Deronda designs

The Soap Opera - Giveaway Page!

2012-01-23T16:32:00.000-06:00

You really should check out this Giveaway....I love her stuff and want it ALL.

The Soap Opera - Giveaway Page!:

'via Blog this'

Piggies

2011-11-20T08:54:00.001-06:00

Now and then, I just like to do something that is pure fun. These little piggies are so fun to doodle on, although these paints are not exactly my favorites to work with.

Poor piggie on the left got dropped and shattered in a zillion pieces

I was also given some pheasant feathers and am busily coming up with ideas for using them. I love them with copper so I think there will be some combining of these two elements. Might add in some of the soft deer lace as well...but I never know until it's finished.

The Close to Home Event is happily moving along. Still just an event for the holidays, but such great stuff to be found. This fish bowl quilted wall hanging/lap quilt is adorable with it's fun design and the fact that the quilting has been done by hand...gorgeous. Every day it seems like there is something new to see and my wish list just keeps growing and growing.

Okay back to feathers and copper...will hopefully have pictures soon.

New Adventures...getting closer

2011-11-04T18:41:00.000-05:00

It's beginning to come together. We are still looking for more vendors/consignors, but I believe we have a good start.

Lots of glare, but this is our sign. I cut it from vinyl and we got it up today.

Still a work in progress...stay tuned

New Adventures

2011-11-01T22:58:00.000-05:00

Earlier this year, I had to come to terms with some hard things in my life. The journey is still hard and I falter at times, but from the new found courage I joined in this new adventure. This is the building that will house a holiday event in my little hometown called Close to Home. The goal is to offer up a shopping event in a shop filled with items that are either hand picked by some of the vendors or handmade by others. Close to Home seems like a perfect way to showcase some of the great things that a small town has to offer.

It no longer looks like this and I will give you some updates in a few days. But before I do, I challenge any local readers to stop in and say hi. We have a few vendors, including my line of jewelry, some hand thrown pottery by Kathy, some vintage and fun items from Karen, Fay's handpicked items from her sources with the promise of more quilts and afghans and zipper bags and Christmas stockings and the list just keeps growing. Word of mouth is already at work so there have already been a few stop in.

I finished a few pieces earlier today that will be ready to go out there in the next few days and a few ideas that are rolling around in my head as soon as I can settle back into creative mode...here is a sneak peek of what might show up there soon.

Looking for Balance

2011-10-23T14:35:00.004-05:00

Trying to find balance in my life often reminds me of trying to catch a soap bubble. You get so close, you can reach out and touch it, but if you try to grab it POP, it is gone. Sometime you just have to remember to slow down and appreciate the moment.

I haven't been spending much time on the torch lately, but I've been trying and trying to get good pictures of some of the things I've been playing with this summer. These might be as close as I will ever get.

And just for fun, I did this pig with glass paints...

From This to This

2011-08-27T11:59:00.000-05:00

I was asked if I could make a black and white business card holder...so from this

and this

I made this...

More glass from the kiln...

I haven't made beads for what seems like a long, long time. My goal is to turn on the torch and spend many, many hours just playing. My hope is that some of it will be good enough to restock my Etsy and Artfire shops again.

Just Playing...

2011-08-19T14:59:00.000-05:00

Summer was great and as fall is swiftly approaching I find myself just wanting to find a corner in the sun and sleep away the afternoon...at least one afternoon before the days get cold again.

I did the market in the park this summer and it's been an interesting thing for me. What I can say is that it's totally different to sell in person than it is to sell online. Without my secret weapons, I would have never have been able to do it. First, many thanks to Jeff...he can take the ideas in my head and make them work and having there when it's time to tear down makes it all so much easier for me. Then I have my Mom...she helps in so many ways. From pricing, to cashier, to customer service, to promoter, to banker...she does all the things that allow me to stay in "creative" mode. And you can't deny the touches of my youngest niece...she helps design displays, and she has the eye for how things should be arranged within the space. We've had good sales, but I have to admit that I would do it just to have the moments with family...

This is a custom bracelet I was asked to make to match one of the copper necklaces I've loved making...I think it turned out well.

And now to go find that warm place in the sun and relax for just a little while...

It's an Online Life and Yet...so Real.

2011-06-05T12:25:00.001-05:00

Who would have thought when I decided to sell beads online that I would get so much more than a market? I sold my first bead online in December of 2007. I've sold more beads since then, but even better is the friendships that have been created. These people encourage, inspire, challenge, listen, advise and sometimes even push or scold each other when necessary. They check on you when you go missing for a day or two and if for some reason you just blow up and embarrass yourself, they shrug it off and welcome you back with open arms.

I think one of my "oldest" online friends is Deb. Although younger than me, she was the one that told me my pictures were awful. But with that also came the offer of help and beginning of a friendship that I think will stand the test of time and distance between here and Hong Kong.

Mexican Fire Opal

She's generous with her knowledge and skills and has some of the yummiest gems and even more gorgeous pieces of jewelry. Right now she has a sale going on in her gems shop CrysallisGems but you should also wander into her CrysallisCreations shop and see what she does with gems and wire and pretty pieces of glass.

Haven't done any beads lately, but have to admit this set in my Etsy shop are some of my favorites...

Bronze with circles Handmade SRA Lampwork Bead Set 1288

Were you Happy at 15?

2011-05-29T00:46:00.003-05:00

Now not a very beady question, but it made me smile to think back to those years. At 15, I met my first love who spoiled me rotten.

At 15, I took my first trip alone...out to the east coast to see my oldest sister(and by the way, my first love paid for most of that trip). Still not sure why I wanted to go see her...she's the one that used to pull me down the hall by my hair, but it was an interesting vacation. Saw cool things, met cool people and went to some great places and even better little shops.

Pretty sure I got my permit when I was 15 and my sister's boyfriend tried to teach me how to drive...and we ended up in the ditch.

So yeah, 15 was full of new and exciting things...it was fun being a kid that year.

And just because this is supposed to be about beads...

I like these, but I have to admit to like the softness of the flowers on these...

Flowers and Trees...I am waiting for spring.

2011-05-05T22:49:00.005-05:00

I love flowers and trees...in the garden, in paintings, and definitely on glass...this is a bad photo of a beautiful piece of art done by my 8 year old grand.

And these are some of my flowers...I have visions in my head and these are close, but not quite there yet.

Fo-Shizzle Design Studios: It's Our Anniversary! Win a Bar of Our Handcrafted Soap! (Giveaway)

2011-04-11T19:46:00.000-05:00

Fo-Shizzle Design Studios: It's Our Anniversary! Win a Bar of Our Handcrafted Soap! (Giveaway)

I love her soap...great scents, great feel.

Winter Storms

2011-03-24T00:47:00.003-05:00

I've lived in North Dakota most of my life and I still can't get used to snowstorms in March. It just doesn't seem right, but I think I say that every single year.

We just got back from Iow

a too. We didn't need our boots and gloves and a hoodie was almost too w

arm. I think we should have stayed.

I haven't had a chance this week to make beads(yes, I am a baby and didn't want to go out in the cold) so you will have to settle for some things that were made before, but are still pretty. And flowers are always hopeful...

It's Still February...

2011-02-10T23:36:00.004-06:00

Okay, I am trying not to be so neglectful of my blog here. It's winter...it's cold and I am really feeling it this year. Tonight I am smiling because the temperatures aren't in the negative...it's a heat wave.

The beads have been more playing than serious lately. It's good for my soul to just kick back and not pressure myself to "produce" but just grab the glass and see what happens. Sometimes it's interesting...other times it is just plain failure. And before you say you've never seen me make an ugly bead, let me show you this..

Truly glass that didn't "go together". But it's okay because I can laugh at them and know that it's just another lesson learned.

On the other hand...this set makes me laugh just because I see them and they make me happy because they remind me of spring and gardens that will soon(okay still a few months)be green and full of color.

Hmmm...I think I should blog more.

2011-01-24T16:14:00.005-06:00

It's hard to believe how long it's been since I last was here. It's not that I haven't been busy with my creative life, so there really no excuse for my absence.

Someone asked about the leap from hobbyist to business. When I sit down at the torch most days, I have no plan. I've been on such a frit journey these last months that I can guarantee there are frits already out and ready to use. Then it becomes about shapes and base colors and how will things react together. As things are going into the kiln, they are my creative bits...when they come out, they have magically transformed into product. But there is that part of me that truly enjoys the business side of it as I strive to create a product that is not only artistic, but also affordable and durable.

