Happy 2012!!!

I can't say that I'm sorry to see 2011 go. There were some good things that happened this year and I certainly don't want to wish my life away, but am really looking forward to the year ahead. Lots of weddings coming up, including my own son to his beautiful fiance and those of my close friends' children, who I've known since they were born. Plus I feel SO fortunate to be in a much better place health-wise than I was in last year. So, while I don't want to rush through the years, I will say that I am SO looking forward to this coming year with lots of joyous events to celebrate. May each & every one of you have a happy and healthy New Year with lots of wonderful celebrations and most of all, good health!

Spilling the Beans...

Guess now that I've received my advance copy of The Flow, I can tell you all that I have a set of beads in this month's Women of Glass issue! How very exciting it is for me to be in the company of so many HUGELY talented women, many of whom I have admired and had the pleasure of calling a friend! Please pick up a copy & ogle the glassy goodness in this month's issue!

Here's a sneak peak of the set they chose from my collection. It's on page 8, #6:

Curious About Lampwork?

But don't know where to start? Louise Mehaffey's book, "Glass Beads" is a wonderful beginner book on lampworking. The book starts out with the history of beads, which is very interesting from a glass maker's perspective. It's nice to know where our craft started with some examples of primitive glass beads. Interesting read!

Pros:

~ The book covers the basics needed to set up a studio
~ Basic instructions on melting glass and making beads
~ Making stringers and twisties
~ Fun projects for beginner beads

Cons:

~ Not really a con, just an observation...this book is geared with the beginner in mind. If you're a more advanced beadmaker, this book is not for you.
~ I was surprised that the author didn't address ventilation, which is imperative IMO when using fuel to melt glass.

Show Time!

It’s been quite some time since I had done a craft show so when a friend approached me about one at her local synagogue, I was hesitant at first. However there was no entrance fee. Only a percentage donation to the temple and a raffle prize so I basically had nothing to lose.

I started out making jewelry over 14 years ago & moved over into making lampwork beads several years ago, which is where my focus lies these days, but I thought I’d give it a try since there was really very little to lose and the funds were going to a good cause. I e-mailed the person running the event several times trying to get an idea of the number of jewelry vendors and whether they were all handcrafted items or were mass produced items allowed as well. She never responded to me. I suppose I should’ve had an inkling then that there might be a problem but I’m not one to back out once I commit to something.

Though there were not a disproportionate number of jewelry vendors I was the only one selling handmade jewelry. It’s impossible to compete with mass produced items. It also was a short show so not enough time to try and educate people about the differences. While the show was disappointing, I did manage to make some sales. I commend those artisans that sell at shows on a regular basis. I was wiped out afterwards!

Here’s photo of my table set up. And I thought I wasn’t going to have enough stock. lol!

1000 Fan Giveaway Contest!!

I've been running a contest over on my facebook fan page to celebrate my 1000 fans! Today is the last day to enter so head on over to my fan page to enter. The winner will win the set of beads in the photo. You MUST be a fan to enter. Here's the link to the contest:

1000 Facebook Fans Celebration Giveaway!

Customer Appreciation!!

It's not often I get to see my beads in a finished piece of jewelry, but it's always a thrill when I do! A customer shared this lovely necklace that she made with one of my focal beads. A perfect example of less is more! Love this piece by Tali Bomani of talicreations on ArtFire!