Well, here goes our first attempt at blogging. Not sure what a couple of "Old School" glassblowers have to offer in the sea of information out there, but we'll give it a go. We hope to talk in the future about new projects we're involved in, at our glass studio in rural Idaho, and techniques we used to achieve the end results. And hopefully we can get some feedback from you fine folks out there, as to what you think of our ideas.
We have stepped into a new era with our business. We've recently posted a first look at our new and improved and streamlined website. www.glass4gifts.com Our Graphic Designer and son Corey, put an all out effort into designing a new and modern website for us, and we couldn't be happier with the results.
Thought we'd give you a brief history on us, and our evolution into a full time business. Russ has lived in Idaho all his life. I (Adele) joined him some 30 years ago, and now call Idaho home. We started out on our adventure together in 1983 and have been happily enjoying each other's company for almost 30 years. In that time we managed to raise 4 fine young men, who are all now adults and off on their own adventures. Around 1987, Russ was pining for a hobby to release his creativity, and literally stumbled on the fascinating world of glassblowing. Back then, we didn't have this thing called the Internet, so he went to the local library to see what he could find on this unusual art form. (I think he just liked the idea of playing with fire!)
A couple of books were all there was to offer in our rural area of Idaho back then. So Russ proceeded the painful and "burnt finger" process of trial and error, and self-taught methods. As with any hobby, there have been highs and lows and learning curves. Slowly through the years, people started commenting that Russ should be selling his wares. It was turning into something much more visually stunning and artistic as the years passed by. And bit by bit, this "hobby" morphed into an actual artistic business which we very much enjoy today.
Since Russ became so busy with outside orders, I offered my help and was eager to learn what he could teach me. For the last 10 or so years, I have been taught various methods by the "Master" and now enjoy creating right alongside him. My specialties are the slumped and engraved wine bottles, and I also help with jewelry designs and Holiday ornaments. I also was given the title "Manager" since Russ didn't want to get bogged down with numbers and figures. I truly enjoy watching our artistic world blossom and run the day to day dealings of our home grown business.
Needless to say, "A Touch of Glass" has evolved into something we both never would have dreamed of at the beginning of this journey. It gives us both great satisfaction to know we are doing our part to make this life experience all the more beautiful with our blown glass art work.
Recently, we've branched out again into the fascinating world of fusing and slumping. We just bought a new kiln and have created many colorful and new pieces. We can see the possibilities will be endless with this new art form.
2012 so far has turned out to be a year of opportunity and possibilities. We just got back from our first visit to the Glass Expo and met other talented glass artists and craftsmen from around the country, and are looking forward to networking with other like minds. For so long, everything Russ learned was trial and error, but this year we feel we are meeting new acquaintances through social media that we never thought possible even a few years ago.
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