my not be quite right but I need a cup of coffee in the morning. The studio is an extension of my home and I want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable.

The chairs had to be put together after they were painted and the cushions recovered- A big thank you to Darrell for the great job and amazing paint he used on the chairs. Beautiful is all I can say.

recovered and waiting for the chairs

If you go back to the first two chairs I recovered the material is a print with happy bright colored flowers.
The fabric was no longer available so I used the "best" colors from those chair and a little inspiration in the form of a dust brush.

Pink, lime ,black and olive seemed to be a good mix. something for everyone. Yes Kim and Kelly the pink chairs are for you.

just a few of the finished chairs

You can't do everything by yourself sometimes you need help. My most excellent crew of helpers - my husband and son have been working hard helping me get things ready. Here they are at work.

Some things you just have to build yourself.
My husband and I designed and built these glass rod holders. Again some assemble required after the design and drilling all those holes, painting etc. we have to put them together

This one is for the COE 104 glass. Rods in the rack will be sold by the rod
The boxes below will hold rod that has been bundled into quarter pound ,half pound and pound bundles.
That way you buy a little ( try it before you buy a bunch) or if you know its the glass for you can buy a pound or two.

Not full yet but you get the idea!

Here is the best husband ever working on the Bullseye glass rod holder.

He's cute and handy and mine!

I'm going to have lots of glass Moretti, a little Vetrofond, Messy, Double Helix in COE 104 and maybe more if you ask for it. In COE 90 what else is there? BULLSEYE you know how much I love Bullseye glass and you know I really like those special colors they come out with every month. I'll be stocking up on Bullseye next. Don't worry yes there will be yummy frit ,dichroic noodles and other goodies in both COE's and enamels too.

Last but not least this week we did a little work on the bathroom.

Replacing the old office bathroom light not only updated the bathroom it brightened it up in there.

All we need to do is hang the towel holder, a mirror and that necessary room is done.

Old light not too pretty and dark

Nice and twice the light

It has been a busy week we got a lot done and we are closer to opening the retail part of the studio. That could be as soon as the end of the month.

I'm still thinking it will be September before the hood and gas are ready to go BUT you never know once the momentum gets going things could start happening faster.

Keep checking in. Call me if you want to drop by 210-342-3473 I'm not there all the time right now so leave a message and I'll call you back.

Many Hands Gallery

2011-06-11T23:36:00.000-05:00

Many Hands Gallery is a beautiful gallery in San Antonio owned by Kathy Moore and Barbara Wright.
They are a Mom (Barbara) and Daughter (Kathy) team who have put together a wonderful collection of Texas artisans work painting, pottery, photography,turned wood vessels and glass fill the gallery. If you are looking for just the right piece to adorn your home or yourself visit Many Hands Gallery.

I met Kathy's husband Ken several years ago when he and his son took a beadmaking workshop from me just for fun. Ken and Kathy are the nicest people and they have two very talented sons. This is a family of artists.

Ken and Kathy Moore

Kathy invited me to show my work at Many Hands Gallery and this month I was a featured artist.
Today was the meet and greet. Here I am with a few of my necklaces and buttons in my leaves series.

Flower necklaces

Art, Inspiration and Collaboration. Not Chairs!

2011-06-04T23:42:00.000-05:00

It is time to talk about Art, Inspiration and Collaboration.
Not Chairs!
At the beginning of 2011 Peggy Potts, a wonderful silversmith, and I started a collaboration on a piece for Convergence III.
At our 1st meeting we agreed that the architecture of Antoni Gaudi moved and inspired us. Peggy and I got to work pouring through books on Gaudi and his work, searching the internet for images of spires and mosaics designed by Gaudi.

We learned about his collaborations with the artists who brought his plans to life. Each craftsman whether it was a stone carver or a tile layer influenced the final creation of a Gaudi's work.

Peggy and I decided to meet once a week and each week we would talk and share our drawings and ideas.

We each had a vision of what the piece should be the ideas were both similar and very different. We worked together to developed the piece, not digging in to have our own way, but considering the ideas of the other. Taking each other suggestions back to our studios and working on how to incorporate them. Drawings and plans became test beads and a framework of sterling silver.

We began the work of balancing the colors, architectural elements and wear-ability of the piece. I love the attention to detail Peggy gave to the piece every part of it was made by our hands even the tiny silver bead caps and chain.

As the Gaudi piece began to take shape it fascinated both of us. When you collaborate to create something it is not just yours and we both felt an almost strange awe of what we had created. We jokingly called it "my precious" because we both wanted to have it in our possession. It traveled back a forth from her studio to my studio for each addition and after 2 month of work "Gaudi" was finished.

The photos were sent for Jury and we waited..........Joy!!!

Gaudi juried into the exhibition!

Like Convergence II Convergence III will travel the country and hopefully the world.

The first stop is the Gathering in Louisville KY

We carefully packed it up in it's own little "suitcase" and said bon voyage.

