Tuesday, November 30, 2010

So much to catch you up on...


Because of this month's mini blog hiatus I feel like I have tons crafty things to catch you up on.

I guess it's really not all that much since with everything going on I haven't been crafting much, but still I feel like after being away from the blog for a few weeks so much has happened.

Like the fact that I took my fist glassblowing class!!!

If you've been reading for a while you know that I've been flirting with glassblowing, taking some workshops when I can, but have really wanted to take some real classes. So as an early birthday gift hubby got me a few private lessons.


Day one seemed long, a little overwhelming, intimidating, tiring and hot (really hot) but I guess that's all to be expected. Afterwards though- I've been thinking both how fun it was, and that I can't wait to go back for class two!

First I watched as my teacher made a simple elegant paperweight. I had made one before in my first workshop so the steps seemed familiar. He also showed me two variations that were aimed towards using the most common tools in a few different ways.


Then it was my turn. I proceeded to make my way through three small paperweights, all in varying states of misshapen lumpiness.


The first was horrible, illustrating perfectly exactly how much of a hand the workshop instructors really take to be sure you end up with a presentable piece.

The second was going really well- until I tried to perfect a few problem areas. I can't be sure until I go back to see it cool- but I think I made it worse.


The third- using color this time was probably the best one.


Then I blew a sphere to practice starting a bubble.


And finally to end the day I made a drinking glass!


Which I still can't believe I was able to make. My teacher had a heavy hand in it, but I was still in control on a lot of the steps and I can't believe it turned out that well.


For the next few lessons I'll be practicing cups and other vessels. Each time having less help from the instructor until I can finally make the entire piece on my own.

I can't wait to see how everything turned out once it cooled. Keep your fingers crossed that nothing cracked or shattered!

(And thanks to hubby for taking all the great pictures.)

6 comments:

  1. that is amazing! Thank you for posting these pics.

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  2. You did that on the first day? That is incredible! I would love to try glass-blowing. Your husband is a great guy to have got you those classes. :)

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  3. Thanks for the comments! I can't wait to go again and see how the first pieces turned out. If you want to try glassblowing I recommend a workshop. It's a good way to get a little experience but with the benefit of the an instructor controlling the piece. I took four workshops over the past year and a half- it gave me a little taste of what it would actually be like to work with glass and each time I was able to try a few different parts of the process.

    : )

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  4. Amazing that you tried and are learning. I'm always fascinated to watch. Just don't inhale!

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  5. LOL- Jane!
    : )
    I am working very hard to remember to only breathe out!

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  6. Hello, Meg!

    I sent you an email at . Can you please check it? Thanks so much. I look forward to chatting with you!

    Kelly

    ReplyDelete

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