Santa Fe

I am in Santa Fe for the holiday. No trouble arriving.
Roy will be in and out of the studio this week. Drop him a line or just drop by Blue Sage to see what is going on. I will be blowing some at Jackalope here in Santa Fe with my brother. It should be great fun.
I will keep everyone up to date on our progress.
Oh yes,
Have a wonderful Christmas and
Keep it centered.

Schedule December 18 - 23

Good Morning,
We will be wrapping up the Christmas season soon.
Monday - 4 til 10
Tuesday - Charging
Wednesday - 4 til 10
Thursday - During the day? Around 10 or so?
Friday - During the day too.
Saturday - Not sure yet as I will be heading out to Santa Fe for Christmas

Demo in Tulsa

Just heard about a demo this evening in Tulsa at the Gathering Place. This should be a great expo if you get the chance head up that direction for a good glass blowing time.
Keep it centered.

Schedule

Well, changes are coming.
Monday - 4 til 10
Tuesday - Charging
Wednesday 4 til 10
Thursday 4 til 10
Friday -4 til 6 for a lesson
Saturday - 11 til about 5
Sunday - 2 til 6 or so.

I would like to have a studio meeting sometime this week. We need to figure out the future.

Keep it centered.
AMB

Schedule December 7

Good Morning to all.
We will be working quite a bit over the next couple of weeks. Call and come by if you would like and continue your holiday shopping for art glass at Blue Sage Studios.
Wednesday - 5:30 til 10
Thursday - 5:50 til 10
Friday - 4 to 6 for a lesson
Saturday - Around 11 until whenever.
Sunday - Closed...
Monday - 4 until ?

Keep it Centered.

Many Thanks

Many thanks to all the kind people who come out this weekend for the Home Show. It was wonderful. We had some great demos and made some really fantastic glass art. All the students and relatives came out and helped and brought cookies and snacks and kept everything flowing just perfect.
We still have some glass left so if you need some holiday shopping drop on by and pick out something. Free small bowl with every purchase from now until Christmas.
Keep it Centered.

The Show Must Go On

We are still on for this weekend. Do not let the snow hold you back. Come on out and watch us work all weekend. Plenty of coffee and cookies. Come get warm by our beautiful glass and glory hole.
Keep it centered!

Home Show Coming Soon!

From Home Show

See you all there!
Keep it centered.

Schedule

Saturday - Clean up. Make some bud vases and bowls...
Sunday - Clean up.
Monday- clean up.
Tuesday - relax
Wednesday - Clean up Set up
Thursday - Set up
Friday, Saturday and Sunday- Home Show starts at 10
Keep it centered...

Thanksgiving Schedule

I am not real sure as too when we will be working yet.
Check back daily as it may change.
Give us a call, drop by and watch us blow glass over this holiday week. My brother is in town too. I hope to get him by the hot glass installation at Italian Jim's Pizza in Yukon. Hope there will be enough time...
Keep it centered.

Schedule ...

Well. We charged the furnace on Monday. We did break another element on Tuesday. Got it replaced in about an hour.
I missed perhaps the most ideal place in town yesterday. Sold again right out from under me. Alas, the search continues.

Wednesday - taking it off to look at buildings.
Thursday - 4:00 or so. (making ornaments for Steven Giles)
Friday - Off
Saturday - OKCMOA Class and lessons afterward
Sunday - 2:00
Monday - 4:00 or so, my brother will be in town for the week
Tuesday - ?
Wednesday - 4:00 or so
Thursday - Thanksgiving
Friday - ?
Saturday and Sunday - blowing and getting ready for the home show...

Ornaments

We have been busy with ornaments. We finally finished up the Fine Arts Institute ornament. If you want to support the Edmond FAI drop by there and pick up a holiday ornament for you and a friend. What a great gift idea this year. Not only do your friends get perhaps the most elegant of decorations but the programs of the FAI are supported.
We are also making some oranges...
Keep it centered.

