Spirit of the Jersey Shore

Graduates 2010 “Choose to Live”

I was just spending a lazy Sunday morning watching “Sunday Morning” the news show with Charles Osgood. Towards the end of the broadcast they had a segment done by the funny straight man, Ben Stein. His comments really got to me and made me want to get the word out as much as I could as well. He was talking about a question he asked his psychologist whom he referred to as a “very smart guy”, and I agree. He asked his shrink about what makes people happy. And he said the guy answered like a shot, basically those who “Choose to live” a life that they want and not what everyone else says they should be, are the happiest people. Those who choose the path that others want for them wind up doing well but are not happy. And as they go further through life lose the opportunities to build contacts and knowledge within the area they would really like to be a part of, in essence making it pretty much impossible to change direction. Those who choose the more risky or less traveled paths usually live on the edge but are extemely happy. I would like to think that, that is the path I have chosen. I started out wanted to be the doctor, lawyer or something very main stream. Nothing seemed right to me and thank goodness my parents really didn’t pressure me one way or the other. All along my parents had always had a craft glass business which went from craft shows to a storefront. I don’t know why it took me as long as it did to figure out that was where I was a perfect fit. I have been working there now for over 15 years and although there are ups and downs in owning your own business, it really is the most fulfilling thing in the world. And that is what life is all about. Choosing to live a fun and exciting life, instead of a safe boring one. If you have chosen either path, let me know how you feel by commenting on this blog.

Tuscan Grapes the perfect housewarming gift!

Our new Grape pattern!

Tons of people come into our store looking for a housewarming gift. And most of the time they have no clue how the recipients have decorated their new home. We usually steer them towards our grape design at that point since it really doesn’t have to go with the decor. They go great with wine and cheese which makes them the perfect entertaining pieces. Our rectangular plate in this line is probably the one that we sell the most. It is the perfect size for hors’dourves and of course cheese and crackers. If you have any funny stories of weird things you have received as a housewarming gift, comment on this article so that I can get a laugh!

Stargazer Lilies, Everyones Favorite!

Our new Stargazer Lily pattern

In all of my years of making fused glass dinnerware, I have had many requests for a Stargazer Lily design. I finally received a request from one of my best customers to make the design for a shower gift she needed. I have some of these great lilies coming up in my garden now. I have never had lilies before so I was so excited to see them. They are so beautiful and seem very long lasting. They seem to be the favorite of many people. I have had such a response to the design that I keep hearing the stories of why everyone loves them so much. If you have a story like that I would love to hear it! Please comment with your story or love of the Stargazer!

Folio Art Glass over 25 years at the Philadelphia Flower show

We started displaying our art glass at the Philadelphia Flower show over 25 years ago! I can’t believe how time flies by. I have many fond memories of the show and some plants that are still around.  I love and collect orchids and there is no other place in the world to see amazing orchids and buy them. It definately inspired my orchid line of glassware. I remember drawing the design during a 3 day snow storm many years ago when we didn’t have electricity for that long and I was going stir crazy. My favorite orchids were always Catleyas but I have come to love phals since I can grow them so well on my kitchen window sill. Come check out our great funtional glassware at the show this year! 2010. The theme this year is a world of flowers so it should be a great one!

Hello world!

Barbara Folio, Tim Dorland, Kim Folio-Dorland, Ray Folio

Hello Everyone! This is our first blog! We are a true mom and pop shop of unique and personalized art glass products. This site is a combination of 3 different business all within the art glass field. Folio Art Glass has been in business since 1976 and started out in my parent’s garage. They started as stained glass artists and over time morphed into a fused/kiln fired glass company. Folio art glass specializes in fused glass seasonal products and has something for every season and every reason. Starry Night glass works is my business and focuses solely on framing all sorts of pieces in everything from traditional to contemporary products,  especially wedding invitations. Starry Night’s items are great for first wedding anniversary gifts, 25th anniversary gifts, 50th anniversary gifts, baby gifts, and more. They all are great personalized gifts for everyone on your list! T Dorland studio is my husband’s company who is the real artist among us. He creates only one of a kind glass art pieces in all sorts of glass media, from stained glass to stained glass mosaics, to “glasscapes” and other kiln fired art pieces. We are excited to share our work with the world and bring together a family who works together in a whole new way!