Road to Denali, or Alaska: Take Two

I must be in a summer daze.  Home from Alaska where I taught at Half Moon Creek Gallery, I managed to unpack and catch up with mail and messages but that’s about all I’ve been able to muster.  Oh I pulled a couple of weeds and straightened my studio and even sorted through the hundreds of pictures I took.  Yes, hundreds.  As in over 1000!  Once again, it was the trip of a lifetime.  Here are a few highlights:

Each morning as we drove to Half Moon Creek in Palmer, we’d see the Knik Glacier in the distance.

We stayed at Alaska Garden Gate B&B where a spectacular array of wildflowers surround the cabins.

After class we made it to the Musk Ox Farm before they closed.  I took this photo just before he charged the gate.  An exciting moment!

I was in Palmer teaching my ‘Powderology‘ workshop and once again Half Moon Creek provided amazing and talented students for me.

Is it any wonder I love teaching there?  In addition to a large, well lit, well equipped space, they indulge my every whim!

Chocolate being high on my list!

Student samples getting loaded into one kiln.  Two additional kilns to load.

One morning we left for class early to enjoy the scenery and found this moose browsing along the old Glen Highway.  I was so excited that he posed for me as long as he did before turning and ambling down the highway!  No doubt students thought I was crazy, showing them my moose photos!

Day three of Powderology class found everyone hard at work trying to get as much as they could out of our last day together.  I think they all came away very satisfied.  They produced wonderful samples, expanded their repertoire, and are heading in new directions.

We had a few days between week-end workshops, so headed to the Matanuska Glacier.  We realized too late that we were on the wrong highway, so just enjoyed our drive and lunched at the Wildflower Cafe in Talkeetna instead.

Great food, fun shopping and an invitation to sell my work right off my wrist!

The following day, determined to touch a glacier, we stopped at Exit Glacier on our way to Seward.

I had booked a 9 hour wildlife tour for photographers on a smaller boat in Seward for the next day and was excited to see as much as possible in our short time there.

Following a trail in the rain, I had the whole place to myself.

The glacier is huge & surprising colorful on such a gray rainy day.

For perspective, can you see the hikers at the base of Exit Glacier?

The road was flooded when we drove in to the glacier, but going back out, it was worse!

Our wildlife cruise was cancelled due to high seas, so when offered a 4 hour tour of Resurrection Bay we took it, determined to make the most of our time in Seward.  It poured, and while most passengers stayed below guess where I was?!  Yes, getting soaked on deck looking for whales.   See them?

The whales were so far away and the bay so rough that all my photos are too blurry to share, but we found this bank of Sea Lions!

At the end of 4 hours I was soaked inside my rain gear.  My camera viewer was so foggy I could hardly see the image, so wasn’t sure I’d captured these sea otters.  You know I wouldn’t have missed it and had a fabulous day in spite of weather and cancellations.

Since we now had extra time, I was thrilled that we’d stop to take Alyeska Tram up to the top!  Alas, it was closed due to high winds.  We put it on our list for next year.  Yep, looks like I’ll be back.

A good night’s rest and we were off the next day to Denali National Park.  Overcast, but no rain!

Along the Alaskan highways fireweed blends bright pink into the landscape.

From our lodge perched high above Nenana Canyon, this is the road to Denali National Park.

Nestled into our bus tour at Denali we searched the scenic vistas for the ‘Big Five’ wildlife we hoped to see.  Bears, wolves, caribou, Dahl sheep and moose.

Dahl sheep were the first of the big five, but from afar they were mere flecks of white on a green field.

We spotted two groups of Caribou – Yay, checked off 2 of the big five.  Concealed in a bus we were too far away from the majestic animals to get much detail.

Around a corner and over a bridge we came upon the highlight of our trip.  An argument between a bear and a wolf over a caribou carcass.  There was a young grizzly and a second wolf also trying to get close but the older grizzly would have no guests at this meal.  Numbers 3 & 4 of our big five located together!  Park officials thought the wolves had killed the caribou two days earlier and the grizzly had claimed it.

A compilation of the younger grizzly trying to run the wolves off.  You didn’t think I’d post all 300 shots did you?

