fuel the flo

WINTER 2012 Flo's Class Schedule

2012-01-20T10:52:00.009-06:00

Flo's HANDS ON beginner glassblowing sessions are filling up fast!
We've added Sunday's to our mix, throwing in extra classes to accommodate the capitals growing demand for more play with liquid glass!!

For a full review of our class descriptions please click here.
Have additional questions? feel free to call 613.695.3563 or email floglassblowing@gmail.com
Prices include all materials and all items made in class are yours to keep!

Workshop Dates
1/2 Day - A Taste of Molten Glass - 3hr sessions
Sunday February 5 . 2-5pm - now full
Tuesday February 7 . 6-9pm
Sunday February 19 . 10am-1pm *2 spots left
Sunday March 18 . 10am-1pm
$95+hst

1/2 Day - Part2 - A Taste of Blown Glass - 3hr sessions
Sunday February 1 . 2-5pm *2 spots left
* prerequisite part 1 - a taste of molten glass
$95+hst

1 Day - Play with Fire - 10-4pm
Saturday February 4 - now full
Saturday February 18
Satrduay March 17
$175+hst

2 Day - Beginners Bubble - both days 10-4pm
Sat/Sun January 21/22
Sat/Sun February 11/12
Sat/Sun Feburary 25/26
Sat/Sun March 10/11
$325+hst

2 Day Intermediate - Bubble and Beyond both days 10-4pm
Sat/Sun January 28/29 *2 spots left
Sat/Sun March 24/25
* prerequisite beginners bubble
$325+hst

In addition to teaching, Flo's studio facilities are also available for rent.
Students who've successfully completed the intermediate course can begin to build skills with rental packages. Find more details here

blow your own ornament, student video!

2011-12-02T14:29:00.004-06:00

Many thanks to our wonderful students who keep sending in pictures and videos of their glassblowing experiences at flo! We LOVE seeing and hearing how much fun was had!

flo's winter class schedule

2011-11-02T21:44:00.007-05:00

The time is NOW to book your first glassblowing class at floglassblowing.ca

Enrollment is filling up fast! As the winter months grow colder our furnace is just heating up! Please visit the studio Tues-Sat 10am-5pm to see what the excitement is about.

1 Day Beginners Glassblowing Class
Play with Fire
Weekends - 10am-5pm click here for more details

Sat November 5th *now full
Sat December 3rd *now full
Sat January 7th
Sunday January 15th
Sat February 4th *booking through Ottawa School of Art
Sat February 18th
Sat March 3rd *booking through Ottawa School of Art
Sat March 3rd

2 Day Beginners Glassblowing Intensive
Beginners Bubble
Saturday & Sundays - 10am-5pm click here for more details

November 19/20 *now full
December 10/11 *now full
January 21/22
February 11/12 *booking through Ottawa School of Art
February 25/26
March 10/11 *booking through Ottawa School of Art

If you're interested in registering for a class please email floglassblowing@gmail.com or call 613.695.3563
Classes are also offered as private and specialty bookings. Please contact us for more details.

ancient art form finds Ottawa home

2011-11-01T10:10:00.005-05:00

Many thanks to Darren Brown from the Ottawa Sun who came in last week to film Bronwen making some hot bubbles and plates. A WONDERFUL video has been posted on their website (look within the video section of the site). The 3min clip features Ottawas new glass baby Flo and it's allures for the Capital.

We are now officially into christmas folks! Many many exciting events, craft shows and classes coming up in the next two months. Stay tuned for glass goodies here, on the website or make sure we have your email to join our monthly flo e-newsletters.

ike & i

2011-10-28T20:40:00.005-05:00

I have a heroic brother named Isaac. Ike's 22, kind and gifted in any creative medium he should choose to venture into... and currently I am so very happy to say he is in remission while fighting leukemia.

Ike's lived his (young) life chasing fiercely after his creative needs. He's dabbled in architecture; is an incredible singer/songwriter and as it appears a talented writer.

Please take a minute to read his first public post since facing the news a little over a month ago.

Suffice to say, this period of my life has taught me some interesting realizations aswell, but if there were one i could mention now it would be - keep creating. Wherever your focus, whatever area of your life that makes you happy, create the life you want now and never take those dear ones for granted. I've been creating like a hellion these past few weeks and the inspiration that has bloomed has been oh so rewarding.

kids in the capital - go with the flo

2011-10-09T10:07:00.004-05:00

Thanks to Kids in the Capital for blogging about our kids (and adult) friendly glassblowing workshops and drop-in activities. This post from May, highlights the same activities we take part in weekly at the shop with families, students and yes - kids!

'Blow your own ornament' is a great drop-in activity or party event for kids AND adults who want the smallest taste of the glassblowing tradition. You pick the colours, you blow the air and you keep your beautiful creation and an exhilarating experience for only $25 a ball! Great early christmas presents for loved ones! Call in advance for day drop-ins or to book a group party! floglassblowing@gmail.com 613.695.3563

who's wants some more?

2011-09-15T14:31:00.002-05:00

An announcement to all our recent summer students!

First let us congratulate and thank you all! We've had such a fun summer teaching through the heat we hardly noticed the sweat trickling off our noses.

For students who have been patiently waiting for a follow up class, as promised, we're offering an intermediate glassblowing course 'BUBBLE AND BEYOND' October 15th & 16th

In this course, students will follow the process of glassblowing to include more complex forms. In partners, you will learn to ‘punty up’ designing your own glass objects and executing them with the tools built over previous sessions.

For more information or to register please call 613.695.3563 or email floglassblowing@gmail.com

flo throws parties!!

2011-08-31T22:02:00.005-05:00

flo's officially hosted our first bachelorette party!
Congratulations Julianna and an extra big thank you
to the brave ladies who came out last Saturday and faced the heat!

10 ladies signed up for 3 hours of play. Splitting in two groups,
some ladies made beads, some made paperweights!

What a fantastic group! Thanks for coming out and playing with fire ladies!

oh, and for remembering to sign the hood ;)

For more information about our creative glassblowing parties,
take a look at our party planning section of our website.
Or email floglassblowing@gmail.com

poptastic

2011-08-30T00:18:00.006-05:00

Thursday August 24th flo participated with the Enriched Bread Artists in 'PoP That' a wild and expressionistic exhibit... one of which we chose to take quite literally, disobeying all normal rules in glass and installing burst and broken bubbles in an array to the ceiling.

The EBA artists are located right down the street from us
in a funky old bread factory.
Uta Riccius next to her work

Thanks to all those who were able to make it out, and a special thanks
to the EBA for welcoming us and for hosting such a great evening!

flo's fall glassblowing schedule!

2011-08-26T14:26:00.009-05:00

Rest assured Ottawa, there are many glassblowing classes to be had this coming fall at FLO!

