Louise's Tete a Tete

Jewelry Display Case

2012-01-28T11:16:00.000-05:00

Selling my beads at the Tucson Gem and Jewelry Show is my main focus, but I have always brought jewelry too; and surprisingly I have sold quite a few pieces. I usually display my jewelry on the usual purchased necklace and bracelet and earring displays; but I only allot about 25% of my space to jewelry so you really can't show a lot without it looking too crowded. This year I will be displaying some jewelry in a wonderful handmade display case that I purchased on Etsy. It is 16" high and when opened is 44" wide. (in a past life it was a printer's drawer) But the neat thing about it is that it hinges closed to just 22", locks, and has a handle to carry it. When it's opened you can angle it and I plan to place it at the end of the table. It is sturdy and it holds a lot. (I know that for a fact as I have been working like crazy to fill it). So if you want to see more of these go to BlueBirdHeaven's shop on Etsy. If you want to see mine, visit me Jan 29 - Feb 3rd at the To Bead True Blue Show at the Doubletree Reid Park in Tucson, AZ.

More To-do.. Priorities

2012-01-27T17:34:00.001-05:00

So if you have read my previous posts you know I am in anorganizational frenzy particularly my to-do list.

So I’m still using outlook for the everyday personal tasksthat need to get done. But I purged allof the note like to-dos and put them in Evernote. (Which I continue to love and blogged aboutlast week) But I still needed somethingto help me with my artistic projects. Itwasn’t enough to just have a to-do that said “make a necklace to enter into theISGB show”. That item was a project withlots of specific tasks, and I needed a way to break down the project to manageeach task until completion. Also I neverwork on just one project, so I had to find a way to track several at once. So… if all else fails ask a friend. And my friend Mickey recommended the app“Priorities”.

I downloaded Prioritiesto my iPad and my iPhone (and they will automatically sync). I haven’t looked for a PC or MAC version, butI don’t feel I need one right now. WhatI instantly liked about it was its simplicity. Priorities uses “pages”; and you can create different pages fordifferent aspects of your life. My firstpage I named “Desert Bloom” for my business projects. Then I could create the priorities which forme were the projects. And under eachproject you can have nested priorities which for me were the individual tasksto get the project done. You can placeall sorts of reminders and alarms. Andeveryday I could look and see all the priorities for all the projects that hadto get done on that day.

I have been using it for about 3 weeks now and it has reallykept me on track. You need to plan out the project and think through what needsto get done and then list everything and assign it a date, but then it reallyworks to get you where you want to be. I am setting up for the Tucson Gem and Jewelryshows tomorrow and am happy that I completed everything I wanted to. First time I went off to a show feeling thisgood. I you are in Tucson stop by and say hello.

Keeping Track of my notes

2012-01-22T11:39:00.000-05:00

In my last post about my to-Do list I stated that I wanted anapp that would help me organize my notes. Ihave used the notes section in Microsoft Outlook, but had trouble with themsyncing properly to my iPhone. I thinkthat has gotten better, but in the meantime I found EVERNOTE. And it is just wonderful. I havethe program on my PC laptop, and I also installed the app for my iPhone andiPad. I can create a note on any deviceand they all sync via iCloud. Magic!!

Of course you can keep track of more that the written word;you can add pictures and links and websites. I think I am up to about 50 notebooks so far. And this program has really helped me to trimmy to-do list.

There are many ways to customize Evernote to work for you… checkout this blog.

Here’s a snapshot of one of my notebooks…..

next... my projects organizer...

Getting Organized - The ToDo List

2012-01-15T18:01:00.000-05:00

I love to-do lists. Iwill admit that I have even added a completed task to my to-do list just so I cancross it off. OK, stop laughing. But last year my to-do list really got out ofcontrol. So the first item on my to-dolist this year was to create a better to-do list.

I use my computer for everything; so naturally I want myto-do list to be on my computer. Plus Ihave an iphone and an ipad so it would be nice if it would sync there too. I was using Microsoft Outlook and that programis still a good place for specific tasks that can be completed right away – go tothe post office, pick up dog food, schedule a massage. But I found that my list contained items like– “make a necklace to enter into the ISGB juried show” or “the shibourigirlshop on etsy has great silk to hang pendants on; can I incorporate this in myjewelry line?” At the end of Decembermy to-do list had over 100 items all scheduled on one day and when only 3 or 4things got done it took me valuable time to attach new dates for all the thingsthat didn’t get done. My todo list wasout of control.

