Artistic Uses of Recycled Glass

Class on "Becoming a Professional Artist"

2012-01-21T14:55:00.000-08:00

I am teaching a class again on "Becoming Professional Artist" for the Arlington Adult Education Program on January 26 and February 2th.

Learn what it takes to become a professional artist and the do's and don't of preparing your professional resume. We will discuss how to properly enter juried shows, art licensing, proposals for book, agents, art grants and avoiding art scams. Leave with a solid overview of potential opportunities and career tracks. Hours: 4.00

Click here for more details and to register.

Pantone Announces Tangerine Tango (Orange) as the Color of 2012

2011-12-20T18:42:00.000-08:00

I love the color orange and was happy to read that Tangerine Tango is Pantone's 2012 color of choice. What does this all mean? It means that you will likely see this color used (a lot) in everything from clothing to home decor to paint, etc. for the next several years.

Check out the story on the Pantone website.

Book Interview

2011-12-07T17:38:00.000-08:00

I did a book interview with a fellow college alum (Erin Schmidt) who writes for the South Bend, Indiana Examiner.

A link to the interview is here.

Thank you Erin!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T01:00:00.000-08:00

Two Chicago-Area Companies Go Green with Recycled Glass

2011-11-23T04:06:00.000-08:00

Nov 18th, 2011

By Editor
Category: Industry News

"Two Chicago firms have embraced eco-friendly design tactics by using recycled glass products in their interiors. Both the Dana Hotel and Spa and Thomas Interior Systems have recently installed flooring and countertop materials from Plano, Texas-based Glass Recycled, which creates environmentally-friendly floor and countertop materials from recycled glass and porcelain products."

"The Dana Hotel and Spa is a new boutique establishment, featuring 216 rooms. Glass Recycled’s flooring material was installed in the spa and lobby area. Thomas Interior Systems, noted as the original dealer for Herman Miller office furniture, features a custom-designed, curved reception desk made with a combination of red, grey, black and mirrored materials."

Read the full story here.

Cleaning Lady Damages $1.1 Million Artwork

2011-11-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

I have read about past similar incidents in other museums (which usually involved someone mistaking an installation work for trash and throwing it away) but this one was a little different. Apparently the cleaning lady attempted to clean some tan residue out of a rubber looking trough and......

Read the full story here.

You Can Now Google Search for Your Images

2011-10-12T18:00:00.000-07:00

Google finally has a useful way you can search for your images online. As artists, we are all concerned with potential misuse of images of our copyrighted artwork.

So, to do a google search for a specific image:

1.) Just click on the link below

http://www.google.com/imghp

2.) Next, click on the camera icon and then click on upload an image (from your computer).

I tried this with a few of my images and although the search pulled up several images, none were my images. Google image search analyzes patterns of pixels and colors in other photos so I found photos with similar colors only.

Art Scam of the Week

2011-10-10T12:24:00.000-07:00

Here is a recent email that I received below. This guy did not even bother trying to ascertain my name (which is in large letters across the webpage and in the webpage domain address as well). He saw my quote about Isamu Noguchi and stopped reading there. I have highlighted in red some of the tip offs that this is a scam.

Avoid people who do business this way.

-----------------
From: Eric Toczko eric@custommade.com
To: Isamu _ cacglass@aol.com.

Hi Isamu,

My name is Eric Toczko, and I work for CustomMade.com. I was just searching through Google for "custom glass" in VA and noticed that you've been making some really cool stuff.

We are a marketplace for North American design professionals. Every year we connect 3 million+ customers with talented specialists capable of creating their projects. It's been part of my job to find the best custom companies from VA and get them on board. Due to recent openings in your state, I'm offering the first 20 companies a $1 introductory offer to give us a test run.

The offer is open to anyone from VA that's interested, but after catching a glimpse of your work I think we would definitely like you to be in that first 20 ;).

Either way, I would love to hear from you. Keep up the great work!

Best, Eric

Eric Toczko

Business Development

CustomMade.com

p: 800.501.3121

First Annual Arlington Adult Education Juried Show

2011-10-09T05:46:00.000-07:00

I served as one of the jurors for the first annual Arlington Adult Education juried show. A $100 prize will be awarded to the best in show art work at the reception on October 27, 2011. The reception will be held from 6 pm to 9:00 pm at the Arlington Adult Education Center, Clarendon Education Center, 2801 Clarendon Blvd,Suite 306, Arlington, Virginia.

All selected artwork will also be featured on the Arlington Adult Education website during the exhibition period.
Click here to see the call for submissions.

The Offical Press Release for my Upcoming Book.

2011-10-05T16:16:00.000-07:00

Here is the Official Marketing Flyer for My Book--One Month Until the Release!

2011-09-28T17:06:00.000-07:00

Click on the Flyer below to view it.

More Art 101 Advice: Captions

2011-09-26T16:49:00.001-07:00

Whether you are entering juried shows, submitting your work for consideration for a book, or for any other art opportunities, you will be expected to understand basic captions for your art work. Most captions include the title of art work, your name, the medium, materials, size/dimensions and year.

I come across way too many artists who seem unclear on what a caption is. The title of the art work is what you name your painting, the name of your glass sculpture, etc. For example, you may title your painting of flowers "My Summer Garden" or your ceramic vessel may be called "Blue Horizons." The title is your personal choice. If you do not have a name for your art work, then call it "untitled." Name refers to your full name only. The medium refers to the type of art you create such as a photography, an oil painting, glass, ceramics, etc. When you are asked for the materials for your work, no one is seeking information on your "secret process." However, it is important to list the major materials such as steel, glass, and wood (for a sculpture for example) so the juror and/or audience can understand your work. While you may identify a piece of glass as recycled glass, it would be better to identify the type of glass used such as recycled window glass, recycled bottle glass, etc.

Size or dimensions refer to the size of the art work. For sculpture you should include height, width and depth (in the order specified) and in the unit of measurement requested in the rules (inches or in centimeters). Two dimensional work should include height and length/width. I come across a lot of photographers who become confused here and submit all types of odd numbers such as pixels, shutter speed, etc. A photographer should submit the size of the photograph he may print and sell the jpeg file in such as 8" x 10", etc.

Finally, the year does not mean the year and month and day that you submitted your work to the call for submissions. It refers to the date you created the work such as 2011, 2009, etc.

Received My Advance Copy of My Upcoming book!!!!

2011-09-20T16:00:00.000-07:00

Well now I can actually hold my book and finally seeing the finished product is amazing. The book should be in the publisher's warehouse in the next 6-8 weeks. The final countdown is starting!

9-11-01 Always Remember

2011-09-11T01:32:00.000-07:00

Recycled Glass Products at Anthropologie

2011-09-10T05:43:00.000-07:00

The hip chic store chain Anthropologie not only carries beautiful clothing but they have recycled glass products as well. The soda-lime mug below sells for $10.00 and come ins 3 shades of recycled glass colors. Click here to see more information on this mug.

Another Art Scam Email

2011-09-09T15:50:00.000-07:00

I always find these art scam emails rather sloppy but entertaining. Yes, Mr. and Mrs. Kito, I assure you I am treating your email with "good concern."

------------------------------------------------------------------
From:Endowment International Stores endowmentstores@hotmail.com

Hello there,

I want to buy some artworks from your company to my new store in Australia, I will like to know if you accept credit card and ship internationally as I have got new shops opening in other part of the world.

So please let me know if you can assist me with the order I will await your prompt response as soon as you receive this mail,I will be very glad if you treat this email with good concern...

