February Forging Ahead

Even though winter is far from over in our high desert climate, we have managed to keep the home fires burning and are still plenty warm in the Studio, thankfully. February tends to keep us focused on Valentines. The first half of the month was plenty busy, between rose orders and giving glass rosebud lessons.

Creating blown glass roses and rosebuds are a common practice in our Studio for the month of February. 

 Heart shaped glass pendants were also created for some customers this month.

Sculpted glass heart pendants

 We have quite a bit of inventory building up in the Studio, which is a good thing. Some of our pieces have been selected to head out the door for upcoming Art Shows.

Completed Art Works in the Studio

 It's nice when things slow down just a bit after Valentine's Day. It gives us time to think ahead about various projects and also do a little creating, like the slumped and fused piece below.

One of our latest creations, a slumped and fused glass vase.

Now we can take some time and enjoy a little respite before we delve into new projects. We are hoping to hear good news from some stores in Yellowstone. The buyers may be interested in carrying our blown glass wildlife in their gift shops. We are waiting to hear back from them. If we get the green light, I'm sure the torch fires will be burning night and day. Until then, we will enjoy the calm before the next "storm". 

Glass Wildlife figurines akin to the real ones you would see in Yellowstone Park.

Have a Heart

Lustered Rose bouquet

Another small bouquet with purple highlights

Valentines Month is also "Healthy Heart" month. From some personal experience, I can say I understand the importance of this focus. Normally February is a very busy time for us, teaching lessons for "Hot Date Night" and shipping out rose bouquets, both of which were accomplished. But this year I'd be lying if I said everything was smooth sailing for us. Production in the Studio kind of came to a screeching halt as we dealt with major health issues on both sides of our families.

If anything has been learned, we can say we have a fresh perspective on just how precious our health and hearts can be. Family is what captures our hearts the most, and we are thankful for having such strong family ties. Life has it's ups and downs, and in reality it's never the bed of roses we wish it could be. But how we deal with the lows is just as important as how we deal with the highs. Have to remember that one.

Teddy Bears with heart shape balloons are new this year.

As far as Valentine gifts, there was still time to get a little creative with some new blown glass creations like the ones pictured above and below (we're dealing with the personal stuff as best as we can.) Bottom line is when life gets tough, it's important to "have a heart" and give of yourself to those around you that might need the comfort of a helping hand. We're appreciative of the fact that our family is good at rallying when the going gets tough. 

"Heart of the Ocean" Blown glass Valentine gift

We shipped out a number of these bouquets this month

Upcycled bottles pictured with some of our heart pendants

February is coming to a close and the dark clouds of winter are lessening. A little sun is good for our overall outlook, and helps improve the mood. So as we adjust our attitude, we look forward to a little more sunshine and happiness as we welcome Spring next month. Until next time, remember how important it is to "have a heart", literally and figuratively. 

Valentine and Floral Offerings

For those who need a friendly reminder, you don't need to stay inside the typical "fresh flower" box for Valentine's Day. Our Studio is full of "fresh" ideas for the season of love. This month's Blog features a few of the items available for purchase at our glass blowing Studio. We'd be happy to wrap up a blown glass rose or other blown glass gift for your sweetheart this year. Call our Studio to set up an appointment to see what we have to offer.

Valentine Gift Ideas

 Not only do we offer our blown glass roses and rosebuds, but we also offer heart shaped glass pendants that are quite affordable.

Red Swirled Heart Pendant

Pink Luster Heart Pendant

Our blown glass roses come in a variety of colors

Red and Pink Heart Pendant

Pink Swirled Heart Pendant

And our rosebuds are an affordable gift that will speak to their heart for years to come. We can wrap them up individually, or put them in a nice arrangement. Keep us in mind if you want to think outside the box with roses that will last longer than a week, and are a hand blown gift.

We're also looking forward to our promotion of "Hot Date Night", February 13th and 14th. The flier below gives more detail on this fun date idea for Valentine's Day. 

 We're hoping to do our part in promoting the day of love,  and hoping it lasts much longer than one holiday. After all, who couldn't use a fresh dose of love? Happy Valentine's Day from A Touch of Glass Studio.