Long-time IGGA members Phillipa (Pip) Cossette and Jan Small met for the first time in the spring of 2003.

At that time, Jan was a self-taught warm glass artist operating the Jan Small Studio, and selling her fused glass cabochons to jewelers all over the country. She also had a very successful photography business in Texas, and was well known for her remarkably beautiful hand-made bears (Jan Small Heirloom Bears) still sought after by teddy bear collectors all over the world. Pip had some experience in advertising and copy writing, having written articles for print media and done voice work for radio and TV ads. She was drawn to many artistic pursuits from gardening to dabbling in stained and leaded glass before she jumped at the chance to learn about warm glass with the gifted and well-known Florida artist, Alan Toy. By the time the two women met, they were both ready to parlay their shared passion for warm glass into a business teaching others and selling the materials for fusing.

Pip and Jan recognized their good fortune in living and working in a culturally diverse community that supports its art centers. They also knew that this was not the case for the vast majority of glass artists scattered all over the country. So to more fully reach those budding warm glass enthusiasts, they decided to open an on-line store to offer quality products, supplies and equipment for fusing. And rather than offering every piece of merchandise they could find, they would present ONLY the products that they themselves use in their own studio and classroom. This gave the Two Lasses a chance to not only give advice on the use of those products but they could also offer a guarantee of satisfaction.

In the summer of 2003, on a shoestring budget, and with the help of Pip’s then 15-year-old son, Peter Steele, who designed and built their website, the Lasses were open for business. They were delighted to discover that they quickly established a loyal fan base with more new customers visiting the store each day.

They also found a steady stream of mail from customers asking for help or guidance. Pip and Jan then decided to create a page on their website for that purpose. On that page, for example, they could describe the best way to coat a metal mold, or how to use diamond coring drill bits. In keeping with the whimsical nature of their website, they opted for humor in their tutorials (i.e. “Soup's On! or, How To Have a Mold and Eat It Too!”)

As more students signed on for classes and requested more in-depth courses, the Two Lasses needed to expand. They found a partner with a favorite local Sarasota glass shop, Glass Crafters. Having been in business over 30 years, Glass Crafters offered a full selection of glass and materials for cold working glass artists, but wanted to expand their product line to include warm glass supplies and materials. Pip and Jan needed a larger studio space with more equipment, so it was a perfect match. Their fusing classes range from beginner levels to advanced jewelry making, where they incorporate a number of more advanced techniques, including work with band saws, disk grinders and drill presses to create unique pieces. And the Lasses include real-time kiln-firing as part of the beginners course. This, along with their relaxed and entertaining teaching style (comparing fusing techniques to cooking a meal, with a few sight gags thrown in for effect!), has resulted in students traveling from all across the U.S. and Canada to take their classes.

Pip and Jan’s partnership is very collaborative. They both enjoy "business lunches" where they bounce ideas off one another and map out new concepts for a class or discuss the merits of a new product. The best part about the relationship is that they perfectly compliment each other. Jan is totally self-taught and therefore brings an element of free-spiritedness to the table, both in her teaching style and in her glass art. Her work is very innovative and contrasts with Pip’s "by the book" approach; this yin/yang of personalities works well in their approach to teaching, as it encourages students to experiment and develop their own unique style without feeling hemmed in by too much “conventional wisdom".

It should be noted that the Two Lasses have focused their classes on kiln-worked glass, and although they do offer annealers and kilns with flip doors for their lamp-working friends, they teach kiln working almost exclusively, and offer materials and equipment for kiln working. They feel it is more important to do one thing really well than to try and be all things to all people.

At the moment, Pip’s son is busy re-vamping the website to give it a fresh look and make it even more user-friendly. Customers have said they appreciate the helpful tips and advice, and love the warmth and silliness of the site (which is what they want to hear!). They are hoping to add more courses this Fall, including frit casting.

Warm and friendly, they are. Both Lasses really love what they do, and it shows!

Visit their website at: www.twolassesglassclasses.com