Heating Things Up with Fusography

"Those who dream by night, in the dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find it was vanity, but the dreamers of the day are dangerous, for they wake to make their dreams a reality. "

I am a dreamer, I suppose that is why I am so enamored with travelling. Even waiting in the airport excites me, building my anticipation for the destination, allowing me to dream of what awaits me. It has long been my dream to own my own business and do something I truly love and I am excited to announce that I am finally making that dream into a reality!

As you probably all well know by now, I have many passions. Travelling and photography top the bill, but writing and creating fall just below them.

"There has to be a way," I thought to myself, "to use these passions in a way that I can support myself and continue to share them with the world."

One day, while photographing the stained glass windows in Chichester Cathedral, I came to the conclusion that there had to be a way for me to put my photographs onto glass to sell for people to enjoy at home. Once this little bee had landed in my bonnet it was only a matter of time until I stumbled upon Sassy Glass Studio. Lisa Gifford Mueller, fused glass genius and owner of Sassy Glass Studio, offers classes to teach curious minds like mine how to create their own fused glass masterpieces from her studio in Knoxville, Tennessee. Not just a brilliant fused glass artist, Lisa is a professional fusographer, meaning she is successfully fusing images onto glass in a manner that is built to last. It was official I was going to have to find away to travel to Knoxville and take this class!


Lisa has a fun bubbly personality, that displays her kind heart right out on her sleeves and I knew when I met her that not only was I going to learn a lot but I was going to enjoy every second learning with this lovely lady.

Fusing glass on its own is a complex process. You can't just use any old glass, you have to use one type of specific glass for your creation to fuse together properly. The first real challenge is cutting the glass, scoring it with confidence before snapping it in two parts. Once you have cut the pieces you want, you then get to begin layering the glass until you have it set up in the way you want it to fuse together. This is the fun part, where you get to be creative and make your vision come to life before your eyes.






















I designed two coasters & one large sushi plate purely using glass and the rest of my pieces I dedicated to mastering fusography. Having placed my fused glass pieces atop kiln paper in the kiln along with the glass we had cut for the fusography, we shut the kiln and phase one began: fusing the glass together.

The next day I arrived with the building anticipation of opening the cooled kiln to see how everything had fused together. It is fascinating to see how the glass works together to form one solid piece, morphing into a beautiful creation. Two coasters complete, and one plate ready to slump, it was time clean them and begin prepping the fusography pieces.

Fused platter placed on the mold in the kiln ready to slump.

 I had ordered some fusography decals from InPlainSight Art and was excited to pull them out and begin the process of adhering them to the coasters we had prepared. The decals are printed on a peach colored paper that disappears during the firing process leaving only your image left behind fused to the glass. Having cut out my pieces, I placed them on their respective coaster and waited for the water heating in the skillet to reach 170°.

Once the water had reached the perfect temperature, it was time to begin preparing the decals to adhere to the coasters. Once you have immersed your decal in water it does not take long before you need to remove it, so I found myself keeping my chopsticks close to the decal, so I wouldn't have to waste time chasing it around the skillet, and hence potentially ruin the decal. 

Once the decal begins to separate from the backing, it is time to carefully slip it off the paper and onto the glass in one cohesive movement, minimizing the risk of bubbles forming between the decal and the glass. Once the decal is positioned, you simply use a plastic card to press firmly on the decal to remove any bubbles and ensure that it has fully adhered to the glass. 

The more I did, the better I became, and after preparing several pieces, I found my rhythm and was able to prep the pieces without too much difficulty. 

Having prepped all of my pieces successfully, it was finally time to take them all to the kiln where we would begin the custom firing schedule for successful fusography. 

Once again returning to a cooling kiln with bated breath, it was with nervous anticipation that we opened the kiln to find the finished pieces of glass art. Funky peach paper melted away, the coasters were left smiling up at me with my very own images forever fused to them in all their glory. I had such a fabulous time in Knoxville, learning all of the ins and outs of fused glass and it is something that I hope will continue to bring me joy for the unforeseeable future. 

With no doubt left in my mind, this is what I want to do in correspondence with my blog, what I want to create to share with all of you. So stand by! Inspiration From Abroad will soon be opening for business, selling handcrafted home goods & gifts featuring custom crafts & fused glass designed using inspiration from around the globe!

BEwARe

"If you go down to the woods today your sure of a big surprise. If you go down to the woods today you better go in disguise!!!"

Leaving my wild imagination on the Abrams Falls trail, I made my way out of the tranquility it so graciously provided and headed straight back to my car. Driving out of the parking lot, I had given up any expectations I'd had of seeing a bear and clung to the slight flickering of hope that remained. As I approached the main road, I noticed a massive row of cars disappearing into the distance, and a crowd of people, cameras out stretched, spanning the side of the road. Parking my car off to the side near where the two roads met, I foolishly grabbed my camera and went to join the crowd, expecting to see a family of deer. However, I was shocked when a massive black bear came into view and two little heads were visible along her side. Don't be mistaken, it has long been a dream of mine to see a bear in the wild, let alone a mother bear with her cubs but the proximity by which this crowd was observing this wild bear startled me and I quickly left the crowd to see if I could get a better view point from the safety of my vehicle. 