You can reply back to ........ endowmentstores@hotmail.com

Love from,

Mr and Mrs Kito

September is Recycle Glass Month

2011-09-06T14:14:00.000-07:00

According to the Glass Packaging Institute's website:

"GPI's Recycle Glass Month 2011 will unite communities across the U.S. with glass container manufacturers, suppliers, and recyclers around local events to build awareness and boost glass bottle recycling. With 55 awareness activities in 20 states in 2010, Recycle Glass Week created buzz across the country that recycling glass bottles and jars has powerful environmental and energy saving benefits. Recycle Glass Month 2011 will be even bigger and better!"

"The Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) is the trade association representing the North American glass container industry. Through GPI, glass container manufacturers speak with one voice to advocate industry standards, promote sound environmental policies and educate packaging professionals."

Read the full press release for more details here.

Rotary Club Supports Glass Recycling Project

2011-09-03T15:19:00.000-07:00

Saturday, 03 September 2011 02:30 Caribarena News

Antigua St John's - The Rotary Club of Antigua Sundown is supporting a unique micro-enterprise project aimed at improving livelihoods while contributing to solid waste management. The “Beach Bottle Bead Project,” partly funded by the Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network - WIDECAST - will set up a micro-enterprise opportunity for those interested in creating unique craft from recycled glass bottles.

To initiate the project, 11 artisans were trained in the art of creating glass beads from trash glass such as wine and beer bottles and “beach glass”, broken glass bottles often left on the beach, which over time become eroded and smoothed out by the action of the waves. The artisans were also taught how to mount the beads to create unique jewellery pieces.

Through the “Beach Bottle Bead Project,” the artisans are provided with all the equipment necessary to set up and operate a bottle beads workshop and store, including torches, a kiln, and jewellery-making kits. The workshop, located at the Gilberts Agriculture and Rural Development Centre (GARDC), will be made available to the trained crafters at a reasonable fee so that they may continue to create the bottle beads jewellery.

Read the full story here.

Use Museum or Quake Wax to Secure Your Breakables

2011-08-27T05:47:00.000-07:00

Most artists who work with sculpture are aware of museum wax or quake wax as it is called on the west coast. I have had the same jar for years and only a little bit is needed for your breakables. The wax will not damage wood or other surfaces but it takes some effort to remove it. It can be used for your china as well. Just form a few ball sized pieces with the wax and set them equally spaced on the surface where the object will be, press the base of your object on it and twist lightly.

Click here to see a sample jar of museum wax.

Crushed Glass Paves Way to Better Roads in NSW Australia

2011-08-21T08:30:00.000-07:00

BY NATHALIE CRAIG
17 Aug, 2011 12:00 AM

In a first for regional NSW, glass crushed and processed at Tuncurry's new glass processing plant has been used on Great Lakes roads.

A total of 100 tonnes of glass was used at the two demonstration sites, an amount equivalent to more than 550.000 stubbies. One of the two demonstration sites is Hawks Nest's Tuloa Avenue as well as Glen Ora Road at Nabiac.

The recycled glass was used in the asphalt as a partial replacement of sand.

The processing plant is part of a regional strategy to provide a recycling solution for glass bottles and jars collected from Great Lakes, Taree City and Gloucester councils.

"It's about sourcing local markets and local materials," Great Lakes manager of waste, health and regulatory services John Cavanagh said.

The processing plant is funded by the Australian Food and Grocery Council's Packaging Stewardship Forum (PSF) and the company JR Richards and Sons.

It will recycle more than 4500 tonnes of glass collected through council kerbside recycling systems annually.

Read the full article here.

Trelawny Jamaica Residents Get Creative With Glass Beads

2011-08-16T19:44:00.000-07:00

FALMOUTH, Trelawny:

THE HEART Trust/NTA's Falmouth Vocational Training Centre (VTC) is equipping residents with skills to become entrepreneurs and to serve Trelawny's burgeoning tourism industry, recently offering a training programme in the old and beautiful art of glass bead making.

Approximately 18 persons from various communities in the parish recently completed a three-week course conducted by international expert, Professor Kudjo Owusu from Ghana, who has practised the art for some two decades.

Recycled glass bottles were crushed into fine powder, and the material used to create beads, mainly for jewellery. Participants were also taught how to make the clay moulds and kilns, which are necessities in the bead-making process.

The hope is that persons trained in the skill will start small businesses or boost existing ventures, by producing craft items that are unique and sustainable.

Participants in the glass bead-making course at the HEART Trust/NTA's Vocational Training Centre in Falmouth fill clay moulds with powdered glass to be placed in the kiln for the heating process. The three-week course was conducted by Professor Owusu.

Read the full article in The Gleaner here.

The Wall Street Journal Discusses Bottle Trees

2011-08-14T05:45:00.000-07:00

August 12, 2011

Bottle Trees Join Grand Tradition of Pink Flamingos, Garden Gnomes
The Blooming Things Are Good All Year, If You Like That Sort of Thing.
By GWENDOLYN BOUNDS

It's the ultimate in low-maintenance landscaping: a tree that blooms all year long, needs no water or pruning and never dies.

Sales of man-made "bottle trees" are flourishing among homeowners wanting something more interesting in the garden than a birdbath or gnome. Styles vary, but most trees are crafted from steel with branches capped by colorful empty bottles.

The trees have long been a fixture of rural Southern yards and in Caribbean island communities, where property owners commonly decorate real—but dead—trees with bottles.

The manufactured versions, which can be short or tall, are popping up everywhere from New York to Alaska. Many are hand-crafted by people who are into welding and are sold on websites such as thebottletreeman.com and bottletreecreations.com. Gardener's Supply Co. says bottle trees made in India are one of its top sellers in garden decor, a category that has been growing 15% annually, the company says.

"Bottle trees are the modern pink flamingo," says Felder Rushing, a garden author in Jackson, Miss., who is writing a book about the trees. "People are bored of the plantings we have. And you can only have so many naked goddess statues out there."

Bottle trees have their shortcomings. They can blow over if they aren't anchored well. And bottles must be positioned carefully on branches so they don't collect rain. And the trees aren't necessarily pest-resistant: "You'll get caterpillars going inside the bottles to make cocoons," says Jerry Swanson of Princeton, Wis., whose bottle trees are now standing in 34 states.

Read more of this very interesting article here.

ModRocks Recycled Glass Pebbles

2011-08-02T05:01:00.000-07:00

I came across these interesting clear recycled glass pebbles by ModRocks.

According to the website, "Consumer bottles are crushed into small pieces, tumbled and then mesh mounted onto 12" by 12" interlocking sheets. Average sheet thickness and individual chip size is approximately 1cm or 3/8" each."

"These are 100% post-consumer recycled glass, and since there is no melting involved, very little energy is used in the production process."

"The clear color plays well with whatever light source is available, and they pick up grout and surrounding colors beautifully. We show a few different images here of the same product. The large photo is the tile grouted with grey grout and there are two closeups of the product grouted with white and with grey."

For more information, visit the ModRocks website.

Recycled Glass Path at Trailside Museum in Illinois

2011-07-31T07:35:00.000-07:00

By Dan Woznica OakPark-River Forest Patch

A new 1,000-square-foot pathway at River Forest's Hal Tyrell Trailside Museum will be made almost entirely of crushed recycled glass. Representatives at the Forest Preserve District of Cook County say they intend for the trail to promote eco-friendly landscaping. Installation is underway.

“Here's a good use of material that could end up in a landfill,” Dave Kircher, chief landscape architect for the project, said. “The other side is, the permeable pavement.”

The new trail, composed of a porous material known as FilterPave, filters stormwater, so rain that falls onto the pavement trickles down through a mixture of specially processed glass and into the soil below. Along the way, pollutants in the water get trapped inside the pavement.

Some 90 glass bottles comprise one square foot of the pavement. The bottles can be of any color, but the Trailside path in River Forest itself will be light brown.

