Organics and Silver

When molten glass is mixed with silver foil the reaction of the glass creates what I consider an organic look. Bo has been patiently working with that technique every chance he takes and experiments with how it reacts with different colors of glass. He also adds frit(crushed glass) and uses a reducing technique to create a more metallic look.
Here are some of the examples of what wonderful things can come out of experimentation.
Mettallic blues


Green Envy




When time is available he will experiment more with also copper foil. He made a couple beads with it but the copper was so thick it did not react right with the glass. So he will be researching that and playing more with that idea as he can.


I will be busy with working with Precious Metal Clay. Hoping to have some to share once they are fired and finished.

Ta-ta for now....

My Little Betta...

For weeks now I have been contemplating on getting a fish tank and fish. I just wanted something simple since we are moving in December and I did not want to have to give up something I put so much time and effort on since we can't ship a fish to our next duty station or take it on the plane with us.

3 days straight back and forth to Petco because it was hard to make a decision. I started off wanting a Betta because they are such hardy fish and don't need much and of course are beautiful. But then that seemed boring and we thought of the beautiful Calico Fantail Goldfish until the salesperson told us how big they get and how they cloud up the water and such. Then I wanted a Guarami but if I get that then I have to add other fish in the tank and a small one gallon tank will not be enough. We used to have a 10 gallon tank with Mollies and Tetras and it always ended up being me or Bo to clean and take care of the fish so I wanted something small this time and not too much maintenance. So disappointed I went home empty handed.

Last night when we left the kids at their practice we had to pass by Walmart to pick up some stuff and Bo reminded me of the fish again. Walmart did not have any Betta but we went ahead and bought a cheap $12 1 gallon tank and already the food then headed to Petco.

Petco recieved more Betta in and had all the little containers you can put them in. Well I have a pretty glass vase that would have done well but I wanted light on the fish so I still settled with my little tank. We looked and stayed in awe of how pretty some of the fish were and to think they come from mud puddles from places like Thailand. I finally picked a Crowntail Male Betta. The Half Moon Bettas were also gorgeous and looked liked they had flowing Ballroom dresses as they swam around.

Here is my little set up without the little guy in it yet.




My Betta has no name yet. With how much I love Twilight and their characters Bo was joking around I was going to name him Edward. I said naaaa...he is much prettier. So if you have any suggestions on what to name him please feel free to leave me a comment.

The Betta was so pretty in the tank last night and was such an entertainment for us when he realized he can see his reflection on the sides of the tank. He would flare up and display his beautiful coloration. Of course I was frustrated trying to take pictures without it being blurry. I do not like using flash and it takes away all the color so I think I took over 30 shots just trying to get a few to be able to share.

Here is the little addition to our family. My little guy. Isn't he pretty?


Looking at his own reflection.



Looking at us.


And my favorite picture of him so far.


I love animals and with us moving so much I can't really have too many. In fact I can't have a dog right now. But hopefully once we move I can.

The beautiful coloration of the Bettas inspire my work with glass....just like most of nature. What is a world without beauty from our surroundings and environment.

Metalsmithing

Fall of 2008 I had the opportunity to take a Begining Metalsmithing class at Univeristy of Alaska Fairbanks. My professor was Jack Finch who was not only awesome teacher but also was a great photographer of the Aurora Borealis. He inspired me to take my glass to a different level by incorporating metals.

I thoroughly enjoyed his class and was excited to be picked for the UAF Art Show. Both the pieces I turned in made it and it was nice to see my creations sitting in a glass case to be seen by others.

Here is my little show and tell of my metalsmithing projects.

Leaf Imprint Pendants




Dragonfly Wings Necklace






Necklaces











Earrings






Rings





My husband's new wedding ring made with sterling silver that is hammered and mokume.




Shell ring...it is casted seashell in sterling silver, sterling silver band and hematite in the middle.


Cuffs





Our last project was to make a container. So I made one out of copper and silver and casted real shells in sterling silver to make the decorations on my container. The pictures do not do this piece any justice. The copper was torched until the right coloration from the heat of the flame took its shape.

Casted Shells


My shell container.





The two pieces that made the Art Show.

"Ancient Meandering"


"Longing for the Sea"


2008 University of Alaska Fairbanks Student Art Show








Other pieces at the show from very gifted artists.










I am very grateful for the opportunity not only to learn a new skill and medium in my art. Happy also to be taught by the best professors and classmates that push me to do better on my creations and taught me that my imagination has no limits.

All About Hearts...

It has been quite a while since I have been on here. I apologize for my absence but life just gets hectic at times in this household and my priorities have to come into perspective.

A little update on the family. My husband is constantly working. 12 hour shifts do not make for any creative time. But when he has his days off and is not bothered he goes ahead and disappears in the garage into his own glass world.

The boys are busy as usual. Jared is finally done with his wrestling season at Tanana Middle School but 3 nights a week both boys go to a local high school for freestyle wrestling. Then Nick is staying after school for his track practices. Since there is still snow on the ground they run and practice inside the school.

As for me besides being a busy Mom I accomplished one of my main goals since we moved here and that was taking a metalsmithing class at the university. I enjoyed the work, the time to meet new people and of course excited over learning a new skill. I will share with you later my projects from that class. To my delight I was selected to show 2 of my pieces off at the semester Art Show and on final day I received an A for all my projects.

I am wanting to incorporate metals mostly silver and copper with my works. But shipping big tools to Alaska has been an issue when you think of the shipping prices. So for now I am settling with working with simple tools like hammers and also will embark on learning another new skill which is Precious Metal Clay.

Going on the subject of glass we have re-stocked our inventory at a local boutique called The Stash. The Stash
I have new fused pendants of spring colors both full fused and tack fused and hair pins with fused glass. Then Bo has a new line of hearts.

Hearts are not just for February and Valentines day but for anytime of the year. March to me meant more for the hearts because so many events and moments in my life made me realize how love and care really does hold relationships together. My birthday this year was a special one and I felt so loved by my family and friends. Bo must have thought the same and experimented with different glass and techniques to make his hearts. He doesn't go off a mold he free forms the glass into the shape of the heart himself.
So here are some of the new pieces we have that you can be able to find downtown at the Stash.





A custom order bracelet for a friend in California




More heart pendants and necklaces.





New fused pieces..

Hair pins


New Pendants.





A few earrings.



New Cell Phone Charms


Besides my glass works I have been working on some collages and a new painting for my living room. Also running around trying to take pictures of the local events here like the Ice Sculptures and Mushing Races. I am hoping not only to make a scrapbook on our experiences here in Alaska but also publish a coffee table book for our family of our Alaskan Experiences.

Once again I apologize for not being good at keeping up here. I will be here most of the time now to share new creations with you all.

Precious Metal Clay is on my list and I would love to share my progression through that medium.

I hope you are all having a great week and month. Hopefully spring comes soon to the Interior.