Fused Glass Snowflakes at the LUX

The fused glass holiday season has begun 

at the LUX Center for the Arts!

   My first group of students for the season was ready to jump right in! I got lots of great photos of them all working...Since all of the students are newbies and it's a short family class, the easiest way to get started is to use mosaic nippers and cut strips down to glue together in a snowflake pattern.

Getting started...

My favorite part of these classes is seeing the color combos that everyone chooses...

Making a Fused Glass Cocktail Ring...

...over at ChristyNelson.net!

I've been teaching some dichroic jewelry making classes lately, and one of my crafty and technologically savvy students just posted a tutorial on how she finished up her ring using No Days BailBond and her dichroic cabochons from class.

Go check it out, now!


Also, there are a few classes coming up where you can learn how to make your very own dichroic glass cabochons...
The LUX Center for the Arts is offering a 6 week fused glass jewelry class where we'll be making not only this dichro tile for cabochons, but fused glass slide beads, earrings, a bracelet and necklace, as well as learning basic wire wrapping skills.
Mon., Sept. 12-Oct. 17, 6:30-8pm
More information and registration over here.

And every Third Thursday over at Architectural GlassArt, one block south of 48th & Prescott Streets in College View, come make a dichroic glass tile. Call Rod Scott at 402.420.2544 for info.

January Newsletter

*	*	*
	Calyx Glass
	SHOP CalyxGlass ON ETSY | UPCOMING CLASSES Happy New Year!! Hope everyone’s 2011 is off to a great start! I’ve got a lot to update you on, but I’ll try to keep it brief... Upcoming Exhibit: “Earth’s Treasures” I’ll be joining artists Elizabeth Rieke (oil paintings) and Aimee Poor (photography) at the Immanuel Fine Art Gallery for an exhibition running from January 13 through March, 2011. Join us for refreshments and an opening reception on Friday, January 21 from 5:00pm - 7:30pm. Immanuel Fine Art Gallery at the Landing 3500 Faulkner Drive Lincoln, NE 68516 "What Color is Your Ribbon?" For those of you who don’t know, my mother Connie Strope, loved quilting and had a great sense of humor. “Totally Tubular,” is a quilt she and her friends made to help her embrace her hysterectomy. Bernina Sewing Studio is hosting an exhibit showcasing works of cancer survivors and remembrance pieces. My mother’s friends and sewing buddies, the “Basket Cases” & “Faded Blossoms” made a brightly colored polka dot quilt for my mother, and had enough blocks left over to make another quilt! This quilt and a matching pillow made by her friend Sandy Anderson were invited to be a part of the show, which runs January 10 through February 21. There will be an informal reception at the studio, Saturday, January 15 from 10:00am - 2:00pm. Bernina Sewing Studio 1501 Pine Lake Rd #12 Lincoln, NE 68512 402-423-3108

August Newsletter

* Lincoln Arts Fest Preview

Calyx Glass “What’s in the Kiln?” August 2010 Newsletter

deLUX Gala piece in progress

Upcoming Classes (Refer a friend and receive a 10% discount on classes offered in my studio. Make sure your friend mentions your name when they sign up! - offer not available for classes offered at the LUX Center for the Arts.) * Fused Glass Sun Catcher for Parent and Child - This is a perfect class for kids to make a personalized gift, or just to learn to (carefully) play with glass while spending some quality time with mom or dad. Sunday, August 22, 10am-noon Saturday, August 28, 10am-noon Sunday, October 24, 10am-noon * Soldered Pendant and Jewelry - Learn to make personalized, decorative, keepsake lead-free soldered glass jewelry pendants in this afternoon class. We will experiment with adding decorative wire work, and Swarovski crystal dangles to dress up the pendant. Saturday, August 21 10am-1pm * Sampler Platter Class - Explore different materials used in glass fusing including dichroic glass, glass paints, fusible paper, powders, frits, and stringers in this new class being offered at the LUX Center for the Arts this fall! Sept. 21 - Nov . 2 (no class Oct. 19) 6:30pm - 9pm Call Natalie Nelson at 402.466.8692 to register.

