A Building is Born

[Mr. Wonka]

Hi folks. Today was day one for the construction of our new building. Although there’s not much to see at this point, I will continue to post photos of the progress so you can see it from the ground up. The white spot in the foreground is where the campfire pit used to be… I included it as a reference for those of you that know the place.

This will be the 5th structure on our property that is dedicated to lampworking. Including the upper deck on The Lewis Wilson Building and The Robert Mickelsen Bar and Grill, we have an estimated 7,000 square feet of space and over 60 work stations for all of you crazy glass blowers to play around. Just for the record, our house is only about 950 square feet.

Keep your eye on this thread for more photos… I’ll probably post one a day as long as there’s progress. BTW- This is the building that will have the covered porch with the outdoor work stations. Barry Lafler loves working outdoors, and he asked if he could have one of them. With that in mind, Barry will have a permanent outdoor work space here at Wonka World that nobody will be able to use without his permission. Congrats Bear!!!


http://www.csonline.net/glass/bldg-1.jpg

[PyroChixRock]

Thanks for doing this so we can feel like a part of it even from the other side of the country! :D

And congrats. :blowkiss:

[gypsea]

your progress is always exciting! here's to a great 2008!

[newmexicomagma]

Wheres kevin gonna park his rv? ill be rvin too. where do the rv people have to go this year?

[Mr. Whale dick]

so your not tearing down the michigan building???

where is kevin gonna park?

awesome man ...congrats..

[Mr. Wonka]

Don’t worry about where Kevin will park… we have it all taken care of. We’ll be adding a new driveway just for Chef, but he will be doing most of his cooking and serving at The Robert Mickelsen Bar and Grill. Since all meals are included this year, Kevin will need a convenient and central location to do his thing.

Alex, The Michigan Building will be around for at least 1 more year- we couldn't justify the cost of tearing it down at this time. When we get rid of it, the piece of siding with the sign "The Michigan Building" will definitely go to one of you guys in Michigan to keep the memory alive : )

I'm glad you're all stoked on the progress here. It seems like I'm not happy unless we have some sort of forward motion going on here... weather it's a new building, or general improvements to the place. We'll keep doing our thing until we're dead (or broke!).

Thank you all for sharing in our ongoing dream. As I have said many times before- we only have the space, but you folks provide the excitement and motivation to keep it going.

I hope to show some progress on the building tomorrow!

[schmoinkel]

Kick ass Tom...can't wait to see it

and...where is kevin gonna park....haha

[Mr. Wonka]

I’ll be sure to let Kevin know that everyone is deeply concerned about his parking space, and I’m sure he will be very touched by all of your thoughts.

Since there are several concerns on the forum, as well as some e-mails and phone calls I have received, I think we’re going to dedicate a special area to Kevin and his RV space.

On a personal note, I would like to let you know what a trooper Kevin is. The evening he was leaving for AGI, his dog was killed on the road. He buried his best friend that night, and showed up here the next / same morning and kept a smile on his face all week for all of you… all the while hiding his pain and suffering.

I hold Kevin (Chef) in the highest respect, and owe him a debt of gratitude for putting our needs, feelings, and the show above his own emotions… it’s something I don’t think I could have done under any circumstances.

Thanks for caring about him and listening to the story he didn’t want anyone to hear last year…. He is a true hero and a gentleman.

[Islandglass Man]

Hey Tom thanks for the outdoor station you always seem to make AGI more exciting each year. You and Elaine have done more for the lampworking community each year then any of the schools in America. I am very happy to be part of this fantastic event.

Bear

[Greymatter Glass]

Way to go Tom! I can't wait to see what's in store this year. Can't wait to see where the camp fire gets built......

oh but I can think of a few places.

See you in August!

-Doug

[Mr. Wonka]

Okay, the building is done. We just have to staple tome tarps on for the walls and the roof. Barry gets the second mudhole on the left :D

It looks small from this angle, but it will be 18' wide by 40' long, including the porch. It's supposed to be finished in about 2 weeks, but that's in contractor's language... in English that means a month or more. No biggie... we don't need it until August.


http://www.csonline.net/glass/day2-2.jpg

[ABE LINKIN]

that sucks cant make it this year. ill be at the international pipemakers conference those exact dates in this little town of hilliards, pa. i hear its not far so maybe by chance ill bump into you at blondies.

[Greymatter Glass]

Looks like the Albuquerque building is coming along nicely.


