Where did 2013 Go?

Pink and blue vase fused by Julie Coll and rolled by Myles Freedman.

It’s hard for me to believe that 2014 is upon us. I shouldn’t be surprised that last year flew by. I way over committed myself with volunteer projects. At one point my husband pointed out that if I put as much effort into my glass studio business, I would have more work than I know what to do with. He was right…I hate when he is right. I started saying “no” to new commitments for 2014. It felt very liberating – like I was giving myself permission to enjoy one of my passions.

Although my studio time was a bit limited last year, I did manage to make some progress from a business perspective. I launched the Moonrise Designs website, something I had been meaning to do for the last couple of years. I also dug in to learn about social media. As a girl that spent 18 years in technology, after 6 years retired I was feeling out of touch and old. Although far from an expert I am getting the hang of it. I now have a Facebook page, along with Twitter and Pinterest accounts for the Moonrise Designs studio business. By far my favorite is Pinterest. I like pouring a glass of wine and cruising through boards. I have loved connecting with other glass artist throughout the word and being inspired by their work.

After collaborating with glass blowers to roll some of my fused work, I want to learn to blow glass. My first lesson is this Thursday, I can’t wait. I also have formed a small team of both fusers and glass blowers to work on larger commissions. I love collaborating, especially with creative people. Not only do you learn from each other but the journey from beginning to end can be simply amazing.

I have a couple of other goals for this year. I’m going to strive to update my blog at least weekly. I want to share my glass journey with others – to document the sometimes isolating experience of being a studio artist. I would also like to use it as a platform to educate about glass. The world of glass can get a bit complex, even for those of us that exist in it. Glass collectors can get quickly lost whether buying a small piece from an art fair to larger pieces from a gallery.

I am very excited for 2014 and the new adventures it will bring. Several projects are under way and I can’t wait to share their progress. Let the 2014 journey begin!