Hi All!

I’ve been working night and day on a new website design which includes a new blog.  I’ve transferred all the old/still relevent posts from this blog to the new one and the last step is to ask you to go to www.glassfirenze.com and “register” with the new site which also signs you up to receive studio post announcements.

The new site is still being worked on but one of the cool things about the new Studio News blog is that you can choose which categories you want to subscribe to.  So say you are out of state and only want to keep up on what’s happening at Glass Firenze… you can choose categories like Events, Classes, etc.  But locals who torch often at the studio can choose categories like open/closed notices and supply info and deals.  You can also choose html notices or plain text notices.

I hope you will all go to the main site page at www.glassfirenze.com and scroll to the bottom where you will find the registration widget.  Once you register you are sent a password and then you can log into your profile and choose your categories and notification preferences.

The new site has a lot of potential and as I get certain segments of it complete I will post updates so you know to return and look around.  Right now there are just the basics but the Reservation System and Calendar are there so making your torch time reservations is easy.

Thanks so much!
Deb

Hi Studio Friends,

Meet Trouble.   He is my most recent kitty rescue.  A stray that was hanging around my house that I had to rescue because his foot was injured and infected.  He’s been to the vet, they mended his foot, neutered him, shots and feline virus free!  I may have called him Trouble  because he thought he was a tough little Tom kitty but he is a super loving kitty who needs a good home.  I hope you will pass the word because he is well worth someone’s kind and loving heart.

Unfortunately, because of the kittens I’ve recently rescued with their Mom Lil’Bit, I don’t have room for Trouble in my house so he is staying in the Studio Guest Room.  Great for Trouble, he is enjoying the luxury living conditions, but bad for anyone who Torches at the studio who is allergic.

I’m trying hard to find him a home quickly but for now, if you are allergic to cats you may want to avoid the studio.  He won’t be allowed into the “Studio” but for some that may not be good enough and I understand.

I’ll post again once he has his new home and I’ve cleaned up the studio.   If you know anybody who is in need of a very affectionate kitty please keep Trouble in mind.  He is young and healthy and ready for a lifetime family.

With a Glass Studio to manage I am required to spend a lot of time working on and researching the best tools for web sites, blogs and social networking.  Basically I read a lot of articles from people who’s passion is distributing this type of information.

One of these people is Alyson Stansfield of ArtBizCoach.com.  I recently attended her “Website Makeover” telephone seminar and found it very helpful AND reasonable.  Only $27.00 for the hour+ live teleconference which included downloadable documentation.

I mention these things to Studio Friends and decided it was time I started sharing my discoveries officially and have just created a new category for the Studio News called “Webs, Blogs, Social Info” where I can post them.

Alyson’s focus is on helping Artists succeed in the business side of their passion.  She has an informative book called “I’d Rather Be In The Studio” which is about to be re-released in a new and expanded version.

Til Next Time,
Deb

In July of 2012 the ISGB (International Society of Glass Beadmakers) is having “The Gathering”, their yearly conference, in Seattle!!  This is a great opportunity for Alaskan glass artists to attend.  I will be there, as will Elise Strauss, Laurie Cleary and many other Studio Friends.

This “Bug in your Ear” post is to plant the idea of your joining us.  I think it would be wonderful fun for a large group of Alaskans to attend together!

Seattle is also home to MOG – The Museum of Glass, Pilchuck, Pratt Fine Arts Center, is home to the GAS – Glass Art Society offices, and many Glass Galleries and Glass Studios… just google Seattle Glass Blowing and browse though all the selections.  It is going to be a fantastic 1st conference for most of us.

BTW… the GAS Conference is in Seattle this June for those of you who are interested in attending… REALLY wish I could!  But, I’m saving up for next summer and the ISGB conference.

Those that are interested in attending send me an email and I’ll keep a list and we can coordinate and organize room buddies and such.

I’ll post on this subject as time gets closer…

With the continuing deals from Frantz Art Glass with their ongoing sales I thought it would be interesting to share some glass math with you.

For some time everyone has been able to buy glass at Frantz’s 35% off continual special, and I must sell my glass rods and supplies at full retail because my discount is the same as yours at Frantz. Being a teaching studio does not allocate me any greater deal than what everyone else is getting these days. And though I can’t and wouldn’t want to compete with Frantz I would like to mention that…

Glass Firenze remains a great local resource for those in need of glass fast! Or… as a way to purchase small amounts of new colors to try before investing a lot in a color you end up not liking! Plus, you always save on shipping costs at Glass Firenze. Frantz ships Priority Mail, which adds on average $2.50 per pound more to your order. Add that in along with my 10% off purchases of $100.00 or more and the savings start to balance out. For example…

Purchase 1 pound of glass from Frantz at $15.00 less their usual 35% off, add in shipping and you pay: $12.25 a pound. The same pound of glass at Glass Firenze will cost you $13.50. Only $1.25 more a pound for a local resource that you can access fast! And you support your favorite local Glass Studio.

Plus, with limited Open Studio Hours I always try to open at a time that you are able to stop by to buy supplies. So never hesitate to email me or call to arrange a shopping date at the studio, I am happy to oblige.

As a little side note: I’m leaving for a family trip on Monday the 8th and my House Sitter isn’t able to open the studio and sell glass for me soooo…. anyone that thinks they may be in need of some glass supplies before the 13th please get in touch to set a shopping date this week. The studio is open Friday 5 to 9pm and Saturday 1 to 6pm but I’ll still be around up to Sunday evening.

Thanks Much!
Deb