All in all, we saw 10 grizzlies including this last one at the edge of the road, eating berries!  We also saw #5 of the big five, a moose, but since I already showed you my shot taken earlier in the week I’ll refrain from posting another.  No rain, but guess what…it snowed!  We didn’t get a glimpse of the mountain, but we were so thrilled with our time in Denali National Park.  An incredible experience.

Back at Half Moon Creek for my next class, with several returning and a few new students learning how to Build a Better Pocket.  This, after all, was the reason for my trip to Alaska!!

Loading the kilns with student work…..

Our last day together we pulled out some excellent pockets from the kilns.  I heard great reviews with smiles all around.  Another fabulous group of students that I hate to leave.  I do hope you’ll all keep in touch!

Amazing isn’t adequate to describe the talent, generosity, and imaginations I met while teaching for Half Moon Creek!  Go there if you have an opportunity, it’s an amazing studio, gallery, and resource center.  Thanks again for another wonderful time!

Our last day snow graced the higher elevations.  Snow on Aug 8th?   I learned it’s called ‘Termination Dust’, terminating the summer season.  I can’t wait to go back!

How You and I Can Help Relief Efforts for Japan

On March 12th a 9.0 earthquake and resulting tsunami hit Japan, wiping out many coastal towns.  I cannot fathom the heartache of those who lost entire families in this tragedy.  And I can’t stop thinking about it.

In the days that followed, I considered what I could do to help.  You can read my thoughts in this previous post.  I decided to make some sushi sets to sell in my Artfire Shop.

I started by sketching some patterns and designs, then ran some quick small tests to see which I liked best.  After narrowing it to these three designs, I asked for help from my Facebook friends to decide which sets to make.  They had to be made in between previously committed projects and classes I was teaching.

The two selected designs were scaled up and made into 6″ sushi plates with matching sauce dishes.

When I posted results on my Facebook Page, my friend Katie offered sushi presses that Wayne (of Sticks & Stones) had made to go with my sets.  A perfect addition, I happily accepted.

The sets are $95 each and consist of two plates that are 6″, two cute little sauce dishes that are 3.5″ to 4″ and the beautiful 3 part Sushi Press.  A sweet set for two, I think it will be quite romantic using them!  Or for family fare you’ll need two sets.

Click here to purchase the set above (Whirl Design on Black)

If you’d rather have the Whirl Design on white, you can purchase it by clicking this link.

If you like the white background, you can purchase the Wave and Lotus Design with a click on this link.

And if you like the black background with the Wave and Lotus Design shown at the top of this post, you can click here to purchase it.

I’ve given my time and talent, along with Wayne and Katie Cordrey to produce these beautiful sets.  I hope you’ll consider purchasing one or two.  100% of your purchase price will go directly to relief efforts.

Did I tell you the carving on the sushi press is the Japanese character for ‘peace’?

Peace to you and yours.  xoxoxo

The Expo Experience in a Nutshell:

The Glass Craft and Bead Expo hosts a trade show that delights the eye and can bankrupt your wallet.  I have wholesale accounts with many of the suppliers, so try to not overwhelm my credit card while checking out all the new tools and supplies.

I confess I did come home with a few new toys…mostly from His Glassworks.

You can take quick classes on the spot at some of the booths, most of which are free.

Or you can register for a hands on workshop and take home valuable information.  Plus samples that you make in class and tons of notes to duplicate the projects in your own studio.

I couldn’t teach my classes without the support of Paragon Kilns.

Nor could I conduct a class without the generous support of Bullseye Glass!

The wonderful team at Delphi gave my students a host of design accoutrements for our projects.

Last, but not least, my students wouldn’t be able to ‘finish’ their projects without the support of Glastar!  I truly appreciate the generous support of these companies.

When teaching, it’s difficult remembering to pick up my camera, so there are only a few shots of my classes.

Most of my photos are during lunch, or after class and definitely on the run!

My students this year, without exception were incredibly talented, intelligent and FUN!

Thank you for taking my classes, I hope you’ll keep in touch and remember I’m available for you anytime.

I’ve spent this week catching up on processing and shipping orders and just yesterday finished unpacking.  I love teaching on the road, but am always glad to be home.