Abe - Funny, I'm going to be attending the International Beer and Debauchery Expo up around there that week as well! Maybe we can meet up at AGI for some learnin'. I might take a cue from you and get a pop-up, that was pretty dope. or I might just drive the RV again, if it's available. But I'll get an actual mattress instead of sleeping on the plastic cushions. THAT sucked.


-Doug

[Mr. Wonka]

Below is the latest photo of the building. BTW- I think Texas outnumberd ABQ last year... and no, Brian's carboard girlfriends don't count!

http://www.csonline.net/glass/day3-3.jpg

[somberbear]

what about NC?

What about the mason dixion building for all the va/ky/nc folks

peace
rob

[newmexicomagma]

WTF!!!!!!!! they have feelings too. we will see what happens this year. albuquerques gonna rep hard. viva nuevo mexico. i have a couple friends that are probably gonna go this year. oh and thanks alot to whoever put that pic in glassline of me carrying my drunk girlfriend down the stairs. its embarrasing to see her like that.

[Mr. Wonka]

Here's the latest photo of the building, although they worked until dark and got more of it completed than what's shown here. More pix tomorrow!

Tom

http://www.csonline.net/glass/day4-4.jpg



what about NC?

What about the mason dixion building for all the va/ky/nc folks

peace
rob

Mason-Dixon? This is 2008... didn't the civil war end about 150 years ago?

[Greymatter Glass]

380 years ago, I think?

whatever...it was before i was born.

Bear might remember it.

[gypsea]

looking exciting! so can i reserve the far right hand corner short person's station?

[Islandglass Man]

That's right Doug I remember that war and your great great grand ma too.

Bear

[Greymatter Glass]

OOOOH! busted.

/bow

So Bear, did you get my email about the dwg's? I never heard back from you.

...

and Tom, you should have your carpenters make some 3x5 platforms out of the scraps about 6" high for short people. You can move them to any station, etc.....


Anyways the building's looking great. I assume you'll be finishing it in a traditional southwest / pueblo revival style? May i suggest a Navajo brown for the stucco, and maybe some exposed vigas and latias over the patio?

[newmexicomagma]

and maybe a zia and a kokopeli sandblasted on the windows. or how about wonka in old english painted on the side of the building........ thats weird that bear knows your great great granny. i never looked to see if there was a resemblance between you 2. hmmmmmmmmmm.

[gypsea]

i'd fall off a platform for sure.....

[Mac Maestro]

Score a 'Burn' for Bear!

Here's a few more:

Gypsea needs a platform with rails. Maybe... padded walls.

Make Bear's a walker.

Doug is comfortable in his love for vigas and latias, and that's.... o.k.

Everyone else is excited watching the building being erected.

While Tom is in complete control of the building's erection. ;)

[Mac Maestro]

I will be at back at AGI in 2008 - In case anyone wants to kick me.

[Mr. Wonka]

Well, below is the latest photo, and I’m really happy with the progress. These guys are really kicking ass… and it’s only a 2 man crew!

BTW- For those that have been here before and don’t like the bench height, we’re making all of these much lower- probably around 36”.

Another thing- this year I would like to move the Moretti workers into 1 side of the new building so they’re not so isolated from everyone else.

The Moretti building is getting a face lift and will be dedicated to someone so the name will be changed, and it will be used as a boro shop.

Jeff- it will be great to see you again : )


http://www.csonline.net/glass/day6-4.jpg

[Rockrat]

Tom
Thanks for all you do for and such a great event! Can't wait to break in the new building!
Scott

[Mr. Wonka]

Thanks Scott. Maybe we'll put the band under the porch this year... it will give us a whole different sound, and more room at the RAM Bar and Grill.

Dood- this year will totally rock!

Tom

[themoch]

Tom,

for those of us who will be occupying the Mason Dixon building.. i fear that both Moretti and 36" benches will not suit our boro life-style... Please Advise :D

also, let's see some pics with the new equipment man! full scale!

[Greymatter Glass]

What are we supposed to do with a 36" bench, rest our nutz on it?


Come on, we need another update you sissy.

-Doug

[gypsea]

hey get out your measuring tape & think about it.........

36" bench height + 12" torch height = 48"

5'5" person = 65"

that is the perfect height for standing to work for those who are not 6 feet tall........

[themoch]

right.... hence the boxes :P

/kidding

Tom:

you should put the camera on a tripod and keep it in place while the building is being built... then you could make a time laps video of the construction.

[fyrsmith]

About the bench height: because of damaged nerves and discs in my back, I can't stand for very long. So I work sitting/leaning on a stool. I'll measure my bench and torch height when I get home tonight.

