SAMA Conference Attracts Snowbirds!

I met Karen and Victor Ruddy my first evening of the SAMA 2011 conference – that was Tuesday evening after registration training. They were sitting at a table outside watching folks come and go. Victor spoke to me as I passed. I smiled and responded. Within moments I was seated at their table and we were deep in conversation about the conference and all the upcoming events.
 
Victor and Karen are snowbirds from Iowa wintering in south TX. Karen had heard the conference was being held here in Austin and they made a spur of the moment decision to attend. We talked about the various workshops still available, great places to eat and things they should see and do while in Austin. I left them discussing the possibilities. The following week was a blur and I saw Karen only once over the next few days. We both attended Sonia King's Substrates, Adhesives and Materials workshop.

Saturday afternoon I ran into the Ruddys again just as they were getting in their car for the drive south. They were “conferenced out" and ready to get back to normal. Victor told me that the Austin SAMA conference was one of the best run conferences of any kind he’d ever been to and that we were all just the nicest folks. He insisted I tell “whoever runs this thing” and I did pass it along to Dawnmarie.

The conference was a major achievement in more ways than one and we should all be proud of our individuals parts in it. We never know who is watching or when we'll have an impact on someone. The Ruddys left here with pleasant memories and excellent impressions of SAMA and Austin and the wonderful people that make up both. I'd say it was definitely a success!

Preparing for Martin Cheek

I'm still somewhat giddy over yesterday's opportunity to help pack smalti for Martin Cheek's upcoming smalti classes at Artisan Stained Glass. He will be teaching a beginner class this coming weekend - Feb 12-13 - and an intermediate/advanced class Feb 20-22. Yes, I got to fondle all the gorgeous smalti and drool over the wide selection of colors! Ah, the golds were just stunning and the vintage ones were so cool. WANT!

We poured different colors into buckets, mixed them pretty thoroughly then scooped the mix into 1 lb bags. It was fun and we all daydreamed about the mosiacs we'd create using these wonderful tiles. A particular vintage gold made me think of Erté and his long, lovely ladies. I can't begin to describe the old rich look or that bumpy texture but you'd get it if you saw it. Very art deco! Makes me wish I'd have taken some pictures of it all while it was spread across that 4' x 6' table. 


Martin also sent a bunch of his fused glass creations over for use in those upcoming classes. I did take a few pictures of them. Mainly because I'll be taking his class this weekend but I have absolutely no idea what I want to make for myself. Everything I've ever made has been for sale, or it's been a gift for someone, but this one I'm keeping. Oh yes, this one's just for me! So, now I'm stumped for a design concept because I'm not used to thinking in terms of what I like. I do know that I like butterflies. They make my heart and spirit soar! But I don't know if I'm ready to tackle something that difficult in a short 2-day class. OK, I have to stop worrying about it or I'll get nauseous; I'm so not prepared. I'll probably just go with the flow and pray for divine inspiration. 

Yes, I have a plan!


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For Martin Cheek:
http://www.martincheekmosaics.com/

For Artisan Stained Glass:
http://www.artisanglass.us/home.html

For Erté:
http://www.erte.com/