Kircher says the pavement's visual appeal is another of its perks: unlike concrete or asphalt, the path's light brown blends into the surrounding forest environment. And unlike woodchips, says Kircher, the trail is handicap-accessible and low-maintenance.

Click here to read the full article.

The Schiffer Books Fall 2011 Catalogue Has Been Released

2011-07-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

The upcoming book cover can be seen in the large photo on page 9. The fall catalogue can be downloaded from the Schiffer Books website by clicking here.

The book release date is a little more than three months away.

New Works from Kitengela Glass

2011-07-24T05:33:00.000-07:00

"Anselm Croze and the craftsmen at Kitengela Glass have been busy, and are back, showcasing new works from the plains of Kitengela."

"From giant chandeliers to curtain finials; walls of glass & steel to cupboard knobs - public and private, massive and mini, hand-crafted to order. New branding, new products, new ideas-all from recycled glass-and a new website, www.kitengela.com. "

"If you can't find time to visit the Kitengela Hot Glass studio (Kiserian) and experience first hand the talented artisans at work, check out the new website,you'll find a video of glassblowing Kenya-style to enjoy from the comfort of your computer. "

Kitengela Glass is located opposite the Nairobi National Park, at the end of a rough road.

Screen 2m Square, Blown & Casted Elements

Recycled Glass Balloon Vases

2011-07-11T13:40:00.000-07:00

Viva Terra has some organic looking recycled glass balloon vases for sale at $69 each. I like the lopsided appearance of these vessels.

Click here for more information.

Article on Recycled Glass Artist Jason Mack

2011-06-28T05:04:00.001-07:00

Bloomington glass blower shows work at CAC exhibit

By LESLIE RENKEN (lrenken@pjstar.com) of the Journal Star

Area residents pile discarded glass bottles around the Mack Glass sign at Jason Mack's warehouse studio in Bloomington.

This kind of collaboration is exactly what the sculptor wants from his fans.

Probably best-known in Bloomington-Normal for the shimmering glass Christmas tree he makes each year for the community, Mack, 28, likes to create his work with an audience watching. "Half the piece is people being there during the process and contributing, either by watching or by bringing in bottles," Mack said.

Mack works in post-consumer glass. As a cash-strapped sculptor recently-graduated from art school at Illinois State University, he decided to work in recycled glass because it was free. Using less expensive material gives him more opportunity for experimentation and allows him to work big.

What Mack didn't anticipate was how much time he would spend learning how to make the material work for him. Information on expansion and contraction that help an artist work in hot glass are readily available with new glass, not so when pulling beer bottles out of the recycle bin.

"It took me about a year of experimenting to get to the point where I could make the glass do what I wanted," Mack said. "Now I can make it flow like water or thick like molasses, depending on what kind of work I'm doing."

Click here to read the full story.

Green Recycled Glass Tumblers at Target

2011-06-25T05:10:00.000-07:00

I just noticed that Target has a set of 4 green recycled glass tumblers available for $19.99. I love it when recycled glass looks like its original green bottle source.

Click here to visit the Target website.

The Top 5 "Do's" of Art Licensing

2011-06-16T17:00:00.000-07:00

The ArtBistro website has a great article by one of the stars of licensing, Tara Reed.

Click here to go to Art Bistro

My upcoming book is now on Amazon.com

2011-06-14T22:00:00.000-07:00

The book can now be preordered from the Schiffer Publishing website (click here).

or at

Amazon.com (click here).

Honk Kong Launches Glass Recycling Program

2011-06-14T20:00:00.000-07:00

A 12-month pilot program on source separation of glass bottles was launched at six public rental housing estates in East Kowloon of Hong Kong on Saturday.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, Hong Kong's Secretary for the Environment Edward Yau said the government will further consider arrangements to promote glass recycling in the rest of Hong Kong after reviewing the result of the pilot project.

Recycling bins have been installed alongside the three existing colored waste separation bins in the lobbies or near the entrances of each residential block in the participating housing estates.

The bottles collected from the participating estates will be recycled into glass sand, replacing natural river sand in the production of paving blocks.

Click here to read the full story.

Old Fire Station in Pensacola, Florida to be Used for Recycling

2011-06-07T17:01:00.000-07:00

Article by Louis Cooper of the Pensacola News Journal (PNJ.com)

The old Milton Fire Station is going to be "recycled" into a recycling center.

The Milton City Council recently approved plans that will turn the site of the old fire house on Bruner Street into a place for citizens to drop off their recyclable materials and for the Santa Rosa Clean Community System to show off how recycled materials can be used.

On the south end of the parcel, there will be four recyclables receptacles where Milton residents may drop of their recyclable materials, according to John Tonkin, executive director of the Clean Community System

"The park on the north end will be a recycle innovation station," Tonkin said. "We have received a grant from UPS for $10,000 which will purchase recycled plastic benches, garbage cans and picnic tables. It will also include examples of our recycled glass in the landscape."

The UPS grant will also pay for a glass collection container which will allow citizens to segregate their glass by colors. That will build on a $102,800 grant from IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area. In 2010, the Clean Community System used that grant to buy a glass pulverizer to begin the glass recycling program that produces.

Segregating glass by color will allow the Clean Community System to meet customer demands for single-color glass gravel product, Tonkin said.

Click here to read the full article.

My Second Book: Flower Art---Call for Submissions

2011-05-30T13:50:00.000-07:00

Please see the attached link for submission information. The deadline for submissions is August 1, 2011.

http://flowerartists.blogspot.com/

A Sneak Peak at My Book on "Sculpture and Design with Recycled Glass."

2011-05-27T19:32:00.000-07:00

Click here to see the cover and read the book description. I love the book cover!

Ripple Glass of Kansas City, Missouri

2011-05-26T17:11:00.000-07:00

Ripple Glass LLC of Kansas City is on pace this year to supply Verallia North America with 2,000 tons of cullet (processed recycled glass) in a form ready for manufacturing. Verallia is a manufacturer of the ECO Series bottle. To date, 17 brewers have adopted the bottle, including the Boulevard Brewing Company. The ECO series bottle uses an average of 29 percent recycled glass to manufacture new glass containers for the beer, wine, food, beverage and spirits industries.

Ripple Glass launched in November 2009 as Kansas City’s first glass-crushing facility. In 2009, Kansas Citians threw away 150 million pounds of perfectly good glass. The company collects glass and crushes it into cullet, which Owens Corning Fiberglass Corp. buys and turns into fiberglass insulation.

The Boulevard Brewing Company, one of the area’s largest contributors of glass waste, has been working for years to find a way to recycle the 10 million bottles a year it adds to the waste stream.

Read the full article by James Dornbrook at the Kansas City Business Journal.

My Second Book is in the Works!

2011-05-22T05:09:00.000-07:00

More details to come including a call for artist submissions.

Fireclay "Crush" Recycled Glass Tiles

2011-05-18T05:30:00.000-07:00

"Fireclay Tile, a manufacturer of sturdy and aesthetic looking hand-made ceramic and glass tiles, has declared the availability of Crush, a 100% recycled glass tile entirely manufactured in the U.S."

"The tile is produced using recycled window glasses sourced within 20 miles from the production facility. The recycled glass tiles are suitable for both commercial and residential constructions and assist in obtaining LEED construction credits."

"The crush tiles manufactured locally with locally sourced materials saves on transport and fuel costs and costs less than those tiles that use outsourced production materials."

The tiles come in 40 colors, 2 finshes and 17 sizes and shapes.

Read the full article by Joel Scanlon at http://www.azobuild.com/news.asp?newsID=13941

Minnesota is Creating Jobs Using Recycled Glass

2011-05-13T16:46:00.000-07:00

Article by: DEE DePASS , Star Tribune Updated: May 1, 2011 - 5:10 PM

Water squirted and the grinders screeched Thursday as three workers at the Rust Brothers plant in Minneapolis guided diamond polishers over their handcrafted masterpieces: stunning glass countertops made from recycled windshields, soda bottles and window panes.