And now for some of my faves for this week...

and maybe these...

In a Collection

2010-11-21T12:39:00.001-06:00

Mint Greens and Browns

Curated By: pegasussoaps

ArtFire.com

Handmade Jewelry

Gifts

2010-10-27T22:00:00.006-05:00

Who knew when I started selling online that my world would grow to include friends all over the world? When I received a package from Germany from my friend, Cat, I was dancing on air. Her magic with wire never ceases to amaze to me and now, I have to say that I proudly own some of her work that I will treasure always.

Here is my gift...

If you would like to see more of her work like this:

or this

start by checking out her Artfire shop

Is it Pretty(or pretty ugly?)

2010-10-17T13:43:00.007-05:00

Sometimes when I sit down at the torch, I have a vision of what I want to make that is outside my "norm". Sometimes I can make the glass match the vision, but often I am left with something that in no way resembles the dream of what I wanted to create. My first instinct is to throw up my hands in frustration and shout "I can't do this, it's ugly, why do I even try?" Then, I step back and look at it from a different perspective. Some beads are just ugly and that is that. But some are interesting and unusual and I can see working them into a design.

You decide... are they Pretty? or Pretty Ugly?

From my friend...WillowWalker Designs: Introducing the New "Elegance Collection"!

2010-10-12T21:45:00.001-05:00

I love her fused work and maybe you'd like a chance to win one of her gorgeous pieces...

WillowWalker Designs: Introducing the New "Elegance Collection"!: "I'm finally intoducing my newest jewelry collection! The 'Elegance Collection' I know I've been tempting you all for weeks with these p..."

Collections and Treasuries

2010-10-04T19:18:00.005-05:00

There is always something a bit thrilling to find yourself in an Artfire Collection or an Etsy Treasury. I'm truly honored...

Artfire Collection

Getting ready for fall

Curated By: CatsWire

ArtFire.com

Etsy Treasury

September

2010-09-27T10:15:00.003-05:00

September is almost over. It's been a month where you don't know if you should turn on the furnace or air conditioner from one day to the next.

With Artfire coming out of Beta and celebrating with a chance to get in at an awesome price this month, I'm finding more and more new shops to browse. Now I wonder if I can blame window shopping for all the things I haven't been doing...things like blogging, paperwork, photos of beads, etching and the list goes on.

I did get some beads made though...

Life...

2010-09-12T23:58:00.005-05:00

Life has a way of reminding us what matters the most. This summer was one where the reminders just kept slamming into me, but as autumn approaches I feel things beginning to settle.

I recently went out of state. I thought about what to do about the online shops, and decided that I would just take them with me, so to speak. I packed up the beads, some mailing supplies, my postal scale, my printer and of course, the laptop. It worked pretty well. I could be where I needed to be and could still keep things going. After 10 days it was time to come home because I haven't quite figured out how to take the torch and glass along with me...

I've been playing with the mica powders and I love that shimmer they get. I'm not sure if I like the metallic look or...

the softer look of these.

Bubbles, bubbles everywhere

2010-08-10T22:08:00.005-05:00

I've been a bit fixated on bubbles. So lots of bubble beads have been making their way out of the kiln.

Aren't they fun?

I also had a guest in the studio recently and she made her first beads as well as a stepping stone...

I am so impressed...especially since she's only 8.

Beads of Courage and Pepsi

2010-07-09T08:51:00.005-05:00

About Beads of Courage

Beads of Courage helps children RECORD, TELL and OWN their stories of courage during treatment for cancer and other serious illness. Through the Program children receive differentcolored beads each which symbolize their unique and challenging treatment journey.

It seems Pepsi has a project that is giving away millions in grants...and Beads of Courage is looking to make a difference in the lives of more children and families. Perfect. But now I NEED you to go vote today and every day until the end of July.

Beads of Courage has touched my heart from the first time I heard about it. So please take a minute and go vote...

"Through the Beads of Courage Program children coping with life threatening conditions received colorful beads each which symbolize the many treatments and procedures they overcome. Their Beads of Courage collection serves as a tangible, visible symbol of their accomplishments during a challenging treatment journey. Funding provided by Pepsi will help us provide the Beads of Courage Program as a source of support for children in 10 children's hospitals wishing to provide the Program as a source of psychosocial support. The Beads of Courage Program strengthens resilience and quality of life for children coping with cancer and other serious illness."

Summer is Here..

2010-07-04T19:00:00.009-05:00

I love summer. I love seeing things blooming and I love being able to go from the house to the studio without boots. In my gardens, I have blooms like this...

and... and...

Also a few beads, but not as many since I seem to be outside a lot more often

Copper and Brass

2010-05-30T23:05:00.006-05:00

This is an etched brass doodle cuff.

This is the copper bit from the doodle I showed you before. It got snapped up right away. There are more new copper bits in my Artfire shop though.

and just a light and airy set of beads on Etsy

Making Beads.

2010-05-23T19:46:00.004-05:00

I've been making beads. Now that isn't so unusual...it's what I do. I happen to love this set and am arguing with myself about whether I want to list them or keep them. Now if I keep them, I should make something with them and I just don't have the time to do that these days.

I've also been doing some doodling to put on the copper disks. I think this is one of my favorites, but there will be others showing up in the shops this week. They are in the tumbler now but should be ready for photos later tonight.

Braggin'...my friend Brenda

2010-05-01T21:45:00.005-05:00

I was so thrilled to see this blog post from an ArtisanBeader. Brenda, of The Jewelry Box, recently posted about being published in Bead Trends. While being excited for her, it is almost as exciting that the piece features one of my beads. Now how cool is that?

But I do love Brenda's work...these make me wish I wore earrings.

Beads, Beads, Beads...

2010-04-24T23:06:00.018-05:00

Wow! This last week has been a good week for making beads. There are times when things just seem to go smoothly. I also have a clay piece that I did just because I needed to play and an etched brass cuff that my mom quickly claimed as her very own.

I listed at both my Etsy and Artfire shops today. More copper in the Etsy shop...I think this one is my favorite there.

One of my favorite bead sets at Etsy is this one

At Artfire, I think the colors in this set are really fun...

Staying busy...

2010-04-19T02:34:00.013-05:00

I have definitely been staying busy. I have been making beads, etching more copper and even playing with a bit of polymer clay.

My favorite listing on Artfire this week has to be this one

But this one that is listed at Etsy is also one that I really do like as well

I will show you some copper and polymer clay later. The pics are out on the studio computer and it's doing some maintenance stuff which makes it very, very slow.

Spring Must be in the Air

2010-04-08T22:41:00.005-05:00

It really must be since I've had the desire to play with flowery beads again. These will be listed sometime in the next couple of days, but don't they just make you want to go out and run barefoot through a field of flowers?

Frustration

2010-03-27T14:03:00.007-05:00

I think one of the most frustrating parts of glass is trying to get decent pictures of it. I've gotten pretty good with most of the beads although every now and then there is a set that throws me.

I've made cabs and some of the best ones are the implosions. Making implosions using soft glass instead of boro was something I tried before anyone told me that it was really, really hard. Since I have nothing to compare, I really haven't a clue. I just have fun playing with them.

Someone was asking about who made lampwork cabochons and my lovely friend Deb, volunteered the info that I do. I have decided that I will sell some, but before they leave home, I really want some good photos to add to the scrapbook of favorites I've made.

It's hard, but here's the best I've been able to do...

It's below zero today...

2010-02-09T11:00:00.007-06:00

Can anyone say brrrrr. Today is one of those days I really don't want to go out for any reason. And who knows, I may not.

I got a new torch. It's a Little Smith torch for playing with metal. Jeff helped me with the glitches and we got it hooked up over the weekend. I know I still have a lot to learn, but it's fun and almost as addictive as the glass.

My youngest wanted a dish to put her coffee spoon on...seems it bugs her to have a coffee spot on her conter. So this is what I created for her...

Oh beads? Yep, a few...but these are my favorites for this week..

Nothing to Say...

2010-02-01T17:33:00.003-06:00

I haven't felt like I've had anything to say lately. Part of it has been the winter 'blahs', but as the days are beginning to get longer I am feeling less blue.