Upcoming Events 2010 Lincoln Arts Festival Saturday, September 25 from 10am – 6pm Sunday, September 26 from 10am – 5pm South Pointe Pavillions(27th & Pine Lake Road) Come by to say hi, and check out the new pieces I’ve been working on specifically for this show! There will be live music, art and artists from around the country, children’s activities, food and raffle prizes. Nebraska State Fair August 22 - September 6 I’m anxious to see what kind of glass Nebraskans are showing at the fair! I’ll be showing my Nebraska Prairie Stained Glass Window along with a bunch of fused and kiln cast glass. Check it out! deLUX Art Gala September 19, 4:30 pm Grand Manse (129 North 10th Street) See my auction piece in the flesh and support the arts in Lincoln at the LUX’s benefit dinner catered by Venue and art auction.

Remember Me?

“Patchwork Platter,” 9.25" x 5.5"

Yea! I won third place!

My other piece, has yet to be properly photographed, but I can now unveil it for you here:

This piece was inspired by the fused glass artwork of Kim Brills and as such was a dedication to her. I interpreted the bottom fused plate as an aerial view of a city map of Austin, TX. So, I decided to reflect it upwards into an image of the skyline of Austin, separating the flat fused plates by a cast glass wave representing Lady Bird Lake ( a reservoir of the Colorado River in downtown Austin). The finishing touches of this piece butted right up against the deadline for dropping it off at A to Z Printing for hanging!

The show continues for the remainder of August. So there’s still time to swing by and see the Lincoln Artists’ Guild 90th Anniversary show, if you haven’t had the chance yet.

---

Well, I need to take a shower and get packed for Sturgis, SD! It’s going to be a busy couple of months; find me on facebook to keep up with my travels!

Thanks for reading and feel free to forward this on to your friends!

Carrie Strope

Recently created sun catchers from classes

Sale for this month: Receive a 10% discount on any purchase from my Etsy shop. Purchase the item making sure to mention “August Newsletter” in notes to seller. Then, wait to receive a revised invoice by email. Pay as usual (through PayPal), and I will send your item as soon as payment posts!

June Newsletter...

*

Calyx Glass “What’s in the Kiln?” June 2010 Newsletter

Headed back to the hot shop!

Upcoming Classes (Refer a friend and receive a 10% discount on classes offered in my studio. Make sure your friend mentions your name when they sign up!) * Kiln Casting Class - Build your own sculptural art glass piece with translucent glass. Wednesdays, July 14, 21, 28, and August 4; 6pm-9pm * Fused Glass Sun Catcher for Parent and Child - This is a perfect class for kids to make a personalized gift, or just to learn to (carefully) play with glass while spending some quality time with mom or dad. Saturday, June 25 10am-12pm Saturday, July 10 10am-12pm Sunday, July 25 10am-12pm * Sampler Platter Class - Explore different materials used in glass fusing including dichroic glass, glass paints, fusible paper, powders, frits, stringers in this new class being offered at the LUX Center for the Arts this fall! (Schedule coming soon.)

Upcoming Exhibition A to Z Printing Show Opening Reception: Thursday, July 8, 5:30-7:30pm Show runs July-August 2010 This is the 90th anniversary show of the Lincoln Artists’ Guild, which I recently joined in April of 2010. Refreshments will be served during the show opening at A to Z Printing, so come out and support your Lincoln artists! Here’s a little preview of what I’ve got in store... “Patchwork Platter,” 9.25" x 5.5" This is a fused glass plate that I’ve just recently put together, but I’ve had the parts for quite awhile. There’s a lot of texture and color going on in this one and you’ll have to come to see it to truly appreciate it! “Ode to Kim Peters Brill,” detail There are so many talented glass artists out there and one in particular was the inspiration for this in-progress piece. Check out Kim Peters Brill’s website and see why I was so inspired! I’m still adding a few elements to this piece to make it truly my own. So, it will be unveiled at the show opening!

Don’t know if you noticed that little picture of me smiling and happy in beautiful Napa, California in my hot glass gear up at the top of this newsletter, but...

I’m headed back to the hot shop! Or rather, the Hot Shops Art Center up in Omaha. I’m going to be playing with hot glass again!!!! It’s been months since I’ve been able to travel to a studio with a glory hole and all the equipment necessary to blow glass. It’s an expensive art form, but it’s so worth it!

