Universal Understanding

Earlier this summer I had an "Ah-ha" moment while on a morning stroll with our furry companions. I was hoping we could enter a new piece of art work into our State Fair this year, and put on my creative thinking cap while briskly walking the dogs. My better half and partner has always had a fascination with anything regarding Space, the "final frontier," and an idea started formulating in my mind of how he could combine his love of glass with his love of the Universe. I hurried home and described in detail what my vision was to him. (This happens quite often, when formulating new ideas for pieces of art, with us both bouncing ideas off of each other.) He immediately began the research involved to take on such a project, and decided slumped and fused pieces were the way to go for the Universal effect that we  were collectively tuned into. 

Countless hours and kiln firings later, our solar system was complete and ready to be put into orbit, along with distant galaxies. Below is the final result of the piece that will be on display at the State Fair the first week in September. It is quite a large piece measuring 36" x 48", and has a 3D effect, with the planets set on standoffs at different heights. Many hours were put into getting the planetary detail put together in a way that was originally envisioned .  We are interested to see what the general public thinks of this particular piece of slumped and fused glass art. If you are in the neighborhood, stop by the Eastern Idaho State Fair and take a peak at it, and let us know what you think.

Our solar system is included in this piece titled "Universal Understanding"

Below are some other projects worked on during the months of July and August as well. We have been experimenting with some unique shapes and fun designs of slumped and fused clocks as well. 

Slumped and Fused Wall Clock

Slumped and Fused Standing Clock

There were also a few more western themed and wildlife, nature pieces created. We can't seem to stock our Etsy store with enough hummingbirds, before they "fly" off the shelf! 

Hummingbirds with flowers are a top seller

Pair of wolves on the hunt

Blown glass bucking bronco ornament

And finally, we're currently working on a large order for some float glass Christmas trees. Yes, I'm sorry to say, it's already time to start thinking of the holidays, especially in our line of work. We will be spending a good amount of time in the Studio restocking our shelves with a wide variety of ornaments, so stay tuned for ideas for unique gift giving for the not-too-distant future.

Preparing scalloped and engraved float glass Christmas tree ornaments

April Creations

Blown, Sculpted Hummingbird and Floral Glass

End of April already, and all the tree blossoms are giving off a subtle scent of fresh floral aromas. Brisk morning walks in the slowly greening high desert hills help us to focus on new ideas we are formulating. Once we're back in the Studio we get to work trying to bring the ideas to fruition. We've had some successes and some near misses working with some new styles of glass in the kilns. All in all, it feels good to push the envelope of what we are capable of  learning about this ever changing art and craft on a daily basis. The pieces below are some of our latest projects.

Slumped and Fused Abstract Plate

A new idea to fuse and swirl colors

The next 3 pieces were done for our son and his wife to complete their memories of a very good year, including their wedding, honeymoon, and reaching the 30 year milestone of  their lives.

Fused cheese tray with an animated theme

Fused art reflecting a special Jamaican beach Honeymoon memory

Slumped and Fused Decorative Vase

Mother's Day is right around the corner, and our blown glass hummingbirds are always a great choice for the many special Moms out there.

A great Mother's Day gift idea

An unusual abstract piece incorporating hard and soft glass

Fun Engraved and Sandblasted Upcycled Drinking Glasses

Another new plate, perfect for home decor

We have plenty of glass gifts in our Studio

  Feel free to give us a call if something catches your eye for a future gift.

Boo-tiful Creations

Halloween Decorations on the front porch

It's almost time for the ghouls and goblins to come knocking at our door. We'll manage to take a breather from the Studio for just a bit to treat the little masked monsters. After that, the fires will be burning round the clock, and I'm not talking the kind of candles you would use to light your little Jack-o-lanterns either. Oh no, they will burn much hotter than that! There's lots to get done before our art show next week, so I'll keep this blog spookishly short. Mwaa-ha-ha-ha!

Denver Bronco Football Custom Glass Gift

We recently completed 2 unique glass gifts for a customer. They have a football theme and incorporate blown and sculpted glass with slumped and fused glass. Another challenging "outside the box" project, but we're happy with the outcome.

Custom Order  for a Miami Dolphins Football Theme

With this project behind us, we can get on to carving our pumpkins and tricking the little ghosts and goblins that come our way. We hope you get to do something spooky with your friends and family. Happy Halloween!

Have a howling good time with your friends this Halloween!

Back to the Grind

Now that the two big events of the year for the Lewis Bunch have come and gone, (the last Lewis wedding, and the birth of our second grandson) it's time to get "back to the grind".  And to tell you the truth, there is nothing I would rather be doing. To be able to work with our garden harvest and yard work, also while ramping back up in the glass studio, brings a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Running a small business and setting the schedules between home and work is a privilege afforded to very few. I certainly don't take it for granted, and look forward to setting new goals with my partner Russ for continued success in our Studio in the coming months.