I did some copper etching. Somewhere in my online wanderings, I ran across a basse taille piece and so it all begins....HOW did they do that? So far I have only done the etching, the enameling will come before long I am quite sure.

I also got a new press that does the nugget shape. I have never been a fan of presses, but until now I could never get one to work very well...until now. I do like this shape for beads.

Will I Ever Catch Up?

2010-01-07T21:19:00.005-06:00

Do you ever get the feeling you will never catch up? Yes, me too...

I made this pendant last summer and I like it. So I decided to try and make some bead clusters to sell so people could make their own. I am still trying to decided if I should add some of the "little'' beads as well...I used amethyst, moonstone and keshi pearls in this one.

I know it's only January, but I am already tired of winter. Maybe on the days when it isn't -20 degrees I will feel better about it.

It's Winter again...and it's really COLD!

2009-12-15T19:17:00.009-06:00

It truly is winter....again. You always know it will be coming and yet, somehow, I am never quite prepared for how really cold North Dakota can get in the winter.

I needed a new picture for my website, so with some help from the season I came up with this one...yep, I went out and gathered a bowl of snow for the photo.

I spent a week away from home. It was so much fun to get out of town and just hang out, but as always, it's nice to come back home.

Let's see, I've made a few beads, finished a necklace for a customer and had a small group of teenagers over to visit the glassy space. I'm always awkward having people watch me...I'd rather be the watcher than the one being watched.

Stopping to Take a Breath...

2009-11-23T10:27:00.002-06:00

It has been an amazingly busy and fun month. I have been working to get ALL the beads and beading stuff out to the shop in my attempt to become "organized". I'll have to let you know later if I am even a little successful.

I've also had some local customers. I laugh when they call me the "best kept secret" in town, but I guess they aren't that far from the truth. I've spent so much time and effort keeping up with the online stuff that I've not done any kind of promoting locally. It's quite a different experience to watch people shop for beads, especially when they are in my studio. I enjoyed it immensely.

And just to let you know...we still have NO SNOW!

No Snow Yet!

2009-11-10T10:49:00.004-06:00

It's hard to believe we have no snow yet. I am not complaining and I am sure that it won't last long, but for now I am enjoying the days. I took the pick-up down to the body shop to get a new window and decided to walk home. I took the long way around as I did some banking, made an appointment to get my hair cut and just enjoyed being out in November without snow boots.

I had visitors to my studio last week. I have to admit that I don't always find it easy to let people into my work area. I'm beginning to feel a bit more confident in my ability to make a bead, so it's not quite so scary to have people see the good, the bad and the ugly....

Just a couple of pics today and then I must get some beads measured and listed...

What a week it was...

2009-10-26T14:49:00.009-05:00

I started out by helping my sister put up a privacy fence. She has two beautiful white German Shepherds, but just moved into a house on Main Street across from the grocery store. The dogs can be a bit intimidating, so she decided a privacy fence was best. So I helped her dig post holes and get up the 6' fence panels.

I had ordered material to do a Halloween costume for a special little girl. I thought to myself that since I was ordering material, I would order some extra stuff for a couple of other projects that I've wanted to do. Not such a good idea since things were out of stock and somehow my order got all messed up. But I do have wonderful things to say about fabric.com. They did their very best to get things to me as quick as can be...never would have believed that things could make it to the middle of North Dakota overnight from Georgia. Whew...costume is done! And I managed to get one other project done while the sewing machine was out.

I took a bit of the studio space and have set up a place for my work-outs. Because of the meds for my heart, I am going to have to stay consistant to get back into shape. Dang...what a mess I've become over the past year or so.

Not a lot of beads from last week and the incense holder I made needs some help...I put the part that holds the stick in the wrong place. I'll see what I can do to fix it and get a pic later....

This one has a fine crack along the hole...he will go into

the bowl to be fused down at a later date.

It's Friday...

2009-10-16T20:27:00.004-05:00

I can't believe it's Friday. It's been more of a winter week than a fall week since we had some of the wet sloppy snow. It's melting and still very sloppy. So I've been out in the studio and have gotten beads made, photo'd, and some of them listed at Etsy. I also made some hearts for a project my sister is working on. I have no snow pictures, but I do have some bead pics...

Random Thoughts

2009-10-12T18:15:00.006-05:00

My mind has been hopping so much lately and it's both good and bad. I didn't realize how much I was dreading my first visit back with the cardiologist since the surgery last year. I met with him on Friday and he was happy and amazed at the strength of my heart. As one of my friends would say "Woot diddly doot!!"

I've also been spending time out in the studio more and more as the weather turns colder and colder. It won't be long before I have to trek through the snow to get out here, but I am looking forward to having the time to get the glass back on track.

But lately, it hasn't been all about the glass. I think I will be taking some time this winter to explore some other options and see what comes of it.

Here's a few of the newest listings...

Sea of Hope Charm Bracelet

2009-10-05T21:55:00.010-05:00

The Artisan Beaders Street Team has also been about giving; whether it's support, guidance, instruction, or a friendly ear, our team's strength lies in the generosity of its members to one another.

Now it is time to give back.

Back in the summer, ABST discussed ideas to do something exciting; something that would not only bring our team together, but also generate awareness of those in need. We decided to create a very special bracelet, one where members could design and contribute a unique charm, based on a "sea" theme of calming blues and soothing greens. Once the bracelet was assembled, we would auction it off to the highest bidder with the winning bid to be donated to charity.

But which charity? With so many organizations needing financial assistance all over the world, it was difficult to choose. After much discussion and research, the team selected RAINN as the recipient of the winning bid:

The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network is the nation's largest anti-sexual assault organization. RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1.800.656.HOPE and the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline at rainn.org, and publicizes the hotline's free, confidential services; educates the public about sexual assault; and leads national efforts to prevent sexual assault, improve services to victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice.

Participating members were given a deadline and got down to work. Deb, Lynne, Deronda, Brenda, Sue, Donna, Meri, Lucia, Patty, Ainsley and Vicki searched their stash to come up with the perfect, one-of-a-kind charm, using pearls, crystals, shell, semi-precious stones and sterling silver. Vicki volunteered to collect the charms and assemble the bracelet, w riting a series of teaser posts as she beautifully arranged a substantial 24 charms onto a sterling chain. Deb created a stunning toggle clasp, to give the 7 1/4" bracelet an exceptional and secure finishing touch.

Finally, after months of anticipation, it is time for our auction to begin! The details?

Click HERE to be taken to the Artisan Beaders Blog for all the details on how you can bid on this piece...

Odds and Ends of Life

2009-09-17T13:01:00.007-05:00

I just read a newsletter about growing as an artist. Right now, I am not growing. I think I am going through the dormant part of the cycle. I haven't had a creative thought, urge or dream for weeks. I haven't touched the torch and I haven't even wandered out to the studio. My blog, shops and website have been just sitting there getting full of cobwebs and dust. But I have been busy with things like cleaning, dusting, painting walls and even cleaning and purging what has been lurking in the closets.

I woke up this morning thinking about glass, so the dormancy may be coming to an end. I also ran across a couple of things in those closets that have my creative mind whirring just a bit.

One is a chess set that was packed away for years and years. The starkness of the black and white along with the fierce faces has me thinking more about angles and edges rather than colors. Tucked away in the corner of an old building we needed to clean out, we found an old coffee can full of these small railroad spikes. I thought they were interesting so I brought them home. That was a few years ago and I ran across them as I was cleaning the closets. I still don't know what I will do with them, but they too have me thinking about how shape and angles and hard edges have a beauty outside of where I usually go.

Not a bead, but a bed.

2009-09-01T22:47:00.006-05:00

My sister has been storing this for years and years at my house.
It's now been passed on to me, and I have made a decision about it. But first, a bit of history. My family homesteaded in southern Colorado, right along the Santa Fe Trail. I grew up going to the ranch and the memories of my granddad will always be strongly linked to horses and cattle and his fiddle. The ranch was his haven and I would bet that he traveled every possible inch over the years. This bed frame was one of the things that he found out there and according to my sister, he believed it had been left behind when someone needed to lighten their load. I'll do some work on it and give it a coat of paint, and then it will go into the back yard and I will plant a climbing rose in front and the frame can become a trellis. It will go near the wind chime that reminds of us of Jeff's mom who was taken too soon, but so loved the sound of the chime that her brother had made.

