Shooting Stars and Silver Bells

This Thursday night we will have our final class of the year in the Studio for the Imagination, the second of John McRae's Heirloom Christmas Ornaments class (Two seats left as of this writing.) John is bringing in some vintage silver ball and bell ornaments and a trove of glittery adornments (including bullion, tinsel, scrap, and other goodies) for them. Take a look at these photos of the ornaments John and his students made last at last week's class. I'm sure the ones this week will be just as dazzling.

Fabulous Beasts!

My husband Duncan first saw the amazing glasswork art of Andre Nigoghossian at a local crafts fair here in Berkeley. Once I met Andre and was transported to his fragile, beautiful world, I knew there had to be a way to bring his work to Castle in the Air.




















After a bit of dreaming and a lot of work, just a few days ago Andre came to the store and unpacked a menagerie of fabulous glass creatures, as well as a collection of delicate keys and acorns, also made using the same lampwork method.

We've posted most of the collection to the growing "Exclusive Treasures" section of our Online Shoppe. Have a look there, and come by the store if you're able to meet these beasts up close!