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 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

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

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

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

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 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

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.

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 .

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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!

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?

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

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 .

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

"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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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.

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

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

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

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?

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?