The Delphi Blog

I know it’s only March, however, I can’t help but think about summer. Maybe that’s because here in Michigan the snow seems never-ending and just thinking about summer makes me feel better. Hard to say. Anyway, have you given your summer much thought yet? We have a genius idea! Two words. Glass Getaway! Sounds amazing right? Okay, this is new so let me explain. As some of you may know we have 3 classrooms, however, we don’t typically run classes every day but that is about to change. June 22nd - June 30th we will have an event, class, or demo running in every classroom. For a total of 4 stained glass, 9 fusing, 6 flameworking, 3 mosaic classes and more. Now let’s talk details, shall we? June 22nd we kick off Glass Getaway with our FREE Fusing Forum Event. Then, starting Sunday, June 23rd we will have 25 class options and 5 guest instructors - don't miss Joy Munshower, Cathy Claycomb, Kent Lauer, Tim Drier and John Ferrando. Have I convinced you yet? If that wasn’t enough the nice people at Best Western of Okemos have agreed to drop their standard room rate of $147 down to $86 a night! Plus that includes a FREE shuttle ri

Finding your perfect match can seem daunting, let us help play matchmaker by highlighting the traits that will help you fall head-over-heels for a kiln – then stay happy together for years to come. Here’s the short list of questions to ask when you’re looking for that special kiln. What size of projects do you want to make? (Leave room to grow together!) How much space do you have for a kiln? What are the electric requirements (plug type, wire gauge)? What features are important to you? What is your budget? Let’s face it – sometimes size really does matter. We’re talking kilns here people! It’s important to know where your kiln will fit in your life, creative pursuits, and space. The heartbreak of outgrowing your kiln is something we see all too often. While it’s hard to know exactly what you’ll be into a year or more down the road, it’s best to consider all your options now. Do you see something that excites you? Choose a kiln with enough room to fit the biggest mold you’re interested in, plus a few inches to spare. The next consideration is space – how will you

If you mention Thanksgiving to someone, it almost certainly evokes immediate and specific memories and imagery. The themes surrounding Thanksgiving are often tied to autumn colors, bountiful harvests, the iconic turkey, as well as feelings of gratitude and togetherness. And football, let’s not forget the football (Go team!). Decorating for the holidays is a wonderful way to slow down, build the sense of anticipation, and honor traditions. Whether you make a special fused glass serving dish, a glass art garland, swag or wreath to dress your home for the occasion, or a unique centerpiece for your table, glass art lends itself to capturing the imagery of the season in a way that can be enjoyed for years to come. Check out our Pinterest Board to find more examples of art that’s perfect for Thanksgiving, and be sure to share your projects in the Online Artist Gallery . Looking for a free project idea? Try creating your own Indian Corn Fused Dish with our Project Guide.

Do you want to have a girls’ night but you don’t want to shout over the din at the bars? Perhaps your birthday is coming up and you want to do something special. Or, maybe you’re looking for a unique date-night idea for you and your love. While Delphi Glass always has a full class schedule , you can also make reservations for your own private Delphi Glass class or party.   If you learn better one-on-one, this is a fantastic new option for you. If you’d prefer to learn a new craft in the company of your favorite friends, it makes for the perfect bonding experience. While all Delphi Glass classes require you to sign up for them and can fill up fast, when you create your own private party class, it’s your call from a choice of available dates. Simply call us at 800-248-2048 to speak to our friendly team about scheduling a party today.   Birthdays, engagements, anniversaries, bachelorette parties, church or work groups, or for any special occasion, even making it a surprise for a friend or loved one, these private parties at Delphi Glass make being creative even more fun and exciting. Choose from reserving a private a la car

If you have a kiln, you need kiln wash to serve as a protective layer between whatever you’re firing up in the kiln and the kiln shelves. It helps to prevent glaze from sticking to your shelves, and keep your art from sticking too. At Delphi Glass, we have kiln wash to help keep you and your kiln happy. If you’re new to glass art and haven’t used your kiln much yet, you might be wondering how and when to use kiln wash though.   Firstly, you’ll need to choose the right kiln wash for your needs. They’re made with high melting points but you’ll want to adjust the formula based on the temperatures you’ll be firing at. When in doubt, a higher temperature formula will always serve your needs and prevent problems.   Because kiln shelves are usually made of ceramic, melted glaze spilling, spitting or tipping over onto your shelf can be a disaster. That’s where kiln wash comes in, to help protect against unforeseen circumstances and stop messes before they start. Mixing it up, it should have a watery consistency, a bit like milk. Apply it in several thinly-layered coats and let it dry completely between each ap

It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for! Delphi Glass is proud to announce our new class schedule for summer and fall 2018. It’s your chance to perfect your skills, learn a new way to make glass art, and make new friends while you do it.   No matter what your glass art skill level or interest, we have something you’re sure to love. You’ll find classes for 3D mosaics, realism techniques for stained glass, the basics of screen printing, how to make tempered glass bowls and much more. Plus, in addition to our classes that cover everything from basic to advanced, you’ll find other class offerings taught by some of the most revered glass artists as our guest instructors! If you’ve ever dreamed of working with Liz Haas, Joy Munshower, Wesley Wong, Carol Shelkin, or Tony Glander, this is your chance!   Many of these classes are one-day or two-day offerings, but if you don’t have the time to stay all day, Delphi Glass also offers a la carte classes that last 2 hours in the evenings with fun ways to make memories and art. From fused glass jewelry to sandblasted glassware, all you need to bring is your favorite

Even the savviest glass artist will often find random bits of lead came around their studio. Some can be used in new glass art pieces but others are simply unusable. When you have unwanted scrap came, there comes a time when you’ve got to dispose of it.   But lead is a heavy metal. Throwing it into your garbage can create a dangerous situation. In certain exposure levels, lead can be poisonous to people and animals too. Lead poisoning can lead to severe symptoms that damage the nervous system and even cause blood or brain disorders.   If this sounds scary, that’s because it is. So many people throw old batteries and other items into their trash without a second thought. At Delphi Glass, we urge you to do the responsible thing for lead came scraps and dispose of them properly, not just for your health but also for the health of others around you.   When lead came makes its way to your local landfill, it can penetrate the ground and into groundwater, tainting the water supply. Without responsible disposal, lead poisoning can affect countless people through the water supply. Flint, Michigan is just one example of a place in our

Have you taken your summer vacation yet? Most people are just starting to pack their bags. Whether you’re coming or going though, you can take those cool little vacation keepsakes you come home with and turn them into glass art that will help you commemorate your amazing summer trip.   Need some inspiration? Here are our best ideas from Delphi Glass to get you started!   Create a KraftyBlok shadow-box display KraftyBlok is an amazing crafting item because you can do so much with it. From turning your best photos into a lit-up lamp to creating an epic beach scene with shells and sand from the beach you vacationed at, there is no end to how creative you can get with your display. Even souvenirs you purchase from places like Disney World can be worked into a KraftyBlok project!   Make a mosaic frame A mosaic frame is another beautiful way to display your favorite souvenir items. You can also use it to make a frame for your best vacation photos that you can keep up on the wall or shelf year-round. You can find mosaic supplies at Delphi Glass.   Turn your favorite photos into a stained glass panel

You probably already know that Delphi Glass has an amazing selection of glass to buy for your glass art projects. From stained glass to mosaics to fused glass and beyond, you’ll find everything you need here.   But sometimes, your projects will require specific colors, transparencies and thicknesses. Or perhaps you’re just brand loyal and want to buy glass manufactured by Bullseye, Spectrum, Van Gogh, or others. Whatever the case, you can minimize your sleuthing for just the right glass by using the Delphi Glass Glass Finder Tool .   The dropdown menu selections make it easy to choose exactly what you want so you can place your order faster. Find your fusing COE in seconds. New to glass art and not sure what that means? It’s the Coefficient of Expansion that measures the rate of how that glass will expand and contract when it is heated or cooled. You need to make sure your glass is compatible if you’re fusing it together. The main COEs for fusible glass are 90 and 96, but whichever you choose to work with, Delphi Glass offers an incredible selection of colors to work with. Newer glass fusing artists will do best with 96. As al

You’ve probably walked past a dreamcatcher before, perhaps in a souvenir shop or at friend’s home, but have you ever wondered what they’re for? They are more than just a beautiful decoration to adorn your home with.   Dreamcatchers were originally created by Native American Indians. The original versions were usually made of wooden hoops covered in a woven web of natural fibers with sacred and meaningful items attached to them. These would include beads and feathers that would hang from the bottom of the dreamcatcher.   They were used to protect sleeping children from evil spirits and bad dreams. Hanging above their beds, the legend was that the dreamcatcher would let good dreams pass through the web of the dreamcatcher while catching the bad dreams. When the sun’s first rays would hit the dreamcatcher in the morning, the negative energy would be destroyed.   Dreamcatchers serve a protective purpose, and they’re also very beautiful. You can make one yourself with stained glass and feathers and incorporate the native elements to make a glass art piece with traditional items used as well. You can even cre

Sometimes when we’re creating glass art, we have an idea and we go for it. Other times, we look around us to find inspiration that speaks to our soul. That inspiration can come from looking out the window and spying a beautiful natural scene. It can come from an experience and the depiction of our feelings about it. It can also come from looking at famous artwork.   When we use great works of art to inspire our creativity in glass art, it allows us to incorporate something particularly stunning into our own translations of it. At Delphi Glass, we often see submissions in our Delphi Glass Artist Gallery of glass art that is inspired by great works like Van Gogh’s Starry Night or Sunflowers, Waterlilies by Monet, Munch’s The Scream, and The Kiss and The Tree of Life by Klimt.   Finding inspiration for your own beautiful glass art creations may be as simple as visiting your local art museum to behold classical pieces or even viewing them from the comfort of your own home while online. As glass artists, we know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and looking at pieces that are either incredibly famous like the ones mentioned abov

At Delphi Glass, we’re always excited about Pantone’s Color of the Year. This year, Ultra Violet is the winner. It’s an intriguing color, chosen for its infinite possibilities for inspiration.   Purples tend to be more enigmatic and symbolize brilliance and creativity. At Delphi Glass, being creative is just what we do and we think this color selection couldn’t be more fitting for 2018. When you look at the color purple through history, it has always been a part of mystic and spiritual harmony. It’s a peaceful color that brings about a feeling of calm. This deep shade of purple is a symbol of the spectrum of emotions swirling around the world today with a reflection of positive light for hopeful and peaceful days ahead.   Expect to see a lot of Ultra Violet around, from glass and fabric to lighting and furnishings. Rich in color, it evokes images of royalty, creativity, and serenity, making it a prime choice for your glass art creations. Check out our gorgeous Ultra Violet selection of products and dream up all the amazing possibilities you can create using this color. It’s such a beautiful choice! You can see the

At Delphi Glass, we firmly believe that glass art does us all so much good. From fueling our creativity to busting stress, it’s a necessary action that we must make both time and space for. Most people start off making glass art as a hobby before they decide it’s what they want to do as their life’s work.   Even if you don’t pursue glass art as a profession though, it’s still wise to invest the time and space needed to unleash your creative potential. To find creative space to work in even in the smallest quarters. A seldom-used coat closet can easily be converted into an amazing workspace. You don’t need a huge workshop in order to bring your creativity to life with glass art. Even a small space devoted to creating will have a big impact on your happiness and health. Delphi Glass has all the tools and equipment you need to outfit any studio, from the really big to the truly tiny. Find space to make your own creative oasis by thinking outside the box.   Speaking of thinking outside the box, another way to bring about wellness through creativity is to challenge yourself with learning something new. Maybe you’

Photo credit: Green Earth Glass   We all know that making something beautiful feels good, but did you know that there are health perks too? It’s true! The creative process of planning your projects while overcoming the obstacles you face when bringing your glass art ideas to life is stimulating for the brain on so many levels. While it may be challenging to try a new technique or even a new form of glass art, the entire process is actually more relaxing for your brain than you think, all the while stimulating it for growth.   The end result is a gorgeous piece of glass art and a refreshed mind. You really need to do this for yourself to bring more peace and harmony into your world. At Delphi Glass, we completely agree with this which is why we offer our classes year-round. Sign up for one of them to expand your creativity and feel well through your glass art creations.   Dan Daniels feels this is one of the cornerstones of Delphi Glass. “In a world where you can access everything instantly from your hand with smartphones, we’re constantly flooded with bad news. It is so essential to unplug from that, and that&rsquo

When it comes to the holidays, creating traditions is the best way to be creative. Traditions are certainly steeped in history, but every family has their own unique take on it, making it all the more special and beautiful.   At Delphi Glass, we introduced our iconic series of Holiday Village Molds back in 2015. We modeled them after the stunning and charming town of Harbor Springs, Michigan, a very historic place with quaint architecture that can still be seen in the quiet streets there. It makes for the perfect setting of a Christmas Village that you can create from cast glass.   Even though it comes as a mold, you can customize it the way you want it. The little details can have your own exclusive touch to them. Choose the colors you like and even try different finishes in the same mold. You can also give it a snowy look so it has that winter wonderland-feeling to it. We took care to design all the little homey touches for each mold from cobblestones to intricate old-fashioned windows so you can create a classic look that endures for all of time.   These Holiday Village Molds are made from the highest quality ceramic so that they c

It’s not yet Thanksgiving, but that doesn’t mean you haven’t been thinking about what gifts you’ll be giving for the holidays this year. One of the brands Delphi Glass has available for your glass art needs is Aanraku , which has a fantastic selection of products to make creating glass art jewelry and other precious things absolutely perfect.   Here are some ideas for you to craft the best gifts for everyone on your list.   For the bookworm Is someone on your list an avid page-turner? Instead of chancing buying them a book they already own, get them something they can keep on using no matter how many pages they turn. You can make them their very own fused glass bookmarks.   For the home improvement enthusiast Add a touch of class and a touch of glass to any home by making these stunning glass art cabinet door knobs . Nothing could make a home look more unique!   For the jewelry lover Who doesn’t love getting jewelry for the holidays? It’s sparkly and shiny, and is sure to make them feel merry and bright. There are options for fused glass rings, necklaces, pendan

When creating stained glass art, the size and type of foil can be tricky. For newcomers to this type of glass art, many questions arise as to which copper foil is the right one to use. Fortunately, Delphi Glass has some handy tips to help you make the right choice every time.   1. Foil width You might be inclined to select foil that creates skinny lines, however they are not as strong. That’s because you can’t apply as much solder. For most projects, you’ll find 7/32” copper foil will be suitable, however if you vary the width of the foil it will add more depth. If you’re using thicker glass, 1/4" foil will create a seam of normal width. But if you want special effects, take a razor knife and trim the copper foil after you apply it to the glass. Creating distance in your piece can be done by making the foil lines thinner in a gradual way. For that, you’ll want 3/16” or 5/32” copper foil used sparingly to add these touches of details. So long as you’re not using thinner bits of solder lines on the entire project, it will stay strong.   2. Foil thickness Foil is measured in mils. T

Looking for new ways to Be Creative as we roll into fall and winter? The holidays are just around the corner. Halloween will be here before we know it. Then it’s on to Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and more. Get all the holiday inspiration you need for making your most stunning glass art projects to make the season truly shine with The Fall 2017 Glass Patterns Quarterly Holiday Issue.   Inside, you’ll discover a wide variety of projects designed for glass enthusiasts of all levels from beginner to advanced to find the perfect way to celebrate the upcoming holiday season. Halloween projects, Christmas panels and ornaments, and a fused glass snow scene candle cover are just a few of the fabulous offerings you’ll find in this exciting issue. You’ll also find ways to spruce up a purchased lantern with new glass panels and agate accents. The “What’s New” section features the latest and best ways to make creating memorable works of art with glass even more enjoyable, plus the 16-Page Pattern Sheet give you even more ways to create new and beautiful décor for inside and outside your home or to make gorgeous gifts every

First it was Texas with Hurricane Harvey. Then just a couple weeks later, the entire state of Florida was engulfed with vicious Hurricane Irma. Both hurricanes left devastation in their wake with total destruction of property, flooding, and even claiming lives.   It’s been a rough few weeks for the south of the country, but the spirit of the people affected is strong, even if many areas are still without electricity while the outside temperatures continue to climb. For those affected, hurricanes can be traumatic even if no loss of lives or property has taken place. It hammers away at the spirit and brings about more stress. Plus for many, it keeps them out of work with no way to make up the losses.   For those that weren’t in the path of either hurricane though, it gives the opportunity to lend a helping hand. One great way to make that happen is to use your talent as a glass artist to raise money for disaster relief. Famously in Austin in 2015, the Armadillo Art Glass Initiative held a Main Event with live glass blowing demonstrations as well as other arts, music and food to raise money for Meals On Wheels. It worked too. They raised ov

Take your flameworking skills to the next level with Delphi Glass. We’re excited to offer classes that teach you how to create hollow functional glass art. Hollow functional glass art involves the creation of different vessels that you can use in different ways. In these classes, you’ll become familiar with using Borosilicate glass, COE 33, to design your own unique hollow glass art creations including cups, shot glasses, vases, and pipes.   Instructor Val Oswalt-De Waard shows you how to become a master at this technique. You’ll learn how to use basic borosilicate tubing techniques to heat and shape hollow forms into functioning glass sculptures. See it done and then get a hands-on experience to blow hollow forms, open cups and flame open-air holes. You’ll also learn how to introduce some color into these hollow forms.   One-day classes on hollow functional glass art allow for enough time for every attendee to have the chance to make a shot glass, a hollow pendant, and two pipes. If you have some experience with flameworking, this is an amazing class to help you grow and expand your skill set. However, if you’ve never do

As with many things, we have Japan to thank for metal clay art. It first started there in 1990, allowing crafty jewelry makers to create gorgeous and sophisticated pieces without the involved study required to make jewelry out of precious metals.   This crafting medium binds small particles of metal like silver, gold, copper or bronze to make into jewelry, beads, or even small sculptures. It’s easy to shape into any form, just like soft clay. You can shape it by hand or with the use of molds. Once it’s dry, it can be fired by kiln, with a handheld torch, or even on your gas stove, though much of it depends on the type of clay as well as the metal that’s mixed into it. As it’s heated, the binder burns off leaving only the metal behind and revealing your beautiful artistic creation.   If you’re looking to explore a new glass art technique, Delphi Glass has everything you need to get started with metal clay art. There are books about metal clay art to provide you with creative inspiration and techniques. Plus, Delphi Glass has a huge selection of all the materials needed to start making your own metal clay art pieces. F

Every year, Delphi Glass holds a special one-day only Sidewalk Sale at Delphi’s Lansing Creativity Center. This year, save the date for Saturday, July 29, 2017. From 10am to 5pm, you can come in and get incredible savings in-store only.   Visit Delphi Glass in Lansing to save 50% or even more on the power tools you need to bring your creative glass art ideas to life. Kilns, grinders, ring saws, band saws, and just about every other tool you use will all be marked with the best savings of the year.   The savings are only available by coming into the Lansing location so it’s worth the trip to save on one-of-a-kind items, closeouts, discontinued products, and a selection of sheet glass too. You can get everything you need to be creative for even less than before which means you’ll be able to create more than you can imagine.   Stock up your studio by visiting the studio at Delphi Glass. While you’re there, you can find out about upcoming classes and sign up too. There is always something new to learn and discover. Delphi Glass offers classes with special guest instructors as well as classes for beginners, intermed

Summer is officially here and with the longest day of the year already in the books, now we can look forward to celebrating America’s birthday on July 4th. No doubt you’ve got big plans to have everyone over to celebrate with a big backyard barbecue or pool party.   As you’re busily buying up hotdogs, buns, condiments, chips, burgers and other tasty July 4th food staples, don’t forget about using your creativity to make some spectacular star-spangled 4th of July glass art to show off to family and friends when they come over.   Delphi Glass has 2 fantastic free guides to help you bring out the freedom in your creativity for 4th of July. One of them is the Free Eagle Stepping Stone Project Guide . Ideal for those with intermediate stained glass skills, the hexagonal shape of the stone will be a welcome addition to any backyard, or can even serve duty in the front of your home leading up to your front door. Make one for a simple accent, or make a bunch of them to let your love for America truly shine.   The other free project guide Delphi Glass has for you is the Stars and Stripes Wind Chime Guide . Designed by V

Mosaics are one of the most beautiful ways to add a unique touch to your garden or home. They can be crafted to form stunning pictures or patterns. You can also use mosaics to take something ordinary and make it into an extraordinary one-of-a-kind item for your home.   Candle holders, bordered mirrors, vases, coasters, and wall hangings are just some of the things you can create with mosaics to make the décor in your home really stand out. You’re really only limited by your imagination as to what you can create when you make mosaic art.   Mosaics can be done in a variety of ways, incorporating different materials to create your own distinctive pieces. From tiles and glass which are by far easier to cut and shape to making use of broken bits from bottles or other recyclable materials, mosaics take small pieces and incorporate them together to result in the creation of a stunning masterpiece.   A quick look through the Delphi Glass artist gallery is sure to take your breath away while giving you inspiration for your own mosaic art creations. You’ll see beautiful mosaic pendants, abstracts, stained glass mosaics, and m

Tiffany lamps are a beautiful way to bring a classic touch to any room. They not only light up a room but they also serve as a work of art that can change any space from ordinary to extraordinary. Reflecting more than light, they shine with the expert craftsmanship from the artists who painstakingly hand make each one.   In the 1890s, the first Tiffany lamp was created. It was named as such because it was supposed that Louis Comfort Tiffany had been the first designer of this lamp, but it would later be revealed that Clara Driscoll was the original creator of this gorgeous style of lighting. The Tiffany lamp grew in popularity in 1893 thanks to the Worlds Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Tiffany had displayed his lamps there and it became one of the most sought-after items of that time period.    The inspiration of course came from the invention of the light bulb by Thomas Edison in 1879. Tiffany wanted to make glass lampshades utilizing his experiences with stained glass to create spectacular floral designs. Using the same methods he employed for making glass windows, he made paper patterns of the designs and then used the patterns to cut his gl

Mother’s Day is quickly approaching. But don’t panic if you don’t have anything for her just yet. Delphi Glass has some great ideas for what to get Mom this year. If you’re looking to do something different than flowers and chocolates, here are some fantastic last-minute ideas that are sure to make Mom feel special.   1. Cook and clean for her Mom works so hard all the time caring for everyone else. Show her how much you appreciate everything she does by making her favorite meal. Don’t forget to clean up afterward! You can also opt to take her out to eat, but make sure you make reservations or else you might be waiting a long time to get seated.   2. Make her a photo frame Nothing is more unique than creating a beautiful frame with a photo of you with Mom. This free photo frame project guide will help you make a one-of-a-kind frame that she’ll love.   3. Give her a good book Reading enriches the soul. Let Mom relax with a good book. Delphi Glass has many books on how to be creative with mosaics, stained glass, patterns and guides, lamp books, and much more. There’s somet

Delphi Glass offers supplies and instruction for a myriad of art glass and other crafts, from the very simplest for the beginner hobbyist all the way to the most complex for the experienced artist, including glass fusing, wire wrapping, metal embossing, etching, carving, jewelry making, copper foil, sandblasting, glass sculpture, glass casting, copper enameling, beading, glass blowing, mosaics, ceramics, and others—a seemingly endless list of creative opportunities. In our Lansing, Michigan facility, Delphi offers a full schedule of classes and events. Utilizing four on-site, fully-equipped classrooms, more than 100 different courses are offered for beginners, intermediate and advanced students. Some classes last just a few hours while others may meet for several days. Classes are taught by popular guest artists or in-house experts. We believe in helping people be creative and making the glass arts enjoyable and rewarding. Delphi Glass fulfills its commitment to the arts by assisting creative projects of individuals, and supporting the development of educational programs in communities. Throughout its history, Delphi Glass has worked towards these goals of fosterin

It’s time for America’s largest glass and bead expo once again! The 2017 Glass Craft & Bead Expo will be held at the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can join in on classes there from Wednesday, March 29th through Sunday, April 2nd. Exhibits are available for viewing from Friday, March 31st through Sunday, April 2nd.   Delphi Glass is excited to be an exhibitor at this incredible event. It’s a great opportunity for all glass artists to explore the latest innovations in products and services for glass art from kilns to tools to glass types and colors. People travel from all over the world to attend this famous expo where they can view the exhibits and take exciting classes that include things like painting with frit, frit slurry flowers, advanced fused bowls & techniques, and many more. In total, there are over 250 classes you can take at the Glass Craft & Bead Expo. Additionally, there is a “Bead Bazaar” which showcases a stunning array of handmade beads, gorgeous jewelry, and unique specialty creations designed by the most prestigious artists in America.   This is the eleventh year the

For many beginners, getting into glass fusing can be a little intimidating, especially if you’re completely new to any kind of glass art. But fusing glass as a way to express your creativity is a fantastic outlet. It’s one you’ll really enjoy and really surprise yourself with once you give it a try.   Here are some simple tips for glass fusing for the first time.   1. Just go with it So you’ve never fired glass before. No big deal. There are lots of firsts in our lives. Don’t expect the first thing you create to be the world’s next greatest masterpiece. Just let it happen and you’ll get a feel for the craft.   2. Start simple This is not the time to pick some ornate design to create. Stick with a simple and small-sized piece. Once you get the hang of glass fusing, you can make anything you dream up into a glass art reality.   3. Prepare your kiln Glass fusing requires a kiln, and Delphi has a great selection of kilns . Before you begin, you’ve got to get your kiln and shelves ready with kiln wash. You need to run the kiln empty once to burn off any resi

No matter what you’re into – mosaics, stained glass, glass fusing, or glass jewelry – Delphi always has the tools you need to be creative. Without your tools, it would be impossible to bring to life all the incredible ideas that you dream up. As our 26th Annual Art Glass Festival quickly approaches, we know our glass artists are busy fusing, firing, and cutting to create their best pieces ever by using their favorite tools.   So what are your favorite tools? Let’s explore some of our most popular tools.   Toyo Dry Wheel Supercutter Everyone loves this oil-free cutter because it’s easy to use and makes great cuts without all the clean-up. Plus, it’s very durable and the cutter head is replaceable, making this tool a prime choice for glass artists.   Creators Premium Bottle Cutter Glass artists that love to upcycle love this tool that makes cutting bottles a cinch. The rings isolate your score to make it easier to separate bottles. It even works on those thick champagne bottles. Some amazing bottle art has been created using this fantastic tool.   Frit Sifter On

While it’s true that the groundhog predicted 6 more weeks of winter and most of the country is blanketed in snow, you can cheer up knowing that spring is right around the corner. When you find yourself trapped indoors due to the freezing temperatures and piles of snow, you can warm up with toasty thoughts of the upcoming spring season.   Let those spring thoughts fuel your creativity and passion for art glass. There’s no limit to what you can create with fused glass, stained glass, mosaics, and glass jewelry. Let the world of spring be your inspiration.   Spring is when the land wakes up again, with blooming flowers and trees that grow back their leaves and show their first signs of fruit. Spring is when animals come out from the hollows and explore the world anew. It’s a tremendous time of rebirth from the ground up.   Don’t just sit and stare out the windows into the snow wishing for spring to come. While you wait, keep busy by honing in on your craft. Snowed in? Hunker down in your studio to create your best pieces yet. From birds to butterflies, embrace the essence of spring and capture it in your work.

Behind the innovative molds we’ve all come to love from Creative Paradise is an intensely creative artist, Stephanie O’Toole. She recently sat down for a fascinating interview with Delphi.   Creative Paradise – where creativity takes shape – is the kind of place that doesn’t sound like work. Stephanie let us in on her creative process regarding how she came to design molds to make complex artwork more accessible for everyone to enjoy.   She draws her inspiration from all over. Whether it’s from surfing around the internet or while out shopping at stores, Stephanie looks for interesting shapes and ways to constantly change things up. Some of the amazing creations from Creative Paradise include drop and drape molds that allow for more elevation in fusing. Stand-up molds were another idea that Stephanie pioneered, making it easy to achieve vertical heights with fused glass. Her ideas also come from talking with friends, family, and even the customers she chats with when they visit Creative Paradise.   Stephanie believes creativity should be a vital part of everyone’s life. “It’s good th

Now that we’re into the New Year, perhaps you’ve made a few resolutions regarding your glass art. Maybe you’ve vowed to learn a new technique or delve deeper into the glass art of your choice. Whatever the case may be, Delphi has many classes scheduled for this year and you can be a part of them!   Not sure how to sign up for a class at Delphi? Just click here to get right to our classes home page . Once there, you can browse classes by craft. There are classes for stained glass , mosaics , fusing , jewelry and flameworking . In this section, you can also look up special store events to see what’s happening at Delphi or you can choose to search by guest instructor if there’s an artist you’d most like to have the chance to learn from.   One of the best tools is the class calendar . It gives you an overview of what classes are coming up soon. You can also use the calendar on the left side of the page to select a month and date. Once you find a class you want to join, simply click on it. It will give you all the information you need for taking the class including the dates and times, the cost, and what mate

As 2017 fast approaches, you’re probably thinking of what resolutions you’re going to make (and hopefully stick to) in the New Year. Perhaps it’s getting more exercise or eating more healthfully, the two most common resolutions people make every year. Those are great resolutions to make, but it’s also good to think outside the box when making your resolutions. Here are some suggestions for glass art resolutions to make.   1. Organize your creative space By taking a little time to organize and arrange your art glass tools and supplies, you’ll be saving yourself time in the long run. That means you’ll have more time to focus on what really matters: being creative. Plus, when you keep things organized, you’ll know what supplies you need to stock up on. Nothing is more frustrating than being in the middle of a project only to realize you’re out of something you need.   2. Try something new So you’re amazing when it comes to fusing glass, but why not give another type of glass art a try? You can attempt a mosaic or even try a new technique in fusing that you’ve never tried before. At Delphi, there are

‘Tis the season for shopping. Have you found something for everyone on your list? If not, we’ve got some fantastic suggestions for gifts they’ll be sure to love! Michigan Cast Iron Skillet For the chef that lives in and loves Michigan, there’s no better cookware than a cast iron skillet shaped just like the mitten state! But fear not if you’re not gifting to someone in Michigan. They make skillets in the shapes of other states like Texas and New York. There’s also one in the shape of America for the ultimate patriot. Karaoke Party Light-Up Music Ball This Bluetooth-controlled karaoke ball is loads of fun for anyone who is the life of the party. Light up the living room and belt out your favorite tunes. It works with all music players too. Foodie Dice If you know someone who always has trouble figuring out what to cook for dinner, these Foodie Dice are just the solution. With a roll of the dice, it will really shake up their cooking routine and help them break out of their mealtime rut. Pocket Wine Aerator For your favorite wine enthusiast, this pocket wine aerator can decant any glass of wine on the g

There are only 52 days left until Christmas! Have you started your holiday shopping yet? If not, Delphi has you covered with some bright and shiny ideas for the stained glass artist in your life. Here are some we think will be very well received if you tuck them under your tree!   1. Stained Glass A stained glass artist can never have too much glass to work with. We carry a huge selection of stained glass . Why not order some new and exciting colors for your favorite stained glass artist? Try something different like the Van Gogh glass that is almost too pretty to cut. Plus with glass packs and sample sets, your recipient will get a gorgeous array of glass to work with in one fabulous package.   2. Studio Pro Caddy If you’re stained glass artist has tools all over the place in their studio, perhaps a Studio Pro Caddy will be useful. It keeps all essential tools within easy reach and has them ready to use. Plus, the bottle holder and the iron stand keep chemicals and the hot iron safe.   3. Finishing Compound For the stained glass artist, that has everything, finishing compound is always a nice gift because it’s something tha

There are only 52 days left until Christmas! Have you started your holiday shopping yet? If not, Delphi has you covered with some bright and shiny ideas for the stained glass artist in your life. Here are some we think will be very well received if you tuck them under your tree!   1. Stained Glass A stained glass artist can never have too much glass to work with. We carry a huge selection of stained glass . Why not order some new and exciting colors for your favorite stained glass artist? Try something different like the Van Gogh glass that is almost too pretty to cut. Plus with glass packs and sample sets, your recipient will get a gorgeous array of glass to work with in one fabulous package.   2. Studio Pro Caddy If you’re stained glass artist has tools all over the place in their studio, perhaps a Studio Pro Caddy will be useful. It keeps all essential tools within easy reach and has them ready to use. Plus, the bottle holder and the iron stand keep chemicals and the hot iron safe.   3. Finishing Compound For the stained glass artist, that has everything, finishing compound is always a nice gift because it’s something tha

At Delphi, we often get messages on Facebook and through customer service about package tracking. We’re always so happy to help assist you, though we hope this little tip will help you find the package you’re looking for.   It’s very easy to locate your package using our Order Tracker. To find it, you can look at the bottom of our home page, where it says Track Your Order . Once you click on that, it will ask you to fill in your order number or your confirmation number. Next, simply click the button to the right of it that says “get tracking.”   You also have the option of viewing a list of your orders placed online. However you choose to use the Order Tracker feature, it should help you to determine when your packages will arrive.   What if there’s a problem or your number is not found? If you run into any problems at all, you can visit our Customer Service page. There you can find more information including how to contact us . There’s a quick answer reference there too where you can check to see if there’s an easy answer to your question.   If you don’t find what you’re looking for

Something better than pumpkin spice is coming…Michael Dupille will soon be at Delphi’s Lansing location for a 3-day class on frit fusing . Micahel Dupille, making Seattle frit and fabulous since the 1970s, brings with him his expertise, charmingly referring to his technique of painting with glass from crushed glass bits or frit as we know them along with firing methods as fritography.   Considered a pioneer in the field of kiln-formed glass, Michael’s sold out class will be held for those who seek to garner his wisdom at any level from beginner to pro. The 3-day event will begin with a class on Beginning Fritography. Those in attendance will get the special chance to learn and explore new techniques that will help them design on a completely new level and add more sophistication to their pieces.   Michael will also show how to create distinct shapes, give surfaces unusual finishes, the proper firing schedules, and how to make murals. A variety of frit sizes will be incorporated, resulting in unbelievable effects.   Spending 3 days with Michael is a treat for many new and avid glass artists. He’ll be sharing his thoughts on color

It’s official. Everywhere across the country, millions of young adults have flown the nest with bags packed, ready to begin a new adventure at college. It’s a great time for them to learn more about their studies, the world and themselves.   College is also a place to make friends and develop a lifelong loyalty to a mascot that they will likely pay homage to in many ways. Some of those ways might not be so creative, like shouting out the window to a neighboring car with stickers from the same school. Or worse, shouting at someone from a rival university.   Team spirit ignites such a passion in all of us who have attended school. Even many years later, you probably still cheer for your team. Passion is what fuels creativity. One of the best ways to express creativity is to use art as your outlet. Stained glass projects, mosaic patterns, fused glass projects, and even glass jewelry are all great mediums for which to show your support for your favorite college team.   Take a look over in the Delphi artist gallery to get some creative inspiration for making your own team-inspired works of art. When it comes time for game day, you can proudly dis

Brace yourselves…fall is coming. And so are about a million different memes about pumpkin spice lattes and apple everything. So why not use that to fuel your fall inspirations with stained glass projects, glass fusing, mosaic designs, and glass jewelry?   Fall leaves are one of the most spectacular sights to behold. As the leaves change from green to red, orange, yellow and brown, why not use that as your next stained glass design? Or create a fused glass bowl that looks like a fall leaf? It could be the perfect centerpiece for your coffee table. Be sure to fill it up with some apple or pumpkin spice-flavored candy of course!   Cooler temperatures are coming as well. How about making some cool fused glass jewelry to go with your new sweater? Whatever fall glass art project you’re designing, we’ve got the supplies you need . Fall inspirations are all around you, even in our own Delphi artist gallery . Add yours to our gallery with the tag “fall.”   And let’s not forget that one of the best holidays will soon be upon us…Halloween! See if you can totally outdo the neighbors this year by making some spooktacular c

