Glass Stock 2009 DEMO info thread
 

Greetings!
I just wanted to start this thread for all those people going
to Glass Stock for the first time. If you are anything like all of
us who have been there before you, you are probably scared out
of your wits about doing the dreaded "Demo!!!!".

That's what this thread is about. For newbies to ask questions,
for old farts like us to tell you what we did and how it went, and to
answer your questions.

Here is the info straight from the acceptance letter:

Questions? Fears? Concerns? Want to tell us what your demo will be and
get feedback on it?

Go right ahead.....

I will tell you my experience.

First year, I demoed how to make a byzantium chain mail bracelet.
It took about an hour, and I had about 6 people watching me.
Since it was after dinner, we were all pretty mellow and
while it wasn't perfect, it went pretty well. It wasn't a class,
just showing them the basics. We had a great time.

Second year I demoed how to make a sculptural rose.
While my demo was absolutely perfect, I was scheduled
at the same time one of the BIG artists were doing their demo.
So I had what could amount to a "pity crowd" (eg: my buddy
Patty :lol:).

Oh, and I burned the crap out of my finger picking up the wrong end of
the rod during my demo.

Anyone else want to share?

I can't think of anything that I could teach that someone else does not know how to do. I had thought of doing viking knit but SOMEONE :lol:is teaching that as a class. I am scared shitless.

What a great idea
 

Karen, this thread is a great idea!!

I think what I worry about most is doing something so many have done before that everyone is bored to death - but then, if I'm lucky and have someone well known doing a demo at the same time (like you did) it won't be a problem :smile:

Did you just donate what you demo'd or did you add some other "stuff" to your donation?

I do have another question, since you've been so nice and are trying to help us - what about the "donations" for the suppliers? If we do mostly beads, do we need to do several for each donation, or does it need to be made into jewelry???

Thanks, Melody

:lol: I'M that someone. I'm teaching viking knit, but if that's what you
feel comfortable demonstrating, then go RIGHT ahead! It's really ok - because
your demo is only 20 min or so long, so you'll just be showing people the
basic steps. They won't really be able to DO it. My class will be several hours
long and they will all be participating. So you see, it's really night and day.
It like the difference between a commercial for Bowflex, and actually having
it in your home and working out with it :grin: clear as mud?



There are everyone from pros to solid newbies here. You might THINK that
showing how to make a square bead, or a nice twistie is overdone, but I
guarantee you that there will be people there that have never pulled a
stringer before (or are looking for a new way to do it). Don't undersell
yourself.

Also, we are all REALLY a bunch of freaking cheerleaders. As much fun as it
is to watch, say, Kimberly make a seahorse bead, it's also a lot of fun
watching someone who is really new show us how THEY make a simple
bead. We've ALL been there - and it's an honor to let us watch your
method for laying down nice dots, or making a raised flower bead.
Even little things, like "your secret for making lots of beads the
same size" are great!


We all donate beads. You can go the extra mile and try and use the glass
from the mfg (like Glass Alchemy, CIM, anyone else participating), but mostly
the mfg are really glad to get beads from us for their personal collections.
Don't overstress about it. Just pick out some really pretty ones that you
like and make sure you have all the info (your name, your info, the type of glass used). Easy peasy.

I will add that - the items you donate to the raffles (if you are going to do
that) - you should do what your specialty is. If you like to make stringers, you can donate a handful of twisties. I like to make pendants, and this year
I have a collaborative piece (although he doesn't know it yet :wink:). People donate everything from fused items to overnight stays at their condos. If you
make potholders or aprons - then heck, pick up some flame fabric and sew away! Also if you make oils and lotions, donate a basket!

Hi karen, I might have to pick your brains during a break some time if you are willing... I know how to do viking knit, so wont apply for that class, but I've never finished it off properly using a proper clasp or cone - Id love to see how you do that part.

Its nice to hear so many people saying not to stress about the demo. Being a teacher, Im not really phased by the actual demonstration part, more by having something worthwhile to show. So, I figure Ill just do something I'm good at, and hope it is of interest to someone. :)

Karen, you old fart...you are AWESOME! I owe ya a nice chocolate something for quelching the fears in a thread just for demos!!!! I love you hardymama!
deb ;)

So this may change if some other inspiration strikes, but as of now I'm thinking about demo-ing how to get R215 (gold brown) dots to spread, halo and reduce on a white bead -- pretty fool proof but one of my favorite effects. Sound good or is it something that everyone already knows how to do?

Sounds cool to me. Im thinking I might just demo a complicated masked dot bead - they are my favourite style, no tricks to them, but the detail is pretty funky. But its 5 months away, who knows how many times I might change my mind, lol.

That sounds like a great idea! It may be fool proof for YOU, but I'm
sure there are lots of others that will benefit.

I'm thinking I might demo how to make my birdie vessel stoppers. They are fairly quick to make and I love seeing them come alive n the torch.

Besides it's really the only thing I can think of to demo that wont make me nervous cuz I really suck at making beads! :lol:

If you click on the link in my signature you'll see what I am talking about.

What do ya'll think?

Your birdie vessel stoppers are cool! I'd love to see you make one. I love masked dot beads, too, and would love to see different ways of making them. This is going to be so fun!

