A New Look

A new look for our website!

This last month has been rather eventful for us, with many projects going on around the home front as well as the Studio. We have been collaborating with our Graphic Designer (who just happens to be our son) on a new look for our website. We rolled it out earlier this month and couldn't be happier with it's new design and user friendly application. If you haven't already taken a look you can find it at www.glass4gifts.com There is also an active link to shop on our Etsy page. Countless hours of tedious work have paid off, and that is one more thing we can check off our list of "to do's". I'm sure our son is breathing a sigh of relief too. 😊 He went beyond our expectations with the new look.

I also wanted to share a photo of a slumped and fused abstract piece Russ created for one of his sisters. She and her husband had just finished building a beautiful little home last Fall and he wanted them to have some new art to hang on their walls. A  housewarming gift that went to an appreciative home is pictured below. 

Abstract Fused Glass Art created for a family member

We also spent a lot of time these past few months outdoors on our property. We became aware of a Robin's nest a few months back, in one of our pine trees. I wasn't sure if there were any birds in it for quite some time, so Russ finally snuck in and took a picture and found out that yes indeed, there were newborns in the nest. There are only 2 pictures because we didn't want to disturb Ma and Pa Robin's babies too much. I can now say that they have weathered all the crazy winds, freak snow storms and loud lawn mowers passing by, to finally become independent of their parentals. I still see them fluttering around the yard, learning to feed themselves as their parents taught them. It was a joy witnessing the whole process from newborn to independent, flying around the property. 

Baby Robins on our property. 

Russ got to take some time off on Father's Day and enjoy our newest grand puppy, Moose. He is a beautiful Retriever! 

Russ chilling with Moose in our back yard.

The greenhouse is starting to pay off now. Russ has done a lot of tweaking to it. We never grew broccoli before, this was a first for us. It was delicious! And the tomato plants are coming along nicely. It continues to be a learning experience, as some plants are thriving while others seem to struggle. No matter, a great new hobby for him, since his hobby of glass blowing has turned into a full time business. 

Plants are starting to take off in the greenhouse.

We are still collaborating with an Author for her book series. This glass Gryphon was the latest created. The last one to work on will be a glass Phoenix. I already shared the dragon and unicorn in my previous blogs. We like thinking outside the box when it comes to commissions. 

A Blown Glass Gryphon Commission.

And lastly, we are working up to the last minute on a special commission, an artistic bench. Below is a sneak peek. The rest of this project will be revealed in another blog post.  Speaking of which, it's time to wrap this post up, so I can complete the final details of this huge undertaking. 

A sneak peek of a special artistic commission....

Happy Holidays

An old fashioned Christmas Tree

Another year has whizzed by and it's time once again for retrospecting as 2014 comes to a close. And you know, we can't help but realize that this year we've been happy all the way around. We exceeded our goals and expectations for the glass studio, and had some wonderful family moments as well. 2014 was indeed a good (and busy) year, both in professional and personal fields. Doing what one loves, along with a strong work ethic, help to create the perfect balance of "reaping what you sow". We'd like to thank our loyal customers, along with many new clients for supporting our artistic efforts. We couldn't be in this business without the support of so many who appreciate the "Art of Glass". As the year winds down, we reflect on our good tidings and are thankful for the ability to work at something that gives us joy. Below are some of our latest endeavors both with ornaments and larger glass installations. We hope you have the time to view our latest creations. And of course, stay tuned, as the gears are already grinding for future projects in 2015.  

Baby's first Ornament

Rocking Horse Ornament

Hot air Balloon Ornament

Large Firefighter Ornaments

Surfer Ornament

Fused Aspen Scene

Sandblasted Float Glass Tree Ornament

Santa's Down the Chimney Fused Ornament

Blown Glass Reindeer Ornament

Unique Blown and Sculpted Glass Trout Scene

Blown Glass Grizzly Bear

Upcycled Bottle Art

The Four Seasons

Another Baby Ornament

Slumped/Fused Float Glass mixed with Blown Glass-Cattail Scene

Baby's First Ornament

Various Glass Bird Ornaments

Blown Glass Moose Ornament

Blown Glass Under the Sea Scene

Blown Glass Trout Fly Ornament

Blown Glass Cardinal Ornament

Fused Glass Pizza Slice Ornament

Blown Glass Tractor Ornament

Blown Glass Painter's Pallet Ornament

Large Blown Glass Giraffe in Gold Accents

Blown Glass Bugling Elk Scene

 As this year wanes and the new one fast approaches, we want to wish you all the best that life has to offer. Happy New Year from A Touch of Glass Studio.

Hand Sculpted Glass Poinsettia

Last Rites of Summertime

Every summer I find myself wondering how, in the blink of an eye, the season of sunshine can fly by so swiftly. I suppose there is truth to the saying "Time flies when you're having fun". Now the days are starting to wane, and the night temps. tell me Autumn will soon be upon us. Labor Day is looming on the horizon, and  we find ourselves preparing to spend the days harvesting and canning the bounty from our garden.

I'd say this summer was a summer of opportunity and special occasions that I will look back on and cherish for many years to come.  Among them were some extra special events that stood out. We enjoyed a milestone in our marriage as we celebrated 30 years together, renewing our vows in the mountains with some of our children witnessing. The time spent in the Tetons will always be treasured memories for me. 

Jenny Lake in the Teton Range

A great day of horseback riding in the Tetons

Next, we witnessed our youngest son say his vows to his bride in a beautiful outdoor June wedding. Another memorable and special event for the family.

Our youngest son and his beautiful bride

We also managed to get away and enjoy a few camping trips, having fun times alongside Nature's crystal clear waters, both at reunions and the old stomping ground of my partner's childhood, Meadow Lake. 

Campground at Meadow Lake

Pups playing Fetch at Meadow Lake

Crystal clear water at Meadow Lake

Just last weekend, we topped off the summer experience at Bear Lake (nicknamed the Caribbean of the Rockies), also one of my favorite getaways.

Beautiful day at Bear Lake

We  had some very successful outdoor art shows where we sold 2 of our biggest pieces of art work made in the studio to date, both of them hand sculpted trout scenes. Below is one that we affectionately nicknamed "Walter" (from the movie 'On Golden Pond'). 

Hand Sculpted  Glass Trout nicknamed "Walter"

Yes, summers are short here, so we try our best to take full advantage of them. Everyone should have an opportunity to enjoy a camping trip, or get away with the family on a fun Summer vacation. It's rejuvenating and so enjoyable, especially spent with the ones you love. Because before you know it, the season of preparedness and hard work will be upon us: Fall, which just so happens to be my most favorite time of the year! I will expound on that in the next blog.