The Starting Point

My line in the sand.  Now, I consider myself a glass artist.  

My journey started about three years ago.  On one of our many trips to the East side of WA State we  stopped in Concrete to fortify for the North Cascade Hwy.   There is a cute shop filled with local handmade gifts and I would always get inspired in this sparkling space.  Athena is the proprietor of Garden Bling and she mentioned that she offers classes and studio space if I was interested in trying my hand  at Fusing Glass.  

I took several of Athena's classes and each was very enjoyable and inspiring.  Athena could tell that I was asking more detailed questions and was getting the "bug".  She offered to start looking around for equipment for me and she has been amazingly supportive to helping launch my new hobby.  She is happy to share all that she has learned over the years and she is happy to sell supplies at very reasonable prices.  I owe my new passion to Athena.  Athena has advised me on my kiln, my grinder and hopefully soon--my Taurus Diamond Saw.

To expand from Concrete, I took a few classes through Whatcom Community College.  This led me to meet Sheri  E. Ten-Eyck of Wandering Oaks Gallery in Bellingham.  She also is super sweet, knowledgeable, and happy to share her glass secrets.  She has space that supports local artists and she teaches workshops which are really fun.  Great date night option for friends.

There are not that many people that fuse glass that I have found in the area.  There are lots of stain glass and jewelry people out there, but I am learning that fusers are not abundant.  (Maybe they are having so much fun like I am that they don't get out much).   I am looking forward to meeting more for sure.