Isn’t it beautiful?
My friend Elizabeth took up glass-blowing as a hobby 13 years ago. She knows I love pumpkins, so she offered to make one for my birthday. I’m in awe of her talents, and I’m equally smitten with this pumpkin.
Elizabeth continues to perfect her skills in blowing glass and flameworking at Bay Area Glass Institute in San Jose. “BAGI’s mission is to provide accessible, hands-on glass experiences that educate and inspire current and future generations of patrons, students, artists, and our community.” Source BAGI website
BAGI earns revenue from classes and events through grants, funding from the City of San Jose, other arts and science organizations, and patrons who donate annually.
Here’s a parting shot.
Happy Halloween
Gardening Nirvana 
Happy Halloween! 👻🕯🎃🕸🦇⛓🖤🕷🪦🐈⬛💀🌙🍁
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I hope you had a good time at the Holler!
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That is so skilled, the curly bits are amazing.
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Thank you! I think so too. It’s especially wonderful when the sun shines through and it sparkles.
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I keep coming up as Stockley, I am Jackie Knight!
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Hi Jackie. Now I know why I didn’t realize it was “the Jackie” of the Jackie and Derrick duo. You may need to change your log in/avatar to Jackie Night to get it to post directly. Thanks for the visit.
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Absolutely gorgeous. Applause to the skilled craftswoman.
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Yes! I’m so lucky to have received this gem.
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Ooh, that’s gorgeous, There was a programme – I think on Netflix – about glassblowing. Fascinating stuff.
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I know the show you’re referring to, Lynn. We watched a few episodes, but I quickly tire of the “reality” part of these shows and what feels like manufactured drama. The process *is* fascinating and Elizabeth’s glass pumpkin seems even more amazing knowing what goes into creating one. How’s the tile mosaic coming along?
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I know just what you mean and it’s why I stopped watching the talent show type ones. Thank goodness for the Great British Bake Off and the GB Sewing Bee as they have resisted the urge for surplus drama so far although I don’t like the recent trend to show us ‘what’s coming up’ as if we all have the concentration span of a gnat and can’t wait and see.
As for the mosaics, I have been collecting china but haven’t actually made anything yet. I have a natural aversion to cement mixing (even though it’s in small amounts) and grouting is messy and scary. Something will come of it all soon(ish) though and I’m trying to get Mr. Tialys interested – mainly so he can do the messy stuff.
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LOL. We’ll if Mr. T likes grout than you’ll make the perfect team. You may need a surplus of china to get started, so you can find the right colors for your projects.
LOL on the “concentration span of a gnat.” It’s so annoying.
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That is absolutely gorgeous! At one time, I used to collect glass ornaments and many hand made items. I have since gifted many of my items but I have a deep appreciation of how they are made. She knows how to make a pumpkin look good. :) Hope you had a good Halloween.
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Thank you, Marlene. Things were much more subdued this year. We weren’t up for the costume party this year and Mike didn’t have the energy to carve pumpkins, but we rallied a bit and put up decorations. Chris came over in a clever costume he put together and he handed out candy for the first two hours. It was great to see him so engaged.
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I’m sorry you are all going through this especially at a time of year that usually brings you both so much joy. Our children always like be needed. They get the chance to step up and be of service to those they love. Sending love and hugs.
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Thank you, Marlene. You are right on all counts. It’s hard to believe that we’re coming up on mid-November, and with an early Thanksgiving to boot. Please let me know if you have a day this week to catch up by phone. Sending a hug back your way.
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Wednesday morning looks like the only one this week. Going to the dentist Friday morning for an extraction. Will no be able to talk after. :) Heading to Flagstaff this morning for a sewing machine class with the kid. He’s going to learn too. Lots of changes here. Hope Wednesday works for you. Love and hugs.
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Hi Marlene, I’m sorry to have missed the chance to talk with you today. I know it’s a busy time. I’m sorry to hear about the tooth extraction. There is no joy in that. I had to have a root canal done Monday. Part two will be a return to my regular dentist for a new crown. I hope you have a nice time and class in Flagstaff. Perhaps the week after T-Day will be more open. xo
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The week after is open. Only knit wits Thurs at 10. :)
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Glass-blowing is an awe-inspiring art. Lovely! (And Happy Birthday, Alys!)
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Thank you. It is awe-inspiring and fascinating to watch.
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How lucky to be the recipient of one of these beauties. I live very close to Wheaton Arts, and usually make it down at least once a year. In April, my cousin and I went down and saw very similar pumpkins being created by the glassblowers. I’m hoping to go again once more before they close down for winter. Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you for commenting, and for sharing your experiences with Wheaton Arts. It sounds like my kind of place. I hope you can get there again soon.
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That’s a wonderful gift. Full of love, talent, skill and time. And beautiful.
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Thank you, Dawn. You’ve said it beautifully: “Love, talent and skill.”
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Gorgeous. Hope you had a lovely Halloween.
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It’s really something.
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Beautiful!
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💖
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Wow, your friend is very talented… it’s beautiful!
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She sure is! Thank you, Eliza.
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THAT is amazing. I know you’ll find the perfect place for it! Wow, what skill she has. It’s really beautiful.
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Hello Lisa! It’s nice to see you here. I hope you are doing well. Elizabeth is quite talented and she works hard to perfect her skills. I think the entire process is amazing.
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Ooh, that is so lovely Alys! Really love it! That must have made your halloween sparkle this year… and no squash bugs can harm that one! LOL!
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You made me laugh, Cathy. No squash bugs indeed.
BTW I have your crocheted pumpkin on my table as I write this. It’s joined by a few other small faux pumpkins. I love what you created for me.
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What a wonderful pumpkin!
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That is a beautiful handmade glass pumpkin Elizabeth made, Alys! Wishing you a happy birthday, too.
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Thank you, Lavinia.
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