The tiny shop generates more than $500,000 in sales a year and diverts about 4,000 pounds of busted glass each month from landfills. It also creates jobs, buying tools from Park Industries in St. Cloud and colored glass chips and resins from recyclers in Minnesota, Illinois, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Utah.

The terrazzo-like slabs sell for $3,000 or more. Customers, which include architecture firms, Whole Foods and Microsoft, "like that they're keeping glass out of landfills," said Rust Brothers co-owner Jason Branson. It "has generated a renaissance in glass countertops."

Today Rust and other recycling manufacturers are generating an economic renaissance of sorts that's rippling across Minnesota. A recent survey by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) found that more factories are swapping "virgin ingredients" for recycled materials such as old bottles, newspapers, oil, carpets, cans, tires, shingles and the like. The rubbish is converted into attractive new products that sell for big bucks and create much-needed jobs.

Minnesota manufacturers consumed more than 2.5 million tons of recycled materials in 2010. In the process, they created 15,221 factory jobs and $1.96 billion in wages and salaries, according to the MPCA.
Factor in the economic impact from recycling suppliers, haulers and trickle-down consumer activity, and recycling manufacturers helped create an additional 21,760 jobs, the agency estimates.

Not just for tree huggers

Combined, raw-material processors and recycling manufacturers and product sales create an estimated $8.5 billion in gross economic activity to the state, which "is substantial," said Wayne Gjerde, the author of the report and MPCA recycling market development coordinator.

Recycling's not just for tree huggers but is a serious economic development tool, Gjerde said.

Among the recycling heavyweights: 3M Co.; Rock-Tenn Paper; Dotson Iron Castings; Dem-Con Cos., and Gerdau Ameristeel, which melts rusty old cars and curbside soup cans to create miles of construction rebar.

Recycled content has such potential that the Blue Green Alliance in Minnesota is urging President Obama to set targets that increase the national recycling rate for all materials and industries.

"It has a double benefit," said David Foster, the alliance's executive director. Recycling keeps junk out of landfills and puts people to work. The sources for savings range "from paper in offices to scrap metal in factories to even things like capturing and recycling waste energy in manufacturing," he said.

Consider St. Paul-based Viking Drill and Tool, Foster said. Viking recently started shipping drill bits to customers in shredded packaging made from cardboard boxes coming into the plant. It also invested in equipment that recycles factory lubricants. The new machine sifts out metal shards and dirt so the firm can reuse the oil in the plant.

"They saved money, reduced the number of big dumpsters going out of the plant each month from four to one and added workers" to operate the new equipment, Foster said.

That story is multiplied in various ways across the state, producing impressive results, Gjerde said. Still, companies can do more, he insists.

Minnesotans chucked 3.2 million tons of solid waste into landfills in 2009, according to the MPCA's analysis of county records. If just 1.1 million tons of that waste was processed, it could have gleaned an estimated $285.9 million in material sales and thousands more jobs for the state. "Instead, we actually spent $200 million to basically throw it away," Gjerde said. "That's miserable."

Green jobs growing.

Foster agreed there is more people can do. "Our current national recycling rate for solid waste is approximately 33 percent. Increasing that to 75 percent would create 1.1 million new jobs with over half of those in manufacturing."

Mark Phillips, Minnesota's new commissioner of the Department of Employment and Economic Development, said many people only think of "green jobs" as relating to work on biofuels or energy savings.
"But jobs are being added because of recycling efforts in manufacturing. These are things we should be encouraging," he recently told an audience at a conference at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute.

Phillips, who worked at Kraus Anderson construction until joining the department in February, said the firm is currently building a plant in Florida that will recycle car batteries from Minnesota and other states. Recovered metal plates, rubber, and acids will be reused in new batteries. "In the old days, batteries created big pollution," Phillips said. Now, "they are a huge green job [creators]."

Consider By-the-Yard. The Jordan, Minn., company melts tons of plastic from old milk jugs to fashion "lumber," Adirondack chairs, patio tables and park benches that are sold around the country and featured in home and garden shows.

Bedford Technology in Worthington, Minn., has been making plastic benches and playgrounds for 17 years. But four years ago, it started converting post-consumer plastic into thick, 24-foot boards. Today they are used to make commercial boat piers, pylons and ship bumpers in the Great Lakes, East Coast and Hawaii. The company's boards are also used in locks and dams in Louisiana.

The boards started as curbside recycled milk jugs, soap bottles and "anything else made with the No. 2 high-density polyethylene plastic," said CEO Brian Larsen.

"Every year we've had continued growth, even in the bad years of 2008 and 2009," he said. "There's a green movement going on and more people really want to use recycled products. Of course that falls right into our laps. We have added people."

Back in Minneapolis, at the Rust Brothers plant, Branson pointed out 48 white buckets lined up on industrial shelves, each holding 50 pounds of sparkling glass chips.

"For a couple of average kitchens we burn through 800 to 2,000 pounds of glass," he said. With four countertops freshly polished and ready for shipping, it was time to buy more glass.

Dee DePass • 612-673-7725

Click here to read the full article.

Bricks Made from Recycled Glass

2011-05-08T05:21:00.000-07:00

"Two engineering graduate students at the University of Washington have found a way to make bricks out of recycled glass that they say are stronger, lighter and better insulators than conventional building blocks."
Read the full story by Jonathan Hiskes at http://sustainableindustries.com/articles/2011/05/hed

A 100% Recycled Glass Tumbler at Starbucks

2011-05-07T15:19:00.000-07:00

The Starbucks store now carries a 16 oz. glass tumbler that you can use with your frappucinos or other cold drinks. The tumbler is manufactured in Spain and is made from 100% recycled glass.

And it is very reasonably priced at only $4.95.

For more information, click here.

Why Does Container Glass Come in Different Colors?

2011-05-03T19:00:00.000-07:00

The website http://www.earth911.com/ has an informative article as to why container glass comes in different colors.

"Color Significance"

"Have you ever wondered why beer usually comes in amber glass and wine is often in green glass?"

"Brown glass absorbs the most ultraviolet radiation, at wavelengths shorter than 450 nm (nanometers), so it offers the best protection from potentially damaging light. Beer, for instance, would be ruined by light absorption so you’ll usually find your favorite brew in a brown bottle."

"Green glass still has the light protection, but not as much and since liquids like wines and juices can be exposed to some light without ruining the flavors, they are often bottled in green glass."

"Clear glass is best suited for alcohol, water, sauces and foods that aren’t affected by light."

"All of these glasses are colored by the addition of oxides colorants to the forehearth, a brick lined canal that delivers glass to the forming machine of a flint glass furnace, during the manufacturing process."

"Iron, sulfur and carbon are added to make amber glass. Chrome oxide is used to create green glass; the higher the concentration, the darker green the glass will be. Blue glass, which was more popular in the 1920s, is created by adding cobalt oxide."

Click here to read the full story.

"Justice Has Been Done!"

2011-05-01T23:55:00.000-07:00

A Real Live Recycled Glass Book! But Not My Upcoming Book...

2011-04-28T17:01:00.000-07:00

The ever resourceful Utah artist Jodi McRaney Rusho shares her techniques on her website for creating a book made from recycled glass. These sculptures were created for the Utah Campus Compact recognition awards. Jodi is one of the recycled glass artists helping to move this medium forward by documenting and sharing her techniques and experiments on her website. Her website is a "must read" for any glass artist.

Great work Jodi!