Goodbye 2010, You Were a Very Good Year

From "Taking the Scenic Route" in January 2010

I’m sorry to see 2010 pass because it was a very good year for me!

The highlights were having my work accepted into the Museum of Glass Store in Tacoma and the Glass Art Festival in Sequim in addition to the usual art shows, galleries and shops where I sell my work.  I managed to get two on-line stores up and running at Artfire and Zibbet when 1000 Markets closed.  And I’m still very thankful for Tom Herrera of Prairie Star Designs pulling me into his project for Maryhill Museum – it led me to many more opportunities.

Steider Studios Glass Inserts for Maryhill Museum Windy Walk Fence ©2010

Teaching is always a pleasure for me.  My classes this year included Aquila Glass School, The Dalles Art Center, Half Moon Creek, Maryhill Museum, Machine Embroiderers of Oregon and Washington, Glass Craft and Bead Expo, and GlassHopper Patterns.   My Arts in Education project this year was with Henkle Middle School, making glass tiles for their skylight; and I had several delightful private students throughout the year.

Last day of Powderology at Half Moon Creek in Palmer Alaska.

I think my biggest accomplishment was fulfulling a 12 year study and search for the perfect glass medium with my launch of Steider Studios Glass Medium™.  It’s a thickening agent to use with glass powders to make your own sculpting and modeling paste or clay, liquid lines, freezing in candy molds and more.

Steider Studios Glass Medium™

Maybe now I can get back to that book I’ve been working on for too many years!

And just for fun, I’m nearing 500 ‘likes’ on my Facebook Business Page.  Won’t you go there and like me too?  If you have a business page, please post it there so I can ‘like’ you back!!

Thank you for spending your time with me & following my adventures.  If not for you, there’d be no reason for me to write.  I wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2011!!

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Is Your Significant Other Looking for your Perfect Gift? It’s right here…

Special Holiday Pricing just posted!  Join me on Maui swimming with sea turtles, running barefoot through the sand, whale watching, snorkeling with dolphins…. oh, and playing with some powdered glass, too!  Join me at Akimbo Studios  for a special version of Powderology plus Clay Play together on Maui for five days of joyful creative fun!

Take advantage of the low airfares, book now!  Tell me you’ll be there!!

Imagine the first day … snorkeling with dolphins in the clear blue water, soaking in the warm rays of sun and feeling the soft white sand between your toes.  Bring your camera and sketchbook to record every inspirational moment to use in class.  Palm trees swaying in a breeze,  ocean swells, sea shells, botanicals, marine creatures and so much more.  We’ll capture the color, flavor and aroma of our experiences.   Prepare for the ultimate creative experience as only Hawaii can offer, ending with a sunset catamaran cruise.

You don’t have to be an artist or know how to work with glass.  I’ll teach you to do both.  I promise.  It’ll be fun.  You’ll love it.  I’ll love it.  And we’ll be forever connected to Maui and each other after this magical experience.  Join me!!

Good News, Bad News

Opening the kiln lid is like Christmas every morning.

I’ll start with the bad……

Fireborne Glass Gallery is closing its doors today.  I’ve shown there since 2001  and have always felt partial to it.  Cool little gallery downtown Portland.  I became good friends with the original owners, Lisa and Myrna and was the instigator who introduced the current owners, Becky and Len to the gallery when it was up for sale.  I thought Becky would be a fabulous gallery director/owner and I was right.  She’s sophisticated, charming, and always has a friendly smile for you.  I was thrilled when Becky and Len decided to buy it.  I’ll still see Becky because we’re friends and Oregon Glass Guild members, but I’ll sure miss Fireborne.

You know me, I can’t dwell on sad news for long….The GOOD news is I delivered almost five dozen bowls and miniatures to the Museum of Glass Store in Tacoma on Friday.  I received the order last month and worked hard to get it finished while also producing for my gallery show at The Dalles Art Center this month.  If you are near Tacoma or The Dalles, please go see all my beautiful iridescent new bowls!!

More sad news, we had to cancel Powderology at Blue Moon Glassworks in Austin.  Unfortunately not enough students signed up to make it happen.  I was looking forward to my first foray into Texas, but I’ll get there another time.  I’m sorry to disappoint those who had signed up.

