Martin's Glass House on the Road

We recently returned from a 10-day whirlwind trip to Michigan and back! It's taken me a while to catch up on things, but finally I am getting a blog online about our trip!

En route, some of Martin's Glass House products were left to sell on consignment at the International Vinegar Museum in Roslyn, South Dakota. If you want to do a taste test on some really good vinegars, this is the place you need to visit! The day we were there, we also stopped at the ice cream shoppe where we experienced a vanilla milkshake with tequila lime vinegar in it. It was great! This is something that you can try at home - as long as you buy the tequila lime vinegar!




Ethel Mitchell was our tour guide for the day we arrived. However, since Phil and I had already been to the museum a few years ago, we were just plain eager to buy some of the wonderful vinegars that are available in the gift shop.

This is Ethel - standing by a display of vinegar clay pottery that Lawrence Diggs, The Vinegarman, the founder and President of the International Vinegar Museum, made. The Martin's Glass House "Don't Throw Stones" collection of glassware is in the photo - the pheasant salad set (photos below) and two 12" platters made with the blue opal art glass.







Here are some of the pieces from the pheasant salad set...



















After leaving Roslyn, South Dakota, we headed northeast to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan - by way of the first and only Frank Lloyd Wright Gas Station in Cloquet, Minnesota, and the 3M Sand Paper Museum in Two Harbors, Minnesota.

We arrived at Copper Harbor, Michigan, a few days after we left Roslyn. After dinner at The Mariner North in Copper Harbor, I toured the gift shop at the restaurant. Seeing that they didn't carry any glassware like I make, I asked if they would be interseted in looking at some of the items I had with me, hopefully to sell them at their gift shop. Peg, the owner, was pleased to take a look - and she liked what she saw, I'm pleased to say! So... now you will also be able to buy Martin's Glass House "Don't Throw Stones" Collection glassware at the Nagamoon Gift Shop of The Mariner North, too! The photos below are just a few of the items that we left at the Nagamoon Gift Shop...



A pasque flower salad serving set...















a water lily salad bowl....

















a fracture streamer salad serving set...
















...and we also left the sun setting over Lake Superior before heading to other parts of Michigan over the next several days....

It was a long trip... but I love Michigan... We didn't have cell phone coverage for four days in the U.P., but it was fun looking for agates on the shores of Lake Superior, and we saw the locks in operation at Sault Ste. Marie. The cherries were wonderful in Charlevoix, as was the blueberry pie at South Haven.


We just didn't get to stay long enough...

September Calendar

SEPTEMBER is going to be a busy month! Something nearly every day to celebrate Cat's Birthday this month! See the explanations below for details... and note that the studio fee is reduced this month as part of the celebration! There are many other discounts this month that you will want to use, so print this out now and plan ahead!

Also, NO EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED to attend any of the Martin's Glass House events! Just show up and you can learn how to do everything you need to know to make these projects!


SPECIAL DATE TO NOTE ON THE CALENDAR: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3

There will be a special open house at Martin's Glass House on Wednesday, September 3. Be sure to stop by to see the prizes that will be given away on October 1st. Everyone who attends one of the sales, parties, project nights/days will receive one entry ticket for the drawing on October 1st. Come to one, come to some or come to all - you get a ticket each time you make a purchase at one of these events!


You Name It Nights and Days: This is your opportunity to pick a project and turn it into a workshop - or a party! If you want to have a party, then you invite the people - I will provide refreshments! Fees will be based on the open studio price sheet - but the studio fee will be reduced to only $6! Bring someone new with you - or if you invite the people - and your studio fee will be waived!

Silly 60% Days/Nights: Take a special discount to celebrate Cat's birthday - you pay only 60% of all fees for one project and only $6 for the studio fee - or the studio fee is free if you bring someone new! Each additional project will be priced as listed on the studio price sheet.

Silly 60% Sales: Pay only 60% for any one item on sale at Martin's Glass House!

Pattern Bar Night. This is the night to create your pattern bars. After they are fired, you will need to come back to slice them to be used in another project of your choice. Price will be $25 for the first two pattern bars (either 2"x4" or 3-1/2"x3-1/2", which is $12.50 each, or $12.50 for only one pattern bar); $15 for each additional pattern bar. Studio fee will be $6 - or free if you bring someone new!


BIG DEAL Pendant Party. Huge savings on pendants at this party! Make six pendants (up to 1-1/4" x 1-1/4") for only $30 - that is only $5 each, and no studio fee for this one! Or substitute a pair of earrings or two for a pendant or two for the same price! (Findings and neck cords are extra.) Great time to think about getting started on your gift shopping list at these prices! Bring someone new and receive one free pendant bail and neck cord!


Feng Shui Fusing. Even if you don't know anything about Feng Shui, you can make something using some of the fun design ideas that will be provided at this workshop. You can put together something that you like for just one special price - only $35 for this workshop, which includes everything you need for an 8" square or round bowl or plate. Bring someone new and you will receive a $5 discount!

Drop Ring Vessels. Bowls, vases, plates, platters... from tiny to 12" square! See the photo at the bottom of this blog for an example of something new that Cat's been playing with at the studio! Price is determined by the size of the project you choose, based on the studio price sheet, plus a $6 studio which will be waived if you bring someone new!

Mom's Day. For moms or others who want to come to a daytime open studio while the kids are in school. Times listed are suggested. You may schedule another time or day that works for you by calling in advance! You may pick a simple project that can be completed in a short time, or you can start a project on one day and finish it on another. The studio fee will be $6 - or free if you bring someone new!

Tiny Drop Vase - about 3"x3" at the top and 1-1/2" at the bottom. A small square of glass was fused, then placed on a drop "ring" mold in the second firing. The glass was allowed to heat high enough for it to "drip" through to the kiln floor to form a stand for the vase.