My Solo Exhibit at the Lerner Building in Tyson's Corner

2011-04-25T05:27:00.000-07:00

My solo exhibit was installed this past Saturday. The exhibit is at the Lerner Corporate Building and runs to July 23, 2011. The building is located at 1800 Tyson's Blvd. in McLean, VA and is open from 9-5, M-F. A few photos are below.

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T05:27:00.000-07:00

Upcoming Exhibit by Artist Donald Kolberg

2011-04-20T17:01:00.000-07:00

Artist Donald Kolberg of Hahira, Georgia has two upcoming exhibitions and several recycled glass sculptures are featured in one of the exhibitions. The sculpture above is called "End of a Building." The exhibition is at the Albany Area Arts Council and runs the month of May. The reception is May 12 at 6 pm. For more information, call 229-439-2787.

Lampworked Recycled Glass Beads by Artist Cecilia Cohen

2011-04-15T05:15:00.001-07:00

I came across Cecilia Cohen's website through the LinkedIn network and really liked her lampworked recycled glass beads. Cecilia Cohen is a full time glass artist in Israel and sells her art through her studio, several internet sites (principally Etsy) and in art fairs around Israel. She also produces special-order stained glass, fused glass and lampwork including unique jewelry and windows for homes, businesses and synagogues.

Her website is at http://glassandlight.blogspot.com/

My Upcoming Solo Exhibition at the Lerner Corp. Building, McLean Virginia

2011-04-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

This is my most recent sculpture entitled "Inner Core" that will be be on display along with seven other recycled glass sculptures at the Lerner Corporation Building from April 23-July 23, 2010. This beautiful corporate space is located at 1800 Tyson's Blvd. in McLean, Virginia. "Inner Core" is comprised of kiln cast bottle glass (two colors: blue and green) and window glass and found brick and found rocks. The sculpture is 11.5 in. H x 6 in. L x 3 in. D.

Lerner Corporation, developer of The Corporate Office Centre at Tysons II, is hosting this exhibition as part of their ongoing Art in Public Spaces Program. The program presents museum quality art and creates a lively forum for creative expression in the sculptural arts. This exhibit was curated by Richard Suib who is the curator and principal coordinator for Lerner Corporation’s exhibitions program. The building is open from 9 am-5 pm M-F.

West Elm Recycled Glass Bud Vases

2011-04-09T05:03:00.000-07:00

West Elm has an interesting collection of recycled glass products. The photo above shows multiple tiny jewel tone recycled glass bud vases that are only 5.3 inches high and sell for a very affordable $6.00 each plus shipping. They also coordinate with West Elm’s Recycled-Glass Collection.

Click here for more information.

These 3 piece recycled glass vases stack to form one wine bottle for easy storage. They come in two sizes at 8 inches high ($14 plus shipping) or 12 inches high ($19 dollars plus shipping).

Click here for more information.

Missoula Montana Company to Make Recycled Glass and Concrete Blocks

2011-04-08T04:46:00.000-07:00

"Greencrete Products has spent more than 2-years researching and developing a way to use locally recycled glass in building products and is about to release the first materials to market."

"The company has purchased a special block machine which allows recycled glass compounds to be mixed with concrete, producing bricks that be used in retaining walls and similar projects. The glass can be mixed in different colors adding a designer touch to a brick that is both durable, and environmentally-friendly at the same time."

Click here to read the full story by Dennis Bragg (KPAX/KAJ Media Center)

Click here for the video.

Perhaps the Most Famous Recycled Glass Bottle in the World? The "I Dream of Jeannie" Bottle was Created from a Recycled Glass Bottle!

2011-04-07T16:13:00.000-07:00

by Donald Deane, posted Apr 7th 2011 2:00PM--www.tvsquad.com

"According to Barbara Eden, she's still in possession of the genie bottle from the legendary sitcom 'I Dream of Jeannie.' However, Eden said the bottle will soon be on its way to the Smithsonian and she revealed its humble origins on 'The Wendy Williams Show' (weekdays, syndicated)."

"I have the original bottle. It's at the bank in a vault. It was in [my] office for a long time and then people said, 'You know. That shouldn't be around. There's only one,'" said Eden. "So, I put it in the bank, but it's on its way to the Smithsonian."

"But, despite its iconic status, Eden revealed the prop started out as a decidedly commonplace liquor bottle. "It was a Jim Beam bottle," she said. "But, it was hand painted. That makes a difference.""

Click here to read the full story and watch the video.

Green Bottle Vases from Aid to Artisans

2011-04-06T04:35:00.001-07:00

Check out the Aid to Artisans website which sells beautiful green bottle recycled glass vases from Egypt. Aid to Artisans creates economic opportunities for artisan groups around the world where livelihoods, communities, and craft traditions are marginal or at risk.

Click here to see more information on the vases.

Gulfport Mississippi Now Recycles Glass

2011-04-04T05:23:00.000-07:00

Landscaping with Recycled Glass

2011-04-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

Here are three great Youtube videos showing the process of landscaping with recycled glass. I wish I had some for my yard!

All New Homes Required to be Constructed from 100% Recycled Glass by 2012!

2011-04-01T02:33:00.000-07:00

Click here for this exciting story.

Garnier Beauty Product Uses Recycled Glass Jars

2011-03-29T05:03:00.000-07:00

For its face care line, Garnier is using a range of glass jars developed by the German glass maker Gerresheimer. These glass jars contain 40% recycled glass. Garnier has a special source of recycled glass cullet that it adds to the non recycled glass in the manufacturing process.

Great job Garnier!!!

Click here to read the full story.

Upcoming Class on "Becoming a Professional Artist"

2011-03-27T17:19:00.000-07:00

Are you interested in learning what it takes to become a professional artist? Sign up for my two session class being held in the evenings on June 2 and June 9. This is a new offering by the Arlington Adult Education Program. The Adult Education Program offers an amazing variety of affordable classes from art to business to cooking to photography and many more.

I got my start as an artist by taking various art related classes through Arlington County.

Link to Spring and Summer 2011 Catalogue (scroll down to the PDF link)

Becoming a Professional Artist

Learn what it takes to become a professional artist and
the do’s and don’ts of preparing your professional resume.
We will discuss how to properly enter juried art shows,
art licensing, proposals for books, agents, art grants and
avoiding art scams. Leave with a solid overview of potential
opportunities and career tracks.

$45 Arl. Res. $40 Arl. Sr. $55 Non-Res. $45 Non-Res. Sr.

FA-255 Clarendon Ctr. 308 6/2 Th 7:00p 2–2 hr

Lumicor

2011-03-27T05:37:00.000-07:00

Lumicor, Inc., of Renton, Washington creates amazing recycled glass panels using resin and recycled glass. Their recycled glass panels are embedded with glass aggregate that is 98%-100% recycled post-industrial content or post-consumer content. Each panel contains glass aggregate that comes from crushed bottles, plates, windows, and other recycled glass products. Twelve patterns and colors from "Mixed Bottles" to Ruby to Sunstone and more are available.

A Visit to Home Depot to Buy Materials for Art Risers

2011-03-26T14:28:00.000-07:00

I needed to make three five to six inch high art risers or blocks for my smaller sculptures for an upcoming solo exhibit (more details on this event later). I arrived at Home Depot early this morning and had a lot of helpful assistance. An employee located a large $20 sheet of thick plywood and quickly cut about 24 pieces (7-8 for each riser) to size. I stacked and glued (used wood glue) the cut pieces on top of each other and primed and painted them white today. Everything came to about $40.

Back in Style: Bottle Trees

2011-03-18T18:03:00.000-07:00

I think I subscribe to every plant and garden catalogue in existence but I was surprised to see a metal bottle tree frame for sale in The Gardener's Supply Catalogue. You can purchase it with an optional metal sunflower topper as well.