Schedule

Monday - 4 until about 9 or so
Tuesday - Closed
Wednesday 4 - 9 or so
Thursday 4 - 9 or so
Friday - Roy may work in the early afternoon
Saturday - OKCMOA Intermediate glassblowing class session #4
Sunday - Start up around 2 until about 8

I hope to see everyone there.
I did get some more glass for beadmaking. Hollar if you are interested in making beads for holiday season gifts.

Keep it centered.

Upcoming.org: Blue Sage Studios Home Show at Blue Sage Studios (Friday, December 1, 2006)

Upcoming.org: Blue Sage Studios Home Show at Blue Sage Studios (Friday, December 1, 2006)
This is a cool site too. Check it out.

whew

We made ornaments last night. I think we have completed the order. I am going to get some more color just in case. Many thanks to the Fine Arts Institute. I hope your patrons enjoy these precious gifts made with love and light.

Thursday Correction

I have open house at school. Did I mention that? We will not be open on Thursday.
Roy is working out there today and wednesday too.
I am planning on Wednesday. I think. Crazy week.
Keep it centered.

Weekly Schedule

Good morning all,
Monday - 4-9 or so. Making 35 more ornaments I hope.
Tuesday - Looking at another building on 5th and western.
Wednesday - ?
Thursday - Parent/Teacher Conference day. N0t yet sure...
Friday - Edmond FIA art show
Satuday - OKCMOA class and Mom is at the FUMC art show in Edmond
Sunday - Start up around 2...

Keep it centered.

Ornaments

We have created ornaments for the Fine Arts Institute of Edmond as part of their Winter Fund Raiser. Please support your local arts and donate today. Time, energy, money, or whatever you can to assist the arts. We are entering into a renaissance of arts in America. People with time are finding within themselves a creative spark and nuturing themselves as artists. Our youth are exploring the world with eyes of creation. Help them grow in that way. It is time to open our eyes to the possibilities of the world.
Oh yes, the Starbucks girl liked her bead this morning.
Keep it centered.

Charge

We will be charging tonight. I will be in the studio around 5:30 or so to make some things and then start the charge and finish it Friday and ready to blow for class on Saturday.
We made beads last night and it was a good time. A most enjoyable process and the bead makes for a great tip for the barista at my local coffee shop.
Keep the peace.
Keep it centered
Andy

The map

This is the map for the home show mailing.
It will be a post card in 5.5 x 8 format.
Keep it centered 

near final draft

This near to the final draft on the home show mailing... 

Maurine Littleton Gallery

Maurine Littleton Gallery
Highly recommended for good glass viewing pleasures. Thanks Ray.
Keep it centered people

Schedule for the Week - October 23

Monday - 4:30 until about 9:30.
Tuesday - 5:00 or so til 9. Boy Scout Troop out for a Demo.
Wednesday - Bead Making Class I - Call Cynthia for Details
Thursday - 4:30 until about 9:30
Friday - Andy's Birthday. The Annual Ice Cream Social has been cancelled this year but look for it again next year.
Saturday - OKCMOA Intermediate Glassblowing Class 10 to 3. working til...?
Sunday - 4 til 9? Maybe earlier start with the sun being the way it is.

We have a bunch of ornaments to knock out so you may have to be working between Roy and I but no trouble there.

If you have not seen Chris's new works be sure to take a look at Bella Forte and eat at Italian Jim's Pizza in Yukon.

Keep it centered my friends.

Schedule for the Week - October 23

Monday - 4:30 until about 9:30.
Tuesday - 5:00 or so til 9. Boy Scout Troop out for a Demo.
Wednesday - Bead Making Class I - Call Cynthia for Details
Thursday - 4:30 until about 9:30
Friday - Andy's Birthday. The Annual Ice Cream Social has been cancelled this year but look for it again next year.
Saturday - OKCMOA Intermediate Glassblowing Class 10 to 3. working til...?
Sunday - 4 til 9? Maybe earlier start with the sun being the way it is.

We have a bunch of ornaments to knock out so you may have to be working between Roy and I but no trouble there.