Header image courtesy of Chihuly Collection - St. Petersburg, Florida As glass artists, fueling our own imagination comes from being inspired by the creativity of others. Observing the beauty of glass art pieces that have been unleashed from another artist’s dreams, means we are that much closer to displaying our own for the world to see.   Visiting museums with glass art displays can give us more insight into what we can skillfully create and drive our dreams of becoming beloved artists. It can also be a beautiful way to spend a day. Here are some of the best museums in America to view stunning glass art collections and become inspired.   Macklowe Gallery – New York, New York You don’t need to travel the world to see the very best glass art because this gallery displays some of the finest pieces from all over the globe. You’ll find Tiffany lamps and Tiffany glass, French cameo glass by Argy-Rousseau, and much more.   Museum of Glass   (MOG) – Tacoma, Washington Founded in 2002, this museum commits itself to celebrating the movement of studio glass art. While it often features special collections, amon

If you love making stained glass projects, then you’ll love the cool effects that painting on stained glass can have. It gives you more of a chance to be creative, allowing for more of a flow of ideas without having to worry about cutting or other processes that need your complete accuracy to ensure a beautiful outcome.   The paints used for stained glass painting are made by taking ground glass and mixing it with a variety of colored pigments and a flux. They can be applied in any number of ways and then they get permanently affixed by being fired in a kiln. These paints may be transparent or opaque, and you can mix them together though it is advised that you stick to the same manufacturer when mixing paints for consistency reasons.   While stained glass painting is a wonderful way to experiment with a broad range of vibrant colors, you’ll need to make sure you keep exact records of your paint color tests to see what you mixed and what temperatures you used or it will all be for nothing.   When you buy paints for stained glass painting, you’ll need to find out which ones are low or high firing. Low firing paint is better suited to stain

Kaleidoscopes are a fun tool to use to enjoy optical illusions. With some mirrors, glass and colorful tidbits, you can create your own kaleidoscope that takes you to a world of beautiful images thanks to the items inside of it rotating along with the light coming in from the opposite end. The result is magical and can awe both children and adults.   Glass kaleidoscopes are particularly beautiful. They often look impressive on the outside as well. Magic on the inside and out, glass kaleidoscopes are an ideal summer stained glass project. Here’s how to make one of your own!   In addition to all your glass cutting tools, you’ll need: clear glass colored glass in the colors of your choosing copper foil brass rod solder (to use in your soldering iron) flux mirror kit disc kit faceted beads decorative copper or brass elements for adornments and leg supports patina solution felt circles Instructions: 1. First, line up your colored glass with your straightedge to make three strips that are 1x8 inches and mark them with a permanent marker.   2. Score the marked lines using your glass cutter, mak

Summer is a great time to unleash your creativity. It’s also a great time to grab a KraftyBlok or two from Delphi and bring your ideas to life. KraftyBlok is a multifaceted glass block that you can turn into pretty much anything you can dream up. Think of it as a blank canvas in glass block form .   Its smooth and clear surface is the perfect base for mosaics, etching, painting and plenty more. Plus, it has an opening where you can easily add embellishments or even lights to really make your KraftyBlok project shine. You can purchase KraftyBlok stands to display your KraftyBlok creation too.   There are endless possibilities to bring your KraftyBlok project to life on so many levels. Turn it into a piggy bank for your children or grandchildren. Make it into a stunning vase to hold your fresh-cut flowers. Night lights, picture boxes, bookends and more can all be easily made by using a KraftyBlok.   If you still need inspiration, get our free KraftyBlok eBook . There are step-by-step instructions and templates so you can recreate the projects featured in it. This free 48-page eBook brings you ideas for every season too, so you can find some in

Summer is a great time to unleash your creativity. It’s also a great time to grab a KraftyBlok or two from Delphi and bring your ideas to life. KraftyBlok is a multifaceted glass block that you can turn into pretty much anything you can dream up. Think of it as a blank canvas in glass block form .   Its smooth and clear surface is the perfect base for mosaics, etching, painting and plenty more. Plus, it has an opening where you can easily add embellishments or even lights to really make your KraftyBlok project shine. You can purchase KraftyBlok stands to display your KraftyBlok creation too.   There are endless possibilities to bring your KraftyBlok project to life on so many levels. Turn it into a piggy bank for your children or grandchildren. Make it into a stunning vase to hold your fresh-cut flowers. Night lights, picture boxes, bookends and more can all be easily made by using a KraftyBlok.   If you still need inspiration, get our free KraftyBlok eBook . There are step-by-step instructions and templates so you can recreate the projects featured in it. This free 48-page eBook brings you ideas for every season too, so you can find some in

With Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day coming up (May 21st and May 30th, respectively), Delphi Glass has those who have served our great country on our mind. Everyone knows someone who has served, whether it’s a grandparent, parent, sibling, spouse or friend. Being part of the armed forces takes a lot of dedication and leaves an indelible mark on those that serve forever.   Our veterans have learned powerful lessons in their lives that have shaped the way they are, but they also have to cope with the negative aspects of their experiences. Some of these brave men and women have seen things more horrible than we could ever fathom. Our veterans looked after us and kept our country safe. Now it’s time for us to return the favor and look after them.   If you’re looking for ways to support our great veterans, first and foremost, thank a veteran for their hard work when you pass them in the aisle at the supermarket or are waiting on line at the post office or bank. Secondly, try to find ways to give back and honor these courageous patriots. At Delphi Glass, we contribute to Operation Family Fund (OFF) an organization that was started by relations

The biggest names in glass are coming to Delphi Glass and you don’t want to miss out on joining a class!   As glass artists, we’re always looking for ways to improve our techniques. Every day that we create something, we learn something new. But when we’re presented with an incredible opportunity to work with award-winning artists, we’ve just got to get in on it before our chance to learn from one of the greats is gone.   This summer, Delphi Glass is excited to present you with the opportunity to join in on classes from some very special guest instructors. You don’t want to miss your chance to sign up with these talented folks. Class space is limited to ensure you have the best and most intimate learning experience.   Coming up in June, there’s still some room left to join in on Joseph Cavalieri’s class for stained glass painting. If you’re not familiar with Cavalieri’s work , he owns and runs the CAVAglass Studios in New York City. His projects are amazing, showcasing his expertise in hand-painted, silk-screened and airbrushed stained glass. It’s amazingly unique and if you sign up now, you&rsq

The biggest names in glass are coming to Delphi Glass and you don’t want to miss out on joining a class!   As glass artists, we’re always looking for ways to improve our techniques. Every day that we create something, we learn something new. But when we’re presented with an incredible opportunity to work with award-winning artists, we’ve just got to get in on it before our chance to learn from one of the greats is gone.   This summer, Delphi Glass is excited to present you with the opportunity to join in on classes from some very special guest instructors. You don’t want to miss your chance to sign up with these talented folks. Class space is limited to ensure you have the best and most intimate learning experience.   Coming up in June, there’s still some room left to join in on Joseph Cavalieri’s class for stained glass painting. If you’re not familiar with Cavalieri’s work , he owns and runs the CAVAglass Studios in New York City. His projects are amazing, showcasing his expertise in hand-painted, silk-screened and airbrushed stained glass. It’s amazingly unique and if you sign up now, you&rsq

Saws are great for cutting glass, but sometimes, it’s a more precise cut we need for an obscurely-shaped piece. When you want to make circles with glass or cut out unusual shapes for your stained glass project, what should you use?   Many glass artists loathe cutting circles because it is so difficult to make it just right. Fortunately, you don’t need to scrap any glass project that contains circles anymore because the Silberschnitt Pro Circle Cutter is just what you need.   This German-engineered product uses a strong suction cup to hold onto the glass. You’ll need to make sure the glass is stationary on your cutting area so that it doesn’t move. Then you can set the Silberschnitt Pro Circle Cutter to the width of your desires.   To make that perfect circle, you’ll need to apply continuous pressure as you cut. The 6-wheel cutting turret is designed to make flawless scores. You can avoid dullness by rotating the wheels. The cutting ruler on the Silberschnitt Pro Circle Cutter can measure in inches and centimeters too. It’s ideal for any project that requires circles in sizes of 2 ½ inches on up to 24 inches in di

As the weather starts to warm up, everything around us begins to blossom again. The flowers bloom, the trees start to turn green again and the birds come back to sing for us. It all means that spring is here. Now is the time to embrace this beautiful season where nature seems to be calling us back out into the wild.   When you think of spring, what comes to mind first? Is it flowers? Or birds? Perhaps it is a beautiful landscape that’s lit up by the lingering sun that now sets later in the evening. Whatever it is, all you need to do to find inspiration to create something spectacular is open your door and walk out into the world.   But if birds and flowers aren’t your idea of the perfect theme for your next stained glass, fused glass, mosaic or glass jewelry project, you’ll have to dig deeper. Sure, all of it has been done before but no one has seen what you have through your eyes, and isn’t that what it means to create art?   Butterflies are a great spring theme and you can make them your own by creating them in the way you see them. You can also imagine yourself somewhere else, where the world might look different during spring t

Ask anyone what the most wonderful time of the year is and you’re bound to get a lot of responses about the winter holidays. But here at Delphi Glass, our favorite time of the year has to be during National Art Glass month when we host our Annual Art Glass Festival.   We love it because we truly have some of the most talented customers around. Every year, it seems the entries get more and more incredible. Click here to visit the gallery of our previous Art Glass Festival winners. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro at creating glass art projects, we encourage you to enter for a chance to win great prizes ranging in value from $100 to $400. We have a wonderful variety of categories that you can enter your work under. Some of them include beads & jewelry, blown glass, flameworked glass, kiln formed glass, lamps, large panels (entries for this category must be larger than 2 square feet), mosaics and small panels (less than 2 square feet).   You don’t need to be in Lansing, Michigan either to participate. You can enter from anywhere online until March 31, 2016. If you’re going to bring your entries to the Lansing location, make su

Whether you’re making a fused glass project or a unique piece of glass jewelry, why not let it really shine by adding some glowing pigment? CBS Aqua Glow is a powder that works well with glass fusing as well as fused glass jewelry. While it appears yellowish in color, once exposed to a prolonged light source such as a lamp or the sun, it illuminates in an illustrious aqua color in the darkness.   What’s neat about this pigment is that it reflects a gentle color to the art you create when you see it in the light. But once the lights go out, it becomes even more spectacular. CBS Aqua Glow is compatible with all COEs too and that makes it an excellent pigment to use when creating anything from glass beads to lampworking and beyond.   If you’d like to use this pigment in your next glass project, you’ll want to get the ratio just right. Glow pigment mixed with glass powder uses a ratio of 1:4, with the smaller portion being for the glow powder. You’ll also want to cap, or encase, your glow powder inside layers of glass so that you’ll get a smooth texture when creating your pieces and keep the glow pigment from wearing away, which w

If you’re looking for some inspiration so you can ring in spring with a festive seasonal piece, get your copy of Delphi’s free Easter eBook . Did I mention it’s free? Easter is on March 27th this year and wouldn’t it be great to make something beautiful to display for Easter dinner? You’ll definitely want to take a look at the projects featured in the free Easter eBook, where every artist can find creative motivation from stained glass to glass fusing to mosaics to glass jewelry. If you’re looking for fused glass ideas, the fused glass bunny dish would be an adorable addition to your Easter table. You can let it just be art or you can give it some jellybeans to hold for the kids. For a grand Easter decoration that you can put up in the window, try the stained glass cross panel. When the light from the spring sun hits it, it will light up your room and your heart with love. If you like using recyclables to create your works of art, try making the mosaic bunny vase using a recycled bottle. You can use our included mosaic pattern or you can let your own imagination run wild. Either way, it will make such a beautiful centerpiece

Every artist that works with glass knows how important it is to have the right tools. Without them, we’d never be able to bring our visions to life. When cutting glass for a project, a quality cutter is essential.   Gemini Saw Company has thought of what we need when cutting glass with the Taurus 3 Ring Saw . Improving on former models, this ring saw has a 1/5 HP motor and is so lightweight at just 14 lbs., you can take it anywhere. Plus, the saw part snap outs of the water bath, turning it into a hand-held saw. It has its own water so it can easily be used as a portable saw.   But perhaps the best feature of all is the round diamond bit blade. It’s a 5-3/4” multi-directional blade which means you can cut seamlessly in any direction you choose. The greater blade exposure means more precise cuts. As you begin to cut your glass piece, the working area illuminates with a built-in bright white light to make it easier to see what you’re doing.   Another upgrade from the previous model is the larger work surface. It’s 25% larger at 17-3/4” x 16” with a 5-5/8” depth. It also makes much less noise than older models

Each month at Delphi Glass, we’d like to put the spotlight on one of the many talented artists we see daily in our Artist Gallery. For the month of February, we’re delighted to introduce Stephanie Murphy, who goes by the name aMosaicist in our gallery. Stephanie was born and raised in Palmerton, Pennsylvania, and now lives just south of there in a town called Schnecksville. After earning her nursing degree in college, she became a critical care nurse for 10 years. But in order to care for her autistic son, Patrick, she had to leave her career behind. Throughout college and beyond, Stephanie began using art as a coping mechanism for the stresses in her life, especially when it came to raising her autistic son. “In college, I filled my electives with art classes, drawing and ceramics, to give my brain a respite from the vigorous nursing courses. Creating art gives my left brain some rest and my right brain some much needed exercise. I can go on vacation without ever leaving home. Creating mosaic and fused glass art is something I do for me.” Stephanie has been creating mosaics for 13 years and fused glass for about 4 years. She got her start by

The art of assembling small fragments of glass, stone and other materials to form a larger image is known as mosaics. What is much less known is that this practice is about 4,000 years old or so. Some of the most famous pieces of the world’s artistic history were mosaics, like this Roman piece found in Turkey of a gypsy girl, estimated to be from the 2nd Century CE. If you’re looking to make your own bigger picture, you’ll need to choose your mosaic pattern and round up your mosaic supplies, which will include making sure you have enough mosaic tiles to get the job done. That might seem obvious, but if you’re new to the artful world of mosaics, here are some little tips that will help you create a mosaic you’ll be able to brag about:   1. Start small and simple Don’t even think about trying to tackle a mosaic wall or flooring project first! Start with something small and simple so you can get your technique worked out. Coasters or picture frames make for great practice mosaic projects!   2. Get sketchy Choose a mosaic template you like from an image you find in a book, online or even from a photo you’ve

Frit Molds are becoming increasingly more popular, especially with all the new styles of jewelry molds coming out. Getting a beautiful finished project can be tricky at times. Issue #1: Glass tends to stick; and create sharp daggers on the sides of the glass project. This can happen when the glass separator is getting thin or worn away. Boron Nitride MR-97 is the answer. It is a versatile product that can also be used on stainless steel molds as well. Think of it like teflon on your frying pan. It will not allow the glass to stick to the mold. Projects pop right out and are ready to wear. You do have to follow the instructions and reapply as directed. Watch a video on how to use Boron Nitride MR-97. However if you do get spurs on the sides of your project, simply use a wet hand sanding pad to clean up the edges. Issue#2: The frit is trapping a lot of air bubbles that you can see in the finished project. Thats frit for you. Air bubbles will happen, however if you change the soak or hold time based on the size frit you used, you may have better luck. For example, if the mold calls for a 10-minute hold for fine frit, then it might be 25-3

Winter is a wonderful time for projects that warm us up. Whether we’re making something that depicts the chilly winter weather or creating something sunny and tropical to help us think warm thoughts, any of the winter variety glass packs are a fabulous choice.   When it comes to stained glass supplies, these sets of eight sheets of 8”x8” glass in assorted color schemes including blue and white hues as well as creamy whites with touches of warm color will bring your next stained glass project to life. Whether you use it to create lamps, panels, doors, or décor, there are no limits to what your imagination can dream up.   These winter glass packs of stained glass are a lot like how we look at life. It all depends on how we look at life. Some of us will look at these sets of colors and instantly think of windy, blustery snow-filled days. Some will look at that cold and depict it in a positive way, embracing the art that winter burns into us with her frigid blasts of air to create stained glass projects that celebrate winter. Meanwhile, others will feel inspired to lament the colder temperatures and endless snow, and perhaps showcase this in

Late Summer and Fall 2015 provides an opportunity to expand your artistic horizons. Delphi's Creativity Center in Lansing, MI presents new techniques introduced by Guest Instructors on the cutting edge of art glass innovation. This season renowned glass artists Wesley Wong, Margaret Zinser and Tim Drier impart their innovative new ideas and techniques to student glassworkers at Delphi. Get to know each artist and their work, then see which class is right for you! Class sizes are limited so register now to ensure your opportunity to work with these amazing artists. Wesley Wong Wesley Wong is an award-winning artist who designs and produces custom glass art from his studio in San Jose, California. His passion for glass started in 1981 with stained glass, which eventually lead him into mosaics and fused glass. His work features lots of bright colors and intricate patterns and has been exhibited in many juried glass and mosaic shows throughout the United States. Receive a 10% discount on any 2 of Wesleys September classes. Receive a 20% discount on all 3 of Wesleys September classes. Please call Delphi Creativity C

The Summer 2015 session of art glass classes at Delphi's Creativity Center in Lansing, MI is gearing up to start soon. This season renowned glass artists Peter McGrain and Deb Crowley impart their innovative new ideas and techniques to student glassworkers at Delphi. Get to know each artist and their work, then see which class is right for you! Class sizes are limited so register now to ensure your opportunity to work with these amazing artists. Peter McGrain Award winning artist/designer Peter McGrain has been working with stained glass for over 30 years. During this time he has handled every type of stained glass project imaginable; ranging in scope from intimate experimental panels to large-scale architectural installations. In all, it is his attention to composition and technique that make his imagery so successful. Check out Peter's work on his website or our Pinterest board. Class: Introduction to Traditional Glass Painting Friday, June 5, 2015 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Register Now Description Painting on glass is by far the

The Spring 2015 session of art glass classes at Delphi's Creativity Center in Lansing, MI is all set to start. This season renowned glass artists Cathy Claycomb and Margaret Zinser join Tim Drier and Carol Shelkin to help expand the scope of your glassworking skills. Get to know each artist and their work, then see which class is right for you! Class sizes are limited so register now to ensure your opportunity to work with these amazing artists. Tim Drier Tim Drier has been a glassblower for 25 years, and applies his scientific glassblowing expertise to artistic flameworking. He concentrates on creating decanters, goblets, vases, and human sculptural forms. Drier has taught flameworking courses at The Studio and the Pittsburgh Glass Center, and has demonstrated at the International Flameworkers Conference at Salem Community College. Check out Tim's work on his Corning Museum of Glass page or his Pinterest Board . Class: Introduction to Hollow Forms Friday-Saturday, April 17-18, 2015 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Register Now! Description Tims two day c

Glass artists have the unique opportunity to celebrate holidays by creating art to honor traditions. Passover is no exception. This eight day festival is celebrated in spring, commemorating the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The highlight of celebration is the Seder, a 15-step family tradition and ritual-infused feast that is served on a special Seder Plate. Designing a custom Seder Plate is a perfect way to honor the tradition. Incorporate favorite colors, create a modern square version, or add dazzling dichroic accents to dress up your design. Shop Seder Plate Molds to get started creating your own. Below are some beautiful variations on Seder Plates from glass artists that are fantastic examples of some of the ways you can personalize projects. This modern take on the Seder Plate features iridized glass and hand painted gold lettering, by Art Glass. Glassdesign dresses up the traditional round Seder Plate shape with dichroic accents. Yafit Glass brings a lively color pallet to this Seder Plate with vibrant transparent glass and gold hand-lettering. Artist Kerry Silver of Silver Fusion Art Glass uses vibrant color a

If you've ever stumbled across a project you love on DelphiGlass.com or read an Artist Spotlight in our catalog and wondered where we get all the project images the answer is simple. Most of them come from people like you - our customers - and at Delphi we love to show off your work. We regularly browse the Delphi Online Artist Gallery for projects and artists that inspire us to share. Open your own Delphi Artist Gallery and upload your projects . You could find your art features in a Delphi email, on our Pinterest boards or in an upcoming Delphi catalog. Delphi's Pinterest boards are a great place to find inspiration and get fresh ideas for your next project. If you want to get creative promote your studio or gallery or just show off your art - let Delphi help. Follow us on Pinterest to keep up on the latest trends, find beautiful projects and favorite supplies organized by season, theme or color to make it easy to browse. Get inspired to be creative this year. Have a look back at Delphi's most popular Pinterest boards, as well as our most liked and re-pinned pins from 2014: In 201

We are gearing up for the Winter/Spring 2015 session of art glass classes at Delphi's Creativity Center in Lansing, MI. This year accomplished glass artists Tim Drier and Carol Shelkin will bring their talent and expertise to Delphi to help students upgrade their skills. Get to know each artist and their work, then see which class is right for you! Class sizes are limited so register now to ensure your opportunity to work with these amazing artists. Tim Drier Tim Drier has been a glassblower for 25 years, and applies his scientific glassblowing expertise to artistic flameworking. He concentrates on creating decanters, goblets, vases, and human sculptural forms. Drier has taught flameworking courses at The Studio and the Pittsburgh Glass Center, and has demonstrated at the International Flameworkers Conference at Salem Community College. Check out Tim's work on his Corning Museum of Glass page or his Pinterest Board . Class: Introduction to Hollow Forms Friday-Saturday, April 17-18, 2015 10:00am-4:00pm Register Now! Description Tims two day

This Spring Delphi is excited to host two amazing glass artists at the Delphi Creativity Center in Lansing, MI. Mosaic artist Carol Shelkin and master of beveling, Kent Lauer, will both be teaching this Spring at Delphi. Each artist brings their own unique skill set and techniques that any student from beginner to professional artist would enjoy. Get to know each artist and their work, then see which class is right for you! Class sizes are limited so register now to ensure your opportunity to work with these amazing artists. Carol Shelkin Carol Shelkin creates contemporary fine art and intricate mosaic designs that feature eminent care and attention to detail using hand-cut, high-quality stained glass. Her life-long passion for art has been honed through studies at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art and under the tutelage of mosaic masters in Italy. Her one-of-a-kind works can be found in galleries, community centers, libraries and private collections. Explore Carol's work on our Pinterest board or on her website .

We are excited about the Spring 2014 lineup of talented glass art experts teaching classes at Delphi's Creativity Center in Lansing, MI. Each artist brings their own unique skill set and techniques that any student from beginner to professional artist would enjoy. First up is cast and kiln formed glass artist, Gloria Badiner. Badiner is a former scientist and studio artist living and working in rural Southwest Michigan. Her studio, Arts & Artifacts, makes commissioned and custom kiln formed glass for architects, designers and furniture makers. Commissioned work includes cast panels, high relief tiles and sculptures as site-specific installations in businesses and residences. Her sculptures include fused, kiln cast, sand cast and dalle de verre works mostly on an intimate scale and are often mixed with copper, silver, stone, bone and found elements. The themes of night and day, nature and human ritual are strong themes woven into her work. For those interested in attending Badiner's class at Delphi this Spring, check out the details below. Hurry, as seats are limited and filling fast! Class: Kiln Formi

Like all glass artists, I love color. Any color, every color but one color in particular. Purple. So, when Radiant Orchid was named the 2014 Color of the Year in the spring Pantone color report, I will admit I was pretty excited. Radiant Orchid manages to combine the luxurious richness of purple with the light-hearted fun of pink. Drawing from both the purple and pink color families, orchid elicits feelings of passion and energy it is associated with insight, mystery, magic and ambition as well as hope, peace and good judgement. Plus, being in the purple family, it is considered a royal color; who doesn't love that? From flowers to dusky sky scenes, this surprising shade can really make a project pop! Explore Passionate Purple projects on our Pinterest board . Artist: Cheryl Smith, from Delphi's Artist Gallery Artist: W.K. van't Land, from Delphi's Artist Gallery Artist: Kevin Saxo, from Delphi's Artist Gallery Shop glass in Radian

Here's our list of 5 Favorite New Items from the November 2013 edition of Stained Glass News. In addition to information packed articles, every issue of Stained Glass News features the newest items for glass artists. Read on to learn more about these exciting supplies. 1. Papyros Kiln Shelf Release Paper in Precut 13" Rounds Time seems to be in short supply these days, especially during the busy holiday season. Save time and say goodbye to wasted shelf paper with Papyros Precuts. The convenient 13" round pieces are die-cut to fit your 14" 16 kiln, so you'll never be stuck trimming shelf paper when you'd rather be cutting glass and creating. Each piece offers the full benefits of this favorite kiln liner it holds up, often for several firings, and clean up is a snap! At Delphi, you can find Papyros Precuts in 4 convenient pack sizes, so you'll always have the right amount on hand choose single pieces, a pack of 25, 50, or 100. 2. Studio Pro Tools The Studio Pro Tool Caddy offe

2013 Has been a banner year for fusers with the introduction of so many new molds . It's almost impossible not to be giddy about all the fantastic ways your glass art can take shape. From large to small, there are molds to fit every kiln size and artist's style on offer. Make exciting home decor, jewelry, and unforgettable gifts. The only hard part is deciding which new molds to add to your collection first. Highlighted here are just a handful of our favorite new molds: 1. Bottle Molds The Spoon Rest Bottle Sagger offers up a fresh way to turn trash to treasure by turning discarded bottles into functional art. Create a stylish and useful spoon rest to keep your stovetop or dining table tidy. Browse all new Bottle Molds 2. Texture Molds Designing a show-stopping serving plate or centerpiece for the holiday season is easier than ever with

Nothing says classic winter beauty like the wonder of snowflakes. First captured on film by Wilson Bentley in 1885, these hexagonal crystalline forms fall by the millions every winter covering the landscape in delicate white blankets of snow. Just like us, every snowflake that falls to earth is a one-of-a-kind form. This unique beauty has inspired art and artists for decades. Although it seems a bit odd that you would be capturing ice with fire, snowflakes make excellent glass projects. Capturing them in a medium such as glass allows you to enjoy their beauty without ever having to worry about finding your mittens, Kevlar gloves maybe, but no mittens. As a child, one of my favorite winter pastimes was cutting paper snowflakes. Just like the real thing, each snowflake I made was different and as an adult, I still enjoy this craft as much as I did when I was 7. Now I can imagine you are already shaking your head at me saying: "Are you suggesting I put paper snowflakes in my kiln?!?" And my answer is, Yes. Yes, I am. By creating paper snowflakes from fusible kiln paper, you can create these timeless decorations out of paper and capture them permanently in glass. This is a g

As some pick out costumes and prepare for annual Halloween festivities, in Mexico people begin preparing to celebrate Da de los Muertos, the day of the dead. This three day event spans October 31st through November 2nd. Traditions vary from town to town. However, most families spend these three days honoring and remembering the lives of the dead with flowers, decorations, traditional foods and brightly decorated skulls. These are commonly known and referred to as Sugar Skulls. While both Halloween and Da de los Muertos embrace skulls, the scary skulls that are sometimes associated with Halloween don't compare to the ornate and sometimes tasty sugar skulls displayed proudly during this Mexican holiday. Sugar Skulls are funky, festive and a huge trend these days! In honor of Da de los Muertos we encourage everyone to celebrate other cultures and have fun getting creative with an icon ofthis traditional Mexican holiday, the Sugar Skull. In pop-culture Sugar Skulls are often adorned withhearts, crosses, flowers and filigree. The possibilities are endless so enjoy! Check out all of the ama

Here's our list of 5 Favorite New Items from the September 2013 edition of Stained Glass News: As always we look forward to receiving our quarterly issue of Stained Glass News. It is always packed with inspiration and highlights of the newest items available for art glass creations. Let us walk you through these exciting new items and see how they can add new dimension and style to your work today! 1. Dichroic Extract It's like glitter, all grown up! Add dichroic to your projects in ways you've previously only dreamed of with this fantastic new product. It's all the dazzle of dichroic, without a backing to limit your applications. With no COE, you can paint it on, sprinkle it, even pick it up in flameworked and blown glass projects. Dichroic Extract is available in all your favorite colors, plus fun sample sets to get started. 2. Fuseworks Gift Findings for Glass Creating fun, thoughtful gifts or glass accents you'll love to use is a breeze with these fantastic flat Fuseworks Gift Findings . Each comes with simple instructions to make finishing your projects easy. The perfect way to display your glass art cre

We are excited about the Fall 2013 line up of talented glass art experts teaching classes at Delphi's Creativity Center in Lansing, MI. Each artist brings their own unique skill set and techniques that any student from beginner to professional artist would enjoy. Tim Driers intricate hollow forms will amaze flameworking fans. Learn valuable new skills from this master glass blower. Gain fusing expertise in Janet Schraders classes. Janet has many special tricks to impart that will take your fusing knowledge to a new level. Kent Lauers glass magic will enthrall coldworking enthusiasts. Youll also learn glass gem making from this master of beveling. One look at Patty Grays fantastic glass art will have fusers thirsting to learn her secrets. Patty will share some of her unique methods during her Advanced Fusing class. Get to know each artist and their work, then see which class is right for you! Class sizes are limited so register now to ensure your opportunity to work with these amazing artists. Tim Drier Michigan native Tim Drier has worked as a scientific glass blower for more than 25 years. His e

August 26th might just be another Dog Day of Summer for some people, but here at Delphi we are looking forward to this day. Why you ask....well because it is National Dog Day. This year we have decided to do something special to celebrate not just dogs, but all our favorite furry, feathered and scaly friends. For the remainder of August, we're putting our favorite pet inspired glass art supplies on sale. Delphi will be donating 5% of the proceeds on all sale items to the Humane Society to help pets in need. We encourage everyone who loves animals or just loves using them as inspiration for their art to join us in supporting a good cause, now through August 31st. Here are some of our favorite supplies: Cat Designs Pattern Book Paw Bail Fat Cats Color Enamel Decals Pre-cut Paw Prints Available in 90 96 COE In previous years, we've hosted The Animal Creations Contest to shine a spotlight on fantastic projects depicting the creatures large and small that ste

National Book Lover's Day is a lesser known holiday - much to my disappointment. It's celebrated on August 9th every year. I love books. I love books so much that in my house, every day is Book Lover's Day. I'm hoping you'll join me in celebrating for this one day at least though. "A book is a gift you can open again and again." Garrison Keillor A home without books is like a room without windows. Horace Mann Books have always held a special place in my heart. They open up a world of new possibilities to me. Each time I come back to a book, I bring fresh experiences and perspective to it, which lets me take something new away from it. Art books are no different. In addition to the bones of the process, the invaluable instruction that they present, they offer an opportunity to dream and create. The project ideas and instruction allow me to gain a greater understanding of the process, and how to use the process as part of the art. I get a new jumping-off point for creativity. I believe that books are as fundamental to an artists' workshop as the raw materials they'll use to complete a project. Without one or the other, no artistic vision can be executed successful

Delphi is pleased to welcome glass artists Kaori and Keiji Okushima, from Shiga Prefecture in Japan, to our Lansing Creativity Center on Saturday Aug. 10th, from 3:30pm - 4:30pm. Come to Delphi for a chance to see Kaori create her glass jewelry and hear Keiji explain his creative process. Kaori and Keiji are both part of the Art from the Lakes program . Art from the Lakes is a special artists exchange project between the sister states of Michigan in the United States and Shiga Prefecture in Japan. Named to recognize the importance of Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture and the Great Lakes which surround Michigan, the 2013 exhibition and residency brings seven extraordinary artists to Michigans capitol city of Lansing to exhibit their works. As part of the exchange artists from Michigan will be invited and hold an exhibition in Shiga in the fall of 2014. Kaori Okushima, Glassworker The Art from the Lakes Exhibit is held at the Lansing Art Gallery, August 1st - September 28th, 2013. All are invited to attend the opening reception on F

With the end of our very first ever Pinterest contest, we are thrilled to welcome over 1,000 new followers to our Pinterest boards . We hope that everyone found inspiration to create glass garden art projects of their own from our Glass Garden Art board and our Garden Center . Congratulations to the winner, Cindy Pilat, who was randomly selected. Cindy's board has an inspiring collection of glass garden art. As the winner Cindy will receive an assorted mix of flameworking and jewelry supplies - plus a few fun mosaic supplies, a $100 value. Want to participate in future contests? Delphi announces all special events and contests through our email newsletters, sign up today! Also like us on Facebook to stay connected to all things Delphi. Thanks to all who participated in this contest.