After you insert the four pronged stand into the ground, all you have to do is place empty bottles onto the metal rods. The tree holds up to 16 bottles. There are already 186 reviews of this popular product and, of course, comments on how great blue bottles look on the tree.

A point to note if you want to use red bottles: The color may simply be sprayed onto the bottle and it may turn into a less attractive color over time. If you look at the tip of a commercially available red bottle (bottled water, etc.) and observe the color fading out and some clear glass, this means the food safe red color was sprayed onto the bottle and it will not last. In order to manufacture a true red glass, expensive chemicals are needed which would in turn make the glass bottle too cost prohibiitve for everyday products like bottled water.

I am ordering my $29.95 bottle tree now!

Pendant Lights in Recycled Glass

2011-03-14T07:30:00.000-07:00

Emmohome.com carries cast recycled glass pendant lights that are receiving a lot of attention. The blue or green hues of recycled glass always seem to fit so well with colors that are trending now.

For more information on these lights, click here.

A Skull Made from Beer Bottles

2011-03-13T05:51:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite websites, GreenDiary.com, has an interesting story on a skull made from beer bottles.

"Mexican artist Andres Basurto has created a new art that just needs old beer bottles and epoxy resin to create skull glass sculptures that have a ghoulish and macabre undertone to the pieces. Andres Basurto is a well-known artist and is particularly known for his sculpting abilities, but this time he has chosen a different element for creating a striking glass skull from booze bottles that we would perhaps throw away."

Read the full story here.

A Surprising Collection of Recycled Art

2011-03-11T15:47:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not, Ripleys Believe It or Not! has locations in Orlando and St. Augustine, Florida with a vast collection of excellent recycled materials artwork. Much of this art would be at home in art galleries or museums. However, it is interesting (or sad?) that using recycled materials is still considered so outside of the "mainstream" art world, it is viewed as an "oddity."

In the collection, you can view a beautiful golden yellow dress made from M&M wrappers (click here to view the dress) or a 3D sculpture of Leonardo Da Vinci (click here) made from multiple glass panels.

Who's Who Scams Targeted at Artists

2011-03-05T05:17:00.000-08:00

I happened to come across a discussion on Linkedin where several artists were taken advantage of by a "Who's Who" scam targeted towards artists. While there are some legitimate types of Who's Who books, many are scams and simply exist to obtain your personal and credit card information. In particular, if you google "Cambridge Who's Who", you will find a great degree of negative press on it. The website scam.com has a number of interesting posts on this topic as well.

With all the online discussion groups available for artists on the internet, from Linkedin to Facebook groups, all artists should research any "opportunity" offered to them. I know it is understandable to be flattered in being approached but scammers count on you letting your guard down in these instances. I have found that most artists are very willing to share their positive and negative experiences on any art topic.

So, the bottom line is, Ask Questions and Do Your Research First.

Aurora Glass and St. Vincent de Paul's Strategic Recycling Initiative

2011-03-04T04:38:00.000-08:00

About the Aurora Glass Foundry

"There was a small mountain of glass growing off I-5 near Portland and it needed to go somewhere... it was destined for the land fill. St. Vincent de Paul of Lane County took note, and from that the Aurora Glass Foundry was born. Since then Aurora Glass has become an innovative resource for the community, recycling old windows and other waste glass previously without a recycling avenue. Proceeds fund St. Vincent de Paul's charitable endeavors in Lane County, Oregon."

"Aurora Glass is part of St. Vincent de Paul's strategic recycling initiative for a healthier community. We manufacture our popular line of products for wholesale and retail sale, as well as creating custom works large and small. All profits from Aurora are returned to the community in the form of assistance for homeless and low-income people through emergency services, housing, jobs, training, and other charitable endeavors."

The Process
"Recycled glass is collected, crushed, washed and mixed with metallic oxides that will produce rich colors when melted. Once the furnace is loaded with 500 pounds of the crushed glass, the "batch" is transformed into a glowing liquid and "cooked" at 2300 degrees over night. Our Artisans form the molten glass into architectural and decorative works of art for your home; unique items created exclusively by hand casting and the use of molds and stamps. Creating treasure from yesterday's trash is a beautiful thing, and we are proud to make products of simple beauty that also help reduce landfill waste in our community."

Check out their beautiful products by clicking here.

So What Price is Recycled Glass Cullet Selling For?

2011-03-02T05:07:00.000-08:00

"Recycling glass is a challenge in Montana, but Headwaters Cooperative Recycling ‑ with help from the state and participating local governments ‑ has managed to make a go of it. And that’s a positive for all involved."

"The Cooperative’s mobile glass pulverizer is currently at the Butte‑Silver Bow landfill turning 600 tons of stockpiled glass into pulverized granules called cullet." "With the sharp edges removed, cullet can be put to a number of uses. Cullet has been successfully used as an alternative to gravel and sand in landscaping, walking paths, pipe bedding, septic sand filter systems, as aggregate in cement walls, blocks, and paving stones, and in road base. Its uses are only limited by our imaginations!"

Prices listed on the website are as follows:

3/8 inch glass cullet- $22.00/Yd or $17.00/Ton

Glass Sand – $21.35/Yd or $15.25/Ton

Cost per Pickup load- $15.00

Bulk price discount for orders of 100 tons or more 3/8 inch glass cullet $21.00/Yd or $15.00/Ton.

Glass cullet and sand is for sale in Butte by calling Headwaters at 406-443-3101 or emailing them at themanager@headwatersrecycle.com

For more information, click here.

Great job Headwaters Cooperative Recycling!!!

Video on Crushing Glass Bottles

2011-02-28T16:04:00.000-08:00

I wish I had one of these machines!

What Country is #1 in Glass Recycling?

2011-02-21T09:04:00.000-08:00

BRUSSELS – Despite its complicated rules, Belgium topped the European rankings for its success in recycling glass. According to a new study by FEVE, the European Container Glass Federation, Belgium recycled 96.34% of its glass containers in 2009.

The Netherlands (91.80%), Sweden (90.36%), Austria (90.29%) and Denmark ( 88%) all received high marks from FEVE, which reminds the world that the use of recycled glass in production processes reduces society's dependence on raw materials, energy consumption – and lowers CO2 emissions.

The European average was 67%. Greece came in last place, recycling only 15%.

(*Less than a third of glass is recycled in the United States).

Click here to read the article at l'anglophone.com

Recycled Glass Carafe from skinnyskinny

2011-02-18T05:05:00.000-08:00

There was something about the shape of this recycled glass carafe that caught my attention. And it is 99% recycled glass! It is only $30 plus shipping and is available from the organic and eco-friendly store skinnyskinny.

Click here for more information.

WWF Building in Moscow Will Use Recycled Glass Insulation

2011-02-17T05:04:00.000-08:00

The World Wildlife Fund is planning to turn its central Moscow headquarters into a showcase for "green construction" and they are going to use recycled glass insulation.

WWF Unveils Eco Office Plans

16 February 2011

By Roland Oliphant

The 2.5 million euro ($3.4 million) renovation will see the three-story 19th-century house in Moscow's Taganka district encased in a glass and wood facade, fitted with solar panels and stuffed with insulation made of recycled glass to make it what companies are calling the capital's first "eco house."

"We're hoping to get experimental status for this project and, based on that, see what regulations need to be changed to make sure this experiment becomes normal practice," said WWF Russia director Igor Chestin at a kickoff ceremony at the French Embassy.

Click here to read the full story.

Thanks for all the Blog Support and for the Website Hits from Around the World!!!

2011-02-16T05:05:00.000-08:00

I wanted to post a note of thanks to all the hundreds of educational institutions that have been coming across internal educational links to my recycled glass blog and taken the time to visit my blog. And the many notes of congratulations for my work in recycled glass and upcoming book have been a great highlight over a very hectic past year.