If you have not seen Chris's new works be sure to take a look at Bella Forte and eat at Italian Jim's Pizza in Yukon.

Keep it centered my friends.

Bella Vista

The Bella Vista Arts Festival is coming soon. We are heading out Wednesday afternoon. The show is Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Roy may be in the studio some this weekend. We have a bunch of ornaments to create.
All is well. Stay in touch.
Keep it centered.

Weekend

Roy will be in Medicine Park. Andy will be in South Dakota. Give us a call.
Keep it centered good people.

Schedule for the Week

October 9 through...
Monday - Blowing around 4:00 or so. Roy is making ornaments prior to that time.
Tuesday - Off
Wednesday - Start up around 4. OKCMOA class at 6:00
Thursday - Not sure yet. Looks like we will be closed.
Friday-Saturday-Sunday - Andy is in South Dakota. Roy is at Medicine Park Festival.
We will be back at it Monday and gearing up for the Bella Vista art festival on the 20th.
Keep it centered my friends.

updated

Here is the newest edition with some changes. Waiting for approval by Aunt Pat and Aunt Connie. Let me know how many you will need printed for you mailings and store copies. Let me know...
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Home Show Flyer

Trying to post up a picture of the home show mailing.
Let me know what you think, any changes?
Keep it centered...

Home Show

We are working toward our annual home show. December 1, 2, and 3. If you are an artist and are reading this and would like to participate in our home show drop me a line. It would be great to have a wide variety of artists showing. Let's make it the best year yet. If you are a glassblower or flameworker and would like to give demostrations during the home show let me know too.
Keep it centered.

Schedule October 2 ...

Good Morning Glass Makers,
We will be working about the same this week. Things are coming together.
Monday - 4:00 until about 10
Tuesday - I am heading to Pauls Valley to visit the Trubey/Blakes.
Wednesday - OKCMOA glassblowing class at 6:00 should be working before this around 4 if all goes well
Thursday - Work around 4 until 10
Friday - First Friday Gallery Walk at the Paseo
Saturday - OKCMOA class. Blowing from 2 to 4 or so. Art show at the Blue 7 at 8:00.
Sunday - Blowing around 4:00 or so.
Call just to check and be sure. Drop by if you get the chance.
Keep it centered.

Weekend

As readers know the 12x12 art show is this weekend. I hope to see some of you there.
We will be working on Saturday afternoon and not sure about Sunday yet. Trubey is in town and we have not yet scheduled a time to get together so things that way are still up in the air...
It has been a busy week. Many thanks to everyone who made it all come together so well.
I am thinking about a public access art center with a glass blowing studio as a cornerstone. I really feel it is possible and can happen. Several factors. Location and funding being central.
Keep it centered.

possibilities

To get a bit esoteric for a moment.
What are the possibilities?
We will open a public access studio for Oklahoma City. All are welcome. Come in and blow glass with us. Lessons, rentals, demostrations. Members of the studio can come in and work. A true community of glass folks.
I need funding. It will work. It would be nice for a docent to come in and purchase the building for the studio. Knowing this to be highly unlikely we focus on a realistic solution. It is easy to think that glass is such a great thing and interesting and needed in this area and that some high community minded people would love to donate everything necessary to see a dream come to reality. So you if you that person let me know. If every person I know would even like to contribute to the cause let me know. Stock holders in the company.
Business Plan. I need to finish it and get it ready for presentations. Let people know what it is we do and what it is we want to see accomplished. A vision Statement. Step by step on how to achieve this goal...

Charge of the Light Brigade

I have no idea what that means I have just always wanted to use that title on a post. We charged the furnace yesterday. We broke an element. In about two hours we had the element changed and the furnace up and running again. It is heating the batch and should be ready for blowing this afternoon.
I am thinking I will put in a bid on the building on Blackwelder. If you would like to become a founding member of the new building let me know. I am not sure how to make it work but it will work and there is no fear.
Keep it centered.

East Falls Glassworks - Glassblowing Demonstrations

East Falls Glassworks - Glassblowing Demonstrations
I found this today. Great Step by Step photos of several different projects. Take a look. Give it a try. Let me know how they come out...