Our Fall Garden

September is already coming to an end, and of course it has continued to be one of the busiest months for us in the garden. Harvesting all the crops, cleaning, preparing, and canning take up a large amount of our time. Wouldn't have it any other way though. There isn't much that can compare to the satisfaction of a well stocked pantry full of food put there from our own labor. Everything looks fresh and delectable sitting there in the glass jars. This year I even made homemade soup to enjoy for the coming winter months. Nature gave us a beautiful array of color, both in the garden and around the yard. I thought I'd share some of that in this blog for you to enjoy.

Blooming Sweet Peas

The fish are always hungry in our pond.

Marigolds surround the perimeter of our garden

Oodles and oodles of fresh strawberries this year

We will have lots of sunflower seeds to roast from our giant sunflowers

Our apple tree produced apples for the first time this year. Yum!

Gladiolus bloom

Daisy blooms

Part of our new and improved back yard

Ariel shot of our garden area

Ripening Pumpkins

Holly Hocks have such a beautiful bloom

Our chickens are producing lots of eggs for us

Another Daisy bloom

The Arbor has been a nice addition to our garden this year

As I write this morning, a fresh rain is falling down. Nothing like a cloudy day to get in the mood to head into the studio. I've always believed that's why there are so many artists in the Northwest, as grey skies seem to bring about the creative juices. Below is our latest slumped and fused creation out of the kiln. 

Slumped and fused vase

And of course, the hunting season is upon us. For those who would like to accent their den with something other than what a taxidermist would offer, we have some artistic options to choose from. Or if the hunters out there come up empty handed, we can offer a consolation prize of some glass wildlife art. 

Moose on Manzanita Burlwood

Large bugling Elk

A large selection of playful fox pieces

Sandblasted deer on Manzanita burlwood

Large fighting Elk scene

 Thanks for taking the time to read my monthly blog. I hope there is something in here that speaks to you. Taking the time to sit back and reflect now and then as to where we are going in our Studio, proves to me we are on the right path of creativity. And I enjoy sharing some of those ideas with you through photos. Maybe in the least, it will inspire you to create your own zen, whether it be through art, music, or any other creative outlet you wish to pursue.

A Mom's Inspirations

Today just happens to be the birthday of someone we hold near and dear to our hearts, Mom Lewis. I think it's time she got a little shout out from us.  She is the thread that holds our family's fabric together. What a sweet, humble, beautiful lady she is. We have always appreciated her words of wisdom and encouragement all through the years. She exudes sunshine from her pores, and has been there for all her children in good times and bad. She continues to inspire us with her loving ways and kind thoughts.

Mom and Dad Lewis with some of the family celebrating their birthdays a few years ago

We believe Russ got his artistic abilities from her.  She has always had a talent with painting for as long as we can remember. Something you can't teach, it's just in her. We lovingly recall her many days of experimenting with oils and acrylics, and still proudly display her beautiful works of art throughout our home. 

One of Mom's inspirational paintings

The piece below was made just for her a while back. She loves butterflies and anything to do with Nature. She is the Matriarch of the family and I think it is safe to say all of us, young and old, children and in-laws, look up to her in so many ways. Happy birthday Mom, you continue to inspire us every day. May you continue to have days full of butterflies and flowers, and peace and contentment. 

Fused Glass flower with butterflies

Love, Not Some 1/2 Baked Idea

February is just about ready to exit stage right, so I thought I'd write a quick entry about the month of affection. We didn't allow any "down time" after the Holidays, as we prepared our many unique and delicate heart felt gifts, rosebuds, and bouquets of glass flowers. We worked on these projects throughout the months of January and February. Below are samples of the variety of Valentine gifts we offered our customers. We are always happy when a customer likes to think outside the traditional route of fresh flowers. Every now and then it's good to go with a non traditional gift for your Valentine, keeps things fresh and new in any relationship. And unlike the fresh flowers, glass gifts also last longer than a week.

Cupid's arrow through a glass heart

A simple, yet elegant heart shape

Red hearts swirling

Sculpted Glass Yellow Rosebud

Sand Blasted and Pink Luster  Glass Rosebud

Etched White Rosebud

Amber Glass Rosebud

Pink Luster Glass Rosebud

Deep Red Glass Rosebud

 Not only did we have a variety of rosebuds and floral bouquets, but we also brought back "Hot Date Night", where couples could sign up to learn to make a rosebud together with instructions from our head glassblower, while they were at the torch. It was a lot of fun to see couples young and old alike, create their own rosebud from "scratch". We enjoyed packaging up their finished project which they were able to take home at the end of the session.

A Snowfire Rose a midst red roses

A lovely vase of sandblasted and pink luster roses

The highlight of February came from an unusual source, as we were commissioned to create a realistic heart shaped pizza for Papa Murphy's Corporate Offices. They are very sentimental as a company, when it comes to the season of love, as every Valentine's holiday they offer their customers delicious heart shaped pizzas. We were honored they commissioned the piece below to symbolize their expertise in this field. Yes, I'd say love is not some 1/2 baked idea. But you have to constantly strive to create news ways to show that emotion to those dear to your heart. Find the right ingredients, slowly bake up your idea, and cook up  your love to a golden perfection. Show love in ways that are unique to those closest to you, and the love will be reciprocated.

Corporate Gift Art Work