Finishing with Good News, my classes in Portland and The Dalles were fun-filled, energetic and most importantly successful for the students!  Aquila Glass School hosted my Powderology class mid month where I had extraordinarily creative students.  What a great resource Aquila is!  My Basic Kiln-forming, 6 week introductory class at The Dalles Art Center will finish up at the end of the month and I’m pretty sure we have new converts to the world of glass.  Thank you both for hosting me, I had a wonderful time.

As an aside, my comparisons of Artfire and Zibbet are going very well.  In the evenings I’ve added small works like buttons and stars as time allows.  I’ve even sold a couple of things!  I’m learning more about SEO (search engine optimization) and tweaking both shops with each new page of information I read.  Do you have advice for selling on-line?  I’d love to hear it!

My Dance Card Overflows…

“Time keeps on slippin’, slippin’, slippin’ … into the future”

How did the first fifteen days of September slip by so fast?  I’ll tell you!

September started off with a large order for my Celestial Series bowls from the Museum of Glass gift shop in Tacoma.  I can’t tell you how thrilled I am, especially since their focus is on blown glass, not kilnformed!  I spent days just cutting out the blanks for almost 5 dozen pieces, while doing a Happy Dance in my studio.  I can’t wait to see the display of bright colorful Celestial Bowls in their beautiful and well-lit gift shop.  I’ll deliver my work the first part of October and I hope you can go see …. I mean …. go buy it and take it home with you.

The first part of October also rings in with a gallery show at The Dalles Art Center.  I’ve planned and prepared for months and will be showing with Anthony Kiser and Scott Berger.  The opening is a first Thursday celebration, October 7th from 5 to 7pm.  Hope to see some of you there – come see my sparkly new work!

Along with my busy production schedule, preparations are underway for an intense class schedule in October.  If you’re interested in learning how to work with powdered glass and you’re in the Portland area, join us at Aquila Glass School for my two-day Powderology class on October 9 & 10.  It’s the first time I’ve been hosted in Portland – Thank you Don & Scott for inviting me!

If you’re interested in learning the basics of glass fusing, join us at The Dalles Art Center on Tuesday evenings, starting next week for my Glass-Fusing-for-Beginners class.  Or sign up for the Hood River Community Ed Beginning Glass Fusing and Intermediate Studies for the Returning Student on Wednesday evenings.  I promise you’ll have FUN and I’ll teach you so much that you’ll be able to set up your own glass studio if desired!

In November I’m excited I’ll be traveling to Austin Texas where I’ll present Powderology at Blue Moon Glassworks.  Traveling classes are fun, exciting, and intense because there’s so much to pack into such a short time frame.  If you’re in the area I hope you’ll join us!  This will be my first time in Texas – what are the ‘must see tourist attractions’ that I won’t want to miss?  Thank you Rose & Jim Berry, for hosting me – I can’t wait!

And there’s so much more…..but for now I must get back to the studio & produce all that work I’ve promised … so I can ‘Fly like an Eagle’……

September!

The day dawns with beautiful skies.

I don’t think I’ve stopped to catch my breath all year, but this morning’s sunrise made me stop.  A beautiful morning for a long drive up to Sequim WA, for the Glass Art Festival. I had a piece accepted into the Museum and Arts Center so will  attend the opening.

"Swan" kilnformed glass - 14.5" diameter - ©Linda Steider

See you there?

Sunrise - a pink glow on Mt. Hood

My fall schedule is packed with commission work, a three artist show at The Dalles Art Center next month, and a full slate of classes.  Please take a look at my upcoming class listing to see if I’ll be in your area!

North to Alaska! A Working Vacation…

Welcome to Palmer Alaska

Half Moon Creek is an amazing glass gallery, Bullseye Resource Center and studio.  The owner/partners treated me like a queen and lined up a full class of incredible students.  Four days together without a hitch or a glitch.  I adored each student and the tiles they produced were nothing short of inspirational.  I can’t stop thinking about my experience, it was one of those adventures that I’ll remember the rest of my life.  The land and the people.

After landing in Anchorage, we headed south along the shore.

I’ll try not to overload you with over 1000 photos that I took, but only a few to tantalize.  I arrived a day early and took a quick trip south of Anchorage to find glaciers, whales, bear, moose, eagles, and everything wild that I’d read about Alaska.

broken off glacier

I found a glacier just before going into the tunnel leading to Whittier.  Or a piece of one, broken off, I later learned.