1 Day - Beginners Glassblowing - Play w Fire - Saturday 10am-5pm - $175

september 17th
october 8th
november 5th

Full Weekend - Beginners Glassblowing - Beginners Bubble - Sat/Sun 10am-5pm - $325

September 24th/25th
October 22/23rd
November 19/20

Intermediate Glassblowing Part 2 - Bubble and Beyond - Sat/Sund 10am-5pm $325

To be held in October, exact weekend date to be confirmed. Pls enquire.

Don't forget! If you have a party of 3 or more, we can book group classes catered to your timelines. email floglassblowing@gmail.com to register or with any questions at all!

POP that!

2011-08-25T10:04:00.004-05:00

How exciting! Our neighbours, the Enriched Bread Artists are having an exhibit TONIGHT at their studio and they've been sweet enough to let us put in our own wee 'pop' installation.

Shows on tonight from 8-11pm at the EBA studio 951 - Gladstone Ave.
Or if you're free today, pop in next door! We're holding demonstrations all day at flo, afterall these rain storms make for great glassblowing weather :)

good design is...

2011-08-17T16:45:00.003-05:00

Oh how i love thee documentaries!

Taken from the movie Objectified, if one is short on time, this video picks up at the 'minute forty five' period.

Believe it or not, people like this man reaffirm my place in the world. You'll start watching and go 'um really?' - yes. really. enjoy.

felts hot for flo

2011-07-30T11:45:00.002-05:00

A felt artist friend has been in for some glassblowing classes, and recently commissioned the studio for some very special neclaces for a very special occassion. They custom tailored their necklaces in the colours they wanted, and added on extra findings and glass pieces to make it uniquely their own.

She was kind enough to post about us on her own blog. so we wanted to return the favour.
have a look at her stuff, she's quite the creator with her own fascinating material!

read her posting here!

weddings and wine stoppers

2011-07-27T16:03:00.003-05:00

Yes we make wine stoppers! This order was made custom for a wedding in Alberta. The clients ordered 150 of these stoppers with 6 matching vases for the bridesmaids bouquets. The couple were able to add their own spin by picking elements of the design and matching their wedding colours to the pieces.
We just heard from the happy couple this week and the stoppers were a hit, the guests loved them!

In the mean time, the stoppers continue. Bird lover that I am, my wine bottles at home now have birdy toppers keeping them safe. The shop continues to make new items, slowly but surely the gallery is growing in size. We may not be able to account for the heat but we're still open happy to have visitors. Tuesday-Saturday 1-5pm

- mel

holy hanna its hot in here!

2011-07-26T21:28:00.001-05:00

Let it be known, working in front of a 2000deg furnace during a heat wave classifies us as an extreme sport. Just picture your hot yoga class cranked up 3 fold. 3 icy showers throughout the day and plenty of liters of frozen water bottles, spray bottles, Popsicle, and perhaps an iced coffee in there too helps to suffice the conditions. And thankfully the weather forecast is finally calling for some storm clouds, and I love blowing glass in a storm!

We have news! We’ve made the news (third time in three months! Yahoo!) but this time they came to visit us. This morning we taped live for the news at noon and it’s already been posted on their website.

Things are blooming beautifully in the studio, each day feels like another blessing of exciting items to come.

VIEW the live interview from our studio! Click on the ‘Leanne visits flo glassblowing parts 1 & 2’

sandwich board

2011-05-28T21:43:00.005-05:00

Come in we're Open!

Look for our flo sign at the corner of Gladstone and Loretta 10-5 tuesday to saturday.

Ever the craft enthusiast, i couldn't help but want to hand paint our sandwich sign. Here are some process shots.

ArtsPark this weekend!

2011-05-26T09:29:00.005-05:00

Spring craft season has begun! Take a trip to the ArtsPark this Saturday in the Hintonburg Parkdale Market. There will be lots to take in - fresh flowers and veggies from the market vendors, crafts, music, food and kids activities.

Flo will also be in attendance as we start to get to know our new neighbourhood. Find us under the blue tent promoting our summer classes and selling a few of our glass goods.

Blowing the roof off!

2011-04-19T11:48:00.003-05:00

Featured today in Ottawa's 24hr Daily Paper.

Find our article in the 24hr archives here . Listed on page 4 of the Apri l 18th paper.

Thank God it's Monday!

2011-04-18T15:09:00.006-05:00

To the right of me I watch the furnace purr. 2000 degrees Fahrenheit it sits billowing soft flames from its door. Fresh, molten glass awaiting me – here – in Ottawa! I’ve been waiting so many years to say that. I have the tendency to only allow a certain amount of excitement to build until that monumental task is complete… I reach that task to realize that a new, much more pressing task awaits in the horizons so I again I wait to get excited until the next hurdle has passed. Yes - there are still big hurdles that await. We need to make some money and get this business buzzing, but for the moment, on this day, I deem myself very very excited! So many people have chipped in from every end of my life offering their support and extending a hand where they can - thank you thank you thank you!! I am feeling very loving and lucky lately. This week we can anticipate some wonderful hail and rain showers while the easter bunnies are at play. This doesn’t bother me now that it’s warm in the studio. I will be a busy bee finally able to start making the work (after being down for 6 months). If you are in the Ottawa area come by for a visit. The studio is now open Tuesdays-Saturdays 10am-5pm Here's what my view of the shop looks like today :) more pics coming soon more info http://www.floglassblowing.ca/

gallery mural part 1

2011-04-07T11:24:00.005-05:00

We have big plans for fish scales!

I wanted to do one personalized craft project for the studio before the opening in tribute to old grams. Thanks to Margaret, Kelly and Jacqie who's fine stenciling and painting skills have assisted this far. We still have a bit to go but once it comes down to just filling in the lines (the ouline of the fishscales itself) then we're in the home stretch and I imagine it will finish off pretty quickly.

the scales are both high gloss and flat matte to show some dimension.

The use of Kel's projector greatly enhanced the success rate of the logo..
'glassblowing' script still to come

phew. ok phase one complete.

spring jewelry shoot

2011-03-30T16:06:00.005-05:00

A few weeks ago i hauled a bevy of beauties into the studio to photoshoot some of the new jewelry products being created. As you can imagine, we had a lot of fun.

