A rainy day in Sedona? What are we going to do. Everything we have planned is outdoors. I am pretty sure that is why people come to Sedona, for the beautiful OUTDOOR activities, like hiking, biking, Jeep tours, viewing the red rocks and photography. 

What to do, what to do.

Oh, I know. I had the privilege of meeting some great artists that work in fire and glass! The perfect indoor activity when your outdoor plans are washed away!

The Melting Point in Sedona, conveniently located across the street for the Whole Foods (two birds with one stone, yeah!), is a group of artist focusing on creating and teaching others how to create as well.

When we entered the facilities, it was like entering a fine arts gallery. So many beautiful works of glass art. Jordan Ford is the general manager and one of the Artists. He came out of the workshop and told us the rules, then brought us into the fold. 

We were about to become glass blowers! 

Jordan had a love for the natural world from a very early age. He went on to study geology in college but that is when he discovered glass. He currently has Bachelor’s Degrees in both Earth Science/Geology and Visual Arts/Glassblowing.

Jordan says , “It’s the process of blowing glass that drives me. I find the physical act of making glass so overwhelmingly fascinating. I approach most of my work with a consideration for the more classical techniques – it’s the framework that I use as a jumping point for experimentation.”

Not only is Jordan incredibly talented, he is really personable and extremely funny. He made everyone in the room feel at ease and we all often irrupted in bouts of laughter.

Another artist that was helping us is Austin Littenberg. Austin became interested in the art of glass blowing at age 16 after watching a documentary. He spent over 12 years developing his craft and learning the technical precision needed to work at this level.

Austin views the many ways Art presents itself and is in tune with it all, and it shows.

Clearly these two artist love what they do, and I for one am grateful for their expertise and their willingness to show the world their art.

They worked with us to create a beautiful cactus, complete with three flowers, one for each kid, and a Sedona rock like base. We loved the patience they showed and the skill to make us feel at ease. We never felt like  we were about to do something we just couldn’t. It felt like we had been doing this before. That is the measure of a true instructor. 

Our work of art was complete and we left there feeling accomplished and quite honestly, amazing! 

Both Austin and Jordan have remarkable skills but also wonderful comedic timing. They were a absolutely pleasure to meet and I look forward to keeping up with their art in the future.

If you find yourself in Sedona and want to meet some really wonderful people, stop by The Melting Point and say hello! While you’re there, blow some glass!

How could I forget one of them most important things; They have a studio dog! Austin brings his sweet baby girl to work with him and she is an angel! We loved her! Make sure you give her some love when you visit!

It had been close to 30 years since I donned a pair of ice skates and got out on that cold, slippery ice. Naturally, I was a little nervous but gave it a go for my kids sake. They were cheering me on and I couldn’t resist.

All I could think about was when I went ice skating a couple times when I was kid and my mom would constantly say, “Be careful! You could really hurt your ankles!” I know she meant well, but it that thought did stop me from trying for, oh say. . .  30 years!!! :)

We got our kids ice skates on and tighten up then put ours on. Both my husband and I were nervous walking up to the ice but of course we had to smile and show the kids that this was the best idea ever!

As I stepped out I imagined myself skating smoothly across the ice and just as I imagined, I did. I zipped right around the edge the first time, holding the rail and thought to myself, “This is so fun! Why haven’t I done this!”

My kids held the railings and few times around and so did their dad but after a few times around, they were out in the middle!

We all laughed, we all pushed past our anxiety and fears and ended up have the best family time! And yes, I did fall once and bruised my tail bone but the memories we made that day will last long after the pain subsides!

Get out and make some chilly family memories of your own! Centennial Olympic Park’s Ice Skating rink is open until January 10th so there is plenty of time to get there. Check the full list of times and ticket prices HERE.