-Don-

My bench is at 35", stool is 28", torch face is at 42". My daughter Zora, marblemaker, works standing up. She is 5' almost 3" and will never be much taller. Her bench is 32", and her torch face is at 43". Thanks Tom for accommodating those of us who are comfortable with lower benches.

-Don-

[Islandglass Man]

If you don''t like the hight of the benches Don''t Work in the new building. I'm sure Tom has a Small card table that you can use to rest your balls on. I'll be shuffling around with my custom walker and I don't want to hear negative vibs.


Bear

[somberbear]

awsome wonka the tall benchs dont allow me much comfort sence i work sitting down. cause of the leg and im lazy.

what kinda floor is in there? and can we bring our own chairs? i think i have one around here its not the comfist thing in the world but i would be willing to leave it burns and all up there perminately. but im sure the whole place is being called as is any way lol but ill just be happy to be there as always.

Thanks wonka for all this hard work.

peace
rob

[corypeeoh]

hey wonka

im a mason and would like to build you anything you can think of. If you would be so kind to help me out with some free lessons. I live in Eastern PA but have family right out side pitt. If you have any work let me know...I would do the labor for free of course. Let me know if i can be of any service.

best of luck
pinhigh

ps nice little building you got there...some spirling piers and a full veneer would finish it off nicely

[ABE LINKIN]

im with you wonka, move the moretti workers. wasnt gary, in the proposed site for ms. 5:00 the gas shuts off. i bribed her last year and worked til 10pm sat nite. but you were at the party while i was hard at work so nobody knew. i made a bead. love you sister christan. til 5:00. -abe

[UmaJulz]

The new building is looking good Tom. I just love a good construction project, don't you?

Maybe this new building will relieve some of the congestion in the MI building... but really, I am curious as to who will be exiled in the Moretti building.

Hey, by chance, do you know if the International Pole Dance competition is the same weekend as AGI? I hear it is quite a spectacle- oh, and that they are having workshops too! for men and women!

[themoch]

Hey, by chance, do you know if the International Pole Dance competition is the same weekend as AGI? I hear it is quite a spectacle.

why Julz? you planning on participating? :P

[Greymatter Glass]

I hear the reigning champion is this crazy dude with a huge dildo that does some crazy ass shit like floor dives and stuff... that's gonna be hard to beat.

I heard the moretti building is going to be dedicated to Cthulhu and used for dark rites and sacrifices and such..... bring your own talismans, there won't be enough to go around!

[newmexicomagma]

well i will say that i saw last years championship round and that dude with the dildo took everything. it was spectacular and hilarious. you guys are gonna have to come up with a really unique show to top him. and who knows what he has in the works for this year. slip and slide? who knows. should be a great showing cant wait to see u all there.

[UmaJulz]

No Andrew, I just like to watch. :)

[vetropod]

Hey, let's see some more pics! I'm feeling the suspense - I love watching your buildings go up :D

[Greymatter Glass]

yeah dude, more pics....

get my check?

[Mr. Whale dick]

yeah i'm gonna have to start looking at other pics of buildings being built, if you don't post more soon...

[Mr. Wonka]

Thank you so much for your interest, and I’m working on a really cool pic right now. I found a photo of when we first moved into the place which shows The Michigan Building (the only structure other than the house) which at the time looked like a “crack shack”.

I’ll take a new photo tomorrow from the same perspective so you can see how far we have come. Put it this way- I showed Elaine the photo and she asked me, “Where was that taken”? She didn’t even recognize her own back yard from 10 years ago.

Sorry for slacking on the photos, but in addition to us both being really sick, this has been our busiest week since Christmas. Within the past 7 days we probably had close to 400 people come through our doors for scheduled group demonstrations- 14 Scout troops, Home School Groups, Disabled Vets, and a few independent groups. Not too bad for a place in the middle of nowhere!

Thanks again, and I’ll hit up some new photos in the next day or so!

Much love… Tom

[UmaJulz]

Let's hear it for BFE! You would draw a crowd anywhere Tom- you're like a magnet for good folks and a good time.

I'll be patient on the pics. I have been remodeling my barn studio and can appreciate wanting to get "the right pic" to really show the progress.

[Mr. Wonka]

Okay, here is the photo of when we purchased the house, and another one from the same vantage point taken this morning. The best way to describe the angle of the photo would be this: you are across the street (toward Big Don’s), looking at the drivers side headlight of Kevin’s RV.

