JUNE CALENDAR

Join us in June on some new days for glass fusing in the Fusers at Work studio times - and for some great new Kids' Crafts Workshops! These additional days and classes have been added on a trial basis for June. If class attendance is popular, we'll keep them comin' through the summer. Remember ...

• You must make your reservations for "Fusers at Work" at least one day in advance! Otherwise you may show up and find the studio closed!

• All children attending the "Kids' Crafts" workshops must be accompanied by an adult!

• Pre-registration and Pre-Payment for all workshops is required. A minimum of four students is required for reach workshop, so invite others to join you to make sure the class can be held!

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS AND FEES:

FUSING BASICS:
Designed for those new to glass fusing. Class covers an explanation of what glass fusing is, types of glass used for fusing, basics of cutting glass and using glass tools - including some power tools, and illustrations of different kiln firing results. Students will create up to four different projects depending on time. Class fee: $75, covers all materials, kiln firing, use of equipment and education.

KIDS' CRAFTS WORKSHOPS:
A different project each week, simplified for children with pre-cut pieces, shapes and materials. Each child must be accompanied an adult. Class fee: $25, covers all materials, kiln firing and use of equipment.

GOOM (Garden Object of the Month) - GARDEN GLOBES:
Each month GOOM participants create a different project for their home garden. This month we will be creating Mosaic Garden Globes out of bowling balls!
You may provide your own mosaic tesserae (pieces of tile, stone, china, mirror, or other found objects to cover approximately 2 square feet of surface area) or you may purchase these at the studio. If you plan to purchase these at the studio, you must order and prepay for them at least TWO WEEKS in advance of the class! Bowling balls will be provided (for up to 10 people only), or you may provide your own.
Please come prepared with mosaic design ideas for your Garden Globe. There are a lot of books at the library for inspiration, or create something out of your imagination!
Extra time is allowed for this special workshop to give you time to work. If you need more time, you can finish your project at home, or are welcome to attend a Fusers at Work studio time for no additional fee. Healthy snacks will be provided if you don't have time to eat dinner before you come right after work!
Class fee: $35, covers use of tools and equipment, supplies (such as adhesives) and education. All design materials/tesserae purchased at the studio will incur additional fees. Some Garden Globe stands are available for purchase at the studio, or you may provide your own.

FUSERS AT WORK:
Fusers at Work Studio Times are made available for students who already have basic glass fusing skills to create any project of their choosing. You may use all the tools and equipment, some supplies (such as adhesives and cleaning products), reference materials and studio space for a $10.00 fee per visit. Glass materials can be purchased from the studio, and kiln firings will incur additional fees.

May Calendar

Just click on the calendar to view it in a larger scale!

Please note new time for Fusers at Work. We will be meeting from 6-9 PM (no longer starting at 5:30).

We NEED to get some Spring Cleaning done the first week in May, so there won't be any classes while we're cleaning.

However, if you need to shop for gifts - for graduations, Mother's Day, weddings or other occasions, just contact us for an appointment to shop at the studio.

We've got some great gifts! From small... jewelry, belt buckles, soap dish sets -- to large... salad serving sets, platters, plates and other bowls. We're certain you'll see lots of things that you love!

You may now also purchase Martin's Glass House Don't Throw Stones Collection giftware in downtown Laramie at Gallery West-The Frame Plant on Ivinson, and also at the Wyoming Territorial Park Gift Shop on Snowy Range.

If you happen to be in Copper Harbor, Michigan, you can purchase our giftware at the Naga Moon Gift Shop.

You never know where you might find us next!

GOOM: GARDEN OBJECT OF THE MONTH
Remember to pre-register and pre-pay for this popular workshop! This month we'll be making bird bath bowls or bird feeder bowls, your choice. See the calendar for details!

Finally - the April calendar is posted! Sorry about the delay! It was ready and I forgot to have it post automatically.

So many of the birds are returning to Laramie - it's almost like we're actually going to get summer this year... and maybe even more than two days of spring before summer!

April is full of potential for fun and exciting things to create at Martin's Glass House! I hope you get a chance to swing by to play with the glass! We put FUN in FUNctional fused glass art!

