NY has.... CMOG

We love going to the Studio at the Corning Museum of Glass.  You can sign up for lots of workshops where Studio gaffers help you create something out of glass.  How cool is that?  Well, not very.  It's about 2100*. 

I've told you before that we have an ornament tradition with the twins.  I still haven't taken pictures of the first year's red/green swirled ornaments to post.  I'd have to dig them out now and don't want to bother in October.  But, let me tell you again.. red and green glass swirls to make a disgusting rust brown color.  They are ugly ornaments.  Oh well.  They are the first in the tradition.  We made much better colors choices in 2 the following years.  One year, my Mom and Dad made them.  one year, Aunt Joanne and Aunt Lila made them.  Then, starting in 2010, they twins were old enough to blow their own!!  In Dec 2010, we took a day trip there from Albany when we were home for Christmas specifically to do it.   They made great ornaments!  And, so this summer when it came time to sign up to make more - they were really excited to go!

Ready to go with safety goggles on!

We also made frames. Here is Carl working on his. He did it all himself!

Gretchen & Mom were a little more involved in their color choices... especially Mom.  This frame making is serious business!

 Here is Aunt Lila helping Carl blow his ornament.  He needed a little coaching, but did a beautiful job!

 Now it's Gretchen's turn to make one.  She needed a little less coaching.  And she also made a beautiful ornament.

The kids also did some sand blasted glasses.  For this process, you stick stickers onto a glass.  Don't worry about the design, only to outline of them.  Carl used a lot of numbers because, well, he loves numbers.  Gretchen did a ton of little shapes.  then, the worker holds the glass in a blasting chamber where the glass remaining gets frosted and the part under your stickers stays clear.  They look really cool!  Christopher and Elizabeth did these as well.  Even though Elizabeth is crying here, you can see the process a little.

In the NY has Friends post, you saw this shot of all four kids:

But, do you know what it is really like trying to get 4 little ones to pose for you?

Once all our appointments were done, we headed over to the gift shop and cafeteria located in the actual Museum.  We managed to grab 2 tables and drag them together even though the place was packed.  It was so much fun visiting and catching up.  We've shared many good meals there... filled with good food and lots of laughter!!

They have this sculpture thing where balls bounce through an obstacle type course.  It is truly mesmerizing.  The kids, big & small, love it.

a quick pose with some glass flowers

 Then, out to the circle! 

We had a great visit with Mary, Bev, Susan, Christopher and Elizabeth!  Can't wait to see you guys again!!


PS - you can make a glass pumpkin at CMOG from now until 11/30.  Wish I was there!