I examined the todo list closely and realized that some ofthe todo’s were actually notes or bits of information that I needed to keeptrack of. It was not an immediate actionitem and I didn’t know when I wanted to act on the item, but I wanted the informationto retrieve later. I needed a program totrack and organize all of these notes.

Other items on the todo list were projects. I couldn’t complete the “make a necklace forentry into a juried show” quickly, so it got pushed down the list andconsequently never done. I misseddeadlines and opportunities. I needed aprogram that would take each “project” and break it down into doable items eachof which could be realistically scheduled until the projects were complete. I could even work on multiple projects at the same time!

Okay, I have identified two action items to help me achievemy better todo list. I need a note appand a project management app. Check backlater for my choices….

Petroglyph Beads

2012-01-09T19:08:00.001-05:00

So I started tube riveting the bead caps onto my hollow beads today.... for the Tucson Gem and Jewelry Shows. These are some petroglyph beads. I applied the drawings with an enamel "ink" that is cured in the kiln after the bead is made.

Limon tiramisu

2011-12-24T11:26:00.000-05:00

Earlier this year my daughters and I went on a cooking school vacation to the Amalfi Coast, Italy;

and we learned to make lemon tiramisu.

Exquisite!

It's going to be our Christmas dinner dessert....

Whip the egg whites

Whip the heavy cream

Mix the marscapone with a lemon zest

Make a lemon sugar bath

add some limoncello to the bath

Dip the ladyfingers in the bath;

Yum

Wishing Everyone a Very Merry Christmas

eclipse

2011-12-10T10:12:00.001-05:00

Watched the eclipse of the moon this morning. Perfect morning! photo compliments of KOLD.

Our morning walk

2011-11-30T12:56:00.001-05:00

We walk every morning - me for a little exercise - and Homer -my dog- for his morning constituion. and I like to get up early. As the days get shorter it been dark when we start out. The bonus is seeing the sunrise over the mountains by our house. Awesome!

A Class Project

2011-11-28T15:20:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I took a class with NC Black here in Tucson. And I made this etched anticlastic formed bracelet. This is my second class with Andrea and Les... and they are superb teachers. The etching part of this class was based on their experimentation to bring galvanic etching to the home studio.... NO MORE CAUSTIC CHEMICALS! We etched using a car battery charger, water, a copper plate and cupric sulfate (root kill). Then we formed the bracelet using the tools that they manufacture back in North Carolina. You can visit their webiste to learn more... I love my bracelet and plan to make more. Yes I bought tools!

Fall Colors

2011-07-31T18:40:00.004-04:00

I think the fall fashion color selections from Pantone were made just for me. Started making beads today in bamboo and phlox and nougat. Will post pictures soon...

A great storage container

2011-07-21T11:22:00.005-04:00

I love ice cream. My husband and I eat way too much of it. But, hey, it's hot here in Tucson. Ben and Jerry's has been a long time favorite; and then I spotted this brand and had to try it. The bonus is that it comes in a container with a screw on lid. Perfect container for stuff in the studio! And the "Sea Salt Caramel" is wonderful.

Torch Enameling

2011-07-17T17:39:00.005-04:00

I took a class this past June at Bead and Button with Melissa Manley on torch enameling copper. It was a great class. I decided to order the Swanstrom disk cutter from Rio Grande to cut my own disks. Wow, it cut them like butter.
Now I'm creating a sampler set of Thompson Enamel colors to help me decide on a color palette

It's amazing how different the enamel looks on the copper compared to the bag. Lots of colors to do........

Dinner Party tonight

2011-07-09T14:24:00.004-04:00

the Menu

Sausage bites with Apricot Balsamic Dip (Rachel Ray)

Caprese Salad (the Pioneer Woman)

Sicilian Beef Tenderloin Rolls (old family recipe)

Pasta Primavera (the Silver Palette Cookbook)

Cannoli

Pinot Grigio

Ciabatta Bread (Beyond Bread Tucson)
Yummmmmmmmm!

Queen of the Night

2011-07-07T14:08:00.003-04:00

Most of the year this plant doesn't look like much. In fact you could almost think it was dead. But then once every year it blooms with amazing fragrant flowers. Luckily we were invited to a neighbors last evening to see the event.

