Last weekend Keith and I went to the Mt Gretna Outdoor Art Show (where I got to meet Roxan). There was a bead show in Lebanon which isn't far from Mt Gretna. I was going to try to go there but I wasn't sure "where" in Lebanon the show was being held. Keith said I could head there if I wanted. I didn't see any signs and I knew his back was hurting so I headed home. I told him I probably wouldn't have been comfortable with him there witnessing just how much I could spend on beads. (It's best if he doesn't know.) I told him he's pretty much okay until I buy a torch. I've never really had a desire to make my own beads and since it probably cost A LOT of money to get set up, it was a safe comment to make. Keith said if I get a torch, he wants to turn it into a flame-throw. (Typical Keith - take my stuff and turn it into a weapon.) I said as long as the controls can be turned down far enough so I don't burn down the house trying to melt glass.
I was off work yesterday and wanted to go to my LBS (Art FX and The Bead Gallery, York, PA) and pick up some silver to go with my new Alaskan bead. On a display table was Moretti glass and a beginners lampworking torch set! I was telling the shop owner about Keith's comments. Then she tells me they are having a beginning lampworking class and there will be equipment to use. At that point I was curious. $85 for the day and you have beads to take home. COOL! When is this class? Spetember 25. ARGH! I have a board meeting that day - all day long.
The neat thing is the owner said she will do it again - and I'm going to be there. If there's something I've learned from RCB is that even someone who's never even considered doing stuff like this should at least *try*. But I have one weird concern: I wear my nails a bit long. Am I going to melt my acryllic? Stop laughing - I'm serious. Do you ever get your hands that close to the heat? On purpose that is..............