"Well, hello there Carlise, my name is Cere. It's nice to meet you!" As a flameworker, the most powerful tool at our disposal is the torch. From raw gas to burning flame, the torch provides the energy needed to take glass from solid state to molten magic. As someone that typically works with Borosillicate glass (32 or 33 COE), I tend to work towards the hotter parts of the flame, however, if you work with Moretti (104 COE), or soft glass, you may find the cooler areas beneficial to you. No matter what kind of glass you are melting in your torch, when properly familiar with the parts and type of the flame, you can bring your work to new levels. Q: Oxidizing, Reducing and Neutral: What kind of flame do I have, and what does that mean to me? A: When being worked, many glass colors are sensitive to the atmosphere or the ratio of mixed gases in the flame. Different atmospheres can produce a diverse array of effects, some desirable and some not as much. It's important to know what kind of flame you are working with and what kind of flame your glass desires. When in doubt, start with a neutral flame and adjust your settings from there. Reducing Flame - a flame

Here's our list of 5 Favorite New Items from the May 2013 edition of Stained Glass News, also in this issue Stained Glass News 25th Anniversary Contest winners announced! 1. Button Molds from Creative Paradise What better way to show off your art, than to wear it! These fantastic new molds from Creative Paradise are available in three different styles, Small Round, Large Round, and Square giving you the freedom to create buttons for any apparel in your closet. We love creating glass art and what a bonus when it is practical too! 2. Getting the Blues can be Great - 2 Exciting New Colors from Spectrum Glass Expand your creative pallet with the latest hues from our friends at Spectrum Glass! Blue Topaz and Hydrangea Opal bring to life two of our favorite shades from nature, perfect for portraying bright ocean blues and subtle floral hues. These colors are aptly named for the gem stone and flower they represent. Blue Topaz is a copper bearing color, making this an excellent addition to the Reactive Color pallet. Hydrangea Opal is the lightest shade in the System 96 Blue Opal Line. Try these fun new project ideas from System 96 centered around t

Art Glass Festival is the most anticipated event of the year at Delphi, and it's no secret why. We get a chance to see all the fantastic glass art that talented artists like you have been making! We would like to say thank you to everyone that participated in Art Glass Festival 2013 - and a special thanks to our contributors , their generous support makes this event a success. Our contributors provide all of the amazing prizes that are handed out to the winners of both the store contest as well as online. During the month of April, the Lansing Creativity Center comes alive with inspiring art as it plays host to the Art Glass Festival gallery. The exhibit opens with an Artists' Reception where artists from near and far share their discoveries and achievements in glass art. Check out all of the exciting photos from this year's reception on Facebook. May brings the inevitable end of the Art Glass Festival exhibit at the Lansing Creativity Center, but it also gives us the much anticipated results of the People's Choice Award voting. We would like to congratulate this years' winner, Carol Santoro, shown here with her winning Blue Heron mosaic entry. Ar

Delphi Glass is pleased to welcome guest instructor Michael Dupille. Michael will be teaching two classes this May and June at the Delphi Creativity Center in Lansing, MI . Get to know this innovative glass artist and be inspired by his techniques. See a collection of his works on our Pinterest board . Michael is considered a pioneer in the field of kiln formed glass and has created many of the working processes and techniques which are considered standard in the warm glass industry today. Artist Bio A Seattle resident, he has worked in art his entire career as both creator and educator. Experienced in a variety of media including animation, illustration, print and textile design, he continues to challenge himself through invention and innovation. Michael was part of the glass blowing program at Central Washington University in the early 70s. Since the late 1980's he has worked extensively with glass, having developed and refined a technique for 'painting with glass' that uses crushed glass (frit) in combination with kiln fired methods. He refers to this process as fritography. Michael pioneered many kiln forming processes, especially in the area of mold maki

Did you know that April is National Earth month? Thats right, a month-long event scheduled for April 1 through April 30 in Washington, DC, featuring interactive, eco-friendly experiences to raise awareness of environmental issues and encourage sustainability. Earth Month 2013 represents a significant expansion of Earth Day festivities normally celebrated April 22. Join millions of people around the world and unite with the sole purpose of celebrating National Earth Month by looking for your communitys local efforts and meaningful programs. In the meantime, why not start the celebration at home with crafting projects that recycle, re-purpose and reuse. Responsible manufactures such as Diamond Tech are coming up with alternative crafting projects that provide a value proposition as well as social, emotional, and therapeutic benefits that balance in perfect harmony with any Earth Day celebration. For example, last year Diamond Tech introduced the Generation Green Bottle Cutter and Kits. These eco-friendly products allow craft enthusiasts to recycle and reuse glass bottle and jars otherwise bound for the trash.   Bottle Art Kits make it easy to cr

This spring, both System 96 and Bullseye have announced the expansion of their color palettes, and both have offered up some inspired (and inspiring) new hues for your glass art. The colors capture some of the more subtle shades that appear in nature when the lighting is just right - those magic moments when the world takes your breath away. They are also the colors that appear in tremendous works of art, from memorable paintings to your next project. Let these fresh colors inspire your designs. We're proud to introduce the latest hues here: NEW System 96 Blue Topaz Transparent Apple Jade Opal Hydrangea Opal Chambray Opal Payne's Gray Opal Blue Topaz Transparent mimics both the clarity and color of its namesake gemstone. Rounding out the selection between Sky Blue and Deep Aqua, this color blends beautifully with all the blues you already love. In addition,

Here's our list of the 5 hottest new and featured items from the March 2013 of Stained Glass News: 1. Creator's Premium Bottle Cutter What can the makers of the popular Cutter's Mate and Beetle Bits Cutting Systems do with a bottle cutter? It turns out - A LOT! They have designed a premium, top-of-the-line bottle cutter that is sturdy, easy to use and gives superior results. We love the special features on the Creator's Bottle Cutter, especially the aluminum slide bar ruler which makes cutting precise sizes a cinch, and the adjustable carbide cutting wheel so getting perfect pressure for an even score is a breeze. Want to learn more? See how it works with step-by-step photos and instruction . 2. Once You Try an Electric Mandrel Spinner , You Will Wonder How You Ever Created Beads Without One! With the Electric Mandrel Spinner, you will free yourself from arm and shoulder strain while creating beads faster and more consistently. The trick? This ingenious tool provides continuous rotation to your mandrel, so winding glass evenly is easier, heat is dispersed throughout the bead, and you can focus on the creative details. In a nut shell - it's an a

Here's our list of 5 Favorite New Items from the February 2013 edition of Stained Glass News. 1. Snowflake Casting Molds from Colour de Verre With the new premium mold from Colour de Verre you can make incredibly detailed, beautiful snowflakes. There are so many ways you can use these snowflakes. Hang them on their own (they are light) or incorporate them into projects. Were excited about how creative you can get making the snowflakes depending on the size of frit and firing temperature. LOVE them with dichroic! Check out the mold and free project sheets posted on our website. You wont believe the gallery quality of the pieces you can create. 2. Barefoot Tools are Back and Better Than Ever! Powder Vibe Electric Mandrel Spinner The Bearfoot Tools line has some of our customer's favorite tool; and we would have to agree! After recently not being available in glass art, the tools are now back with extra features and available in money-saving kits. Have the popular tools? Now there are tons of convenient accessories to get th

Extra! Extra! Read All About It Stained Glass News has Extended the Deadline to Enter the 25th Anniversary Contest Creating glass art is rewarding. Designing glass art that is stylish and functional is even better. What could make it even more amazing? Winning huge prizes just for sharing your project! Stained Glass News has just announced that the entry deadline for their 25th Anniversary Contest has been extended through February 28th, 2013. You get 8 incredible extra weeks to dream up new designs and send your submissions! Get more details about this contest in our Contest Announcement blog post, or get the contest rules and entry form to enter today.

If you're like most fusing artists, you like to try new things all the time. Pot melts fantastic! Raking amazing! Boiled glass stunning! Wait....what's boiled glass? Boiled glass is the hottest new way to get a stunning organic looking design in your fused art. Each piece will be completely unique, and is effortless to achieve. 1. Select several (3-4) pieces of tested compatible fusible glass to use. Both 90 COE and System 96 work well. We recommend using strong, contrasting colors with a layer of white or clear to help keep colors bright. 2. Cut glass pieces to size. Important note: Glass likes to be thick when fused. Because your project will be stacked more than thick, it will spread out during firing. Either dam the glass to prevent it from reaching the edges of your shelf, or cut glass small enough to ensure a safe fit. 3. On a kiln shelf lined with shelf paper, position the bottom layer of glass. Spoon Bubble Powder onto the surface of the glass and spread it out. 4. Stack additional layers of glass onto the base. Depending on the intensity of bubbles and boiled results desired, you can opt to simply add the glass, or to alternate l

Here's our list of 5 Favorite New Items from the November 2012 edition of Stained Glass News. 1. Realistic Leaf Casting Molds from Colour de Verre We always flip for the latest new molds from Colour de Verre, and these premium leaf molds are fantastic. They allow you to make gallery quality, detailed glass art pieces. You can create with Kiwi, Rain Forest, and Aralia leaf molds. Check out the molds and free project sheets posted on our website. You wont believe what you can create. Kiwi Mold Rain Forest Mold Aralia Mold FREE Kiwi Project Sheet FREE Rain Forest Project Sheet FREE Aralia Project Sheet 2. Our Favorite New Glass is Making us Twizzle! CBS Dichroics newest pattern, Twizzle, features a fun zig-zag design that has our creative juices flowing. Offered in Rainbow Mixture and Green/Magenta Blue on thin black and thin clear in both 90 and 96 COE. 3. Bea

Giving an incredible handmade gift can be easy, and doesn't have to take much time from your busy holiday schedule. This season, design a keepsake plate and take advantage of the firing time to whip up some cookies in the kitchen for a special gift that will last beyond the last scrumptious bite. 5 tips for creating quick plates: 1. Apply wash to your mold before getting started on your fused design. This will allow plenty of time for multiple coats to dry before it is time to slump. 2. Using two pre-cut circles (available in 90 COE or 96 COE ) as the base of your plate makes it the right thickness for a full fuse, so you can focus on adding details instead of cutting glass. 3. Fusible pre-cut shapes (available in 90 COE or 96 COE ) and millefiori (available in 90 COE or 96 COE ) make creating fast. Fun designs will add color and personality; all you have to do is arrange them! Note: Don't forget to match your COE. 4. Add details or holiday greetings with Glassline Pens. Looking for an easier way to apply it? Write your message on paper with black marker; place your base glass on top and trace. If it's hard to see, a light box can

Congratulations to the winner of Delphi's 3rd Annual Animal Creations Contest! The entry with the most votes was submitted by Kaitlyn K. The name of the piece is The Bengal Tiger and according to the description it was Kaitlyn's first mosaic piece standing about three and a half feet tall. Great job Kaitlyn, and congratulations! As the winner Kaitlyn will receive a Delphi Tote Bag filled with assorted animal pattern books, a golden honey stained wooden display box with a 6 inch square opening for your glass art, as well as other assorted goodies! Total retail value of over $85.00. We had over 200 entries in this contest spanning all of the glass art mediums and features animals of all sorts. Check some of them out in the slideshow of entries. Want to participate in future contest? Delphi announces all special events and contests through our email newsletters, sign up today!

In 1979, a journey began. That's the year Janet Schrader began working with glass, and she was immediately hooked. "Color is a very important part of who I am, so finding all the properties of changing color in glass has held my interest for many years. I love how glass changes color depending not only on the light source but also that it changes from morning to night as the light quality changes." Around 1988, Janet encountered dichroic glass for the first time, and fusing became the new focus of her glass art launching her successful line of handmade jewelry which she sold nation-wide. Janet's one-of-a-kind stained glass, jewelry and fused art have been met with enthusiasm, and winning awards including 1st and 2nd prize in the professional artist category for Fusion/Cast/Kiln work at the 2012 Glass Craft and Bead Expo in Las Vegas. Her love of learning and trying new things has kept her engaged in creating with glass as a medium. She is continuously seeking out opportunities to study new techniques. Janet shares this wealth of learning and experimentation in the many warm glass classes sh

The Holiday Season offers the perfect opportunity to create custom glass art celebrating traditions. Unique decorations and dishware featuring iconic designs are sure to become favorite centerpieces of your holiday decorations. Hanukkah is no exception - the Festival of Lights immediately conjures up images of dreidels and Hanukkah menorahs. Find a fresh take on the menorah and design your own in fused glass following step-by-step instructions courtesy of Aanraku Glass Studios, or make festive gift tags, plates or candle ornaments for Hanukkah with Free Project Guides. Looking for more ideas to create glass art projects for Hanukkah? Browse glass art Judaica supplies.

Contest Details: Submit any animal themed project done in art glass, mosaics, or jewelry. This is an online contest open to everyone. All skill levels, from beginning crafters to studio artists, are encouraged to participate. Submission Period: October 16, 2012 - October 30, 2012 (11:59 pm EST) Voting Period: October 31, 2012 - November 14, 2012 (11:59 pm EST) Winner Announced: November 15, 2012 Prize: There will be one grand prize given based on the entry with the most votes. The winner will receive a Delphi Tote Bag filled with assorted animal pattern books, a golden honey stained wooden display box with a 6 inch square opening for your glass art, as well as other assorted goodies! Total retail value of over $85.00 . Get Started: Enter for your chance to win. Visit Delphi's online Artist Gallery to submit your artwork. Need some inspiration? See some of our favorite Pet Project Supplies. Contest Rules: Entry can be an original design or from a published book or pattern. All entries to the Animal Art Contest must be submitted electronically through the Artist Gallery. Entries accepted October 16-October 30, 2012. Entr

Congratulations to our two winners of the Fused Glass Frit Art Contest! These two winners received the most votes in the categories of 90 COEand 96 COE and will receive the following prizes: 90 COE Prize - 12 medium 5 oz jars of frit in various colors and transparencies and a Bullseye waist apron, a $100 Retail value.Donated by Bullseye Glass Co. 96 COE Prize- Frit Sampler mini kit and an Iridescent Variety Pack, a $100 Retail value. Donated by Uroboros Glass Studios, Inc. Check out a slideshow of the 100+ entries in this contest. Thank you to all who participated. 90 COEWinner Title: Winter Artist: Kelly Crosser 96 COEWinner Title: Mesa Artist: Shaboom Art Glass

Here at Delphi, we love a good reason to celebrate. With the Holiday Season still looming weeks away, we were feeling anxious for a bit of excitement now. The good news? There are lots of lesser known holidays scattered throughout the year if you only look for them. (September includes a favorite of ours; National Talk Like a Pirate Day.) We needed another zany mood boost to get us through Thats how we found this gem: Its National Pet Peeve Week! In honor of this holiday we thought long and hard about what really gets under our skin and pushes our buttons while working on projects. Check out our top glass art pet peeves, and the simple solutions sure to put a smile back on your face! Pet Peeve : Disappearing Marker Lines Solution: Mark Stay II saves the day! Just wipe a little over marker lines for stay-put patterns while grinding or using a saw. Pet Peeve: All Tangled Up Solution: A Foil Dispenser keeps rolls tidy and ready to use. No more fighting with unruly rolls!

Where do I sell my work and how do I get there? Isn't that the question that is at the top of all of our lists? As John and I have plowed through what seemed at times to be an unknown and vast dessert with too few or too many direction signs, we eventually learned what worked for us. We've spent time investigating shows, galleries, commissions, advertising, contests and classes. All of these have been fruitful in one way or another, but some worked better for us than others. There are three that have impacted our business the most, and I will share those first. Early in 2010, I was sent an email by Delphi concerning the Spring Art Glass Festival Contest. I remember saying to John, "Wouldn't it be great if they chose one of our pictures to put in their catalog? That would be great advertising for us, and it would be Free!" All I had to do was load up pictures on the site. Sounds easy, but when you are technologically handicapped, it is not so easy. So I began to work through the process, and the first hurdle that had to be conquered was to take decent photographs. I found a digital camera on sale, John built me a closet-sized photo booth out of PVC, and we went

Contest Details: Submit any project done in art glass using frit. This is an online contest open to everyone. All skill levels, from beginning crafters to studio artists, are encouraged to participate. Entry must indicate which COE was used to create the piece, 90 or 96. Submission Period: September 19, 2012 - October 7, 2012 (11:59 pm EST) Voting Period: October 8, 2012 - October 14, 2012 (11:59 pm EST) Winners Announced: October 15, 2012 Prizes: There will be two prizes given based on the entry with the most votes within each COE, 90 96 as follows: 90 COE Prize - 12 medium 5 oz jars of frit in various colors and transparencies and a Bullseye waist apron, a $100 Retail value.Donated by Bullseye Glass Co. 96 COE Prize- Frit Sampler mini kit and an Iridescent Variety Pack, a $100 Retail value.Donated by Uroboros Glass Studios, Inc. Get Started: Enter for your chance to win. Visit Delphi's online Artist Gallery to submit your artwork. Need some inspiration? See our expanded product line for both 90 COE and 96 COE . Contest Rules : Entry can be an original design or from a published book or pat

Raise your hands if you are totally psyched about what is happening in todays arts and crafts world! In true Arnold Horshack form OOOOOOHHHHH! OOOOOOHHHHH! OOOOOOHHHHH! What has gotten me so excited - the rise of Mixed Media Collage! I have a confession to make, even though I work mainly in the art glass world - I am so the closet Mixed Media Collage junkie ! No wonder, my love of combining tiny pieces of tesserae to create mosaics translates perfectly to combining layers of mixed media to create a similar effect. Mixed Media Collage brings so many techniques together to create wonderful masterpieces. Its all about the layering and composition. And it teaches us so much about what looks right and what doesnt. Now mind you, I said I was a junkie, not an expert! But I would like to share with you my addiction and the method to my madness or the madness to my method. To begin creating a collage you usually start with a sturdy backing, or substrate to create the foundation for your work. For a mixed media art collage, this may be a canvas, a piece of cardboard, a piece of wood, a page of an altered book or my favorite - a sheet of metal. Just mak

Check out these Project Ideas Now for some news from Stained Glass News SGN, in conjunction with Aanraku Glass Studios and Spectrum Glass, has announced details of their their 25th Anniversary Contest. Nine winners will be chosen to receive cash prizes as well as glass and supplies from Spectrum Glass Studios. To enter the contest make one of three new Aanraku projects using Spectrum Glass - either art glass or System96 - and send a photo of your work to Stained Glass News in Newaygo, MI. You can use any glass crafting technique and enter as many projects as you like. Buy your supplies from Delphi Glass or your favorite local glass retailer, then visit stainedglassnews.com/contest for complete rules and entry form. You have until December 31st to mail in your project. Winners will be announced in the March 2013 issue of Stained Glass News . Project Categories Cash and prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place in each of these three categories: 1.) Aanraku Square Wooden Box (9 or 7) 2.) Aanraku Set of Bookends 3.) Aanraku Tea Tray Server (you must use 2 tiers or more)

Whats behind Delphis new line of Premium Wrought Iron Stands ?An American manufacturing company, Professional Metal Works, Inc (PMW). We sit down with Jim Rice of PMW to ask him a few questions about the quality products his company produces. Delphi: How did your company get started? Jim Rice: Professional Metal Works, PMW for short, was established in 2000 by Fred Boling who had over 25 years in the metal fabrication industry.Shortly thereafter in 2001 Fred was joined by a partner, Jerry McKenna who had worked with Fred previously and himself had over 25 years of experience in metal fabrication as well. Delphi: What makes your company unique? Jim Rice: Both Fred and Jerry capitalized on their experiences and knowledge that their business can be very successful by providing customers what they need and want high quality precision metal fabrications delivered on time and at a fair price.At PMW we take our delivery commitments very seriously and are also extremely responsive to our customers to make sure that they are getting the quality in the parts that they need and expect. Delphi: Why is it important for companies like Delphi to buy produc

Think of it this way: you're attempting to capture something that doesn't actually exist. A mythical creature that can change shape, even meaning at any given time; and you're expected to do it, again and again, over and over, til the end of time. Sounds all kinds of easy, right? It's actually about as easy as it sounds. Creativity is the mythical creature, I'm the person that's supposed to capture it. That's my life as an artist. More specifically, a stained glass artist. My love of glass started at a very young age--the exact age doesn't matter--but I know I was short enough to be patted on the top of my curly head by hundreds of people while they called me small boy since I was too painfully shy to introduce myself. I was dragged through hundreds of cathedrals and museums here and abroad. I saw the works of the masters in every gallery but no Picasso or Giacometti or Degas ever related to me the way stained glass did. There was just something about the interaction of the windows with their environment and the way it played with light and its surroundings that made me fall in love. So, how does one capture creativity? Patience is a great starting point. Noticing eve

"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 especially exciting to me visually. Bold, beautiful, bright colors are my f

Delphis 40 th Year Anniversary is quickly approaching, which will be commemorated with the release of the 2012 Annual Catalog.Our constant commitment to making art glass accessible to everyone by providing the largest selection of supplies and art glass has truly made us innovators. One of the ways we stay on the cutting edge is to bring tools and products that enable the process of creating to become enjoyable and rewarding for everyone. This month we are featuring two of our vendors whose products support the mission of Delphi and embody innovation. We recently caught up with the President of Creator's Stained Glass, Inc. and Inventor of the Cutters Mate, CirclePro and Strip Pro, Ray Nicholas. He told us the story of what sparked his creation of these tools.He began creating stained glass in 1992.His services become so in demand that by 1996 he had developed the Cutters Mate to create efficiencies in cutting glass through the cutting systems four key features crucial to the perfect cut: CSG-10 carbide cutting head Oil-fed cutting head Constant Pressure built into the weighted handle Most importantly, the cutting head remains at a 90 degr

Part 2 of a 2 part series on the basics of glass fusing. In this week's article Donna gives advice on indispensable tools for beginner glass fusers. In the beginning, I used one larger tool, and that was a Super Star Grinder . It is still running, running, running! Others have come, and some have gone, but this one is still here. For smaller cold working projects, diamond hand pads do a nice job. The next cutting tool that I bought was a saw. My Taurus 3 Ring Saw has worked extremely well for me, and I love what I can do with it that I couldn't do before, but I worked for 2 years before I purchased this nifty item. As for cutters and breakers, I have many, but for me, the Silberschnitt breaker pliers are a must for small (1/4") strip breaking.....saves so much glass. I use both plastic and metal breakers, and they are not expensive. Toyo is my favorite brand for cutters, but there are others that I understand are wonderful. The pencil cutter is great for my hand, but you need to handle several yourself to see which is the best fit for you. I do love the Morton cutting system ....especially the crates! They are wonderful for catching the shards that eat the s

Your studio is your haven, your cave of creativity, your "me" space! It is as personal as the work that comes out of it. One thing that studios everywhere could probably use is some ORGANIZATION , and thanks to Delphi's second annual studio contest we can all learn some secrets to keeping it clean. In 2011, we featured those of you who had the Messiest Studios. We had 50 photo entries in that contest, and boy we really enjoyed seeing the functioning chaos. This year we explored the opposite end of the spectrum, hoping to gain some insights, tips, and methods to keeping an art glass studio neat and tidy. Whether you have a large dedicated space for your studio, or like most you are repurposing a section of your home to accommodate your ever growing passion for glass, these tips will help you get organized. Tips from the Contest Participants Clean up before you start a project. Use reclaimed building materials or upcycle old kitchen cabinets. Repurpose vintage display or office furniture found at thrift stores. Example record album rack converted for glass storage or commercial baking racks for storage of slumping molds. Use labele

Did you know that Friendship Day and Sister Day are both on the first Sunday in August? Want to do something special for a couple of those special friends or family members in your life. How about making a friendship bracelet that you and your friends will love and cherish for years to come? Each person will get the same or similar bracelet, signifying the unity of people represented. This special friendship bracelet uses fusible glass to create beautiful 'lifesaver candy' beads from glass frit. Supplies you'll need: System96 Medium Frit - Clear, plus any other transparent or opaque colors you might like Nano Beads casting mold Here's how to make your bracelets: 1. Select a colored frit to represent each friend or family member(don't forget yourself) - the number of colors represents how many 'lifesaver beads' you'll make per color. For example, 5 people = 5colors of frit, and five bracelets will ultimately be made. 2. Prep the mold first by spraying with Boron Nitride ( see video ). 3. When using frit molds, it is very important to follow the suggested fill levels to get the best bead. With the Nan

Part 1 of a 2 part blog on the basics of glass fusing. In this week's article Donna will tell us how to set up your work area and gives suggestions on finding the perfect kiln. Often potential fusers ask about the cost of getting started in glass. I found that it isn't as expensive as one might think because the list of necessities for the beginner is not too long. So what would the list look like for someone who had NO experience at all? Well, this is what I began with, and I think you might find these ideas helpful. Space to Work - A place to cut glass can be fairly small. The most important detail is a floor surface such as concrete that will be easy to clean. I tried commercial tile in my first studio, and the shards were soon embedded under the work area. Obviously, you want to keep the surface as clean as possible so that small glass shards are not tracked into other areas. I've found that a pair of shoes dedicated to the glass area is very wise....voice of experience. Where do I put a kiln? - If you live in the south as I do, a hot kiln can make the work area dreadfully hot if it is in the same room. On the other hand, it is great for heating in the wint

After the fun and success of last years Messiest Art Glass Studio Contest , Delphi is looking to reward the glass artist with the Most Organized Art Glass Studio. It just might be you! Is your studio full of custom made shelving and labeled containers, with a place for everything and everything in its place? Have you devised an ingenious method for organizing art glass supplies? Then Delphi wants you to share photos of your art glass studio. The entry with the most votes will win a $200 Delphi Glass gift card. Contest Details - Like Us on Facebook to get access to this contest. Then submit photo(s) of your organized art glass studio and provide a 30-100 word description of your favorite organizational methods and products! Submission Dates - July 6-18, 2012 Public Voting Period - July 19-28, 2012 Winner Announced - July 30, 2012 Prize Details - $200 Delphi Glass gift card. Gift cards are non-refundable and may not be redeemed for cash value. Gift cards are redeemable online, by phone, or at Delphi's Lansing Creativity Center in Lansing, MI. An organized studio ultimately results in efficiency and more time to Be Creative! So stay

Amy Ferber from Bullseye Glass visited Delphi last week, and the Reactions were fantastic! She was here to give a free presentation about using Bullseye Reactive Glass. The two hour interactive presentation included a video, and a chance to look at samples of reactions that were created using a variety of techniques and different materials and what class would be complete without a pop quiz? Attendees were asked to review the samples and identify what was used to make them. Everyone had a fantastic time. After the presentations I was able to sit down with Amy for a few minutes and talk. Here are a few of the questions I managed to sneak into her whirlwind vist: Q: What is the COE of Bullseye? A: Although many people like to categorize glass neatly by a COE number, compatibility is actually more complex than that. Bullseye kiln glass is around 90 COE, and is Bullseye Compatible, meaning that it is all extensively tested for reliability within the Bullseye product line. What this means for the user is that youll consistently get good results when fusing Bullseye products together. Bullseye TechNotes 3 has more information about compatibility if youd like to read

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 before? Well, you are in good company because most of us suffer from the nagging feelings that we are probably not a Renoir, and in reality,

It is with great pleasure that I introduce myself to the Delphi glass community of creative thinkers and doers. It is also my honor to take over the Social Media Manager role from Julie Bedford, the mind behind Delphi's Social Media Marketing. Julie has progressed in her career and she will be greatly missed by all. As always she is still just a few clicks away....stay tuned in please Julie! The path that led me here is a story of inspiration indeed. Just a few weeks ago I was working as COOfor a health education media company and closing in on my ninth year of employment. While I earned a degree in Visual Art with a concentration in stained glass, it had been a hobby at best over those years. Having the ability to combine my love of glass with day to day work seemed more like a dream than reality. All that changed when a former co-worker referred me to Delphi. Now my day's work supports the overall goals of inspiring creativity and providing education to fellow artists and hobbyist, who in turn have already returned the favor to me. So I would like to thank everyone for welcoming me and let me also pledge my dedication to bringing you the most relevant art glass content ava

For the last several months, Delphi has been collecting feedback from its fans in preparation for shooting a new series of How-To videos. Topics include everything from How to Remove the Blow Pipe from a Glaskolben Ornament to How to Do Easy Decorative Soldering Techniques . Nineteen videos were shot in total, at the Lansing Creativity Center , with the help of Delphi's expert instructors. The videos are now part of Delphi's ever-expanding video library of more than 155 videos. They can be viewed on Delphi's YouTube channel or on Delphi's Art Glass TV video section of the website. View complete video library , sort by crafts or search for specific topics to play, watch and learn today! Do you have ideas for future Delphi videos? Let us know in the comments section below.

Creating a page for your business in Facebook is easy! Follow these steps to set it up. Then remember to update your page frequently with engaging content like photos, business tips, event information, etc. 1. Click on "Create a Page" in the bottom right-hand corner of Facebook.com 2. Choose whether youre creating a page for a brand, a public figure, a charity cause, etc. 3. Follow prompts and fill out information - youll have to attach the fan page to a personal account. Note: Facebook prohibits creating duplicate personal accounts like having a work account and a personal account, so make sure you adjust the privacy settings on your personal page before you link it to your business page . 4. Once your page is set up, youll want to secure a username like www.facebook.com/delphiglass, to do this, go to http://www.facebook.com/usernam e. Choose wisely, you cant change the username once selected. Once your page is created, you can work on the aesthetics. Upload a cover photo (this is the large main image across the top of your page) and a profile picture. Make sure to update the About section with your studio hours, address, website, etc. Now you're ready

New Media Mail delivery is now available. Now, when you order books, DVDs and CDs, you can select Media Mail Delivery to save on shipping. At a reduced rate, the postal service provides delivery in approximately 5-10 days for packages up to 70 pounds containing only published educational materials. Save up to 50% off regular shipping rates when you select this shipping option for eligible orders. If your order includes any item that is not a book, DVD or CD, this shipping option will not be available and will not be shown.

Here's our list of 5 Favorite New Items from the May 2012 edition of Stained Glass News. 1. Hot, Hot, Hot by Christine Stewart Celebrated glass artist Christine Stewart brings us a long-anticipated new title. In her signature mosaic style she serves up 18 projects ranging from fused glass dinnerware to stunning mosaic wall art created with fused inclusions. 2. Inspired by Frankye Cartner and Suzy Huber This stained glass pattern portfolio contains 16 designs for panels in a variety of themes. Each project includes recommendations for using wire, bevels or other accents, and a suggested enlargement size. Projects are certain to provide a fun challenge for beginners and intermediate artists alike. 3. Assembling 3D art just got easier with Handy Wedges These simple non-slip foam rubber blocks offer the perfect solution when you find yourself in need of another set of hands. The triangular shape lends itself to supporting boxes, panels, or nearly any shape as you assemble and solder your projects, all by simply aligning the wedges in different configurations. 4. New Fusible System 96 Glass Colors #X21176 Chocolate Opal #X226

To celebrate the end of the year for Boy Scout Den 41 in Tampa, Florida, the kids had a Mosaic in the Park party. Using stained glass chips nipped into triangles, each boy made a mosaic picture frame for his mom for Mother's Day. The boys wrote personal messages to their mothers on the back of the frames. Their troop leader grouted the frames, and each child had a hand-made mosaic project for Mother's Day. The kids loved making them, and the moms loved the frames. This is a very easy project. It requires no glass cutting by the kids, and no previous mosaic experience. Time saving tips: 1. Draw a border around the edges of the frame and instruct the children not to go past the line - this allows room for grouting the edge. 2. Nip chips into triangles, and nip 1/2 of those triangles into smaller triangles. First the children make designs with the larger triangles, then they fill in any extra space with the smaller triangles. 3. Squeeze a white craft glue all over the frame (instead of adding glue to each individual piece). Go back with more glue once the children have made their original designs, to show them where to fill in with extra pieces. 4. Flat projects

My husband and I recently met a spectacular couple, a genuine cowgirl and cowboy. Besides being fortunate enough to purchase a very sweet horse from them, we are proud to be able to call them our friends. While at their home I learned that her one of her best friends, her horse, had passed away the previous year. "Yoda" had carried her though years on the Rainbow Riders drill flag team, taken her to reigning championships, and safety along countless miles of trails. I wanted to do something special for her, and also try something new for me. I remembered seeing an article in the Delphi newsletter about making fused glass silhouettes from a photograph. While at her home I snuck a picture of her and Yoda sliding to victory, on my cell phone. I downloaded the picture and adjusted it to an appropriate size for a 10 by 10 square plate mold from Delphi. I cut out the image and traced it onto my black iridized COE 90 glass. I used amber streakies and amber clear COE 90 glass, behind the silhouette and border, to thicken the plate with color. I traced my silhouette and began cutting it out with my Taurus 3 Glass Ring Saw . I don't have the special separator blade for the

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 Id shared with my children, Frederick by Leo Lionni. I went searching through the bookshelf of childrens 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 through. Much like Frederick, Ive always labored to collect colors and imagery, things that arent always tangible but have a value all the same. What things from your me

D & L Art Glass in St. Augustine, FL, will be hosting renowned glass artist David Alcala in its studio on October 6 and 7, 2012. David will be sharing his innovative techniques of working with frit in the vertical along with his revolutionary new product Flexi-Glass . Join D L for Davids Sand To Glass Tour 2012 and walk away with a new sense of creativity and inspiration.

The Crafts Report Magazine is currently sponsoring a Cover Contest for its October edition. Through the end of May, contestants can post photos of their best work on to The Crafts Report Facebook page wall for a chance to win. Read the complete contest details for more information. Crafts Report staff will choose the preliminary finalists, but Facebook fans will ultimately choose the winner by voting for their favorites.

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?

Katalin Szabo completed a 9,000 piece jigsaw puzzle about a year ago , and found herself bored by completion. The puzzle lacked the creativity Szabo was seeking. Her husband suggested she learn the art of stained glass and now she's hooked! This was her first stained glass lampshade (we were impressed to say the least). Szabo says she made all the mistakes possible in the process of making her lamp, but learned a lot in the process! What did you learn in the process of making your first lamp? Tell us in the comments section below, and on Friday, May 11, we'll pick one person to receive Making Stained Glass Lamps book , complete with full-sized patterns!

1. Blogs Sites like blogger.com and wordpress.com make setting up a blog free and easy. Its a great way for students to create online portfolios of their work and document the creative process. Teachers can also use blogging sites to create free mini-websites for their classrooms to post assignments and encourage student interaction. 2. Flickr Flickr is an online image gallery, where teachers can share images of their students work. You can adjust the privacy settings to keep your gallery private, public to some groups, or completely public. Visit Delphis Flickr site for inspiration. Flickrs Creative Commons section is also an excellent resource for royalty-free images that you can use in PowerPoint presentations and projects. 3. YouTube YouTube is a great resource for free videos on almost any topic. More than 200,000 videos are uploaded per day, and chances are, your favorite business probably has its own channel. The Delphi Glass channe l has more than 130 instructional videos for learning new techniques in art glass. YouTube for Schools provides schools access to hundreds of thousands of free educational videos from YouTube EDU. These vi

1. Blogs Sites like blogger.com and wordpress.com make setting up a blog free and easy. Its a great way for studios to create online portfolios of their work and document the creative process. Use a blogging site as a free mini-website for your business. 2. Facebook Facebook is a social networking service that makes it easy to keep in touch with friends and family. With 1 in 7 people on the planet on Facebook, its also a great platform for promoting your business and finding new customers. Find out how to set up a Facebook page for your business. Here are a few good examples of art glass businesses on Facebook: Momma Mosaics (photo top left) Stained Glass Creations and Beyond Steider Studios 3. Flickr Flickr is an online image gallery, where studios can share images from store events, classes, students work, etc. You can adjust the privacy settings to keep your gallery private, public to some groups, or completely public. Visit Delphis Flickr site for inspiration. 4. YouTube YouTube is a great resource for free videos on almost any topic. More than 200,000 videos are uploaded per day, and chances are, your favorite business probably

I know I'll never get up the nerve to open my kiln to rake . Instead, I was wondering, can I fake...I mean, rake it? I was recently in Monterey, CA visiting a shop on Cannery Row, where glass artist David Alcala is usually busy at work. The day I visited, he was out (at the Glass Art Bead Expo) promoting his new book and Flexi-Glass . His lovely wife was holding down the fort and I marveled at his landscapes made with fine glass frit. I knew I had a lot of Uroboros frit and powder at home, and it inspired me to try and fake a kiln rake with frit. I laid out a sheet of newspaper, and donned my goggles and face mask . I cut out a 10-inch transparent glass circle, so I would have a double-sided plate. Next, I sprinkled a bunch of purple powder, then white, and purple again, gently patting down the mounds with my fingers. I then added a squiggley line of bejeweled frit. From there, I included Uroboros fine frit in white, purple, then sprinkled on some more bejeweled frit. I used a paint brush to gently move the frit across the plate, blending one color into another. Next came the big move. How was I going to get this thing into the kiln

This past weekend, Delphi celebrated its 21st Annual Art Glass Festival at the Lansing Creativity Center. We had a fantastic turn out for the artist's reception! At our catered breakfast, artists had the opportunity to meet and mingle with one another and winners were recognized and awarded prizes. Delphi also awarded each entrant an exhibitor pack. This year was a bit different, because artists were able to create their own goodie bags at the exhibitor pack station. We also awarded more than 15 door prizes. View more pictures from the event.

Before I was fortunate enough to own a kiln, I used to experiment with all kinds of polymer clay using recipes for faux gemstones. It was fun and inexpensive. While giving a fused glass lesson the other day, I said, "Hey, lets try to make some faux opals." So, we crushed up some green and orange, clear backed dichroic glass (from the Uroboros Magic Box ), and mixed in a tiny bit of crushed opaque white glass. We cut two transparent ovals, covered them with Bullseye Glastac Firing Glue , and sprinkled on the frit. We added another layer of glue and piled up some more frit. The beauty of this glue is that you can use as much as you want. I love it for holding the frit on the edges of bowls and glass. The fired pieces looked like opal cabochons! To make the cabochons more opaque, I used my Dremel tool, and ground the back sides of the glass. I did find, however, that gluing the pieces to a ring or pin blank, kind of takes the effect away. This would be an excellent tool if you were using the cabochon in a bezel, like I saw in one of the "how to" lessons, that inspired me. Adding an oval of dark green, like a doublet, behind the cabochon, might create an Australian

Boyce Lundstrom has been a well-respected name in fusing since the late 1960s . In 1974, he founded the Bullseye Glass Company. Since then, he's published several books that have become essential guides for fusing artists. His latest release, "The Best Bottle Book Ever" showcases whimsical art made from discarded bottles. He outlines technical aspects of cutting, breaking and fusing bottles, and addresses compatibility issues and firing schedules. We're giving away the book! Along with the new G2 Bottle Cutter and a popular Bottle Sagger mold - an $85 value. It's our best bottle art giveaway ever! Enter our sweepstakes through Facebook April 21-23 to win the prize pack. (If you'd rather not enter through Facebook, you can enter here.) The winner will be chosen randomly on April 24. Our apologies for the technical difficulties with the Bottle Art Contest....the link should be fixed now. If you are still having trouble, please call our customer service dept. at 800.248.2048 (open 4.23.12 until 6 pm EST) and one of our reps will manually enter you into the contest .

