Nebraska Landscape Commissioned Lightbox

Detail of fused glass hills, mosaic flowers,
painted church and cloud.

During my last visit to Flowing Stone Art Gallery in Beatrice, Nebraska, I was able to slip into the public library to see my piece installed. The remodeling of the library has taken a bit longer than planned, so the piece has been waiting to go up for awhile. It looks so great on the wall, all lit up in it's own framed light box. I heard that the family who commissioned it was all really excited to see it and happy with how it turned out. It's a memorial piece for their father, and they all agreed that he would have been very happy with it.

Installed on a basement wall within a light box.

The window is a combination of techniques in glass. The whole thing is leaded together in the traditional leaded glass technique. The cloud and the church are painted on with stained glass paints that are fired in the kiln to be permanent. The flowers are glass on glass (GOG) mosaics, glued and grouted, then leaded into the panel. The landscape glass is all fused glass, with several bits of glass tacked together to make it layered and textured.

To view the window in person, visit the newly remodeled Beatrice Public Library.

Nebraska Art Teachers Association Fall Conference ~ Mosaic Glass Workshop

Post by CalyxAnn.

Lotus Mosaic Mandala Pattern

Lotus Mosaic Mandala Modification in Purple, Amber, & Blue

My lotus mosaic mandalas have been getting a lot of attention lately, which is awesome! I love making these glass on glass mosaics. I've got them at two local shops in Lincoln, Nebraska: Out of the Box and Architectural Glassarts; and coming soon to Flowing Stone Art Gallery in Beatrice, Nebraska.

Lotus Mosaic Mandala in Blue, White, Yellow & Green

If you'd like to commission a mosaic mandala, I would love to make it for you! Just contact me with your ideas (colors, size, etc.) HOWEVER, maybe you want to make one for yourself? I've had a request for the pattern and instructions, and since I love teaching others, I've made it available for purchase on my etsy site. Or, again, you can just contact me!

6 page instruction booklet that comes with
pattern, full of links, sources & resources

For $15, you get a full size 14" pattern of the layout for the lotus mosaic mandala and six pages of instructions! This pattern has modifications for beginners to advanced glass cutters and mosaicists. Enjoy!

Lotus Mosaic Mandala in Pastels

Testimonials:

From a previous student, Debbie: "Anyone who wants to learn from an excellent glass art instructor should check out Carrie's wealth of information that she shares with the public via her youtube videos, her blogs, and the various classes she teaches throughout the US. I have never been so impressed with another teacher's preparations and willingness to share and educate other glass artists or want to be glass artists. I met Carrie several years ago when she had been volunteering as an aide in a glass studio I started taking classes at. She was always trying new techniques and trying to learn all she could then, but it is very apparent that Carrie's dedication has made her someone to watch in the glass community. She is a true inspiration, and although she is many years my junior, I aspire to be just like her when I grow up! ; ) I wish she were still here in Napa, but honestly, anyone pretty much anywhere can benefit from her passion for glass. Carrie does nothing half (gl)ass...I recently was admiring her stained glass mandalas and asked her if she might be willing to sell the pattern. Carrie was more than willing to sell her pattern and sent me via email an incredibly detailed 6 page instruction pack with links of her youtube videos, as well as supply sources. The pattern is on its way to me now, and I know that should I need any help, she's just a click or two away. Carrie you ROCK!"

Another mosaic artist:
"Thanks, Carrie. And I always enjoy talking to you and watching your demonstrations at the Las Vegas Glass and Bead Show. You definitely know your stuff!"

Wrapping a Glass Base with Zinc Edge Came

Several people have asked how I attach the hangers to my Glass on Glass Mosaic Mandalas.
So, here is a "short" 20 minute video lesson that describes the process. Enjoy!

View more mandalas at calyxann.etsy.com!

Cutting Circles Using Mosaic Nippers

Mosaic Stepping Stones with Girl Scouts

As a Girl Scout Community Collaborator, I work with Girl Scout troops to create glass art. Sometimes we meet for glass fusing, but this post is about mosaic stepping stones...

I prep the paver stones, so we're ready to get started when you get here.