If you ever get an itch to try it, check out the classes Ed Fennel offers at the Crystal Forge.

---

Cooking up some Bourbon in the Maker’s Mark kitchen!

My husband and I just got back from a week long trip to Kentucky! We had a great time sight seeing, checking out the Bourbon Trail (and learning the proper way to taste Bourbon), and enjoying the local restaurants. BUT, the reason we went was for the 2010 Glass Art Society conference. It did not disappoint!

I have never been before, and on a whim I signed up when I saw a call for more conference volunteers on Facebook. With the reduced conference fee that work exchange offered, I was actually able to consider the trip, and thus was born our spontaneous trip to Lousiville!

Louisville is home of Churchill Downs,
thus their public art pieces are horses.

The conference organizers did a fabulous job of getting the town on track for hosting an international glass convention as all the museums and galleries in town highlighted glass art. There was no way I was able to see all that there was on offer, but what I did see was incredible! Three different hot glass centers with renowned glass artists such as Lino Tagliapietra (Italian master blower), Paul Stankard (instantly recognizable flowerscapes), Amy Rueffert (gorgeous hot glass “collages”), and too many more to even begin to name hosted demos. The lectures at the conference center were informative and engaging (Who knew you could bond glass at room temperature with no glue?!?). As a bonus, I even made a bunch of new contacts and friends! I’ve decided that I will be going to this conference every year!

Downtown Louisville is incredibly charming with public art dotting the scenery everywhere! I’ll leave you with this spattering of public art bike racks...

*

*

*

*

*

Thanks for reading and feel free to forward this on to your friends!

Carrie Strope

Sale for this month: Receive a 10% discount on any purchase from my Etsy shop. Purchase the item making sure to mention “June Newsletter” in notes to seller. Then, wait to receive a revised invoice by email. Pay as usual (through PayPal), and I will send your item as soon as payment posts!

2010 Las Vegas Glass Expo

While traveling through the skies to New Jersey (to visit my husband's family for the holidays), I was reading the latest issue of Glass Patterns Quarterly. I enjoy reading all the articles, but I also scour each page for the ads, as well. When I came upon the new Las Vegas Glass Craft and Bead Expo ad, I was surprised to see that I was nationally published!!


See my stained glass windows? Yea!!! Granted they were images that were submitted for the class schedule from the year before (I assisted teacher Michele Mitcavish with her No Days Glaze classes and made the samples), but I was exuberant nonetheless!

Barring unforeseen events, I'll be attending the Glass Expo again this year to help with classes again. So, I thought I'd check out the list of classes and share the ones that I thought sounded intriguing:

Of course, I'll begin with the classes where you may find me assisting ;)

****All class descriptions are from the Glass And Bead Expo Class Listings for Website****
Note: WE - Wednesday, TH - Thursday, FR - Friday, SA - Saturday

WE-40 LEADING THE NO DAYS WAY
9:00am–5:00pm Michele Mitcavish REPEATED: Friday, FR-24
SOME LEADING EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. BEGINNER SKILL LEVEL
Leaded stained glass can be a labor of love. Finished stained glass panels often take your breath away, unfortunately, so can the glazing and cleaning process. Labor costs soar from the hours involved in the cleaning and setting time, which may result in the loss of a client. Streuter Technologies has developed an innovative and time saving glazing system that removes a lot of the labor involved in leaded glass. This system introduces heat, replacing the putty process that seals and supports the finished window for indoor and outdoor use. This class will take you through a small leaded project which will include glass cutting, leading and the No Days Glaze process. Other topics will include repairs, reinforcement and the complete line of glazing sizes and colors. You will come out of this class with the skill of creating the No Days Glaze way. Students bring: Glass cutter, running pliers, breaking grozers, leading hammer, safety glasses, lead nippers, soldering iron and stand, metal ruler.
Class Limit: 10............................ $250.00

