Ornaments, etc...

It is that time of year again when all happy glass artists immerse themselves in Holiday craft.  And to that end, I have been crafting tree ornaments, candle holders, etc.. in preparation for the holiday rush.  This is a sample of this year's ornament designs and they have been so much to make.  Working with the 4" round base in white and clear and have really expanded the design possibility. 

Tonight, Tonight, won't be just any night..

This is it--Grand Opening Day!  If you are in and around Ridgway, CO tonight, stop in for great True Grit hors d'oeuvres and Mountain View Wine!  Nothing like local food, libation and art glass!

Frit Painting Collage - First to Final Fire

From first to final fire...

Following first "background wash fire" with second layer of glass applied then fired

Second background layer and base structures applied

Full frit and all structures built, ready for final fire

Completed piece

Frit Painting - Building with Dimension and Structure

Panel after "background wash" firing and thin glass overlay applied

Panel with second layer of fine frit applied and background structures added

This will be the first wall frit painting I will have done since moving the studio.  It will be for the grand opening and then will move to the Ridgway Library for exhibit from November to January.  Now that I can look out my window and see the Cimarron Peaks and drive up the road a bit and gaze at Mt. Sneffels, it is so much easier to get the shadows and highlights true on the mountains.  Sometimes you just have to be able to see the real thing to understand its true architecture.  The brown box is the base layer of the cabin that will be built in 1/2 rods and noodles at the final step.

This is a method that I have devised--actually it is a blending of several different methods--where I not only apply frit for color and shadow, but build dimension through the layering of sheet glass and replicating natural and man-made structures using stringer, noodles, vitrigraph and cut glass as the focal points.  A former glass instructor insisted that we not just learn how to do frit work, but to develop one's own style and technique through experimentation.  Finally, finally, I think I have a developed a style that is uniquely mine.

Grand Opening Reception - Oct 11

Getting Ready to Open...

I am doing all the prep work for the gallery opening this Monday.  Unfortunately, I cut my hand to the bone last night in a "glass accident" and am all bandaged up today.  It better heal fast because much glass is waiting to be cut and fused.  Such is life--maybe I should slow down a little....

Gallery Set to Open Monday, September 2nd

The day has arrived.  Ron and I plan to open the gallery on Labor Day, September 2nd.  Finishing more glass and the kitchen ceiling this weekend so we can be ready for the big day.  The gallery will then be open on fall hours through October.  We further plan to have the big Grand Opening Gala on mid-October.  We will announce the date later in September.

"Picasso" Jewelry

 

This is an example of the "Picasso"method of jewelry design (Tanya Veit).  It is made by full fusing dicro face down, and then carving out Zentangle patterns with small diamond drill bits and a Dremel tool.  You then bevel the edges with the lap grinder and the fire polish to reestablish the glossy finish.  I will admit it does takes some practice, both finding a comfort level with Zentangle and developing a steady hand with the Dremel, but well worth it.  It really adds variety to my jewelry ensemble.

Yes--the jewelry...

For those that know me, I have repeatedly stated that I would not take on jewelry as part of my glass repertoire.  Yet, here I am making jewelry and actually having fun with it!  This is a sample of my current line--a men's bolo tie and matching belt.  As many glass creatives know, jewelry sells, period.  So in order to have a fully balanced gallery set up, jewelry had to introduced to my line and I am glad it did. 

Moonwalk Studio Tour Tomorrow!

Getting ready for Monday evening's Moonwalk Studio Tour!  All looks good but still wishing I had more glass to display.  Patience, Diane.  Patience.

"Sneak Peak" Ridgway's Moonwalk Open Studio Tour

I am working insanely to get ready for my first official studio tour as part of the Town of Ridgway and Weehawken Art Center's Moonwalk Art Tour on the evening of July 22nd.  It will be a sneak peak of the gallery and studio, with the grand opening scheduled for mid-August.  I am expanding my product line to include glass jewelry (it is always a great seller) and will have several pieces ready for the studio tour.  This pendant is fresh out of the kiln, into the setting.

Nearing the Finish Line

I suspect some of my followers have started questioning whether I was going to be able to bring this project to completion.  Although I am behind schedule by about a month and a half and over budget by a few $$, I am pleased to say we are now truly in the home stretch.  I have provided a couple of before/after collage photos as proof that we can see the finish line from here!  

I am in the process of moving the glass and molds now so we can get this party started :)  First however, I have to dig up the collapsed sewer line. Oh well-two steps forward and one step back.....

Still planning on a late June/early July opening....stay tuned.

Gallery Progress

After many, many delays due to weather and local government regulations, we are finally making decent progress on completing the studio and gallery remodel.  The windows installation is wrapping up this week and the stucco repair should soon follow. The kilns, equipment and glass are being moved over the next week+, so production is just around the corner.  The gallery grand opening is also starting to shape up and is looking like it will be the latter part of June (provided the Town of Ridgway does not throw up any more barriers to finishing the work). 

I have attached a number of pics of the WIPs and finished work in the studio.  I will also post the Grand Opening date as soon as it is set.  Enjoy....

Pulling the porch off for the new windows in the middle of a snow storm.

Repainting in spring.

Front porch with new floor and wall--it will be display area for the gallery.

The settee are in the gallery display. Still have the floor to refinish.

The kiln shed!

The floor and wiring are in--ready for the kilns.

Le salle de bain.

We kept the original kitchen cabinets and rebuilt the countertops. 

The Official Aspen Light Glass Studio and Gallery

I have been away from the blog for a few months 'cause a big, BIG project was in the works.  I am now happy, no downright overjoyed, to announce the official new location for the Aspen Light Studio and Gallery in historic Ridgway, Colorado.  We made the purchase a couple of weeks ago and are in the process of a major renovation to convert this 1899 miner's house into the cutest studio and glass gallery.  We will be adding more glass product as part of the new location and a glass teaching center!  We hope to be ready to open in early summer so stay tuned for more details.  I will post the official grand opening information as soon as we are ready to go.

I have been working on this for well over 3 years and my lifelong dream is finally taking shape.  It just goes to show--never give up on what you believe in--just look forward, ignore all the distractions and develop a clear vision.