What is Flame Off I hear you asking?
"Well over the last eight years we brought hundreds of glass beadmakers together in 2 halls to play with glass and fire, sounds like a safety officers nightmare..." - Tuffnell Glass
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| Torch Benches at Flame Off - photo courtesy of Flame Off Please do not reproduce without permission |
This will be my first one ever.
I really wanted to go last year but I'd already committed to covering another event the same weekend as a Blogger; no clashes this year... but even if there were, I'd still be going!
Now that I've started making beads regularly, there really is NO excuse for missing out on one of the best Lampworking Events in the calendar, I can't wait to meet people I know online for real and hope I suddenly don't get too shy being such a first timer!
I'll be setting off a week today on my journey, ready for a class on Friday and 2 days of glassy demos, playtime and shopping on the Saturday and Sunday, and then home in time for dinner!
Don't worry, I'm sure I'll find another letter somewhere in the alphabet after O (which is when I get back) to tell you all about it!
Do you attend any events as part of your hobby/business?
What would be your top tips for me to get the most out of my first Flame Off!
What would be your top tips for me to get the most out of my first Flame Off!
Do have fun!
ReplyDeleteAs a sci-fi and fantasy fan I have been to lots and lots of conventions from Highlander, through Stargate to things like London Expo. My sis, brother-in-law and me used to go so regularly, we ended up working then conventions producing 'photos with the stars'. We don't go anymore, sadly, Rob hurt his back and can't spend all that time taking photos any more, but we have loads of wonderful memories and lots and lots of friends we made at conventions who we still visit.
I haven't really found a recipe for getting the most out of a weekend with like-minded fellows, except for the fact that you should just roll your sleeves up and and throw yourself into everything that's on offer.
Sophie
Sophie's Thoughts & Fumbles | Wittegen Press | FB3X
That sounds like a plan! There's an opportunity to do some glass blowing too so that is definitely on my list :)
DeleteMars xx
wow, that's an interesting thing! I have seen this only once in Murano, Venice
ReplyDeleteTina from
The Sunny Side of Life
Twinkling Tina Cooks
I'm really excited about this, I so wanted to go last year but didn't!
DeleteMars xx
Soph got here first again - what she said! :) Just be yourself and have fun is the best advice I can give.
ReplyDeleteTasha
Tasha's Thinkings | Wittegen Press | FB3X (AC)
Yep, looking forward to it, I didn't get to go away last month when I had leave because of a bad back, so I used the money I would have spent then to book myself a nice hotel, or at least I hope it's a nice hotel!!
DeleteMars xx
Ooooh how exciting! Have a fab time :-)
ReplyDeleteMy advice having attended many events over the years is be really nosey! I have met wonderful people and had enlightening conversations just because I am so curious (nosey) and have to say outloud the questions that pop into my head!
xoxo
Advice taken, I shall aim to be nosy... I'm naturally curious and love to know how things work so I think I'm halfway there already.
DeleteI'm not normally shy, I happily go places on my own and meet new people... but it's like anything, I *love* glass and *love* learning how to make beads, but I'm so in awe of all the awesome beadmakers out there that as a newbie I feel a bit shy about what I do sometimes. That's the bit I have to get over is sharing that part of me...
Will be reporting back as part of the A to Z, so you'll all get to find out what happened!
Mars xx
I think it's going to be an expensive weekend once I see all those goodies in one place! Some new colours are launching, I've spotted a few suppliers I love who are going to be there and, yeah, it's going to get expensive - but fun!!!
ReplyDeleteMars xx
p.s. I really love to buy beads too! Last year's A to Z was all about being Addicted to Beads!
Oooh, that looks like so much fun! :D
ReplyDeleteIt would be fun to be making and learning with so many other people. I assume then that you get to keep what you make? Do people swap some of what they make, so that you have a special memento from the weekend? :)
Tracy (Black Boots, Long Legs)
For the class I get to keep what I make after they fire it, I'm taking a different class (ceramics) as it's aimed at beginners - but also going to try out glass blowing I think - just need to make sure I keep the money back for that!
DeleteNot sure what happens at the benches... guess I'll find out on the Saturday!
They are having a bead swap on both the main days, but I think I'm a bit too shy of my stuff to do that, I'm not sure that silver lined BHB (Big Hole Beads for the A to Z followers) would be appropriate...
Mars xx
oh Mars what fun... being the beginner again even though to many you are the expert, hope it brings you tonnes of inspiration
ReplyDeleteIt was absolutely wonderful :) I had so much fun and it's definitely given me some ideas, I'm lucky that my kiln will do clay as well as glass so I have options as they say!
DeleteMars xx