Glass Engraving, Blaze and future courses

This past weekend saw my Experience Glass group learning the art of Sandblasting and engraving. Traditional hand tools are used to engrave into the glass, an excellent technique to explore mark making.
Some fantastic work was produced, looking forward to seeing what wonderful creations the students make next time when we learn the traditional technique of glass painting.

If you're interested in learning any aspect of glass making we are now taking bookings for next terms Experience Glass monthly course, starting in October, and we have also introduced Exploring Glass a twelve week course on a Thursday evening at Creative Glass Guild in Bristol. Spend you're evening's exploring the wonderful world of glass, and the numerous possibilities it creates!! Book your place HERE 

In other news, Blaze studios on Colston Street are now stocking my work. the co-op run studio have some amazing items, by some very talented artists, so why not pop down one sunny afternoon and see whats available.

New Year, New Energy, New Work

Well it's slightly late but a Happy New Year to all you blog readers out there.

The new year has so far brought in a flurry of activity, I've gained my first two stockists in Darlington, which you can checkout on the stockist page. I've also been working on a commission for some interior door panels. The client wanted something in the style of Frank Lloyd Wright to brighten up a rather drab dated cabinet. we finally decided on this design.

It's so exciting to be making a real glass panel, it been ages since I've leaded anything!!! The last couple of weekends I've been working on it, cutting the glass and just started leading up the first of the four panels.

 Whilst tiding up and sorting through some old papers I also found a couple of pages of transfers I did in uni but never got around to using, so once I get some findings bought I will be listing some Cave Art items on Etsy. Theres also some images of soldiers from my friend out in Iraq but i cannot quite decide what to do with them yet. so in the mean time heres a sneak peek at the prehistoric glass art.
 

Darlington Arts Fair

Darlington Arts Centre

Yesterday I was part of the Darlington Art Fair held at our local Arts Centre, there was a fantastic array of local talent, fine art, glass, ceramics, textiles, design, live performance, dance, music. It was truly a fantastic day with a great turn out from the public coming to support local artists and the Arts Centre. The event was organized to draw attention to this important community building who's future, due to budget cuts,  looks bleak! Hope is not lost as people of Darlington have united to save the Arts Centre, forming Darlington For Culture (for more info CLICK HERE)

On arrival yesterday I was directed into the theatre, much to my horror it was rather dark, but after a quick word with the organizers they were able to redirect a spotlight onto my stall so I was well illuminated, and got much praise for the overall appearance of my stall. I was also very pleased to see a wonderfully talented friend Liz Shaw (CLICK HERE to see her work) had a stall too. As i mentioned it was a brilliant day with lots of happy customers, my new range of buglife neckless' (below) went down very well. Now I have to go and replenish my stock ready for the Hurworth Country Fair.

Available to purchase HERE

A new love for an Obsolete World

Today I'd like to share one of my favourite sellers on etsy, obsoleteworld 

by Jeannie Lynn Paske

Future Golden Remains

(Just recieved this as a birthday gift)

I absolutly love Jeannie's illustrations, set in a world of her own creation, populated by strange and interesting creatures. Each painting offers a glimps of something magical, a real sence of foreboading  shines through from this obsolete world, desolate and despair yet beautiful and magnificent at the same time. Her colour palette is restrained yet inviting. Warming and increadible atmospheric, a true testiment to her skill.

I just wana buy them all as they are so brilliant!

To check out more visit http://obsolete-world.blogspot.com/

http://www.etsy.com/listing/72720736/a-mindful-installation

http://www.etsy.com/listing/80368859/the-fate-of-a-nation?ref=v1_other_2

In other news I will now be at Darlington Arts Centre for The Arts Fair on Saturday 3rd September.

and look out for Simon Alderson Glass on stall number 7 at Hurworth Counrty Fair on 17th September.

Work Work Work

I just ordered a new book, How To Make Money using Etsy, by Timothy Adam. So far it has great insights into how to make the most of your online shop and making use of such tools as google analitics and google trends and making use of keywords. alot to take in but should hopefully go along way in improving shop stats and sales. All this online jargon is rather annoying, and i feel like i'm spending all my time in front of a computer at the moment, but i have managed to spare a few hrs to start playing with some new mica powder i just bought. Test pieces are in the kiln so i will post later with results.

In the meantime why not check out my latest treasury based on my favourite colour Green. All the items are from the UK. Let me know what you think, click on the link below

Etsy Treasury

ETSY SALE

That's right folks till the end of August there's 10% of everything in my Etsy store,

just add coupon code AUGUST10 to your shopping basket.

ETSY SALE

Latest News

Designers Marketplace Middlesborough

Today I shared a stall with The Curious Treehouse at the Designers Marketplace's summer market in Middlesbrough, once again met some great people and a big thank you to all those who came down!

for anyone who missed out today here's a list of where you can find me over the next few months

Saturday 6th August - Northallerton Craft Fair, The Golden Lion Hotel

Saturday 17th September - Hurworth Country Fair - Hurworth Grange

Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th October  -Designers Marketplace in

conjunction with Design Event - The Holy Biscuit Newcastle

Saturday October 29th Designers Marketplace - The Holy Biscuit, Newcastle

Sunday November 6th - Pocklington Craft Fair

Saturday 3rd December - Designers Marketplace - Middlesbrough Town Hall

As ever check out the latest additions to my shop here on Etsy 

Craft Fair News

Saturday saw my second outing at the Designers Marketplace, Newcastle. Was a great fair as always, met some like minded stall holders, who I wish all the best and hope to see again.

I have just booked a stall for this Saturday, 2nd July at The Golden Lion Hotel, Northallerton.

So anyone in the area pop on down open 10 till 4.

On another note just bought a new bridge camera so I can finally get some great detailed shots of my work. And finally new items on Etsy like the Midnight Blue Dish above .

Now Selling On Etsy

That's right folks I am now officially selling on Etsy so why don't you pop on over and have a look at my shop - you might find the perfect gift. Above are some examples of the handmade items you can buy.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/SimonAldersonGlass