Fusing Journal

Make Your Own Tree

Long story, short--but I bought another artists glass and I am able to offer the opportunity for you to try your hand at decorating your own tree blank.  If you have an interest, contack me and we can arrange at time to play with glass.  (360) 920-5595

Thank You Paul

I really appreciate all the love and care that Paul Shpak put into this project.  When I mentioned that I was in the throws of making glass and trying to organize a website--he made himself availuable to help me out.  He is one talented Guy.  All the scenic photos are his work and he managed the outline of the website.  He was very patient with me all along the way.  Paul has a great eye and he is such a gentle giant.  He keeps his cool reguardless of how "pesky" my needs were.  He is one of the most patient past students I know.  Paul's experience is teaching math concepts to high schoolers and now he has a B.S in IT.  I recommend Paul highly but you'll have to move quick.  He and his lovely wife Emily are expecting their second child in November.

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.