FlameTree Glass Inc - Learn About The Art Of Glass Blowing

Earlier this month we visited FlameTree Glass Inc with a few friends from our homeschool group for a glass blowing/lamp working demonstration field trip. We had a great time and learned some great information about the art of glass blowing.

A moms review:
FlameTree Glass Inc is located in beautiful downtown Roswell, GA.  FlameTree Glass Inc is a three in one business and has been around about 10 yrs. They are a store selling beautiful glass art including beads, sculptures, pendants, goblets, etc. They even make custom pieces. They are an instruction facility offering workshops for all skill levels. And they are a supplier selling tools, torches, glass materials, books and more. 

This month we learned all about sand and everything that goes along with sand like glass. So I thought a glass blowing demonstration seemed like a great field trip idea. After doing a quick search on the internet I came across FlameTree Glass which is literally 10 min away from our home. So I sent them an en email to see if they would offer our family a demonstration. They replied immediately and asked how many were in our group and said there was no charge for the demonstration. So we decided to invite some friends along. 

Our big day for the field trip arrived and the kids were super excited. The day before we read a great book called The Glassmakers which helped prepare the kids for the fieldtrip. The first thing I did when we arrived at FlameTree Glass was have a talk with the kids about NOT touching, because there is a gallery with lots of breakable items at the front of the facility. We entered and were greeted by a very spunky, super nice lady. She led us to the back where the glass blowing facility is located where we met Lance. Lance is AMAZING. When we entered the workshop area he was doing some prep work on the piece he was going to be creating in front of the group. He explained to the group that he was going to be making a goblet. The kids had no glue what a goblet was so we had to explain a goblet is also known as a wine glass. After he introduced himself he asked everyone their names and ages. He told us a little bit about himself and how he got into glass blowing. Turns out visiting Disney World as a kid and seeing the glass blowing demonstrations are what sparked his interest. He explained about the art of glass blowing throughout history. Shared a very interesting piece of scientific history regarding the mystery of the Yellow-Green Glass that the Egyptians found in the Libyan Desert. Throughout the demonstration he explained each of the steps he was taking to create the beautiful masterpiece. 

The kids learned how to tell a handmade glass piece from a factory glass piece. And even were given a quiz. It's all about the pontil mark. They got to examine some handmade marbles, beads and pendants. They learned about how glass blowing was done in the old days and how it is done today. They learned glass blowing terminology and about all the different tools and techniques that are used. And they also learned about some famous glass makers like Blaschka (be sure to check out his creations they are breathtaking).

The entire demonstration took about an hour and a half. The younger kids under the age of 6 did get a little antsy during the middle of the demonstration but when it came time to put all three pieces of the goblet together they were all eyes again. Lance and the others at FlameTree did a fabulous job of educating the children and were all very attentive and patient. 

They gave each of the families that attended 3 great books about Frabel glass pieces, which my kids have really enjoyed looking through. And of course I couldn't resist buying the kids a little souvenir. So I got them each a couple of handmade beads which were about  $1 each. We made some very pretty necklaces with the beads.

If you are in the area be sure to check out all the awesome workshops FlameTree Glass Inc offers. Several of the workshops start at just $50. Beginner and advanced classes are available. And if you have a homeschool group who would like a demonstration email or call FlameTree Glass Inc to make arrangements (see info below).

And on September 8th from 12-6pm there is a great even going on called Beads of Courage Day. Its a FREE event so come out and help make more beads in support of a worthy cause.

The kids review:
It was really cool to watch the goblet being made and we learned a lot. It took him a long time to make one thing. We liked Lance.

Extra details:
-Make sure kids know NOT to touch the beautiful pieces in the store.

-Bring along sunglasses to wear during the demonstration.

Where:
470 South Atlanta Street 

Roswell, Georgia, 30075
770-998-2983

When to visit:
Contact Maureen at FlameTree to arrange a group fieldtrip (groups need to be small I personally would say no more than 15 kids) - flametree@flametreeglass.com.

