I started taking fused glass classes. It's something I've always wanted to do and I have researched it a little in the past. Classes are few and far in between, and very expensive. I understand that equipment and supplies are expensive, never mind finding an artist who wants to teach the skills. But how come pottery is so affordable?
Our first class was simply a starter. We made 1.5" square designs, which will end up being fridge magnets. They were an experiment. Something like a glass sandwich, with 2 layers of glass and pieces of metal foil in between and on top if you wanted. Due to the fusing process, the foils may change colour to something the teacher hasn't seen before. I'm happy with 3 out of the 8 I made. Guess who gets those?!
I also started making beaded jewelry this past summer. It was a project started because I was Maid of Honor for a friend and had to come up with bridal shower gifts. After that, I went crazy! It seemed that my creativity blossomed late. I spent a lot of years playing volleyball in my spare time, while my girl friends were busy getting domesticated, canning, making jewelry and candles, etc. Well, I finally tapped into my creativity and it's giving me a lot of pleasure. Maybe you'll see one of my designs somewhere...