Elk at Wildlife Refuge, south of Anchorage, Alaska

I found elk, bison, caribou, and moose at the wildlife refuge but never saw one in the wild.  Didn’t see any bears either.  I was really looking forward to seeing a bear.

I took hundreds of photos, but don't want to spend my time processing & editing!

It rained and clouds settled in during my entire week there, with rare exceptions.  I didn’t care, I was THERE.  In Alaska!  I planned to experience every moment, in the moment from my class to the daily treks after class.  The sun only sets for a couple of hours in August, so I had all day to teach and all night to explore.

Morning of Museums around Palmer & Wasilla

We played tourist to the hilt, going to all the museums in Palmer & Wasilla before class began and generally exploring the area.

Summit Lake in Clouds

Hatcher Pass was so cloudy and rainy we couldn’t see Summit Lake just beyond the wildflowers!  Can you see it?  We didn’t see Independence Mine either!

Little Susitna River

Which river photo to show from our drive back to town…..how about this one!

Knik Glacier from our B & B

View of Knik Glacier from our B & B….

Knik Glacier with telephoto

And zoomed in.  A spectacular view every day in spite of clouds or rain.

First day of class

Day one in class saw a full slate of students working diligently, modeling glass paste and getting to know one another.  Chris and Christian had the studio well stocked and our every wish was their command!  Not to mention the catered lunch with truffles for dessert!

Using Steider Studios Glass Medium as a binder for small components

We had one kiln filled with beads, buttons & cabs; and another kiln filled with small sculptures.

Susitna River

Day two, I forgot to pick up my camera in class, we were so busy producing samples and discussing possibilities.  That evening, still playing the role of tourist by night, we drove out to Talkeetna, the staging camp for Denali, hoping to see Mt. McKinley.  No sun, no mountain view.  But the clouds made for a dramatic view of the river!

Will the sun shine today?

Day three of class … yep, more clouds with a wink of the sun.

Samples from Day 1 Powderology

These are samples from day one of Powderology, our second day together. Two more kilns full of tests yet to view and discuss!

Viewing samples, comparing notes.

Excited students dove into their samples with gusto, curiosity, and risk-taking attitudes.  I think I surprised them with how much could be done with powdered glass!  I caught a couple of them talking about exhaustion!!

Matanuska Glacier

That evening we drove out to Matanuska Glacier.

Matanuska Glacier zoomed in

I am so inspired by the colors I can’t wait to start my ‘Glacier Series’!

Flora abounds near my B & B

Still light at the B & B, I grabbed a few shots of surrounding color.

Last day of extended Powderology course

How many different ways can you visually say the same thing?  Using wafers; full vs tack fuse; kiln-carved; and so much more.

Working with glass powders

Last day of class everyone worked long and hard to finish all the experiments they wanted to tackle.  We filled three kilns plus a load of wafers earlier in the day.

At the end of the day...

Ten very happy students and one extremely happy instructor that last afternoon!  Who looks more spent, me or students?!!

Reindeer Farm

After class we headed out to the Reindeer Farm.  Had high hopes of seeing Santa, but alas he was vacationing in a warm sunny part of the globe, we were told!  Do you know how expensive it is to ship an antler home?  A gift for my garden!  OMG!

Our last morning the sun came out!

We woke to sunny skies on our last day.  Yes, this is what the sun looked like.  Did I say the landscape is incredible?  Awe-inspiring?  Beyond spectacular?  The memory takes my breath away.

Our view coming into Palmer Alaska

Our last drive into Palmer was gifted with a sun-filled sky….joy  still welling in my heart to see this photo of it!

Collage of projects

Back at Half Moon Creek unloading kilns, giving a final critique to everyone who could be there & packing up my tools & samples.  Wish I had been more diligent with photography in class to show you how much our students accomplished!

Hatcher Pass

Then we headed back to Hatcher Pass to see what we missed due to cloud cover the first part of the week.  I could show you a hundred more pictures, but will try to refrain!