Okay, one set of beads. I am hoping that as we approach fall and the days begin to get shorter and cooler that I will find it easier to be inside on the torch rather than playing outside.

Creativity...

2009-08-20T13:00:00.004-05:00

I just opened the kiln and it's full of the ugliest beads I've made in a long, long time. It's not from lack of creativity, nor is it from a muse gone missing. It's from putting pressure on myself to "produce". I've had some amazing sales and my Etsy shop has gotten a bit empty...egads! So I got myself into a frenzy to fill the shop. BAD IDEA! Now I will still have an empty shop and I have this pile of ugly beads. So today, I am going to just do what I do, and enjoy the process of doing it. I cleaned off the torching space to give my mind a chance to relax in blank slate mode and hopefully tomorrow's kiln will have something that makes me smile.

This set is on it's way to the east coast, but I love the depth it has.

Must be the Weather

2009-08-12T18:04:00.007-05:00

It is HOT here. In the 90's and for North Dakota that is extremely hot. I keep telling you I am not a big fan of pink, but some of my prettiest beads come out as pinkies. I know that part of it is the rubino glass. It really is a fun glass to work with and it does do nice things.

I pulled some murrini the other day. It's like pulling stringers for me. When nothing else is clicking, I pull stringers and twisties with what is piled up by the torch. So these are what I got...

So now they need to be used, so we took the pink/rubino/white and made this.And as I am trying to learn how I can control what they can do, I ended up with more.

And there you have it. That's a lot of pink for me, so we shall blame it on the heat.

Blog Hopping

2009-08-10T23:48:00.000-05:00

Every now and then, I just like to hop from blog to blog to blog, following links and seeing where it takes me. Often, I have to stop and read or just gaze in wonderment at all the wonderful things people are creating all over the world.

One of the venues that I choose to sell on is Artfire. I've been there for awhile, and I've watched as it's grown and continues to evolve. I've watched new artisans join the ranks of the sellers and I've gotten some unique gifts there(shh, I've even bought a few things all for me). More and more I see Rapid Carts or Artfire window shops showing up on blogs as I go wandering from blog to blog to blog.

I do have some favorite blogs, but my first blog stop is usually the Artisan Beaders blog. I'm quite proud to belong to this group, and I have learned more from them than I ever knew I needed to know. So if you ever just want to blog hop, make sure to add us to your list.

Can I be Serious for a Minute?

2009-08-10T01:34:00.001-05:00

The last couple of weeks have been a roller coaster of emotions, thoughts and ideas. I had a bead purchased a couple of weeks ago by a certain buyer who has been "investigating" online shops to see if they are current with all their business licenses and such. At least that is what the person would like the world to believe. Who knows? Maybe they have even convinced themselves that is the reason for the hateful blog and the efforts to annoy artisans. I'm not going to promote her blog, but I am going to give you a link to another blog that has links and such to artisans that are being annoyed. If you have a minute, go to that blog, click on some links and if you see something that strikes your fancy, do a bit of shopping.
The Artisan Fraud Truth Report
You won't find me on the blogs, which means either all my business stuff is up to snuff or she finds North Dakota a bit slippery to navigate.

But every cloud does have a silver lining. I've met a few online artisans that I didn't know before and have a few more shops to add to my shopping file for when I am ready to start Christmas shopping. Maybe not the most pleasant way to meet, but definitely glad I did.

I just did this red bead and it's one of those that are simple but for some reason still ones that make me smile. And just a bit of bling for fun.

And just a pile of playing around beads...

Treasures

2009-08-01T23:08:00.008-05:00

Today, I got a new treasure. My baby sister must have sensed that I needed to feel a bit of love because this showed up.
She does the most amazing things with eggs. Yes, real eggs. Every time I see one of her eggs, I am amazed at the detail she puts into each and every one of them. From the teeny eggs up to the ostrich eggs, she is truly an amazing artist.

I do come from an incredibly talented family and I know it, but every time I see what one of them creates, it still thrills my soul. I love having their art around me. It gives me a sense of peace and belonging in this crazy world.

Moody Monday

2009-07-27T13:10:00.007-05:00

It's Monday. I think it's Monday. Even if it weren't Monday, I would say it feels like Monday. Blah!
In the reality of the world there are good things and bad things. You can't appreciate the good without knowing the pain of the bad.

A bad thing is happening to Larry and his family, and yet, even though the bad is bad, my heart is warmed by the good that is just bursting from all corners of the world as people join together to help. While we all wish that it weren't needed, I am very proud to know that I could make a difference, albeit a small difference in the life a family.

I spent the weekend doing something that was very important to me so I missed most of the silent auction and radiothon. I'm hoping that I had a couple of successful bids on items and I know that the business card holder sold. In 48 hours, they raised over $5000 to help Larry and his family. And I just heard that BHR and other friends of Larry haven't called it "done" with helping this family. As always, keep an ear open to Blockhead Radio to stay updated on what is happening. Plus they have some wonderful music...as long as Rod isn't singing along.

This is the quilt that I bought chances to win in Larry's Artfire shop, ChelseaLynnDesigns

I know that the drawing will be the first week of August, so you still have a chance to buy some chances. Click on the quilt for more details.

48 for Larry

2009-07-20T12:20:00.005-05:00

"In helping others, we shall help ourselves, for whatever good we give

out completes the circle and comes back to us."
- Flora Edwards

48 hours of Blockhead Radio at their finest. This weekend is going to be 48 hours of pure heart and soul as artisans have joined together to help Larry through the Blockhead Radio Radiothon and Silent Auction . I've purchased some of Larry's work in the past and I love it(I've also bought a chance on the quilt).

I've just sent my donation information ...and this is what I am adding to the silent auction

The number of items is growing and growing and I am going to be doing some bidding without a doubt.

Bidding will start at 6 p.m. eastern time July 24th and end at 6 p.m. eastern time July 26th

Taking Pictures...

2009-07-14T17:50:00.007-05:00

Yeah, today it's been pictures of beads. It's the part that I struggle to do well and yet, there are those days that nothing is working well. So I have to start all over because I think the pictures have to be the best I can possibly get.

You know how I am always making flowers in the middle of winter. Lately, it's been more leaves and fall stuff. But I guess that's okay...it's not like the beads will go bad while waiting for the seasons to change, right?

And some new things...well not so new, but things that have been waiting to get photo'd and now need to be measured and listed.

Okay, off to measure and get things ready for listing.

It's really July

2009-07-02T18:31:00.006-05:00

Time has been just flying by lately. I'm still finding it hard to convince myself I need to spend some time in the studio, but I have done a bit of torching the last few days. Just a bit, mind you, because my mind keeps wandering outside.

Yesterday, I sat down at the torch and drew a blank. Seriously, I just couldn't find the way to start. So I wandered over to Plurk and commented on my state of mind. Rod, from Blockhead Radio said "Sometimes the easiest way over a wall is around it". So I went out and mowed and you know I love being outside. When I came back in, I pulled out the fat glass and made the first imploded flower cab that I've made for quite some time(maybe a year). I could sit and tell you everything that is not quite right, but...I've chosen to say I enjoyed making it and in the end that is why I keep doing it.

If you ever get the chance you should check out Inside Handmade on Blockhead Radio: John Jacobs and Tony Ford from Artfire shares Industry Trends, Behind the Scenes, and One Thing every Thursday at 1:30 p.m. eastern time.

I'm not saying that you should follow every single bit of advice that they offer, but it's quite interesting to get that glimpse into the hows, whys and wheres of Artfire.

And just because...
.

Enjoying the Weather

2009-06-24T08:10:00.006-05:00

I have just been enjoying the weather. The humidity is a bit more than we normally have, but that doesn't slow me down.

Jeff came home with big machinery to work on painting the highest peaks of our old farmhouse style home. I got my first lesson on how to get him up and back down so he could do the powerwashing.

Then it was my turn to be the one going up and do the painting. I had my cell phone with me and snapped a couple of pics. Wish I had thought to take my camera up with me, though.

It was interesting to see things from a new perspective. It's just a small part of the yard, and probably the part that I will be working on this summer the most. I have started cutting some glass to make stepping stones, but I really need to set up a cutting table outside. I just can't convince myself to be inside when the sun is shining.

Did I show you this pendant? I love the softness of it. And such a pretty color for the green. I must remember to order more of this color since I only had one rod that came in a sample pack.