I am always trying to save my scraps, even if they are metal. I grind my glass, pin backs and bails with my dremel tool (I've found that they stay glued together much better that way), and I started saving all of the grinding scraps. I save the sterling silver grindings in one bottle, and my gold plate with mixed metals, in another. One day, I was looking at some old green sea glass lying on the beach. I thought about folks sending notes out in a bottle, and it being found miles away, full of sand on a beach. I wondered if I could capture that idea in a pendant. When I got home I put those ground metals to use. First, I cut one square of transparent glass, then a smaller square of aqua-green transparent glass, and a tiny square of transparent glass. I sprinkled some of the mixed metal grindings on top of the clear glass, then placed the aqua glass on top of that. On top of the aqua glass, I sprinkled the sterling silver grindings, and capped it with the smallest square of clear glass. Once fused, the mixed metals turned a nice dark color like sand, while the sterling silver grindings stayed nice and bright, just like clear sand. The set did remind me of the s

Jo Kinnaly is a glass artist living in Northern Virginia . Happily retired from her government job, she spends much of her time playing with glass. She has been creating glass art for a little over eight years, and finds that the more she learns, the more there is to learn. Over the years, her work has evolved into animal portraits which she creates from photos, but she tries to find time for a wide variety of projects. Kinnaly says she usually doesn't spend more than a few weeks on a project, but this lamp took her several months. She made the grapes herself in her kiln. The shade is roughly 12 tall and 18 in diameter. You can see more of Kinnaly's work on Etsy.

Delphi China is exhibiting at ChinaGlass 2012, April 2-5. It is the 23rd Annual International Glass Industrial Technology Exhibition and the largest of its kind covering more than 80,000 square meters. There are 853 exhibitors from more than 23 countries including USA, Germany, Italy, France, Finland, Austria and Australia. Companies will be demonstrating new products, technology and equipment. Delphi is proud to be showcasing its wide variety of fusible glass, supplies and educational resources. View more photos from the exhibition.

Here's a great idea for a night in with the ladies ...Jennifer Newman, Delphi's Director of Merchandising, recently hosted a Mosaics and Wine night for a few of her friends. It was a fabulous event (all of the ladies are now addicted to making mosaics!) Here's how you can plan a similar experience for your closest friends. 1. Send out invitations. You can use a free service like Evite to send out stylish invitations to your girlfriends. We recommend no more than a dozen people. Ask them to bring an item to mosaic (a flowerpot, a wooden box, a small table, a trivet, etc.) 2. Plan your menu. Snacks and beverages like sangria, beer, salad, artichoke dip, veggies and chocolate covered strawberries are always well-received. Make it a pot luck and ask each lady to bring a food item or beverage. 3. Gather your supplies. You'll need a few pairs of wheeled tile nippers , an assortment of mosaic tiles (glass and ceramic), clear silicone adhesive and colored grout. 4. Set the mood . Use folding tables and disposable table cloths for easy cleanup later. It's also nice to have finished projects on hand (if you've done this before) or mosaic books for inspiration. Fr

Delphi is proud to introduce its 2012 Born to Do Glass T-Shirt . With its detailed black, white and red design, the shirt embodies a cool, biker vibe. It features a seamless double-needle top stitched collar with taped neck and shoulders and a double needle sleeve and hem. Made from 100 percent cotton, this durable and comfortable t-shirt is long lasting and offers a flattering unisex fit. It comes in black and is offered in every size from Small to 2X-Large (and it's only $11.95! )

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 and semi-precious stones. Visit Jacqueline King on her website.

Over the weekend I attended the 23rd Annual Hyde Park Village Art Fair. The trendy area of Hyde Park, located in Tampa, FL, was the perfect setting for a show of its kind. The brick-paved streets were lined with booths showcasing high end art - everything from life-sized sculptures and paintings, to handcrafted sterling silver jewelry. One of the exhibitors was world-renowned glass artist and Delphi customer Vincent Pernicano . I recognized his work three booths away. There is something so captivating about his approach to mixed media. Pernicano, who has won several awards for his work, including the 2009 Delphi Art Glass Festival Online Competition, uses layers of colored glass that have been cut into shapes and fused together with glass frit and fusible glass paints to create three-dimensional components. The glass components are then backed with wood and attached to a canvas-covered wood-backed panel and frame that has been pre-painted with acrylics and/or oil paints and sealed with five coates of varnish. Dichroic glass stones are sometimes added as accents to the finished piece. Pernicano lives and works in a small community in Northern Michigan, but his ar

There are some fun events coming up at the West Michigan Glass Art Center , so I thought I'd share... 1. Battle of the Glass Blowers Friday, April 13, 5 p.m.-10 p.m. and Saturday, April 14, noon-6 p.m. Battle of the Glassblowers is a high energy glassblowing "battle" in West Michigan Glass Art Center's Hot Shop to create incredible glass blown objects. Winners also receive bragging rights! Fast paced team glass blowing competitions and individual competitions are judged by a panel of esteemed judges from our Kalamazoo community. To pique your curiosity, our timed categories include, Fastest Goblet, Fanciest Goblet, and Mystery Winged Object. Come out and cheer on your favorite glassblower! Event is Free! 2. Glass Art Center Auction Saturday, April 28, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. This year's Glass Art Center Auction promises exquisite glass art, entertainment packages and more to delight your artistic soul! The net proceeds from the auction support our scholarship program. Join us for an exciting night of bidding, socializing and snacking. Tickets for the Glass Art Center Auction are $20 per person in advance and $25 at the door. Advance tickets are available on West Michiga

At Delphi's latest Glass Getaway, 14 Ceramic Studio/Paint-Your-Own-Pottery owners from Texas and Oklahoma gathered in Austin to learn how to make money with glass. Participants learned how to make nine exclusive fused glass projects that they can recreate in their own studios. In addition, glass artist and business expert, Denise Christmas-Gibson, shared marketing ideas and best practices for implementing glass programs. This is, by far, the best class Ive attended in 10 years of business,said Michelle Booth of Glazed Over studio in Houston. These [projects] were cute, fun, easy projects that will make my studio money and my customers happy. Christmas-Gibson agreed that the getaway was a success. When studios get together like this, they share ideas with eachother and brainstorm together, Christmas-Gibson said. It's really great to see participants getting so much value out of these workshops. So far this year, Delphi has hosted Glass Getaways in Phoenix, AZ, Lansing, MI, and several other locations upon request. Plans are underway for a workshop in the Alabama/Georgia area and other cities in the near future. For more information on Delphi's Ceramic Studio/PYO

I'm always looking for ways to use my scrap, so I decided to give the round screen melt set a try. I had mixed feelings about it, because I made the mistake of not following the fusing schedule, and tried to wing it with my pre-programmed kiln. Despite the error of my ways, I ended up with some very pretty glass using two colors of opal art glass scraps. With my screen melt complete, I used a Sharpie pen to trace out my images, and began cutting them with my Taurus 3 Ring Saw . Once I finished the shapes, I put the pendants and purse hangars back in my skutt Firebox 14 kiln , for a fire polish on the slow tack fuse. Some got bails, some wire wrapping, and the others were epoxied to purse hangers . Looking back, If you follow the Delphi directions labeled as users manual in the product description on the screen melt kit, I can imagine the wonderful bowls and pieces that could be created. Learn more about Michelle Rodriquez on her website. The views, opinions, positions or strategies expressed by the author and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, positions or strategies of Delphi Glass. De

For the last few years, Dan Daniels, founder of Delphi Glass, has had his eye on China. With its rich art history and growing middle class, the country offers a new opportunity for the largest art glass retailer in America. In the United States, art glass, like woodworking or quilting, is a popular pastime. But until recently, China didnt have the luxury of pastimes. Ten or even five years ago, the Chinese didnt have the time or money to take on a hobby, Daniels said. Now thats starting to change. As a result of economic development, leisure-time activities are becoming more and more common in China. People are spending free time with their families, playing outside or visiting the mall. But there are no big box craft stores offering paper crafts, jewelry or sewing supplies in China. The craft industry as we know it in the U.S. is simply non-existent. Likewise, there are no art glass stores offering stained glass , fusing or flameworking products. Art glass as an art form, however, is not new to China. In 2000, an art professor named Zhuang Xiaowei, who studied art glass at Wolverhampton University in the U.K., opened a glass studio at Shaghai University to

The representatives in Delphi's Call Center did a little team building project today creating a fun in/out board for scheduling lunches, breaks, etc. It turned out so well, I had to share! For the board they used Diamond Tech Clear Crafting Tiles and Creative Images Color Slide. Click here to see more photos. Would you use something like this in your home or office?

You may know Judi Rusho by the Epic Kiln Carving post we shared on Facebook last week, or by one of her many jewelry pieces floating around on Pinterest. Jodi is a glass artist who is known for stacking, tacking, slumping, fusing and etching discarded glass items into tasteful, functional art. How did you get started in glass? I was originally interested in lampworking , bought a kiln and couldn't afford to buy glass or any more equipment. Not being particularly patient, I promptly rounded up some bottles and started melting them. I liked the recycled aspect, and when other artists told me that it couldn't be done, I was in for the duration. I'm nothing if not determined. I began in 1999, and have learned so much since then! Happily, I finally made my first lampwork beads last year. Why glass? If you look around your home or office right now, I bet you'll see more glass things than you expect. Glass is everywhere around us, is critical to our lifestyles, and yet, for the most part, we are only marginally aware of it. Glass can be so many things, it can be gorgeous or dangerous, decorative or functional, frequently both. I find that fascinating

2012 is looking like a banner year for art glass. To give you an idea of what your fellow artists are creating, we've compiled a list of our top 10 most popular products since January. Among the most notable trends of 2012 are fused jewelry and bottle art. In particular, artists are loving Colour de Verre's round bead molds and our wide selection holey molds . We are also seeing a growing interest in bottle art. Bottle art is everywhere on social networks and in our artist gallery . Artists have dedicated entire Pinterest pin boards to Bottle Art (Delphi included). Number one on our list is the Craig Mitchell Smith 7-Piece Floral and Foliage mold . Customers are loving its quality and versatility, and Craig is becoming quite the celebrity! Check out the list for other notable favorites. What's your favorite product so far this year? 1. Craig Mitchell Smith Floral and Foliage Mold 2. Simple Round Beads Mold/Small Ring Beads Mold 3. Safe Art Soldering Flux 4. Heart Jewelry Holey Mold 5. Wind Chimes Bottle Art Kit 6. Keepsake Box Bottle Art Kit 7. Circle Jewelry Holey Mold 8. Diamond Jewelry Holey Mold 9. Luminary Bottle

Choosing a winner for the Light Up Our Blog contest was virtually impossible . With more than 30 unbelievable entries, how could we choose just one? Ultimately this peacock gem stole our hearts. Daisy C. from Tucker, GA will receive a Flower Power premium glass pack from Uroboros . You can read her story below. We'll be featuring many other entries on our blog and in our catalogs in the future, so check back frequently and thanks to everyone who entered the contest! View other entries on Faceboo k or view a slideshow of entries. I am Daisy Comer. I leave in Tucker, GA. I have been working with Stained Glass for about 10 yrs. I started with class at Colonial Stained Glass in Marietta, GA. Donna and Susan taught me well. My shop is in my sunroom on the back of my townhouse. It is a nice setting and I love working out there. My cat Boo allows me to use a portion of his space (because from day one he made sure that the sunroom was his.) Now about my lamp. It started with a class that Susan started in November. I selected the Peacock design because it was so unique. This pattern had 200 pieces. I used the Worden Lamp System . This system included the pattern, form,

It is true. Even the best of us get bored. We work and learn and experiment with one medium or one itty piece of said medium (which, like a new love, we are infatuated with - can think of nothing else)but, after a while -things can get stale. It's normal. The beauty is to realize that all these lovely and wonderful and awe inspiring mediums do not have to live in a vacuum. When you get bored with onedo a little of what I like to call Medium Mash-Up. My latest mashups have been with my own fused glass and silver. You can only fuse so many pendants and plates before you've had enough. For me, that means it's time to move on to another process for a while. After working in silver (mostly rings) and loving itone day I found myself staring longingly at my lonely and unused kiln (I think she was jealous of my new fling, er, medium) - it was then I decided to bring my glass and silver work together and introduce them. I began taking small bits of my favorite pieces of sheet glass and fusing them into amazing little gems that I could set like stones. Using the knowledge that glass likes to naturally be around an 1/4 thick, I knew that by cutting small squares, they would bead up

The students and parents of Mrs. Johnsons first grade elementary class at Westchase elementary in Tampa, FL, recently created glass art mosaic tables to auction off for its annual fundraiser. The students used stained glass chips and venetian glass tiles to create kiwi, watermelon, orange and apple designs onto 19 wrought iron tables . The fruit designs, created by Martin Cheek , were a big hit with the kids and the parents. At the auction, the tables received the highest bids of the evening. Supplies were donated by Diamond Tech and Delphi Glass . See more photos of the students in action here.

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? Upload your bottle art to the artist gallery and you just might see it pinned to Delphi's Bottle Art pinboard! 1. Bottle Art Necklace 2. Recycled Champagne Bottle Beads 3. Soy Candle 4. Windchimes 5. Planter 6. Bottle Bird 7. Mic rowave Kiln N eckla ce

As catalogers, we send out a lot of paper. We hope that people keep our Delphi catalogs for a long time (and Ithink many do), but then what? The thought of all that paper ending up in the waste basket makes me sad. Imagine my joy to find a pinboard by Catalogs.com filled with creative uses for old catalogs! Here are some of my favorites. 1 . Star ornaments (top left) 2. Stretchy bracelet 3. Catalog button flowers 4. Envelopes from catalog pages I've repinned these ideas and others on my Pinterest pinboard here .

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 fiance. 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 , frit for decoration and Gold Firing Pen item#5175G for embellishment. See Seder Plate Molds and Judaica Fusing Supplies at Delphi. Also, see what some of our customers have made in Delphis Artist Gallery. Artist Credit: Top right, Angela Chadbourne, Fort Stewart, GA ; Jackie Sitzenstock, Carmel, NY; Shary Weisman, Millsboro, DE

Photographing glass objects is not easy, and yet, it's often the photograph that sells the piece. If you're advertising classes online or selling your work on Ebay, Etsy or ArtFire, good photography is essential. Here's what you will need: 1. A light tent. You can purchase one for about $100, or you can make your own relatively inexpensively. Read this article for step-by-step instructions on making your own light tent . 2. Light fixtures. You need at least one light for illuminating directly onto the object from above. If you have a desk lamp with an adjustable "neck", that will work. If you are getting too many shadows, or too much glare, you may need a set of lights to illuminate the sides of the box instead. Just make sure you're using "daylight" or "full spectrum" bulbs, and that all of your fixtures are equipped with the same type of bulb. 3. A Camera . Here's a great article by Steve Meltzer author of Photographing Arts, Crafts and Collectibles outlining cameras. Even your point-and-shoot will work better once you have your light fixtures and tent set up. Good luck! For more great photography resources, check out one of these great photog

Thank you to everyone who entered our Art Glass Fairytale contest. I'm continually amazed at the creativity of our customers - I had no idea our artists were writers too! It was very difficult choosing a winner for the Fused Glass grab bag. Many of you shared personal stories of hardship or tragedy and how you overcame them through glass. Thank you for inspring us! Congratulations go to Jude Wilder-Roberts for her tale of Uroboros and the Very First Rainbow . You can read her story below. We may also be featuring other entries in future blog posts or catalogs - so stay tuned! Once upon a time in a dreary, colorless land lived a girl named Uroboros. Since there were no colors in the town of Youghiogheny, where she lived, everyone was sad. One day while collecting drift wood on Kokomo beach, Uro found a piece of beach glass. The pale green of the stone made her smile. This was a very strange and unfamiliar sensation to Uro, but she liked the way it made her feel. Uro searched the beach for more of the beautiful stone. When she had some different colors, she headed home to show her parents. Unfortunately, Uro's father, Van Gogh was not excited by her find, but

Gail Christofferson, a Delphi educational customer for many years, is leading a student/community based project for Ostego Elementary, a new elementary school (home of the knights) in the Ostego area of Ohio. More than 1,000 students of all grade levels, as well as more than 300 community members, have participated in creating a large-scale mosaic mural measuring 7 feet high and 20 feet long. The year-long project, "Mosaics by Knights," is intended to be a permanent art installation in the commons area of the new elementary school. Members of the Ostego community were asked to submit design ideas, and with local high school art teachers guidance, a combination of multiple entries will be used in the finished piece. Christofferson and her team are in the final stages of student and community involvement, and the project should be installed sometime this spring (2012.) It is important to realize that not only will there be a beautiful piece of art for all to enjoy, there will also be a sense of pride that our community can share in having created the piece together, said Christofferson. Photos: Students working on the project; project illustration; and the panels

I dont have just one favorite tool, but there is one that I use virtually every time I work on a project. As you know, having the right tool for the job, makes the job a whole lot easier. Beetle Bits Cutting System with the Flying Beetle Attachment This system provides the speed and precision glass cutting that a busy studio demands. Cutting strips, squares, angles and more are perfect every time, and this tool does it in half the time of other systems. Be sure to train your entire staff to use this amazing system and theyll all be anxious to use it. Plus, they now have a 35 bar to use with your system, so cutting large pieces of glass is fast and accurate. There is a video on the Business Center, under Studio Resources that demonstrates all the wonderful things this system will do!

Once upon a time in a land far, far away Goldilocks grew up to become a glass artist. She heard tales of amazing works of art - fused and formed in magical kilns, and she decided she must try it. So she set out to find her very own kiln. Now, we all know that Goldilocks was particular. She didnt want a kiln that was too big for her cottage, and she didnt want one too small for her creative aspirations. She didnt want one too complicated, but she didnt want one too limiting. So she went to Delphi where she found the kiln that was just right, and she created happily ever after. Check out our selection of sale kiln s or our complete listing of kilns. Do you ever get so lost in your art glass, you feel like you're living in a fairytale? Email your art glass fairytale to [email protected] before February 10, 2012 for a chance to win a mystery fusing grab bag of goodies. We'll also publish your story here on our blog. The more creative, the better. Good luck!

It's not just writers that suffer from writer's block. Artists fall victim to a similar condition. You're sitting alone in your workspace looking around and...nothing. You've lost the ability to produce a new idea, much less a new work of art. Sometimes the "absence" is temporary - just a moment or two. Other times you mull around for weeks feeling lost. What do you do to get your creative juices flowing again? We asked our Facebook fans to share their ideas. Here are a few of our favorites: Play loud music. Cut and break glass. - Amy M. Step away. Look for inspiration elsewhere. Go to a museum, watch a program about something unusual. Just do something new. - Jacque D. Pinterest ! - Dawn M. Go for a walk. Look for nature to inspire you. -Shirley J. Clean your workspace. Then get out and explore somwhere - even if it's only the mall or a local park. - Deanna A. Look through a Delphi Catalog . - Marjie B. Go to an art show or gallery. - Deborah S. Color in a kid's coloring book. - Jude W. Take a walk in the woods, sit and listen to the birds, walk down to the water and watch a sunset. - De

We are thrilled to share with you the Winter 2012 new products from Uroboros Glass. Each of these new products is based on Uroboros' unique manufacturing strengths, while adding depth to their most popular product groups. Streamer Bits Glass (all offered in 90 and 96 COE) White Streamer Bits on Clear Cobalt Blue Streamer Bits on Clear Red Opal Streamer Bits on Clear Noodles and Stringers Sprinkles (offered in 90 and 96 COE) Glass Noodle Bits, Mardi Gras (offered in 90 and 96 COE) Noodles and Stringer, Mardi Gras (offered in 90 and 96 COE) Cobalt Blue Opal (offered in 90 COE) Pastel Green Opal Noodles (offered in 96 COE) Pastel Green Opal Stringer (offered in 96 COE) Frit Celadon Opal is now available in all grain and package sizes (offered in 96 COE) View these and other NEW fusible glass products here.

Congratulations to the following winners who participated in our Bottle Art Kit Contest. Each of the winners will receive one of four new Bottle Art Kits from Diamond Tech Crafts . We appreciate your feedback and enthusiasm regarding these awesome new products. Check back frequently for new contests and great prizes! Cynthia Massei Sandy Arbogast Mary Causey Johanna Cropley Interested in Bottle Art? Get inspired with our free eBook, artist gallery and bottle cutting how-to videos.

We are so excited to introduce the new 7-Piece Flower and Foliage Mold by Craig Mitchell Smith . A few weeks ago we posted a couple of videos on Facebook to demonstrate how to use this mold to create several different projects (watch the videos here) . Now we want to hear your ideas on what to do with this versatile mold. You can create anything from hanging sconce lights to slumped frogs to jellyfish! "The functionality of this mold is endless. Every other mold we sell has a finite application - i.e. make a bowl, make a necklace, etc. This is really endless but will require a thinking shift on the part of the consumer, said Delphi Executive Director Lisa Parks. Tell us what you would create with the mold , Jan. 10 - Jan. 20, 2012 for a chance to win it! Entries will be accepted starting at 8:30 a.m. EST on Jan. 10, 2012. The contest ends at 4:30 EST on Jan. 20, 2012. To qualify, fill out the entry form in its entirety. One winner will be chosen at random and notified before Jan. 30, 2012. Enter Here. Who is Craig Mitchell Smith?

The holiday season is over . The ham has been eaten and all your resolutions have been made (and probably broken). The time for making and giving out all your large and time consuming presents has passed...now what? Creatively stunted? Need a change of pace or something that is easy, simple yet stunning? I know around this time of the year, I sure do. I need an activity that has a fast turn around time and the oomph to push me to create more. Sometimes just the act of creating can push you kicking and screaming through a creative block. Enter the fun (and inexpensive) holey molds. What a perfect way to use up scrap glass AND to produce a baseline piece from which to creatively expand upon. The best part? As the name denotes...they fuse with the hold already MADE - no messy, time consuming drilling! (Which, in the dead of winter in Maine - for me - is a pain in my rear as I have to go out in my unheated barn to drill.) Beware though...they are totally addictive. The minute Im done with one kiln load...I immediately fill em up for another go round. The process is very easy - spray molds with mold release , fill with frit (I use crushed scrap glass) and fuse. Viola, a w

Delphi's Winter Open House is one of our most popular events of the year. Free to the public, visitors can attend previews of many of our most popular classes - even new classes! Don't miss this exciting chance to meet our fabulous instructors and network with other artists. When: Saturday, January 14th 2012, 10am to 4pm 10:00 am - 11:15 am Free Flameworking Previews Glass Bead Making / Beads on Minor / Intensive Bead Workshop / Intro to Boro/Boro Jewelry / Decorative Blown Glass Spheres / Marble Making 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Free Stained Glass Previews Beginning Lead Came / Lead Came Construction / Cutting Art Glass / Soldering Made Easy Bandsaw Magic / Designing & Installing Kitchen Cabinets Beginning Stained Glass / Copper Foil Studio / Tiffany Lamps / Panel Lamps 12:45 pm - 1:15 pm Free Jewelry Previews Beginning Metal Clay / Simply Soldered Jewelry 1:30 pm - 2:00 pm Free Mosaics Previews Mosaic Home Dcor / Mosaic Art Tables Architectural Mosaics / Mosaic Walls, Floors and Accents 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Free Other Crafts Previews Copper Enameling / Switch Plate / Copper Jewelry / Beginning Sandblasting / Enameling on Glass 2:45 pm- 4:00pm F

We're excited to tell you about four new bottle art project kits from Diamond Tech Crafts . Each kit Includes instructions and supplies for one project. (Bottle and g2 Bottle Cutte r not included.) The kits are an easy and afforable way to do something different with your old glass bottles. Read a little about each kit below, and let us know what you think for a chance to win one of the new kits for FREE! Post a comment about the new kits to Twitter (use #bottleartkit) or post to Facebook (tag @DelphiGlass) or here on our blog. You may enter once per day, up to 3 chances to enter daily, four winners will be chosen to win a free kit. Now through Jan. 6, 2012. Garden Treasure Kit Create the ideal environment for growing and watering any type of plant with the 3-in-1 Plant Keeper. Use this kit in conjunction with the g2 Bottle cutter, to create this garden helper from recycled bottles. Keepsake Box Kit For all the keepsakes you treasure - a special photo, a dried flower, concert or theatre tickets, vacation trinkets, cards and letters keep them close at hand and inside this unique Keepsake Bottle. Luminary Kit Add a dancin

As a "crafty" person, the holiday time can be rough . Not only are we lugging around 7.4 million pounds of "product" to various craft shows, we also have the expectation upon us that we will hand make everyone's holiday gift...because, we're crafty like that (plus, you and I both know that it would KILL us to buy gifts that we could otherwise make - it's in our DNA). So, at the end of the day - our backs and feet are killing us, we'd rather die than smile or make small talk with one more person, we have a car full of stuff to unload (which we also both know will stay there for another 3 weeks until we can't stand it much longer)...and I have to MAKE a present for your sister's husband's aunt's niece who is in college? Oy. Enter the scrap glass suncatcher slash holiday ornament. This has been my go-to holiday gift, birthday present, housewarming trinket....the "oh-my-I-can't-believe-that-day-has-come-so-fast-and-I-have-nothing-made" gift. Not only is it eye catching and totally customizable (big/small/ornate/simple) it is a snap to make, a snap to fire and it digs into and uses some of that HUGE pile of scrap glass that stares at you every time you even THINK a

Perhaps you've had a bad experience with bottle cutting in the past. Or perhaps you've never tried it because the process seems too daunting. Fret no more. Dr. Lauren (I’m not really a doctor, I just play one in this blog) is in the house. Here are my 7 recommendations for relieving bottle cutter seperation anxiety. 1. Practice good bottle hygiene. Make sure that you remove the entire label from the bottle you want to cut. Even the smallest amount of sticky residue will interfere with the scoring process. We recommend using rubbing alcohol to get most labels off, but if you have a really stubborn label try nail polish remover with acetone. 2. Always keep your cutting wheel oiled – this is a big one. The better you oil the wheel, the smoother your cut will be – a lot of the separation issues I hear about are quickly resolved when the wheel is oiled – bonus - the more you oil the wheel the longer the blade will last! 3. Remove stress. Remember a good cut doesn’t require a lot of pressure. Most people think that the bottle will separate much better with a deep cut, but that is the opposite of what will happen. When

Do you love making lamps? Enter Delphi's "Light Up Our Blog" contest for a chance to be featured on our blog and to receive a Flower Power premium glass pack from Uroboros Glass . Other entrants will be considered for features on our blog as well. Email a photo of your lamp, and a little about you (the artist) to [email protected]. One entry per person please. All entries must be received by Feb. 29, 2012. Stained glass entries only please. Delphi Glass will notify winner by replying to email address. Delphi Glass reserves the right to deny entry to the contest for any reason. Winner will be chosen by Delphi Glass associates. Participants acknowledge that Delphi Glass may use their photos, with artist credit, for reproduction in any medium, including print and electronic for the purpose of advertising, trade, display or any other medium. Lamp pictured, top left, created by John Metcalfe. The contest is over. Read about the winner here . View all of the entries here .

The Feathers of the Phoenix Plate is the most complex plate I have made so far . Making the glass feathers and fusing the plate is an 8-step process. It starts with a glass brick that is fused from layers of transparent and opal glass dammed between four kiln bricks . The brick is then sawed in half and bookended, then fused again. After fusing, the brick is sawed into thin slices with a round diamond bladed Taurus 3 glass saw. The slices are again bookended together and fused with a piece of clear glass on top. All the glass feathers turn out beautifully and never look the same. They can be used in jewelry and plates. The feathers are laid out on a black piece of opal glass and fused flat. Then a transparent piece of glass is placed on top, and the plate undergoes another 12-hour fusing. The last step is slumping the platter in the 10" by 10" plate mold , and rubber feet are attached to the backside of the plate. Learn more about Michelle on her website. The views, opinions, positions or strategies expressed by the author and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinio

Congratulations to Richard H. (aka. Old Saint Nick! ) on winning our "Where in the World do You Read Your Delphi Catalog" Contest. Santa will win his choice of Premium glass packs from Uroboros Glass . Thanks to everyone who participated in this contest. We had such a great collection of funny, smart, inspiring images. Our customers are the best! View all of the entries here.

I saw a free stained glass pattern in the Delphi newsletter that I just loved. I knew if I made it into a stained glass panel, I wouldn't be able to eat off of it. So I set out to create a fused glass platter instead. My husband and I decided to cut all the pattern pieces by hand (thinking about it later, I would have used my Delphi Taurus 3 glass saw ). We sandwiched all the fusible pieces between two sheets of transparent 96 COE glass . In the end, I didn't have the heart to slump it into its mold. I made a channel on each side with fiber paper foam and transparent glass, to hang it with.(I have learned to double the channels for the wire loop.) There were some bubbles due to our handcutting and gaps, so the second fusing got rid of some of those. During the second fusing, I made the transparent channels to hang the piece. Next time I would leave the extra sheet of glass off of the top.I still haven't mastered increasing my hold time during the second ramp up phase of firing. Using 26 lb. cable wire, we can now hang it in the small window of our closet or shed showroom. Visit Michelle's website to read more about her.

If youre looking to share some homemade love this holiday season , but dont 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 Monogrammed Mens Accessory Set Keepsake Necklaces Which project is your favorite? Tell us in the comments section below, and we'll pick one person to receive a free purse hanger on Wednesday, Nov. 30. Gingerbread cottage night light made by artist Julie Haan.

For the past three years, Delphi Employee Melissa Agueros has been creating and donating art glass projects for the Michigan State Holiday Bazaar and Charity Auction. Melissa's aunt works for Michigan State and encouraged her to get involved. "Three years ago my plate went for $100. Last year I made a Michigan State serving tray, and this year I'm donating another plate," said Melissa. The proceeds from the auction go to benefit the Toys for Tots program for underpriviledged children. Melissa, who works in Delphi's call center , says everyone in customer service gets excited this time of year. "They look forward to seeing what I'm going to make and donate," she said. "It's for a really good cause." The auction will take place the first week in Decemeber. Note: Delphi no longer carries the MSU pre-cuts seen in this photo. You can now purchase a full range of collegiate pre-cuts here. This project was made with System 96 Aventurine Green Glass , Spectrum White Opal Glass and the 11-1/4" Origami Bowl Mold.

As artisans selling our wares, we all want to know 100% of the time that every craft show that we choose to participate in will be wildly successful and well worth the time and money spent. Not only do you have to find the time to set up, work the show and break down...you also have to make sure you have enough inventory. This is all secondary, though, to the dreaded booth fee. The booth fee is like gambling a small fortune, not knowing what the end profits will be and if the show will be well attended. Here are the secrets to a perfect show... THERE ARE NONE. Its a crap shoot, folks. Ive been on both sides as a show attendee and a show organizer...and one thing is for sure, its always a gamble. You cant control the attendance, the venue (generally speaking), the vendors surrounding you, the weather, the state of the world...nada. The only thing you CAN control is your own attitude. Who am I kidding, I do have a few bits of advice to share... Check your attitude. The power of a positive attitude, a pleasant demeanor and general courtesy to everyone (vendors, attendees, venue staff, volunteers etc) can make or break your show. No one likes to be stuck next to a

Pam Peters, one of Delphi's purchasers, shared the happy news this week that her niece just returned home from the Iraq War. An unexpected and exciting twist was that her niece's husband was also sent home, reuniting the couple with family and friends. 1st Lt. Platoon Leader Crystal Sklodowski and 1st Lt. Platoon Leader Tom Sklodowski (pictured top left) met during Army training and married on May 15, 2010. They both arrived safely home on Nov. 7, just in time to celebrate Veterans Day! In honor of all the courageous veterans that have served our country, Delphi has discounted the Patriotic Engraved Bevel for a limited time, Nov. 10 through Nov. 17, or while supplies last. This "God Bless America" bevel makes a beautiful addition to any patriotic stained glass project. Download our free project guide . We'd like to take a moment to thank our military and their families, and to celebrate the safe homecomings that are anticipated throughout the fall of 2011 with the end of the Iraq War. Are you celebrating the return of a loved one? Tell us your story in the "comments" section below.

As a fused glass jewelry artisan I have probably spent as much time on the look and feel of the backs of my pieces as the fronts. I have found that the feel of the glass on the skin is as much a selling point as the colors or design. Its the same conundrum fiber artists have been dealing with for ages: wool is an amazing fiber - easy to knit with and warm - but the majority of folks just cant stand that itchy feeling on bare skin. The same principle applies to glass. What you use on your kiln shelf can determine exactly how your pieces will feel on the skin - and in turn, can make for a happier customer. After experimenting with various methods including kiln wash (produces a very rough feel) and thicker fiber papers/boards (again, too rough) I have settled down into a very happy marriage with a thin kiln shelf paper. It wasnt such bliss in the beginning, though. Like most artisans, we tend to be cheap (not because we dont want quality, but because we want to stretch every last penny in order to buy more glass). There is nothing more unsatisfying than spending money on the accouterments instead of that glorious piece of glass youve been eyeballing for mont

As a self-described cheap glass artisan who lives in rural Maine , finding or making the tools I need myself (rather than buying them online and having them shipped) is a must. As a total beginner, I found that making frit with my scrap glass was actually messier and more dangerous than I had originally suspected. Hammering away on my back deck proved to be a situation which resulted in wasted scrap glass...and tons of cuts. I finally admitted finding a proper tool to make my own frit was a necessity (to my deck AND my hands) - but $50 (plus shipping) for a Frit Piston was just not in my budget. So I took an hour to roam the Home Depot (which, yes, even in rural Maine you will find one) for ideas on how to hack my own solution. What I came up with, after wandering the isles for an hour and confusing the bejesus out of the HD employees, was a frit maker that was within my budget, easy to clean, easy to transport (albeit a smidge bulky) and perfect for the job...and all available in the plumber's isle. What you need is very simple: (1) 8" Galvanized Steel Pipe (Nipple) with a 2" diameter opening and a 2" cap to thread onto the end (1) 12" Galvanized

If you find yourself reading our catalog in the most unusual places, enter our catalog contest, sponsored by Uroboros Glass, for a chance to win a glass pack worth more than $100. How to Enter: Email your photo(s) to [email protected] , (there is no limit to the number of photos you may submit), by Nov. 18, 2011 . We'll post an album of all the (appropriate, please) photos on Delphi's Facebook page, and our fans will "like" their favorites. The person who submitted the photo with the most "likes" as of midnight EST on Nov. 25, 2011 will be the winner. Winner will be notified via email. Winner will be allowed to choose either the Flower Power Stained Glass Pack or the Hot Colors 96 Glass Fusing Pack from Uroboros Glass. Contest open to residents of contiguous US states only. How to Win: Our Facebook fans will decide the winner. Whoever's photo gets the most "likes" wins. Voting wil begin Nov. 21 on Delphi's Facebook page and end Nov. 25. Winner will be announced Nov. 28, 2011. Prize: Winner will receive one of two glass packs from Uroboros Glass - either the Flower Power Stained Glass Pack or the Hot Colors 96 Glass Fusing

The Fuse It Studio in Cape Coral is run by Petra and Wolfgang Kaiser. Petra Kaiser is well known for her in-depth instructions books including "Introduction to Glass Fusing" , "Fuse It" and "Glass Forming with the Mold Block System." You will also find her articles in the major glass magazines. "Coming up and sharing new ideas and projects is what I love about glass fusing" Petra said. "It is just amazing what one can do with glass and a kiln." At the Fuse It Studio, you can learn everything about kiln-worked glass - fusing, slumping, draping, casting and cold working. Any supplies needed for glass fusing can be found in their "studio store." Specialty products like mold-making kits and jewelry findings can be found in their online store. Another specialty product Kaiser Lee is known for is the "Kaiser-Lee Board" a most versatile mold-making device. Petra and Wolfgang have come up with a huge variety of ideas to use the board to create unusual glass art and are sharing those in their workshops in Cape Coral as well as all over the country and abroad. About once a month Petra will send out a "Fuse It Blurb" to her subscribers. You can sign up for fr

We first noticed the work of Clayton Stang in Delphi's Artist Gallery. His glass shadowbox "Night Owl" received many comments in our gallery and on Facebook . Artists were asking, "how did he do that?" We tracked him down for a short Q&A. How did you get started in glass? I was the baker at an adult summer camp 13 years ago. They were offering stained glass classes. I took to it immediately. Two years later, I became the stained glass instructor at the camp. Why glass? I was a color stylist in animation for years, so the colors of glass called out to me. Sometimes I just go into the glass store and look at glass for the thrill of it. Ive always loved stained glass. I just had to wait until I grew up and could afford it. How have your other interests/hobbies/career influenced your glass designs? So many of my designs are nature based. I am a country boy at heart. I love the mountains, forests and flowers. What makes your work unique from everyone elses? I guess the thing that makes everyones work unique is that they are done with

Linda and Alan Cook of Kachina Stained Glass are preparing to celebrate their store's fourth anniversary. They don't take the accomplishment lightly. " We are extremely thankful that in this market we have been able to keep our stained glass store in Mesa, Arizona open, not all of our competitors have been so lucky!" Anniversary festivities will take place on Nov. 5 and 6 at the store. They will be giving away goody bags, holding raffles and offering daily door prizes. If you are in the Mesa area, stop by and enjoy the fun! Kachina Stained Glass, LLC is located at 1762 South Greenfield Road, Suite 101, Mesa, AZ 85206. They can be reached at 480-655-2000. Find a Delphi Elite Dealer in your area. Interested in becoming a Delphi Elite Dealer?