Here are some shots from the shoot. A round of thanks and applause for these 15 ladies who came and put their best face forward. Also an incredibly huge thank you to Amanda Evernden who did a fabulous hair and makeup job. And to my bud Kel who didnt get a shot in but was on call to help. And now, let me introduce you to my ladies: jen christie

diane

rebecca

lonnie

aniko

katie

randee

anne

amanda

meghan

elena & aniko

sandra

sacha

moi

& laura

See the album on flickr

Or view the products on our website: Just up today!!

http://www.floglassblowing.ca

winter cottage weekends are simply heaven

2011-03-14T15:31:00.004-05:00

I'd been meaning to post these for sometime, but here are some of the shots from the friends weekend we had at the cottage. More photos on flickr

studio update

2011-02-28T12:09:00.002-06:00

Well its been a long overhaul, one i thought would come sooner than it has but we officially are in the last stage of getting the furnace up and running could be weeks could be more (please please let it come sooner than later) but we await the final safety inspection to allow us to fire up and get to work.

I am in my last month at the law firm i've been holding down to keep the money coming in, and i am oh so very excited to finally be in the shop and being doing all this full time.

No the website is not yet up but its close, ohh so close and its fabulous and im excited to share it.

Studio courses have finalized. My flameworking set up is complete for production to begin. Its time to finally get to making stuff and i cant wait!!

I'll be holding a photoshoot at the shop this sunday to take pictures of some beautiful ladies modling the newest wares.

I have admitedly let the daily creativity challenge drop. Its a busy time and one of my worst attributes is over commiting myself and running myself ragged. The challenge was meant to be fun and keep creativity flowing during this down period... and though it has been fun, i will continue to take a breather because it still can't be put as a priority.

Im feeling sentimental today. Feeling gratitude for all my loved ones and I'm hopeful that in the very near future great things will be taking shape.

i hope all are well

whats wrong with the handmade challenge

2011-02-14T15:45:00.004-06:00

Lets take this moment to touch base and get re-orientated shall we?

The handmade challenge has had its high moments but mainly its been a lot of me going 'what on earth am i thinking? I'm the last person in the world with time to complete this challenge'.

Everyday? Am I setting myself up for failure? Some have voiced as much... and stubborn me is torn between wanting to catch up and wanting to let the weight drop, after all, there are a lot more important tasks at hand, such as getting this business off the ground.

I like my little challenges. They go in hand with my personal lists... you know the ones that are meant to make me feel more balanced? But I worry now that as soon as I actually concretely make that wish and note it on my checklist that it in fact causes me to avoid it like the plague because it appears - I AM A PROCRASTINATOR and the mile long wish list, well that's a good distraction from my irritating MUST do items. I can't pile up more MUST do items and attempt to balance them by creating more 'meant to be fun but will end up feeling like work' challenges. As a result. I admit a change of course, and a full revision of this handmade project of mine.

Despite the fact that i really truly long to do one thing daily... perhaps now is NOT so ideal a time to take on more personal challenges. Keep making work. Keep posting work, but the deadlines on fun stuff... maybe a bad idea JUST for the moment.

New suggested handmade challenge date? April 22nd 2011.
I can't say now how I'd like to run the challenge but this date is picked because it is the first day of our official studio opening. And in two months time, I WILL be working full time in my studio space vs the law firm I'm spending my days in now... The furnace WILL be up, and the task of making something will be not just easier but mandatory for work reasons too... consequently making this personal challenge and my efforts for an improved personal quality of life easier, not another item on my checklist.

Prioritizing is not my favourite task, but hard as it is to admit defeat, I don't want to loose focus on where i need to be putting most of my energy right now.

NOTE: I will be updating hand made things still.. just not daily. And I will continue to write my daily's and even start trying to upload a photo a day as the studio work gets more interesting.

Studio update for those who are interested:
WEBSITE is getting close, cannot wait for that one to be off the checklist. Goal launch date - end of the weekend
FURNACE - hurts to say it, but we wont be up till march at least... as soon as we've got the safeties approved I'll be singing from the rooftops, but in the meantime, I'm taking the time to get all the other small studio projects completed
SPACE is looking good. remember we're open days now 12-5 tues-fri and saturdays 10-5. Come see how we're looking... shes going to be a grand play place, I can't wait for the classes to begin.

Our House

2011-01-29T23:00:00.000-06:00

Such a sweet and touching song. Between web work.. a break to play my handmade for day 29 a cover of Our House - By Crosby Stills Nash and Young.
Handmade #29

Y function

2011-01-27T22:50:00.000-06:00

January 27th flo photography shoots for the YMCA for the reveal of their big announcement.
The Taggart family donates 2 million dollars, the largest in their history.

Citizen ran their story here.

Today's handmade: Event shoot. A little less creative a task but i still found some interesting shots within the mix.

relief is coming soon

2011-01-26T14:10:00.001-06:00

Live your life each day as you would climb a mountain.
An occasional glance toward the summit keeps the goal
in mind, but many beautiful scenes are to be observed
from each new vantage point.
Climb slowly, steadily, enjoying each passing moment;
and the view from the summit will serve as a fitting
climax for the journey.

-- Harold V. Melchert

animal kingdom

2011-01-20T15:16:00.000-06:00

I promise I'm not getting the baby buzz but sometimes I lack the cleverness to find another use for something so simple... all's i have to say is - I love me my animals. I dont just love one, I love all, and I love drawing them and building up a whole fleet... so heres what I've decided to do.

1. Cut up or pre buy some cardboard stock in small note sizes (mine are 2.5x4inches)
2. Lots of options for this but the easiest is to find an online kids colouring page site where they will list countless line drawings of every animal imaginable (example site here).
3. draw out your desired animals making one per small square.
4. Eventual goal: a handmade animal kingdom set for a kids gift or maybe for saving for the future (this gives me a lot of time to create a whole collection)

Here are six animal cards I created for my January 20th handmade

2011-01-19T15:13:00.000-06:00

day 19 - sketchbook entry

In the months of waiting we prep. We prep and get excited for things to come.

Here are some of the idea sketchs that have been building....

a little update

2011-01-18T09:45:00.005-06:00

January 18th, the day AFTER 'blue monday' statistically the most depressing day of the year, congratulations, we made it!

So a brief apology for my delay in posting. I have NOT given up, at least not this early in. I have been continuing to do my creative tasks for my everyday handmade challenge even though I seem to be experiencing technical difficulties loading some of the items i was hoping to show.

I decided instead of waiting to post the more current handmades, I would post the ones I do have ready while I try to overcome loading issues and camera cord disappearances. Undoubtedly the most challenging part about this challenge wont be making something different every day but the ability to get it up here in a timely manor.

Flo studio work is progressing. One piece of the business puzzle that we've been working on as of late has been the website. The talented Bri guy is creating us a multifuncional website, one for which there will be a lot of thumbnail images.
After a couple hours of resizing detail shots for the gallery section, this little postcard template came to light. Melody's handmade for january 18th - more flo marketing materials.

flo floats!

2011-01-15T09:32:00.009-06:00

I've thought about how far I might reach with this 'handmade' project. It appears assembling ikea furniture counts. Justification? If it took the entire day to put together, then i think it's worth documenting. And I am mightly pleased with the results and wanted to share some progress in the new studio.