Flan

2010-12-12T10:56:00.003-05:00

Since I haven't been able to make glass beads yet; I have been cooking. Also my recipes got somewhat organized since the move which has prompted me to do something I have been wanting to so for a long time..... make the perfect flan.

This obession got started when my husband and I had dinner at a Mexican Restaurant in Old Town San Diego (El Agave) - oh at least 10 years ago. I had their flan for dessert. It was not the classic creme caramel that I had been making.. it was darker and firmer and had a lovely caramel flavor. So I started searching the internet for recipes and found out that there are a lot of variations for flan. So my goal is to make a flan a week until I find one close to the one at El Agave.

I started this week with my classic flan. It's white and creamy and delicious - but not the one. but it got me into the mode. Also I think I need a smaller pan to make the caramel.

So if any of you out there reading this has a recipe for me... please send it to me.

New Bracelet on Etsy

2010-11-08T18:19:00.002-05:00

Added this great wrap bracelet to my Etsy Shop

Marketing Plan

2010-11-04T16:45:00.004-04:00

I just took an online class to learn how to design websites using Dreamweaver. The class was fast paced, but by the end of it I really understood how to design pages using CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)… which was my goal. Of course I was given all of the graphics and banners and logos to use and everything just went together so nicely as I plowed through all of the exercises! Pages didn’t blow up because the wrong sized photo was used. Everything was nice and tidy.

Ok, so now to apply all that knowledge to my own site…

It immediately became obvious that I knew how to build the pages, but I needed graphics for the site. What should I use as my banner? What colors? What about a logo? The light bulb went off that I really needed to back up a little and develop my “brand”.

What is a brand? Simply put, your brand is your promise to your customer. It tells them what they can expect from your products and services, and it differentiates your offering from your competition’s offering.

Defining your brand is like a journey of self-discovery. It can be difficult, time-consuming and uncomfortable. It requires, at the very least, answers to the questions below:
• What is your mission?
• What are the benefits and features of your products?
• What do your customers and prospects already think of your company?
• What qualities do you want them to associate with your company?

So I have a good idea of my target market. And my product is defined. What I desire now is a consistent image so that my clients recognize me. My starting point was choosing the colors for the website.

My good friend Mickey gave me this link several months ago:
http://www.colorschemedesigner.com/
So I played for hours and my color scheme is done. It's based on those wonderful sunsets here in Tucson.

Have a go at it. It’s fun!

It Rained Yesterday Evening

2010-09-08T15:45:00.002-04:00

Technically the monsoon season is over here in Tucson. But yesterday afternoon we got a heavy rain burst. Then the sun came out and we saw the rainbow. Had to share.

Organizing My Books

2010-08-28T13:46:00.002-04:00

Ok, so 80% of the boxes in the studio are unpacked and everything is out waiting to be organized. I decided to start with the books first. I love books and sometimes I love a book so much I buy it twice. I guess that can count as a senior moment. But to avoid doing that in the future I just downloaded a great app for my iphone called

ibookshelf

I just finished loading a shelf of books into the app in about 30 minutes so I can highly recommend it. You just put in the isbn number and click download information and the program goes out and finds it. I then categorize it to my preference, put in it's location (so i can find it again), and save it to the database. It even downloads a picture of the front cover. And of course there are several ways to search for the books; so when I am out and about I will know if I own the book or not. Loverly!!! But I think I need another bookcase.

My Studio

2010-08-27T10:35:00.003-04:00

I have been reading with great interest Vickie Hallmark's blog regarding moving her studio back upstairs. Thank you Vickie... it has inspired me.

So you all know, we just got to Tucson. Of course settling the house was first on the agenda. It's about 60% there... but I had to get out to the studio. I haven't made a glass bead since November 2009. Yikes!

So yesterday I tiptoed out back. Haven't even peeked since the movers delivered the "stuff". So I wanted to share with you the vision as I entered the door!

Of course amidst this mountain of boxes is the chance to get really organized. In my home in Dayton my work space was spread out throughout the house. There was the glass bead studio in the workout room; and the seed beeds and jewelry components in the downstairs bedroom. The PMC was downstairs but off the family room - along with soldering. I took photos in my office. The upstairs bathroom was for PPP and etching. And the laundry room was for cold working glass. But now everything is one place - at least my husband is hopeful that beads will not creep back into the main house; but I have given no promises. What's a night of TV without a beading project.

