Just in
Gecko Glass just received a shipment of fusible sheet glass, System 96. Lots of great colors. Drop by the studio for a class. New colors to express yourself.
Enhancements
Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of wire-wrapping over glass “puddles”.
When I make mistakes in fused glass pieces, I break them up and re-fire them into “puddles”.
Sometimes, I use these puddles in other fused glass pieces – see if you can find some in my portfolio – but often, I turn them into jewelry.
Lately, I’ve been wire-wrapping them as earrings and pendants.
I started with the “Tree of Life” – I love this simple motif – and then branched out into some more abstract designs. 
My friend, Connie – she is great with beads and beading – helped me enhance these pendants with beaded ropes for necklaces.
Some of these pendants will be shown in Samara Organics soon.
Occam’s Razor, glass version
Occam’s Razor, is a problem solving principle surmised by a 14th century Franciscan monk as “Among competing hypotheses, the one with the fewest assumptions should be selected.” Or as Steve says it, “The simplest solution is almost always right”.
I have refined this in the glass studio to “When you don’t get the results you expect, do a paper test.” which really means “See if the kiln is working.”
A little slip of paper tucked into the coils of each element will scorch and burn if the elements are getting hot. Currently, the side wall elements are not heating up. I’ve been cooking everything with only one lid element – for how long, I don’t know – creating huge temperature differentials within the glass and causing stress and cracking.
I’m pretty hopeful that repairs today will solve many of my recent issues and frustrations. Jodi at Glass With a Past had lots of great suggestions but I’m going with Occam’s Razor for now. Wish me luck.
Que Lindo!
Para español ver abajo
What a great Que Lindo Feria de Arte. More than 57 artists brought their creativity, dynamic energy, and cooperative spirit to the Natural Center in Samara last Friday. Some truly beautiful work was displayed and sold. Many new friends and connections were made. Thanks to the more than 500 shoppers and to those supporters who took home a hand-made one of a kind piece of art. You helped secure the future of art in Sámara. Through the raffle and registration fees, we raised more than c138,000 ($275.00) for art education in Sámara. We will divide it equally between CREAR, who will paint a mural inside the community salon, and Sámara Pacific School, who will make a community notice board surrounded by mosaic of shells, seeds, and stones. (more…)
Currents
A new series, “CURRENTS”, will be on display tomorrow at Samara Organics Mercado & Café.
This one reminds me of the ocean.
And Costa Rica is so very green
Design with light
Another fun glass fusing class with beginner, Jeff from California, and frequent fuser, Roy. Colors seemed to be of a theme on this cloudy tropical morning. But Roy, this votive holder is my favorite piece yet of yours. Great design work! Nice arrangement of colors, darks and lights, and, of course, “surprise”. It’ll catch the candle-light beautifully.
Jewelry/Bead Kiln for Sale
Here’s your opportunity to get into glass art for a small investment. Learn a new art or add to your existing studio.
AIM glass fusing electric kiln. 10” x 10” x 9” deep is perfect for fusing jewelry and small pieces or for annealing blown glass. 120 volt with a manual controller and a bead door. Used. priced to sell at $200.00.
10″ x 10″ is perfect for plates and bowls.
9″ deep allows you to slump into tall drop molds.
Manual controller.
With bead door for annealing beads and blown glass.
Digital thermo-coupler.
120 volt electric elements
Email Jimmy for more information: jimmybennett3@yahoo.com
High season class schedule
Lavae Aldrich at Casa Gecko Glass is offering Glass Fusing classes Monday, Thursday or Saturday mornings at 10 am during high season. c10,000 fee includes class, materials, tools, and two firings. For a first project you can choose a plate, a votive holder, or a nite-lite. Jewelry classes, stencil powder classes, and metal inclusion classes are scheduled by request – just ask me in advance.
2 hours class. Students should allow at least 72 hours for firing (before you leave town).
Call 8977-1576 or email for a (required) reservation.
Que Lindo Art Fair a big success!
Over 27 artists showed their wares at the annual Que Lindo Art Fair in Samara yesterday.
Que Lindo Art Fair
by Patty Shattuck
Playa Samara is home to an abundance of creativity. Come see what local artists make.
by Lavae Aldrich
Friday 24 January 2 – 6 PM
At: Samara Organics in the Natural Center.
by Marlene McCauley
Paintings – Holly Crenshaw, Davina Pritchard, Marlene McCauley, Patty Shattuck, Nathan Miller, Sara Lacrimi. Davina Pritchard
Pottery –
Mixed Media – Maria Fernanda Galvez,
Fused Glass – Lavae Aldrich
Sculpture – Nancy Reilly
Jewelry – Gallery Sandalo, Anita Azul, Josefina Riccheri, Lavae Aldrich
Clothing – Josefina Riccheri, Anita Zuzul
Wood Frames – Jim Casey
Children’s activity table – Crear
ETSY SHOP for purchase of smaller pieces and jewelry
MY WEBSITE – for full portfolio of artwork
Gecko Glass 