Classical Glass of South Carolina, a Delphi Elite Dealer, was featured in the October edition of Columbia Metropolitan Magazine. Owners, Bill and Hi Roberson, both actors and stained glass artists, share their unique story with the publication. We invite you to read the article and check out their business if you're ever in the Columbia area. Find a Delphi Elite Dealer in your area. Learn how to become a Delphi Elite Dealer.

GLASKOLBEN cylinders are pre-blown clear glass cylinders with blow pipe ends , used for blowing glass balls. Glaskolben cylinders are used throughout Europe for making Christmas tree ornaments. "Glaskolben" is a German word that translates to "glass bulb." WATCHAVIDEO ONBLOWINGGLASKOLBENORNAMENTS. SUPPLIES/EQUIPMENT: Torch head for Mapp Gas use Gas/oxygen torch Glaskolben™ cylinder 90 COE frits and powders for decoration Ornament cap and loop set (available in gold or silver) COMPATIBILITY Glaskolben is compatible with Uroboros and Bullseye 90 COE glass frit and powders. Do not use any other COE as it may cause stress or fracture. HOWTOBLOWANORNAMENT 1. Light the torch and adjust the flame - a broader flame is better. Select a Sealed End Cylinder Glaskolben™ and introduce it into the back of the flame away from the torch. Rotate it as it is brought into the hotter area of the flame. Continue to rotate until the cylinder is glowing red and starts to reduce in size or collapse. However, do not let the neck end of the cylinder get as re

Back by popular demand, Delphi is sponsoring its second annual Animal Creations Contest. Last year, animal lovers submitted hundreds of amazing projects inspired by their furry friends. Submit a project of your pet to Delphi's online Artist Gallery for your chance to win a Delphi Swag Bag full of goodies! This contest is going on Oct. 1 through Oct. 30. See the contest rules and enter today! VIEWASLIDESHOWOF2010 ENTRIES. More About the Contest: Submit any project done in art glass, mosaics, ceramics or jewelry. This is an online contest open to everyone. All skill levels, from beginning crafters to studio artists, are encouraged to participate. Entries must be submitted electronically through the online Artist Gallery by Oct.30, 2010. Prizes: Delphi Swag Bags will be awarded to 5 randomly selected entries. Swag bags will contain a Delphi T-shirt, a Delphi lanyard, $10 Delphi Dollars and more! All entries are also eligible to be featured in future Delphi catalogs and publications. Delphi Glass reserves the right to change prizes and contents of swag bags without notice. Artist Spotlight: Our featured artist is Chris Thurber of Goodyear, AZ. This dog wa

Show off your art glass creations! Here are 6 easy and inexpensive ways to incorporate art glass into your Thanksgiving dinner table dcor. 1. Glass bottles are easy and inexpensive to use . Cut the bottoms of glass bottles of varying heights. Place over votive candles, and decorate with etching , twine, ribbon and other found objects. Download instructions on how to make the centerpiece pictured top right. I also love these amber-colored bottle hurricanes I found on Etsy (at right). They provide just the right amount of romantic ambiance for the dinner table. 2. Decorate pillar candles with glass frit for extra sparkle ! In browing for Thanksgiving inspiration online, I ran across this great idea by HGTV to roll pillar candles in lentils for a unique table decoration. Then I thought, why not roll them in glass frit ! The frit will sparkle in the candlelight and make your table shine! You'll need an assortment of pillar candles (green, white, rust, orange or yellow), double-sided adhesive sheets, and fine frit in fall colors or clear .

How did you get started in glass? My husband Rich and his father used to have a custom stained glass window door company in Santa Clara, CA, so one day he offered to teach me stained glass. You also do beautiful beadwork, which came first, beading or warm glass? The beading came first and then my husband signed us up for a fused glass lesson at Ocean Sky Beads Glass in Oceanside, CA. I was so taken by it, that I asked him for a kiln for Christmas. Who or what inspires you? Discovering or making up new techniques inspire me the most, but I am also inspired by horses, animals and the sea. You seem to be inspired by Southwestern culture and style, tell us more about that. I grew up in Imperial Beach, CA, which is a border town to Mexico. I used to body surf at the beach in the summer and ride horses to the Tijuana River Valley State Park all year round. I also love Native American Indian Art and jewelry. I also have Central American Indian heritage. You mention in your bio online that you enjoy experimenting with glass, how so? I enjoy using all kinds of rubber stamps while I travel. I use them with the Delphi liquid platinum gol

First, gather your table elements. 1. Table cloth 2. Table runner 3. Place mats/chargers 4. China/dinnerware 5. Glassware 6. Cutlery 7. Condiment sets 8. Candles 9. Napkin rings Second, arrange your elements. 1. Forks go on the left, knives and spoons on the right. Work from the outside in, so the cutlery that will be used first should be furthest from the plate. Knife blades should face inward, toward the plate. Cutlery for dessert (spoon or fork) can be placed horizontally above the plate or brought out with dessert. 2. The napkin should be placed to the left of the plate, under the fork(s) or in the center of the plate (as pictured top left.) 3. If serving bread, place a small plate above the forks and include a butter knife. 4. Glasses should be placed above the knives. 5. Dress it up! Add napkin rings and personalized place cards for each guest. Art Glass objects are perfect for jazzing up a dinner table. For more inspiration, read 6 Tips for Decorating Your Thanksgiving Dinner Table with Art Glass. Photo credit: Table setting top left, photos.com

What is dichroic glass? Dichroic glass is regular glass, dressed up. It gets its sparkling metallic colors from a complex scientific process. Glass is placed in a special vacuum chamber, in which quartz crystal and metal oxides are then vaporized. The resulting mist settles onto the glass and forms a unique crystal structure that reflects and transmits light in amazing ways. Coatings by Sandberg put together this great video illustrating the dichroic process. Where did dichroic glass come from? Dichroic glass dates back to 4th century AD , but was more recently used by NASA for dichroic filters. Dichroic glass was discovered in the 1970s by the art glass community and is now a coveted design element due to its unique characteristics. Why does dichroic glass change color? The coatings applied to the surface of the glass create both transmitted color (which is seen when you look through the glass) and reflected color (which is seen when the glass is viewed at an angle). This is why the colors seem to shift and change. How do I know what colors my Dichroic glass will be? Remember dichro presents multiple colors and can be difficult to photograph clearly.

Artists are often asked to donate items for charity auctions and fundraisers. And while most people love the idea of contributing to the greater good, a fundraising auction can end up hurting your career if you're not careful. I found a great article by ArtBusiness.com that lists several pointers for artists seeking auction success. Here are 9 key takeaways from this article: 1. The best events are those that support visual arts organizations and attract buyers from visual arts communities, like collectors. 2. Donate to non-art-related fundraisers only when it's an organization you feel strongly about. You'll be happy with your contribution even if you don't achieve any professional gain from the experience. 3. Find out how you (the artist) and your item will be presented. What will be said about you? Will your art be presented live or by photograph? Will your contact information be published in the program or on the website? 4. Talk to the people conducting the auction and ask what types of items (and prices) will sell best. 5. Donate a good piece of art. You want your donation to serve as a positive reflection of your talent. 6. Include your bio and contact

Feel better when you're knee-deep in frit? You probably do, and now we know why. Ladies Home Journal recently published a great article entitled, "Want to be Happier? Try Making Your Life a Little Harder." Author Catherine Newman cites the work of neuroscientist Kelly Lambert, Ph.D. who says, "When you do meaningful work with your hands, a kind of neurochemical feedback floods your brain with dopamine and seratonin. These happy brain chemicals are natural antidepressents, and we've evolved to release them both to reward ourselves for working with our hands and to motivate ourselves to do it some more." Harvard neurologist Marie Pasinski agrees saying, "We are programmed to reward ourselves when we accomplish things with our hands." The author goes on to say that creating things by hand has been proven to decrease stress levels, provide a greater sense of control and allow you to save money. Anyone who's bought art supplies knows the "saving money" part is up for discussion, but there is no doubt that finishing the project you've been slaving over for weeks is incredibly satisfying. How has glass art changed your life for the better? Email your story to us at featuredart

It's very rare that a video stops me in my tracks. But when a colleague sent me Hilltop Artists' "Black Forest Ham" video , I was hooked for the entire 7 min. and 58 seconds. If you haven't heard of Hilltop Artists , it's an organization that reaches out to at-risk teens and teaches them the art of fusing , flameworking , mosaics and glass blowing . More importantly, it gives kids a sense of self-worth and an outlet for pent-up frustration. With the help of Dale Chihuly, Hilltop Artists, a 501(c)3 non-profit glass arts program, opened in 1994. It provides classes and individualized instruction for more than 500 students each year, and no students are refused based on past behavior, grades, disabilities, or artistic talent. This video won a Telly award back in June for being one of the finest video productions created for the web. I encourage you to watch it and find out why.

On a recent company field trip to St. Petersburg, Florida, a group of Delphi Glass employees attended a glassblowing demonstration at a local Hot Shop. With music pumping in the background, the group watched as the glassblower gathered, rolled, twirled and twisted a glob of molten glass. He shaped it with conviction and intensity. He performed a calculated dance from the furnace, to the rod, to the steel table. And only moments later, the lava evolved into a striking vessel. From a furnace - to a queens dowry. That is the magic of glass. After the demonstration, the group wandered into the Hot Shops Glass Studio still mesmerized from the lively performance. The space sparkled with bottles, bowls, pitchers, jewelry and more. Had the group not just witnessed the demonstration, they might have overlooked these vessels. But now the bowls and plates were more than just colorful glass shapes. They represented an artist. A man with a compulsion, and a vision, and an ability to create something incredible from nothing at all. At Delphi, were inspired by art like this every day. This glassblower is one of many who make a living teaching, creating and selling glass art. And b

Kim Heenan has always been a creative person, but when she found glass, she fell in love. "I've done crafts for years, but when I found glass, it just consumed me," she said. She took her first glass class at Delphi Glass many years ago and has since become proficient in stained glass, fusing and mosaics. She never imagined she'd one day be working for Delphi, surrounded by the glass, books and tools that inspired her. For a little over a year, Kim has been working in Delphi's warehouse in quality control. She also creates custom art glass projects for friends and family and sells her work through her website . Recently, a writer for Greater Lansing Woman's Magazine spotted some of Kim's projects in a gallery in Old Town. The magazine decided to feature Kim in its monthly edition. At Delphi, we couldn't be more proud of Kim. She is just one of many Delphi employees who are also artists - we are so fortunate to have such a talented staff! Are you interested in taking a class at Delphi? Check out our latest class schedule.

Brazos Glassworks of Bryan, Texas is hosting a Glass Art Show and Competition in conjunction with Historic Downtown Bryan's October Art Step and the Texas Reds Steak and Wine Festival. The competition features glass art created by local artists and area students. Works in stained glass, fused/kiln worked glass, mosaics, cold-worked glass, blown and flameworked glass, beads and jewelry are acceptable. Owners Barbara Peevey and Debbie Jasek hope the show will raise awareness of the art form and the number of glass artists in the Bryan-College Station area.

We recently asked our Facebook fans to send us photos of glass art from their gardens . We received some especially interesting photos from glass artist Mark Hall. Impressed as we were, we realized that Mark's talent goes far beyond the confines of his garden. He is self-taught and has mastered German leading techniques, hand beveling, mirroring and sandblasting among other techniques. He fine-tuned hisskills while studying abroad in Germany at Derix Glass Studio,at Pilchuck School of Glass in Washington, andwith The Studio at the Corning Museum of Glass in New York. He and his wife, Leslie, now work together at Hallmark Glass. How did you get started in glass? In 1976 my brother informed me he'd started a business, and I was his partner. Surprised, I asked, What's our business? He responded, Stained glass . I knew nothing about it, so I learned how to make a window on our first commission. Why glass? My brother decided this for me, and my interest in the field has kept me on track. How have your other interests/hobbies/career influenced your glass designs? First of all my focus became glass, most other hobbies fell by the wayside. Now I don't fish

Thank you to everyone who entered Delphi's first-ever Christmas in July Contest . We had more than 125 amazing entries in stained glass, mosaics, flameworking, jewelry and fusing. A team of Delphi experts and artists chose the winners after much deliberation. Winners will receive a Delphi Gift card as well as the opportunity to be featured in a Delphi publication. Thanks for another great contest! View a complete list of winners here. Pictured: Second Place overall winner. This large panel by Cara DiMassimo depicts a lone polar bear exploring a snowy ice flow. It is created using Bullseye 90 COE glass.

I am often inspired by the glass work of our customers and Facebook fans. They are always thinking outside the box and using Delphi products in new and interesting ways. Recently we asked our fans to send us photos of glass art from their very own back yards. We received so many amazing projects, we decided to share a few here on our blog. Joleen Siebert, of Magic Gardens Stained Glass, created these two beautiful stained glass Koi fish panels (top left and at right). The larger panel is made up of 120 pieces of Spectrum , Kokomo and Bullseye glass. The smaller panel is made up of 40 pieces of Spectrum and scrap glass. It is framed in copper tubing. Both are foil construction. She designed these pieces from a spectrum pattern and adaptations of photos she found online. Mark Hall of Hallmark Glass created a whimsical birdbath (at left) using three layers of 5/16" thick boiler plate, with frit made from an old vodka bottle. Mark says he loves to create birdbaths and typically uses 1/4" plate glass rounds (cut out of the same sheet) with colored glass paint between the layers. He often uses crushed bottle chips in the center with mica flakes around the rim, so the

Fairytales, folklore and fantasy provide endless inspiration for garden art. With a little imagination and a few enchanting elements, you can turn your back yard into a magical playground for kids (and grown ups too!) In researching fairy tale garden art for this blog, I ran across many inspiring images and stories. One artist created a magical garden where stone mermaids rested near a cool stream and pixies perched on trees. Another artist added tiny wooden doors and windows to the base of the trees in her garden, much to the delight of the "wee folk." Besides wood and stone, glass is also a wonderful medium for creating magical details like toadstools , bird baths, wind chimes and more. Create a slumped fairy house to tuck in a shady spot, or a table-top fountain to sit under the sun. Fused flowers in brilliant colors provide year-round cheer to pots and planters. Here are some of our favorite glass Fairytale projects: Blooming Bird Bath Dragonfly Garden Stakes Slumped Fairy House Fused Flowers Fairy Wind Chimes For all garden project guides, click here. To see what other glass artists are making, visit our Artist Trend Gallery . View a

How did you get started in glass? Glass is a fascinating medium. I was living as an ex-pat in Denmark in 2001 when I had the luck of finding a fusing glass course. I fell in love with the technique immediately. I pursued further classes and a masters since, trying to achieve more. Im also a self learner, I love to study and work on my own. Since then I never stopped looking for ways to improve myself in this beautiful art. Why glass? The first time I went to Murano, Italy, back in 1986 I had the chance to visit glass studios and was astonished by the way the artists worked with the powders and heat. Due to its unique properties, glass continues to be an intriguing material that can reflect, transmit or absorb light. It creates a surprise element which brings eclectic interest to a space without becoming overbearing. In fusing, I add powders, strings , frits , metal or other inserts toslabs of glass toachieve an organic, but extraordinary design. I like to create pieces that are functional as well as decorative - bowls, platters and sculptures. They are fired to around 1500 F. The high temperatures melt the glass fragments incorporating them into a new form. In fus

Avoid the Heat with Delphi's Christmas in July Contest . It may be blazing outside, but Delphi is keeping it cool with $275 in Delphi gift cards up for grabs. In addition, the first, second and third place winners will also be featured in an upcoming Delphi Glass catalog. Simply upload your holiday-inspired project(s) to our Artist Gallery (make sure the Christmas in July box is checked) before July 30. Winners will be chosen by Delphi artists and experts. Good luck! For complete contest rules and the list of prizes, visit https://www.delphiglass.com/contest The Christmas in July contest correlates with our first-ever Christmas-in-July glass sale . So get a head start on your Christmas shopping and enter the contest! Need inspiration? Visit our Holiday Center.

When planning your Christmas creations for 2011, channel seasons past. High-quality products and traditional colors (various shades of red, green, gold and silver) characterized the upcoming holiday season, according to experts at the 2011/2012 Christmasworld trade fair in Frankfurt. Fortunately for glass artists, glass was the material of choice for tree ornaments at this years show. Fused, blown and stained glass ornaments will be more popular than ever! Click here for hand-picked Christmas glass. In addition to traditional ball-shaped ornaments, make note of these five standout trends: Nature The biggest source of inspiration for the 2011 Christmas season is nature. Natural materials like wood, bark, wicker, as well as milled wool and felt were mixed with glass, pearls and precious stones to achieve a beautiful but organic feel. Hearts Classic heart-shaped ornaments in delicate shades of rose, red, gold and silver were seen throughout Christmasworld. Stars The Christmas star is also huge for Christmas 2011. It symbolizes high hopes and ideals, which is perfectly in line with a renewed sense of optimism. Flowers/Birds Flowers and birds a

St. Pete Beach, on the west coast of Florida, has long been recognized for its beautiful beaches and stunning sunsets. Now it will have a new claim to fame - an 8' tall by 20' wide glass mosaic mural created entirely by volunteers from the surrounding communities. The mural will adorn the east side of the Suntan Art Center next door to the world-famous Don CeSar Hotel. Glass artist and instructor Pat Chase, who currently serves as the president of the Suntan Art Center, came up with the idea to create a mural out of glass. "[The Suntan Art Center] used to be a Firehouse with large windows out front. When they did the remodel, they took out the windows, leaving a large indented area that looks like a frame for the mural," Pat said. Pat approached nationally recognized artists Frank Saso and Libit Jones about a design for the mural. Together, and with input from other artists and members of the community, the two created the finished concept. The mural includes images that are meaningful to the community - dolphins at play, a large pelican, sandcastle and shovel, stunning sea turtles and more. A painting of the final design is pictured above. Since March 2011, a gr

Some were messy. Some were messier. But only one was messiest. Glass Artist Mindy Meyn was awarded $200 in organizational supplies from Delphi as the winner of Delphi's Messiest Art Glass Studio Contest. With more than 50 photo entries from art glass studios around the world, the competition was stiff. But Mindys mess received more than 70 likes on Facebook and 20 comments, (some nicer than others) making her the reigning queen of clutter. Mindys studio, which she says is at its worst, only leaves her a small space to work in a very cramped corner of the garage. The rest of her garage, she says, is filled with multiple skis, backpacks and a kayak. The contest was so close, that Delphi decided to award Robin Veverka, whose studio is also miserably cramped, a $50 gift card to Delphi. With so many wonderful (awful?) entries, Delphi is considering making this contest an annual event. Thanks to everyone who participated. We understand creativity can get messy! Want to unclutter? Read 13 tips for a Tidy Craft Space or view Favorite Organizational Products.

We scoured the web, asked our Delphi artists, questioned our fans on Facebook, and finally came up with 13 easy-to-implement tips for keeping things clutter-free! Feel free to share your own in our "comments" section below. 1. Choose an area with good lighting. If you have a window, keep the area clear, so light can flow in nicely. 2. Partition off the craft area (contain the craft creep) with a screen or furniture. 3. If you haven't used something in 2 years, consider donating it to a school or senior center, selling to a buy-back program or tossing it. 4. Label everything. 5. Consider what tools and supplies you need the most. These should be easily accessible. Store the rest in clear bins. 6. If your space is limited, go vertical! Install a slat wall for easy shelving. From our Facebook fans: 7. Scrapbooking paper shelves are also great for small scrap glass. - Amy Davis 8. I bought a $15 shoe rack/cabinet from Target to store my glass. 4" 6" x 12" cubbies and I think there are 20 spaces. - Deby Hutt Romaniw 9. My husband and I run a vinyl decal business and I use the leftover cardboard tubes that the vinyl comes on for my zinc, lead and wire

Get Fired Up with Fusing! Saturday, June 11, 2011 from 10am - 3pm ONE DAY ONLY! Hang out at Delphi for the day and watch free fusing presentations by Delphi Experts. Learn about the fundamentals of fusing, tips and tricks from Delphi's best and network with other artists! Don't Miss These Exciting Presentations: 10:00 am - Let's Start Small Learn the basics on how to fuse glass. Glass cutting and layering will be demonstrated. Take advantage of the opportunity to try new embellishing products by making a small cabochon that will be fused and ready to take home later in the afternoon. All material will be provided. 12:00 pm - Prepare and Apply It: Which kiln wash do I use? Learn what kiln wash works best on which surface and how to prepare and apply Check out the New Molds and see what they can create. 1:00 pm - Glass Vessels Sinks, Birdbaths, and Fountains Discover how to alter a firing schedule to accommodate larger and thicker vessels that can be used in different applications. Cold working, fire polishing, and drilling holes will be demonstrated. Complete assembly will be discussed. 2:00 pm - Unique Patterned Glass Murrini and damming mol

The grand art of mosaics, which has existed for thousands of years, was used by the ancient Greeks to decorate their walls, floors, tables, benches, fountains, and pools. Made from marble, ceramic tiles, semi-precious stones, and smalti, mosaics are luminous, lightproof, water and temperature resistant. They allow artists infinite possibilities to design unique and long-lasting creations in their own expressive style, from realism to abstract. This weeklong workshop guides students through the various steps needed to complete their own one-foot square mosaicfrom the cartoon drawing to the final installation. Most materials needed for the workshop are provided, but participants must bring their own tools. Please see the workshops materials list, available in the Leagues main office. Born and trained in Russia, Vladimir Aituganov immigrated to the United States in 1991. He then became an American citizen, and established his studio. He is known as a master of mosaics and of painting in the United States, Russia and France. He has had numerous solo exhibitions throughout the United States and Europe. His majestic mosaic murals for churches h

Yellow, red and sizzling orange are t hree of summer 2011s hottest colors . These colors are stunning in glass. In fact, red has always been a coveted color in stained glass, and remains one of Delphis best-selling hues. According to Jaymes Richardson of Civility Design (www.civilitydesign.com) for HGTV, When you have accents of red, it draws attention to other things you might not even notice in the room, Richardson says. The whole idea is to entice, intrigue [and] invite without clubbing you over the head and dragging you in. Red and orange are great colors for art glass accents like candleholders, bowls, vases, sculptures, etc. And yellow glass accessories are great for brightening a room with little sunlight. Create a pendant lamp in yellow or red for a dramatic pop of color. David Bromstad, host of Color Splash on HGTV says, Hot colors like reds and oranges will energize you and get you ready to tackle the day. Just be leery when you fire your next set of red or orange dishes, as these shades supposedly stimulate appetite (they say if youre on a diet, eat off of a blue plate). Red, orange and yellow all look great against neutrals like white, tan, grey

If your art glass studio is a hot mess, enter our Messiest Art Glass Studio Contest and you could win $200 worth of organizational supplies from Delphi! How to Enter: Email your photo to [email protected] May 23- May 31, 2011. We will post all photos to an album on Delphi's Facebook page on June 1 for voting. How to Win: Our Facebook fans will decide the winner. Whoever's photo gets the most "likes" wins. Voting wil begin June 1 and end June 9. Winner will be announced June 10, 2011. Prize: Winner will receive $200 in studio organizational supplies from Delphi. The Fine Print: This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by Facebook. You are providing your email address to Delphi Glass and not to Facebook. Delphi Glass will notify winner by replying to email address. Delphi Glass will not share your email address with anyone. Delphi Glass reserves the right to deny entry into the contest for any reason. Participants acknowledge that Delphi Glass may use their photos for reproduction in any medium including print and electronic for the purpose of advertising, trade, display or any other medium. For more info, visit Delphi'

We found Mollie Barrow on Facebook in the midst of a discussion on Pot Melts. Mollie cooks up her incredible glass creations in a quiet eco-village in rural Ireland with her 10-year old son Elliot and cats Bonnie and Oscar. She is continually inspired by the Northern Lights, and the rich swirls of color in her pieces prove it. We were blown away by her magical melts, and we know you will be too. How did you get started in glass? I've been in love with glass art since I visited the Murano Glass Factory in Venice when I was 16. I was hypnotised by the skill and speed those guys had working with molten glass, and I would have loved to pursue glass seriously from then. As is often the case, however, life had other plans and it wasn't until I was in my late 20s that I finally picked it up. I took a 16-week fusing course at the only teaching studio in the country, with the intention of making some nice jewellery for myself. Then I made some for friends, and then their friends. And it grew from there. I'm a natural rule breaker, and I was soon experimenting with glasses and kiln times and mixing things I shouldn't mix and getting up to all sorts of shenanigans

Last weekend, while killing time in Detroit before a flight, I wandered into the Henry Ford Museum. If you haven't had a chance to visit this monstrous attraction, make plans now. Its incredible. I was there for three hours and saw only a small portion of what the museum has to offer. There are huge machinery collections, transportation exhibits and much, much more planes, trains and automobiles, oh my! I was especially intrigued with one particular machine. The Corning Glass Ribbon Machine. Before the invention of this machine, every light bulb was hand blown. As you can imagine, this process was painstakingly slow and expensive. But then a man named Will Woods came along and changed the world. This is his story. In 1898, Will Woods was a 19-year-old kid looking to pursue his dream of becoming a glassblower. He traveled to the Corning Glass Manufactory in Corning, NY to learn the art. Thomas Edison had commissioned Corning Glass to manufacture the envelopes for his first electric light bulbs in the early 1880s. At that time, skilled glassblowers called gaffers could produce just two bulbs per minute. Eight years later, Corning Gla

One of the biggest trends in jewelry for 2011 is layering . Layering necklaces appears chic without looking stuffy. The key to pulling off this look is combining different textures and lengths. Gone are the days of never mixing gold and silver. Dig through your jewelry box for charms, chains and forgotten items, and wear them together for a fresh look. Necklaces in different metal finishes, a string of pearls, and a brightly colored cabochon make an elegant statement on a plain white t-shirt or LBD. In 2008, we saw this layered look emerge on runways the world over, but it was a subtler approach (perhaps pairing a shorter gold chain with a longer one.) Now, anything goes. To keep it from getting tacky, (you dont want to end up looking like your crazy aunt Marge) follow these tips: The chains should be of varying lengths and staggered. Try mixing metals such as gold, gunmetal, silver and copper in varying shades. Wrap a strand of pearls, gems, glass beads or organza ribbon around one of the chains to add texture and sparkle. Delphi now offers metal ball chain in various shades and sizes (see photo at right). We also carry organza necklaces i

"My dad 'retired' and wasnt enjoying the change of pace so I suggested he get back into an old hobby (stained glass) by coming to work with me here at Delphi. He joined the customer service department and brought technical expertise and a passion for customer care that always made me proud to have him here. Along the way, he also got back into stained glass, and picked up an interest in mosaics, fusing and cold-working. Hes since 'retired' again, but cant quite seem to give up his love of tools and customers and finds his way back to Delphi as a photographer during our annual Art Glass Festival event, and as an assistant instructor with Guest Instructor Kent Lauer every year. T he photo (at right) was taken by Melanie Churchill during the 2010 AGF reception while dad and I were both cruising the crowd with our cameras. - Karina Foster, Delphi Glass Merchandising Assistant My father was born with a congenital hip disorder, and he didnt walk like the average person does, he swayed from side to side. My youngest son said he walked like a duck. He spent years in the hospital as a child going through painful surgeries as doctors tried to correct the problem. They never did. N

Thanks to a wide assortment of patterns, molds and instruction, its easy for hobbyists to make Tiffany style lampshades. We should mention right away that when we refer to Tiffany Style Lamps, were talking about lamps that are made on a mold (or form the terms are interchangeable). If a mold isn't needed, the lamp would be considered a Flat Panel Lamp . Making Tiffany style lamps is actually quite similar to making stained glass windows. The main difference is that after youve cut and foiled the pieces for your lamp, you solder them together on a mold, instead of on a flat surface. This is what gives the lamp its rounded shape. Most of the pieces in a Tiffany lamp need to be quite small to conform to the rounded mold. Thats why this type of shade, by its nature, has a considerable number of pieces. Most popular designs have about 150400 pieces, although some require nearly 2000. Obviously, another difference between Tiffany lamps and most windows is the amount of time required to complete the project. These lamps can be time consuming. The only supplies you need to get started on your first Tiffany style lampshade are a mold, a pattern and some glass. As far as tools go,

I love all things nautical. In fact my husband has completely banned me from purchasing any more striped shirts. But theres something so fresh about pairing bright blues and stark whites with splashes of red and coral. Its a trend that works on men and women, as well as in the home. The nautical theme in art and fashion has been around forever. Fashion icon Coco Chanel first made this tren d popular in the 1920s when she began to emulate the fisherman she met while yachting. Every spring/summer the trend pops up again, and according to top fashion designers like Michael Kors, its not going anywhere. For the home, nautical accents are appearing inside the pages of Southern Living and Better Homes and Gardens, and all over design blogs on the Internet. Fused glass starfish and shells, like the ones pictured below by Elida Koenig, would make a beautiful table centerpiece. I also love the intricate solder work and striking blue sails of the stained glass sailboat (pictured below). I can picture it sitting atop a buffet or bookshelf to brighten up a living room. The sea glass mirror, also pictured below, by Rhona Siegal would liven up a neutral wall. Glass art lends

Mosaics add charm and whimsy to any room in your home or corner of your garden. Mosaics are not only beautiful to display, but they are truly a lot of fun to make! Traditional mosaics are made by cutting tiny pieces of glass and fitting them together with just enough space between each piece for grout. Traditions change, however, and today's contemporary mosaics are not only made from glass but broken china pieces, buttons, shells and even Grandma's rhinestone jewelry. To begin, choose an item on which to mosaic- fountains, small bistro tables and stepping stones are good starting places, but generally mosaics can be applied to any and all surfaces. If you've chosen a smooth surface, rough it up first using fine grit sandpaper or score it using a craft knife. A rough surface will allow the adhesive to form a better grip. Next, decide on a pattern for your mosaic. For inspiration visit your local library or book store for a pattern or mosaic book. Once you have an idea for a design, draw it on paper and transfer it to the surface using carbon paper and a sharpen pencil or simply draw it directly on the surface. As with any craft project, the proper tools are essential.

In the winter of 2005, Craig Mitchell Smith wandered into a class at Delphi Glass in Lansing, MI. Six years, and thousands of creations later, Craig has taken the world by storm with his artistic vision. He is not a newcomer to the art world (his background is in painting, interior design, landscape and floral design), but glass changed everything for him. And what started as a hobby has quickly become a full-time job. His sculptures, some enormous in scale, have been spotted on television, in museum shows, garden exhibitions and now in his very own public gallery. In 2010, his glass cardinal ornaments hung on the National Christmas Tree in Washingon, D.C. When Dan Daniels, CEO of Delphi Glass, saw Craig's work for the first time he was speechless. He recognized in Craig a talent unmatched in the industry - the next great glass artist. Since then, Craig has become the darling of Delphi Glass, and is scheduled to appear in an upcoming catalog. Delphi Executive Director, Lisa Parks, caught up with Craig to ask him a few questions on his recent gallery opening and newfound fame. DG: You recently opened a new gallery in Okemos, MI. Tell us a little about the Gallery

When Charity Stewart's mosaic mirror made of old Starbucks Gift Cards was posted to our Artist Gallery as part of our Recycled Arts Contest , I couldn't help but notice. Cheerily nicknamed "Momma Mosaics", Charity creates brightly colored art that is whimsical and playful. She has mastered the art of using paper under glass, and repurposing found objects. We caught up with her to ask her a few questions about her signature style. How did you get started in glass? I discovered the joy of glass at the age of 12, when I was introduced to stained glass art by my grandmother. She inspired me to explore my creative side as we worked side-by-side in her tiny basement studio, cutting and grinding pieces for a large window panel. Those lessons in creativity launched my interest in glass art and eventually led me to classes in fusing and mosaics. Why mosaics? Have you ever been obsess ed with finishing a puzzle? Making a mosaic is similar, but unlike a puzzle where the end result is always the same, mosaics give you have the freedom to create the puzzle as you go. My designs are never really too preplanned, I enjoy the flow of the process and often find tha

Glass Artist Karen Mamel had all but packed away her glass tools when she opened her E-mail inbox. Sharon Jones of Good Shepherd Hospice in Sebring, Florida was inquiring about a stained glass window in a newly built chapel. A man was donating the window in honor of his beloved wife. She had previously built windows for two other Florida Hospices and spent much of her free time visiting patients and volunteering for the organization. A cancer survivor and nurse, she felt a particular connection to the patients. She called friend and pattern designer, Lynda Chandler, to explain the challenge. The project was a five-and-a-half-foot round window facing west, Karen said. Beyond that, she had rece ived little direction. Sharon at Good Shepherd had seen our work before and trusted us to come up with a good design. Karen and Lynda got to work. The pair met more than five years prior and discovered a mutual love for the arts. Lynda, a botanical illustrator, had a talent for bringing landscapes to life on paper, and Karen, an accomplished glass artist, was looking for someone to design custom glass patterns. Their first project was a stunning 27-foot window in their church.

The office was all abuzz when Marketing Director Monika Smolarczyk told us she was going to the Personal Glass Experience at the Morean Arts Center. She could tell we were jealous. Our corporate offices in Tampa, FL are just a short drive from the art center's location in St. Petersburg. Dating back to 1917, the former Art Club of St. Petersburg, has become a world-renowned center for glass art. The Personal Glass Experience is a one-on-one demonstration on glass blowing that takes place in the center's Hot Shop. For a nominal fee, a seasoned glass blower guides each participant through every step of the hot glass process until his or her glass sculpture or ornament is complete. First, the glass blower collected the glass from the furnace onto a large (and heavy) metal rod. At this point the glass is about 2,300F! Next, Monika rolled the glass onto a steel table, called a marver, to give the glass its cylindrical shape. She then reheated the glass in the furnace. The glass blower collected more glass, shaped and reheated. This process was repeated until the desired thickness was achieved. Finally, the project was returned to the furnace, heated and inserted into

Glass artist Carol Lancour sent over these "before and after" photos of an old glass light fixture she found in her garage. She mosaicked the forgotten item and repurposed it into a glimmering garden orb. (Carol is the same artist who turned concrete blocks into stunning planters for her backyard.) Genius! Looking for Recycled Arts Supplies? Free Recycled Arts Project Guides here.

