How to use glass paint markers, Jackies Art, fused glass

Life since December has been a busy blur: Holiday Glow Art Sale & Show in December, grandson Jacob born February 3 in Morris, MN, a trip with my parents the end of that month, granddaughter Brooke born in Wichita in March with some post-birth complications that necessitated me staying to help for almost a month, a family meeting in Bismarck, Jacob's baptism, our middle daughter's wedding in MN in June, Brooke's baptism in Wichita last weekend...I'm still trying to catch up!

I've managed to make a few new art pieces, though. I had fun making pottery frames for felted whimsical houses, that I then embellished with beads and sequins. And I've given away many fused glass houses that I've personalized with names and dates. For example, Johnson House, Est. 2010. This week I'm designing fused glass guardian angels. I really like the little kiln we bought this summer!

A class I offered for kids this summer was painting on glass. At our daughter's wedding we didn't have a traditional guest book. Instead we had a large white platter that everyone signed. We used Vitrea 160 glass paints. After drying for 24 hours I baked it in our conventional oven for 40 minutes at 325. Now the new couple can actually use their guest book. It is even dishwasher safe, although I'd recommend washing it by hand.

For my kids' glass class we used the same paints and markers. Be sure to wash and dry the dish ware first, and clean with a cotton ball soaked in denatured alcohol if it is still greasy at all. Don't skip the 24 hour drying period - longer is better if the paint is applied thickly. Don't use a baking pan, just set the finished art on the oven racks. Turn the oven on, when the preheat light goes off, turn on your timer for 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, turn off the oven, open the door. Remove the dishes when they are cool enough to touch. Viola! Lovely art to use, or to hang on the wall.

I'm taking a fused glass class in Winnipeg in Sept. taught by Patty Gray...hope to learn lots and get inspired for creating new art for the 2010 Holiday Glow Art Sale & Show Nov. 12 & 13.

Pottery Pets and Flower Beds

Pottery pets and flower beds...my newest ceramic creations are for sale in two local gift shops. I've been so busy that I haven't had time to take photos and get them posted here. I'm starting my weekly art kids next week and have lots of ideas that I want to explore with them this year, including fused glass.

Today we are getting company for the weekend. Our daughter, Jennifer and her little girls, Taylor and Haley, are coming for a slumber party, according to Taylor. My birthday is Monday so they will celebrate early with us. A couple of my sisters will visit this weekend, too. One of them on her way to a wedding and the other is coming for the Brittany Spears concert. That is a big event our city is geared up for this weekend.

Our middle daughter, Sara, is engaged! They have set June12 next summer as the day they say their vows. It is fun to be planning a wedding again!

Soon I hope my life slows down a bit and I can get some pictures taken, my website updated and write about more interesting things in my blog!

Visual Art and Wedding Gifts

Visual art and weddings - do they go together? Yes, of course! What bride and groom would not love handmade, one of a kind art for a wedding gift? So many times wedding gifts are chosen from 'big box' stores where the couple has registered. Sure, these gifts are needed and wanted. But if you really want to give a special twosome a gift they will remember, think about choosing a gift made by one of your local artists, or shop online.

The Internet has made this sort of gift giving practical. There are virtually no restraints because of distance - gifts can be chosen from nearly any where and shipped to almost any where else because of secure Internet shopping. And more and more artists are finding that it is almost necessary to have a presence online...so the selection of 'handmade' has never been better.

I have lots of handmade items that are perfect gifts for bridal showers and weddings. Some items, like my sculptures, weavings and tapestries, would be perfect for decorating a new space and other items, like wine charms and pottery, are functional, handmade pieces! Check out my online shops at www.jackiesart.etsy.com and www. jackiesart.com. I will be adding more items to both shops in about 10 days - everything I make is handmade from start to finish so you can be assured that your gift will be treasured and appreciated in the years to come! Happy shopping!