Fused Glass Update and dates for Fall Classes at Coleman

Hello Everyone! Its been quite awhile since my last blog posting. At the end of May I had a health issue which took me off course for a couple of months. Thankfully, I am back in the swing of things and full of fusing energy.

Beautiful pendant made my the mom of one of my students!

I was able to finish the classes from the Spring session and wait to you see all the  fun, colorful pieces the kids made. Everyone really seemed to be in the groove and excited by the possibilities of glass fusing.

Check out some of the photos from last session. I was really inspired by the creativity shown by the students and the talent they all had in translating their internal design visions to their actual pieces. One of the most gratifying things to watch with the students is the awe they express when they see their finished pieces.

hooks with fused glass panels

frame assembly

This past session the student collaborative piece was a super fun project that used the students hand prints.  We ended up doing this project twice. The first time the platter cracked. Total bummer...but in glass fusing, usually our lemons can be made into lemonade....I was able to cut out some of the prints and make little hangings of the hand prints the student could hang up at home.

Second platter 

The hand print platter entails using student hand prints  fused into glass using a special material called fiber paper. Hand prints were traced onto the fiber paper which was then layered onto the glass and fired. The glass sags around the fiber paper leaving a relief of the hand print after firing. We used glass frit(ground glass) to fill the hand prints.

try try again-making of the 2nd platter 

1st platter attempt

hand prints refired into wall hangings 

What caused the glass to break? Too much frit stressed the glass.
A good lesson! The second platter stressed and broke up as well but I was able to refire it. As you can see, it came out pretty with a little extra character...

For the last project students made plant stands. Decorative glass posts to add a little pop to plants.

decorative plant stands

I am pleased to announce that I will be teaching again at Coleman in the Fall. 
2  sessions (5 classes per session)
Dates: 1st session begins on 9/23 
             2nd session begins on 11/4
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

More info about classes in next posting... 
Check out previous posts for more information...

student made sushi plates

fused glass frames -student made

 groovy magnets!

hook with fused glass panel

earrings by student

Fused Glass Class Starts Monday May 6th and I will be teaching summer classes too. Children and Adults!!

The Last session of the year begins Monday May 6th. This is a super fun and unique class. Working with glass and children is possible! Students safely learn how to cut glass, lay out designs and make beautiful and often functional art. The kids love and it and there is this sense of awe about what they can do with glass.

 learning to cut glass- 

 If you didn't know, Kiln fired glass is a craft dating back to the ancient  Egyptians! Since then there have been lots of new techniques, kilns, tools and glass improving the art of warm glass.  Experience the  renaissance!!

Class starts Monday 5/6- 6/3 (no class Memorial day-5/27)
In the art room after school- until 4:40, snacks provided.
Sign up at http://eplay.livelifelocally.com
or call 485-3333

my first class held in the backyard! time flies

For more information, please review past blogs -and if you have any questions please do not hestitate to contact me .

Also....Announcing Summer classes...

Kids workshops:

Four session class for kids 8-13 at the Falkirk Mansion, thursday July 9th-30th 1-3pm   $200

ADULT workshops:

Make your Own mosaic style fused glass plate or bowl! July 11th 1- 4pm  $115

and a 2 part workshop Make YOUR Own Unique Fused Glass Jewelry! Thursdays, 8/1 and 8/8 6:30- 9:30 $140    Details for all workshops can be found in the San Rafael Summer catologue and online at 

http://eplay.livelifelocally.com

I will blog again with more class details to follow!

glass crab made by student

Spring into Glass Fusing March 18th!

sun catcher with copper foil heart

Have your child try something new and creative. 
The next class series begins Monday  3/18-4/15 (3:15- 4:40) 4 classes $195 - Students will come away with lots of beautiful pieces and a great understanding of the ancient art of kiln fired glass. 

To enroll please sign up at  https://eplay.livelifelocally.com or call 485-3333

sun catcher-

I have room for more students and there is still time to register. Please let others know about this unique and fun class.

We are coming into Spring and with that inspiration I will lead with some blooming designs and colors!

Also, each session gets to collaborate on a piece for the school auction.

- For more details/photos about the class please check out my last few posts. There are lots of photos and information about fusing glass. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me- Nikki Contini(Coleman Mom) 415 846-4460

Dragonfly Platter by Nikki Contini

Take a Peek at Student Projects.....

From last Monday's Fusing class! Students worked on glass chimes. They really turned out cool. Great vibrant colors. Reminds me of sea glass. 