TH-39 FUSION INCLUSION
9:00am-5:00pm Michele Mitcavich (it's Mitcavish, BTW)
ALL SKILL LEVELS
Did you think fusing is just for fusers? Fusing only to make dishes or jewelry? Well it is not. I have been in the glass industry for 17 years and have learned a variety of glass utilizing them while working for a Public Glass artist. I now teach my method of mixing all those techniques to those who are tired of the confines of manufactured glass. Whether you are a stained glass artist, fuser or glass painter I want to show you how to look at a piece of art and transcribe it into a unique glass piece. In class we will be using clear Bullseye and translucent glass powders to create your own elements to be included into your own stained glass or fused glass piece. This class will be for any type of glass craftsmen out there and will be focused on opening you eyes to the innovative ways layer, fusing, laminating and other techniques are used to create a piece of fine art. I hope that you will come out of the class inspired. There will be a discussion of multiple techniques used in public art installation, like the use of optically clear glues for laminating on multiple layers of tempered glass, that we will cover also. Come ready for this intensive course in seeing glass in all
the art around you. Students bring: Glass cutting tools, safety glasses and dust mask. Bring artwork they would like to discuss as a potential future glass piece.
Class Limit: 10 ........................... $250.00

SA-24 MOSAIC THE NO DAYS WAY
8:00am-4:00pm Michele Mitcavish
ALL SKILL LEVELS
Those of you who teach classes know that having to split a class into multiple days can lose students. Waiting for glue to dry is one of the biggest culprits in delaying a class. Also if you are off-site teaching and you have to transport multiple pre-fired glass pieces, you may have had plenty of glass destroyed by a quick stop. Streuter Technologies has developed a heat set adhesive that will take the waiting out of finishing that mosaic project. In this class you will create a mosaic using a variety of fused glass pieces and broken glass we will provide. Due to the requests of last year’s students we have made this class a full day. We will not only be giving you a larger flat project to work on we will also have multiple demonstrations planned for you. Some of the things demonstrated will be the use of the No Days Mesh for wall surfaces, working on 3-D objects like clay pots and gluing glass on glass and using the Morton portable glass shop. Also if you avoid mosaics because of the mess the grout makes, I will be showing you what I call my dry grout method. Last year everyone said this alone was worth the price of admission, you will have your grouting and clean up done in minutes instead of hours. Students bring: mosaic nippers, metal ruler, glass cutting tools, black sharpie, safety glasses.
Class Limit: 10........................... $250.00

And then...the classes that I would LOVE to attend (Make sure to click through on the links to learn more about the artists that will be teaching and see some fabulous pictures):

WE-42 MICRO-MACRO MOSAICS
9:00am-5:00pm Gina Hubler REPEATED: Saturday, SA-25
Join Gina Hubler of the Miami Mosaic Academy in creating Micro-Macro Mosaics inspired by the Vatican studios and their artisans. We will use smalti filati, and other glass inclusions, creating small masterworks with a contemporary spin. Learn the history of this art form, and the mystique behind the creation of this specific style of mosaic. With only two major collections world wide, this is a style with limited exposure! We will work hand-on with a mural style project, as well as a functional micro-macro inclusion mosaic during our classtime. This is a chance to work with smalti filati, and develop your own style of setting with classical and contemporary tooling. Known as the souvenirs of the “Grand Tour” of Europe during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, we will reinvent our own! Students bring: Magnifying glass, or Mag-eyes type magnification. Class Limit: 15........ $265.00

WE-43 FRITOGRAPHY
10:00am–5:00pm Michael Dupille REPEATED: Thursday, TH-28
The painterly use of crushed glass frits and powders has opened up a whole new world of artistic imagery. Anything is possible when working with small particles of glass from tight, photo-realism to loose impressionism. Working in the panel format, you will learn how to control color density, shading, soft and hard edge lines and some unique specialty looks. This class will focus on the principles of multiple firing to create a rich, vibrant panel piece. There will be enough studio time to experiment with some technique pieces to assure a greater understanding of the process and how to create a palette. Just imagine how you can expand these techniques to creating unbelievable wall pieces, tiles and continuous murals. As one of the early kiln working artists, Michael has pioneered this and many other glass working processes. His dynamite slide show will inspire as well as educate. He does request that only those with previous fusing experience take this class. Students bring: notebook and writing implement, basic glass tools, and a couple of simple photos or images to work from.
Class Limit: 12........................... $285.00