There are a few different approaches to making mosaic stepping stones and as an introduction to the process I choose the easiest and most accessible way! Instead of having to build upside down, pouring cement and having to wait to get your stepping stone back, we use paver stones from the hardware store. I gather all the materials and get them prepped before you show up. I choose the 6" x 8" paver stones, because that guarantees that we finish close to the 3 hour mark. After I clean the stones, I prep them with the adhesive. (It's a heat set adhesive that cures quickly to allow us to finish the class by grouting, instead of waiting for glue to dry.)

Piecing the glass together on the paver stones

Then, when you show up, we talk about how to safely "play" with glass, how to cut it with nippers and rules for arranging a mosaic and using the groutlines for design. If the weather permits, we work outside the whole time. Otherwise, we'll work in my studio. (For large groups, we meet at Architectural Glassarts.) I encourage everyone to come to class with an idea of what they might like to make: flowers, cars, animals, sun, moon, ocean, mountains, pineapple, etc. It doesn't mean you won't get inspired by the glass to make something else, but it helps get past the "creative block."

Grouting the stepping stones

After covering the paver stone with glass, it's time to pop them in the oven to cure. Then, we take a studio tour, and I talk more about glass and different things you can do with it. If you'd prefer to make this snack time, we can definitely do that, too! We have about 30 minutes to wait while the stones heat up and then cool back down and are ready to grout. Then it's time to get dirty! You may want to wear clothes that can get stained...

Stepping stones finished in 3 hours

We grout in the grass because it's super easy to clean up that way. I show you how to mix the grout and help you to get the right consistency. Then, we spread the grout across our pieces. It needs to sit for 5-10 minutes before we can polish it off and make the glass shine and sparkle, but then we're finished and the stones are ready to take home with the girls!

Beautiful flower stepping stone

If this is something you'd like to do with your Girl Scout troop, please contact me for a list of available dates. Current pricing is $25 a girl, which is a steal!

May Exhibition at Meadowlark Coffee

During the month of May, I'll have some of my fused glass, stained glass and mosaics on display at Meadowlark Coffee in Lincoln, Nebraska. My friend Lilith has hung her paintings alongside my work, and I think they complement each other nicely.

If you're in Lincoln, stop by and check it out while having a cuppa joe or tea!

Clinton Elementary School Residency ~ Mosaic Glass Quilts

In December, I spent one week with K-5th graders at Clinton Elementary School in Lincoln, Nebraska. In addition to creating fused glass snowflakes to take home and enjoy, we collaborated on a glass quilt that will hang in the school for all the students, staff and visitors to enjoy for years to come. I'm thrilled that the International Quilt Study Center is going to host the opening reception in May for First Friday. I can't wait for the kiddos to share their experience!

Pre-installation picture of the six 18" x 24" panels

  We spent the week with color theory and worksheets figuring out the quilt blocks we wanted to use, what shapes made up the blocks we chose, and playing with different color combinations to find our favorites.

High Plains Community Schools Residency Recap

During the last week of September and the first week of October, 2012, I was able to work with High Plains Community Schools in Polk and Clarks, Nebraska through the Nebraska Arts Council Artists in Schools and Communities program. AiS/C makes grant money available as matching funds for school and community projects. If you're interested in learning more about the program, their website has lots of helpful info.

Finished mosaic panels : 9th-12th graders
102" x 36", glass & mirror mosaic

For the first week, I stayed with my gracious hosts Peggy and Maynard in Hordsville, Nebraska, a short 10 minute drive to the Polk High School, where I worked with grades 4 & 5 on fused glass sun catchers and grades 9-12 on the mosaic panel pictured above.

Mosaic Inspirations

Mosaic Inspirations, a gallery on Flickr.

I put together a mini gallery on flickr to assist with classroom discussions of the mosaic design and creation process.
You can view the gallery and discussion questions by clicking on the Mosaic Inspirations link.

A Trip to New Hope

In the rest period between Christmas celebrations and New Year's Eve, the in-laws, my husband and I took a drive to New Hope, Pennsylvania, a quaint little artsy community across the Delaware River from New Jersey. Last year, we took the trip in colder weather, and my treasure included a new wardrobe of vintage clothing from a fabulous little clothing store there, Night Bird Vintage Clothing.
This year, however, I wanted to go back to the Topeo Gallery which is jam packed with gorgeous, contemporary stained glass windows, mosaic mirrors, fused glass art, and hot glass treasures!