Around the Corner

2011-05-27T12:37:00.000-05:00

You know when you move into a new neighborhood how much fun it is to explore what is there?
This week I took a look around my "new" neighborhood where Dream Fire Glass studio is located

I have lived in San Antonio 30 years and I have driven down West Avenue too many time to count. This time I was looking at it with new eyes. I wasn't just going from point A to point B. I was really looking at what was there.

I was happy to find a Fire Station just a few blocks from the studio.

Why so Happy? Well beside the obvious reason. I have always had a good working relationship with the fire inspectors. I aways get a "gold star" for the proper storage of my O2 tanks and the correct amount and placement of fire extinguishers etc. Knowing they are right around the corner makes me feel safe.

Another welcome neighbor is Jeff's Backyard this is where I get my propane refilled. I love this place they are so nice and have a rewards program for filling you tanks! I also got an awesome tray to cook my veggies on the grill there.

Everyone needs place to buy grocery. Now there are plenty of grocery stores in San Antonio but knowing where the closest one is helps. Good to know there is a great grocery store just up the street.

Then if I just need to grab a soda there is a great little convenience store across the street.
Need a breakfast taco (yes we eat tacos for breakfast here in the land of the pinata) all I have to do is walk across the street to La Cocinita (little kitchen) the bacon and egg tacos are to die for! yum

Speaking of across the street there is a chocolate shop. YES a chocolate shop and you can walk there too.

Here is other place to get into food trouble.......One of my naughty fast food treats is thankfully not in walking distance but close enough to get me in trouble! I found out that lots of people have cravings for this fried treat!

Last but not least an old favorite Panchito's.
Many a happy evenings have been spent here with friends and family.
There will be many more to come. Maybe to many for my waistline.

Remember what happens at Panchito's Stays at Panchito's

After a long day at the torch where else would you want to be?

I say on the patio with a refreshing beverage.

Dream Fire Glass Studio's location is convenient to so many different place to get food and refreshment, you will have a hard time deciding where to have lunch or dinner after class.
We will never run out of propane and if you need to catch a plane it is less than 10 minutes from the airport.

Hope you enjoyed the neighborhood tour.
Now I had better get busy getting the torch room up and running!

Inertia of Motion?

2011-05-25T22:41:00.000-05:00

Do you ever feel like you are not getting anywhere?
Even though I know I have accomplished a lot this week I feel like I'm not moving. I have to wait before I can start getting the big things done. Right now the table, the hood and the gas lines are on hold while I get bids and work on code requirements. I feel like I'm not moving fast enough not getting enough done. I want to have the studio finished and be sitting at the torch. I want Fiery Fridays I want it all now!
I'm sure my students feel the same way.

So what did I get done?

Chairs Yes more chairs.
If the table is going to accommodate 8-10 people then I needed more chairs. I did a little running around town looking for tall bar stools. I didn't find anything so I went to the place should have gone first. I knew Home and Patio had the best selection and yes the best prices. I was in luck 6 very nice sturdy quality chairs on sale! They are really comfortable and they swivel. Now they will need a change in color (going to have them sprayed black) and replace the seat covers with non flammable material. So think black chairs not this crazy "wood" tone and pretty bright colors for the seat covers.

Put together chair

As you can see only one chair is all put together. I was thrilled to find out the rest of the chairs were not put together yet. That way I don't have to take them apart to have them painted they can go strait into the spray booth!
I measured out the 5 foot by 10 foot table on the floor and outlined it's footprint in blue painters tape. That way I can walk around the imaginary table with the "chairs" and see if it is going to work before we build the actual table. So far so good. I can walk around with room to spare.

OK! it's clear:
An object in motion stays in motion...........even if the motion is not fast enough for me!
The studio is still moving forward.

Got it done!

2011-05-20T23:46:00.000-05:00

Today I worked on and submitted a proposal to teach at the 2012 Gathering.
I was thinking I had everything ready to go and it would be a simple matter of cutting pasting a little tweaking and hit send. I was having dinner at a friends house and thought I'll double check everything and send it from her house. All this before midnight today piece of cake. Yeah right.................I forgot about the thwart factor.
Renaming and tweaking takes way longer than you would think.
Got that done with time to spare. Hit send..... ERROR .. that's not good

Well my email is set up in some sort of strange configuration. Sometimes when I move from one hot spot to another my email will receive but not send. You will not thwart my efforts computer!
I can fix this hurry and go to another email system I use with my computer. Cut and paste the email, re-attach all the photos and applications etc. Ok how did it get to be 10:45 PM ?
Crossed my finger hit send and yes off it went,
So we shall see if I am a good fit or not for 2012.
Here is a sneak peek

Tiny Worlds: Creating a scene with small murrini

This 2-day workshop explores the miniature world of murrini. Students will learn to create murinni that represent components of a predetermined scene. Students will be ask to bring color photos of a scene they would to recreate inside a bead. This could be nature, a painting or anything that has small components in it.

We will be using COE 90 glass to create these tiny worlds in the beads. All skill learned can be used will any soft glass.

What do you think sound interesting?

