Perfect Timing

Sometimes things were just meant to be.

Today I sold this "Origami Crane" stained glass panel. That's not all that interesting in and of itself. However, the purchaser shared with me that she had origami cranes at her wedding and every anniversary she gifts her husband with a crane-related item.

This is her third anniversary. Third anniversary gifts are traditionally glass. I happen to have a glass crane. Umm, could it get any more perfect than that? I think not!

Bottles Coming Out of My Ears

The basement and garage have a finite amount of storage space (note: limit has been reached). I accepted this sad fact and finally started telling friends and family that I don't need any more bottles to slump.

The only way to bring in new and exciting art materials is to sell some finished pieces! Feast your eyes on my latest spoon rests and servings plates. There are sooooo many more where these came from.

Simply Embellish

My patchwork bowl was one of those selected by Simply Embellish as a favorite fused glass pick from Etsy. I made this bowl last fall and am hoping it sells this weekend at a benefit show I'm participating in!

Red Stripe Overboard!

I like to slump bottles in my kiln for use as serving trays, spoon rests, and hanging objet d'art. They don't always turn out as expected. In fact, I've ruined a few perfectly beautiful bottles this way.

Recently, I thought my kiln's goose was cooked for good when I opened the lid and saw this lovely little mess.

Lessons learned?

1. Kiln-wash the bastard kiln once in a while.

2. If a bottle seems like it wants to roll, it probably will right after you close the lid of your kiln (even if you think you have it stabilized with a piece of kiln shelf paper).

3. The enameled labels on Red Stripe bottles don't burn off when fired.

Huzzah!