I am glad you all are enjoying this blog and was pleasantly surprised to learn it was being referred to as an educational resource on this important topic! In particular, US, UK and Canadian grade schools, middle schools, high schools and colleges from Harvard to the University of California to the University of Edinburgh and even the NY Fashion Institute routinely visit my blog (and artist website).

Again, thank you all!

Pantone Releases Color Trends for Fall 2011

2011-02-15T05:06:00.000-08:00

Fall 2011−The Art of Color

Sensible and Spirited

"Taking cues from the great masters, sepia tones of old Hollywood, Chinese opera, cityscapes and countryside, designers are paying close attention totexture, contrast and color for fall 2011 – pairing menswear with feminine twists, warm prints with cool metals, incorporating both old and new influences, and creating an intriguing balance between colors."

“Designers take a painterly approach to fall 2011 by artfully combining bright colors with staple neutrals, reminiscent of how an artist would construct a stunning work of art,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Much like a painter's masterpiece, there is a certain romance to this season's palette.”

Click here for more information.

Recycled Glass Terrariums

2011-02-13T20:30:00.000-08:00

I remember in the late 1970's having a large floor terrarium with a hard white plastic support base and a clear removable acrylic dome top. Now terrariums are trendy again and the amorphous shaped recycled glass bubble ones below are beautiful.

Check them out here.

So You Want to Write a Novel?

2011-02-13T16:10:00.000-08:00

Artiquea Art Gallery and Recycled Glass Grape Lights

2011-02-05T06:18:00.000-08:00

Artiquea Gallery in London was established in 2008 by E. Darwich, previously a UN employee, who developed a growing fascination for art over the years of her career. The gallery's goal is to introduce Arab and Middle Eastern artists to the artistic mainstream in the UK and Europe in an effort to create a bridge between different cultures.

The gallery has a line of beautiful recycled glass grape lights. "Glass bottles are collected from all over the city and separated according to colour; after being smashed and washed, the fragments are melted down. In order to conserve purity, no more than one colour can be worked at the same time. The artisans labour around the clock as the furnace is never allowed to die down."

"They blow grapes and vases, mould spiral discs and bulbous glasses: they can make anything to order. The skills are difficult, the glass is delicate and not many people outside Syria know of these wonderful resources."

Click here to visit their website.

Visit 17 Top Museums Virtually Thanks to Google

2011-02-01T05:40:00.000-08:00

Google today announced its Art Project, which lets users tour 17 of the world's top art museums -- virtually.

Using Google's Street View technology, art lovers can digitally roam the halls of New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Tate Britain of London, or any of the additional 15 museums listed below.

Panoramic views let users explore the museums without leaving their home and high-resolution images of more than 1,000 masterpieces make it possible to zoom in to study the details.

The available virtual tours are for the following museums:

The Frick Collection New York City

Freer Gallery of Art, Smithsonian Washington, DC

Rijksmuseum Amsterdam

Museum Kampa Prague

Palace of Versailles Versailles

Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam

Museo Reina Sofia Madrid

MoMA, The Museum of Modern Art New York City

Museo Thyssen - Bornemisza Madrid

Tate Britain London

Gemäldegalerie Berlin

The Metropolitan Museum of Art New York City

Alte Nationalgalerie Berlin

The State Tretyakov Gallery Moscow

Uffizi Gallery Florence

National Gallery London

The State Hermitage Museum St. Petersburg

Glittering Recycled Glass Roads in Helena, Montana

2011-02-01T05:15:00.000-08:00

By Melissa Anderson

"The City of Helena street maintenance department has decided to go green when it comes to sanding their roads, and that includes taking care of what to do with recycled glass and will save a little bit of money."

"Helena Streets superintendent Ben Sautter said, "It's an approved use through DEQ and we've had a pile accumulating, no good place for the pulverized glass to go in a large quantity, so we just decided it was time to give it a try in the sand and see how it worked this winter.""

Click here to watch the video.

Click here to read the full article.

Wolf Art Glass: Recycled Glass Ring Stand

2011-01-29T06:10:00.000-08:00

Wolf Art Glass of Austin, Texas has an amazing deal on Esty for a recycled glass ring stand. The cost is only $15 plus shipping. I also love it when recycled glass artists include photos of the original glass as you can see below.

Click here for more details.

Recycled Glass for Bartops, Worktops, etc. by Recycled Glass Innovation

2011-01-24T06:02:00.000-08:00

The company Recycled Glass Innovation, in Wheldrake, York, UK, has an exciting line of recycled glass designs for use in bartops, worktops, tiles and architectural glass. One of my favorite designs is below.
Visit their website for more information.

How to Create a Wine Bottle Chandelier

2011-01-22T05:08:00.000-08:00

In a Special to The Oregonian article by Shannon Quimby, she shared the step-by-step instructions on how to create a beautiful recycled wine bottle chandelier.

Photo: OregonLive.com

Click here for the instructions.

Pawn Stars: The Infamous Glass Sword Episode

2011-01-21T05:11:00.000-08:00

I have been out of the TV loop for the past year or more and just became addicted to the Pawn Stars show recently. There is an episode where this guy brings in a fused glass sword that he made and says it took him THREE YEARS (???!) to create it. The sword appears to be about 1/4 of an inch thick or so and maybe 36 inches long with a few strips of clear backed dichroic strips fused onto it.

This sword could easily have been created in a weekend and probably without a mold since it is not thick. It was probably the worst use of glass I have ever seen and the reaction of the shop owner is priceless.

You can find a video clip on youtube. I am not posting a link here since someone did some "creative editing" to the original episode on youtube and inserted a few seconds of non-family friendly comments into the video.

Recycled Glass Soda Bottles for Dish Soap, Oil, and Vinegar

2011-01-20T05:16:00.000-08:00

I found a story on these vintage soda bottles, recycled by Monika into easy-pour bottles for her oil and vinegar. So why not get rid of your unattractive soap, oil and vinegar plastic bottles and instead use interesting recycled glass bottles?

Click here to read more.

What is Expected to Trend in 2011?

2011-01-19T05:38:00.000-08:00

As artists, it is important to be aware of trends and to try to capitalize on those trends if our art happens to be a good "fit." After reseaching the expected trends, there seems to be consensus that the demand for "green" products will continue to grow. The article below also mentions an interest in one-of-a-kind items vs. mass produced items.

Click here to read the full article.

The Historic City of Exeter in Devon England Recycles ALL Their Glass

2011-01-18T05:22:00.000-08:00

162,000 tonnes of glass recycled in Exeter after Christmas celebrations

By Anne Byrne

We may be in a recession, fuel prices may be going through the roof, and Exeter may have had its worst snowfall for more than 20 years, but on the evidence of the bottles gathered from city bottle banks, we all had a very merry Christmas.

Exeter's recycling officers, who are used to seeing bottles pile up week after week, said they had never seen anything like it.

A year ago, between December 29, 2009 and January 13, 2010 the bottle banks took deposits of 146,000 tonnes of glass. Over the same period this year, 162,000 tonnes were deposited.

And all of Exeter's recycled glass stays in this country – the green glass goes to Cwmbran in South Wales to be made into fibreglass while the clear and brown is sent to Kirby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, for re-processing.

Click here to read the full article.

New Recycled Glass Pendants from Mira Woodworth

2011-01-17T05:01:00.000-08:00

Feel like doing some online shopping since you may be off of work today? Dreaming of spring colors yet to arrive? Glass artist Mira Woodworth has created new pendants using window glass and pigments. Each one is mounted in a silver plated pendant tray and comes ready to wear.

They are a bargain at only $65 each.

Click here to visit Mira's Etsy shop.

