it's official

[JoanFrances]

Well it's official.  The Lic has been sent for.  The ads are out and the check book is coming.  I have taken the leap from just doing shows and some commission work.  I will start doing beginner's stained glass and mosaic classes,  next month.  I have my first student lined up.  I am sooooooo excited.

[Alan]

  I'm real glad for you - best of luck!

[Anne]

Hey JoanFrances, congratulations! I've always said no when people asked - I have way too many bad habits - was pointed out to me one t=ime when I was showing someone who asked for help how to fix something - when she said 'oh my I've never seen it done like that" in a very disappoving tone I decided I wouldn't be the greatest teacher.  And I don't have the patience, but I admire those who do! 

[JoanFrances]

Hey JoanFrances, congratulations! I've always said no when people asked - I have way too many bad habits - was pointed out to me one t=ime when I was showing someone who asked for help how to fix something - when she said 'oh my I've never seen it done like that" in a very disappoving tone I decided I wouldn't be the greatest teacher.  And I don't have the patience, but I admire those who do! 

Anne there is a gentlemen in my area that I will send my students to when they want to advance further than I can bring them.  He is a wonderful teacher and has encouraged me to take the leap.  He would get upset with me anytime he felt that I wasn't giving myself enough credit, and would also point out things that I needed to pay a little more attention to.  I really look up to him, as you can see.

[Kev]

Congrats Joan...a big step for sure!

[Tre V]

 Kind of like that first time on a roller coaster...scary and wonderful all at the same time. Best of luck!     

[Olimpia]

Congratulations Joan!!

I wish you the very very best!

[Audrey]

I'm so excited for you. You are very talented and you'll do great. Just relax and enjoy it.

[PiscesGlass]

JF you will do just fine!  Remember all of those ceramics classes you have under your belt???  You'll be great at this!  I wouldn't give it a second thought...I only wish I lived close enough to come take a class!

De

[JoanFrances]

Awe gee, thanks for the sweet words of encouragement everyone.  When I taught ceramics it was like the girls night out, and the only time things got serious was when someone wanted to take something out of the studio that was done poorly.  I had a great group of ladies who understood my name was on the line, and were always willing to listen to instruction.  I am sure that my new adventure will be the same fun night.  Thanks again

[ct4mom]

Joan, Im so happy for you. I also wish I lived closer to you too. From some of our chats I know your classes will be a lot of fun for your students and they are learning from one of the best.

[JoanFrances]

gee Diane, did the screen change to bright pink, from me blushing, Thanks for the sweet encouragement

[Kev]

Oh Gee...I started to read your reply Joan and my first thought was...what have I screwed up now....LOL

[Linde]

Congratulations, Joan Francis on your new adventure. 

[Linde]

Hey JoanFrances, congratulations! I've always said no when people asked - I have way too many bad habits - was pointed out to me one t=ime when I was showing someone who asked for help how to fix something - when she said 'oh my I've never seen it done like that" in a very disappoving tone I decided I wouldn't be the greatest teacher.  And I don't have the patience, but I admire those who do! 

Anne, I don't sell yourself short. We all have bad habits and even though someone teaches one way, does not mean you will do it that way. You will always find what works best for you...nothing is written in stone. I'm sure you would do fine.

[mich4u33]

Congratulations Joan,   You'll have a great time.    I wish my stained glass store would do a mosaic class. I have a lot of scraps I would love to use before we move.
Good luck and let us know how much you enjoyed it.

[Bleedy Pokes]

Congratulations, Joan Frances!
You know what I think you should add to your beginner's class? Pattern drawing! I've read about so many people who talk about their first classes and picking out patterns. That's fine and dandy, but you're good at drawing patterns and could probably instruct others on how to draw up their own. Or at least show them which cuts aren't going to fly (like inverted points and narrow hourglass shapes, etc.). It's a just thought!

[JoanFrances]

Congratulations, Joan Frances!
You know what I think you should add to your beginner's class? Pattern drawing! I've read about so many people who talk about their first classes and picking out patterns. That's fine and dandy, but you're good at drawing patterns and could probably instruct others on how to draw up their own. Or at least show them which cuts aren't going to fly (like inverted points and narrow hourglass shapes, etc.). It's a just thought!

Thanks Gwen.  I just may do that if the students show an interest in it.  I lovvvvvve drawing so it would be a fun class or two

[JoanFrances]

Congratulations Joan,   You'll have a great time.    I wish my stained glass store would do a mosaic class. I have a lot of scraps I would love to use before we move.
Good luck and let us know how much you enjoyed it.

Thanks Mich, still putting all the loose ends together.  Have a second student signed up now

[JoanFrances]

Congratulations, Joan Francis on your new adventure. 

Thanks Linde.  Had the electricial over last night.  I need a new line in the studio for when the students are using soldering irons.  Don't want to over load anything.  Lord knows it is hard enough to get used to soldering without the ironing loosing heat because to much of a draw is going on.  My lic came in finally, but not my darned checks.  Every thing seems to take so much time when you are waiting on other people LOL

[glassgunner]

Way to go Joan !

I am very, very proud of you.

Your friend,
Ray

[JoanFrances]

Way to go Joan !

I am very, very proud of you.

Your friend,
Ray

Awe, Ray, that is sweet, thank you so much.  If it wasn't for your sweet heart, I would have had to give up on my dreams about stained glass.  God Bless you.   

[BentPedals]

I've always said no when people asked - I have way too many bad habits

Would I be any less of a gentleman if I asked what bad habits you have?

Me, I bite my toenails, pick my nose, and scratch my . . . .          OH!

You meant bad habits with glass.   



I'm so embarassed . . . .

   There are no* "bad" habits doing glass, just differing techniques . . . grin.

* - (there are some definite no-no's we all know.  These fall under ground rules.)

I'd been doing glass for 30 years before I took my first class.  The store owner
and sales staff knew my abilities, but the class instructor had no idea who I was. 
The first time I cut glass in the class, she was all over me, telling how I laid my
score was totally wrong. It couldn't be done.  Boy was she embarrassed when she
found out I'd been cutting glass almost as long as she'd been breathing air.
As mentioned elsewhere, in the introductory forum, our relationship went
rapidlly downhill over the next six sessions.

  I've taught a couple dozen people glass work, and always showed them several
different techniques used in each stage of production, stressing, in most cases,
there is no right or wrong way,  and over time they would likely develop thier
own way.

I'm not a people person, but teaching glass was one of the most rewarding experiences
I've had.  There were about 4 people I couldn't cennect with, or relate to, and they
ended up taking lessons from the store owner.  I had no use for them.  But the
others, what a thrill watching thier faces as thier creations sprang to life, it was
priceless. Knowing the answers to thier questions before they even finished asking
them.

If you get a chance to teach, take it . . . it's almost as enjoyable as the glasswork
itself.

[Graham]

Teaching people to cut is a very interesting experience. Some take to it like ducks to water, most get it fairly quickly. and some are a real trial. I never had anyone who didn't get it eventually. Most of them don't get it because they don't think they can. A simple lack of confidence.

The harder ones to teach can be frustrating but at that moment when they get it, you're so glad that you were part of the process.

The look of amazement and pleasure when suddenly it works and they realize that they've done something they really had themselves convinced that they couldn't do and discover how easy it actually is. That moment when they make it around that corner is worth the price of admission.