Glass mobiles by Coleman Students

If you did not already know....

The next series begins Monday  3/18-4/15 

To enroll please sign up at  https://eplay.livelifelocally.com

There is still room! Have your child try something new and creative. Spread the word!

- for more details about the class please check out my last few posts. There are lots of photos and information about fusing glass. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me- Nikki Contini(Coleman Mom) 

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Check out these fanciful glass bugs from the last session.

Wow!

Lastly, a sneak peak at the Coleman Auction platter made by students in the last series. This was a collaborative project with each student designing a panel with a ocean/fantasy theme. 

Nautical themed platter designed by students for Coleman auction project this Spring.

Love, Express, create, make art , laugh, write, dance, sing, cry, cook,  giggle, meander, mingle, hibernate, wake up, hello world....

Its time to sign up for Glass Class and Get Fusing! 1/28 Monday

Hello Everbody,
Welcome back to school  and the new year!
I am excited to announce I will be teaching another round of fused glass classes. There will be 3 sessions offered in the Spring. (4 classes each)

fused glass bowl Nikki Contini

 New students will learn how to safely cut glass and learn all about the ancient craft of kiln fired glass. Returning students are welcome and will build on what they have learned and will continue to gain confidence in scoring glass with the cutter. I have lots of new projects to introduce and of course there will be free choice time as well. In each session the students will also collaborate on a piece that will be auctioned at the International Festival.

fused glass wall pocket vases made by students last session

 The first session of Fused Glass Class is coming up on Monday, January 28th. 3:10- 4:40 in the art room at Coleman.
Please sign up soon as space is limited.
You can sign up for the class through the city of San Rafael. at :
https://eplay.livelifelocally.com
1st session: 1/28- 2/25
2nd session: 3/18-/15

3rd session: 5/6- 6/3

Some Class details:
Fees:
- course fee $195.00
- course fee n/r $214.00 

Description:
This class is all about fun and learning the ancient art of glass fusing! Nikki will teach the class how to safely cut glass and assemble beautiful creations which will then be fired in the kiln. Each week there will be a cool new project that will focus on different aspects of fusing glass. Students will come away with lots of amazing glass work and a firm understanding of the craft of fusing. A $20 material fee is due to the instructor on the first day of class. INSTRUCTOR: Nikki Contini has been happily fusing glass since 1994. Her glass work is whimsical and colorful. Check out - fusedglassoriginals.blogspot.com Ages: 8 Yrs. to 12 Yrs. (for younger students, please call me to discuss if your younger child is a good fit for working with glass.415 846-4460)

Spots Available: 9 

student pendant

dangle earrings made by student

To learn more about fused glass and to see more pictures of student work, please check out my previous blogs and other pages. 

After School Fusing Bonanza!

Glass Class this session has been a fun, creative whirlwind of Glass Fusing Fun.. With a slightly younger group, abstract designs and color explosion is where its at!

Fused Glass Framed Mirrors

This session, students have been busy learning the fundamentals of Fusing while creating functional and beautiful work. So far, projects have included night lights, mirrors, wall plaques, little dishes, magnets and pendants. Check it out...

As always, working with glass stringers and the flame is a big hit. 
Glass Frit  (ground up glass) is a strong second. There is a festive feel to pieces. Lots of orange and contrasting color. With two 1st grade boys at the helm, a glass enthusiastic 2nd grader and my own think out side the box 4th grader... - wild experimentation is the driving force! 
Our next project is the class auction piece. This will be a collaborative project. We have been discussing ideas as a group and the children are very excited to make something for the school. Now, we just have to agree on what to make. I will keep you posted!

With the holidays around the corner- its a great time to plan a fusing workshop!

give me a call and lets get fusing!

Class is On!! Hooray!!

Starts Today! There is still some room so come on in....

Day: Mondays:  11/5 - 12/17 

Time: 3:10-4:40-- In the art room at Coleman 

Enroll on line:

https://eplay.livelifelocally.com/Start/Start.asp

or call (415)485-3333   class size is limited to 9 students per session.     

  Some pretty fall pieces..

Today we are making night light plaques (see previous blog for example). We will also  play around with free choice projects such as magnets, sun catchers and small dishes. I want to get the kids familiar with the material and possibilities!

Its going to be fun!

For more detail about the class- please check out past blog entries. There are lots of photos and information on past entries and pages. 

Happy Fusing! 

Questions? contact me!