OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 eNEWS
Modeling Glass Tips and Tricks
Every month I'll be writing about how to use Modeling Glass in your work, and hopefully answering some questions that will help you get the results you want. There's always a learning curve with a new product, and there are considerations working with frit and powder that you don't have when firing sheet glass. There is a full set of FAQs on the Modeling Glass website at www.modelingglass.com. You can also find back issues of all my e-newsletters there!
MAKING THIS EARTH A GARDEN
"To know someone here or there with whom there is understanding in spite of differences or thoughts unexpressed, that can make of this earth a garden." The philosopher Goethe said this, and I've taken comfort in the fact that while I can't physically be with people I love during the holidays for health/safety reasons, we still share bonds of friendship and caring that will outlast the pandemic and other troubles.

October blew by without an e-newsletter, in part because I just couldn't muster the mojo to put it together. My daughter was/is struggling with some strange and life-changing health issues. Not COVID-related, though the recent surge prevented her from receiving a hospital bed when she needed one. Fortunately the prognosis is positive, and not life-threatening. Weird how you can feel grateful for something that's still terrible.

Art-making during this unsettled time has been difficult, and I've not worked in the studio myself recently (see paragraph above), but musings are underway for some new work. My solace has been exploring the outdoors in beautiful New Mexico. Here's a shot of Cabezon with a rainbow...this is the neck of an extinct volcano! There's nothing like geologic time to put problems into perspective.

I love to see how other glass artists are keeping their spirits up and their thoughts positive through creative expression. I look forward to the turning of the calendar away from 2020, even if it's only a symbolic new start. Happy holidays to everyone reading this; I wish you peace, health, and a clear path to your favorite kind of garden.
BULLSEYE OFFERS MODELING GLASS AND EBOOK SPECIAL BUNDLE!
I'm excited to announce that Bullseye Glass Company will be offering my e-book as well as Modeling Glass in a bundle online. Here's the description from the catalog:

Begin turning Bullseye powder frit into a moldable, sculptable glass clay! This exciting bundle will speed you on your way. It comes with the definitive ebook, Exploring Modeling Glass, and the Modeling Glass starter kit.

The ebook is the first on the topic—essential reading for any artist looking to incorporate Modeling Glass into their work to achieve amazing dimensional effects. Written by Lois Manno, the creator of Modeling Glass, Exploring Modeling Glass contains 81 pages of clear, step-by-step instructions and 160 photos. Featuring seven complete projects, you will learn the basic techniques for working with Modeling Glass.

The starter kit includes a powdered binder and liquid medium that allows you to turn your glass powder into a claylike, modeling material. Ingredients are non-toxic and food grade. One package makes about 3 pounds of Modeling Glass. Go to www.modelingglass.com for instructional videos, tips, and information. You can also purchase just the ebook if you don't need more product.

Take advantage of this great deal from Bullseye Glass here!
NEW VIDEO FEATURES CRAQUELURE AND MODELING GLASS!
Crystal Loke at Glass eMotions in Ottawa, Canada, has teamed up with the fabulous artist Eva Lazar of Shine On Art Glass to present a video that is part of the new Artistic Journey Series of master classes. Modeling Glass is one of the components in the kit that is offered for the workshop. It's thrilling to see how other artists are combining techniques and creating entirely new ways of using Modeling Glass to achieve striking and beautiful results.

Craqueleure--An Artistic Journey is described as follows on the website:

Craquelure provides over 25 instructional videos showing you exactly how each technique is done, along with the tools to get you there. It is the hope of Glass eMotions that the Artistic Journey Series will give you more than just a technique, but insight into how to express your own artistic journey in glass fusing.

  • Get 3 complete projects + 2 Bonus projects.
  • 11 Separate Demonstrations
  • Included in the workshop cost is your own copy of Bob Leatherbarrow’s Introduction to Kilnformed Powders. Understanding the basics and foundations of how cracks are formed in glass is instrumental to your journey with Craquelure.

START YOUR ARTISTIC JOURNEY WITH CRAQUELURE HERE!
MAKE A HALF MASK WITH THIS NEW DRAPING FORM!
When you absolutely have got to make a mask, this is the mold to use. This brand new draping form was custom designed by Lois Manno and can be used with either Modeling Glass or regular sheet glass. I've created a template to use with the draping form as a downloadable PDF. It has been adjusted for size to allow for the shrinkage that happens during firing. If you make your Modeling Glass mask shape using this template, it will shrink after firing to be the correct dimensions to fit right on the draping form!
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The dimensions of the mask are as follows: 8.5"w x 10"h x 2.25"d. The design is based on my original ceramic piece, and the forms were fabricated by Creative Paradise. 
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Available through the following glass suppliers:

WATCH A VIDEO ABOUT WORKING WITH THIS GREAT NEW FORM HERE!

DOWNLOAD THIS FREE PDF FOR HANDY SIZING OF YOUR ART TO FIT THE FORM AFTER FIRING.
2021 Workshops
2021 workshops are still to be determined. Thank you for your patience as I work with the various studios to firm up the schedule over time.
Modeling Glass
This new product was developed by Lois Manno of Glass Bird Studios. It is a two-part system made of a powdered binder and liquid medium that, mixed with frit or powders along with a little water, turns the powder into a material that can be sculpted like clay. It is featured in the workshops she teaches.

ALSO AVAILABLE IN SEPARATE REFILL SIZES: GET DOUBLE THE AMOUNT IN THE STARTER KIT FOR A BETTER PRICE PER OUNCE! ONLY ORDER THE PRODUCT YOU NEED!
Want to purchase Modeling Glass? A list of retailers is available on the website. The list keeps growing, so check back. Ask your glass retailer to add Modeling Glass to their stock if they don't have it!
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