This coming Saturday is the Spring Bazaar at Albany County Fairgrounds. Be sure to stop by to say "hi" if you're out there! Last year there was a huge snowstorm the day of the bazaar... it would be nice to have better weather this year. If nothing else, my booth will be decorated for spring (and summer, too!), so come see all the really fun new items I've been creating!

On Wednesday, April 14th at the GOOM (Garden Object of the Month) workshop, we'll be making house number signs - so, if you're planning to participate, be sure to call me far enough in advance if you want me to order wrought iron number display stands for you to display the glass tiles. What a fun ornament to display in your garden and enjoy all summer as you work out in your yard! Remember - when you come to a GOOM workshop, you get to help pick the next month's project! So, if there is something you really really want to make out of glass for your garden, you need to come to make the next pick!

(I'd love to post photos of everything that people have been making, but I can't keep up!)

On Wednesday, April 21st we're going to get to play with recycled glass! I think the most exciting part about this workshop is that you never know what we'll be creating until everyone shows up! So, be saving your recycled bottles and other glassware that you might want to turn into something new and bring it with you on the 21st! What a great way to celebrate Earth Day 2010!

Please remember that you must call at least one day in advance to reserve a spot for most workshops and Fusers at Work times (previously called "open studio") at Martin's Glass House. Your pre-payment is required to confirm your reservation. Any exceptions will be noted in the workshop descriptions.

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

c@

March Calendar

Here is the schedule for workshops and Fusers at Work times in March! Just click on the calendar to enlarge it for viewing and/or printing!

We WILL be open during Spring Break, so if you are around and wanting to do some glass fusing - especially if you haven't had a chance to try fusing yet, grab someone else you know and let's schedule a Spring Break Party!

Can't wait for Intro to Fusing? We can schedule a special class for you as long as you have three other people who want to take the class with you!


FUSERS AT WORK

The Fusers at Work times are scheduled to allow you to work on any project you choose. You may also use these times to come to the studio to put finishing touches on projects that you have made in a workshop. There is very minimal instruction at Fusers at Work. Students attending these times are expected to know basic cutting and fusing techniques. Intro to Fusing is a requirement to attend any Fusers at Work scheduled date.

Please remember to always call in advance to schedule your time for Fusers at Work!

GARDEN OBJECT OF THE MONTH (GOOM)
Wednesday, March 24, 6 PM - 9 PM
Workshop Fee: $50.00
No minimum class size; maximum 14 students.

Each month at the GOOM workshop, participants select the date and project for the following month. The Garden Object project selected for March is Garden Chimes!

Here is a photo of a set of Garden Chimes that I made last week, which is currently on display and for sale at Gallery West - The Frame Plant downtown on Ivinson (between Jeffrey's Bistro and The Bead Shop). You'll want to hang your chimes in a sheltered area, or in a window to look out at your garden!

We have some patterns available at the studio for your project, or you can design your own. We also already have a hefty supply of aspen branches for you to hang your chimes, in case you were wondering what you could use. You can, however, use many found objects if you use your imagination! Now all you need to do is sign up to come and make your project!

Please reserve your spot at least one week prior to the workshop. Payment of the fee is required in advance to confirm your reservation. We accept checks and credit cards. If paying by credit card, please call 307-399-6441. Checks can be mailed to Martin's Glass House at 2315 Douglas Dr., Laramie WY 82070.


INTRO TO FUSING
Saturday, March 27, 9 AM - 3 PM
Workshop Fee: $75.00

Minimum of 4 students required for class to be held, so recruit a friend to join you!

I've included some photos here of a few pieces made by past students - Carrie's square plate, and Laura's draped bowl.

Intro to Fusing is a glass fusing class designed for beginners. You will learn basic designing skills, glass cutting techniques, what happens to glass when it is fired in the kiln, and what types of glass are suitable for fusing. You will also make up to four projects to incorporate different surface textures on your pieces, as well as learn two techniques for hanging glass pieces.


Several hours have been scheduled to make sure you have plenty of time to finish your pieces, though you are welcome to leave sooner if you finish your projects early! We will take a lunch break, so please plan to bring what you would like to eat for lunch (fridge, microwave available). Snacks and beverages will be provided.