Stained Glass Stylists of Waretown, New Jersey has become a haven for would-be artists as well as experienced artisans. They've been around for 14 years now, and owners Butch and Jane Gathright say they're not going anywhere. Butch started in stained glass almost 25 years ago. "There was no one to teach me how to do the craft so I became self-taught, he said. Having endured the hardships of learning on his own, he made it his mission to help others learn the craft. Over the years I've seen many people go from having never touched a piece of glass to opening their own businesses, he said. Stained Glass Stylists offers classes in stained glass, kiln-formed glass and more. They also sell a variety of supplies in-store and online. In addition, they specialize in repairs and custom work. For more information visit their website or find them on Facebook by searching StainedGlassStylists. You can also email them at [email protected] or call them at (609) 242-0555. They are open Tues. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. EST, Wed. - Fri. 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. EST, and Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. EST. Tutoring assistance is available Tues. and Sat. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. EST. Stained Glass classes are

Last year, we asked our Facebook fans to tell us how they use regular household items as tools in glass art creation . We got a fantastic list of ideas! When we asked again this year, we got a few more great tips to share. Here's the list, Part II. Thanks everyone! Folger's coffee buckets for scrap glass A cut-up cardboard box instead of a grinder shield The plastic tops of milk containers for holding flux while working Spoons for frit to roll beads in; baby spoons to hold small amounts of frit Silverware basket from dishwasher to hold tools Canning jars to hold frit Wooden toothpicks for mandrels Stainless steel bowls and containers for slumping Page protectors to keep patterns dry while grinding Cut an apron out of old plastic tablecloth to use while grinding. Use a kitchen apron as a pattern - no sewing involved! Read Household Items You Can Use as Tools, Part I.

Can I use two pieces of mirror back to back in a window so it will look nice from both sides? Yes, you can. Like any pieces of mirror you use in a panel, youll want to use a sealant of some kind (ask your supplier for a recommendation) on the edges and back side of each piece before placing them back to back. The sealant is used to help prevent black rot a discoloring of the mirror caused when something nasty, most likely the flux , gets between the mirrored surface and the glass itself. The sealant is applied after youve cut and ground each piece of mirror to its final shape. Once the mirrors are cut and sealed, hold them back to back and wrap a wide foil (probably 3/8 if youre using 1/8 thick mirror) around the edge of both pieces together. You now have a piece thats 1/4 thick. Keep this in mind when you solder it in place because its going to stick out on one side of your panel or the other (or a little on both sides). I hope you werent planning to construct this window with lead, because itll be hard to find a came appropriate for the job. Another option is to use front surface mirror . Its reflective on both sides so you dont need to plate two pieces togethe

How did you get started in glass? I originally just did tile mosaics and then a friend sent me info on taking a class at Delphi for fused glass mosaics taught by Christine Stewart. I was hooked and had my own kiln within a few months. Why glass? Its infinitely easier than working with ceramic tile! I like the way the fused glass lets me incorporate rounded shapes with the hard edges of cut glass. Why is recycling important to you? I always take everyones leftovers tile, glass, wire, rocks, beads because you never know what project you can use even the smallest pieces in. Then you can elaborate: my friend gave me that, my neighbor was throwing that away. Im currently working with the Michigan Chapter of the IIDA and ZeroLandfill where they divert architectural samples from the landfill for upcycling. Its a wonderful way to get free goodies! How have your other interests/hobbies/career influenced your glass designs? Ive been a graphic designer by trade for my whole working career and glass lets me get out from behind the computer and get my hands dirty again. What inspires you? Nature and its textures. What makes your work

Global Overview of Colors Theme: The spectrum of color for 2011-2012 is wide and diverse. These colors are rich saturated hues. They evoke a sense of intensity and culture. They are cheery and, in most cases, bright. Follow your own inspiration. Break a color rule or mix palettes. Remember, color is personal and can infuse vibrant emotion. Influences: Brighter colors may lift our spirits during these uncertain economic times and create a sense of optimism for the future. The palette is bright but not radical. With an eye turned towards revitalizing the economy, colors, like our thoughts about the future, are slightly more reserved, said Kate Smith of Sensational Color. Applications: Color allows us to change our environment quickly, and most times, with little effort and little expense. Choosing a new wall color and adding lighting, hard or soft accessories (table top or pillows as examples) floor or window treatments can complement your style or personal taste. A pop of color will make traditional pieces within your home feel more unique and eclectic. Globa l Blues and Greens: The current colors, blue and greens (cool-wishful colors), will rem

1-2-3 Alphabet Soup Make your style personal and creative. Use numbers and letters to personalize your home dcor. Various fonts, sizes, colors and unusual applications create striking results. Initials, monograms and words add depth and sometimes amusement to a bare wall or boring box, and will always require a second look. Numbers are also popular. A house number, significant date, anniversary or just a favorite number (mine is 16) all add a personal touch to everyday projects. Todays numbers appear clean, fresh and new again. Combining new project ideas and vintage pieces, can be show stopping when displayed together. Whatever you create, youll be #1, and get an A for your efforts. Drawer Pulls / Knobs A quick and easy project that everyone can do. When added to a piece of furniture, drawer pulls instantly give a room personality. Initials or monograms are fun and creative and will be unexpected. Another quick idea is to add the knobs to a wood board and instantly you have a creative clothes rack. Letters like B-A-T-H or W-A-S-H will liven up bathrooms and laundry areas and create an unexpected second look! Glass Magnetic Letters A quick and fun

There are several reasons why crafters might grind every piece of glass. One would be because they arent able to cut their pieces accurately with a glass cutter, or they are incredibly picky about the way their pieces fit. A more likely reason is that by touching every edge against the grinder head, it smooths all of the sharp glass edges. This removes any flared or irregular edges which means less cut fingers. Some people feel that they have better luck foiling a ground surface than a slick one. This is probably due to the edge being perpendicular after grinding more than it is to the fact that the edge has been roughed up. Keep in mind that if you run the grinder along every glass edge, you need to carefully clean each piece to remove the glass dust created by the grinder. Otherwise, the dust will keep your foil from sticking. Reprinted with permission from Stained Glass News . All rights reserved. Photo of Peacock Panel by AmberLyn's STG ; 2011 Art Glass Festival Entry

Carol Lancour can find beauty in just about anything. She jokes that she can look at a chunk of concrete and see potential. And while she says her friends think she's crazy, there is a greater purpose behind her vision. "For me, finding something discarded and repurposing it into something beautiful and useful is its own reward," she says. "I strive to make every project I undertake aesthetically pleasing, well-made and purposeful." Carol used to paint and draw to satiate her need to be creative, but she turned to glass when a friend showed her how to cut up stained glass for mosaics. She bought her first set of cutting tools from Delphi in 2000. "Glass comes in every beautiful color, refracts light and sparkles in the sun," she says. "I like the durability of something so fragile." Carol began creating mosaics with her cut up glass, starting with a mosaic flower pot. Her projects eventually grew to be much larger. "I don't know a lot of other people who do large-scale mosaic projects with pieces that are mostly hand cut and -inch or smaller, she says. Her favorite recycled project is an herb garden planter made from cinder blocks excavated from her back yard and

As March begins, theres almost a palpable excitement in the air at Delphi. This year will be my 13th Art Glass Festival, and somehow every year its magical almost like being a kid waiting anxiously for Christmas morning all over again. It begins earlier than you might think with conversations about the schedule of events, prizes, guest artists and more. Thanks to the enthusiasm and dedication of our staff, the entire event is carefully planned and coordinated to showcase the talent of our customers and offer an opportunity to have fun. I like to dig in and take a very hands-on role in the entire process. While entries are streaming in through the Lansing Creativity Center and Online, Im busy checking in the prizes donated by dozens of generous vendors. While the Creativity Center is being transformed into a Gallery, I work with a team and coordinate the assembly of exhibitor packs, door prizes and prize packs. Its a big job, but a lot of fun can you imagine putting together goodie bags for a party of glass artists? Or picking out the best prizes for the winners that are as passionate about glass as you are? The Artists Reception is always spectacular. The Gallery is

After I finish soldering, there are little splatters of solder stuck all over my panel. How do I clean these up? Doesnt it look just terrible! You wonder if it will ever get clean. But dont worry, it really isnt as bad as it looks. Any of the splatters that are not connected to a solder seam can usually be removed with your fingernail (after the solder has cooled!) or a soft stick, like a craft stick (top left). Be careful not to use anything sharp that could scratch the glass. This includes most steel wool (except 0000). Most scrubbing pads for dishes will work, but you should try them on a piece of scrap glass. You dont want to scratch your project now! Any splatters that are connected to a solder seam will need to be refluxed and melted off. Trying to lift it off with your soldering iron will generally leave a peak, so youll have to melt it into the solder seam at that area. If the splatter is too large to melt into the seam, youll have to melt the seam and remove the excess by quickly pulling it off to the side with your soldering ion. You may notice that you get more splattering when soldering the second side of your project. Thats because the flux gets t

When Mike Hartwig and Kevin McDaniel opened Glass Works Stained Glass Studio in 1997, they made it their goal to create a place where do-it-yourselfers could feel comfortable. Whether artists came there to buy supplies, ask questions or learn something new, Mike and Kevin wanted to offer it all.Both men had more than 25 years of experience in stained glass work including design, construction, repairs as well as teaching classes and operating a stained glass retail business. They knew what artists needed to be successful. In that same vein, they constantly sought to offer their customers new and exciting products and services to keep them interested. What inspires me most is being of help to our customers, Mike said.Whether it is someone looking for a piece of leaded glass for their home or church or just looking for that certain item to complete their own project. The products we recommend are those we have tried and are familiar with. Mike and Kevin also sought feedback from their customers on new purchases, so they could ensure satisfaction and provide recommendations for others. They have helped many customers create unforgettable projects over the years. Our most me

If you delight in dichroic, consider entering Coating by Sandberg's (CBS) Dichroic by Design Contest. It's the fifth annual contest, and the entries get more impressive every year. See the dichroic guitar project by Michelle Wilcox (pictured top left) that won last year's contest. But if glass instruments aren't your strong suit, don't be discouraged. CBS accepts projects in multiple categories including blown glass, lampworked glass, fused glass, glass jewelry, glass sculpture, glass marbles, architectural and miscellanous. All of the artwork must contain at least 25 percent CBS Dichoric glass, and you can submit up to three entries. To enter, submit a photograph of your artwork to Coatings by Sandberg, Inc., ATTN: Contest Coordinator, 856 N. Commerce St., Orange, CA 92867, USA. The deadline for submissions is 9/30/11. CBS is giving away more than $5,000 in prizes, including gift certificates and glass packs. In addition, CBS features choice submissions on its Facebook page, website, marketing and advertising literature, etc. In other words, you could be famous! For more information on the contest, visit the CBS website. And if you're looking for a great deal on

Spring projects are popping up all over our artist gallery. Likewise, magazines and home d cor stores are filling up with familiar springtime subjects like butterflies, flowers, eggs, bunnies and chicks. Each of these Easter symbols has a special meaning (and since our Facebook fans have told us they love Easter), we're devoting extra effort to this colorful holiday. Butterflies Butterflies are a popular spring subject in home dcor, fashion and art ( Pier one and Artful Home have some amazing butterfly items for inspiration!) The butterfly represents change, resurrection, transformation and celebration. A butterfly brings a sense of freedom and joy to any project. Check out Delphi's new Artist Trend page to see some amazing butterfly projects from Delphi's Artist Gallery. Easter Lilies Easter Lilies are arguably the most popular Easter flower. The white blossoms represent purity and new life. Daffodils and tulips are also popular spring flowers. Their colorful blooms ar e a welcome change from the snowy winter landscape. Easter Eggs Easter Eggs became a popular Easter symbol in Medieval Europe. Eggs were forbidden during l

From fusing to stained glass, etching or mosaics, glass bottles are ready to be reused in spectacular art. Find creative ideas below from D elphi customers and artists like you, to get started. Cathedral Glassworks of BC, Canada designed the panel at right featuring a client’s favorite label by cutting a bottle in half and soldering it into a vineyard design. 2010 Online Art Glass Festival winner Pamela Buerger of Fenton,MI designed the panel, left, “Wine Anyone” with a glass bottle cut in half and incorporated into the design with a piece of red glass plated behind it to give the illusion of a bottle that’s always full. The 3-D Dragon sculpture, top left, by artist Steve Landrum of Mountain Home, AR was created from bits of bottles, paired with stained glass to create this fantastic sculpture with unique curved surfaces and contours. Artist Ramona Mauch of Exeter, CA captured our imagination with her 2010 Online Art Glass Festival 1st Place Sculpture, shown right. She created this fantastical creature from recycled bottles that were disassembled, then pieced back together to form this unique character with legs that hint at the origin of the g

In keeping with our recent theme of Recycled Art, we're featuring glass artist Patti Lenckus. Her scrap glass mosaics are made from leftover glass otherwise headed for the landfill. Read how she got started in this Earth-friendly endeavor. Stained Glass Artist Patti Lenckus of Norman, Oklahoma has been saving her scraps for years. She has a five-shelf storage cart with bins, and she meticulously divides each piece of scrap by its color. Last year, she started using this glass to create mosaics. My first project was a picture of a flower vase created on an unfinished wooden tray that I found at a local craft store, Patti says. I had so much fun that I decided to teach a mosaic class at the local art center to share what I had learned. I taught my students to make pictures from scrap glass on a piece of floor tile. Patti also taught a class called Glass on Glass in which her students created flowers on glass trays. She even found a use for the tiniest pieces of leftover glass. I use them in the image discs on the end of my kaleidoscopes, she says. She finds a use for all of her scraps regardless of texture or color. Bright, opaque glass is good for using on thing

You may never feel the same about a jar of jelly ever again. Linda Kester Hamilton has always had a creative soul. She currently works as a graphic artist from her home, and is a small-time producer of DVD productions using photos, mementos, film clips and new photography. She also does intricate beadwork and dabbles in a variety of other media. After moving last year from the central coast of California town of Aptos, to Alamogordo, New Mexico, she found the change in local recycling facilities alarming. She began to hold onto things she would normally recycle or throw away, namely her wide mouth jars and lids. "I remembered a teacher in high school had shown us how to make candle sticks using the same method I use today," Linda said. "Now, there are more modern crafting supplies to get neat things accomplished and I am very thankful for that." In high school, she remembers cutting lace from her canopy bed set (hoping her mother wouldn't notice) to add texture to her candle holder projects. Aside from reusing her bottles, (her bed lace) and other recycled materials for texture and embellishment, Linda also fills her jars with shredded tires to add weight. This is

Ever wondered what goes in to developing a new craft tool or product? The post below was submitted by Rita Levine of Diamond Tech International. She leads readers on a journey through the product development phases of the new G2 Bottle Cutter. Last Spring I was invited to join a group of friends for a little "eco" crafting. Little did I know that two months later I would be working to design a new bottle cutter. We worked hard that day to embrace our eco-friendly projects. Our goal was to transform bottles into art. It was clear, however, the bottle cutters we were using were not "cutting it". We struggled to score and separate our bottles with very little success. It was then I thought, There has got to be a better way! So I rounded up our product development team and we set out to create a tool that would effortlessly turn bottles and jars, bound for the trash, into crafts. If we could make it an earth friendly tool, all the better. To achieve this, we first fashioned our new bottle cutter from recycled aluminum. This was good, we thought, but we decided to take it one step further and made the packaging from recycled paper. (We were definitely bitten by the recycl

For an art glass enthusiast, discovering the Stained Glass Studio of Clearwater, FL is like a fried foods addict finding the fairgrounds. It's sensory overload. Large panels hang from the ceiling, small panels are posted on lightboards, and a large mixed-media piranha looms in the front window. You could spend hours in the 2400-square-foot studio and not find all of the art glass treats sprinkled around. Owner Kathleen Bromley is like the Willy Wonka of this proverbial chocolate shop. Her studio, located on US 19 attracts tourists, snow birds and locals of all ages, and she has diversified her offerings to appeal to multiple audiences. We went to visit Kathleen at her studio while a class was in session. Her students were learning how to make glass kaleidoscopes. She broke away from teaching long enough to introduce her staff and give us a quick tour. She, like her shop, is warm, inviting and colorful. Someone you feel like you've known all your life. Perhaps that's one reason behind her loyal customer base. Once you meet her, you're hooked. Or maybe its her business model, with its great selection of products and bustling staff, the air is thick with creativity. Wh

There's a lot of buzz about recycled art these days. At Delphi, we not only promotes "green" art, we also strive to run a green business. Here's what we're doing... Delphi uses overrun boxes whenever possible instead of official Delphi boxes. We use 100% recycled biodegradable packaging peanuts. They are literally and figuratively green. (Also our bubble wrapping is both figuratively and literally green). Bring Us Your Peanuts We are also a recycling center in Lansing for used packaging peanuts. People in the community can drop off boxes or bags of peanuts and well reuse them. For recycling centers near you, call the peanut hotline at 800-828-2214 or visit http://www.loosefillpackaging.com/ We use paper wrapping when possible. We even save our newspapers to use as wrapping! We have a dumpster just for recycled cardboard We recycle plastic and aluminum cans. Large bins are set up in both break rooms and by the snack machine. We are very conscious of our power use. Lights in the restrooms, break room, and classrooms are motion activated. We turn off office computers and lights at the end of the day. We print our catalogs on PEFC recycled paper a

How did you get started in glass? A friend bought me a small fused glass wall hanging many years ago and Id often gazed at it and wondered how it was made. Then in 2005, after being diagnosed with M.E./C.F.S. and lung problems, I was unable to continue with my career in the Learning Disabilities profession and needed an alternative and more therapeutic endeavor that would accommodate my condition. So, following a moment of madness in early 2008, where I bid for a kiln on e-bay, I began to experiment in glass and quickly became hooked on the colour, beauty and diversity of kiln-formed work. Why glass? Ive always admired architecture and loved the way a glass window could completely transform a room. And kiln-formed fused glass is such an exciting medium. My favorite part is the mixture of anticipation and trepidation I feel when Im opening the kiln it reminds me of Christmas morning as a child . How have your other interests/hobbies/career influenced your glass designs? I enjoy gardening and am often influenced by the shape or colour of a flower. Im also in the process on renovating my home which was built in 1901 and love being able to make my own unique tiles,

How did you get started in glass? I was lonely! I moved to Richmond, VA from Minneapolis, MN about six years ago, and didnt know a soul. I had a friend back in MN who worked with stained glass and it sounded fun and challenging. When I saw that Richmonds local Visual Arts Center offered evening stained glass classes, I decided to try it. Turns out, I love working with glass! (And I met some other great creative people too!) Why glass? Prior to working with glass, I was (and still am) an admirer of all types of glass creations leaded, fused, blown, mosaics, etc. I never considered trying leaded glass myself until my friend told me about the process, and totally demy stified it. And then I thought, I think I need to do this! I really enjoy the puzzle fitting the pieces together to create something beautiful is extremely gratifying. How have your other interests/hobbies/career influenced your glass designs? I have been drawing in graphite and charcoal for several years and I also dabble in photography and graphic design. All of these skill sets come in handy when creating original glass works. I like dramatic contrasts and balanced designs, and this extends to my g

Last week, we were surprised (and thrilled!) to receive a donation of 120 beautiful lampworked borosilicate beads for Beads of Courage. The artist was Ruth Kelley from Gainesville, MO. We caught up with her this week to ask her a few questions about her generous donation. Delphi: How did you hear about the Beads of Courage initiative? Ruth Kelley: Initially I saw a TV spot about Beads of Courage and how much the organization means to the patients. Then I got the Delphi e-newsletter about the initiative, and knew I had to contribute. Delphi: How did you get started flameworking? Ruth Kelley: A neighbor opened a studio (Sharon Stoffel of Morningstar Glass), and I started taking classes from her in 2008. Delphi: Who or what inspires you? Ruth Kelley: There are so many talented glass artists. I used to spend hours looking at websites and admiring artists' work. Plus, Sharon encouraged me to expand and try different techniques. I also had the opportunity to meet Sage Holland and her son at an open house at their studio in Fox Ar. And then there is all that beautiful glass! Delphi: Many of the beads you created were heart shaped, which has a special me

Of all the art mediums, glass is perhaps the most beautiful way to capture the magic of Mardi Gras. Glass artists in New Orleans, and across the US and worldwide, are embracing the holiday and creating some incredible projects. The Mardi Gras celebration is full of color and symbolism, and provides inspiration for bold, eccentric art. Delphi Artist, Julie Haan, whose talent extends into fusing, stained glass, mosaics and beyond, created the awesome projects you see in this post. Her inspiration? The rich history behind one of the world's most beloved celebrations. The actual phrase Mardi Gras means Fat Tuesday in French. Its a long lasting European custom for people to overindulge before the sobering beginning of Lent. Some scholars believe the original roots can be traced back to ancient Roman times during their springtime feasting. In the United States, the Grand Capital of Mardi Gras is New Orleans, where celebrations have been going strong since the early 1700s. Mardi Gras is February 8, 2011. In the United States, the Mardi Gras tradition was established by krewes or private clubs. Today more than 60 krewes plan the parades, the balls and outrageous c

We get a lot of questions about Delphis shipping charges and procedures . But theres more that goes into our shipping than just a box and a stamp. We wrote this post to help take the mystery out of what we do. How is Shipping Calculated? Our website shipping calculations use real-time data from UPS (United Parcel Service) and USPS (United States Postal Service). Calculations are based on dimensional weight and distance traveled (shipping from zip code 48910). Weight calculations round up to the nearest pound per UPS's policies (1.1 lb = 2 lb weight class). Keep shipping in mind when ordering sheet glass. We ship our sheet glass in either a small box (up to 21 lbs.) or a large box (up to 45 lbs.) To get more bang for your shipping buck try to fully fill your glass box. Example: -Small and Medium size sheet glass will ship together. You can fit up to 12 pieces in a small box. This box is a $4.95 boxing fee + shipping -Large piecesof sheet glass will ship in large boxes. You can fit up to 9 pieces in this box. (No small or medium glass will ship in the large box) This box is a $6.95 boxing fee + shipping. (This is considered an oversized box and extra U

I may be 27, but I still love stickers . I don't think we ever really grow out of the desire to be rewarded for our accomplishments. In fact, merit badges, trophies, ribbons, etc. are even more valued as we get older and feel overworked and underappreciated. That's the thinking behind the new "Badges" feature on DelphiGlass.com. (We can't give you a raise, but we can give you a sticker!) These badges show up on your Artist Gallery profile as well as anytime you leave a comment or product review. Think of it as a public display of appreciation. Now everyone can see how awesome you are. You can earn a badge for posting a project in Delphi's Artist's Gallery, entering a Delphi contest or listing your ArtFire studio or Etsy shop. You can also earn a "Top Contributor" badge for leaving 10 or more comments and/or product reviews on the Delphi site. There are a few other ways to earn badges. Learn about them all here. Tell your friends, and wear your new badges with pride.

How did you get started in glass? I have always admired stained glass but never thought I would have the patience for it. It seemed like the process was daunting. I am the 'webmistress' for my Fremont Harley Owners Group Chapter and a lady in the Chapter created a glass panel to honor another member's wife who had passed. I mentioned to her that I'd always thought about doing stained glass but figured it was too hard. She offered to come teach me and change my mind. Last April, she did just that. It is labor intensive - but as a website developer I've developed the patience for intricate things. Why glass? I'm a very visual person, have always been artistic, and love vivid colors. Ever since I was little, I remember my mom washing out empty noxema bottles (cobalt blue) so I could hold them up to the light. I loved going to church just to look at the gorgeous stained glass windows. My favorite moment is holding panels up to the light for the first time. It's always an oooo ahhhh moment for me. How have your other interests/hobbies/career influenced your glass designs? Things I love show up in my glass panels, like my cats. I love red chili peppers a

We are all looking to make connections. The success of social networking sites like Facebook and YouTube prove it. We want to connect with people who have similar interests and affinities. We want to share our likes and dislikes with others-our time and talents. Perhaps this is why Delphi's Art Glass Festival has been so successful, especially in recent years. The Michigan Art Glass Festival brings in art glass enthusiasts from all over the world to meet Delphi instructors, art glass industry experts and fellow glass artists. More than 1,000 art glass enthusiasts poured into Delphis Creativity Center in 2010 and more are expected this year. This is a great opportunity to make new friends and learn more about art glass, said Lisa Parks, Executive Director of Delphi Glass. Its so neat to see people reunite who havent seen each other since previous Festivals. The level of competition increases each year as well. We are always amazed at the projects we receive, Parks said. It seems the bar is raised every year. All of the entries are put on display in the Lansing Creativity Center for visitors to peruse. Admission is free. The second arm of the Art Glass Festival is t

If you're looking for a reason to go Las Vegas, (as if you need a reason!) consider attending the 2011 Glass Craft and Bead Expo. The expo, held every Spring, comes alive with hundreds of classes and exhibitors, and this year will be no different. Classes will take place March 30 - April 3, and the show floor will be open April 1 - 3. Here are just a few of the unique classes that caught my eye. The full class line-up is available on the Expo website . Beginning Dichroic Boro Marbles by Josh Mazet Offhand Flamework Glass Blowing by Suellen Fowler Working with Reactive Glass, Opaline Color Shifts, Shadows and More! by Gail Stouffer Kiln Formed Dimensional Glass by Diana Wondergem Screen Printing on Glass by Tony Glander Up-Cycle It: Kiln Casting with Recycled Glass by Petra and Wolfgang Kaiser Beginning Fritography with Michael Dupille There are also several classes on photography and Photoshop software, and Internet success for your business. If you do plan to attend, please stop by the Delphi booth. We have a large booth every year with Delphi experts on hand to answer your product questions. Delphi also donates supplies to GC&B Expo ins

@font-face { font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }table.MsoNormalTable { font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } A few weeks ago I attended an arts festival in Tampa. And while I was pleasantly surprised to see so many glass artists showing, I noticed that many of the artists were displaying similar items. In fact, the show could have been called the Dichroic Cabochon Show. There were trays and trays of these cabochons at every booth, and while they looked beautiful sparkling in the sunlight, I wondered how many were actually selling. Artists making projects to sell at shows, giftshops or online, should try to diversify their offerings. Go one step further and offer something a little bit different. Flip through fashion magazines, peruse mall storefronts, and log into craft site forums to find out whats really selling. Here are some interesting pieces I found online (that I would love to wear!) There are so many possibilities with Dichroic glass; dont get stuck in a cabochon rut! Looking to purchase dichroic glass?

I love listening to the stories our customers share with us, especially during the holiday season. It seems this year there is a reoccurring theme. Snow globes. Water or snow globes are a huge decorating trend for holiday 2010. I remember fondly my very first snow globe, given to me on Christmas Eve, 1961. Right after the Christmas Church pageant, I was awarded an Away in the Manager globe for remembering all my lines in the play. I also remember, with a smile, the last episode of the TV show St. Elsewhere when the autistic son, looked into his snow globe, shook it and the entire hospital came alive. Did you know that water globes (The correct name, snow globes-came much later) have an interesting history? Water globes first appeared in the late 1800's in France and are believed to be derived from the concept of paperweights. The first water globe was a palm-sized glass globe featuring the Eiffel Tower as the center piece with a ceramic base. It was introduced to the public in the 1889 Paris Exposition and became a great souvenir item. Snow globes spread across Europe from France to Germany, Austria, Poland and then England. Figurines, clocks, dolls, medals and wedding flo

Looking to expand the scope of your bottle cutting projects? Listen up. Diamond Tech International has just created a new bottle cutter, the Generation Green (G 2 ) bottle cutter. Its clever design allows users to cut anywhere along the bottles curved body and to cut rings of various sizes. The tool is adapted to cut almost any size glass container including wide-mouth jar and oversize wine bottles, a feature customers have been specifically asking for. And its lightweight frame allows users to cut bottles in a few quick steps. Sturdy construction and a 6-wheeled turret cutting head helps ensure long product life. The G 2 can be used for creating a variety of projects, ranging from hanging pots and votive holders to glass jewelry. It earns Delphis title of Earth Friendly because it allows artists to repurpose used bottles into components for glass art. In addition, it is constructed entirely from recycled materials.

The grinding head on my grinder is frozen on the motor shaft. How do I remove it? You may find that you can move the grinder head down, but not up and off, the shaft. This is due to the shaft becoming larger for one of two reasons. First, glass, dust and debris accumulate on the shaft. This coating builds up and makes the shaft larger. The second possibility is a nick or scar on the shaft, causing the same thing. In either case, push the bit down to get it out of the way. Then, using a fine steel wool, gently polish the motor shaft (with the motor running) for about a minute. The bit will usually then just lift right off! If this attempt does not work, you can apply an anti-seize liquid or spray (such as WD-40) onto the grinding head and motor shaft. Wait 10 or 12 hours and try removing the bit. As a last resort, you can try using a faucet handle/washer remover (from a friendly plumber or hardware store). This tool is used by placing the center of the remover on top of the motor shaft and the pullers beneath the outer edges of the bottom of the grinding head. Here are a few things you can do to help prevent your grinding head from becoming frozen onto the motor

"Quick! I need a last minute gift, and I need it now." What should I do? What should I give? I have no time left, and I will not go to the MALL one more time. Sound familiar? Is this just a repeat from past years? Do you want a simple solution? Let the Delphi Elves help you eliminate the stress, the frustration and headaches and achieve Ultimate Holiday Bliss. OK maybe, thats pushing it a little far, but we do have some awesome gift ideas that you can create in fewer than three hours in most cases. I have selected some of my favorites to give and receive.

My panels always grow, even though I use pattern shears. Should the pieces, once cut and ground, fit in the white part of the pattern leaving the black lines to represent lead or foil? That is exactly where the pieces should fit. But as you have found out, sometimes thats easier said than done. Lets take a look at all the places your pieces can grow: 1) Making a copy of your pattern for cutting out pattern pieces. First, determine if the line width on your pattern is appropriate for copper foil or lead. When tracing the pattern, try a few different felt pens until you find one that is the appropriate width for the technique you are using. The wrong width pen may cause the pattern pieces to be either too big, or too small. A good way to determine the appropriate width is to make some test cuts using your pattern shears. (There are two sizes of shears, one for lead and one for copper foil.) 2) Cutting out the pattern pieces. Using the appropriate pattern shears, remove the black line (which represents the foil or lead). If you dont use pattern shears, be sure to cut the entire black line away. 3) Tracing your pattern pieces onto the glass. Once your pattern

Looking for some easy holiday projects that you can make with the whole family? Here are a few great ideas courtesy of our friends at Diamond Tech International. There are a few great fusing projects and several simple mosaic ideas as well. Click on "Download the PDF" to print out the step-by-step project guides. Happy Crafting!

How did you get started in fused glass art? It seems that fused glass is really just one step in a progression of mediums that started while I was dabbling in ceramics. I am not formally trained in fine arts (I was a fine arts major for my freshman year in college before the fear of failure set in and I switched to communications) so all my art training has been personally pursued. A number of years later, I must have happened across a warm glass site or a book and the deal was sealed. I did a Craigslist search the next week and immediately found someone in Bangor looking to sell her glass fusing studio for $400. Everything I needed to get startedkiln, glass, glov es, shelf paper etc. It was almost eerie how easily I happened across exactly what I was looking for - especially in Midcoast Maine (which is a very rural area). I will say that it has taken me into my 30s (and no formal art training) to finally find a medium that I feel so desperately passionately aboutthat I want to stay with it for a while - years, decadesmaybe a lifetime. How would you describe your design aesthetic? Industrial Organic. What does that mean? Beats meI guess I like to think that its a bl

How did you get started in glass?  I got started in glass by taking a glass class at Delphi in the winter of 2005.   I was hooked!   I just couldn't stop, I was making glass with a friend who had a ceramic kiln when HGTV offered to come film my work in glass.   I had nine weeks to prepare, and I went to Delphi and bought a coffin kiln and glass and went to work, making pieces that made sense for my garden.   Only after the segment aired, and galleries started calling offering representation did I consider glass as a career.   Now I have had 26 gallery shows, three museum showings and three large public garden exhibitions.   I just opened my own gallery. You mentioned in the biography on your website that you have done painting, interior design, set design and floral design. How have these activities influenced your work in glass? My background in painting, interior design, landscape design and floral have all come together in my glass work. Why glass sculpture?   I make sculpture because I need the scale and dimension to express myself.   I often work with other artists to make the metal work

Bayou Sal Glassworks began in early 2005, as a backyard studio in an unused workshop 17 miles outside of Franklin LA. Owners Paul Weiss Jr. and Russ Peltier had hopes that their glass working skills could occasionally supplement their household income, but didnt have grand expectations since they lived in such a remote rural area. They first made a few windows for friends and family members, and soon people were requesting that they teach classes. They held their first class in the spring of 2006 with three students. As word got around, more students enrolled, and as more custom orders came in, the part-time hobby became their main source of income. In 2008, the studio had to be enlarged to meet their growing needs. As 2010 draws to a close, their work beautifies homes from New York to California, and from Oregon to Florida. They are currently commissioned by a church to fill all of its windows with spiritual stained glass panels. They are also planning their second expansion of the studio and have four sets of classes on a weekly schedule. Paul is Bayou Sal Glassworks' lead artist with more than 25 years experience in the stained glass field. Paul is formerly of West Pit

"Nothing says lovin' like something from the oven. Remember that phrase? Holiday 2010 is all about memories, and making special gifts with appreciation for the recipient. And nothing brings back memories at Christmas like the Gingerbread Man (now complete with an entire family). From enjoying the cinnamon aroma while baking, to decorating each one with care and arranging them just so on the plate, these cookies bring love and joy to the baker as well as the cookie eater. Recipes have been passed down from generation to generation, grandparents to great grandchildren, neighbors to neighbors and now even to strangers on Facebook. In 2010, look for the new Gingerbread Man cookie to be wrapped with precision, tradition and preservation. These beautiful golden brown cookies, with hints of red, look great on your table, as a snack or as a centerpiece. When grouped together, it makes a simple, yet elegant Holiday statement, evoking the memory of our first Gingerbread Man cookie. He makes us smile. He makes us laugh. And he makes for wonderful storytelling with our children and our childrens children. Try making a long-lasting Gingerbread Family and share a wonderful tradit

Does using a wider foil on my project make it stronger? Your project may be a little bit stronger with a wider foil since a wider solder line will tend to keep a seam from bending or flexing more than a narrower one. However, its not enough of a difference to be a major consideration in choosing a foil width for your project. The more likely reasons for choosing one foil width over another are: as a design feature. You may want wider or narrower solder lines in certain areas of your project. to account for thicker or thinner glass. Youll need to choose an appropriate width of foil to have your solder line remain a consistent width. If you think strength or structure is a problem, some reinforcing other than just a wider foil is going to be necessary. For minor reinforcing, ask your supplier for a reinforcing strip. These thin metal ribbons come on spools and can be used as an unobtrusive structural reinforcement. They are placed between foiled glass pieces before soldering. Running a bead of solder over the reinforcing strip hides it completely. Reprinted with permission from Stained Glass News. All rights reserved. Image pictur

As a proud Dad of an MSU grad (2008-Son is actually working in his field of study) I have to tell you about what we have developed at the Delphi Glass Studio - pre-cut glass logos and mascots of Michigan State University. They are wonderful and easy to work with. We have had many of our in-house artists create different projects using these pre-cuts. I plan on using five white "S" pre-cuts, five green S pre-cuts and five mid-size Sparty Helmets on a small evergreen tree on our foyer table for the Holidays. This will be a quick and easy way to show our Michigan spirit. (Also, I just found out, to celebrate 8 in a Row we have put all the shapes on sale!) Stock up now, while they're on sale, before the holidays. This is the perfect gift to give any Sparty Fanatic. Check them out on the Delphi website. For those of you asking for other schools, I am working on that now and hopefully soon we'll be announcing several more colleges. Keep watching and reading my blog. GO SPARTANS! Project image created by Delphi Artist Val Oswalt.

