September 2024 eNEWS

In this newsletter I'll be writing about how to use Modeling Glass in your work, and hopefully answering some questions that will help you get the results you want. There's always a learning curve with a new product, and there are considerations working with frit and powder that you don't have when firing sheet glass. There is a full set of FAQs on the Modeling Glass website at www.modelingglass.com. You can also find back issues of all my e-newsletters there!

FEATURED: A NEW MASK WORKSHOP

Can you believe autumn is nearly here?? As a long-time desert dweller, the transition from the hottest days of summer into the more mellow temperatures of fall is always welcome. I am very attuned to the shift of the light that happens when the days grow shorter, and it's thrilling to see the hummingbirds energetically feuding over the feeder as they tank up for their long migrations. Don't they know there is plenty of sugar water for everyone?


As this year winds down, I am offering a few final workshops, including a sold-out Feathers and More class this week at Anything in Stained Glass in Frederick, MD. After that I'll be teaching in Phoenix at Milkweed Arts. I'm really excited about this one, as it will be the first time I'm offering an in-person class to teach glass artists how to make 3-dimensional masks! Students will learn multiple techniques for making their own mask designs, working with Modeling Glass both with and without sheet glass. We'll talk about different ways to display your completed mask, working with epoxy putty, and other nifty tricks! That class will be from October 18-21, and you can find out more here.


I'm going to shamelessly steal the wonderful write-up from the Milkweed Arts website:


Inspiration from the Sonoran Desert:

Your muse for this journey is the mesmerizing Sonoran Desert landscape. Through Lois Manno's expert guidance, you'll harness the colors and contours of the desert to craft unique, hand-sculpted compositions. Forget about molds or freeze-and-fuse techniques – here, every creation is as unique as the artist behind it.


The Art of Glass Masks:

The pinnacle of this workshop is assembling your desert-inspired components onto a pre-cut glass mask blank. After firing, these pieces are transformed, slumping elegantly over a mask draping form designed by Lois herself. This process not only teaches you the technical aspects of glass art but also immerses you in the magic of transformation.


Beyond the Mask:

Lois will demonstrate two innovative methods to mount these masks, adding versatility to your display options. Additionally, you'll explore creating masks entirely from Modeling Glass, pushing the boundaries of glass art even further.


Learning Through Engagement:

Prepare for an inspiring image show of Lois’ work and a table full of fired samples. These tangible examples of Modeling Glass art will spark your creativity and fuel a lively Q&A session. Lois will share insights into her creative process, offering a behind-the-scenes look at her artistic journey.


Discover Endless Possibilities:

Mystical Masks is more than a class; it's a gateway to endless possibilities with Modeling Glass. Whether you're an experienced artist or a curious beginner, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to explore, create, and transform your ideas into exquisite glass art.


The two images below are further examples of masks that are based on the processes I'll be covering in the class. I hope you can join me!

2024 WORKSHOPS

Here are the workshops I have scheduled. I'm looking forward to meeting new artists and sharing all the cool things you can do with Modeling Glass! This year I'm adding a few extended 4-day workshops that will focus on making masks!


September 6-8 Anything in Stained Glass, Frederick, MD (Feathers and More

October 18-21 Milkweed Arts, Phoenix, AZ (Mystical Masks)

December 7-10 Helios Glass, Austin, TX (Mystical Masks)

A NEW ONLINE SHOP AND UPCOMING EBOOK

The online shop is up and running on the Modeling Glass website! Up to this point, I've only been selling my Exploring Modeling Glass ebook, but now you can buy some of the specialized tools and products that are helpful for working with Modeling Glass, and essential to some of my workshops. The Mask Draping Form that I designed provides the perfect shape for the mask workshop project. I'm also offering precut mask blanks made from 3mm Tekta (available in clear or white). Talk about a time saver! Please go to the Modeling Glass website under the 'SHOP' tab to see the currently available products. I'll be adding more items very soon!


2025 is looking to be an exciting year of transition for Glass Bird Studios. I'm planning to move to a larger space so I can stretch out and do larger projects. Moving is always daunting, but I've outgrown my current studio setup. And since we artists are rarely minimalists, you can imagine what my garage looks like about now. I hear some people actually use their garage to store vehicles...what a concept!


With that on the horizon I will be traveling to teach a lot less next year, and instead will be focusing on developing my next Modeling Glass ebook! I cannot wait to share all the new techniques and projects I've been exploring! Just as a teaser, in one chapter I'll be describing how to make Modeling Glass "paper" and how to paint on it with enamels. Below are a couple of photos of a recent piece I just completed. It's an 8"x8" bas-relief sculpted panel (process shot on the left), painted with enamels and fired a single time. No sheet glass, all Modeling Glass! Stay tuned for more as I get it written.


As always, I'm deeply grateful to all the glass artists who have adopted Modeling Glass into their creative work. Without your support, it wouldn't be possible for me to provide this cool product, and I'm excited about the expanded retail offerings through the Modeling Glass website. Thank you!

ORDER MODELING GLASS
ALSO AVAILABLE IN SEPARATE REFILL SIZES: GET DOUBLE THE AMOUNT IN THE STARTER KIT FOR A BETTER PRICE PER OUNCE! ONLY ORDER THE PRODUCT YOU NEED!
Modeling Glass was developed by Lois Manno of Glass Bird Studios. It is a two-part system made of a powdered binder and liquid medium that, mixed with frit or powders along with a little water, turns the powder into a material that can be sculpted like clay. It is featured in the workshops she teaches.

Want to purchase Modeling Glass? Order Yours Here!

THE FEATHER VIDEO IS BAAACK!

I'm delighted that the feather-making instructional video I produced is now available through Milkweed Arts AZ! You can find it in their online education series here. If you purchased this several years ago from AAE Glass, it is the same content. But it's been unavailable for a while, so now's your chance to learn how I make my realistic, larger-than-life feathers!

I had a fun experience recording an interview with Warren Norgaard of Milkweed Arts to celebrate the roll-out of the feather video. In it we discussed my process, inspiration, the great glass community, feathers, and more. You can watch it here.
This is a batch of blue jay feathers, which is the project featured in the feathers video now available from Milkweed Arts! All Bullseye Glass powders.
THE BEST WAY TO LEARN ABOUT MODELING GLASS
Unlock all the creative potential of Modeling Glass!

I get a lot of questions that are answered in the ebook with great detail. It's worth it. Really. Order your copy here.

Exploring Modeling Glass: The Basics and More is essential reading for any artist looking to incorporate Modeling Glass into their work to achieve amazing dimensional effects. The first ebook about Modeling Glass, it is a definitive guide to creating with this exciting new product. Written by Lois Manno, the creator of Modeling Glass, Exploring Modeling Glass contains 81 pages of clear, step-by-step instructions and 160 photos. Featuring seven complete projects, you will learn the basic techniques for mixing, sculpting, and combining Modeling Glass with enamels. The book includes project templates and all firing schedules (designed to work with both Bullseye and System 96) in both Fahrenheit and Celsius. This ebook is suitable for all levels of experience.
I continue to be amazed by the energy of all you glass artists who have continued to enjoy Modeling Glass, who post photos of your work and have lively discussions on the Modeling Glass Exploration Group on Facebook, and have been supportive of all things MG. I'm looking forward to working with you in classes, answering questions when you contact me (yes, I always reply), and sharing new ways to work with MG. It's your enthusiasm and support that gave me the courage to ditch the day job and be an artist/entrepreneur full time. Thank you!
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