Sitting in my car watching a black bear gorge on berries with her two little cubs I was perplexed by who was more intellectually challenged. The people for standing within paws reach of the wild animal or the bear for not being more perturbed by the ever encroaching crowd. It was as if the people felt the overgrown vegetation the bear was foraging in somehow created a protective aura that would prohibit the mother bear from attacking them in defense of her cubs. Interestingly enough many of the onlookers were mothers and fathers with their children, who have likely referenced the popular metaphor, "you don't want to mess with mama bear's cubs" in regards to themselves with their own children. Yet somehow they still stand precariously close and snap away with their snazzy cameras. Luckily for everyone involved this mama was not in a fighting mood and left the people alone, wandering off to a more tranquil pasture on the other side of the road. 

She was so strong and majestic as she wandered off into the distance with her two little cubs close in tow. One cub solid with its footing, managing to stay at her heel and the other stumbling occasionally as it was still mastering the art of walking. I felt honored to witness such a fabulous family outing and felt refreshed as I watched these wild animals escape the paparazzi observing them. If this mother had felt threatened she could have attacked the crowd and then would likely have been put to death for reacting to this human threat in such a naturally instinctive way. However, luckily she impressed me and walked away somehow resisting her instincts. 

As the sun set in my rear-view I left the cove and made my way back to Knoxville. It had been a magical & unbelievable day that is sure to stay with my for the rest of my life. The Great Smoky Mountains and the wildlife inhabiting them truly are a natural wonder of the US and are worth experiencing by anyone even remotely interested in the outdoors. (But please, if you do go, show some respect to the bears and keep your distance.)

"At six o'clock their mommies and daddies will take them home to bed, because their tired little teddy bears..."

Getting Wild in the Smokies

Straddling the border of North Carolina & Tennessee the Great Smoky Mountains are one of America's natural wonders. Part of the greater Appalachian Mountain chain, the Smokies are an integral part of the Appalachian Trail and a popular destination for outdoor explorers of all kinds. Wandering through this national park, you are likely to stumble upon intriguing  native birds, timid deer, and bold black bears among other native creatures. 

I enjoyed not only the tranquility of exploring the Great Smoky Mountains on my own, but the vibrant life that was surrounding me. The flora & fauna present in this protected area are a feast for the eyes to behold. Tall trees climb the mountains surrounding you only interrupted by the road upon which you pass or the rivers & streams that weave their way through the mountains. 

At the advice of some friends, I made my way to Cade's Cove where I could enjoy a scenic drive, numerous nature trails, and had a high chance of catching a glimpse of a magnificent black bear. Pulling through the gates to enter into Cade's cove, there was only one other car in my sights and I slowly rolled along enjoying the stunning views while keeping my eyes peeled for interesting wildlife. 

Having driven a few miles through the cove, I decided to pull over and go wandering down one of the nature paths. I parked my car, grabbed my camera, and took of walking down the narrow path laid out before me. As the road behind me disappeared, I noticed a deer off in the distance and paused to capture its image before becoming distracted by a stunning woodpecker off in the distance. Focusing on the woodpecker, and trying to catch a better glimpse I was startled when I heard a branch break just behind me. Turning slowly around, I found myself standing 6 feet from the deer I had been admiring earlier. Not wishing to startle the magnificent creature, I took a few steps forward along the path and listened as it followed me.  Realizing I had gained a shadow, I decided to take my time and take a few photos of my new found friend. It was such a strange and magical feeling to be sharing this moment with the wild, each intrigued by the other while sharing a mutual respect for the other. I stood observing the deer grazing around me for several moments before making a wide berth around it and heading back to my car. 

The cove had grown busier and there were now several other cars along the route. I continued along the designated road until I arrived at Cooper trail where I parked to embark on my next adventure.  I began walking, passing several families and groups out hiking along the trails. After a while I found myself hiking in whatever direction took me away from the loudest families, who seemed to have forgotten we were in the peace and tranquility of nature and therefore didn't need to be shouting at the top of their lungs and make even the water rush away. Noisy people all around and the day nearing an end, I decided to head back to my car so I could venture down towards Abrams Falls.

It is a 5 mile round trip to Abrams Falls so I knew I could not make it to the falls and back without getting caught out in the night so I decided to walk as far as I could in 30 minutes and then double back so I could finish the drive in that golden hour before the sun goes to bed. Walking along the trail a midst the trees to the sound of the rushing water in the river I felt as though I had been transported to a different time & place. Only passing a few people at the trail head who were heading out, I found myself alone in the woods with only my thoughts for company. This sense of solitude, incredibly freeing, made it easy to get lost in the brilliance of the world surrounding me as I watched cranes fish, leaves dance, and bees flirt with flowers. 