*The house and the Moretti building are not visible in the photos

http://www.csonline.net/glass/ww-5b.jpg
http://www.csonline.net/glass/ww-6b.jpg







The second and third year when it was still cool!
lol

Sorry we're not cool anymore :o:

P.S. – Andrew… thanks for the help with the photo :)

[themoch]

how you loving, or hating... that new camera?

[Greymatter Glass]

nice, I see you put the pull in space for the RV in the new building, thanks :)

j/k, it's looking GREAT.

[gypsea]

hey, AGI is awesomely cool........it has been an evolving environment!

[jcherrellglass]

im with you wonka, move the moretti workers. wasnt gary, in the proposed site for ms. 5:00 the gas shuts off. i bribed her last year and worked til 10pm sat nite. but you were at the party while i was hard at work so nobody knew. i made a bead. love you sister christan. til 5:00. -abe

I can't wait to see you in your pink tee shirt that says, "I'm a proud member of the torches off at 5PM club, won't you be, too?" I'm going to sew a little lace around the collar so it will match your pretty eyes, dood.


Tom.... the progress looks great! I can't wait for August!

[Joe Blow]

Building is looking awesome. Looking forward to '08. The guys from Texas will definitely be back. Glad to hear y'all are feeling better and Tom, hope that rib getting better.

Keep it up!

[UmaJulz]

Wow, that is looking great Tom. I'll bet you're pretty excited right about now- a new building, with a roof, and you can walk around in it.

But after about 6 weeks of construction or so, I'd be getting antsy for it to be done. What/when is your estimate of completion? Do you have to wait for spring to get the concrete in?

Sending you lots of patience and good construction vibes!

[Ro's Glass World]

its great to see the development thanks for taking time to post pics! very exciting
ro

[Mr. Wonka]

Thanks everybody, I appreciate you sharing in our enthusiasm.

As far as a completion date, I’m really not sure, but it doesn’t matter either. If it takes 1 month or 3 months it’s all good as long as it’s ready for AGI. These guys are moving pretty quick, and they have half of it sided already. I’ll post some more photos tomorrow if we don’t get hit with crazy weather and they can’t work.

INPUT NEEDED: I’m thinking that the benches will be 37” high, and I’ll have some wood blocks available if you want to raise your torch. Does that sound OK?

Until next time… Tom

[Greymatter Glass]

36-37" actually sounds good. 8" CMU (cinder blocks) works great too as a torch riser. They're nice and heavy, and they don't burn, and the holes make good cubbies.

[newmexicomagma]

i agree with doug cinder blocks would be ideal. so it doesnt sound bad at all.

[mer]

how do you screw your torch down on a cinder block?

[themoch]

C clamp it to the block, C clamp the block to the table....?

¿

?

[Mr. Wonka]

Well, I had a photo of the building almost fully sided, but after it was finished they realized they forgot something very important…. the holes for the ventilation fans. AACK!!!

Today they tore off the siding, cut some holes, and are replacing it now. I should have some updated pictures in the next day or so. BTW- They didn’t show up on Monday because of severe hangovers from Superbowl Sunday : (

I’ll be in touch soon!

Tom

[marcel]

I'd suggest 32" for bench height. That is sittable on a chair and about perfect for an average size stander. Blocks can easily raise torches if need be, and you get more clearance that way. Hoods at 6'6".

The lower you work, the less strain there is on your shoulders.

[Mr. Wonka]

Well, the building is just about completed. The only thing we’re waiting on is the electric company to hook up to the utility pole, and when it warms up, the concrete will be poured. After the concrete comes the benches, and we’re ready to rock and roll!

The interior is bare wood, and for 2009 we will have it sheetrocked and painted, and we’ll be dedicating it to….. well, I really can’t say this early : )

Here are some photos of the front and back, and I’m looking forward to everybody enjoying themselves this year with the extra space!



http://www.csonline.net/glass/bldg-f.jpg




http://www.csonline.net/glass/bldg-f2.jpg

[gypsea]

that is so nice wonka....( and i see it is dusted!)

[blackstoneglass]

Nice job wonka maybe I will make out this year

[slave]

yea

[slave]

INPUT NEEDED: I’m thinking that the benches will be 37” high, and I’ll have some wood blocks available if you want to raise your torch. Does that sound OK?