Day 15 - Building a flamworking space (part 1of2)

Where it all beings - an empty space.

Note: Do not boast too loudly about you ikea assembly skills UNTIL its finished.

Note #2 - Do not skip steps. That's usually going to bring you trouble.

Note #3 - Flat floors are much appreciated.
My floors from one end to the other were off by 2.5inches.
The result? Flo's Flameworking Station Floats!
(cement leveling the floors will be an upcoming handmade to look forward to)

Oh yes, and I cheat even further with my 'handmade'
I absolutely could not have done this project without Pat's skillful assistance.

Est Voila! This entire unit, with countertops included, cost under $600
I am so so excited about my new creative space!

Part 2 of this project still to come. Fume hoods and metal fixings will be installed to make her fully functional and safe for my flameworking needs.

2011-01-13T15:39:00.000-06:00

not much commentary needed: Handmade #13 -z-bird.

2011-01-12T16:26:00.001-06:00

Another night in the studio with my side kick rocky boy.

Day 11 on the handmade menu - medallions.

I need to develope a better system of taking pictures of progress shots while at the bench.

Sadly this is all i got of the process...

I'll work out the kinks, and produce better quality shots in the future.

can't make it better

2011-01-10T16:51:00.001-06:00

This guy was the reason I fell behind in my handmades... Loading issues, but finally resolved. January 10th's handmade - a song (*note* very rough recording).

sundays are for long walks with the doggie

2011-01-09T10:08:00.001-06:00

I am behind on my updates, but at least I am still playing by the rules. Bri and I went for a walk with the ever animated Rocky boy on Sunday where we tested out our new film for our Super8 camera (we now have to take it in to get converted onto disk.. another future handmade project to finish) and I brought the ol' SLR for some picture taking of my favourite pooch.

If we haven't already covered this, Rocky loves playing with sticks.

Day 9's handmade - a Rocky album of all his wonderful character shots on flickr

painted potters

2011-01-08T22:51:00.000-06:00

Personalized home project 1 for 2011 completed.
Day 8 of 365 days of Handmade - making pretty potters Bri and I decided to take our random potters at home and give them a little character
(to go with our exceptionally characterized home)

Our tools consisted of tubes of acrylic paint (matching our decor),
a small assortment of brushes, painters tape, a sharpie, and a clear lacquer spray paint.

Simple patterns tend to be the more successful. Try to start with a clean, rough surface. The black lines on the pot below are my sharpie trick, it adds more punch to your planter. When you're happy with your design be sure to use the spray lacquer on both the inside and outside of the pot. This keeps a good water resist finish.

To conserve on space we painted ikea potters with small holes for hanging.

I would have loved to post this portrait of Rocky boy as one of my handmades for this year
but alas the painting was a christmas present.. one of the last items i finished from 2010. In any case we'll say hello to it now so its not left out.

banana muffin

2011-01-07T19:05:00.008-06:00

Baked goods are on the list for handmades this year. We're starting things off a touch easy here, going through recipes I would deem my 'tried and true' family baked goods. This recipe has always been made for me with love from Margi dearest. She sited the recipe off the top of her head, and now I divulge it online for all to enjoy (as i sit enjoying one of the sample muffins in these photos)

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
Pre-Heat Oven to 350

In a blender, mix the following:
1 cup sugar

1/2 cup butter

2 eggs

1/2 cup milk
1 tbsp lemon juice

2 ripe bananas

in a separate bowl:
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
mix well then add wet ingredients

once mixed add 1 cup chocolate chips

Dish into 2 muffin trays of six (or pour into greased loaf pan)

bake muffins for 20mins (or loaf for 40mins)

So straight forward, so easy and yet baking intimidates me (why?) All the more reason to keep the handmade daily's going. It'll give me more practice at those things that unnecessarily scare me out attempting them.

last note: my friend Andy who has the blog delicate.balance has also joined in on this challenge. Instead of daily shes taking on a weekly handmade assignment for herself. Giver a gander.

drawing board

2011-01-06T15:23:00.005-06:00

Weddings appear to be growing in popularity for glass commissions. I've done wedding favours, centerpieces, wedding party gifts and of course, gifts for the bride and groom themselves.

I recieved my first wedding commission for 2011 the other day - 180 wedding stoppers with a very open concept on design (basically anything organic with their wedding colours encorporated in it) here are some concept sketchs of the possible final items. The bottom two on the left are my current top picks but i can't determine their final merrit until I actually try out some samplers.

bound together

2011-01-05T22:30:00.005-06:00

Day 5's handmade - iphoto assisted photo album. It's dead easy. Drag and drop into templates. Click to buy... and it arrives at your door step in 5 days flat. London photos on flickr.

acorn

2011-01-04T22:23:00.011-06:00

Wee production evening at the shop.
Starting to get back into the swing of things...
Everyday handmade item for January 4th - the acorn

step 1. draft your notes/design (note the trivial pursuit.. i play while i work)

step 2 - make your pendant

step 3 - anneal your pendant

step 4 - string your pendant

In truth, the last photo wasn't taken today but the others were true production items from the evening. 4 days down. 361 days to go.

adventures with rocky raccoon

2011-01-03T18:22:00.005-06:00

January 3rd. Woke up on the top bunky with this little guy excited for play. Today's handmade - a few shots from my ventures with sir rocky boy. More photos on flickr

old roads tunes

2011-01-02T13:20:00.006-06:00

I feel as though I'm being attacked by all sides... seems the excitement for the New Year has led to an entire night without sleep. My very off and dozy behaviour is causing day 2 of my 365 day challenge already a tough hurdle. BUT WE MADE IT!!!

Todays handmade... its computer made but selected by myself - a cd mix (aw how cute)

I can only list them here (whats the best site to use to create a sharable cd mix online? please assist)

the... 'we be going to the cottage' driving mix.

1- australia - shins
2-ticket to ride - beatles
3-dawn-brian jonestown massacre
4-rockey raccoon - beatles
5-sinnerman - nina simone
6-sweet judy blue eyes - crosby stills nash & young
7-wild world - cat stevens
8-shambala 3 - three dog night
9-fujimama mama - wanda jackson
10-sampson - regina spektor
11-lets stay together - al green
12-take a walk on the wild side - lou reed
13-right as rain - adele
14-me and julio down by the schoolyard - simon & garfunkle
15-the way we get by - spoon
16-love - brian jonestown massacre
17-sympathy for the devil - stones.

there we go. enjoy, there are definitely a few classics in there.
And off we go! chez le cottage! yayay!
post again late tomorrow night when we've returned :)

new year. new project.