Did you know that you can "sandwich" fabric (or paper) between glass just like you do with pressed flowers? It sure opens up a lot of possibilities for creating one-of-a-kind projects! Here's how: 1 Cut two pieces of thin clear glass (ideally, single strength or thinner) to match your pattern piece. Dull the edges of each piece, if necessary, with a fine grinder bit or scythe stone. 2 Carefully clean the surfaces of these pieces that will be on the inside of the sandwich. Once you have sandwiched the fabric inside the glass, you won't be able to clean the glass again. 3 Cut a piece of fabric to match the glass pieces you cut. 4 To create your sandwich, place the fabric on the bottom piece of glass (clean side up). Add the top piece of glass (clean side down). Now hold your sandwich together with a couple of heavy-duty rubber bands. (This is why you dulled the edges of the glass…sharp edges could cut through rubber bands.) 5 Apply a piece of copper foil to both pieces of glass at the same time, removing the rubberbands as necessary. You will likely need wider than average foil, depending how thin your glass is and how thick your fabric (or pa

I may be the only person this happens to, but why does the foil sticky-back goop squish out onto the glass when I solder? Nice description. The sticky-back goop is the adhesive that holds the copper foil to the glass. The reason that it squishes out is because it is melting from getting too hot. This is a common problem for people just learning to solder. It takes practice to lay a nice bead of solder. Beginners usually need to go back over the bead several times to make it neat. In this case, the entire area that you are soldering is getting heated up which may be causing the adhesive to melt. Try letting the area cool down before you fix up the solder bead. If you are lucky enough to lay a perfect bead of solder on the first try (good for you!), the melting problem may be caused by the temperature of your soldering iron. If you are using a rheostat with your iron, turn it down a little bit. If you arent, maybe you should be. Ask your supplier to help you decide on the best approach for your type of iron. If none of this helps, you may want to try moving your iron along a little more quickly when you solder. Reprinted with permission from Stained Glass News. All

Deck the halls with boughs of holly is really more than just lyrics from a popular holiday song. Each year my family and I always try to do something new and creative that will make memories for years to come. When I started my search internationally on whats new for Christmas 2010, I noticed a very obvious trend appearing all over. The round shape of the traditional ornament is very much in vogue. The real difference however is creating unique, one of a kind glass orbs to be enjoyed and admired. This year for Christmas 2010, we have a very special project that your entire family can assist in making. These beautiful GLASKOLBENS will be cherished and admired by friends and family alike. Ideas and suggestions for displaying your Glaskolbens 1. Arrange a variety of colors in your favorite bowl and instantly it becomes a show stopping centerpiece. 2. Nestle clusters of orbs in fresh greens and place in a horizontal line . (Your fireplace mantle is a perfect spot or a wide window sill.) 3. A small tabletop Christmas tree adorned with Glaskolbens and faceted crystals or jewels is a wonderful focal point in your foyer or buffet table. 4. Consider using gift tags

By now, you're probably aware of Delphi's partnership with the Beads of Courage program. For those of you who aren't, here's a quick overview. Beads of Courage brings handmade beads to children receiving treatment for life-threatening illnesses. A bead is awarded by the child's healthcare provider for treatment milestones like blood transfusions, chemotherapy treatments and surgeries to document the child's treatment journey. The success of Beads of Courage is completely reliant on artists and volunteers. Since 2004, more than 500,000 beads have been donated by lampworkers, clay workers, woodworkers and other bead artists, and we want YOU to get in on the action! We're so passionate about this cause, we've pledged to donate 100,000 beads to Beads of Courage, and we need your help. We're asking you to make a few extra glass beads the next time you're in your studio. Send them to Delphi and in return, we'll give you $5 off your next order of $40 or more*. One-hundred percent of the beads donated will be given to Beads of Courage. If you have friends that are bead artists, tell them about our cause and plan a bead making party! Make beads of every color to represent diff

When cutting out a pattern, where do you cut? With the proper scissors, is it on the line or left or right of the line? If, by proper scissors, you mean the three-bladed pattern shears, you want to cut by placing the center blade of the shears right on pattern line. The two outside blades will then cut the pattern on either side of the center blade. This removes a small strip of paper between each of the pattern pieces. You need to make sure youre using the right shears for the method of construction youve decided to use. Foil shears allow for two thicknesses of copper foil. Lead shears have a thicker center blade which allows for the heart of lead came. If you are using regular scissors (that dont have the extra blade) you will need to cut twice, once on each side of the line, for your pattern to be accurate. Reprinted with permission from Stained Glass News. All rights reserved.

Dimensional or 3-D relief in glass art is making a very strong comeback for Fall 2010, and we predict it to be even stronger in 2011. Adding cast pieces will bring excitement and a novelty look to your work. The process is easy. When planning your project, consider elements of the design that could be made with glass castings. Once fired and cleaned, castings can be foiled and soldered into panels, lamps and lanterns, added to mosaics, or fired into fused art. Your finished project will have a sculptural look and will showcase your glass art abilities. The deer trophy stained glass panel by artist Teresa Batten is a wonderful example of 3-D castings. Each pinecone has a rich textured surface and adds realistic interpretation to the finished panel. The unique design not only captures the spirit of the piece but also invites the viewer to examine the work from different angles. 3-D reliefs can be used in contemporary or traditional designs. The stunning lamp by artist Julie Haan combines several different surfaces, which adds beauty and wonder to the piece. The near-real butterflies add interest and cast glowing shadows that ebb and flow throughout the day and evening hours

Jane Nichols of Munfordville completed a 40 hour stained glass Flying Butterfly Mobile workshop and created a colorful, large stained glass flying butterfly mobile to hang in her home. Jane completed this project in less than 40 hours and she says, This was the most gratifying and fun thing I have done in a long time and Carl Correll is an excellent instructor. Though Jane had never cut a piece of glass before and had never been in any stained glass course she chose an Intermediate project and came through with flying colors. Speaking of colors, Jane says, Choosing the colors was the hardest thing I had to do! Avalon Stained Glass School Creativity Center says, Well done, Jane, and we are choosing you to be our Student of the month for October.

At the height of an undefeated season for MSU (and a big win over University of Michigan) Delphi’s new Licensed Pre-cut Glass Emblems  couldn’t come at a better time.  For the past 38 years, the Lansing-based company has supplied glass artists with high quality art glass supplies and education. But they haven’t been able to offer pre-cut glass mascots and logos until now. These exclusive pre-cuts are designed to make it easy for people, even those with no previous art glass experience, to create MSU-themed projects like garden stepping stones, serving platters, wall art and fashion accessories. Delphi currently carries two designs, the MSU Spartan “S” logo and Spartan Helmet mascot emblem. Sizes range from 1/2 inch to 6 inches. Pre-cuts are available in either aventurine green, a dark green with metallic sparkle, or solid white. Both colors are lead-free and food safe. All glass is tested 96 COE compatible for fusing. Pre-cuts are made using a high-powered water saw allowing for precision detail, including interior cuts that would be impossible to do by hand. “We are very excited about our new line of licensed collegiate p

This is the perfect time of year to spend some time outside . If you enjoy your garden and outdoor spaces, try making some fun wind chimes with your old wine bottles. Wine bottles are very sturdy, they will last a long time in the elements. The echo of sunlight through the glass is beautiful. You can use a single color of wine bottle in your chimes or mix it up with blue, clear or green. Add beads and some wire or colorful string to dress them up a bit. Try your hand at creating your own garden art and enjoy the music. This video tutorial explains how to make these beautiful wind chimes. Post and video courtesy of Cindy Shepard and Design Originals. For more great bottle art ideas, check out the Bottle Art book.

Heres how to safely connect your torch to the work table. 1. Collect the hardware. Youll need an L-bracket, one or two large adjustable hose clamps (big enough to fit around the Map gas tank) and a C-clamp (if you dont want to screw into your work surface). 2. Attach the L bracket . Screw the bracket directly into the table on the surface. If you prefer not to screw directly into the table, you can use a C-clamp to secure the bracket. Make sure it is tight enough to keep the bracket from slipping. 3. Secure the tank with hose clamps. Place both large adjustable hose clamps behind the vertical leg of the L-bracket before screwing the L-bracket to the table front. Place the MAPP gas into the hose clamps and turn the screws until the clamps are snug around the MAPP gas cylinder. Using two clamps will prevent the MAPP gas tank from tipping. Reprinted with permission from Stained Glass News. All Rights Reserved.

When I found Cindy Jenkins book Making Glass Beads back in 1998, I was immediately hooked on the idea of making glass beads. Id never seen handmade glass beads nor had I ever seen anyone make one. I was absolutely fascinated and I still am! Back then, the information was tough to find, but its much more popular now. I hope the following information will ease you into the fun world of making your own glass beads. Glass beadmaking is probably one of the easiest mediums to get started in when it comes to the tools and equipment you will need. Lets start by looking at the basic equipment: Torch A good beginning torch is the Hot Head Torch which was made specifically for beadmaking. It burns hot and clean and runs off of a small MAPP gas tank (see description below). Work Surface Find an old table or desk. Youll want to cover the work area with a nonflammable surface. You can use a cookie sheet, a sheet of stainless steel, or a ceramic or marble tile to top your work area. Connector for Torch To connect the torch to the work surface, you will need an L bracket and two large adjustable hose clamps (to fit the diameter of the Mapp gas tank and connect the tank to

Twelve years ago Arlene saw an ad for a two-week workshop on stained glass. Arlene Wright-Correll and her husband Carl Correll had just retired from 43 successful years in business, the last 7 spent building and then running their own B&B and campgrounds on the Appalachian Trail. When Arlene approached her husband about taking the class together, Carl thought she was crazy -- he couldn't even cut glass. But being the good husband he was, he went along with her idea and became what Arlene affectionately calls, the "Stained Glass Frankenstein Monster". For 12 years now, Carl has created and taught the art of stained glass. The couple began Avalon Stained Glass School & Creativity Center in December 1998. Between the two of them (currently ages 75 and 77), Arlene and Carl teach approximately 22 workshops in stained glass, leaded glass, etched glass, fused glass and all kinds of art classes. In addition, they teach "Budding Young Artists" workshops for kids 6 to 12 years old. They also do free demonstrations on stained glass, water color painting and scratch art at various festivals throughout the year. Besides running the store and teaching, the couple also

One of my favorite memories growing up in Northern Wisconsin was our annual family Thanksgiving Day dinner. With lingering aromas from the kitchen, waiting to see cousins that I hadnt seen for several months, and the anticipation of who breaks the wishbone, the day seemed magical. Each year it seemed we created new family traditions, and our Delphi Family would like to suggest some traditions your family can start: 1. For a fun accent piece for the holiday table, try slumping brown or green bottles as a side dish. The size is perfect to serve Aunt Mildreds sweet potato hash or your family favorite. The color will add punch to the table as well. 2. Make it easy to identify whos drink is whos . We like the idea of creating glass beads strung with silver wire and attached to the goblet stem to claim your stake. As a take away gift, these are wonderful and can be used over and over. 3. Surprise your family and relatives by creating your own unique tableware. Using various size plates or serving pieces, solids and patterns will mix and match for a perfect harmonized and stylish look. Let your imagination go wild! 4. Small decorative weights (pumpkins are this season

Ho! For the leaves that eddy down, crumpled yellow and withered brown... Starting aloft to windy ways, telling the coming of bonfire days. - "Bonfire Days" by Grace Strickler Dawson Ginny from Melbourne, Florida wrote us with this question: "Help! I need ideas and suggestions for my front lawn and porch to welcome in the new fall season. It seems every neighbor has great plans except for me. What do you recommend?" We have some really fun, interesting and quick ideas: This season, scarecrows will take center stage. Each one will be unique and make memories and smiles. Simple or elaborate, each will showcase "their" personality. Feeling ambitious? Create a pair or a family. Make the stained glass scarecrow shown above. Download our Free Project Guide by Delphi Artist Julie Haan. Dress up your walkway or your front stoop. As the nights get longer, and dusk comes sooner, luminaries will make a strong visual impact. Go Green: Recycle glass bottles and jars by cutting them with a bottle cutter , use either the tops or bottoms (or mix and match parts) to shelter tea lights or inexpensive votives. They will last for several hours. Find creative ways to deco

I really enjoy stained glass, but after I work on a project for a while, I get stiff and sore. What am I doing wrong? We all enjoy stained glass and most of us find it to be a relaxing hobby. But did you ever finish a project, step back to look at it and realize that your back hurt, or your hands feel tight, or you have a splitting headache? Did you know that many of these symptoms can be avoided by applying a few simple rules of ergonomics. You most likely have heard the word, but did you know that it’s just a fancy way of saying, “fit the task to the person?” There are many ways to accomplish just that, and you’d be surprised how simple it really is. Most people are so intent on what they are doing (enjoying our favorite hobby!) that they don’t pay attention to how they are doing it. Let’s explore some things that you can do to make your glass hobby even more enjoyable. Here are some general guidelines: • Practice correct posture at all times. We know it’s easier said than done, but you’ll feel better and be able to work longer if you do. • Any time you hold or repeat a position for an extended period of ti

Delphi artist and veteran class instructor Julie Hann shares with us her latest Halloween project. This clever spider web bowl was created in the kiln using basic supplies and a bit of imagination. The free step-by-step project guide, first published in Fired Arts & Crafts Magazine, will show you how to make your own spooky spider web bowl. It also includes fusing schedules and a suggested supply list. Many of these products are available at DelphiGlass.com. Buy Supplies from Delphi now, or download the free project guide below. Download Free Project Guide Viewing these downloadable file requires the use of the free Adobe Acrobat Reader or a similar program. If you do not have the reader on your system, you may download Adobe from their website. This project was reprinted with permission from Fired Arts and Crafts Magazine . For more great projects like these, subscribe to FAC!

Any ideas on how to make my home more relaxed and casual? Bring outdoors into your home for a fun, and spirited look. Become adaptive with planters, stands, and iron tables. These items can be as charming and functional as they have been outdoors. Think outside the box, be creative and enjoy your new surroundings. For a quick pick up, we suggest: Iron tables: Perfect next to your bed Place a lamp on the top and place next to your favorite reading chair A great spot for the remote, cell phone or any other electrical gadget Place a larger glass top and have a new breakfast area A smaller table is a welcome addition in any bathroom or dressing area In a foyer, this will set the tone for a casual look. (Place fresh flowers on top) In a dining room, cluster candles on top and eat in candle light In the kitchen, makes a perfect beverage center, lemonade, iced tea etc. Oversized Planters and Pots Place a glass on top and an instant coffee table, perfect for magazines! In the bedroom, place extra bed linens inside In a child's room, a toy catch-all For a large gathering, fill with ice and use as a beverage container Place a large floral and stems

Sometimes necessity is the mother of invention , and sometimes invention comes when you have nothing to lose. Early in my career, I had three metal-clay-and-fused-glass pendants fail in a single day. The glass cabochons simply shattered and fell away from the silver after the pieces were fired because I had neglected to cut an expansion hole underneath the cabochons. Augghh! Lesson learned. But now I was left with three ugly pieces of silver, each with small pieces of glass permanently fused into bizarre locations on the surfacea loss I could not afford. Weeks later, after tryingunsuccessfully to remove the glass, I decided to try fusing glass in patterns onto the surface of the pendants. The results were surprising, and the Stained Glass process was born This technique begins with any fired metal clay with a flat surface. Small shards of fusible glass are then attached to the silver. After cooling, Metal Clay Syringe Type is applied around the glass surface to encase the glass, and the pendant is fired again. The resulting pendant can even be placed in a tumbler without damaging the glass! However, if the glass is not encased with syringe work, the two dissimilar mater

From the Paris runways to your child's birthday gift wrapping paper, everywhere are POLKA DOTS! From small "aspirin dots" to "quarter dots" (Size is noted by common everyday round objects) the look is here to stay for a very long time. It is believed the dot originated in Poland with the now famous Polka Dance. Dancers would create wild and colorful clothing emphasizing multi-sized circles/ dots. Need some inspiration to get you started? We have ideas! For your next party, create fun and functional serving and accent pieces. One of our favorites is the quick and easy cheese serving set. The simple pattern will let you customize any color to fit you decorating scheme. Make 2 sets, one to keep and one to give as a perfect hostess gift. Brighten up a boring table, by making either polka dot chargers, or after dinner dessert or side plates. Use each family member's favorite color to designate their plate. Hey, this might be a way to get your children to eat their vegetables! Looking for new and creative napkin rings or holders? Try using clear or solid color glass strips and adding contrasting or multi-color dots.Mix and match, or coordinate for each season.

Can you please tell me the correct way to mitre the lead for diamonds? Diamonds can be tricky. This diagram shows the way we would go about cutting the lead for a diamond. We find the easiest way to decide where to mitre the lead is by drawing lines on the diamond connecting the opposite points. Then, put a piece of lead on the glass and extend that line onto the lead. Now remove the lead and cut it where you marked. Replace it on the glass, lining it up where it belongs and mark the other end of that piece of lead. Cut it, replace it, and continue until all of the pieces of lead are cut. Reprinted with permission from Stained Glass News . All rights reserved.

Mary Datwyler is the owner and primary designer of Sunflower Glassworks , Delphi's latest Elite Dealer. She has over 20 years experience in art glass, seven of which has been running her full-service glass shop. Her work has been taken to six continents (anyone headed for Antarctica?) and has been featured in print and cable TV. Recently, staff at Delphi Glass sat down with her to ask the artist a few questions about her work and her inspiration. How did you get involved in art glass? As a child my mother "shopped" religion so I was exposed to many styles of stained glass (and philosophies) in all of the various buildings I was in for religious training. That's where it began. I took my first class nearly 20 years ago and after working in glass for 12 years, I finally was brave enough to sell my first piece to the public. With that successfully in hand, I soon was receiving commission orders. I worked full time at a "real job" and worked my "glass shop" early morning and late into the evening in the garage. When my then home-based commission business outgrew it's garage space, it was time to look for commercial space and open the retail shop to complement my commission wo

A Sunflower Blooms in New Mexico Mary Datwyler has been creating glass art for nearly 20 years, seven of which she has spent as owner of Sunflower Glassworks in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. She founded Sunflower as a full-service glass shop. That means whatever you're interested in -- supplies, classes, finished artwork, or commission work -- Mary and her team have you covered! Sunflower Glassworks offers a wide variety of stained glass and fusing supplies. They are currently the only glass shop in New Mexico that carries both 90 and 96 COE fusible glass. Besides supplies, customers can find fished gifts. (Mary is an accomplished studio artist. Her art has been commissioned for churches and private installations and has been featured on HGTV's That's Clever! ) Expect to find a wide range of art in the gallery from Southwestern style chili peppers to chic Japanese sushi sets. Find exclusive store coupons on Delphi's Elite Dealers page. Mary also offers classes at her store for those who want to learn a new craft. Stained glass, fusing and glass jewelry classes are staples at Sunflower. Current classes are filled through December, but a new 2011 schedule will be out

Pets make great inspiration for art. In Delphi's new contest Animal Creations submit a project of your pet to our online Artist Gallery for your chance to win. This contest is going on now through September 30th. See the contest rules and enter today! More About the Contest: Submit any project done in art glass, mosaics, ceramics or even in jewelry form! This is an online contest open to everyone. All skill levels, from beginning crafters to studio artist, are encouraged to participate. Entries must be submitted electronically through the online Artist Gallery by September 30, 2010. See full contest rules on the Delphi Glass website. Prizes: Delphi Glass Genius T-shirts will be awarded to 10 randomly selected entries. All entries are also eligible to be featured in future Delphi catalogs and publications; artists selected for publication will receive a Delphi Gift Certificate. Artist Spotlight: Our featured artist is Robin Capra of Southington, CT. Robin has been working with stained glass for about 5 years. She created this stained glass panel from a custom pattern she made using a photography of Charlie, her long haired Chihuahua. Robin's next project wil

Did you know that Halloween is the second largest decorating holiday after Christmas? And October 31st will be here before you know it! Now is the time to start thinking about Halloween decorations, especially if you plan to sell your crafts. For a "boo-tiful" look for your home, office or store, we have made simple suggestions that anyone can do! This year's hottest home decorating trends are SKULLS, GHOSTS and SPIDERS. All shapes, sizes and colors, will accent your tabletop, window sun catchers, accent mosaic pieces and of course your trick or treat candy bowl. For fun and quick easy looks, we suggest: 1.) Place a square of orange or black glass in the middle of your table, and arrange pumpkins and spiders for a incredible centerpiece. 2.) Pre-cut glass shapes of various Halloween motifs can be easily made into unique and functional serving pieces, candy dishes, and one of a kind gifts. 3.) Making fused cube candle holders using simple orange and black glass with white ghosts is a fun project. 4.) For a "spooky" porch accent, try making a novelty wind chime; A great visual and audio treat. 5.) Go Green! Recycle bottles with quick and easy mosaics. Choose your

Delphi Glass has many experts on hand to help you, such as stained glass experts, fusing experts and jewelry experts. But, did you know we also have trend experts? As a Merchandise Specialist at Delphi, one of things I enjoy best is predicting color trends. With the help of Delphi's staff artists and instructors we have come up with our choices for late summer. Our choice for the top 3 colors for late summer 2010 are:

I am about to set up my new workshop. I was just wondering what you think are the most important things to include? Since every situation is different, we cant give you specific answers, but here are some things that you should give some thought to. We think that the two most important things in a workshop are safety and comfort. You obviously want everything in your workshop to be as safe as possible. Ideally, you will want to have: proper ventilation, plenty of lighting, safe storage areas for glass and chemicals (do you have children?), grounded electrical connections, no extension cords, safe disposal for glass and supplies (trash cans as opposed to plastic bags), and easy to clean surfaces (no carpet on the floor). Comfort is the next most important consideration. The height of your work surface is very important. If you arent comfortable, you wont be able to work as long as youd like. If you arent sure of the most comfortable height for you, use your house as a guide. You know whether you prefer to work standing up or sitting down. If you like to work sitting down, measure the height of the tables in your house where you like to work. If you always pay your bi

How can I tell if a piece of glass is cracked? Did you ever notice the workers in your local glass shop tapping on a sheet of glass before they move it? They do that to see if it has any cracks. Cracked glass has a very different sound when tapped than intact glass does. This will be the best way to tell if your glass is broken. However, you should try it out on some other sheets before you try it on a piece that you think may be broken. Once you have heard a cracked piece, you will know what it sounds like. Hold the sheet from the top edge with one hand. Hold it out and away from your feet, just in case. Gently tap the sheet with one of your knuckles. A solid sheet of glass with no cracks will have a solid, clear ringing sound. A sheet with a crack will have kind of a buzzing, vibrating or tinkling sound. Reprinted with permission from Stained Glass News . All rights reserved.

In my reading I keep seeing mentions of tinning. What is it, and how do I do it? Tinning is the term used to describe the action of putting a thin coat of solder over something else, for instance copper foil, a brass vase cap, or a soldering iron tip. One reason may be to protect the metal from the air, which is usually in reference to a soldering iron tip. The other purpose may be to color the metal underneath, which we’ll address here. You may have seen it suggested that you tin all exposed copper foil on the surface of a panel before running a solder bead. (You will need to apply flux before tinning and again before running the bead.) Some people feel that this allows them to run the final bead more easily because all of the foil edges are already covered. Other people prefer to skip this step and run the finish solder bead directly on the raw copper foil. You should try both ways to see which gives you better results. Sometimes you will be instructed to tin the outer edge of a small project, like a suncatcher. In this case, the purpose is to color the outer copper foil edges. Tinning adds no strength to speak of, so your goal is to allow the edge to accept patin

According to historian Paul Crist who wrote An Early History of Kokomo Opalescent Glass Company in 1998 , the stories behind the company sound more like the makings of a soap opera than a business plan. But despite the companys somewhat fractured past, Kokomo has upheld its reputation for exceptional glass products. Since 1888, it has been producing some of the finest glass in the world, and remains the oldest manufactory in America of its kind. Charles Edward Henry opened Kokomo Glass Factory in Kokomo, Indiana after he managed to negotiate a free factory site and cheap gas rates with community leaders. The once agriculturally based town was booming with business opportunities thanks to the discovery of natural gas. Glass production began on Nov. 13, 1888. The company specialized in colored opalescent glass, which at the time was a relatively new product. The superintendent and chemist of the company, Henrys business partner, worked tirelessly to perfect the formulas and processes needed to make the unique glass. Journal archives show that Kokomos first order was for Tiffany Glass Co. It was six cases of mixed blue and white opalescent glass. At this time glass was sold b

Step 1 Cut a piece of glass in any wild shape or size you like. (This piece was just a leftover piece of glass from a stained glass window.) Step 2 Place a drape mold in the kiln. Since the piece of glass may run down to the shelf, it is best to have a piece of Fiber Paper under the mold. (I have used a bisque fired coffee mug for my mold. The glass will melt down around this mold so be sure to pick something were the sides go straight down or flare out, or the glass will break removing it from the mold.) Step 3 Drape a thin piece of Fiber Paper over the drape mold that is about the same size as the piece of glass. Step 4 Fire the glass at cone 017. Step 5 Wash the piece using a soft brush to remove Fiber Paper. This project courtesy of Fired Arts and Crafts Magazine. For more great projects like these, consider subscribing to FAC! Materials Glass : Brand of Choice-any scrap glass Mold/Bisque: You can choose from one of these to use as your mold. 12 oz Bisque Mug Large Floral Vase Slumper Small Floral Vase Slumper Tools: Brand of Choice Glass Scorer Mosaic Nippers Glass Running Pliers Glass Grozers Soft Br

The first week in July, Delphis Executive Director, Lisa Parks, Director of Curriculum, Roy Kapp and Sales Associate, Suzanna Fung traveled to Taipei, Taiwan to teach glass fusing. Delphi Elite Dealer Anguse International hosted the group and set up a classroom for Roy and Suzanna and 15 students. Over the course of five days, the enthusiastic group created multiple projects and shared numerous tips and techniques. Suzanna, who speaks Mandarin, Cantonese and English proved to be an invaluable asset to the team. Her creative abilities are exceptional and the students commented more than once on her flawless, accent-free Mandarin. As a glass artist, Suzanna not only translated for the class, but also helped with technical issues. All of the participants had a wonderful time and enjoyed sharing in the universal language of creativity. To find out about other Delphi events like this one, visit our class calendar.

I want to make some copper foil and lead projects for use outside. How do I protect them from the elements? If you construct your project using the lead technique, there isnt anything else you need to do. The cementing process weatherproofs the project. If you use the copper foil technique, you will want to make sure that there is something to prevent the copper foil from pulling away from the outer edges of the project when it gets wet. This can be accomplished by using a rigid metal channel (zinc, copper or brass) or by soldering a reinforcing wire around the perimeter of the piece. Another thing you should consider is using mosaic techniques. Either the direct or indirect methods are great for outdoor projects. Your supplier will have information on these techniques if you are unfamiliar with them. Whatever technique you choose to employ, it is best to bring your projects indoors for the winter if it gets cold enough to freeze in your area. While some projects may survive freezing, its better to be safe than sorry. Reprinted with permission from Stained Glass News . All rights reserved.

Most of us have the perception that great art can only be created by mastering intricate and complicated procedures. However when you listen and learn from really creative people very often you will find the most effective touches are added using straightforward and uncomplicated techniques. Master teacher Jayne Persico uses a simple technique called Notch and Fire Polish to add dramatic designs to her jewelry creations. Jayne uses a diamond wiresaw to cut notches and scroll work into her glass jewelry blanks. Then she fire polishes these scroll-notches allowing them to take on a lace-like appearance. The effect is beautiful on its own but the addition of wire wrapping and glass beads will take the work to a whole new level of sophistication. Discover how you can create masterworks like these in Jaynes jewelry book Innovative Adornments. This Randys ProTip brought to you from the book Innovative Adornments by Jayne Persico. Visit Wardell Publications .

No oneknowstheexactorigins of glass fusing although there is evidence that the Egyptians were familiar withrudimentary techniques. The Romans however arenoted by scholars for developingrefined glass fusing skills. Although technology has changed the way modern glass fuserswork,the technique isessentially the same as those developed by the Romans centuries ago. The basic technique involvesstacking two or morelayers of fusible glass, which are then placed in a kiln and gradually heated to between 1450-1500 Fahrenheit.At these temperatures the layers of glass fuse, or melt together and become one. Unfortunately, glass kilnsare large andexpensive,whichkeeps most Hobbyists from pursuing this art form. Now there are new kiln options, including the The Fuseworks Microwave Kiln . This device works in most household microwaves and can fuse glass in about 3 minutes. Here are some common questions we get on fusing in this modern-day kiln. The following are Q A complied by Diamond Tech , the manufacturer of Fuseworks Microwave Kiln for the purpose of helping current users be successful, and to aid in the decision making of those considering the purchase of a microwave kiln.

Who says that learning cant be fun? The Kay Bain Weiner Foundation, which is dedicated to sharing information about glass art, recently proved that its certainly possible when it sponsored a fun and successful cruise to the western Caribbean to help support its educational goals. Glass Enthusiasts Coming Together On January 10, 2010, the KBW Foundation sponsored a cruise on Celebrity Solstice that set sail for the western Caribbean. This was the Foundations first glass art conference cruise. There were over 148 glass enthusiasts on boardbeginners to experts from Alaska to Florida, from California to New Hampshire to Israelto participate in this inaugural event. Workshops, lectures, and demonstrations devoted to the various types of glass art, the business of glass, and the beauty of glass made up a large part of the experience. The theme of the event, Accelerate Your Creativity, rang true for all of the attendees as they participated in this great chance to improve their techniques and learn new ones. The cruise was a resounding success, with nearly twice the number of expected glass enthusiasts signing on to participate in the cruise, demonstrations, workshop

I had received an e-mail inviting me to Kenya , and a lifelong dream of mine, going to Africa, was about to be fulfilled. My hosts were sharing their latest adventure: Weve been away and something is tearing up the roofs again, probably bush babies (lemurs), certainly baboons, and probably leopards as well! Id heard that Laurel True had just visited Kitengela Glass Research outside Nairobi, and I called on her for advice. You should go. Another friend who had recently visited Kitengela had advised me to get in touch with Nani Croze. I had thoroughly reviewed www.kitengela-glass.com, but there was no way possible- that I could ever have conceived the journey I was about to take. And now, Id like to take you with me! Necessity, the Mother of Invention Thirty years ago on the Maasai Mara in Kenya, Nani Croze, looking for a way to support her three children, started Kitengela Glass. Struggling to make a living as a skilled muralist, Nanis friends suggested that she work in stained glass. (There is a preponderance of churches in Kenya and, thus, a built-in market.) Nani, a multitalented designer, found that there was no glass available. Indeed, it had to be imported from Eur

Here are a few rules to follow when creating your custom booth: 1. Your vehicle size determines your booth dimensions when it is broken down . I cannot tell you how common it is that someone creates a booth that will not fit into their car or van! 2. Keep it simple smooth, clean lines in all wall coverings and table treatments is the current look. Simplicity is key. 3. Dont use materials for your display that will distract from your product line. 4. Keep the opening of your booth at least 6 feet wide (7 to 8 feet is even better). You need people to enter your booth before they will buy. Narrowed-down openings say, dont come in! resulting in less customers entering your booth. 5. Use multiple levels in your display . The more levels you create and display your work on, the more interest you create from the aisleprompting customers to enter your space. 6. Remember, a picture says a thousand words. Put this adage to work for you. Show with large photos in your booth what you dont always get a chance to say. For example, how your functional pottery will look on the Thanksgiving Day table. 7. Use lots of light. Make sure that your booth is we

When youre in a creative slump, try slumping with a new mold! Delphi just added three new molds from Creative Paradise to its selection. Ive attached information on each of these molds, along with project ideas to get you inspired. These fusing molds are made from ceramic clay and are highly durable. But be sure to cover them well with kiln wash before use to prevent cracking. Four coats of kiln wash is recommended. Slumping 3-D Sunflowers Step 1 . Trace the slumping mold onto a piece of paper, so you know how large your glass can be. Begin arranging glass on this pattern, starting with the flower base glass. Step 2 . Arrange flower petal glass in layers and fuse. Step 3. Arrange the fused flower on top of the mold and slump. Slumping Pattern Bar Plates (pictured top left) This unique dam mold makes it easy to make pattern bars or thick fused glass. Interior measures 2-1/2 x 6. Step 1 . Cut up small pieces of your favorite glass or use scrap glass to create a base layer. Step 2. Use long strips of fiber felt (item#4824) to create the channels. Fill around the fiber with scrap glass. Step 3 .

Lately, I've been spending a lot of time in my backyard. My father (a retired horticulture professor and perpetual gardener) has been preparing my quarter-acre lot for a vegetable garden. As soon as I saw this project guide, I could envision stained glass dragonflies peeking out amidst my beans and greens. They are perfect for adding a little sparkle to your summer landscape!  DOWNLOAD THE PATTERN HERE Materials: Wissmach Sky Blue and Crystal Stream X for Wings, 1/2 Sq. Ft. (or other glass color of choice) Wissmach Dark Blue/Medium Green Opal for Body, 1/3 Sq. Ft. (or other glass color of choice) Flux Solder 7/32" Copper Foil 20-, 22-, and 16-Gauge Copper Wire 2 Small Green Nuggets 1/8" Copper or Brass Rod Black Patina Directions: This is one of many of the garden stake designs in Leslie Gibbs' book , Garden Art in Glass . There is a lot more information in her book about wire, rods, and other hardware used in building the garden stakes. Always wear eye protection, keep a clean work surface, and solder in a well ventilated area. When you’re ready to begin, make two copies of the original pattern provided. Number each pattern piece

Why does my kiln make a buzzing sound? Here are some of the sounds that a kiln makes: The heating elements hum when they turn on. That is because they vibrate in the brick grooves due to magnetism between the coils. This sound is normal. It diminishes as the kiln gets hotter, because the elements soften. The clicking noise of a switch-operated kiln is also normal. It is the sound of an infinite control switch cycling on and off. When the clicking turns into a popping noise, the switch is probably about to fail. You should keep a spare on hand. Relays are another source of clicking. To turn on the elements, a digital controller sends twelve volts to the relays. The relays, in turn, act as switches and send full voltage to the elements. The relays click every time they turn on. A chattering noise, however, indicates that a relay is about to fail. A crackling noise followed by loud POP from the kiln's switch box usually means that a loose electrical connection has just failed . If you hear crackling, which sounds like sparks, turn off the kiln. The loose connection creates a tiny electrical arc, which overheats and burns ele

Please remember to continue voting for Beads of Courage to win a $25,000 grant through the Pepsi Refresh project. Beads of Courage helps children RECORD, TELL and OWN their stories of courage during treatment for cancer and other serious illnesses. Through the Program children receive different colored beads each which symbolize their unique and challenging treatment journey. You can vote once every day until the end of July. VOTE NOW!