Until next time… Tom

hey tom, looks great. don't know if i'll be able to make it out this year or not but anyway.

this is how i work.

i like to plant my elbows a lot for stringer control. so the most logical thing for me to do was put my bench height at the height of my elbows so standing i never had to hunch over to do intricate line work. someone so for someone 6' + that does this will have to adapt as bench height is already set.

however maybe this elbow planting might just be a crutch i've personally developed..hmm i've been working without it for the last few weeks but i havn't tried doing a lot of intricate line work in awhile.

so.. whatever is used to raise a torch... should it be wide enough for the elbow plant tech or not?

2¢

[steven p selchow]

Nice Tom! From the looks of it, its located where Kevin parked his motorhome last year right? Their should be plenty of room for everybody now.

[Vapor Glass]

wow Tom!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ninja fire]

Nice job Tom, You really came a long way...
I'm proud of ya !!!

[AlaskaBarb]

Dear Tom,

Thanks for the heads up regarding Kevin. I thought he was delightful, and lots of fun. No one would have ever known about what he had just been through. There are a lot of dog lovers among us who understand what a rough situation that would have been for him.

Beaming good thoughts his way, belatedly.
Barb

[SouthernFume]

nice lookin shop!! i used to have an 8x10 Tuff Shed it worked for me but it was like assholes and elbows when i had another guy in the shop. Glad to see people are prospering in the glass world. Turn n Burn.

[Greymatter Glass]

Sir, I demand an update.

Or I want my money back.

I paid for updates, damn it!

[Mr. Wonka]

Hi Doug.

My apologies, but I’m not going to post any more photos from Wonka World. We’re doing a lot to change the place around, and we’ve had contractors, builders, gardeners, and excavators here since my last post… I think it would be better to surprise all of you when you get here.

As a visionary, I call this facility a dream in the making. As the one who pays all of the bills, Elaine refers to it as, “The Money Pit”. Either way, it really doesn’t matter… it’s either one of the two depending on how you look at it. I smile, she cries, but it will all work out in the end.

We’ll see you in August, and I hope everyone in attendance will be impressed : )

Tom

[Greymatter Glass]

*sigh* (i really sighed)

Ok, I suppose you have a reasonable excuse.

Perhaps a picture of the floor in the new building? with your feet in the frame. And a chili dog.

[ABE LINKIN]

i hope the body shop upgraded their ventilation this year too. or at least bough a pressure washer for those classy ladies.

[Mr. Wonka]

Here are a few of the latest photos of the new building. The concrete went in today, and the benches should be built tomorrow.







http://www.csonline.net/glass/nb1.jpg




http://www.csonline.net/glass/nb2.jpg




http://www.csonline.net/glass/nb3.jpg





http://www.csonline.net/glass/nb4.jpg




Here we are pouring concrete pillars to support our purple “Hippie Bus”. Her name is Gypsea… named after one of my best friends in the world : ) … and it should be in place within the next week or so.

http://www.csonline.net/glass/nb6.jpg



The bus is getting a makeover which we hope will be completed by AGI, and it will look like this:

http://www.csonline.net/glass/pf1.jpg



I’ll post some photos of the Parramore Building next week when we start the murals. Until then… GO BLOW GLASS (as Roger would say).

Tom

[gypsea]

yes! heavy equipment hard at work at wonka world......it never ceases to amaze me how new improvements and additions pop up every year.

ya know, every time i sleep in that bus, i have a crazy dream that i am driving it somewhere.........


we can't wait to see you again tom & elaine....and all my agi friends!

[Mr. Wonka]

Yeah Gypsea, I love having the heavy equipment here… it’s a rush for me because it shows progress.

Monday and Tuesday will be the last days they will be here, and that will be to move the bus and make some more gravel paths, a fire pit area, and a hidden alcove in the woods across the street.

The hidden area will have a beer tent and a few paths lined with tiki torches… I’m sure it will be a popular hang out.

Below is a photo of the benches being installed and they are all finished at this point. Yes, we made them low (32”) for those of you that don’t like the 40” benches we currently have in the other 4 buildings.




http://www.csonline.net/glass/nb7.jpg

[themoch]

damn!

i was just standing on gravel there 6 days ago. that's some crazy progress.

[Mr. Wonka]

Yeah dude, they work fast (when they show up). Here's a riddle for you:

Q- What has 4 arms, 4 legs, and 20 teeth?

A- Wonka's construction crew.

BTW- I found out last night that they put all of the fans on one circuit and it trips the breaker immediately. I guess it's my fault for hiring Amish people to wire a building :twitch:

Tom

P.S.- More pics on Monday!

[steven p selchow]

At least they make good furniture

[UmaJulz]

Good sturdy benches are important... especially with party animals around.