2011-01-01T19:11:00.007-06:00

Every new year I love to prescribe myself a new project. There are the years where the resolution/project list is a bit too ambitious, but i tweek and try to perscribe myself something within my means... the biggest rule is - it must stay interesting.

This particular New Year, without question, is a special one. This is the first year of my new business, a business I've been planning to do since I went into the field of glassblowing nine years ago. And though I definitely don't want another distraction from the goal of the studio, I would love something daily to keep the journaling interesting and to share for the blog and everyone who might be inclined to follow.

Sooo... what have I set for myself as a challenge?

Everyday Handmade - 2011
I challenge myself to make one creative thing daily, every day in 2011.

There are NO restrictions on what I make I just have to make it, document it and get it up on this site for people to follow and *nudge* join in if they too are inspired to take the challenge (in whatever fashion they choose).

So my friends here we go. I wish you all a very joyous 2011.

15 seconds of Kel and Andee cleaning shop. (I needed to brush up on my final cut skills)

2010-12-16T16:31:00.001-06:00

to be young

2010-11-17T11:29:00.001-06:00

Recorded Saturday night, A wee tribute for Bern

To Be Young - Sing a Long from chris parker on Vimeo.

hope in hell

2010-11-16T10:27:00.006-06:00

Life is short... short and sweet and oh so wonderful.

This song was written for a dear friend who passed away 4 years ago. Im very happy to have heard it today. Written by Jamie Smith, recorded with a lot of great people. It may have made me weep at my desk, but its tune is appropriate for the day. The air is thick and overlayed with a tinge of gloom. There are a lot of hearts missing a lot of people today... Bern, Jesse, Calen, heres thinking of you.

The adventures of beans and rice

2010-11-10T09:28:00.004-06:00

The simplicity of this button makes it one of my favourite items... and its not even fully my item, I share wearing it with Brian.

May this little memento always remind me of two things:

1- I love my partner dearly

2- I must keep it close to remind me to lighten up and get out for spin. Lifes only as hard as you make it... and smile for god sakes.

smile and the world smiles with you, cry and you cry alone.

all the wee little munchkins

2010-11-05T14:41:00.003-05:00

baby portraits continue. see flickr for more

evolution of a cup

2010-11-04T11:00:00.002-05:00

lullaby

2010-11-01T13:26:00.004-05:00

This recording was done close to a year ago, but my friend Sean has just recently edited the track and sent it back in my direction (thank you). The song would have been written a few years ago now. I hope to not forget the chord progressions in the future so that i might someday play it for my wee ones.

baby baby

2010-10-18T14:30:00.002-05:00

I've started taking some baby portraits to enhance my portfolio. This may be for one of several reasons. 1. baby's are damn cute. 2. baby's are incredibly candid, even their funny faces at the camera are priceless. 3. Seems like baby's are popping out of everywhere.

In a single post enquiry on facebook I received over a dozen enquiries. As of this weekend I've shot portraits for 3 baby's, one only 8 days old... I've got pregnant mamas asking me and parents with kids as old as 4 or 5 that need their pictures taken. Guess why? Because THEIR baby is THE cutest. I never realized it was such a competitive market but I like it.

And yet another creative side project emerges.

Wee Summer at a few months old

friends of flo

2010-10-15T09:04:00.007-05:00

One of my dearest glass-family friends is highlighted in the upcoming Christmas One of a Kind show in Toronto - this good sir is Mr. Benjamin Kikkert.

Benji's interview with OOAK can be found here

and for an expansive view of his fine glass goods take a look at his website

2010-09-30T09:34:00.004-05:00

When I say "love," the sound comes out of my mouth... and it hits the other person's ear, travels through this Byzantine conduit in their brain, you know, through their memories of love or lack of love, and they register what I'm saying and say yes, they understand. But how do I know they understand? Because words are inert. They're just symbols. They're dead, you know? And so much of our experience is intangible. So much of what we perceive cannot be expressed. It's unspeakable. And yet, you know, when we communicate with one another, and we-- we feel that we have connected, and we think that we're understood, I think we have a feeling of almost spiritual communion. And that feeling might be transient, but I think it's what we live for.

beautiful quote from one of my favourite movies Waking Life

London Calling

2010-08-25T17:00:00.001-05:00

Ohhh my goodness its nearly here! Tomorrow Bri guy and I fly to England for 18days of what I expect will be a Grand Adventure living as a Brit in ol' London town!

There are very few rules for the trip, other than to catch as much live music as we can and to document as much as possible in any form that suits. I've purchased a fresh new sketch book and a splurge pencil case loaded with every magical writing device i could hope for. So with that, my new birthday lens, and a little video action we should be well covered. I also hope do a little writing and send some updates on here as time permits.

If it isn't already nauseously obvious, I am uber happy and deeply in love. The skeptic has quickly traded in her feisty cards for those of a romantic... and this whole adventure to Europe seems like it should be written in a chick lit novel where i would normally gag at the end and go.... sure that would happen?! Needless to say I'm very lucky and I hope not to take a second of it for granted.

Alrighty. And with that, Cheerio! - I'm off to England!

sketchbook entries begin...

2010-08-13T13:36:00.003-05:00

sketch of mr. clarinet player at kensington market back in april.

re-rooting from the beginning

2010-08-13T09:13:00.006-05:00

I’d like to start actively using this space for its original intentions, artistic expression. I created a blog and a twitter account and the facebook page all with a social media, marketing mentality… This is for Flo.

Flo & I sharing a laugh

However, for those who are less in the know, Flo, despite being the name of mine and Bronwens glassblowing business, is the name of my late grandmother Jewitt. She was a tyrant of a woman, strong and passionate about two things - family and creativity. My fondest and most common of activities with her included doing crafts in our exclusive crafts room, where items of every imaginable purpose piled high on their floor to ceiling shelving unit of fun. As a kid, I sewed and hand fabric painted my wardrobe (i promise to find and post pictures of this, hilarious). I knit my neck warmers and mitts. I always had a colouring pad handy in my handmade travel bag. And Lewis Craft was our weekly store outing.

Needless to say, Flo was a very large contributor for where I’ve found myself today. And for lame reasons (no proper photos/no scanner/too busy) I’ve neglected to use this page for its rightful purpose... to post new and random items of creativity that I generally do on a daily basis.
So, let’s start fresh. Yes, this is a method of marketing to the world wide web of flo glassblowing happenings, news and events… but mainly, this is about creativity and sharing creativity and storing all that creativity in one spot visible for whomever is interested in viewing/reading.