Honeysuckle Pink: Pantone 2011 Color of the Year

2011-01-16T06:22:00.000-08:00

"While the 2010 color of the year, PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise, served as an escape for many, "Honeysuckle emboldens us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor. A dynamic reddish pink, Honeysuckle is encouraging and uplifting. It elevates our psyche beyond escape, instilling the confidence, courage and spirit to meet the exhaustive challenges that have become part of everyday life."

"In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going – perfect to ward off the blues,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Honeysuckle derives its positive qualities from a powerful bond to its mother color red, the most physical, viscerally alive hue in the spectrum.”"

Click here to read more.

Recycled Bottle Glass Coat Rack at Uncommon Goods

2011-01-15T06:03:00.000-08:00

Uncommon Goods offers a variety of unique home and garden items manufactured from around the world. This coat rack made from recycled bottle glass is very innovative.

Click here for more information on the item.

Marble King and Recycled Glass Marbles

2011-01-14T05:11:00.000-08:00

Marble King manufactures almost 1 million marbles each day in Paden City, West Virginia. The company's marbles have been known for their high quality standards for more than 60 years.

But did you know that most of Marble King's marbles are made using recycled glass from West Virginia glass factories, such as scrap glass from Fenton, that would otherwise find its home in a landfill?

Marble King is also the corporate sponsor of The National Marbles Tournament held each June in Wildwood, N.J. They are also the first toymaker to receive the "Made in the USA" certification.

You can read more info on this certification by clicking here.

Curbside Glass Recycling Comes to Flagstaff, Arizona

2011-01-13T05:16:00.000-08:00

A private company called "Curbside Glass" has decided to offer a pick up curb service for glass bottles. Curbside Glass currently offers several tiers of service, from a once-a-month glass pick-up for $3.99 to a weekly service for $12.95. In addition, the city's once-a-month service will cost $3.55 a month once it gets started later this spring. City officials said the crushed glass will come into larger demand four to eight years from now when the glass will be used as a lining as the city landfill grows.

The sizes of the containers used by the two competing services are very distinct. The city will issue 47-gallon blue containers similar to current city trash bins while the Curbside Glass uses 5-gallon buckets.
The two services will compete against each other this spring, with the city expected to begin offering the service in March.

Click here to read the full story.

Recycled Bottle Glass Cabinet Knobs

2011-01-12T05:04:00.000-08:00

If you do not have a large kiln for sculpture casting, creating recycled glass cabinet and drawer knobs can be an area to explore. The hardware can be ordered from various sources online and glued with E6000 (or another glue).

Click here to view more info on the finished items at Viva Terra.

Kenya’s Kitengela Glass; Creating A Business Out Of Recycled Glass

2011-01-09T13:53:00.000-08:00

"Kitengela Glass is located opposite the Nairobi National Park, at the end of a rough road. Despite this, the constant stream of visitors from all over the world never stops. The magical ambience of the place is peppered with sculptures, animals and secret mosaic pathways which lead to niches of busy artisans all transforming recycled glass and scraps of other materials into beautiful artworks, jewellery and home ware."

Click here to watch the CNN video.

Tips For Experienced Artists Who Would Like to Author Art Books

2011-01-09T07:26:00.000-08:00

I thought I would share some personal tips and strategies that were helpful to me in getting my first book contract.

Know the book you want to write and target the publisher who publishes that type of book. I think we all have had friends and acquaintances who will tell you how they just received their 10th manuscript rejection and now are going to send it to "next ten" publishers on their list. Taking shots in the dark like this are not likely to get you a book deal. You should do a massive amount of research and familiarize yourself with the publishers who do the type of book you wish to write. For example, if a publisher only does art books on Monet and Picasso and they do not do "how to" art books, look elsewhere. I easily spent 40 hours on my upfront research and at the end of the process, I was familiar with the genres/types of books from more than 20 publishers and I knew the ones who were the best fit for the specific kind of book I wanted to write.

When you have narrowed down your list to the two or three publishers on point with your book topic, you still need to do more research. If you want to write a book on "19th Century Stoneware", you should familiarize yourself with any and all previous books on the topic of ceramics and stoneware. Googlebooks and Amazon will provide you the titles of such books. Then, you will have to distinguish in your book proposal how your book will be different than other similar ones on the market. Don't hesitate to flip through books on point or close to your topic. You may be able to check out these books for the library or flip through them at bookstores. If there are books on your exact topic, I would advise you to carefully review these books.

Follow the publisher's submission process for your book exactly! This information should be on their website. If they do not accept direct submissions from would be authors, get an agent. Also be sure to first google the publisher to make certain they are not a vanity publisher. You should not be spending a dime in this process beyond the cost of mailing your manuscript and a few other incidental costs.

And finally, one of the hottest growing areas in the publishing industry are books by niche publishers. These niche publishers have ready made audiences who have strong commitments to and knowledge of certain topics. These audiences are always eagerly awaiting new well written books on their favorite subjects.

A Recycled Glass Head?

2011-01-07T05:37:00.000-08:00

Pier 1 Imports has a recycled glass head for $19.95. For some reason it reminds me of a piggy bank.

Click here to see more info on this item.

Sculptural Recycled Glass Tiles: Tsunami Glass

2011-01-06T05:20:00.000-08:00

Tsunami Glass of Windsor, Ontario, Canada has a new twist on glass tiles and creates sculptural 3-D green wall panels.

Click here to visit their website.

Are You Dreaming of Your Spring and Summer Garden?

2011-01-04T05:09:00.000-08:00

Now that the seed and plant catalogues have begun to arrive, I am sure many of us are dreaming of our 2011 gardens. The video below shows how someone created a cold frame using a recycled window.

Oceanside GlassTile and Recycled Glass Tile

2011-01-03T05:07:00.000-08:00

Oceanside Glasstile in Oceanside, California makes some of the most beautiful glass tiles available. In the video below, they show some of their recycled glass tiles.

Happy New Year 2011

2011-01-01T05:30:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the All Fairlington Bulletin for the Nice Article on my Park Sculptures

2010-12-31T12:04:00.000-08:00

New Year 2011 Resolutions for Artists

2010-12-31T05:04:00.000-08:00

It's time to set your artist goals for 2011! Some things to keep in mind when setting goals:

1.) If something has not been working for you, don't be afraid to say "bye bye."

2.) Keep multiple lines of opportunities open while you always continue to explore what is new on the horizon.

3.) Take a class in your medium or outside of your specialty if you have not taken one for a while.

4.) Know you medium and the level of work that is out there. For example, if you are a photographer, spend at least 2 hours a month looking at other photography work and not just from the iconic photographers. Know what distinguishes a poor photo from an average photo or an average photo from a great photo.

5.) Maintain integrity in yourself and your art work.

6.) If you have provided others art opportunities and/or advice and it has not been reciprocated and/or appreciated, remember that next time.

7.) It is great to be supportive of others work but you are your number one client. I have had several new artists ask me about forming "alliances" for promotion and I assume they mean informal agreements. While informal personal alliances (I promise to tell everyone you are a great artist and promote your work as long as you ALWAYS say the same thing about me for every breath I take) may help beginning artists, they can be risky and difficult to manage. Often long term they typically tend to profit the more experienced "top dog" (or two) in the group who has the balance of power. Never aim to ride anyone's coattails.

8.) Don't play counselor to wannabe artists who tell you they do not want to work hard or learn things the right way.

9.) I am not a big fan of art sites that recommend you establish fixed numerical goals such as "contact ten art consultants in a month". If you contact one and get a "no" response, pursue a different opportunity in another direction for a few months (i.e. another juried show) vs. a robotic mentality of "next."

10.) If you are having success, you are bound to receive an occasional catty comment. Ignore the trolls. It just confirms you are doing well.