The County Fair starts this week. I am going to take a day and wander through all the women's exhibits this year. You just never know where you might find inspiration for a new bead....I might even indulge myself and have a caramel apple.

Why I Spend So Much Time Outside

2009-05-30T08:19:00.014-05:00

This is the most beautiful time of year and I love be outside. Now that does make it hard to keep up with the glass and such, but this is the time when my soul is recharging from the long cold winters.

My house is on the other side of the studio.

Oh, and these are the colors I finally chose for the studio paint.

With the new Fusion Studios and the chance to lock in the $12.00 a month for life, there are good reasons to check out Artfire. I won't tell you it's perfect, but I can tell you that they are working hard to create a place to call home for us artists as well as an exciting shopping experience for our customers. I've been seeing exciting things happening with the Fusion Studios. From live streaming to widgets to Etsy minis to Facebook, the studios are becoming so unique. Go visit a few random shops, or if you've worked on your shop let me know in the comments so I can go see what you've done...

New Studio Looks

2009-05-26T10:02:00.005-05:00

I have a cool studio to work in, but let's be honest. It started life as a building that did nothing but collect all the junk that didn't have any other place to go. When it became apparent that glass was going to be permanent part of our life, the building began it's transformation and it's still changing. I've gotten the primer on the outside and once the rain stops will be adding the topcoat. I still have a lot of inside work to do as well, but it's getting there.

And along with the glass studio getting a facelift, Artfire is also rolling out the Fusion Studios. I've only begun to scratch the surface with what I can do with my Artfire shop, but I'm having fun so far. I love that I will be able to add a gallery there. You know that I am more into pictures than words so this is exciting for me. And I'm sure that over the next few weeks, my Artfire studio will be undergoing many changes as I explore the possibilities of what I can do to make it a reflection of me.

Spring is Finally Here...maybe

2009-05-18T13:33:00.009-05:00

I've been seeing a few tulips blooming here and there, but still no lilacs or iris yet. But of course, the dandelions are out in full force.

Yep, I still have more mowing to do, but I have to go fill gas cans and I'm waiting to see if I can get Jeff to do it for me.
After the long winter, I am having a hard time convincing myself that I should be in the studio. I'm thinking I might have to put aside the glass for awhile and do some other projects that I can take out and work on in the sunshine.

But...here's a few things.

and the cuff I finally finished.

I Ordered More Glass

2009-05-09T01:22:00.012-05:00

Eeeps! As if I really needed any more glass, but when I saw this bead done by my friend, Trish, from SunDaisyGlass ,I was hooked. She's got an Etsy shop and an Artfire shop, and you might want to check out her pretties.

But back to the story...I saw this bead and the glass intrigued me beyond words. The colors are amazing and the glass is still fairly new. It is Gaffer glass which is a company based in New Zealand. Don't you think it is just an amazing glass? I'm now waiting for new glass...eeps.

I've also been playing lately. I am so not someone who makes sculptural glass. It's not something I find very easy and it's not even something I enjoy most of the time. I think it's just the silliness of spring, but I've just been playing with little critters.

And of course, some that are flowers...

Artisan Beaders...Brenda 's Jewelry Box

2009-05-01T17:52:00.005-05:00

In some ways I am glad it is Friday, but I still haven't figured out where the week went.

One of the people that I have met along the way in cyberland is Brenda. She is one of those people that I don't think has ever thrown a temper tantrum, said anything mean about anyone, and would give you whatever you needed if she could.

But she also loves to make jewelry. Her pieces are soft and very feminine like these that you can find in her Etsy shop

Soft as a Whisper - Artisan Handmade Glass Lampworks with Pale Aqua Chalcedony Drops Earrings

or
this one that you can find at her 1000 Markets Shop

Amoura Necklace

Listing...wish they could list themselves.

2009-04-24T15:19:00.017-05:00

Okay, I've listed about half of what I wanted to list and now am looking for ways to put off doing the rest. So I will show you pics of some of the ones I have listed and a peek of those that still need to be done.

These are Listed

Artfire

Etsy

These still need to be listed.

It's Fixed!

2009-04-22T19:28:00.004-05:00

The kiln is fixed and I have nothing but the highest of praise for JenKen Kilns. From my description, they knew what I needed and the parts came so quickly. And along with the parts were directions on how to replace the relays. It's up and running and I am as happy as can be.

I've been taking advantage of the beautiful weather and getting flower beds cleared. They've been a bit neglected the last couple of years, so they are a real mess. Blame it on the glass...yep, it's more fun to play with glass than weed.

I've been listening to BlockHead Radio quite often when I'm on the computer. But I have a word of advice if you listen to the morning Brewhaha~don't listen to it while drinking anything. The laughter is infectious and if you aren't careful you end up with coffee or soda all over the monitor.

I'm needing to add some photos to Deviant Art, but I am having trouble deciding what I want to post over there.

Haven't had anything really exciting come from the torch this week. But there are these...they are some of the largest beads I have ever made, and I think they are ones that I am going to wire wrap. The longest is 2.5 inches and they are nothing more than a way to use up the little end pieces and play with colors and designs that I might not try otherwise.

This set was listed, but just never sold. I still really like it, so I think I will mix it up with some other things and actually make something for myself. Yeah, I've said that before and then either it gets sold or my mom likes it or one of my girls just say "thanks" as they walk out the door with it.

Artisan Beaders....Shiny Adornments

2009-04-20T14:17:00.004-05:00

Woot diddly doot!

Kristy of Shiny Adornments is another of the Artisan Beaders. She's got mad skills with the wire....

DNA Double Helix -

Artisan Handmade Gemstone Wire Wrapped Necklace

Now in her Etsy shop... http:// ShinyAdornments.etsy.com

And then she has one of the most amazing blogs ever. She's got the best information and then you find her bits of humor thrown in just to keep you from getting too serious about yourself.

Simply Shiny Blog

What a Week!

2009-04-18T01:24:00.005-05:00

Well, let's see...I have NEVER seen so much water around here in my life. I wouldn't want to go in a ditch now because they are totally full of fast running water. Many of the gravel roads have been washed out or are still under water.

So Jeff was supposed to be having dinner at the local restaurant last night. Turns out he was at the restaurant, but as a volunteer firefighter instead of a customer.

My poor kiln is waiting for parts. I have a JenKen kiln and I have to tell you that you can't beat their customer service. Real people helping you so you can get back to work as quickly as possible.

This is the Herkimer Diamond and Garnet necklace I made for my daughter. At least with my girls I know that I am getting totally honest opinions...good thing I know they love me. At times they can be just plain blunt about what they think.

Think I Might Keep These

2009-04-13T15:21:00.004-05:00

Started out as one thing...ended up as something totally different, but I love it and may just keep it.

This one too...

A Bit of this, A Bit of That....

2009-04-08T22:01:00.006-05:00

I'm not sure what to blog about today. I've got a different type of butterfly beads...
these aren't too bad, but...still not quite there. I'm not sure which style I like better, so maybe I should do some of each?

If any of you make art beads of any kind, please consider Beads of Courage. They need beads of all kinds. Robert posted this in our challenge thread yesterday~

Heads and faces are really popular beads. I don't do them very well at all, but we get lots of request for them and I'm hoping that there are others who like to do them and are better at it than me.

I heard from the folks at the main office this morning and we’ve got a need for beads at Beads of Courage. I didn't want to start a new thread on the same topic and highjack this very good discussion. You may see this posted around other places, too.

Here's the whole story. We’ve got about 7000 children enrolled in the programs across the country now and we go through lots and lots of Act of Courage beads as they work their way towards recovery. An Act of Courage bead is an artist-made bead of virtually any design or color, so it’s a good opportunity for you to stretch your color palette and design ideas. After a tough procedure the kids get to search though a collection of these beads to find the one bead that means something to them. I’ve observed this selection process myself and they like to go through the box and examine each bead carefully to find the one bead that speaks to them. Months later they can tell you what it represents, so it is a meaningful experience.

If you’ve been thinking about donating beads now might be a good time to send a few off. It doesn’t have to be a big ‘ole bag, just whatever you’d like to pass along. If you’ve been donating all along, I want to thank you for your contributions and hope that maybe you’ve got a few more stashed away.

I know that there are challenges and other organized donations going on around the country. These efforts are appreciated more than you might know and they really do make a difference.