OMG, my email service server has been on the blink and I just got the email this morning.
I have decided that after 4 years, I suck at making beads too. I love making my little floral beader glass pincushions and lately I have been putting out the buttons like crazy. I lOVE making buttons.
Do you think that anyone will be interested in these demos???

WildBird

I'm new to torching but do a decent job with bead weaving (herringbone, peyote etc) do you think there would be an interest in that? Of course I would incorporate lampwork beads with it. :)

Yes! Yes! Yes!

There will be someone interested in ANY demo you want to do!
I'm telling you that no matter what you do, it will be fine.
Even if you just want to show your technique of making a nice round bead.
The next best thing to melting glass, is watching someone else melt glass!

Since everyone has to do a demo, everyone is in the same boat and
wants you to succeed! I've never met such a group of friendly and
supportive people! This is a "no stress allowed" environment!

I'm happy to stay by anyone who is nervous and be a cheerleader!
But do not ask me to wear the outfit... not pretty :p

.

Just wanted to chime in and repeat what Patty and Karen have said - this is such a supportive, caring group of people that you really won't feel nervous at all once you start your demo. And you don't even have to ask if anyone would be interested - everybody is interested and will support you.

Don't worry if you're a beginner or if there's a class or if you feel like it's something everyone already knows how to do. It doesn't matter!!! Last year was my first GS. I worried and got all anxious and nervous about the demo and frankly, I could have used the energy for something else. I demo'ed a fish bead (yep, that's right - the master of fish beads herself, Deb Crowley was teaching and demo'ing fish beads too). I think Jill Knapp got my little bead in the drawing and she makes awesome fish beads but she still graciously accepted my meager little fish.

We all bring different experiences and skills to the table. That's what makes it so fun. We all have different methods of doing even simple things like winding glass on the mandrel or placing dots or whatever. Trust me when I tell you that you'll wonder why you even fretted about this after you're done!

Like Patty, I'm willing to stand by you and be a cheerleader. And like Patty, I ain't wearin' the outfit! [-( I'd rather do a hundred demos in front of an angry crowd than put on a cheerleading outfit! ;-)

...and I would LOVE to get any and all of your beads in a drawing too.
I mean, I'm not gonna LIE to you and say I'd want your bead over
a Maui John massive undersea glass paperweight or an original Bandhu Dunham
piece, but (assuming those were off the table :lol:) I would LOVE to
add yours to my collection!

Those would rock! I'd love to see how you make buttons
and pincushions....OMG, that would be just awesome.
Can't decide!

Totally! The nice thing is - if you want to try something different, you'll
get a lot of interest, since sometimes we need a change up!

auctions?
 

I'm confused about the auctions. So a "man auction" is for items submitted by men--but women and men can bid? Or an auction with items by everyone and only men bid? And the "woman auction"? (When I first read man auction I thought of auctioning men...;) ) And the bidders are only people registered and attending GS? I'm thinking that more money might be raised for the causes if the public could also attend/bid? But maybe that is too much logistics?

Also thanks to Karen for explaining that anything can be donated for the raffles, not just glass. I'm assuming that when she said raffles she meant auctions? My glasswork is not refined. Non-glass people are impressed but I wouldn't expect GS attendees to bid on it when there will be so many other choices. But I've been known to sew or knit some pretty cute teddy bears or hats.

Ah...how to explain the "man auctions" :lol:......

Here's the dealio - we have several VERY VERY talented "boro boys"
that attend the show. They have volunteered their services
(get that smirk off your face) to the highest bidder.

Example - last year, Angie bid high and won the services of
Mark. She had him make her a special Martini glass.

I think that whomever won Josh, had him make her a beautiful
octopus paperweight and a pendant that hung on it.

So, you bid, you win, you tell them what you want.

...and I'm not gonna lie to you - they are ALL really cute guys.
Easy on the eyes. Every last one of them.

Now, as to the equal rights - I don't believe we HAD any women
step forward to join, so that's how the men's auction got its
name. If a whole group of women came forward and wanted to
do a woman's auction I can't imagine anyone having a problem
with us raising MORE money for Glass Stock.

However, the solid fact is, women outnumber the men at this event
by a pretty decent margin, so the men's show has kind of a
Chippendales with boro glasses feel to it. It's loads of fun, and
watching "our" boys work under pressure (while we sit and make
rude comments) is kind of a high point :wink:.

Karen, Thanks for the scoop! Can't wait for GS--and the "man auction".

Oh my gosh, this sounds so fun!!! I can't wait to meet everyone!!!

I was wondering about the man auction myself. Now I know. Sounds like loads of fun and I can just see all these hotties sitting there making wonderful glass stuffs while we drool. LOL!!!

Can someone supply pictures of the boro boys? And their tools?

C'mon, you know I was talking about glass tools, right?

Ha Ha!! I'd like to see pictures of the boro boys myself.

I make pendants with cabs. I was wondering if it would be ok to make a wire sculpted pendant with a fused cab for my demo.

Oh, wouldn't we all!

There is a Snapfish album with pics from last year.
You do have to sign in but it's free.

I'll see if I have any of the boys I can post here.

Of Course!!! I think you'd have standing room only at your demo!