Bronwen insists she will be taking part in some blog entries as well, so she will have to add to the list, but for future postings... expect some of the following:

- Sketchbook articling
- Photography Favourites
- Videography and Demonstration videos
- All things DIY (instead of 'do it yourself', I prefer 'design it yourself')
- Creative writings/ lyrics
- Song clips/recordings
- flo glassblowing studio journaling

purpose vs profit

2010-06-18T08:05:00.004-05:00

beauty in the bride

2010-05-18T20:47:00.004-05:00

Well I've had my first taste of wedding photographer world, what a whirlwind. I definitely enjoyed myself and am fairly happy with a few of the shots but man did i under rate the challenges of that position. For instance.. how do you focus on taking that one in a million photo while sobbing through the ceremony? I assure you, its very distracting.

In addition to taking pics, Katie wrestled me into doing her makeup. It went something like...'ok! who's doing my makeup? i like your makeup, YOU do it!'. My wedding service CV is rapidly growing, along with center pieces, wedding favours, and a summer spent as a wedding singer, id say i could open up a one stop wedding shop fairly soon. 'Could' being the opportune word. I think im happy sitting in as second photographer and keeping to this glass venture I've got going.

I am touched to have been so intimately involved in this couples wedding. The Katie I knew before Julian was a lot like the Melody I know today, self sufficient and a little non-conformist (wicked features in my opinion). But to witness someone you care about soften into this glowing, contagiously happy person whos crazy in love.. well it just makes me happy and in turn has probably done a good amount to soften me and my views on marriage. Not saying I'll ever get married, but it does mean I'll be ragging on it less.

more photos on flickr

friends of flo

2010-05-10T09:27:00.010-05:00

Congrats to fellow designer friend Johnny Sabine who's business chromoly is featured in the latest issue of designlines.

He and business partner Adam Pickard created a line of 'New and Improved' furniture for the group showing of Heavy Metal: Cast Objects at the International Design festival this past January. The line reclaims old and broken wooden furniture repairing the damaged area with bronze.

Another equally wicked and a touch more everyday affordable... johnnys also responsible for the creation of ninja tacks. find more on http://chromoly.ca

we be in production mode!!

2010-04-30T11:47:00.006-05:00

Eeep! Just got a wack of colour in the mail from Sylvie (colourfusion). Production for 250 glass birdies starts Tuesday! Next week is pinks. 125 in two days? can we do it? we shall see... (please refrain from waging bets against me)

I understand this may not sound very exciting.. repeating the same actions like a machine over and over again.. but mann am i going to be able to make a mean bird when im done hehehe. And I am so excited to line them all up when im finished and take a picture of my flock!

Ok so real news/updates here:
1- This weekend is the Merrickville Yard Sale. That means all old (interesting) loot in the studio is marked down to make way for a new season of work! Its both Saturday and Sunday (but itd be wise to go satuday) all day 8-5pm.
2- As of May 1st. New studio hours (until details on the move unfold)
Tues-Frid 1-5pm Sat&Sund 10-5pm
3- As of May 1st KISS MY GLASS building goes on SALE! Its inching its way closer... its a simple formula really, when the studio space in merrickville sells, Flo Glassblowing moves to Ottawa. So please keep all fingers and toes and legs crossed in hopes that its not on the market long, im so antsy give Flo a home in the city.

Also, it appears I've got two gallery shows coming up in Ottawa?! Kick ass!
Wall Space Gallery will be newly representing my work as of May! The two shows i'll be taking part in are...
Colour & Form - May 15-31th All Things Pop - June 11-28th

whats not to love?

2010-04-24T20:59:00.004-05:00

the edits continue.. more photos on flickr

hours of editing...

2010-04-19T16:21:00.006-05:00

This was such a great night with such an amazing room of people. sigh...

I finally cleared off my camera of its thousands of photos... I've loaded some new ones up on flickr... have a look

524 porch recordings

2010-04-05T13:25:00.003-05:00

Simon and Garfunkel are coming to Ottawa... for a good $150 a ticket. Booo I cant justify it.. So instead i'll just pay tribute to them on the front porch... recordings complete with loose jargon and random neighbourhood noise.

the post-crisis consumer

2010-03-04T10:12:00.001-06:00

friends of flo

2010-03-01T14:51:00.001-06:00

Good friend and fellow glassblower Niko Dimitrijevic's got an exhibit on at the Harbourfront Centre (Toronto) from now thru till April 4th. Find a review of his recent work here.

If you get a chance to see the show, drop into the glassblowing studio and watch some wicked artists in their element. Love to all my Harbourfront glass family xo

christmas album

2010-01-08T18:38:00.000-06:00

I was fortunate enough at christmas to get a few hours in with the full 'J' team - Dave, Nick, Nathaniel, Niels & Stef...

At some point in the evening christmas carols came out... It's now past the holidaze but I can't stop listening to the entertainment of this wee carol...

family advent calendar

2009-12-01T09:08:00.000-06:00

Well.. heres a sobering toast to the month of December. No no November never ended up happening (for those of you who were in the loop) sooo for Dec 1-22nd (day i fly home) No no December will be starting. Here are my notes:

- As of today, i'm no longer unemployed but self employed. I am now full time all the time towards this business. Hours are logged. Weekdays are regimented. Start time is always 10am. Unfinished sections of business plan completed and ready for editing by home time.
- Production starts. I've hired my first part time employee!! and weekends are now spent in Merrickville designing and creating work.
- system reboot - 10 day fast starting today.
- wow i've missed walking as a bare minimum activity for the day. Rule of thumb, must sweat once a day.. easily done in the hot shop.. less easily done in city... but now mandatory.
- stay focused... everything other than glass this month is a 'hobby' meaning secondary to my now full time job. (this includes music which hurts me but i'll do it)
- 1 glass of wine max a day... noo booze! this one hurts too espeically when it comes to christmas parties such as the one i'll be attending tonight.

To be truthful I really hate announcing my goals in the open but i force myself to do it because if theres anything i cant stand its people who say they're going to do shit and dont. Sooo if i announce it somewhere public then it actually gives me a bit more gusto to accomplish the goal.

There is ONE small extra curricular that i'll be taking on this month and only because 'tis the season. I usually do one personal project for the fam at christmas... previous years have included glass items, mixed cds, photographs etc. This year I decided to make a family advent calendar of sorts. While in Tbay i went through a serious nostalgic kick and ended up sorting through hundreds of photos. I scanned some of my favourites and will edit 3 a day to post on facebook. Usually id try to avoid doing this stuff on facebook but it only make sense because then i can tag the individuals in the photo and if they want a copy of it they've got it.

Anyhow, happy serious work your ass off December.

If you want to view the nostalgic advent album click here.
Otherwise I'll post a few of my favourites from time to time.

jay sparrow

2009-11-05T13:41:00.001-06:00

So my uber talented cousin Jay just released a new music video.
lay yr mountain down - pls giver a listen.

