Gallery opening

Here I am at the ArtWorks gallery opening tonight! It was fun, there was really good music and some snacks, lots of doggies running around and wonderful art. I can't express how much of a thrill it was to walk into a gallery and see my own work displayed on a pedestal with it's own tag and good lighting! Wow.

There were many talented artists and many fine works there. I wasn't among the winners of the show, but I sure do feel pretty darn good about what I accomplished.

WooHoo!!

The jewelry piece I made last week and showed a photo of in my last post has been accepted into ArtWorks August All-Media Show!! I am so excited, I can't even believe it! My work, in an art show!

If you'd like to come and see it, and other fantastic works of art in the show, here is a link to the show page. And here is a link to ArtWorks for directions and other information, in case you are not familiar with the gallery. The opening reception is from 7pm to 10pm this Friday, August 22. I'll be there!

The All-Media show is a benefit for the Richmond SPCA, so the works shown will all have a cat and/or dog theme, there are a couple of collaborative projects and other artist shows going on, too, so you should come down and visit. I believe the show will be open until September 21, so if you can't make it for the opening, you will still have a chance to see the works.

The weekly wrap-up

Another fantastic day at the South of the James market! Cupcakes were particularly popular today -- all of my earrings and pendants all found new homes! I got to chat with a lot of wonderful people today, explaining the process of lampworking and how the beads are made. Unfortunately, I neglected to bring my extra canister of torch fuel, so I wasn't able to do any demonstration. Next week, I'll remember to stick the spare canister in the car!

Lots of you had special requests and ideas for beads you'd like to see. I'll be working on those this week....some owls, turtles, more sweets, more rings, some mushrooms, and some other cool stuff I have in mind. Every week will bring more new glass goodies, so keep the ideas and suggestions coming!

In other news, I have submitted a piece of work to a local gallery that has monthly all-media art shows. This month's show is themed -- Cats and Dogs -- and I submitted a necklace "Pawprints On My Heart", shown at the top of this post. I'll find out Monday if it was accepted into the show, and then I'll let you all know where you can see it, if you like.

More later.

Market Reflections

First, thank you to all my new friends and clients from this past Saturday at the South of the James Market! It was fantastic to meet you all, and I was glad to see some repeat clients from the previous week! Yay for glass goodness and new fun things to wear!

My sweet husband surprised me by bringing our little kids to the market AND my camera, and he took some nice pictures for me. Here's a shot of the market booth. Yeah, that's me calling him to ask him to bring my vise grip pliers.


I sold a good number of pendants this week, so I will be making more in the workshop! In fact, I've got some in the kiln right now! Plus, I will be working on more food-themed beads for earrings and pendants....more sweets (sundaes, cupcakes, a wedding cake, some sushi), some more veggies (especially peas! So many of you loved my necklace that I will make more!), and some more animals (turtles, owls, penguins, a manatee).

In the works for the coming weeks will be more finished jewelry -- especially bracelets and rings -- and the start of the holiday-themed glass....Halloween isn't that far off, and neither is Christmas.

Several people asked about lampworking classes.....yes! I do teach! I don't have a dedicated teaching studio (yet!), but we can work something out as far as location. I prefer one-on-one lessons, but will teach a maximum of three at one time. The basic beginner's introduction to lampworking class runs about three to four hours, and I supply all tools and equipment. Contact me for more information and to set up your class!

As always, there's more to come in the weeks ahead. You'll want to stay tuned for the updates!

Coming soon....

Ok, so I just finished a mini-torch session, and I am really excited about some new things! I made a bead with a wee froggie clinging to it, and some pink and purple hearts, and a few odd beads, and a glass pumpkin. I hope they all hold up well cooling overnight.

At this Saturday's market (South of the James!!), I will have wineglass charm sets for sale, and a bunch more pendants. It's almost time to start on some seasonal and holiday beads....why don't you post a comment to this entry and tell me what you'd like to see me make? I'll give just about anything a shot, so let me know!

Welcome!

Hi there! You've found the blog home of A Hot Piece of Glass! I'm Christine, and I am a glass artist.

"Hi, Christine!"

I make lampworked beads and small sculpture with my single-fuel torch, and with my kiln, I make fused glass bowls, pendants, earrings, fridge magnets, barrettes....just about anything that will fit on the kiln shelf. This blog is just getting started, so check back often for more fun stories of creative endeavors, groovy glass photos, and yummy jewelry and fun stuff! You know you'll want one of everything!

In fact, you may want to subscribe to this blog, then you can easily read it in a feed. Check the sidebar for subscription information.

Currently, I am working on stocking my Etsy shop. I'll provide a link as soon as I get some gorgeous goodies in there. You can also find me on Saturdays at the South of the James Market in Forest Hill Park. If you live in or near Richmond, VA, come on down to the southside and say hello! It's a great market, and I usually have lots of fun things for sale. I also do some lampworking demonstration, and I love to answer questions and talk to folks.

I'm planning for shows for next spring already, so when I have the details, I will certainly let everyone know. In the meantime, check back here or come see me at the market! I look forward to meeting everyone, and sharing my glass art with you all!