So I have to unpack all of those boxes and organize the stuff. but it will be FUN! I keep telling myself that.

So Where Have I Been?

2010-08-25T10:39:00.006-04:00

I seem to have been missing since May... but that is not the case.

Hubby has retired!!

We moved from Dayton, OH... via a 2 month road trip!! And...

We now live in Tucson!!!

So in June I said goodbye to many friends that I made in Dayton over the seven years that we lived there. But of course with the internet and travel it's never really a firm good-bye... more like an au revoir. Dayton was a great place to live and I will miss it (but not the snow!).

So I'm unpacking boxes... and life is slowly returning to normal.

the Donut Necklace

2010-05-11T09:24:00.004-04:00

So late last January I blogged about a seed bead bracelet kit I had made, and I showed off the metal clay donut I made. Well here is the necklace that was born from those two elements in case you all were wondering where i was going with that! The sterling silver large jumprings are fused argentium silver. And the clasp is a variation of a design offered by Whole Lotta Whimsy's muse, Barbara Simon.

New Work -silver metal clay ring

2010-05-10T09:21:00.004-04:00

So I have to do something creative! It's been months since I have sat down and made a bead or a piece of jewelry. And I am so tired of sorting and packing.

This ring was started at least 4 months ago. I found it - unfinished - on my bench in my frenzy of organizing the studio. So Saturday I sat down to apply the finishing touches. And voila!

Is it pave? Is it a bead? No it's not a bead....the rhinestones are all set by hand.

something new I tried.... stay tuned for more!

What do you think?

Set of organic Barrel Beads on Etsy

2010-05-09T16:39:00.003-04:00

So I decided to clean out my stash of lampworked beads and sell some off instead of moving them to Tucson. Just listed this great set in my etsy store.

The Big Move

2010-05-09T13:10:00.003-04:00

So this year is a milestone year for us. My husband will be retiring and we are moving back to the Southwest - Tucson to be exact. It is exciting and scary all at the same time. I thought over the years that I had to really play close attention to our own finances, but now it seems that the finances of Greece and the greed of Wall Street can effect my retirement too; but we won't dwell on that.

The house in Dayton is on the market. After I came back from moving my Mom into a senior living center in Tucson, I got the house all spiffy to list. I was sorta thrown for a loop when the realtors suggested that the average home buyer might be scared off by a basement full of glass bead making equipment; so much to my chagrin, I dismantled my studio a few months earlier than planned and then had to cancel or postpone some commitments until fall.

The good news is that I've gotten lots of things organized and I even had a garage sale to get rid of stuff that would not move to Tucson well.... like hundred of pounds of glass rods. Luckily my friends from the Miami Valley Lampworked Bead Artists came over and bought the glass and tools and tanks and torches.

So now I'm going to orgainze what lampworked beads I have here. Might as well list those on my website or in my Etsy shop. So check out what's new there this week.

Moonlight Hike in Sabino Canyon

2010-03-29T11:17:00.003-04:00

Of all the natural attractions in and around Tucson, Sabino Canyon is certainly the most popular. This large chasm in the Santa Catalina Mountains is where ancient Hohokam people built irrigation dams while mammoths roamed the ground.

My daughter and I went on a moonlight hike this past Friday night in Sabino Canyon. The hike was sponsored by a local Tucson hiking group that she is a member of. The moon was full so lots of light. Had a great time and look forward to many hikes in this wonderful place when are out here full time.

I'm in Tucson

2010-03-21T13:21:00.000-04:00

I'm at my home in Tucson. The weather here is wonderful. I'm moving my Mom here now and our move will be this summer. I'm taking inspiration photos for new beads which I hope to make when I return home to Dayton.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

My Cover Bead - The Gatherer

2010-03-06T09:04:00.006-05:00

I was away at the Synergy 2 conference in Baltimore, MD when my Winter 2010 issue of the Glass Bead arrived. Last year I entered the call for entries from the ISGB - International Society of Glass Beadmakers for a bead that would grace the cover of the ISGB's annual meeting publication. The theme was "Beyond Boundaries" and I entered a mixed media bead (lampworked bead with metal clay) called the Gatherer. I had just returned home from a vacation in Palm Springs where I went on a great hike. The guide showed us examples of rock art. There was one cave like area with a large rock that overhang the area like a roof. All of the petroglyphs there were of images with large hands. The guide explained that this area was for gatherings, and the large handed pictoglyphs represented protection of the people who gathered there. So I made my bead complete with a metal clay gatherer and it was chosen for the cover. The annual meeting of the ISGB is called "The Gathering" and it will be held in Rochester, NY this year.