One last view of the first glacier segment

And a speed trip back to Whittier, where it was still cloudy, and raining; accompanied with the eerie news of Senator Steven’s plane crash.

It was the trip of a lifetime and I can’t wait to go back.  For the incredible people, the enormous landscapes, and next time I really, really hope to see wildlife in the wild. Oh, and Denali.  And Valdez.  And Seward.  And Homer.  And bears!  Next summer I’ll  bring Powderology Plus back to Half Moon Creek!  Alaska is awesome, I can’t wait!!  Thank you Christian and Chris for the invitation, you were wonderful to work with!

Steider Studios Glass Medium™ Now Available!

It’s finally here!  Today is the first day Steider Studios Glass Medium™ is available!

I’m happy to announce the following tiered pricing schedule with two sizes available: (shipping not included)

Regular size makes 12 cups:

Buy 1+ for $9.95 each Click here to purchase at Artfire using PayPal or credit card.

Buy 6+ for $8.50 each

Buy 12+ for $6.50 each

Economy size makes 21 cups:

Buy 1+ for $17.00 each  Click here to purchase at Artfire using PayPal or credit card.

Buy 6+ for $15.50 each

Buy 12+ for $12.00 each

Shipping domestic $3.00 per single jar.  Multiple jars depend on amount of medium purchased and zip code.

Sample size if you’re not ready yet to commit to a full jar, $3.00 makes 3 cups. ($2.00 shipping)  Click here to purchase at Artfire using PayPal or credit card.

Non-domestic orders welcome.

***Please send an email for quantity purchase, ordering by check, or any other inquiries:   linda at steiderstudios dot com

Steider Studios Glass Medium™ a thickening agent and binder for mixing with powdered glass.

Applications: Glass Paste or Clay, (sculpting, modeling, pattern bars), Freeze in Candy or Soap Molds then Fuse, Liquid Lines, Traditional Pâte de Verre techniques and more.

Advantages: No residue after firing, no odor, non-toxic, easy to use, ability to carve into and ‘cold work’ dry but not yet fired glass paste or clay; inexpensive; easy to use, just add water.

I’ve spent 10 years searching for the best binder with little or no residue after firing, then 2 more years testing this one.  I proudly offer it to you with the following tutorial so you can see some of the ways I use it:

http://steiderstudios.wordpress.com/2010/05/28/glass-clay-a-step-by-step-tutorial-using-steider-studios-glass-medium/

I asked friends across the US and Canada to try it and here’s what a few of them had to say:

“I wanted to let you know how impressed I am with Steider Studios Glass Medium™.  I have used CMC before, but your product is definitely better.  What I am working on is small sculptures to incorporate into some new pieces.  I can eliminate pouring waxes and making plaster molds, and go straight from the rubber mold to the kiln.  What a wonderful time saver, but more importantly, the sculptures are shiny and not matt, which at times I prefer.”  Avery Anderson, Avery Anderson.com

“Hands down I will buy this product because the results produced are of the highest quality. There is no comparison to any of the other binders on the market. Clear and smooth!” Karina Cross, The Glass Muse

“I’m very impressed with your new binder! It was very easy to get the right consistency to it, and easy to work with…wasn’t sticky or dry, held nicely.” Nicole Hanna, Nicole Hanna Designs

“I find the end result color to be SPOT ON.  I am doing  a variation of  “freeze-n-fuse”  and will continue to tweak and play.  It’s fun to work with and has some great potential for exploration!”  Nancy Barry, Barry Glasseworks

“I found using Linda’s Medium made the glass clay mixture much easier to work with.  I have some new projects on which I plan to use the medium.”  Shirley Hendel

“I love the product. I have carved my own designs, used it in homemade molds, done a little miliefiori, made shapes using candy molds, cut shapes using small cookie cutters, and my favorite way is to pipe it out of a flexible plastic bottle. My mind races with opportunities that this product presents to my glass fusing!”  Shirley Jones, Heart & Soul Studios

I can’t wait to see what YOU do with Steider Studios Glass Medium™!!  If you’d like to share your projects using SSGM, please send photos not larger than 3″ on one side.  300 dpi if you’d like your project using Steider Studios Glass Medium™ considered for future publication; or 72 dpi just to share.  Thank you!

Try it!  I think you’ll like it!!