If you have any beads to spare please send them to:
Beads of Courage, Inc.
3331 N Riverbend Circle West
Tucson, AZ 85750
Thanks very much,
Robert Simmons
Director for Bead Donations
Beads of Courage

So I will be going through the beads and deciding which ones will go to BOC this week. The butterflies can just go at a later date, I think.

I've finished a couple of other projects, but I can't show you quite yet. One is a gift for my daughter and the other for my mom. I'm pleased with both and would love to show you, but...I know Liza for sure peeks at my blog now and then.

My daughter asked if I would make a couple of pieces for her to donate to a silent auction for a young lady who was diagnosed with lymphoma and has no insurance. The auction was a huge success and they raised over $10,000.00 for her.

The snow is finally melting and although things are a muddy mess, I am glad to see less snow every day!!!

Learning to Make Butterflies?

2009-04-06T19:44:00.004-05:00

I've been trying to make butterflies and it's been a daunting task. I can see in my head what I want, but I haven't been able to get it down on the glass yet.

Why butterflies? Maggie and Paula have started the BOC Spring Cleaning 2009. BOC stands for Beads of Courage and it's a most worthy cause. Beads of Courage is for children who are dealing with serious illnesses.

"For children battling cancer, there is a different story behind each bead in their "Beads of Courage" collection.
Blue ones represent each trip to the cancer clinic, red for a blood transfusion, brown for loss of hair, white for chemotherapy and glow-in-the-dark beads for radiation treatment.

And the list goes on for 17 more colors, including a final "Purple Heart" bead, representing the end of treatment."

And then there are the butterflies...bereavement beads for parents who have lost a child.

I've never made the butterfly beads, and I am struggling to make a bead that shows the love and spirit of the child and parents who have traveled a road that no parent ever wants their child to walk. It matters that these beads are the best I have to offer...but I'm not there yet.

And with every bead I make I pray that the need for these beads will end...

Artisan Beaders...Fireball Beeds by Islandgirl

2009-04-05T10:05:00.003-05:00

Another of our ArtisanBeaders is Lynne aka Islandgirl. Her shop, Islandgirl at Etsy is full of lampwork beads, so pop over and check them out.

The Stone Soup Challenge

2009-04-03T02:03:00.002-05:00

I was pointed to this blog, The Stone Soup Challenge and it made me smile.

"The Stone Soup Challenge is a grassroots movement founded by artist Laura Bray. The goal of the challenge is for artists and crafters to help one another by promising to use a portion of their monthly profits to invest in a fellow artist's shop."

This was an easy challenge to accept since it is something that Jeff and I already do. Or rather, he supports the fact that I do it since he's even less of a shopper than I am. But as I wander from shop to shop and blog to blog it's more like a walk through a gallery than it is "shopping".

NinjaJenn Speaks...A Trip to the Beach

2009-04-01T19:43:00.002-05:00

Artfire is quickly becoming a place filled with people that are becoming "known" to me. One of my favorites is Ninja Jenn. She is kind and generous and spends an enormous amount of time and effort to help others. Her blog is a perfect blend of fun and knowledge, but today she brought me to tears. She says with words what many of us feel in our heart.

So check it out...A Trip to the Beach

And then take a stroll through her Artfire shop

NinjaJenn at http://ninjajenn.artfire.com

It's April...spring has to be right around the corner.

2009-04-01T10:39:00.006-05:00

I can feel spring in the air...but can't see it on the ground yet. See all the snow we still have and the day I snapped this picture from the studio window, the ice was all over the trees and bushes. The days are getting longer and the temperatures aren't in the minus numbers, so it's all good.
I've been spending hours and hours out in the studio. I am trying to get beads made so my shops don't look so empty. I spent some time last night taking picture and doing the edit/sizing thing and now I need to measure up the beads and get some of them listed. I don't hate any of it, but it all takes time. Here's the pile of bead that I was working on last night. 18 sets, I think.

And from that pile, a couple of my favorites....

Weather...

2009-03-23T14:38:00.007-05:00

Wow, the weather is really strange here. I live in the middle of North Dakota and we still have lots and lots of snow. But we did have a thunderstorm the other night and the wind howled and it rained yesterday. And then I hear winter storm warnings are out there. All of this means that a lot of our state could be dealing with flooding before long. In the south part of the state, one of the highways is closed and a small town is flooding. Fargo, which lies along the Red River, is busy filling sandbags and preparing for the river to crest later this week. You know it's coming, you just don't know how bad it's really going to be....

But there are a lot of other things going on too. My friend Vicki has donated a pair of earrings to raise money for Breast Cancer. The Weekend to End Breast Cancer will take place in Vancouver, BC in August.
Visit this website, Triage From Home

, to see her earrings and to make a bid. There are all sorts of wonderful items that have been donated to raise money for this worthy cause. Please pass this information along to friends and family. I think I am going to try and work up something special to donate as well.

I hang out on Wet Canvas a lot and have made some wonderful friends that have some amazing talent. They've just started an Etsy street team called WETSY. Do a search for WETSY on Etsy and you will find some wonderful things. Some glass, some wearable arts...just amazing talent.

Now, I've been spending some time on the torch and as always, there are some things I really like and other things that make me shudder. But since this is my blog, I get to to choose to show you only the good things...

Artisan Beaders...Orion Designs

2009-03-17T13:08:00.014-05:00

Vicki of Orion Designs is one of those talented people that truly intrigues me. She has a sense of vintage with an edge...at least that is how it makes me feel. And isn't that how art is? Each of us can see and feel something not quite like the rest?

The name of this piece always makes me smile, but the piece is one of her mixed medias that I love. Here's the listing and Vicki's description...

Bend Over -- Way Over

Isn't this a great vintage image? Is she dancing or just showing off?

The image is preserved under an acrylic panel that is riveted to a piece of patinated copper. Hanging from the bottom is a collection of aqua and copper beads that coordinate so well with the patina and the woman's dress. There are aqua beads about 2" up along the copper chain on one side and a whimsical charm on the other. You will notice 2 different styles of copper chain, both of which have been oxidized for a vintage look. They were then hand polished. The necklace ends with a simple hook clasp that I fabricated from copper wire.

She's got a fun blog. From her beautiful artisan jewelry to her handmade cards to her peeks into her Alaskan home and her kitchen, I leave her blog or her shop with whispers that inspire me.

So check out the shop and the blog...

And if you want to some wonderful tips from Vicki, she's been adding some to the Artisan Beaders blog on Technique Tuesdays.

Supporting Handmade...

2009-03-14T12:41:00.003-05:00

I am not someone that really enjoys shopping. I love making beads, and I love seeing all the new colors of glass, but I will be one of the last ones that ever get them because I dread shopping. Somehow it seems less like shopping when I am browing the the forums or doing some EC dropping and pop in to random shops.

Here are some of my purchases...not all because they will either be gifts or have already been claimed by one of the kids.
I look at my purchases, and there is a look, a feel and even a smell that reminds me handmade is worth supporting.

One good thing about snow....

2009-03-11T20:51:00.005-05:00

Yeeps! It's March and we still have really nasty weather. It's this time of the year that I can't think of anything nice to say about that white stuff...at least not until today. I finally braved the cold and headed out to the studio to turn on the torch and play with glass. I had forgotten the filters for the oxygen concentrator so was hurrying back to the house to get them. Yeah, I'm sure you've guessed it....down I went like I was sliding headfirst into home plate. I'm sure falling face first into the snow was a lot better than had it been just the driveway. Might be a bit sore, but it could have been worse.

Still making flowers. I think there really needs to be a break in the weather so I can think about something else for awhile.
And a pair of trees

Playing Hooky...

2009-03-06T23:22:00.005-06:00

The past week or so I have done little to nothing. After the last few weeks, it's just been time to play hooky and forget about all the things I "should" be doing. And just a word to my family members...could we just stay away from hospitals for awhile now? My brother-in-law first and then my dad. Both are home now.

Does that mean I don't have anything to show you? I do...I sold a set of beads, packed them up and mailed them off. And....they never made it there. I give pats on the backs to the post office though. Even though it was sent 1st Class, I still got answers to my questions via email and a call from my local post office. They have gone missing. So I did my best to make another set and with fingers crossed they are on their way.

This was the original set
These are the replacements...

I listed these together, mostly because I haven't taken the time to make little beads to match but I think they would make wonderful focals.

