Glass Academy Blog

2 Dimes Giveback

2 Dimes Giveback

by Michelle Plucinsky
There was a time when people kept 2 dimes in their pockets in case they ever needed to make an emergency phone call.  Sounds strange these days, do...
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BATCH Gallery and the Exciting Road for 2021!

BATCH Gallery and the Exciting Road for 2021!

by Michelle Plucinsky
BATCH Gallery features handcrafted, high quality, and carefully curated works of glass art, both functional and decorative.  While many of your favorite traditional items like pumpkins and ornaments will still be sold, you’ll also begin to see new accessory items such as candles, tote bags, and puzzles with our products on them, as well as blank gift cards with gorgeous imagery.  Seasonal themed shows will continue with new artists regularly being featured in the gallery. Along with different mediums and more décor items such as lamps and beautiful drinkware sets like pitchers & drinking glasses.
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Finding Joy in Change

Finding Joy in Change

by Michelle Plucinsky

Watching our shows every Tuesday and Friday at 6pm on Facebook, with products being made, gives people added relief to a crazy life.  So we are very thrilled that we are able to continue our shows on Facebook, even if customers are not with us physically in the studio, the FB platform has allowed us to keep the dialog alive!  It’s been very exciting!

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How the CoronaVirus in Glass started in our Studio

How the CoronaVirus in Glass started in our Studio

by Michelle Plucinsky
On March 17th we locked the doors of our studio and headed out the door, telling all our staff that we'd be calling them back when the virus blew o...
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Carrots Abound!

Carrots Abound!

by Michelle Plucinsky
While reflecting on our donation part of the spring show, the carrot came to mind. We did a few prototypes and liked the results. Customers started commenting, and staff all started picking out their favorites. We made big ones and little ones, orange and red carrots, tall and thin, short and fat. And suddenly, we all found a carrot we could relate to and we knew we had to make more to share!
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Passion Projects ~ What's Yours?

Passion Projects ~ What's Yours?

by Michelle Plucinsky
 It’s the passion protects that are essential to the work we do.  Allowing ourselves this opportunity to have side jobs, volunteer work, etc., that yields results in everything we do and I know I am a much more talented artist because of it.
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I Thought I Knew!

I Thought I Knew!

by Michelle Plucinsky

The super bad, ugly and weird ones?  I take joy in crushing them in the dumpster.  Sad but true, I break them all with a hammer, and relieve stress in the process.  Super fun!

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Do you have the Shiny Object syndrome?

Do you have the Shiny Object syndrome?

by Michelle Plucinsky
 Try as I might, I can’t stop.  I’m continually thinking of ways to improve, advance, explore, and try new ideas.  It’s just exciting!!  The shiny object floats past my vision, enters my mind, and I can’t stop until we’ve tried the idea, product, etc.
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Organic farm inspires Detroit Artist to new levels!

Organic farm inspires Detroit Artist to new levels!

by Michelle Plucinsky
Green Things Farm.  An organic farm in Ann Arbor.  5.5 miles from my home, so close that I could ride my bike~ and I often did.  (Until the summer heat reminded me to lighten up a bit!)  I work 2 days a week, 4 hours each day and I’ve learned a TON.  Most of which is the importance of buying food from your local farmer. 
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Let's Talk About Mugs!

Let's Talk About Mugs!

by Chris Nordin
I really try to make one-of-a-kind mugs for the gallery so that people can see all the possibilities that are available. Color is the biggest component. After that the shape of the mug and volume are determined. The handle is really important because a nice proper sized handle makes a comfortable mug. The foot or the bottom of the mug is a decision as well and having 6 or 7 different styles in the gallery makes it easy to decide.
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The sometimes lonely path of the independant small business owner

What Keeps Me Awake at Night

by Michelle Plucinsky

For me, one of the things I notice that there is always a daily growth opportunity should I choose to take it.  As the owner you don’t what the day brings, but whatever it does, it’s yours to deal with.  Perhaps the toilet will break, the class will need to be cancelled due to bad weather, or the color we need for a specific job is sold out.  This wasn’t on today’s agenda, now what?  Game on! An opportunity for new growth!!

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One Amazing Man

One Amazing Man

by Chris Nordin
Chris Nordin How did your father, being an entrepreneur, help you imagine, create and deal with the long road of building a business from the groun...
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