Store hours - 11am-7pm Tue-Fri and 12pm-6pm Sat

Cost:
Free group demonstration. Workshops vary in price.

Links to follow:
-FlameTree Website
-FlameTree Facebook



*Disclaimer - We were treated with such great hospitality that I wanted to share details about this place with you. Please note that prices indicated in the post are subject to change. I was not compensated for my review and all opinions are our own! Many of the links found on my side bars and in my blog posts are affiliate links. As a result, I might get paid money and I will most likely spend the money on homeschool supplies.

A week in the life of homeschoolers - August 11th - 17th

August 11th - 17th

In our homeschool this week...
We had a great BUSY week filled with lots of fieldtrip fun. Normally our fieldtrips are more spread out but this month they all seemed to fall into the same week. Which is fine the kids still were learning and that is all that matters.

Here are some highlights:

Saturday we went on our trip to Valdosta to Wild Adventures. We had to get up very early for our 4 hr car ride. Luckily my parents van has a dvd player so that kept the kids very entertained. Wild Adventures was amazing I cannot wait to get my review finished so I can share all the fabulous things this park has to offer. Sunday we spent the day traveling back home. The kids really wanted to stay at the hotel another night for some reason they thought a hotel (even a very cheap one) was super cool. Monday we took a tour of Brusters Ice Cream shop and learned all about how ice cream and waffle cones are made. It was fun and tasty!! Then we headed to speech therapy. Rowyn had part of his reevaluation and has showed improvement. After speech therapy we had lunch, went to the Pediatrician and then visited the Petsmart. It always amazes me how much you can learn at a pet store. Gwyn also had a great time sorting through bags of hand-me-down clothes. Tuesday we were supposed to go geocaching with the homeschool group but due to rain we had to change our plans. So instead we started the desert part of our sand unit study. We read some books, did some online learning, watched a few magic school bus videos on YouTube (they can never just watch one) and located the worlds deserts on a map. Wednesday we went on an amazing nature walk and did some nature journaling. I wrote about it in more detail here. Thursday we went to a glass blowing/flame working demonstration. The kids had a great time and got to see a wine glass be made. This was a great way to wrap up the glass part of our unit study. Then we had to go see a Pediatric Surgeon about the lump on Rowyns wrist. Friday we had our "not back to school" picnic. The kid had a blast palying with their friends and having squirt gun and water balloon fights. There were about 50+ kids at the picnic. Whoever says homeschool kids are not socialized is crazy...I sometimes think mine are over socialized.

In my life this week…
I am still playing catch up. I am so far behind on everything. I had plans to take the kids to the Atlanta Zoo tomorrow (it was a FREE day for Fulton County residents) but I am cancelling it so I can hopefully get caught up tomorrow. I heard it gets really crowded anyway so it probably wouldn't be fun standing in lines and fighting a crowd.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…
Take nature walks at least once a month. They are a great way to learn and explore this beautiful world we are blessed with. See more details and pictures from our most recent nature walk here.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
This week we took a tour of Brusters Ice Cream, went on a nature walk, saw a glass blowing/flame working demonstration and had our "not back to school picnic". Oh and we had a blast on Saturday at Wild Adventures in Valdosta.

Next week we will be going on a fieldtrip to the hospital and the library for a presentation on common GA birds (birds just happens to be our unit study for next month so this will be a great intro).

My favorite thing this week was…
Hands down our trip to Wild Adventures. We had so much fun spending time together as a family on  our short getaway.

What’s working/not working for us…
Some of the planning pages I am using...one of the many things I need to do revamp some of them to suit our very eclectic homeschool style and haphazard routine.

Questions/thoughts I have…
If you are have a similar homeschool style/routine like ours how do you plan or sort of plan to make sure you are covering everything you hope to? I guess I am sort of a borderline unschooler but I cannot commit 100% to that style because I am too type A. The kids get to choose a lot of what they want to do throughout the day but I want to make sure they are covering certain things daily or at least several times a week..for example specific reading skills, math, art, music, Spanish (history and science are always covered through our unit study). So what are some suggestions?

Things I’m working on…
That darn to do list which pretty soon will require its own to do list.