WE-45 FACETED DICHROIC GLASS PENDANTS
9:00am–5:00pm Kent Lauer REPEATED: Thursday, TH-40
BEGINNER
Join Master Beveler Kent Lauer for this brand new one-day class. You'll make beautiful, faceted Dichroic glass pendants and learn awesome cold working techniques. This exciting hands-on class will cover all aspects of creating these breathtaking pendants, from cutting 1/4" thick glass with a diamond ring saw, to laminating and beveling. A thin layer of Dichroic glass will be laminated between two layers of beautiful Starphire glass, then ground and polished into an incredible jewel. No glass cutting experience required. Class size is limited to ensure individual attention, and each student will have access to a 12" lap wheel. Students will have the opportunity to make several pendants of various shapes.
Class Limit: 6.............................. $325.00

WE-04 KILN FORMED BRACELETS - THE FORMING CLASS
9:00am–4:00pm Jayne Persico REPEATED: Thursday, TH-03
INTERMEDIATE
An introduction to an innovative way of forming glass bracelets. This technique was developed by Jayne, and she designed the metal molds and tools used to support this process. In this class students will work with pre-fired components, creating two bracelets and a watch. She will teach you sizing and bracelet forming as well as the wiring techniques to complement and complete each design. Students bring: safety glasses, wire wrapping pliers (Miniature Needle Nose, Round Nose and Flush Cutters), a watch face and Magnifying Glasses (if needed).
Class Limit: 12............................ $280.00

TH-21 STAINED GLASS CABINET DOOR DESIGNS
9:00am-1:00pm Denny Berkery
Come learn everything you wanted to know about stained glass cabinet doors from the author of "300 Stained Glass Cabinet Door Designs." Author Denny Berkery will discuss every aspect of creating glass for cabinet doors including door prep, design considerations, glass selection and installation. We will have time for design work and we will discuss strategies for marketing your creations to cabinet companies, builders, etc. Students bring: drawing tools and paper.
Class Limit: 20............................ $135.00

FR-01-A THE POWER OF POWDERS
1.5-Day Class Gail Stouffer Part 1 Friday 8:00am-4:00pm Part 2 Saturday 9:00am-1:00pm
INTERMEDIATE
Want to get the most out of working with glass powders? Learn to create imagery, depth, and drama in your work by incorporating exciting powder techniques. Students will learn to create Powder Wafers for small and large projects, explore crackled powder techniques, experience layering powders for depth, making pattern bars with powder, and more. This specialty class will show you the true power that adding powder can have! Students bring: Safety glasses.
Class Limit: 15............................ $375.00

FR-43 "VERRE' EGLOMISE"
Have a blast with Verre'Eglomise & Float Glass
8:00am-4:00pm Peggy Pettigrew-Stewart REPEATED: Saturday, SA-27
ALL SKILL LEVELS
Each student will learn a very unique technique and process to create stunning glass. This process can be used to create a variety of glass creations (from sculptures, to functional). Vessels, large bowls, tables, furniture, even sinks. And can be used to create beautiful small art & decor as well. Each student will learn sandblasting, sandcarving and the beautiful Verre' Eglomise technique of Intaglio (reverse) glass carving. This technique will also teach each student the process of intaglio / reverse glass painting along with the inlay of exotic metals such as copper, gold or silver. This process can be combined with kiln forming to create stunning and unique glass. No experience is required. However this class is suitable for all, from beginners to professional level glass artists. Each student will take home a minimum of two completed glass pieces, including at least one large major piece. This piece will range from 12" - 16" diameter and 1/2" thick. Completed pieces can be used to create a beautiful bowl, sculpture, vessel, and more. The technique can be combined with fused or cast glass, and can be used on any type of glass. For this class we will be working with thick float glass. This is a technique that will change the students glass art forever. The students will be able to return home with the skills, knowledge and ability to continue using this unique technique. It is an incredible process that allows all to create unique glass art. You can use this process to make large or small pieces, even furniture. But don't forget it can be used on jewelry and small decor as well. Students bring: Notebook, pencil & pen, apron (or old shirt), design ideas.
Class Limit: 10............................ $250.00

****All class descriptions are from the Glass And Bead Expo Class Listings for Website****


And this is just a FRACTION of the classes available! If I were a lampworker (and I think that one day I will branch out in that direction), then I would surely have added a few of those classes here, as well! The hollow bead class sounded interesting...perhaps next year?