Making Ornaments

This is my ornament, the last of six ornaments that we made today at Gossimer Glass Studio at Inspiration Farm. The last step in the process is to add the hanging stem and that is what is happening here. (Large) Making ornaments with our good friend Brian Kirkvliet guiding us in the process, was our gift to family. Dave, Nora, Steve, Helena, Arvin and I all made ornaments. Brian did the majority of the work, but we each chose the design and laid out the bits of glass that would end up in our ornaments. We did the final blow to finish making our ornaments. We were there two hours and had a totally wonderful time. Tomorrow I will go back to pick up our finished ornaments. Right now they are cooling in the annealing oven over night.

We have known Brian and his family for quite a few years. We first met at the Whatcom County annual Artists Studio tour that happens in October. Over the years we've made ornaments twice before. And we have purchased a few pieces of Brian's amazing work. And six years ago we adopted two kittens from a litter of farm cats, Duma and Mehitabel. They are the best cats ever and we often visit their dad Pouncer when we visit the farm.

After blowing glass we all headed to REI so Nora could buy a jacket. I found some cosy slippers for Arvin while we were there. Then we all went out to dinner at Busara, a really wonderful Thai restaurant right near REI. Our meal was yummy.

Dave and Nora brought along their new little dog Dexter who dutifully stayed in the car during dinner and the glass blowing. Dave and Nora regularly gave him breaks during our adventures. And before and after he came in to our house to visit. Amazingly the cats did not go ballistic about him being there. They ran away a bit but came back to check him out afterwards. I think one day they may end up as friends.

We all had a terrific day.

More glass blowing photos on Chaikins of Bellingham.