Smaller Glass Disks from You Can Kiss My Glass Studio

Rick Jarvis and Alison Baker are now making smaller glass disks. Many of you have admired their work but wished that there was a smaller size. We now have a selection of 7" and 8 1/2" diameter discs available.

The glass disks are created by blending molten glass in a kiln. Hundreds of individual pieces of stained glass are placed in a kiln, the temperature is then raised until the glass is molten. At around 1700 degrees in a kiln, glass becomes fluid. By employing a variety of techniques more glass is layered into the kiln. By knowing how and when to introduce the glass into the kiln, Rick and Alison are able to create the patterns and layering that distinguishes their work.

Most fused glass is created by arranging precut pieces of glass on a kiln shelf and heating the glass until the pieces "fuse" together. Upon careful inspection you can see each individual piece of glass that went into the piece. The fused glass artist for the most part is trying to avoid the flow and movement to preserve their designs. The designs by Rick and Alison are all about the movement and flow and they know of no other artist that works the way they do in a kiln.

New Varieties of Soap Rocks

We now have new varieties of Soap Rocks. Citrine is a quartz crystal, an amethyst burnt by slow heat to a bright yellow or amber. Choose yellow Citrine soap for your morning shower when you may need a startup, and Amber Citrine soap for burnishing your body at dusk.

When Homer sang of "the wine dark sea," he might have pictured gold flecked, red Jasper, discovered wherever the continents collided. Jasper SoapRock gradually exposes the beauty of the timeless, wine dark earth.

Olivine rides on the backs of meteorites or is flung up from our own volcanoes. SoapRocks Olivine combines a shimmering green with soft shadows of earth. Olivine soap shines brighter with each use.

SoapRocks are very mild and extra long lasting. As they gently cleanse, each soap will slowly weather away like a stream stone in geologic time, exposing the beauty locked away within. We continue to carry your favorites such as opal, marble, fire opal, amethyst, malachite, lapis lazuli and turquoise.

Computer Monitor Mobiles have arrived!

Need to add a little brightness to your work space? Try one of Marvin and Michelle Shafers monitor mobiles. They come in a variety of designs or pick one of the photo mobiles to have all your favorite people close at hand while you're working.

For over 10 years Marvin and Michelle Shafer have created unique items in anodized aluminum . They are influenced by the deco era , cubism and pure inspiration of the beauty of color. Marvin came up with the idea of a little mobile that hangs off the side of a computer monitor. The idea was art with a purpose. An exercise machine to help with eye strain. Marvin and Michelle's Monitor mobiles come with a medical patent! These hand dyed anodized aluminum beauties are hand built with great care. They are timeless gifts of art and are great for all the computer users in your life!

Sound Winds Banners and Windsocks

It's definitely been windy here in April. We just got the windsocks and banners in from David Ti of Sound Winds. The windsocks are spinners including jellyfish, rotini and fusilli. We also received phoenix, dragonfly and a feathered sail. If you just want to add a bit of color try one of the feathers.

David Ti's beautiful windsocks and banners are made of the highest quality, U. V. inhibitor coated, 200 denier oxford nylon available. The usual lifespan of one of David's windsoxs is about one year in a moderately sunny location. Rain, unless particularly acidic, will not harm the windsox. Windsocks and banners should not be hung in a place where it will rub on walls, treelimbs, or other abrasive surfaces. These fabulous flowing banners and windsocks will add a wonderful pop of color to your yard and home.

Maruca Design Bags

The '06 spring and summer collection of handbags has arrived from Maruca Designs. The fabrics are sweet and playful with organic overtones, a perfect little kiss of interest and color for accessorizing this springs neutral palette. We have a wide selection of bags including the Lin, LuLu, O'Jackie, Zoe, Tote and New Yorker. We also have a variety of accessories including the coin, cosmetic and jewel bags.

Rex Maruca and Lida King, formed a design house comprised of people who share a deep appreciation for tailored simplicity and functional elegance, and, above all, a love of fabrics. They take great pride in the fact that their handbags are hand cut and sewn in their Boulder, Colorado studio and their exclusive fabrics are milled here in the United States.

Glass Wind Chimes Are Here

More new stuff - what fun! The glass wind chimes from Goose Rock Designs got here yesterday. They are so colorful and the glass makes a pleasant, light sound with the wind. The chimes can be hung indoors or out, just avoid heavy wind.

Heath and Maria from Goose Rock Designs began making chimes in 1995 after a friend suggested they try selling their mobiles made of driftwood, shells and beach glass. After getting an enthusiastic response they decided to turn passion into livelihood, and almost immediately began their shift toward glass to delight both the ears and the eyes. Now they develop and handcraft glass wind chimes that bring sound and color to life.

Every Goose Rocks Designs product is made by hand. They cut, drill, and tumble the glass, and cut, drill, and form all the frames. Maria and Heath frost and polish the frames and glass in their chimes using a 48-hour process they developed which creates a unique luster that complements their fresh contemporary designs. The subtle differences among the wind chimes reflect their unique handcrafting process.

Goose Rocks Designs glass wind chimes are an exceptional accent for your home & garden or a unique gift idea for someone special.