I have decided to display my bead at home; and I purchased this great suspension gift box from Rio Grande for my bead. Now I need to make some more.

Donuts

2010-01-31T13:29:00.004-05:00

So I haven't been at the torch in awhile (a wrist thing going on). But have been able to do some beady things. At the Bead and Button show last year I bought a kit from Tapestry Beads for a very cool bangle bracelet. And I have made -- oh about 6 to date. You just have to have one to match everything!

Anyway, wanted a necklace version but didn't want to make the same ole thing just bigger. So I made a 2 inch donut. Then I made a 2 inch silver clay donut. And...I'm about ready to connect them with another beaded donut. Will this necklace work? Stay tuned!

One World One Heart has Started

2010-01-25T09:31:00.005-05:00

Thanks for visiting!

I've decided to join an international event for the blogging community. It's a way for bloggers to meet and get to know new people. Want more information? Click the One World One Heart logo.

I will be giving away two items for this event. The first is one of my classic Desert Bloom lampworked beads. It's 37mm by 24mm and the bloom is in one of the hot colors for spring - violet.

The second giveaway is for a pair of fine silver shield earrings. The shields measure about 3/8" and the earrings dangle just about 3/4". They are hung on lever back Sterling silver earrings and are perfect for everyday.

So in order to win one of these, leave a comment on this post with a way to get in touch with you - an email address or a link to a blog or website will work. On February 15th I will be doing a random drawing from all of the comments left on this post. To be eligible for the give away all you have to do is leave a comment by noon Eastern time of February 15th.

I will announce the winners on my blog on February 15th.

Good luck. It's a magic carpet ride!

Matching Bracelet

2010-01-17T14:25:00.003-05:00

So the bracelet to match the necklace that I posted a few day ago is done. I had originally thought I would connect the links with jumprings. But didn't like that look. So back to the drawing board. Ended up doing seed bead work yesterday (I'm making my daughter a bracelet)instead of finishing the metal clay bracelet as planned. Then last night on my nightstand was the current copy of metalclay Artist Magazine and on the cover is a bracelet made by artist Vickie Hallmark. She connected her bracelet with balled wire. So today I tried that technique. Not as easy as it looks, but I really love the finished bracelet now. Of course I am planning another - with original texture and some small improvements to the design. But for my next project I want to try some rings or maybe a brooch.

A New Year, A New Direction

2010-01-15T09:54:00.004-05:00

I follow a few blogs and have read about many people's new year resolutions. I have been trying to organize my thoughts and plans for this year and one thing I need to improve upon is focusing and documenting.
This blog will be a tool that I will use to help me with that.

One of my goals is to explore more with metal clay. I'm even considering signing up for the Master's Registery. Last year I sketched a necklace that I wanted to make in metal clay. It took several attempts and reworks but I am now very happy with the finished piece.

The texture on the abstract links is a texture that I purchased from Victoria James. She makes all of her texture molds and for this one she used a goldback fern. I wanted to use a purchased texture so I could concentrate on the metal clay piece. I've made tear away textures and photo polymer plates, but these silicone molds are fantastic and I have a few ideas of my own that will have to wait until I get back to Tucson to implement.

So my first thought since returning to Dayton from the holiday vacation was to make a few more pieces in this "bloom" theme. I am trying to sketch all of my ideas now. And I finally have a sketch book I like that I can carry around too. So I decided to make a bracelet. The pieces of the bracelet are in the tumbler now and I can't wait to put it together. So stay tuned for pictures later this week.

Woman in Glass - the Flow Magazine

2010-01-14T09:08:00.003-05:00

The holidays were hectic, but loads of fun. Spent a week at our home in Tucson with our two grown up daughters. And came back to Dayton refreshed and energized. 2010 holds lots of changes for me. But more about those changes in future posts.

Right now I am excited because awaiting me in the stack of mail was my Winter issue of the Flow Magazine. This issue showcases a "Gallery of Woman in Glass" and three of my beads were showcased. To be included and surrounded by such talented glass bead artists is truly an honor.

I highly recommend this publication. The tutorials are fantastic. And all that eye candy will have you rushing to your torch.

so where did November go?

