Blowing

Sunday I got up and headed out of the house by 10:45 am to go pick up Kathleen so that we could head out to Sperryville, VA to blow glass. Had to stop by and get some Einstein bagels on the way and then we headed out towards Warrenton. Planned on stopping there to get the "cheap gas" ok so 2.15 beats the 2.32 in the city. Stopped for snacks and gas...reeses peanut butter lovers cup limited - now that is a treat...then back in the car for another 45 min in the cell free zone to a HOT afternoon. Passing to many vineyards that we did not have time to stop for -- but plan to when we go back to pick up our pieces. We arrived right at 1:00. We were greeted by Eric as we walked across the swinging red bridge over the creek. We walked around the gallery checking things out while coffee was brewing and then we headed out to the studio.

First Eric walked us around and did a demo and then I was first up to make a shot glass. Yes, we do plan on taking a shot in those glasses soon. My shot glass was great, clear glass: short with fat sides. But I was just glad to have something that I could show off at that point. Speedy Kathleen was next to stand by the HOT furnace. (her warning is be careful when wearing an underwire bra and standing that close to the heat) Her shot glass was taller than mine. Then on to the fun stuff - the accident - the former TV stars son (yes we meet Walker Jones - Cooters son from the Dukes of Hazzard) - the many stories and lessons of the afternoon... I wanted to make a bowl next - well it almost became a glass blob and sculpture when i tripped getting back into the seat and the glass feel off the honey and crashed onto the floor. The block had not been moved after I had stood on the bench to blow the bowl out. Eric says that his clumsiest students end up being the best ones - so if that is true than I am off to a good start. When the glass fell, they said my face did too, but somehow between Walker and Eric they saved it, got it back on the honey and we shaped it out - so it is very hand made and unique for sure. But what a great experience. Kathleen's bowl came out looking like a bowl - but we had been there since 1 and it was close to 6:30 we both knew we smelled bad and just wanted something to eat. So off we head back to Warrenton to find food - ate to much Mexican (good Mexican with chicklet gum) and then drove back to the city.

So now we have to head back out there next weekend and pick up the bowls and I would love to go wine tasting on the way out and back - I cant wait to try it again. So if you want to have a great drive out in VA head over to Old Way Glass and buy some art or blow so glass. http://www.oldway.net/