Jenna's beads

Jenna demonstrated for 4 days at the Kutztown Folk Festival.  She has done this for me for around 6 years, and it is the only time she gets to work on a torch.  These are the beads she made on the last day.  They were still in the kiln at the end of the day when she left.  By the time I was packed, the kiln was cool enough to put in my car, and then this week I took them off the mandrels and mailed them to her.  Jenna has done some sculptural beads before, so this year I loaned her my book about Sharon Peters.  As you can see, she got lots of ideas!  The lizard is on a big hole bead, ring sized.  The lion and pig are amazing, and the ladybugs are probably destined to be earrings.  She certainly has the knack of working with hot glass!  I tell her I want credit when she is famous!

Kutztown 2011

The Kutztown Folk Festival is over and I survived!  The show was great, and the weather cooperated for the most part.  I kept forgetting to take my camera to the show, but I finally remembered the last day.  This is Jenna, who has demonstrated for me many years.  (I didn't get a photo of my other demonstrator Carrie.)  As soon as she lights the torch, a crowd forms to watch.  The "steam engine" comes by once a day or so, and is fun to watch.  I didn't get a photo of the calliope.

The food is legendary!    Lunch on Sunday was a corn pie, one of my favorites!

There is Michael Mootz fudge, which I had to finish because I didn't want to bring it home.  At least that is what I told myself.  I also had an ice ream sandwich, which was made with fresh waffles.  There were also funnel cakes, bratwurst, pork bbq.... I ate good!  The PA Dutch are not known for being slim!

Wind is always a problem for me, so everything is clamped or tied down.  I am careful what I store under the tables- any paper has to be placed where it won't get wet.  I have been in the same spot for years, so I know what direction the wind and rain blows.




Many people bring their dogs to the show, but this is the first time I have seen a horse!

All in all, it was a very successful show!  My dutchy clothes will be packed away for another year.