More jay videos...
jays song behind the movie trailer for steak & milk

Murder City Sparrows music videos
black hole betty

hammer click

back to the races

2009-10-14T14:16:00.000-05:00

Despite best intentions, I seem to have dropped off the radar these past few weeks. And as a consequence, the longer I was away the harder it was to bubble to the surface again and remember where to start.

I sit in what I newly deem my ‘layer’. The layer is my new office where im hell bent and determined to finish that big looming document that keeps me from moving forward with my plans. To recap all those who are out of the loop (and to hopefully keep from repeating myself 20 times a day)… I’ve quit my day job to finish my business plan, to finally merge and relocate our studio into Ottawa, to make a decent living doing something that gets me excited and to better educate the populace of the mesmerizing and inherent wickedness that is glassblowing. I’m in transition… quite the understatement. And yet, every transition has made me giggle a touch more gleefully.

Due to the fact that I’m now unemployed and free to roam as I please, I’ve decided to take this entire month back in my home town of Thunder bay. The lists of reasons to come home are both personal and work related… perhaps contradictory and overly ambitions. I don’t know how I manage to tack on so many extra to do lists or how I fully plan on accomplishing it all but I honestly wish to achieve the following while here:

1 – glass
- complete bus. plan
- launch new website

2 – music
- refine and record 5 of my song
- record lyrics for dads childrens album
- write 3 bones to songs w luc for SOG
- play live jazz, solo stuff, SOG & backup
- partake in as many group jams as able

3 – photos
- capture Tbay in a collection of shots
- practice photoshoots w kel

4 – personal
- relax. get grounded
- regroup. get motivated
- recap w old friends
- good visits w all the family
- fuel creativity wherever inspired
- escape the city embrace all things nature

These lists all have sub-lists presented in order of importance with extra stars, highlights and underlines where needed… but mainly this visit is because I can. I have the opportunity to and ultimately it’s making my heart happy. By no means does this entail me staying in Thunder Bay however. I’m home to relax and accomplish a few goals then get back to the races.

Annnd at that, maybe its best I get back to this plan of mine.

scrooge

2009-09-28T10:07:00.000-05:00

As a special present from Andy, these two photos came to me in an email. It appears I have developed a new disgruntled grandpa smirk, and being the good friend that she is, she thought I should be aware of it.

I assure you this was unconsciously done.

there is no wrong decision

2009-09-09T11:32:00.000-05:00

I have an embarrassing admission. When I was a girl I wanted to be a singer. Now I realize this isn’t too silly a notion, you know, a 6 year old kid playing air guitar and lip-syncing to Queen's classics in her fake microphone. My real admission is the fact that I went into glass as my expressive medium thinking I’d outsmart the curse of the starving artist syndrome. My father had made his go at a musical career and retreated back to Thunder Bay when we kiddies came along. I think this knowledge is likely the reason I never went on to study music as a career. I didn’t admire the hard life style, yet I wasn’t about to bow down to the man either and take on a degree I couldn’t get excited about… sooo in all my illogical logic I thought glassblowing would be a much more suitable career choice.

It wasn't until about a year into my design program at Sheridan that I realized I was a complete idiot for thinking there was any difference between being a starving musician artist and being a starving glass artist. They’re both the same, sooo amazingly the same… and even worse, now I have two enormous passions that hold the same amount of importance and difficulty that I have to channel and express myself through in order to feel fulfilled. Wow that’s exhausting. And yet…. exhilarating!

My current life to some may be a complete backwards mess at this point. I could very feasibly still be in a not particularly unhappy relationship; a big somewhat put together home; a steady job I don’t hate with benefits, and likely a lot more money in the bank. And yet, even as I wake up alone in my uncle's basement, most of my things in boxes, no mode of transportation, and a mere week away from being unemployed… one thing scenario #1 has that scenario #2 surprisingly doesn’t have is - doubt. Even more, scenario #2 has somehow guided me to the thing I’d traveled as far as India to try and find again - sweet, wonderful, happiness!

I'm not exactly sure what I'm trying to get at here. Had i originally studied music as i likely was too fearful to attempt, I could potentially be a very serious musician or I could have made a few other forks in the road and ended up somewhere completely different. Maybe I needed to pursue glass to build up my starving artist stamina to get to a level where I'm confident enough to attempt music on a more serious note? None of it really matters, I'm exactly where I'm meant to be at this exact moment in time.

I remember asking my Dad for advice growing up. I'd be all panicked and flustered and he'd always respond calmly with 'there is no wrong decision'. To me this was his cop-out way of answering the question without having to answer the question. I'd get irritated, roll my eyes, and walk away. Turns out he knew what he was talking about. Took a bit to sink in but I'm now 2 days away from taking a leap into the unknown world of starving artist again and all i need to really remember is that one piece of advice.

genius vs. insanity

2009-08-27T09:56:00.002-05:00

Soooo TED, if you dont know it, is a sensational academic, nonprofit organization that hosts conferences on what they call 'ideas worth spreading'. They bring in some of the most interesting speakers/performers from around the world (recognizable names being... bill gates, jane goodall, al gore) and discus forward thinking concepts on everything from the sciences, global issues, the arts, education etc. What makes this organization extra sweet is that every lecture/performance is free to watch on their website.

This particular performance I must have watched a couple dozen times. The musician is Eric Lewis and he kinda makes my head explode. I love watching other people watch this clip for the first time because at first listen it will definitely receive some interesting reviews. Believe it or not this is an evenessence song that he's covered.

I love discussions on the difference between genius and insanity. Which is probably why I also find this lecture brilliant. http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/elizabeth_gilbert_on_genius.html/ the speaker is Eat, Pray, Love author Elizabeth Gilbert. I strongly recommend taking 18mins to giver a listen.

okkervil

2009-08-19T00:56:00.000-05:00

a few photos taken from the Okkervil River show. Man i wish i had this lens (it was a rental)

yoga shoot

2009-07-30T08:44:00.000-05:00

Not too long ago i spent the entire day shooting some pretty flexible individuals. With about a dozen yogis to shoot and over a thousand photos to edit, here are a few of the shots that were taken that day.

ms. lucy castell

summer, lucy's beauty of a baby

And the intensive student, andy hartshorne

More will be coming, but in the meantime have a look at a few others on my flickr

marbles... glass droplets of goodness

2009-06-27T00:17:00.000-05:00

Mass production vs. handmade

How it's made. Brilliant television show... I wish they could do a special series that just featured people in their artistic trades. Each episode would be similar to this, first showing how marbles are made in mass production, then showing the handmade marbles made by the glassblower. Come now, which marble would you wanna buy?

something to aspire to

2009-06-24T07:21:00.000-05:00

Did a mini photoshoot at the cottage with two exceptionally talented yoginis. Not sure I'll ever be able to do the splits while being hoisted in the air upsidedown but if i get more chances to take such pictures im game, especially while relaxing out on the water.