Charging

We are charging the furnace today. This entails throwing six 12.5 pound bags of Spruce Pine Batch into a 2250 degree chamber. The batch melts and goes flat and another 75 pounds is added to the mix. Do this until full. Heat more, cool. Heat back to working temp. We are blowing on Wednesday afternoon and figured we were low enough we would have to add glass for the rest of the rest of the week. Roy is throwing in some batch this morning and I will top it off this afternoon.
Keep it centered.

Schedule for the week

At the Blue Sage Studios Glassworks and Gallery we will be working diligently this week to produce glass for some upcoming shows and for some custom orders.
Monday - 4:00 until around 10
Wednesday - 4:30 til 6, OKCMOA glassblowing class from 6-9
Thursday - 5:30 or so til 10
Saturday - 10 to 2 class, blowing til around 4 after *the 12 x 12 OVAC art show is Saturday at 7:00 pm. This is the premier art event in Oklahoma City for the year. http://www.ovac-ok.org/upcoming12x12.html This is the place to see great art from over 120 artists in one location. It is always worth the time and the trip. Be there and be square.
Sunday - Usually start around 4 but maybe earlier.

We will be charging the furnace this week so some of the above times and dates are subject to change. I think Brent will be back in town sometime this week. Rumor has it two of the original founders of Blue Sage Studios will be in town from Seattle as well. We will be welcoming John and Myrna Trubey and JP too. Aunt Connie is tentitively planning a trip in from Santa Fe as well to look at the building down on Blackwelder.

Keep it centered.

All Hail the Pumpkin King

Roy is the pumpkin king. He was making some great ones last night. I wish I could make such nice things in glass.

From pumpkin

Keep it centered.

Sunday

I am not sure on Sunday schedule right now. I am heading up to Skiatook to hang out on Sunday. Roy may be in the studio working I have not spoken with him yet. Check back here or drop us a line to check.
Keep it centered.

Drawer Pulls

Custom designed drawer pulls are available at Blue Sage Studios. Are you seeking a unique look for your kitchen cabniets? Do you need an update in a bath? Drop us a line and we will design for you a one of a kind set of pulls. Each piece is a unique handmade piece of art glass. Add beauty, grace and loving craftmanship to your home by purchasing a set of drawer pulls today.
Photos to follow soon.
Keep it Centered.

Schedule

Morning, we made some good glass last night. easy calm evening. The cool weather is wonderous.
Monday - Blowing tonight around 5 or so.
Tuesday - Going to the Linwood building to check it out around 4. 1829 Linwood Blvd.
Wednesday - OKCMOA class
Thursday - Blowing around 5:30 or so
Saturday - Class
Sunday - Start around 4 or 5
Doing well.
Keep it centered my friends.

Many Thanks

Many thanks to everyone who attended the UCO Odyssey of Love art showing. It was a great evening. The work will be on display for a month. Check it out when you can.
Keep it centered.

Studio Equipment photos

I am using the Picasa Web Albums more.

equipment

Sep 13, 2006 - 7 Photos

Check out those pages.

Keep it centered.

Cool Piece

From September Ten...

Chris this one is for you of what we talked about this morning.
Keep it Centered

The Show

The UCO Art Showing titled "Odyssey of Love" is from 6:30 til 8:00 on Thursday evening the 14th. Refreshments are served. Should be a hoot.

Schedule for Week of 9-12

Wednesday - I have the OKCMOA glass class in the evening 6 to 9. blowing a bit before and after.
Thursday at 6:30 we have an Art Opening at UCO, fourth floor, university center at the Donna Nigh Gallery.
Friday - Not sure but probably a personal day
Saturday - Class and blowing afterward until about 4 or 5.
Sunday - Blowing around 4 or so.