2009-12-05T10:21:00.003-05:00

I just realized that I have not posted on my blog for over a month. I'm beginning to feel it is hard keeping up with facebook, blogs, website updates, life in general. It hardly leaves time to make beads.Last night I did a trunk show at the 1 Stop Bead Shop in Dublin, OH. It was a special event for the store with instructor demos and a few artists selling their wares. It was the first time I had been in Lisa's shop since she moved it to a larger location. And it is a spectacular place. They were also doing a photo with all of her staff and I grabbed my iphone. It was a great night - met some new people and had a blast!

Historic Bear's Mill Greenville OH

2009-10-27T08:38:00.007-04:00

Bear's Mill was built in 1849 in Greenville, OH
It's been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1977
I's a real place and is still used to grind cormeal, whole wheat and rye flour
It's an inspirational place and is host to a store on it's first floor where each month artists are invited to show their work. And I was asked to be one of those artist's for the month on November.

So if you live near Greenville OH come take a look at the beautiful mill ...................

and my beads and jewelry.

Hollow Beads

2009-10-04T14:17:00.004-04:00

In between shows, vacation, and a back problem, I have tried to sit down and make some beads. At the ISGB Gathering this year I was smitten with some beautiful hollow beads by Jeri Sheese. So I have been creating some in my desert colors. I learned to make hollow beads years ago from Pam Dugger. And recently I purchased a "puffy mandrel" from Jeri Warhaftig. I like both ways of making hollows, but I probably use Pam's technique more than the mandrel. But I would definitely recommend the mandrel if you are just learning hollow beads. I have also been playing with some of Double Helix's specialty glass. And these hollows are decorated with that. When worked in a reducing flame the silver settles on the surface of the glass and a beautiful sheen is created. Just made an all hollow bead necklace.

It's in my etsy shop.

NEW - Desert Orb Beads with Electroforming

2009-08-03T16:21:00.003-04:00

I love these beads. And they were a hit at Bead and Button too. Lots of layers of colors with sparkling dichroic glass in the center. The bead is made on a large mandrel to get a nice big hole. Then the bead is electroformed. Copper is deposited on the glass. In this instance the hole is lined with copper and then the copper forms its own "bead caps".

I like to use them as pendants, but here is a finished bracelet I just made. Three strands of woven seed beads and the desert orb bead is used like a button for the closure.

Marketing Materials

2009-07-21T15:03:00.003-04:00

I have been applying to several venues that require that I put my images on a CD. Lately I have been creating CD labels with pictures of my artwork and all of my contact information. Things I used to write with a sharpie pen. Anyway, I think it looks very professional and is quite easy to do in Word. I buy the Avery clear acetate labels and print them out on my hp inkjet printer. Speaking of printers I just purchased a new all in one wireless printer and absolutely love it. The ink is so improved now it is "almost" permanent and looks better than some laser printers that I have used.

Desert Bloom Bead a la technique by Michael Barley

2009-07-09T13:40:00.002-04:00

This is a desert bloom bead made using some of the techniques learned in my class with Michael Barley - although I am really not happy with the bloom. But I did apply what I learned at the Michael Barley class. The base colors are ivory and medium amber. I applied the silver leaf to the amber and dotted it with rubino. The ivory fumes just a little from the silver. Then the mistake - I made a bloom with one of those highly silvered glass. And it sorta sank into the ivory. Well there's always next time. But I love the effect of the rubino and silver.

Michael Barley's Class at Bead & Button

2009-07-06T07:38:00.004-04:00

The last class I took at the Bead & Button Show was with Michael Barley. What a wonderful teacher! And such a nice guy!

The bead on the left is Michael's bead and the one on the right is my attempt. This is a great technique using rubino glass. I haven't quite nailed it, but am off to try it again. This time on a "desert bloom" bead.

Day 2 Class at Bead and Button

2009-06-22T07:48:00.003-04:00

Worry Ring taught by Donna Penoyer

I like to take classes at Bead and Button for professional development. I'm constantly looking for ways to improve my skills and to become a better artist; and I love to take classes. You not only learn from the teacher, but you meet and learn from a variety of other students. In these hard economic times it's sometimes hard to justify the money to travel for a class, but I think it's important to add professional development to your todo list. If you can't afford to attend a class there are loads of books and magazine articles to challenge you in a new skill.

