Virgos and Glass Fusion

Do you know anyone who was born under the sign of Virgo?

Yes, you do! You know ME!

I've always thought that characteristics of a Virgo fit me to a T. See for yourself!

Virgo is the sixth sign of the zodiac, to be exact, and that's the way Virgos like it: exacting. Those born under this sign are forever the butt of jokes for being so picky and critical (and they can be), but their 'attention to detail' is for a reason: to help others. Virgos, more than any other sign, were born to serve, and it gives them great joy. They are also tailor-made for the job, since they are industrious, methodical and efficient. The sense of duty borne by these folks is considerable, and it ensures that they will always work for the greater good. (http://www.astrology.com/virgo-sun-sign-zodiac-signs/2-d-d-66951)

A few weeks ago I met up with two of my friends from University. Although Tammy is year older, we share the same birthdate, and Kelley's birthday is a mere three days before us. Remarkably, we are all Virgos. Stereotypical Virgos. We are exacting, picky, critical, industrious, methodical and efficient. We are basically a pack of perfectionists. It actually might be a bit scary if we tried to work on something together, but thanks to our shared characteristics, we have an innate understanding of how we each think.

Tammy suggested that we should try a Glass Fusion class at The Clayground. Basically, using pinchers and a scoring tool, we cut solid sheets of glass into various shapes, and arranged them into a design on a piece of glass. You glue everything together, and then the staff at the Clayground puts your design into a kiln. The glue burns off, but the pieces of glass melt and fuse together.

Picture the three of us hunched over the table. We had our hair secured and eyes protected behind goggles. We carefully riffled through the bins of scrap glass, avoiding cuts and nicks, and we hummed and hawed over what design to create. We fussed over the straightness of our scoring lines and the jaggedness of pinched off curves. We had a limited amount of time (the class was two hours), and none of us wanted to be disappointed with our finished product.

Imagine our thoughts when the woman sharing the table with us offered her entirely unsolicited advice, "It doesn't have to be perfect. It will have more character if it isn't perfect. It looks fine like that. It doesn't have to be perfect."

"Hmmm... I think you're telling that to the wrong group of ladies!"

I don't have pictures of Tammy and Kelley's plates, but here is my creation: a slightly demented fish!

In retrospect, maybe that lady was right. This little fish definitely isn't perfect, but he also has some character.

I think I prefer pottery painting to glass fusion, but it was still an interesting experience. If you want to give it a go, give The Clayground a call! They're a great little shop.