Here are some examples

Pull up a Chair

2011-05-19T23:14:00.000-05:00

Today I took two tall swivel "bar stools" to the studio. Now I have 3 chairs a phone and Internet. No table yet, we are going to build that, but I think I have decided how big the table will be. Having the chairs there really helped see how much room everything will take up. The table is now a outline of blue painters tape on the floor.
I recently covered these chairs for the studio. The material that came on the chairs was not pretty and it was a synthetic which would have melted if hot glass landed on it. The replacement material is a thick 100% cotton - Like bluejeans if you get the hot glass off it quickly it is OK and much less likely to melt the chair to your leg.

I thought I'd share how I did it - Here is a "tutorial" in recovering a simple chair.
First you have to remove the old material some people like to just cover it but for these swivel chairs it would have been to bulky.

Before OK but meltable and boring

First you have to find the screws that hold the bottom to the swivel mechanism and remove them. Then the chair bottom will come right off

Remove the old material I cut it off with an exacto knife. Save the underneath covering (black) if it has one

You will need a staple gun and the new material

Staple the new material on and make sure it is pulled tight! Then I duct tape down the raw edges

Staple that bottom cover you saved
Looking good now align the screws and put it back together.

All finished! Pull up a chair and torch a while!

Busy Day

2011-05-18T21:50:00.000-05:00

Today was a busy day.
The movers came early in the morning and really got things done quickly.
I am sharing the building with Dos Mimi's Studio. They have been in this building for several years and their work area/studio was one of the rooms flooded. The room that will be the torch room which has a concrete floor was fill to the brim with everything from the rest of the studio. The movers moved and the Mimi's had things in order in no time. They cleared the space that will be mine and it was so nice to see the floor and have space to walk around in.

Now I can start getting quotes on the hood and the gas lines!
I have to make a decision on the size of the torch table. I'm thinking 5 ft by 10 ft maybe even 12 ft but that may be too much for the space. I say the more the merrier and the bigger the table the more people can sit comfortably at the torch.

Today I also figured out how to set up my wireless Internet and got it up and going.
Now that may not seem all that hard but I've never done it before so I was a little proud of myself when everything worked.

I am already missing being at the torch. One reason my business is called Dream Fire is when I'm not torching I actually dream about melting glass. Last night in my dreams I made a beautiful clear glass vessel with transparent aqua petals on it with a stopper that had an aqua flower winding out of it. Yes a vivid dream. I'll have to sketch that one and try making it when I'm really torching.

Now for some beads. Because this blog is useless with out pictures!

Flowers

Staying Connected

2011-05-17T11:32:00.000-05:00

There are so may ways to stay connected now.
The Internet and cell phones are part of every ones life.
We can't imagine our lives without them.

Yesterday I spent the day waiting for the phone to be connected.
Yes and old fashion land line.
The technician was right on time and really nice. He got me fixed up in no time.
Dream Fire Glass Studio now has a phone!

210-342-FIRE (3473)
Lets stay connected!

This blog needs some beads!
How about some pinata donkeys.

Still on the mandrels

The Perfect Storm

2011-05-16T22:44:00.000-05:00

You know how the world seems scrubbed clean after a storm?

The air is fresh and invigorating the leaves seem greener and the sky bluer.

The new studio is almost to the fresh and clean stage.

A perfect storm is a confluence of events that drastically aggravates a situation.

This is the confluence of events that are drastically aggravating me!

A few weeks ago the space next door had a toilet "malfunction" which caused clean water to flow through my new studio space. I understand it was almost ankle high.

Good News: I have all new carpet and a fresh coat of paint throughout the whole space. I have plenty of time to think and plan.

I was planning to paint the walls in my office/break room and was going to live with the carpet it was not my favorite color. The flood damaged the carpet beyond just drying it out and putting it back in. The walls were soaked and needed to have holes drilled into them all around the bottom. This is to let air in to dry out the sheet rock under the panelling. For a week and a half fans were blowing like crazy and the air-conditioning set really low to dry out the walls. Finally the repair crew painted and put in the new carpet. They are working on the bathroom flooring as I type.

Bad News: I can't get started as soon as I want in the torch room.

I am sharing the new studio space with two lovely ladies who fuse.They have been in this space for a few years and have a complete fusing studio. Everything was moved into the warehouse space so the crew could paint and put in carpet. We can barely move through the warehouse/torch room right now. To add to this

my main movers are not going to be available for 3 weeks due to a much deserved vacation. So I'm waiting doing small but productive things. I want to be getting big things done.

Here is a corner of my office space

Before : Old wood panelling and bare floor not pretty

After: New paint, carpet and molding- pretty

Tomorrow we celebrate the working phone line!

New Beginnings

2011-05-15T22:06:00.000-05:00

Dream Fire Glass Studio is about to become more than a dream.
I finally made the decision to open my own brick and mortar flameworking studio.
All good things take time.
There are so many things to do, build, buy and install before I can open the doors and light the torches. So for myself and all my students I'm hoping this blog will fill the days until we can all torch again.

My new beginning has a great address! Yes it is on the corrner of Persuasion and Rhapsody..... So many jokes there.

Stay tuned for the daily progess.