Artisan Beader...Catie's Blue

2009-03-05T09:12:00.005-06:00

I'd like to introduce you to another Artisan Beader, Brandi. Her shop, Catie's Blue is full of Jewelry Inspired by Color! Her work keeps evolving and she is meticulous when it comes to the detail.

I love this piece from her Etsy shop...

"The Meganne Necklace features dozens of hand faceted garnets clustered along the center. Each rest on a handmade fine silver headpin and each are wrapped carefully in a cluster. These top a kyanite briolette that has been encircled over and over with sterling silver wire, and drops down approximately 1.5 inches (40mm)."

Here are some of the places that you can find her
Business Name: Catie's Blue
Tagline: Jewelry Inspired by Color!
Website: www.catiesblue.com
Etsy Shop: www.catiesblue.etsy.com
Blog: http://brandi-girl.blogspot.com
I use the following most often: lampwork, borosilicate lampwork, sterling silver, fine silver, gemstones, with some handmade components (like headpins and beadcaps)

Interesting....

2009-02-27T10:52:00.002-06:00

Wow, the past couple of weeks have been full of different and interesting things. Where should I start?

Last week, I listened to my first radio talk show on the internet at Blockhead Radio It was fun to listen to the different members of the Wire Artisan Guild from Etsy talk about their work and their team.

I've also discovered that I am tired of winter and I am waiting for the snow to begin to melt. I don't want it all to melt in one day, I just want to see the temperatures start going up a little at a time.

There are so many places to sell and promote and socialize, that you can get totally overwhelmed trying to check them out and decide where you fit the best. I've also learned that my poor website needs to be attended to more than once in a blue moon.

But I still love making the beads...but I've been experimenting with a couple that catch my fancy.

Taking Care of Business

2009-02-22T10:22:00.005-06:00

Are you like me? I love the creating part, but can quickly get sidetracked when working on photographing, listing, paper work. Any excuse will work if it means I can put off editing pics or trying to write descriptions.

And eventually, it all catches up and I have to get things done. So I've taken pictures, edited, done some listings and cleared off the top of my desk. Now I can get back to the fun stuff without feeling guilty.

There is such a difference in feeling. The flowers are beads, but these dark and brooding ones are cabachons that I want to use in cuffs. I have gotten so addicted to making the cuffs. I'll get some pictures of a couple more posted soon.

Artisan Beaders

2009-02-20T14:37:00.009-06:00

Every week, a group of talented, funny and supportive people meet in the Etsy chat rooms. We are the Artisan Beaders and I have to admit that I often feel like a fish out of water around them.

Over the next few weeks, I am going to introduce you to some of them~enjoy.

First up is Patty of Broken Teepee Designs

She calls it Waterfall and describes it like this:

The river runs blue
until it hits the edge.
A waterfall of beautiful changing color!

The Big Sky Collection - luxurious, higher end gemstones in artisan jewelry you will enjoy wearing for a lifetime.

And as much as I swoon when I look at her fabulous jewelry pieces, I get the happiest feeling every time I stop in at her blog to see what good gossip Priscilla has about Patty and her wonderful handmade soap.

Go wander Patty's shops and blogs...it's ever so much fun.

Artisan Jewelry - http://www.brokenteepeedesigns.com
destash - http://www.destashables.etsy.com
goat soap - http://www.gethappygoatsoap.com
Blog - www.brokenteepee.blogspot.com
destash - http://www.destashables.etsy.com
goat soap - http://www.gethappygoatsoap.com
Wise words of Pricilla http://www.pricillaspeaks.blogspot.com

Unexpected

2009-02-18T01:12:00.006-06:00

Some days the glass does it my way, other days it seems to go it's own way. Perhaps that is why even now the glass is still as fascinating as that first day I lit my torch.

Ever had one of those days?

2009-02-10T03:10:00.005-06:00

Okay, it's been one of those days for the past week or so. Everything I touch turns to yucky, yucky, yucky and even my computer has been obnoxious. And of course it had to be the computer that had all the networking connected to it. Oh well, parts are ordered and it will be all that much better when it's fixed.

I finally made it out to the studio again. Seems like it's been forever. It was a warm day, so I had to slosh through the melting snow, but it was still nice. I played with the glass for a couple of hours, but I think my muse was out playing in the puddles. Knew it was time to stop when I ran my arm through the flame. Just didn't think and reached right through it. Quick enough not to burn myself except for the little hairs on the back of my hand.

These had been in the kiln for awhile, so I finally got them out and cleaned. Wonder why all my flowers seem to be pink lately....

I sold some of the tree beads so tried to make some new ones...boy, am I ever out of practice on them. But there will probably be more of them. I like making them.

What I do when I'm not playing with fire

2009-02-02T02:04:00.008-06:00

Making beads is a huge part of what I do, but I also like to play with other things that involve the beads. I don't profess to be anything more than an amateur when it comes to making jewelry, but I enjoy it and find it very relaxing.

I used one of my florals in this necklace. It's very feminine, don't you think?

This is my first try at making a seed bead cuff. My friend, Nicole, known to many as Beadwright
has always inspired and encouraged me to play with the seed beads. Then there is Vicki of Orion Designs who inspires me to mix things up. Her mixed media pieces remind me to combine things to see what happens. The cuff still needs to be finished, but I learned a lot from this one and am excited to start another one.

And something that doesn't have any of my lampwork beads

A Trip Back in Time

2009-01-30T23:57:00.011-06:00

I probably could have done this a bit more organized, but that would mean getting more organized before starting.

I made my first beads in basement of my house in the fall of 2006. That didn't last long since the ventilation was sucking all the heat out of the room and it gets cold here, you know. Working nights and weekends, Jeff created a space for me out in an 18x30 foot building we owned next door which is still a work in progress, but it's mine.

First Beads

These are some of my first beads. I was sooo proud of them. Now we all know that they are pretty ugly, but it's where I started.

By the fall of 2007, I had put in a lot of hours on the torch and made my first sale that September and my first Etsy sale in December of 2007

First Etsy Sale
Dec 19, 2007

I haven't been able to make beads this week, but these still seem to be something people recognize as a "deronda florals"

And this last set is one of the few sets I kept and I made it into a necklace for my Mom. I really do need to get it back and get some pictures of it.

Making the Beads...

2009-01-24T11:21:00.015-06:00

I love glass...it just speaks to me. I've done some stained glass.

I've done some dremel etching

But you know that my real glass love is making beads. Someone asked if it's something you can learn on your own. And the answer is yes...if you want it badly enough and if you have a place you can do it safely. I had never seen a bead being made when I started. I have never had a lesson and would still love to spend the day playing with other glass artists. So my beads come from things I have learned through books and the internet.

I took some pics the other day while I was on the torch. I think I am going to get my sister to come over and help me because it's hard to work the camera and play with fire at the same time. Thank goodness for timers on the camera...

It was kind of fun to get some shots of the beads being made. The studio is almost a year old now, but as you can see, I still need to do some finish work. Couldn't do it last summer, but hopefully my health is going to continue to improve and I can get it all done in 2009.

Artisan Beaders Celebrate 'Love'

2009-01-23T22:48:00.002-06:00

Click on this banner to be taken to the Artisan Beaders Gift Guide

Bloomin....

2009-01-19T14:41:00.006-06:00

The more it snows and the colder it gets, the more I seem to create flowers. Iris have always been one of my favorite flowers, but I love all flowers. When I work in glass, I don't worry about whether the flowers are true to life, they just have to please me.

It's a 4-letter word....SNOW

2009-01-14T18:12:00.005-06:00

Even for North Dakota, we have a lot of snow. It's become the main topic of conversation and it's gotten extremely frustrating for most of us. I finally got out to the studio, but brrrr, it's cold outside today. I have more flowers in the kiln. The colder it gets, the more it snows, the more all I want to make is flowers, but I think I did make a heart with a flower on it too.

I still think there is beauty in the starkness of winter and this is what I see outside the studio window....snow from the street and our driveways has been pushed up into the studio yard and yes, there is frost on my windows today.

It was Fate...

2009-01-09T23:22:00.004-06:00

My Dalmatian, Quin, went to sleep and didn't wake up. As much as it hurt me, I am glad that his passing was so easy and peaceful. I will miss him. It was a rough day and I had no focus, so I decided to deal with a pile of "to look at later" things. When I get special things in the mail, I like to open them when I have the time to savor the treasures...in the pile was a mailer with a return addy that didn't register. When I opened it, there was an amazing black and white dot bead from a talented artist, Janie Stvan and here is the story behind the bead....