I love these kiln cast pieces, but forgot to see who the artist was!
(UPDATE: Thanks to a commenter who let me know that these pieces are by Susan Gott)
For a virtual walk through of the gallery, check out some of the artists below:

Little River Hot Glass Studio - These ornaments were the whole reason I wanted to come back!!!
Thomas Meyers Studios - Mosaic Mirrors that incorporate iridized glass, dichroic glass, fused glass elements, textured and painted sheet glass with beveled mirrors
Chickadee Studios - A mother/daughter team of lampworkers creating playfully elegant jewelry
Rollin Karg - Hot glass artist out of Wichita, Kansas. Watch several video clips of the hot glass process on his site.
Mary Darwell - You NEED to see this intricately beaded jewelry!
Zweifel Art Glass - Beautific iridescent, almost carnival glass-esque blown vessels
Richard Satava - Of course, there are the famous jellyfish!
Momo Glass - Unique enameled recycled glass jewelry
e.b. glassworks - Fantabulous swirly perfume bottles and ornaments
Kliszewski Glass - Colorful, whimsical blown glass vessels



Read a little more about Topeo Gallery and other New Hope attractions at That New Hope Blog.

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?

Tapestry Mosaic Coffee Table

The inspiration - a tapestry that my mom picked up on
the streets of Thamel in Kathmandu, Nepal.


I started with the tapestry that hangs on the wall behind our sofa. I knew that I wanted the mosaic to mirror the quilt, but I wasn't sure of the exact design. So, first I started by cutting many, many little pieces of glass in the colors that I wanted to use. Then, I was able to rearrange them, like a puzzle, until the design was just right.

The Process:

Using No Days Glaze mosaic adhesive and a heat gun, I was able to work one section of the mosaic at a time. The No Days Glaze is incredibly convenient. It comes in packages of several rubbery-plastic-like sheets. You lay a sheet down on the surface you are mosaic-ing, place the glass pieces down (and move them around), and fire up the heat gun (on low) until the pieces are hot and the adhesive melts into place. This step is tricky. You want the adhesive to melt, but if you don't heat the glass up enough, the glass will pop off when grouting. Also, if you heat the glass too long, it will start swimming around on the glaze. Then, you end up chasing each piece back into place (with a pair of tweezers, or a pencil tip, and NOT your fingers - the glass is HOT!).
After several days and plenty of movies (a Harry Potter-a-thon and a terrible Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull), I had all of the pieces adhered to the surface of the table, and was waiting for a free day to allow me to start and finish the grouting process.

A dirty job, but I was excited to get it over with....

and to let it dry so I could polish it to the beautiful and intricate table that it is:

Oh! And I finished it just in time to enter the "It Pays" to use No Days Glaze Mosaic Contest!!
They have started another challenge for 2009, as well! So, if you'd like to try your hand at the mosaic adhesive, enter your project for a chance to win $250!!

Mini Mosaic Presentation...

It's the end of my four week session with the Ms. Brown's first grade class. We've finished our mosaic tiles and our "Making Learning Visible" books that accompany the project. Here's my presentation using Google docs (which I do like a lot!) that helps to fill in even more visual content standards for the project.

Mosaic for a Cause...

will be taking place Saturday, April 12th (1:30pm-5pm workshop)

and Sunday, April 13th (10am-12pm option to grout in studio) at M.Mitcavish Glass Studio, 68 Coombs St. Studio O1, Napa, CA 94559 (www.mitcavish.net)
The workshop will be taught by Marisa Casa.

The cost for the workshop/fundraiser is $50, and is tax-deductible.
In this mosaic workshop, you will learn:

• Types of Tesserae
• Tools and Protective Equipment
• Cutting Techniques
• Design Techniques
• Adhesion Techniques
• Grouting
• Workspace Setup & Organization

Come meet new people, start a new hobby, and donate to a worthy cause!

Stepping Stone Unveiled...

I got the original pattern for this stepping stone from a book in Michele's library. However, the mold it used was much bigger than the molds available in the studio. So, I had to sketch it out and scale it down before making the pattern pieces for cutting the glass.
I don't think it's visible in the photos, but I used iridescent glass for the hummingbird's heads. I also threw in some white iridescent glass in the background to give it some sparkle when the sun hits it. For the background, I used the mosaic nippers to break up a bunch of different colors of blue and white pieces to puzzle together.