Wall Plaques for Kids

When my grand girl wanted to celebrate her 12th birthday with her friends making garden stones, I agreed. I've taught many adult classes but this was the first one for kids. What a riot! The girls had been previously warned within an inch of their lives about the dangers of working with glass. So when they arrived at Trickett Glass Studio, I just had the joy of guiding them through the project.

All the girls agreed that they wanted to include mirror in their projects and they wanted to hang them on their wall. This just meant that they made them thinner (lighter too) and put a hook on the back. Instead of garden stones they became cement plaques.

So here's the process they followed. First they cut clear mac tac to fit into the bottom of the mold. This held the decorative pieces in place when the cement was poured. The second step was for the girls to arrange the pre-cut glass pieces, mirror and coloured globs in a pattern on top of the mac tac. Thirdly they mixed the cement compound and water until it became the consistency of a milkshake. Carefully they poured the concrete over their design until it became the thickness that they preferred. Then finally they placed a hook in the cement securing it with tape until the plaque dried.

Then the group of girls enjoyed supper and cake while their projects were drying. About two hours later they were able to pop the plaques out of the mold, peel the mac tac off and clean up the front. The project does need to cure so it does need to be handled carefully and should be flipped occasionally for a few days until it is completely dry. If you do put it outside, it should cure first inside for 4 weeks.

Trickett Glass is open to receive all groups for specialized classes whether you are young or young at heart. You can contact Carol through the website http://www.trickettglass.ca/.

American Robin

So, this is what the finised project, "American Robin" looks like. I decided with all the detail that it would be a shame just to sell this as a suncatcher so I made it into a small panel, dressing it up with bevels. The oak frame just completes it. Because of the rust coloured breast and colour of the frame, I chose to use copper patina on the solder.

Designing

When I started doing stained glass as a hobby, I never thought of myself as being artistic. After 16 years of working with patterns and adapting them to fit the window size and sketching designs that there aren't patterns for, it's amazing what you pick up and learn. When you cut out the glass for a panel, you also learn that some patterns work better than others. You find yourself saying, "This is a really bad design", and you change it.

I'm at the point now where there are many patterns that I've enjoyed making, but sometimes, I just want to do my own thing, an original. Well I have done this several times but now I'm determined to do it more often. Naturally, there are some days I feel more creative than other days.

A few days ago on Valentine's day, I got the spring time urge to fill my studio with birds and flowers. Not only do my customers love and buy them, but they bring me alot of joy. So I pulled out the old standard robin pattern and started choosing glass. Then it hit me, that I could design a nice robin. And it would be my own. So, I went to work. If you know me, you know that when I start a glass project, and the momentum picks up, I like to keep going until I'm finished.

I hope you enjoy this labour of love. Feel free to use the pattern, but please always give credit where credit is due (a great life principle).

Classes at Trickett Glass

Everyone's doing it - blogging. Well maybe not everyone but I think it will be a great replacement for the Trickett Glass Newsletter and a great way to share some more personal thoughts as well. It is my intention to try and blog once a week, probably on the weekend. I do hope that you find this communication to be beneficial and will feel free to respond.

First of all, let me point you to some upcoming classes at Trickett Glass http://www.trickettglass.ca/workshops.html . If you know of someone who might be interested in any of these, please pass on this link.

Workshops ~ Winter - Spring 2009

All workshops must be paid in full one week prior to the event. This payment is non-refundable and ensures commitment to participation.

Workshop Dates:
One Day Beginner Workshop
March 28, 2009; 9 am – 4 pm
Introduce yourself to a new craft! You will learn all the skills to create your own stained glass project using the copper foil technique. This is an entry level one day workshop. No prior experience or artistry is required. Materials for the project and the use of the tools are included. Please bring safety glasses if you have them, suitable shoes for standing and a bag lunch.
Cost is $70, plus PST.

Or organize a group of four people who would like to take the class and we can arrange another day – an option for a birthday or girl’s day out.

Garden Stone Class
April 25, 2009; 9 am – 4 pm
If you have taken a beginner course and know how to cut glass, take this course and learn the essentials for making your own garden stone. We will use quick setting cement and you will be able to take the stone home with you the same day. Materials for the project and the use of the tools are included. Please bring safety glasses if you have them, suitable shoes for standing and a bag lunch.
Cost is $60, plus PST.

Beginner Fusing Workshop
May 23, 2009; 9 am – 4 pm
Design and make 2 - 4" tiles in this fusing workshop. Learn the basics of fusing including kiln programming, glass compatibility and fusing cycles. Work with glass frit, stringers, iridized and dichroic glass. Projects will be available to pick up one week after the class. All materials and supplies are included. Please bring safety glasses if you have them, suitable shoes for standing and a bag lunch.
Cost is $75, plus PST.

If you would like to take a beginner workshop with your friends, just let me know and invite your friends. We can arrange a special date for four of you.

You're invited to follow this blog by clicking on "follow this blog" on the right side of the page. The blog will have many of the elements of the past newsletter but also some new ones. You will be able to read some "how to" articles pertaining to various aspects of glass work. There will be contests and special offers. You will be informed about upcoming events and classes. You will be introduced to new products and even special guests. Videos ... may be a possibility.

As I sit here writing and watching Hockey Night in Canada with my hubby, I wish you a relaxing and memorable weekend with your loved ones.