Keep it centered

Opening the Lehr

 

Charge

Morning,
We started charging the furnace last night. Cooking the batch from a fine powdery substance down into a molten pool. It is a wonderous process to watch. I do not get to load as fast as I would like. 75#'s before bed. 75#'s this morning. Heading to the studio at luch for another 62#'s maybe 75 maybe 50. Then after school to add another 50 or so. Then top it off this evening. Turn up the heat for overnight and then back down in the am for a squeeze. Backup Tuesday evening to working temps. It is a long schedule but being out there not all the time makes it somewhat difficult to keep up with a two hour charge cycle.
I am in need of some more beans too. I ran out of the last ones. Most of my coffee making accurtruments are at Maggie's place so brewing up a fresh cup is somewhat difficult. I do have a good french press and enjoy the brew this makes up. Typically, I can make a pot (six cup press) I have a couple of cups and then have to add hot water which is fine as the coffee is stronger but room temp. It makes for a nice night in the studio. By the sixth cup I am usually a bit excited. but then last night we were making what I hope is some really great glass. I will post up photos when I get the chance, really Chris I will.
Keep it centered my friends.

Schedule

I tried to post this yesterday but it got lost.
Saturday - OKCMOA Class until 2. Blowing until around 4 or so
Sunday - Blow around 4 until end. Going to try to charge on Sunday.
Charging Monday and Tuesday.
Wednesday - 4:30 or so until class at 6 til nine. Maybe work until 10.
Thursday - I think that is the UCO show.
We will see what follows after.
Hope to see you all there.
Keep it centered.

Schedule

We started OKCMOA classes on Wednesday. It is going to be a great class. I think everyone will have a great time. Roy and I spun out a cool bowl yesterday. I hope it comes out alright. I think I heard it crack but we shall see. I will post up a photo as soon as I can.
We will be working tonight from 4 until about 10. Saturday we will work after the OKCMOA class at 2:00 and then Sunday around 4 til about 10. I am hoping to empty the furnace on Sunday and start chargina a fresh pot. It is time to scrape the pot clean and put in a bunch of fresh glass.
I looked at a building on Tuesday. It would be just about right if we can figure out the zoning issues with the city.
Keep it centered.

O Triple C

We had a good show at the Oklahoma City Community College this past weekend. It was fun. I give many thanks to all the friends of Blue Sage Studios that came out to work and play and man the booth. I could not have done it without the help of each of you. I am most grateful. Many thanks to our supports who came by and purchased art. What an honor to have a place in your hearts and homes. Thank you all so very much.
Keep it centered my friends, keep it centered.

O Trip C

It is nearly time for the Art Festival at OCCC. It should be a great one. We will have a lot of people coming in and working the booth this weekend. Many thanks to all those who will be taking time out of their weekends to help. Many thanks to Ray and Cynthia for setting up and and Roy for watching the booth today.
If you all are out and about be sure to drop by and say hello. We are booth #38. Tent 2. The far Northwest booth about three in from the west entrance. It looks like a great spot. I think we have a good setup too.
Mention you read the blog and get a 10% discount.
Have fun and of course,
Keep it centered.
Andy

Float Idea

We are approaching our 100th year of Statehood in Oklahoma. I have been wanting to make something to commemorate the Centenial. I was walking in the park last night and it came to me to make a Float. Apia Blue and Crown Yellow. About eight inches. I would like to promote the Centenial Float Project with a limited edition numbered float. We can etch with with the offical logo. I think a city could buy 100 of them as a fund raiser or to have public art available in a public fountain or pond.
What say you?
Keep it Centered.

Float Idea

We are approaching our 100th year of Statehood in Oklahoma. I have been wanting to make something to commemorate the Centenial. I was walking in the park last night and it came to me to make a Float. Apia Blue and Crown Yellow. About eight inches. I would like to promote the Centenial Float Project with a limited edition numbered float. We can etch with with the offical logo. I think a city could buy 100 of them as a fund raiser or to have public art available in a public fountain or pond.
What say you?
Keep it Centered.