Your aunt has asked you to make an identical matched set of bowls for her. But Im going to suggest that you try to get her to think differently. Experience tells us you can repeat a design to create a set that is close but chances are they will not be precisely alike (thats one of the appeals of handmade). So instead of identical, work within a design theme then create variations on that design to give each item in the set individual character. In other words, plan to make your designs different right from the beginning and people will appreciate your creativity as a special endowment. Besides matched sets are made by a robots not one-off artists like us fusers. This Randys ProTip brought to you from the book Introduction to Glass Fusing by Petra Kaiser. Visit Wardell Publications.

July 17 and 18, 2009, saw a unique event in Colorado lampworking history. The Colorado Project, a nonprofit organization committed to building the glass community through philanthropy, held its first annual event in Denver, Colorado. Shack Man Glass Studio in conjunction with Glasscraft, Inc., hosted the two-day event. People from all over the country came to participate and show support. Glass Artists with a Mission The purpose of the event was to create a collaborative glass art installation consisting of a four-foot-by-eight-foot mask to be sold at auction to raise money for Learning Landscapes, a University of Colorado program that rebuilds playgrounds in disrepair. Composed of lampworked pieces of crucible-pulled color and a huge bead necklace and headdress, the mask was impressive to say the least. The community aspect of the event was emphasized by having nearly 150 glassblowers rotating through lampworking stations at both Shack Man Studio and Glasscraft to produce the beads for the headdress and necklace. The work for the mask itself was done by Nathan Aweida, Cary Hollenberg, and Adam Graf

The Ring of Fire Artist Challenge , lasting from May-June, sparked the interest of artists of varied media all across the country. While Delphi received entries of paper, glass, ceramics, wire, jewelry, etc., it was a select group of 10 products that united them all. Every eligible entry incorporated at least one of 10 unique products making up the Ring of Fire. These products included copper metal mesh, millifiori, clear glaze, dichroic scrap, recycled glass tiles, metallic tiles, color slide, krafty blok, fine silver wire and pressed flowers. Below is a complete list of contest winners. Congratulations to Grand Prize winner of the Jen-Ken Deluxe EZ-Pro Kiln , Kristin Simpson, with her Garden Whimsie entry. Also, congratulations to Lisa Norvell for her Mountain Meadow Surprise entry which will be featured in an upcoming Delphi catalog. Stay tuned for other great contests like this one in the near future! Delphi Awards Delphi's Favorite: Mountain Meadow Surprise by Lisa Norvell People's Choice: Copper Flowers in Raku Vases by Lindsay Schubel Best Use of Ring of Fire Materials: The American Dream by Brenda Gartman Hottest Project for the Summer:

I have stashed away old jars and bottles for many years . As an avid wine lover I have amassed more than my fair share of wine bottles. I use them to line my flower beds, as bottle tree sculptures and in some of my art pieces. When I discovered the Ephrem's Bottle cutter it became an indispensable tool for recycling and reusing these old jars and bottles. I instantly made myself a complete set of water and juice glasses. They remind me of the jelly jars and mason jars I drank from at grandma's as a child. Everyone who comes to my home loves them too and wants me to make a set for them. In this video I share some of the projects from my book Bottle Art and show you how to use the bottle cutter. It is very simple and you can often get more than one project from a single bottle. Try slicing off rings in different widths until you cut the bottle to the desired height of the glass you are making. I use these rings to make wind chimes or even jewelry. If you want to add goblets to your drinking glass collection, simply turn the top of the bottle upside down once you have cut it, epoxy the lip of the bottle to the base and enjoy your beverage of choice. Watch the

For all of you glass hobbyists who would love to work with mosaics but havent gotten up enough courage, this article is for you. This project will give you the chance to create three tiles that are meant to be used as a wall hanging. We used the same process as the one for making stepping-stones. But the main difference in making a wall hanging is the thicknesswe will use only half of the recommended amount of DiamondCrete for the 12 square mold. Our design is an elegant Victorian motif that can be built as shown in three 12 square tiles and hung about 1 apart, or the project can be simplified by using just the center design. Leave out the two pieces to the far right and left of the center design and this would look fine by itself as a wall hanging or a stepping-stone. Just remember to adjust the amount of DiamondCrete for the intended use of the square. You can let your imagination run wild when it comes to cement and glass color combinations for a project like this one. The Diamond-Crete comes in a wide variety of vivid colors that can be mixed or lightened, and appropriate glass colors are unlimited as well. One or two glass colors could

The official answer from the glass manufacturers is, All tested compatible glasses have been tested by the FDA for food bearing surfaces and were determined to be suitable. However, if you add other processes or compounds to the items, for example paint, stains, decals, glazes, etc. it is important to check that these items are also approved for food bearing surfaces. In addition it is of the utmost importance that dinnerware items be properly annealed, especially if youre going to place hot food on them - the thermal shock could cause a break in poorly annealed items. This Randys ProTip brought to you from the book Introduction to Glass Fusing by Petra Kaiser. Visit Wardell Publications. Also, at Delphi we take food safety and dinnerware very seriously. We always recommend that certain glasses are capped with clear. These are usually irids, dichro and glass with texture, since these can also trap food particles. Please see this Bullseye link for more information: http://www.bullseyeglass.com/products/faq/#faq_011

Spotlighting can add a touch of drama to your images , but it doesnt work with all types of crafts. This lighting technique can easily be used with matte and flat- surfaced work, while shiny surfaces can be a nightmare to get just right. Lets start by looking at how to create a circle of light in the darkness; the simplest way is to use a snoot over the lights reflector housing. A snoot is simply a tapered metal cone that fits over the light and creates a small circle of light instead of a large area of diffused light. With your object on a black background, the circle of light will appear as a light gray area without well-defined edges. For a tighter circle with a better definededge, you need to use a spotlight (a light source with some sort of lens in front that focuses the light into a better circle).You can get all sorts of spotlights, and for small jewelry pieces Ive found that you can successfully use focused halogen table lamps for this effect. Both a snoot and a spotlight produce harsh, hard light. This type of light works well with matte surfaces but is not the kind of light to use with shiny or metallic finishes. The spotlight produces a hard, bright glare spotes

In its 38 years of business, Delphi has become increasingly well known on the American art glass scene. What started with a handful of products sold in the family's garage, has become the country's largest selection of glass, classes and workshops. Now, Delphis art glass supplies are becoming more familiar even further from home. In what some may see as an unlikely place for Delphi products to reside, the Michigan-based company recently announced its partnership with Anguse International, a well-established glass company in Taipei, Taiwan. But Taiwan is not as implausible a place for art glass to exist as one might think. Its art and cultural scene is vibrant - teeming with woodcarvers, stonecarvers, ceramists, paper artists and glass artists. In fact, traditional crafts like these are becoming increasingly more popular with modern artisans. According to the Tourism Bureau of Taiwan, Oriental glassware art has taken a new lease on life in Taiwan: Liuli Gongfang and Tittot are two examples of glass artists who have earned international acclaim in recent years. And interest is growing. Ray Chen and May Wang, owners of Anguse International, originally an architectural gl

Youve seen the commercials on TV and read about it on the can . Pepsi is refreshing everything. They've been giving millions of dollars away in grant money to good ideas across the country. And Delphi is trying to help one idea in particular get the funding it deserves. The Beads of Courage program brings brightly colored handmade beads to children coping with life-threatening conditions and painful treatments. For each treatment, the child is given a bead to symbolize his/her strength and bravery during the procedure. Chemo. Radiation. Spinal injection. Surgery. Pictures of the patients show them wearing multiple necklaces with dozens of beads. These kids have been through a lot. Beads of Courage is asking Pepsi for a $25,000 grant, which will bring the program to 10 new hospitals and serve 10,000 children coping with life-threatening illnesses. Jean Baruch founded Beads of Courage, Inc. in Arizona while working on her PhD in nursing. Since then, the organization has established programs in more than 60 childrens hospitals throughout the US, New Zealand and Japan.The program has gone through extensive research determining its impact on the young participants, their famil

My time is limited and I can only work in 2-4 hour intervals. Are there any preventative steps that I should take to assure that my work will be in good shape when I return? Many hobbyists find themselves in the same position, and this is a very good question. We cant cover every possible scenario, but hopefully we can help. Obviously, there are areas where it wont make any difference if you get interrupted. For instance, pattern prep, glass cutting, fitting, and grinding. However, if you do find that you need to stop in the middle of applying copper foil, youll need to think about how long it will be until you can resume the job. If it will only be a few days, there isnt anything special that youll need to do. But if it will be longer than that (or you live in a particularly humid area), your foil may show signs of oxidation when you return. (Oxidation happens to metal when its exposed to the air. It can prevent a nice solder job, so its important to avoid it, or at least know how to clean it up.) To keep oxidation to a minimum, store the foiled pieces in a plastic zipper bag, or cover them as well as you can with plastic wrap. This will limit the amount of air that ca

My second day in Lansing was the day Id been waiting for. Classes. I met instructors Val Oswalt and Roy Kapp. When I say experts, Im not kidding. (Those of you whove taken classes with them know what I mean.) Online marketing expert Stacy Daniels joined me for the fusing portion of instruction. After much discussion over terms and techniques, we created small glass tiles for firing. These would eventually be slumped into small jewelry dishes. Here are a few beginner fusing tips I wrote down: 1. Theres no real benefit to using 90 COE over 96 COE (or vice versa) 2. Never fuse more than one layer of glass over your mold (create your layered effect first if you so choose) 3. Molten glass wants to be inch thick. Plan your piece accordingly. 4. All kilns are different. Dont be surprised if you have to adjust your firing schedule. 5. Take notes to keep from repeating mistakes in the future. Next on the docket was flameworking. The whole thing appeared so intimidating with the torch billowing out fiery blue and orange gas. Watching Vals hands move with such precision and coordination amazed me. Flameworking is a delicate dance - moving the glass rod and ma

Have you ever noticed ugly, hazy, gray coloration around the edges of your full-fused designs? This is especially noticeable when placing darker colored or iridized glass designs on a lighter colored background but it can happen with any color combination. This phenomenon is known as edge-devit (devitrification) and is most often caused by grinding the glass edges prior to fusing. This also occurs when using a diamond blade saw to cut your glass. One glass manufacturer explains it this way; The roughened edges in the ground area create thousands of tiny points from which crystal growth can easily propagate. The best solution is to score and break the glass as close to your final shape as possible to minimize grinding (or better yet avoid it altogether). If you must grind you could try using a light coat of clear overglaze (i.e. Fusemaster Super Spray) on the ground areas to create a clear surface glaze. This Randys ProTip brought to you by the book, Introduction to Glass Fusing by Petra Kaiser. Visit Wardell Publications .

No two ways about it, getting a good black patina on zinc came can be a problem. But it is not impossible. I sometimes tell my students that the best thing about using zinc on their project, is that it will probably disappear inside their projects wood frame, but that doesnt have to be the case. Follow these few simple steps and youll find that, with a few modifications to standard patina finishing procedure, getting a nice dark finish on zinc isnt such a mystery after all. You wont be able to get a copper sulfate finish on zinc; the chemicals just wont work, but you can get a number of shades from light charcoal to black Step One: Metal Prep Zinc fresh out of the case, like any other metal, will immediately begin to oxidize. You may not be able to see any visible signs of oxidation, but believe me, its there. To combat oxidation in preparation for applying any patina to your zinc, you should first go over the metal surface with a fine grade steel wool (000 or 0000 grade will work just fine. See photo top left). As you do this, you will notice a difference in the finish of the zinc (See photos right). Compare the freshly cleaned areas of your zinc came with untouched ar

Tulips are my favorite flower. They symbolize the coming of spring, new beginnings and the end of winter's cold, dark days. Tulips are not too showy or too dramatic. They are subtle but striking. I think they are perfect. Like most flowers, different colors of tulips represent different feelings and emotions. According to ProFlowers.com, red represents true love, purple represents royalty, white stands for forgiveness and yellow conveys cheerfulness. If you're a beginning stained glass artist and you're looking for a simple lead project that will be treasured for years to come, try this Free Tulip Pattern from Glass Patterns Quarterly . You could make a tulip of every color!

Youve spent the last several days in a flurry of activity getting ready for the show. Reaching, lifting, bending, packing, shoving, sitting for hours during travel, standing in awkward positions while unpacking, setting up your booth, walking back and forth on uneven ground. Perhaps youve even been subjected to extreme temperature changeswind, rain, drafts. In any case, youre finally done. Youve certainly earned a few moments of relaxation, so you reach for a cool (or hot) drink, plop yourself down in a foldout or canvas chair, slump back, stretch out your legs, and survey the efforts of your labors. Now its time to get up and greet a prospective buyer. But you cant move! Pain shoots through your back, your legs and your shoulders. You look and feel like a chick trying to peck its way out of an egg as you struggle to get up and out of your chair. Here is whats going on : Those musculoskeletal problems from your past have just come back to haunt you again in spades. Old, forgotten injuries, some from childhood, have away of returning when you least expect them, especially at times of physical and emotional stress. The cause? Previously injured and weakened muscles a

Ah, the perfect scoreevery glass cutters dream . But is there really such a thing? Lets put it this way: If you run your glass cutter around your pattern, apply pressure to the glass surface and the glass breaks predictablywhats so imperfect about that? Nothing really, but if your su cessful breaks are the product of luck rather than skill, well hope for the best, but expect otherwise. To guarantee a good glass score every time takes nothing more than observing a few non-negotiable facts about how your glass cutter interacts with you and your glass. Step One: Get Comfortable You must be comfortable with your glass cutter. If you havent already, find a glass cutter you like, and most importantly, likes you back. That means finding a glass cutter that isnt uncomfortable to hold. You should be able to cut glass without getting fatigued or feeling any pain. Blisters are sometimes unavoidable, but pain and fatigue will undoubtedly frustrate you. The right, comfortable glass cutter will allow you a long cutting session, during which you can concentrate on technique and not be distracted by discomfort. Step Two: Get In Position Position is everything. The wheel at the end

In my family, the Fourth of July is right up there with Christmas. Family comes in from all over, matching shirts are distributed, lawn chairs are hosed down in preparation for the local parade, and sparklers are lit even before the sun goes down. When "us kids" were younger (we're now all in our 20s), there was always a Fourth of July craft planned to keep us busy. Now that we're older, we've moved beyond the Uncle Sam toilet paper holder puppets, but still look forward to our time together. Here are a few grown-up craft projects for Independence Day to share with your family. If nothing else, I hope these images inspire you to enjoy and appreciate this Fourth of July- happy crafting!

1. Make the glass strips as wide as you'd like your mosaic chunks to be. Strips about 1/2" to 3/4 " usually work well. 2. Snip small pieces off the strip. Aiming your mosaic cutter straight across the strip will produce "squares" and "rectangles." Aiming the cutter at an angle (the same angle each time you cut) will give you "diamonds." A combination of aiming straight across the strip and at alternating angles will produce "triangles." 3. Once you've aimed the cutter, just squeeze the handles until a piece of glass breaks off. Or, you can snip pieces off a larger piece of glass. Cut near the edge and work towards the middle. This will produce random "moon" shaped pieces, which you can use to fill in small areas of background. They also make nice leaves.

I was 22 weeks pregnant and already humongous , if that's not too much information. I boarded the plane hoping that I would have a somewhat comfortable flight from Tampa to Flint. After getting settled, I make a To-Do list for my trip. 1. Try not to knock over anything breakable with enormous belly. 2. Try to keep emotional outbursts to a minimum even if first few lampworking beads are lumpy piles of goo. 3. Remember to wear protective clothing so as not to light body parts on fire. 4. Arrive a novice, leave an expert.

We each have our own unique style of presentation and interaction with our attending students. That being said, I believe that there is a set of principles relating to the teaching process that might be useful to review and clarify so that they are readily available for future reference. Advance Planning You and your students will benefit if you ask them to bring either images or actual samples of their work. You will need to identify the point where each one is in his or her career so that you can work to move them forward from that point. Each will be different, and the more informed you are, the better youll be able to serve their needs. Do this as early in the class as possible, if not before. I also find it helpful to communicate via e-mail prior to starting the class with an encouraging note. Check the class listing in the catalogueit is common for the host to miss something or misstate something. You can give a bit more information in the e-mail. Be sure to mention what it is that you want them to bring to the classsamples of work, images, objects to work from, specific questions, or projects to work on. Decide in advance what the focus of the class is goin

By : Rita Levine Skill Level : 2 (Adult 1-5: 1 being the easiest, 5 being most difficult) Time to Complete : 45 Minutes Materials: Fuseworks Kiln Fuseworks Kiln Paper Fuseworks Glass Cutter Wheeled Glass Nippers Ruler Westrim pearl assortment Sterling Silver Plated Square Cabochon Mini Links - Delphi 85435 2 hat pins Earring wires Scrap fusing glass 90 COE Chain-nose pliers Round-nose pliers Instructions: 1. Place white glass on a clean flat cutting surface with the smooth side of the glass facing towards you. 2. Start on an edge of the glass holding the cutter firmly in one hand. Keep the cutter perpendicular to the glass. Push the cutter gently and evenly across the glass. Decrease pressure slightly as you reach the opposite edge of the glass; lift the cutter off the glass at the end. 3. Breaking the score line can be done with breaking pliers. Hold the glass in one hand, with the score facing up. With the other hand, center the score line in the jaws of the breaking pliers about a half inch onto the glass surface. Apply pressure to the handles; you will hear a “pop” and the score will run, breaking the glas

I love my glass grinder. In fact, I have a couple of them. But I dont grind every piece of glass that I cut. For me, its not necessary. If you can cut accurately, and by accurately I mean no bigger or smaller than your pattern, you may be able to cut down on your projects time by trying out a tool that Ive come to love and rely upon, my grinding stone. A grinding stone, or abrasive stone harks to an earlier day in the history of glass cutting, but still has its value when used in conjunction with good solid, glass scoring and breaking technique. In the pre-grinder days, these stones were de rigueur for the well equipped glazier and to put it simply, they got the job done. Learning to use the stone will take about thirty seconds of training; implementing it can save you hours. Step One: Get Stoned Most stained glass suppliers carry abrasive stones. They are not expensive. Get one, you wont regret it. Step Two: Use It An abrasive stone cannot shape your glass pieces the way a glass grinder can, but it can get rid of those nasty little edges on your freshly cut pieces of glass. Instead of taking your glass to the grinder to clean your edges, just run the surface

Every summer around the Fourth of July, I can't help but get nostalgic about all things Americana- apple pie, front porch swings, popsicles, and cuddling up in one of grandma's quilts after a long day in the sun. There's something so comforting about the colors and smells of the summer season. When I first saw this pattern, it brought back even more red, white and blue memories, and I thought it was worth sharing. Here's the patriotic pattern courtesy of our creativity partners at Glass Patterns Quarterly. Enjoy your summer! Design by Pat Stanley. Fabrication by Dave Burnett. Visit www.GlassPatterns.com to order a back issue, or subscribe to their magazine to get their latest designs sent right to your door!

The Flint Institute of Arts (FIA) is currently hosting Tiffany Lamps: Articles of Utility, Objects of Art - a celebration of Louis Comfort Tiffany's artistic contributions. According to the FIA website, the exhibition offers more than 40 stunning objects in an array of colors, sizes and decorative styles featured in five sections exploring themes of fabrication, design inspiration and changing lighting technologies. The show also includes tools, materials and photographs demonstrating how objects were designed and made. Tiffany is known for his stained glass windows and lamps, but he also created glass mosaics, blown glass pieces, ceramics, jewelry and metalwork. The first Tiffany Glass Company was incorporated 1885, which later became known as Tiffany Studios. His company concentrated on stained glass windows and lamps, but designed a myriad of other interior decorations. Tiffany Lamps: Articles of Utility, Objects of Art Johnson and Rabiah Galleries 5.23.10 - 8.15.10 www.flintarts.org Community leaders founded the Flint Institute of Arts in 1928 as a place for art classes and exhibitions. The FIA is located in the Flint Cultural Center and is known as one of

This season will showcase a greater emphasis on blues and greens . This is a clear and clean pallet that embodies a sensation of open spaces. It suggests a new beginning, symbolizing growth and a feeling of hope. Here are the shades to watch for: Pale Blue: A clean and clear blue, suggesting sky, air and energy. It feels pure, breathable and induces a feeling of contentment. True Green: A symobl of growth; a fresh color that goes with anything, just look outside at the grass. A flexible color. Works well with existing "2000's" colors, and can be treated as classic or contemporary. A very balanced and restful shade. Turq Green: A soothing and calming color. A hint of spark and invigoration to the eye. A "wow" color that can make you feel like you're escaping to a beautiful tropical destination. Pale Blue Green: A light watercolor. Very airy; gives a feeling of openness and can be used to "expand" a space's size. Taupe: A classic color that has become a basic neutral. A green undertone makes blues and greens pop. When paired with white, this shade becomes part of the new 2010 classics. Pale Gray: This is a warm, mellow gray compared to the past harsh graph

Imagine creating waterfalls that actually shimmer or night stars that really twinkle. Delphi is bringing in guest instructor Janet Schrader to show students at the Lansing Creativity Center how to do just that. Janet will show students how to achieve different textures, colors and effects with mica powder. Mica can be used to liven up Christmas ornaments, jewelry, mixed media projects and more. Each student will make a pendant and several samples to take home. Class will be held Thursday, Jun 24th from  6:00 pm - 9:00 pm. Glass Artist Janet Schrader lives outside Olympia WA where she has been doing glass since 1979. She has won both local and national competitions for her stained glass and jewelry designs. Always wanting to find something exciting and different to do with glass kept Janet creating and developing new designs and one-of-a-kind works of art. The same desire for something new has lead her to write 11 art glass design and instructional books that are distributed by CKE publications. More about Lansing Creativity Center Classes

Foiling and crimping. Most glass people either hate it or love it. Its one of those jobs that just has to get done one way or the other. Foiling glass is a no brainer, and the technique can be mastered in a matter of minutes, but crimpingwell , lets just say that it has its variations. One method that I picked up from the productions shop I first worked in has always proved to be the quickest and most efficient: Finger fids. Whats a finger fid? What youll need: 1. Masking tape 2. Your fingers Step One: Extend the thumb, index and middle fingers of the hand you usually crimp your foil with; or if you use a fid, the hand you usually hold your fid with. Step Two: Cut about ten short strips of masking tape approximately 3 long. Step Three: Beginning with any one of your fingers, wrap the tape over the tip of your finger and press it onto the sides. Wrap a second strip over your finger tip at a right angle to the first. Finally wrap a third strip of tape around your finger covering the two tape ends. Step Four: Repeat for your middle finger and thumb (Suggestion: you might want to put an extra layer of tape on your thumb since that finger usuall

1. Make sure that your pieces are clean and dry. Cut a piece of clear contact paper, remove the backing and lay it sticky-side-up over the pattern. 2. This is a perfect way to hold cut glass, globs, jewels, or marbles in place for tack soldering. As you can see in the photo, you can even move the sheet around and, if you are careful, you shouldn’t disturb the glass at all. 3. Tack solder the pieces to each other as you normally would. Then, remove the contact paper and finish soldering the front before turning the project over and soldering the back. Reprinted with permission from Stained Glass News. All rights reserved.

I admit it. Im a fake. When Delphi hired me to be the Social Media/PR Specialist, I was looking for a reprieve from my graphic design job at a small local magazine. I longed for a more creative outlet. A place where I could learn new things, write about them and interact with others. Delphi was a perfect fit. Only problem was I didnt know a thing about art glass. Id witnessed my mother, a botanical illustrator and painter, create a few large-scale stained glass patterns for her friend (a real stained glass artist), and that was the extent of my experience with the craft. I knew nothing of fusing or sandblasting or lampworking. My experience with mosaics extended no further than my fifth-grade Tessellation project. I felt worthless. I started researching online, talking to Delphi experts and interacting with artists on Facebook and Twitter. I was learning a lot, but I still felt like a phony among glass geniuses. What I needed was complete immersion. That finally came in the form of a trip to the Delphi Creativity Center in Lansing. And herein begins my journey. Stay tuned for Part II...

Do you have a question or comment? Please contact us at [email protected] Dear Delphi, I am a stay at home Mom who loves jewelry. I am looking at different ideas on how to make some extra income and not be away from my two daughters. I have some basic skills but I am more interested in what is hot on the fashion scene. Can you help? Thanks for asking, and we think we have some great ideas and simple solutions for you.The big looks today involve color and metal. Some examples of metal that have become extremely popular are fine and medium gauge wires in sliver and sterling. These wires are used as hooks, shapes and handmade intricate designs. The openness of the wire and delicate sheen of the silver or sterling will give enough bling to your designs.I recommend the book Totally Twisted. It is an outstanding reference guide showcasing 20 different designs in a step-by-step method. It also explains how to combine glass and metal wires to create distinctive and unique jewelry pieces.Another great new look in the jewelry arena is beautifully aged stone and earthy designs-with rich patinas and sophisticated designs. Polymer Clay can emulate the real looks of

When and how did you get started in stained glass? I've been interested in stained glass for as long as I can remember. As a child, I would sit in churches and watch the (often) biblical depictions come to life when a stray ray of sunlight cast its illumination our way. Sun shadows dancing. I dabbled in many media over the years, trying to find an outlet for some of the visions careening inside, but none of them took. Drawing, painting - even watercolours - no amount of professional training could guide my hand in a satisfactory way. But then there was the glass. I lived abroad for a few years, and wound my way through Europe on my way back to the States when I finished my Peace Corps Service. My last international destination was Paris, where one of my closest friends lives as an organist. Two beautiful autumn weeks of divine pastries, lavender light, music, and myriad cathedrals. From the towering behemoth that is Notre Dame to the stone spires of Mont Saint Michel, I spent dizzying hours transfixed in glass. I took photographs of the coloured light cast through the glass and onto stone floors. The vibrancy was impossible to contain and I felt compelled. I needed glass in

I have some questions about Lead-Free Solder. Does it tarnish over time? Can you use patina on it? Does it flow like regular solder? Is it better than regular solder? We are sure that you arent the only one with these questions. Lets start with the question of whether or not its better than regular solder. Since the harm from lead is caused by ingestion, any project that will come in contact with food or food containers should be made with lead-free solder. In addition, anything that is handled, like jewelry or kaleidoscopes, should be made with lead-free solder. Hands have a terrible habit of making it into the mouth before they get washed! So, yes it is better than regular solder in these situations. As far as working with solder, you should be diligent about cleaning your hands after touching any solder. Dont eat, drink, smoke, or do anything while working that will cause you to ingest solder, regardless of what type you are using. So how does lead-free solder differ from regular solder? That depends on your definition of regular solder. The most popular solder used in copper foil work is 60/40 (60% tin, 40% lead). The other option is 50/50 (even amounts of tin

From our Facebook fans, here are a few household items that can be used as tools in art glass creation. Some great ideas here! Hairspray for gluing (the non-aerosol kind, the cheaper, the better!) Olive oil for your glass cutter The spoony straw from a slush puppie for pouring small amounts of frit Butter knives for bead making Chinese take out containers for storing smaller pieces of fusable glass. They are rectangular and stack well with a clear lid. Also, the soup containers to store frit (each size of frit in its own container stacked within the others of like color and only the top one needs a lid, and they are clear) Glass yogurt pots for storing frit and other bits Plastic containers that tubs of crystal light comes in for storing smaller pieces of glass. I also save the tubs for mixing glue/water, frit and water, paint, etc. Shelves that hold plastic bins for toys. Theyre great for storing scrap pieces of glass, sorting them out into colors. Needles stuck in pencil erasers for drawing designs in frit/paint Small skewers for smoothing copper foil and drawing designs in frit/paint Metal pick set (like dentists use - found at Harbor Fre

For more than 30 years, Kent Lauer has been working with glass . His passion lies with beveled glass in particular, and hes made a great impact on the craft with his cutting-edge (no pun intended) techniques. Living in Southern California, Kent has had the opportunity to work on custom glass for Hollywood stars, movies and commercials. He has written articles for Glass Craftsman magazine and Glass Patterns Quarterly. In addition, hes been teaching his techniques to students around the country for more than 25 years. Delphi is proud to have him teach at its Lansing Creativity Center next month. If you live in the Michigan area, or are planning to travel there this summer, we encourage you to look into taking Kents Faceted Dichroic Glass Pendants class. In this class, students make beautiful, faceted dichroic glass pendants and learn awesome cold working techniques. The brand new hands-on class covers all aspects of creating breathtaking pendants, from cutting thick glass with a diamond ring saw, to laminating and beveling. A thin layer of dichroic glass is laminated between two layers of beautiful Starphire glass, then ground and polished into an incredible jewel. No

You can make frit from leftover glass pieces in a few different ways. First, if you have a torch , simply heat your piece of scrap in the flame until it gets red but not drippy. Then drop it into a bowl of water (wearing protective eyewear, of course) and watch as the glass breaks into tiny little pieces. You could also choose to use a Frit Piston . Place compatible glass scraps into the frit piston, insert the upper plunger into the tube and plunge. The nice thing about the piston is that it allows you to create frit in any size you want. Another, perhaps less refined, way to create frit is to wrap your glass in a towel, grab a hammer and have at it. (This works especially well if you’ve had a bad week at work!) You can also try a good old-fashioned mortar and pestle . This works best with small pieces of scrap or large frit that you want to grind down.

Delphi Glass and ArtFire, the premier marketplace for handmade crafts, announce a new online art contest. The Ring of Fire Artist Challenge is open to all artisans. Entries are being accepted now. Contest ends June 30 and winners announced July 9, 2010. Following its annual festivities for National Art Glass Month, Delphi has organized another online event with the help of its partner ArtFire. The first annual Ring of Fire Artist Challenge is designed for all artisans of all crafts and abilities, inviting them to use common art supplies in new and creative ways. Artisans are asked to choose one or more items from the 10 products that make up the Ring of Fire. These items range from patterned dichroic glass and fine silver wire to mosaic tiles made entirely from recycled glass. Winners are chosen by popular vote and jury based on technical skill and creativity. A beginners category is also available. Grand prize includes a Delphi EZ-Pro Deluxe Kiln by Jen-Ken Kilns, which fires both glass and ceramics. Winners also receive many prizes from Delphi, ArtFire and all sponsoring companies. We created the Ring of Fire contest to support the handmade arts, to inspire creativi

It's clear from all of your pieces that you love working with bright colors. Where do you get your love for color? I just love color! Without color, life can be dull. Color helps to create mood, passion, emotion and can bring out the best in people. How would you describe your artistic style? I believe that my style can be categorized as "beachy." I love the beach and surfing, but I also love the woods and nature, so sometimes it's "nature inspired." You have done several beautiful mosaics and stained glass panels, and I also understand you do some fused glass work and bead making. What's your favorite medium and why? I love making mosaics because that's what led me to glass in the first place. I go through spurts though. I'll make a whole bunch of mosaics and then make beads in between. Then I'll switch it up and make a stained glass piece. I guess it's just what I want to do that week or what idea I wake up that day. I read in the Jersey Star Ledger that you're an avid surfer, hunter, runner, biker, rock climber, snow board and overall outdoor rockstar! How do you make time for your art? Balance. And sometimes really really late nights working in the studio!! It

Chances are, right now, in reading this blog post, youre avoiding an overdue task . I too was avoiding a laundry list of work-related tasks in writing this. Procrastination is a part of life, and its certainly always been a part of mine. As a teenager, my parents would accuse me of putting off everything from piano practice to math homework. Id vehemently deny their charges hissing back, I work better under pressure!The truth was, I often felt overwhelmed, under-productive and anxious. Over the years, Ive been able to combat my avoidance issues using 4 tools. The trick is constantly reminding myself of these actions, because they do not come naturally to me. 1. Just Say No! I say yes to everything. Need someone to head up that event? Sure! Want me to design 12 posters for the Car Wash? No problem! Take your kid to daycare? Of course! Saying yes inevitably leads me to bite off more than I can chew. I often say yes because Im afraid if I dont, the chore wont get done, or wont get done as well. I finally realized, so what? Chances are, if it doesnt get done, or done as well, it wont be the end of the world. 2. Keep your To-Do List Short. Once you decide what you are goi

When John Falibota of Girard, Ohio, told his wife he was going to take a stained glass class, she couldn't stop laughing . John had a life-long fear of cut glass. If a glass broke in the house, he wouldn't go near it for fear of cutting himself. But over time his fear subsided, and in 1984 he and his wife, Marlene, started attending craft shows and eventually opened their very own stained glass store in 1999. Their 1,200 sg. ft. store provided classes and supplies as well as fulfilled custom orders. Seven years later, they moved to an even larger store (2,375 sq. ft.) and added imported blown glass and Russian glass animals to their inventory. Due to the tough economic climate, John and Marlene recently moved again to a smaller store (1,600 sq. ft.). They dropped the imported glass and returned to their roots-teaching, supplies and custom work. They carry tools, glass and anything else one would need for stained glass art work. They also specialize in kitchen cabinet doors. If you're interested in taking one of John's classes, book early. He limits his classes to three people, so it's a very personalized approach. Since he started teaching, John has taught close to 4

Delphi merchandiser Kayleigh McGrath recently shared some photos from her early days at Delphi. She was playing around with different colors and textures of glass and learning the hard way that there are limits to what you can do (and can't do) in fusing. The first image shows what happened when Kayleigh layered dichroic glass, coating to coating. The base is 90 COE dichroic rainbow pixi stix on black, (Delphi item: 921714) and the top is an old texture we don't carry any more (cyan red radium on clear.) The second image is of a piece Kayleigh loved so much she impatiently removed it from the kiln when it was still too hot (haven't we all done this!) As you can see, it suffered thermal shock. This was made with the same 90 COE pixi stix on black for the base and capped with Delphi item: U630090 90 COE Uroboros Souble Rolled Clear) Moral of the story? Fusing is about trial and error. Sometimes you end up with something truly amazing, and sometimes you end up with a mess. That's the fun of it! Looking for Fusing Tips?

We tell ourselves not to judge a book by its cover, but the simple truth is, we are attracted to whats attractive. On a recent hunt for a birthday present for my mother, I came across several beautiful handbags in several different boutiques. What ultimately influenced my final purchase decision was the complimentary gift-wrapping offered by one of the storeowners. The handbag itself wasnt any prettier or better quality than the others I was considering, but the packaging was beautiful. Brightly colored tissue, a big sturdy box, quality wrapping paper and an oversized hand-tied bow. No, it wasnt sealed with a kiss, rather a large gold embossed sticker with the boutique name and logo (theres nothing wrong with a little discreet self-promotion). Here are a few tips for better packaging-it might just buy you your next customer! 1. Show your customers what theyll get. The boutique I mentioned earlier had a gift box mounted on the wall near the cash register, so I knew what to expect. If youre selling online, provide a short description (or picture) of the packaging you provide. 2. Remember the details. Small items like earrings can be posted to a piece of cardstock cu

How and when did you get started in glass art? I saw an article about Kristin Frantzen-Orr along with a step by step example of how to do one of her famous floral beads. I talked about it so much my husband bought me a beginning torch set for the following Christmas. Once I got the kiln and the duel fuel torch, I just kept experimenting and growing from there. Kristin is still my idol and I keep telling myself that one day I will do nice, clean floral beads like hers! Your jewelry, vases, plates etc. are all beautiful. I especially love the geologic nature of your Copper Reactive dish, its so unique! Can you tell us a little about how you achieved that look? The base glass is Bullseye Steel Blue Opal (000146) and it reacts all on its own! I used clear stringers and broke up chunks of clear to use along the outside edge. Whatever the clear covers stays blue, and the exposed glass reacts and turns metallic. The firing temperature is the key, don't take it above 1400 F. Bullesye lists several projects with reactions on their website www.bullseyeglass.com http://www.bullseyeglass.com I understand that you teach some classes? What do you teach, and why do you enjoy it?