I’m grateful for…
Our awesome homeschool group which has over 65 amazing families.

I’m praying for…
My son Rowyn who has to go in for surgery next Tuesday on his wrist. He has a cyst (well they are 99% sure its a cyst it could also be a tumor) that needs to be removed. Poor kiddo has to go without eating after midnight and without eating or drinking after 6 am and his surgery is at 10 am. He is gonna be very upset about missing breakfast his favorite meal of the day.

Favorite Resource(s)...
YouTube Magic School Bus shows. Yup in our homeschool YouTube is a huge resource. My kids can never watch just one of these shows. We started the desert part of our sand unit study so the plan was to watch the All Dried Up episode...but they ended up watching 4 and mommy took a nap.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

How was your week? 

Linking up with:

Learning All The Time, Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers,  Homegrown Learners, iHomeschool Network, Living Life Intentionally

My Clayground Review

A moms review:
My Clayground is an art studio in Roswell, GA offering pottery painting, glass fusing, mosaics, clay sculpting, and canvas painting. This place was much bigger than I had anticipated. The walls and shelves were filled with beautiful creations, blank pieces waiting to be turned into works of art and lots of fun supplies like paints, brushes, glass chips and more.

I kept our field trip a surprise. When we pulled up the kids could tell we were going to a FUN place just by looking at the outside. While I gathered some things out of the car they peered at the works of art through the large display window and oohed and aahed. Finally I let the cat out of the bag and explained we were going to make sun catchers using different types of glass pieces. This was the perfect project to go along with our unit study on sand (which of course is covering glass since glass is made from sand).

Since we had made arrangements in advance our supplies were set up and waiting for us. The cheerful staff member led us to our table and explained the glass fusing project to the kids. She provided them with examples to get their creative juices flowing. There were many different types of glass materials for the kids to use on their 3 x3 glass base. There were chips, pebbles (which look like Reese's Pieces), stringers, frit, etc. The staff member was always available if the kids or I needed assistance. She stopped by to check on us and complimented the kids on their creations.

Both kids had lots of fun. Gwyn my perfectionist and crafter created several different layouts before she finally decided on one she wanted to keep. Rowyn my non crafty child was fascinated by the colors and shapes and wanted to use every piece he possibly could. He insisted on covering up the entire 3 x 3 base which included stacking glass pieces as well.

After they had their layouts complete they glued their pieces down and then were told the dreaded news....that they must wait a few days before they can see their finished projects. I had to explain to the kids that their projects had to be fired in the kiln so that the glass would fuse and look even prettier.

We looked around the studio for a little bit and they convinced me they just had to do some pottery painting as well.  So they each picked a small clay piece off the clearance rack and enjoyed some pottery painting fun.

After 3 days our pieces were ready to be picked up. The kids were very excited to see their finished creations. The sun catchers will be hung up in a window and the other two pieces are going to be made into necklaces.

All of the projects are as simple as 1, 2, 3! Even a non crafty person will have a blast. And this place is NOT just for the kids. You don't know how bad I wanted to create some works of art (this would be a great moms night outing).

All projects that My Clayground offers are suitable for ages 6 and up. The pottery painting, canvas painting and clay sculpting are suitable for those younger than 6.

The kids review:
Both kids, "Can we go back pleeaassee???"
Gwyn, "I liked the glass fusing because the glass is so pretty and shiny. I liked the nice lady who helped us. If  you get thirsty they have delicious juice boxes you can buy there too."

Extra details:
-Your kids may not want to leave.
-They accept walk ins everyday except Sunday.
-It is important to speak with your kids prior to entering the studio about not touching the breakable items on the shelves.
-Some of the glass pieces really do look like candy make sure kids who like to put things in their mouths are supervised around these items.
-Pre-order promotions are starting now thru August 31st for Halloween items and clients get 20% off their order. Contact the studio for an order form. Christmas ornament pre-orders start in September. 
-Wear clothes that are okay to possibly get stains on. Aprons are available for you to use.
-Explain in advance that certain projects will not be able to come home with you the same day because they need to be fired in the kiln. It normally takes an average of 5 days before items can be picked up (sometimes less, sometimes more). My Clayground will call you when they are ready.
-There two very clean restrooms located in the back of the facility.
-The facility is large enough for strollers and wheelchairs to maneuver.
-GREAT place for a homeschool group field trip.