Schedule for the week

Sunday the 27th - Blowing at 6 pm
Monday - Closed due to Open House at school
Tuesday- packing for the OKCCC show at 4:00
Wednesday - Blowing around 4:00
Thursday - Set up for OKCCC at 5:30 or so
Friday thru Monday - Art Festival Oklahoma at the Oklahoma City Community College. It should be a great show. Check out http://www.occc.edu/afo/ for information on the festival. I hope to see everyone there.

Changes

Well, We will be working at 6:00 pm on Sunday in the studio if you all would like to drop by and take a look. I am dropping off glass at UCO today and should know then when our show will be opening. I am looking forward to being there and give thanks for Mary and Xena for giving me this wonderful oppertunity.
We worked a bit last night. I have been busy making wine toppers. Learning to make ornaments again. It is great fun. Without Brent in the studio knocking out production work it may be a little tight on what we have to offer. Many thanks to everyone who shows up and contributes and helps me out at the studio. Lifesavers each and everyone.
Roy is planning on being at the studio more. He is a tremendous asset to the place and really does make some great glass.
Our fall schedule is sort of up and down. Let me know if/when you are interested in coming out and we will get something set up to fit your needs.
Thanks again.
Keep it centered.

Chopin Society

Chopin Society
We may do some advertising with the Chopin Society. They bring in some big name folks adding to the cultural diversity of Edmond.
keep it centered.

Businesses. The Paseo Art District

Businesses. The Paseo Art District
Cool Site.

Picasa Web Albums

Picasa Web Albums
We have a show coming up at UCO and here are some objects we will be displaying at the Donna Nigh Gallery in the Student Union.

New Schedule

We will be working on a Fall Schedule on Friday. If you have a day and time you would like to work in the studio let me know and we will make it so.
Keep it centered.

aokay

Home again. I will have a schedule together in the next week or so. Looking forward to getting into the studio and making some good stuff. Hang tight folks cause it could be a bumpy ride.
Keep it centered.

Dansk-indiansk Forening

Dansk-indiansk Forening
This is Josephine from Denmark. She camped with us this year in South Dakota.

Down

We are down for a week or so. I ordered more batch, the raw glass, last month. It is about three weeks late right now. We have used up all our glass and are waiting. Good timing with the heat and all but we have orders to make and what not. I am heading to Santa Fe next week for a few days and when I get back we will fire it all up again and produce. Looking forward to seeing everyone again and working full tilt in the studio.
Brent is heading to Portland for a while to build furnances with Steve Stadelman. This is good.
I will keep you all informed.
Keep it centered my friends.

Laura Mo

Laura Mo
Laura is a friend of ours from Denmark. She is a song bird to be sure. Her website is underconstruction and it is difficult to read as it is in Danish, and not the good cheese kind.
Keep it centered.

Ann Arbor

Brent is heading to Ann Arbor this week for the biggest art show in the country. It should be great. If you are one of our readers in the north and can make it to the show it would be wonderful. Be sure and tell him you are an avid reader of the blog and are deserving of a 10 percent discount.
After that is Kimbell in Salt Lake City .
I am heading to South Dakota this week for some much needed R&R, camping, and cooking. I am looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones too.
Keep it centered my friends.

Oklahoma Small Business Development Center

Oklahoma Small Business Development Center
This is going to be a helpful site. We are looking to relocate now at the beginning of the year. That gives us about five months to get a plan, find a location, get a loan, buy and renovate and then move sometime in January.
This may be the start of a great adventure.
Keep it centered.

Made with Mold

I made this with the new mold the other day. It is about 12 inches tall.
Keep it centered. 

The New Mold

The new mold is the one on the right. I like it a lot.
Keep it Centered. 

amidabuddha.org - Daily Meditation

amidabuddha.org - Daily Meditation
i like this one

Public Glass

Public Glass
Check this out!
Keep it centered.

Like Cain

Should I be like Cain? Ready to go out and walk in the world and get into adventures?
Keep it centered.

Confusion

I found a great spot today for the studio. The location is good. There is a lot of land by the ceilings are only 10 feet. It may be too short of a place.
Alas.
Keep it centered.

