Spring is in the air!

Hmm... so this is March, huh? The weather's been warming up here lately and the grass is starting to grow. That must mean spring's just around the corner! After what has seemed like a very long winter season, I'm ready for some sunshine! How about you?

What's that got to do with lampwork? Well, not much other than I've got some pretty good ideas (at least in my head) and I'm itching to be back at the torch. Though that might also be due to an opportunity that bloomed out of the blue recently.

A few weeks ago Marilyn Peraza called and asked if I'd like to come to her new studio and spend the day torching with her and Marcy Lamberson. Can you imagine the look on my face?!? It didn't take me long to say I'd absolutely love to and ask what time to show up.

I've been torching since August of 2007. In that time, I've taken a 4 hour beginner's class, a 4 hour intermediate class, and spent a few afternoons with Marilyn when her studio was in the outside shop. Everything else that I've learned has been through reading, videos, purchased tutorials and lots of trial and error. As Saturday approached I realized I had a horrible case of stage fright. For the first time in a very long time I was going to torch in front of other lampwork artists, and ones that I really admire! I almost chickened out! Instead I swallowed my pride, packed up my gear and drove across town to Marilyn's.

On this side of Saturday, I'm so glad I did. There were new (to me) techniques demonstrated, life and lampwork experiences exchanged and a beautiful afternoon slowly slipped away. It was time to leave for home way before I was ready. Since Saturday, I've ordered a new tool and have tons of ideas floating around in my mind that I can't wait to try out. My confidence in torching in front of others has been boosted significantly and I'm grateful that I had the opportunity. Marilyn and Marcy, I can't thank either of you enough.