What a fantastic day we had at the May Florida Glass Dragons meeting held Sunday, May 16th, at Dave Schwartz's studio in Haines City. The day was dedicated to making beads for the Beads of Courage program and included various demos by artists showing techniques for making different types of beads. Joe Imler did an awesome demonstration of the way he mixes the glass with his glow powder to hand pull the glow rods. After watching him work, I think I'll just buy his pulled rods. Wow! Brent Graber showed us how he makes the special red hearts with a green ribbon which represents a heart transplant. Beautiful and touching beads. Ray Olson demo'd hearts made with filigrana and also used the very detailed butterfly murrini that he made in Saturday's class, showing us the correct way to apply the murrini. I certainly wouldn't want to waste any of these beautiful little treasures. Terri Fout demonstrated the use of a rod of glow glass by creating one of her little robots. It was amazing watching her create this little bead which has so much detail. There was always someone on the torches throughout the day including Candice King-Palgut, Chris McElroy, Marie Body, Cathy Wetzel, and Dave Schwartz, and myself. If I left anyone out, I apologize but I was on the torch early in the day myself.

A special treat was a visit from Jean Baruch from Beads of Courage. Jean was in Florida to attend the launch of the Atlantis shuttle on Friday which carried the Beads of Courage beads into space including two beads made by Florida Glass Dragons members. We proudly congratulate Rocio Bearer and Terri Fout who each had a bead chosen for the flight. Jean explained that when the beads are returned to earth, they will then be carried to hospitals to be shown to the children. Jean made a presentation about BOC bringing us up to date on the organization and the expansion of their programs. She expressed her gratitude to all the FGD members for their generous contributions of beads and for the high quality of beads they receive from our group. She presented a trophy to the group, accepted by Susan Matuszek, president, to show their appreciation for our efforts and generosity. Jean stayed on to watch the members creating beads and to watch several of the demos.

On behalf of the Florida Glass Dragons, I'd like to thank everyone who attended and worked making beads for BOC and all those who graciously donated their time and expertise to demo and show us new ways to make these beads. We especially wish to thank Dave for being such a gracious host and allowing us to hold this meeting at his studio. We want to let everyone involved in setting up, cleaning up and breaking down know that they are appreciated. Good Job!!

Images from the May FGD meeting! and Ray Olsons Murrini Class
(scroll box)

Jean Baruch presents Florida Glass Dragons this
award in recognition of our work and dedication.


Terri was featured on the front page of her local
newspaper after one of her beads was selected to go
into space on the Shuttle Atlantis!


BoC Display


Jean explains some of the new activities and programs within BoC.


Joe Imler demonstrating how he creates glow glass rods!


Joe and Terri pulling the glow glass cane.

Ray Olson Class:

Ray Olson demonstrating how to make butterfly murrini.