Buildings

Still unsure as to what the future holds. I have been looking around at buildings. There are a few nice spots around. I can see how glass studios struggle to make it. Thinking about the working capital it takes to keep the studio running is high. Thinking about adding to that the cost of a morgage and insurance and what not almost makes the venture cost prohibitive. You really do have to find a cheap old building and renovate. Backers and investors would be great but why would anyone invest in such an venture. Something will happen. Something will change, of this we can be sure.
Keep it centered good people.

Working

Well, I had a nice post going and lost the whole browser.
We will be in the studio on Monday morning and maybe that evening. Tuesday morning we have a tour group coming to watch us work. That should be a hoot.
Trying to figure out the future. I am not sure where I will end up landing. We are looking for some property to move the studio too in case Angela requests we leave. I would like to stay out here on the land but I do not know if that is possible or what will happen. I need some investors if we are to get a building and land and a place to grow with dreams. Everything is so expensive. Something will certainly come along. I did find a neat place in Guthrie but it may be a bit small.
We are making some cool stuff in the meantime. Roy is making some kicken' cowboy hats, I am making small bowls and hanging vases. Brent is out in Portland working with Steve Stadelman on furnaces.
Almost lost this post again so I hitting publish.
Keep it centered.

Summer Schedule

I am in the process of trying to come up with a summer schedule. I can be in the studio just about any time. If you are interested in a particular day or time just let me know and I can adjust around what you are needing. Remember that early mornings and evenings are cooler. I will be posting this to a public Google Calendar for ease of use for everyone as well.
Keep it centered.

New Optic Mold

I got a new optic mold at the conference. Chris at Bella Forte got the same one. Good fortune. It is a really nice mold. I made some drinking glasses this evening using it. I will post up some photos in the next couple of days to let you all see it.
Keep it centered.

GAS in St. Louis

We were at the G.A.S. in St. Louis this past few days. It was great. There was a lot to see and do in the city. The glass demos were top notch. The set up was great. Fearful of having everything in one place it worked out really well. The lectures were good and having them in the afternoon helped more to attend everything. The technicqual area was wonderous and everyone had great tools and eqipment to show.
It was a pleasure to met folks from the past. Put faces to those never met. And to sit and chat with new friends. Many thanks to all of those who watched out for me this weekend and those too who were kind enough to tolerate my company.
Looking forward to the future.
Keep it centered.

St. Louis

Later on down the river. Here she comes boys, here she comes.
Going to the GAS in St. Louis. It should be a hoot. Looking forward to seeing some good folks. Remembered today I need to talk with Dudley Giberson about coils for an annealehr. That is perhaps the best thing about the conference. That and standing next to some of the best glass artists on the planet. Maybe some Mojo will rub off. Many thanks to Chris and Micah of Bella Forte Glass and letting me ride with them and crash on their floor.
Hope to see you all there!
Keep it Centered.

Changes

Well, changes are coming. Not sure what they will be as of yet but something is going to happen one way or another. I am in the beginnings of the middle of the end. It is going to cause a change. I hope it comes out well and that everything will work out as it should and I know that it will it is just the process of the change that is difficult. I don't really have to worry but...
Planning on heading to St. Louis for the GAS conference on Wednesday. It should be a great one. I am looking forward to watching the creation of great glass works and hanging out and just relaxing for a bit. Cool tools to be seen and neat stuff to play with. I always look forward to seeing people who make it all happen.
I will keep you all up to date on the happenings on the home front and at Blue Sage Studios. I have been lax in getting postings up but between shows, and work, and sleeping in the RV things are different.
Peace,
Keep it Centered.
Andy

Final Three Flower Paperweight

Here is the final product. Colors are Blue Amethist size 0, Gray size 0, Jade Green size 2.  

Cool and knock off

Let it cool. Sometimes bring it strait up and let the glass settle back onto the pipe. This helps flatten to bottom for good grinding.  

Heat and Block

Heat and block again. Jack in between. don't heat enough to lose the egg shape if possible. You can always block again tho. Jack.
Start with the round jacks. They really leave a softer line for the shoulder of the base on the Paperweight.  