You must register at least a week in advance for this workshop, and pre-payment is required to confirm your registration.

We accept checks and credit cards. If paying by credit card, please call 307-399-6441. Checks can be mailed to Martin's Glass House at 2315 Douglas Dr., Laramie WY 82070.



FUSING MOLDS
Wednesday, March 31, 6 PM - 9 PM
Project Fee: $35.00 includes one 10"x10" mold; additional molds $15.00 each

Minimum class size: 2 students, so be sure to invite a friend to come with you!

Learn to make bisque fusing molds for your projects. We will be designing unique molds out of clay - carving or stamping designs into the clay to make our own individual designs. These molds can be used multiple times for firing your projects so that you can use the same design on several pieces to make a matching set. If you have items that you want to use for creating your design, please bring them to the workshop!


For an example, I slumped a large bottle on the mold you see in the photo above.

The calender photo shows bowls that I made using a different mold that I made.


The finished result shows the design "carved" into the bottle.

Think of the possibilities for your very own design being embellished in a complete serving set, or set of plates for salads and desserts - or maybe even some holiday ornaments, night lights... or ???

The workshop fee includes one fusing mold that is 10" x 10". You may create an additional mold if time permits for only $15 more.

Lots to offer this month! Looking forward to seeing you!

c@

GARDEN OBJECTS: JANUARY - FINALLY!

Finally! Here are photos of only some of the Garden Objects of the Month that were made in January! A few people took theirs home before I got photos of them, but I think you'll enjoy seeing these, at least. You can click on the photos to view them larger.



Kristi's Dragonfly















Patty's Heart












Linda's Fish










Kristi's Butterfly










Patty's Butterfly

Here is the February 2010 calendar! Just click on it to enlarge it for printing. Many of this month's activities are suitable for beginners, too!

All the descriptions and costs were sent directly to those on the email list.

Please contact us for more information and to register for a workshop.

Watch for photos from the January Garden Object of the Month workshop!



Please stop by Martin's Glass House on Friday, February 5th any time from 9 AM - 6:30 PM to create your heart sun catcher or jewelry to celebrate heart health awareness month!

Each heart purchase that you create in fused glass ($15.00 cost) will result in a $2.00 donation to the American Heart Association! Also, 15% of all other studio sales that day will be included in the donation!

Remember to wear red that day! Hope to see you!

c@

FUSING INTRO - JANUARY 2010

What great projects everyone made at the Intro to Fusing workshop that we held this past Saturday! I've put photos together for you to see... Click on a photo to enlarge it for closer viewing... Enjoy! c@

Project I

Everyone began by making a square design... with individual pieces put under a clear cover. Options were given to fuse the piece flat to use as display art, or to slump the piece in a mold to use it as a plate.

Precision cutting techniques with strip cutter and hand scoring tools, together with color planning (not to mention mechanical coordination to flip the piece over to add accent pieces to the top) were skills in high demand. Everyone was encouraged to try using a repeating pattern and/or vitrigraph for motion in their design.

The project was challenging - but everyone did quite well, as you can see from the photos above! I think everyone learned many techniques that will help them on future projects.

And a huge round of applause, please, for Laura - who is color blind and put together a lovely piece of display art!

Project II

While all the square projects were being designed, each person had an opportunity to cut a circle to use for their second project. All the circles came out perfect - on the first try! Excellent work, ladies! And, congratulations to Kristi who even cut a second circle for her project!

Circle cutting accomplished, each person was to design a piece that could be draped over a mold. Some chose to make their bowls textured by including some coarse frit and having the pieces fired using a contour fuse, Kristi chose frit and dots to create a design, and Carrie and Suzanne experimented with frit to fill in spaces between their designs.

Such cheery, colorful pieces that were created!

Project III

Then everyone learned a few techniques to hang glass by creating some pendants. We used fibers to create channels and fine silver wire to make pendant bails.

Everyone had a chance to experiment with dichroic glass and learn about dichroic glass.

All in all, I think everyone will enjoy their creations for a long time, and should feel proud to use and display them!