This weekend I'll be doing more yoga shoots at Santosha in prep for the 'global mala project' held September 20th.

More photos on flickr

night shots

2009-06-08T07:47:00.001-05:00

Campfires and sparklers oh my!

If you don't yet know what the 'bulb' feature is on your camera, go seek it out! It's a shutter speed setting on adjustable cameras that keeps the shutter open for as long as the shutter is pressed. It'd have been wiser to have a tripod in most of these pictures but the results were pretty fun all the same.

The bulb feature is often used for Astronomical photography. Note to self: pick a cottage weekend to rent a big ass lens to try and shoot some stars.

more photos on flickr

tennis action

2009-06-03T07:43:00.000-05:00

Here are a couple recent photos taken from a group tennis match with friends. Oohhh action shots are entertaining.
Photography note of the day: to anyone shooting movement shots like this - rapid shutter speed! Pre anticipate the shot, start shooting before the key moment you wish to capture, and keep shooting until after the entire action is completed. Likelyhood of you catching the perfect shot in one click is bleak, chances greatly increased when shooting right after the other.
This rule generally applies on all fronts but it is especially true in this situation.

See all the shots on flickr

thunder bays finest

2009-05-19T09:56:00.000-05:00

Perhaps not everyone is aware there is a 'Paul Shaffer boulevard' in my home town of Thunder Bay. Other than hockey, we dont have a large amount of b listers to showcase, so we've made do with the little bald music sidekick on Letterman as our claim to fame.

I am quite thankful to have had this video brought to my attention last night. Prepair for a long haired shaffer as a guess on the letterman show, with special guests - dj jazzy jeff and the fresh prince. Can it get any better?!

medley with an ending

2009-04-27T08:39:00.000-05:00

Heres a clip taken from the jam at Daveos last night.
We couldnt decide whether to play Crazy Love or Train to Jordan so we mixed the two... with surprisingly not too terrible results.

family of melodys

2009-03-29T10:42:00.000-05:00

last nights musical festivities

A few tunes randomly recorded from the living room...
daveo on drums/base/guitar/backupvocals
dad on guitar/vocals/base
guy (not a member of the fam) on guitar/vocals/drum
me on vocals

If its not already known I have a wonderfully musical family. When we get a group of us together, one of my most adored activities is to bring out whatever instruments we can find and play.

Among my extensive family tree of marvelous musicians, we have:
Grandpa Jewitt – in his mid 80’s and still recording his own singing and piano tracks in his mini studio at home.
Don (papa) Jewitt – in his free time leading a 9 piece charity band (with full horn section). Amazing pianist, guitarist and singer. Writer of two of my favourite albums.
the late Jeff Murphy (mothers brother) – Musician all his life, singing and playing guitar across the country. Raising amazingly talented boys one of which being…
Jay Sparrow – Lead singer of ‘Murder City Sparrows’, an Edmonton band that’s been making huge leaps and bounds in the Canadian music industry. Amazing singer songwriter and guitarist.
wee brother, Isaac Matthews – Mini icon in his teenage musical career. Talented singer, actor, guitarist. Constantly wining awards and prizes in every competition he enters and about to embark into the field in his post high school excellentness.
And it goes on…
cousin Neils Jewitt – meanest harp skills I’ve seen
uncle Daveo Jewitt – energized and interchangeably moving from bass, drums, guitar and vocals nearly all at once
brother Lucas Jewitt – guitarist and most recently basses, shy but skilled
cousin Nathaniel Jewitt – great singer, doboro player and guitarist
cousin Nick Jewitt – sweet base vocals
Ian Matthews (dad#2) - amazing drummer
cousin Lenny Murphy – amazing drummer
sister Glory Jewitt – crowd energizing tambourine girl
even Carolyn (mother) Matthews – leading in her harmonium playing, kirtan singing goodness.

It might now be a little more clear as to why my name is Melody
or why playing music with my family is one of my most enjoyable past times.

'creativity is as important as literacy'

2009-03-21T11:02:00.002-05:00

Ken Robinson is a 'creativity' expert. Knighted in 2003 for his achievements, he led the British government's 1998 advisory committee on creative and cultural education. A massive inquiry into the significance of creativity in the educational system and economy.

He is a very interesting and quite entertaining speaker.
View his lecture questioning if 'schools kill creativity' on Ted
Read his bio
Find his book

pick a weekend, rent some lenses!

2009-03-19T13:41:00.000-05:00

With the digital era being what it is, everyone and their mother now classifies as an amateur 'photographer' and why not?! Whatever means you can use to express yourself creatively is something I'm in support of, and personally, people producing better pictures in the world makes my heart happy.

However, one thing that pains me often is not having better equipment to shoot photos with. I have a good camera (Canon Rebel) with one lens. Although my one lens satisfies basic needs, I find myself daydreaming of varying lenses constantly, knowing full well it wont be a 'priority' for a while to come.

So how do you resolve this problem? Get to your local camera store (Ottawa/Toronto areas I recommend Visteck) and rent a lens! Day rentals on camera lenses can range from $20-$40 but when you rent on Friday you get it thru till Monday. So pick a weekend that you know something entertaining is happening and try out something different in your peripheral view.

This weekend my friend Kelly and I went to the Canadian Museum of Nature. Great lighting, interesting subject matter and you're hanging out with a heap of kids all day. It doesn’t take long to get inspired.

view more photos on flickr

Create, Inspire, Evolve

2009-03-06T14:10:00.000-06:00

I've been trying to determine for sometime what my first official post would be within this mysterious world of 'blogging.'

I'm glad I've given it time to stew in my mind… to grumble and moan, “What do I have to say?”

Ideally?

I'd like to be part, in some way, of the shift that is taking place in the world right now. On so many levels, as seen in politics, the economy, and the environment, ‘change’ is the opportune word of the times. Eyes are wide open and attention is finally paid to those who have something to say.

Creativity most recently has developed a stronger voice in North America.

Hand-made versus mass production; quality versus quantity; clever versus common; these are shifts that excite me. These are the shifts I want to take part in.

Art has been given such little praise in the realistic world of priorities. In an economic downturn it's not questioned to be the first of the cut backs in governmental spending.

But 'art', by my definition, is all forms of expression that fuel creativity. And creativity, as described by new urban thinkers such as Richard Florida, is the future craze, and the one activity needed to sustain the economy for the times ahead.

I'm surprised at my own intensity for the politics of this subject. In a very simple form I just like to make things, all things, anything, as often as I can!

My name is Melody Jewitt. I am a glassblower by trade, a musician by heart, and a dreamer of many other creative channels such as writing, photography, sketching, videography, and painting.

Here's hoping this is one more channel within this massive internet stream that fuels a little more creative flo in your every day existence.