Block

After the next gather comes the blocking. We have a great egg shape from Walter Evans. I think this is the 3.5 inch block. You may want to marver just a bit before the block just to cool the sides and have a bit more control. The egg will tend to make the glass fold back onto itself more then a round one, at least for me.  

Gather, Marver, Gather

Do the gather over the flower. Marver into a cone and then into almost a tube. Watch the size here. Let glass drip off so as to not be too large.
Roy has got the door in this picture.  

Heat and Marver

Just a bit. You don't want to close up the indention from the stem making but you have to get the shape back into it alright.  

Another angle

Here you can see the movement into the pipe better. This helps to create the stem of the flower which will be white while leaving the outside petals in blue.
I did this one in a transparent. Not sure if opaque is better or not.  

Poke the petals

Here wer are poking in the petals. Aim right for the middle of the flower (the white center). Push forward in and then curve into pipe. 

Flower Pickup

marver after the gather into a cone shape to cool the pipe end of the glass. Not too cool or the color will not pick up. Come down on the circles, 1, 2, and 3.
Then Heat gently. Marver, heat and marver to maintain control and no twist.  

Gather

At the furnace. Making a gather over the leaves.
More to come tomorrow as it is late...
Oh yes. Center, Keep it Centered. 

Leaves of Grass

Not as good as Whitman but what the heck.  

Leaf

Pinching the leaves. Notice the tool. $2.95 at Steve's Wholesale. In the glassblowing world however these puppies are going for $54.95. I will have a bunch for sale at GAS. Get in line. 

Green Leaf Pickup

Picking up the leaves 

3 flower layout

Here is the color layout for the 3 flower paperweight 

How To

After trying Gnat's bowl (first one broke, second two did not get the lines deep enough) and the Paperweight described by the Sac Man I thought I would post one of my new favoriates.
Three Flower Paperweight.
Layout
Green on marver laid out with three spokes
Three circles of color. #1 or #0 frit seems good but most of what we have is #2 so that is good too. Circles are about the size of a nickel. push open the centers with a small pick or tweezers. Fill center with another color. (to fill get a small piece of paper with color on it and make into a tube like the Buddhist monks who make the sand paintings.)
1. Small gather on 3/4 inch punty
2. . pick up green on tip, melt in.
3. tweeze green sideways to make leaves. Cool
4. Gather
5. pick up circles of color. 1 - third turn between each pick up. Try to line up with or between leaves.
6. Melt - marver punty end to straiten up piece
7. At the bench take thin ice pick. Poke into the circles. Aim for the middle. Go in strait and then push down to the punty.
8. Melt to shape but not to seal the hole made by the ice pick because you want a bubble there.
9. Marver or block to shape
10. Gather and let excess drip off.
11. Marver or block, cool.
12. Gather, this one is important to get enough distance between the surface and the flower. It is not necessary but really seems of benefit. If size is too large just don't worry about this fourth gather.
13. Shape. Round is okay, Egg shape is nice if you have an egg block. Or maver and hand shape.
14. Jack. Heat. jack, Shape. heat, jack cool.....
15. knock off.

Let me know what you think.
Keep it centered.

aboatman - Shows

aboatman - Shows
Here is a listing of art festivals I have found on the net. Some good stuff. Some not.
Keep it centered.

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Check out this great site. All about the basics of the glassblowing process.
Keep it centered.

Opening a piece

Working at the bench. Jacking open a piece. Good stuff.
Keep it centered my friends.  

Do Not Procrastinate Happiness

Do Not Procrastinate Happiness
Check out the Sky Chair. I just ordered one for the studio to see how it will work for people coming in to watch. One good thing is there is nothing touching the floor. I do hate to move chairs to sweep.

Image Search

Can you find the blown glass heart in the image below? This is a great photo by Mary. I love the composition. Everyone needs a heart for their garden.
We had a great show in Edmond. Thank you to everyone who came out to support the arts this weekend. Without you all what we do would not be possible. Thank you for all the help in the booth too.
Keep it centered!