Inspiration

"Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration."  - Thomas A. Edison

Along the way, I've had some wonderful artists and friends share tips on how to make our endeavor successful, and these that I've chosen to pass on below may be the ones that have made the most difference.

1. Pick a path and focus. There are so many wonderful avenues that can be explored with fused glass.... or other glass mediums.... that for many of us, it is difficult to choose and focus on one area. Of course it may be necessary to take several classes to learn a variety of techniques in the beginning. I loved jewelry, contemporary design w/stringer and sizzle sticks, pattern bars, rod making, etc., but sooner or later, it is wise to pare down the list and focus on work that when viewed by others has a theme. In time, you can create a body of work that will become your signature.

Spend some time looking at art of all types. Think about what it is in those particular pieces that just speaks to you, and begin moving in that direction. Georgia O'Keefe, Monet, and Klimt are espe ...

Loving glass and loving to talk about glass and art are two of my favorite things to do. What I will be sharing with others and what others ask me about most often will be the subjects of my blogs for Delphi. But my first thought is always to one issue that I believe causes crafters, artists, and those who wish they could make something beautiful to stay on the side lines and possibly never take a class or open a book.  It is this issue that often defeats us before we even start.  It is a belief that we have no talent which often brings on a fear of failure.  I have heard over and over again, "I'm just not artistic (artsy, crafty, talented, gifted, good at…)." If you have ever felt that way, then you need to hear this. At one time, I felt the same way. Oh yeah! I could "copy" things when I was young, but I could never do anything ORIGINAL. I did paint by numbers, not REAL painting.  I'm just a Mom, and I do crafty "stuff." No one would PAY MONEY for my things.

Have you heard these same or near same voices running around your head ...

Inspiration can come from so many places. Sometimes a word or a picture will stir a memory.

As I trace the thread of a memory it often weaves a tapestry in my mind of vivid images, ready to be transformed into art.

A few words triggered such a moment recently when I remembered a favorite childhood book that I’d shared with my children,  “Frederick” by Leo Lionni.

 I went searching through the bookshelf of children’s books in our home that we'd kept even after the children had outgrown them. I found "Frederick", and began flipping through it.

Next I picked up “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle and paged through the beautiful illustrations. Sometime later I emerged from my journey through “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein, “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak, and “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” by Beatrix Potter.

I was flooded with ideas and inspiration for projects. The experience brought a smile to my face as I realized that the simple little story of Frederick had been an inspiration my life t ...

Delphi associates are raving about the new Bend It Molds from Creative Paradise. The clever design makes it easy to fuse projects that stand up on their own, and the mold comes in three different sizes, Large, Medium and Small (or Baby Bend It.) The picture frame for mom (top left) was made by glass artist Denise Christmas-Gibson using the Medium Bend It Mold.

The Father's Day golf project (at right) was also created by Denise using the Large Bend It Mold.

What would you make with this mold?



 

We received so many impressive entries into the Light Up Our Blog contest, we've decided to showcase a series of them on the blog. Check back frequently, and you might just find your entry in the spotlight!

Jacqueline King has been working as a professional glass artist for four years in Australia and uses Delphi Glass as her major supplier. She has recently been recognized in many publications from the US 'Best of Worldwide Glass Artists' to Australian Art Collector Magazine. Although she's relatively new to glass and still considers herself an emerging artist, she now teaches copper foiling and kiln-forming to other aspiring artists.

Images: These are three of Jacqueline's 'functional' pieces she makes from a wide range of art glass. The bases are made from salvaged timber and some include Australian agate, fossil ...

It seems that Pinners can't get enough Bottle Art. (If you haven't discovered Pinterest yet, you will.) It's a great place for artists to gather inspiring images from around the web. I started a pinboard for all of the bottle art inspiration floating around the blogosphere. Below are 7 projects I've pinned from our very own artist gallery. See more on my pinboard here. What are you making with bottles? Email me a photo or link to your project, and I'll pin it to my Bottle Art pinboard!

1. Bottle Art  Necklace

2. Recycled Champagne Bottle Beads

3. ...

As you know, many of the associates at Delphi are also talented glass artists. I recently caught up with Delphi's Internet Marketing Specialist, Stacy Daniels, who told me about a special plate she's making for her brother and his fiancée.

She is celebrating passover with the couple - it will be their first Passover together.  Passover is the Jewish holiday celebrating freedom from bondage under the Egyptian Pharaoh.  It is celebrated with family dinners called seders. Passover this year is April 6-14.  Stacy is creating a special seder plate for her brother and future sister-in-law, one she hopes they will use for years to come.

You can create a sedar dinner plate like Stacy's using System 96 OpalArt, fusing mold #92308, ...

If you’re looking to share some homemade love this holiday season, but don’t have a lot of time, consider making one of these easy art glass projects. They take fewer than 3 hours to complete, and you can download the project guides for free.

• Purse Hangers


• Wine Bottle Stoppers


• Gingerbread Cottage Night Light


• Opaline Striker Frit Balls Bowl


• Fused Game Set Box


• ...

Show off your art glass creations! Here are 6 easy and inexpensive ways to incorporate art glass into your Thanksgiving dinner table décor.