My studio assistant, Rhayne and I had gathered beads to donate for the "Beads of Courage"
challenge that was being hosted on one of the glass forums back in November. For our participation, we were entered into a drawing and we lucky enough to be drawn for this beautiful black and white dotted bead. I will miss Quin, but finding this bead on the day of his passing was fate...this bead will be around to remind me of a very special friend.

Just some more flowers...and maybe a heart

2009-01-08T02:34:00.007-06:00

I've been working on the end of the year paperwork and the traditional cleaning and organizing, but every now and then I have to take a couple of hours and play with glass. And as the weatherman predicts another 7-9 inches of snow, I am still making flowers, and throwing in a few hearts and shells just for fun.

2009...Ready or Not

2009-01-03T18:25:00.000-06:00

2008 was definitely a year of ups and downs for me. I have no idea what 2009 will bring, but I am excited to see where I go with the creativity that is just a part of who I am. I know that the glass will always be a part of what I do, but there are so many things that intrigue me that I just want to try.

I think that I will spend the summer roaming the state checking out all the talent I know exists in my home state. Sounds much more fun that spending the summer recuperating from surgery like I did in 2008, don't you think?

Here's something you won't see often from me. But these were beads that I just had to see as soon as possible. Put on my coat, boots and gloves and trudged through a couple more inches of new snow at 2:00 in the morning over to the studio because I just had to see just the one bead. Teehee...such disappointment it was. Using sterling silver wire to form the initial D and using it in a bead worked. Might have been better if I hadn't put it in upside down. The raku up and disappeared as well. But on the positive note, I can use sterling wire instead of fine silver or copper.
It seems like the dead of winter is when I want to make flower beads, so I tried a few iris.

In response....

2009-01-03T04:25:00.004-06:00

This comment was left about post on being nice...and to be honest it does have some valid points, so this is my response to Anonymous


Anonymous said...: never judge people for what they say... It's never an ultimate basis. In fact it's very shallow to consider that... You have a lifetime to prove a person's character.

Some say what they never mean... words are just words. it can be a lie... it is always influenced by hatred or whatever emotion...we must consider that.

We can't please everyone. One may seem nice but never as genuine as a person whose words hurt.

I agree that honest words can hurt, and that you can't please everyone. And yet I also believe that a person's character is evident in what they say and how they say it. A kind person IS just as genuine as the person who uses harsh truth to make a point. I also understand that there are times when the topics get heated and people get carried away with the emotion of the subject at hand.

I've met some of those people that are "too" nice. Maybe they are genuine, but when I hit my finger with the hammer, you are going to hear things that aren't very pleasant, not a quiet "Oh dear, that doesn't feel good". I've also met those people that are just blunt. They just call it as they see it. They do say "You are wrong" but they don't say "You are wrong, you lying piece of garbage" over and over and over. And then there are those that just "go along" with the crowd instead of voicing their own feelings, or tell you what they think you want to hear.

However, when making an online purchase, I don't have a lifetime to judge the character of the seller. I have pictures, feedback and the seller's words in the forums to make a decision whether I want to buy an item. If I see them over and over in the forums "behaving" badly, it's not just a one time thing. I may miss out on some beautiful items, but at least I won't end up with too many items that have lost their beauty because of nasty words and attitudes.

Are you a nice person?

2008-12-31T03:05:00.001-06:00

I love making beads. I love the sound of the torch, the feel of the heat from the flame, the dance with the glass as it moves and sways with the music only I hear in my soul.

On the journey of learning about glass, I have "met" others who understand the passion of playing with fire. And while there are those that understand the passion of the glass, some of them have not learned the art of civility. Everyone has the right to an opinion and everyone has the right to stand up for what they believe is right. And I suppose they even have the right to do it a manner that is intentionally cruel and meant to destroy.

I made an online purchase not so long ago. It was a handmade item that I was going to use as a gift. By the time the package came to my house, I had read some of the words posted in a public forum by the creator. The package sits unopened...the ugliness of the words and attitude echo in my mind.

Just remember...the words you say, the words you write make up your presence online. No matter how beautiful your creations may be, if your words are ugly, I am going to move on to the next shop. And if asked, I will not recommend your creations no matter how "perfect" they may be.

Giveaway

2008-12-31T03:00:00.004-06:00

Click on the picture to be taken to details for the last
Artisan Beader Giveaway for 2008!

Sizing up Beads...

2008-12-27T09:29:00.005-06:00

One of the comments was a question about if I had beads with 2.5mm holes. I had to look at my handy little chart to see where that fit in the mandrel range.

I'm not sure if this is just a United States thing, but why can't everything be consistent? I buy glass rods that are approx 5-7mm in diameter but 13 inches in length.
We give you the sizes of the beads like this....15x17mm but give you the hole size by telling you the mandrel is 5/64".
Widget Supply sent me a business card with my order. It's become dog-eared with use because on the back it has the inch and millimeter equivalent chart.

In making beads you will find these to be some of the common mandrel sizes.
1/16" 1.588mm
5/64" 1.9844mm
3/32" 2.381mm
1/8" 3.175mm
5/32" 3.969mm
3/16" 4.762mm
The mandrels are coated with a bead release which makes the hole size bigger, but how much bigger depends on how thick the coat of bead release is.

So to answer the question, I would say that if you are looking for beads with a hole size of 2.5mm you should look for beads made on 3/32" mandrel. Beads made one at a time by hand will always have variances from bead to bead, but that is the beauty of handmade lampwork beads...

I thought I broke it....

2008-12-23T01:01:00.013-06:00

I've been torching more lately. Then all of a sudden, it seemed like everything was turning out horribly ugly in color and I started to panic. I cleaned the torch, cleaned and replaced filters in the oxycon, cleaned glass again and again, and still...ugly, ugly beads. Straight into the ugly pot they went. Finally, I realized that I hadn't checked my propane and sure enough, it was almost empty. Seems like the end of the tank is where all the oily stuff they add to give propane that nasty smell settles and really makes
sooty,ugly glass. Full tank and I am back to 'normal'.

playing...

2008-12-18T17:10:00.001-06:00

Giveaway by the Artisan Beaders

2008-12-15T19:19:00.002-06:00

My mentor, my idol...Nicole Campanella is the creator of this week's gorgeous giveaway. Click on the photo or go to the Artisan Beaders blog for all the details on this week's giveaway.

Brrr....

2008-12-12T17:59:00.004-06:00

They say a winter storm is coming tomorrow. Brrr...blizzards are just not fun. We went to the grocery store and stocked up on all the necessary things like dry roasted peanuts and butter mints. Let it snow...I am ready!

Now that winter is truly here, it seems like all I can think about is flowers. Every time I sit down at the torch lately it's been flowers and not even normal(for me) flowers. It's all part of the process....I see something in my head and then have to figure out how to make the glass do what I see.
These are the first and don't quite make it. They are too abstract, way too top heavy and even the colors are just "off" from what is in my mind. But I do like the etching and I like the color changes on the bases.

This bead still sits in the "to list" drawer. I pull it out with every intention of listing it for sale and then for some reason, I just don't. First, it's been impossible to get a really true picture of the colors and metallic stringer. Secondly, I just don't know...so I set it aside and try again to get a good picture and it goes back into the "to list" drawer.

Giveaway

2008-12-09T00:23:00.003-06:00

The newest giveaway from Artisan Beaders was created by Jael...click on the giveaway picture to take you to the details.

Tis the Season...is everyone sick?

2008-12-05T19:55:00.006-06:00

Seems like everyone I know is either sick, getting sick or just getting over being sick. I am sick~bah!

Winter is really here. I don't mind the snow, but that cold wind that chills you to the bone has to be the worst part of being in North Dakota. But just think how much I will appreciate spring when it comes next year.

Not much new stuff, but maybe a few you haven't seen yet....

I did some new listings at Artfire, so we shall see how it goes. There seems to be more and more buzz about them all the time, so it may be where I list more of my less beady things...like the microslides, the nightlights or who knows what else.

Newest Giveaway

2008-12-03T23:36:00.005-06:00

New Giveaway from Artisan Beaders....Click on the banner above or the Giveaway picture below to find out how to have a chance to make this lovely piece all yours.