Specials:

My Clayground offers weekly specials, classes and even parties. Right now you can even snag this SPECIAL offer at Plum District - $80 for a Canvas Painting Birthday Party for 8 kids.

Where:
12050 Etris Road #E130
Roswell, GA 30075
770-998-2983

When to visit:
Monday - Wednesday: 10am - 7pm (Open until 9pm with RSVP at least one week in advance)
Thursday - Saturday: 10am - 9pm
Sunday: Open for parties and by appointment

Cost:
Varies depending on projects. There are pottery pieces to paint for as low as $3. Make sure you sign up for the email list and also "like" My Clayground on Facebook to receive special monthly promotions.

Links to follow:
-My Clayground Website
-My Clayground Facebook
-My Clayground Twitter
-Don't forget to check in on Foursquare when you visit



*Disclaimer - We received 2 glass fusing sun catcher projects in return for our  honest review. Please note that prices indicated in the post are subject to change. I was not compensated for my review and all opinions are our own! Many of the links found on my side bars and in my blog posts are affiliate links. As a result, I might get paid money and I will most likely spend the money on homeschool supplies.

Recycled Glass Wind Chime

We are working on our sand unit study and one of the things we have been learning about is glass...because glass of course is made out of sand.

Image(s): FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Recycled Glass Wind Chime

Materials:
-Old CD
-Fishing Line
-Ribbon
-Popsicle Stick
-Recycled Pieces Of Glass
-Assorted Glitter - like RoseArt Glitter Glue Pens, Glitter Shakers
-Feathers or Other Fun Items Like Foam Stickies, Pom Poms, Etc
-Felt
-Hot Glue Gun
-Scissors

Instructions:

1.First go on a glass treasure hunt. **Parents make sure you explain how dangerous glass is and that they need to be careful when picking the pieces up. After you collect all your pieces rinse them off with water and dry them very well. We discovered that our neighbors are BIG time litter bugs.

2. Glue a popsicle stick across the middle of the CD on the non shiny side.

3. Trace the CD on a piece of felt and cut out. Put this aside until later.

4. Decorate the shiny side of the CD using glitter, pompoms, glass pieces, foam stickers etc. My kids choose to use RoseArt Glitter Glue Pens, Glitter Shakers and pieces of glass.

5. Cut 5 pieces of fishing line at varying lengths. Glue as indicated below. The fishing line in the middle should be looped over the Popsicle stick and tied in a knot and will hang down on the shiny side of the CD. The other 4 pieces of fishing line will be glued to the non shiny side of the CD and will hang down over the edges.

6. Next comes the tricky part that will require adult supervision. Helping your child take two pieces of glass and decide where they will be placed. Place a dab of hot glue on 1 piece of glass and then place it onto the fishing line with the second glass piece on the other side. After you have placed all your glass pieces add some feathers for fun.

7. Now glue the ribbon hanger onto the CD - one end of ribbon onto each end of the Popsicle stick.

8. Lastly glue the circle piece of felt onto the top of the wind chime (the non shiny side). This will cover up the Popsicle stick, fishing line and ribbon ends which will also make them them more secure.

9. Now hang your Recycle Glass Wind Chime up outside and hear the beautiful noise the glass makes when the wind blows. You will also see a beautiful sight when the sun hits the glass pieces.

To buy these RoseArt products visit your local Walmart, Joann's, Target, etc or visit my RoseArt Amazon store.

*Disclaimer - RoseArt (Mega Brand) supplies us with lots of wonderful products in return for honest reviews and craft project how to's. I was not compensated for my review and all opinions are our own! Many of the links found on my side bars and in my blog posts are affiliate links. As a result, I might get paid money and I will most likely spend the money on homeschool supplies.