The Smoky Mountains reminded me of the location depicted in the Hunger Games, where Catniss finds solace in the mountainous woodlands before finding herself battling her peers in the landscape which once held such a sense of security for her. Staring at the sun through the never ending rows of trees, it was easy to understand why she found solace hunting in the woods outside the gates of District 12. (In fact, It all looked so familiar I googled the filming locations for the Hunger Games and discovered that a lot of the filming took place in Asheville, North Carolina which was only about 100 miles away.)

Blue Suede Shoes

Elvis' private plane, "Lisa Marie"

"I'm leaving town, baby
I'm leaving town for sure
Well, then you won't be bothered with me hanging 'round your door
Well, that's all right, that's all right
That's all right now mama, anyway you do"

Elvis blasting on the Radio, we crossed the Memphis-Arkansas Bridge into Tennessee, dancing in our seats along to the music of a legend who called Memphis home. As we had come to Memphis with the sole purpose of visiting Graceland, it seemed only fitting to roll into the great city while enjoying "That's All Right Mama," one of Elvis' most popular songs, which he recorded 60 years ago!

Memphis is located on the East side of the Mississippi river on the border of Tennessee and Arkansas. A city with so much soul you can feel it as soon as you step out of your vehicle, Memphis is a must see location for anyone interested in American pop culture. The city in and of itself has so much to offer with it's unique vibe and finger-lickin' good food that you will never want to leave. However, with only 2 nights and one day to experience this sensational city we dedicated our time to Graceland, promising ourselves we would one day return.

Graceland! Home of the King! Elvis Presley was a musical pioneer who helped change the way the Western world listened to music. Elvis owned various properties across the U.S. However, his main home is in Memphis, Tennessee. While visiting Graceland I learned more about Elvis then I had expected, learning that he was more amazing than I could ever have imagined. When you think Elvis, you think Rock & Roll, rebellious youth, wild parties, sexy ladies, sinful music, and THE American heart-throb. Yet, Graceland shows you that Elvis was so much more than this. He was an unbelievably talented man, performing in over 30 successful films, recording 150 billboard hits, and producing ten number one albums. He was a true patriot, serving his country despite the exemptions his celebrity status could have afforded him. But above all he was a philanthropist, generously donating both money and belongings not only to organizations but to people that he met who touched his heart.

Arriving at Graceland, you take a trolley to the historic home which is a modest size for such a legendary super star. Walking through the front doors is like stepping out of a time machine into the 70's. The home is kept in pristine condition and the tourist accessible areas are highly controlled in order to preserve it for future generations. A white sitting room with beautiful stained glass windows leading to a grand piano leads you to imagine Elvis sitting at that very piano rocking away to a song he was trying out for the very first time. Making your way through the building you eventually make it to the kitchen, which is the ultimate time capsule in the home, carpeted, and complete with the finest appliances money could buy. Downstairs, a media room with 3 TVs sits next to a fancy bar to the left of the stairs and to the right of the stairs sits a wild billiards room designed to perfection for the era.  In the background, clips of Elvis giving interviews or performing for screaming crowds add to the ambiance.

From the main house we went into three other buildings: a recording studio, the gym & racquetball court, and a building filled with hundreds of awards and historical Elvis memorabilia. I knew Elvis was a mega super star who was extremely successful but the number of golden, platinum & diamond records on the wall was astonishing! It was fascinating watching him in interviews and seeing the real original outfits he wore. Leaving the trophy room we went to pay our respects to Elvis and his family in the meditation garden where they are all buried together.

Graceland is more than just the home of Elvis Presley, while visiting the home of the king you can also choose to wander through the automobile museum, take a tour of Elvis' private jets, learn about Elvis in Las Vegas, or experience some of Elvis' history in Hawaii. As travel addicts, we chose to visit the automobile museum and the private jets. Elvis' car collection is jaw dropping and would make Gas Monkey Garage drool at the stunning classics in pristine condition. However, though the cars were cool, my favorite thing was the jets. It is unfathomable that a private citizen, especially in that day and age, could own and customize a full size jet for their own personal travel around the country. Walking through the planes it is hard to believe they aren't from the set of a Hollywood production and it was a real experiences that I will never forget.

Graceland was hands down the most interesting historic pop culture site I have been to thus far. I fell in love with Elvis all over again and wish I could have enjoyed some of the true Elvis experience while he was alive. However, it wasn't just Graceland that I found myself enamored with but the city of Memphis itself. Having found the best breakfast in Memphis at the Blue Plate Cafe Downtown and sinking our teeth into some mouthwatering BBQ at Charles Vergo's Redezvous Charcoal Ribs our taste buds have been tempting us to go back ever since. The food, the people, and the entire vibe of Memphis, Tennessee is unique to any other town in the South and I, for one, am looking forward to the next time I find myself in Memphis.