Kiln to table project
For active members with 2+ years of membership and Studio development.
Glasstronomy Studios’ 10th anniversary is in October 2022 and we wanted to do something special to commemorate the time we have been together. Everyone has grown creatively and we thought we could do a collaborative project with you that would capture our combined glass and, dare we say it, culinary skills.
We are planning on publishing a cook book that showcases our shared passion for glass and food. We aim to release the book in June 2023, with a portion of the sales of the first printing (100 copies) to go to a not-for-profit organization. The working title is Glasstronomy Studios | From Kiln to Table: A Year in Glass.
The lead time is to give members a chance to create and contribute a completed project pairing. Each pairing will include the recipe and photo and pattern (if applicable) of:
1. A food recipe (family or pot luck favourite, original in that it hasn’t been published)
2. A piece of glass inspired by your food recipe (original and not a workshop project), that showcases your skill and creativity.
What’s in it for you? Contributors will be credited for what they do and be profiled in the book. Everyone who contributes a recipe pairing will get one copy of the book at no cost to you (one per contributor). We are looking to cover the calendar year with a wide range of in season and holiday projects. Pat yourselves on the back, we would not have made it to this milestone without you!
Last updated January 5, 2023
These are the files you need to complete your Kiln to table project pairing:
General
Planning guide
Contains timeline of upcoming targets and activities, centrefold sample, and participant’s checklist. (PDF format)
Descriptions
Artist statement / Bio + Kiln to table story
Contains B. Artist statement / Bio and C. Kiln to table story templates. (Word format)
Culinary recipe
Culinary recipe
Contains D. Create recipe: D1. Title, D3. Ingredients, D4. Method. (Word format)
Glass project
Glass project
Contains E3. Pattern/diagram, E4. Glass project title and difficulty level, E5. Tools and Materials list (use F. Tool checklist to complete), and E6. Method (use G. Log sheet to complete). (Word format)
Tool checklist
Check off all that apply for your glass project. (PDF format)
Log sheet
Itemize your custom kiln schedules or indicate what type of kiln schedule(s) your project requires. (PDF format)
Frequently asked questions
We appreciate your participation and know there may be areas of the project where you may need some clarity. Please contact Elizabeth with any questions and feedback relating to the project.
It’s important that you read the Planning Guide. This document contains the Timeline on the front page, a centrefold example of a project pairing layout (with alphabetical descriptive IDs) on pages 2 and 3, and the Participant’s checklist on page 4.
How do I become a recipe tester?
If you like to cook or bake, you are welcome to email Elizabeth and express your interest.
How do I write a culinary recipe?
Most recipes have a list of ingredients and a list of numbered steps on how to make it. Including the approximate time to make it and its number of servings or yield (e.g., 3 hours, four servings, or one bread loaf) make it easier for at a glance planning. Please use standard measurements, such as cups, teaspoons and tablespoons (unless you really need a thimbleful of brandy in your Flaming Phoenix cocktail or a pinch of saffron in your paella).
Making the recipe foolproof
All the culinary recipes will be peer reviewed by our test volunteers. The feedback will be passed back to you so that you can refine or amend your recipe, especially where measurements or instructions are subject to interpretation.
I don’t cook, can I pair up with a friend or family member?
Absolutely! You can definitely partner up on your culinary recipe. We will credit your partner for their contribution.
I don’t cook or bake, what recipe can I do?
We all eat. Your favourite sandwich or breakfast smoothie will look very sexy when paired with a fused glass plate or drop cup (dare you!). Uncle Bob’s famous shortbread cookies and Nona’s vegan gluten-free lasagna roll ups will look spectacular when paired with a fused glass cookie tier or pasta platter. Store-bought charcuterie with a home-made condiment could be served on a faux bois tray. The possibilities, as they say, are endless!
Can I make a stained glass project?
Yes you can! However, we challenge you to incorporate at least one fused glass element. Think 3-D and create a copper foil candelabrum with fused accents to light a festival dish or an electroplated heart-shaped box for your Valentine’s favourite rum ball truffles.
Does my glass project have to be a serving vessel?
Absolutely not! Your project can be inspired by the memory of a meal or gathering and could be a clock, game, panel, picture, sculpture (hanging, indoor/outdoor, or table piece), that showcases one or more fusing techniques.
I don’t know a firing schedule from an IKEA instruction sheet, how do I fill out the Log sheet?
Not to worry! Melanie, our intrepid kiln guru, will guide you through the project process. If you are using your home kiln, use the log sheet to keep track of your documentation. If we are firing it for you, note the number of firings your project needs. If there are multiple firings, list the sequence of the firings, and identify them: e.g., full fire, tack, tack-plus, slump, drape, cast, or any other firing schedule in between. The appendices at the back of the book will contain all the firing schedules so that other people can take inspiration from us and create the projects on their own.
What measurements should I use?
The glass industry uses the Imperial system of measurement (inches/feet, ounces/pounds). Please use the Imperial system for consistency. We will also provide metric conversion where applicable.
I don’t know what I want to do! Where do I begin?
Let’s make this a fun and creative undertaking. If you have a favourite festival, holiday, or season, start from there. What would be interesting and challenging project that would inspire other people? Not to worry, Melanie and Elizabeth will be setting up some time for those who want to brainstorm ideas or need some support and technical know-how. Thursday afternoon studio times are the perfect opportunities to do this.
What local not-for-profit organization are we supporting this time around?
We welcome your suggestions. Food insecurity is a challenge many people are facing as we ease out of pandemic mode. If you have an applicable organization in mind, share it with us and we will put out a list for you to vote on.