I have been working in metal clay now for awhile and rings always gave me fits. Donna showed us a wonderful way to create a seam in a ring that virtually disappears yet is a strong join. Now I just need to make time in my studio to put this into practice and create some of my own designs.

Luckily I have this worry ring to fiddle with while I sit and ponder my next design.

Glass Bead Totem

2009-06-21T15:24:00.003-04:00

This glass totem pole has been a work in progress since our trip to Alaska several years ago. Our expedition ended in Sitka, Alaska where we got to tour the Sitka National Park and saw some wonderful carved totem poles. So I was inspired to create a miniature totem with my glass beads.

You can see this piece in person until mid August at the Dayton Visual Arts Center in Dayton, OH. It is part if the center's All Member Show

Vote for My Bead!

2009-06-15T08:46:00.004-04:00

Earlier this year I entered a contest run by the Annealer Magazine And WOW!, my bead made it to the top 10 finalists. From today until the end of the month the magazine is allowing YOU to vote for your favorite. So go take a look and vote for my bead (if you like it).

Click the link to the magazine, click VOTE on their website, click category A - beads, and my bead is Entry 2.

Desert Shadows, a lampworked bead embellished with metal clay and a bezel set amethyst

Slow Food

2009-06-15T08:07:00.004-04:00

I think I have been on a diet for most of my life or at least it seems that way. But lately I realize that diets really don't work. Several years ago I read the popular non diet book by Mireille Guiliano, French Woman Don't Get Fat and I really changed the way I started to cook for my family. I'm lucky to have a wonderful grocery store here in Dayton, Dorothy Lane Market, that has a great selection of organic fruits and vegetables; so that made it easy. Last night I watched 60 minutes and was enlightened to see that there is a whole movement out there called 'Slow Food". They ran a segment on Alice Waters who I have always admired. Very interesting. Makes you want to go eat something healthy!

Day 1 at Bead and Button - Copper Etching Class

2009-06-13T16:12:00.002-04:00

My first day at Bead and Button was spent with Janice Berkebile learning how to etch copper. My plates turned out fantastic. Janice is a wonderful teacher and her approach to adding the images to the copper was unique. We ended up with collages of images on the metal. Janice uses the etched copper for bead caps and beads for her finished jewelry, so she cuts the pieces up. My intent was to etch copper sheets as texture plates for my metal clay work. And these will be wonderful. But I might have to use some of them for jewelry components too, plus each plate turned out to be a piece of art all by itself. Umm.... might have to frame a few.

The process of etching the copper with Ferric Chloride is messy and the chemical takes special handling. At the Bead and Button show, we heard about Sherry Haab's new etching machine. the E3, that will etch copper, brass and silver and uses chemicals thatt are less harsh to the environment. So had to have one. I plan to etch some copper both ways and will keep you posted how it goes. Of course, I need to order some supplies before I can begin.

Published!

2009-06-11T07:15:00.005-04:00

The current issue of Glassline Magazine was waiting for me when I returned from the Bead and Button Show. And it contains the Step by Step article I wrote for them a few months back. Yipee! 2 articles published this year.

This step by step tells you how to make one of my metal clay and glass "caged beads". I will be putting this tutorial on my website for a nominal fee to cover reproduction costs. Or you can go out and buy the magazine. Here's the link to Glassline http://www.hotglass.com/ for subscription information.

Convergence Show

2009-06-10T07:45:00.006-04:00

This is the necklace created by Heidi Kummli incorporating my lampworked beads. It was juried into the Convergence Show which was co-sponsored by Bead and Button and the ISGB. The show was exhibited first at the Ohio Glass Museum in Lancaster, OH. Then it traveled to Milwaukee, WI for the Bead and Button Show. That's where I saw it for the first time. And wow! What an incredible piece.

Now that Bead and Button is over the show travels to Miami, FL where most of the pieces will be auctioned to raise funds for the CREF. It was really amazing to see all of the entries displayed so nicely at the Bead and Button Show. Amazing amount of talent. The ISGB has a catalog of all of the entries and I imagine you can contact them to buy one if you want.

New Techniques

2009-03-31T13:53:00.000-04:00

I know I have to make lots of bead inventory for the Bead and Button Show coming up this June, but I am also trying to set aside some time each week to try out some new things. It's the only way to grow and come up with new ideas and expand my creative juices.

If you know me you know I make lampworked beads, but also like to use them in jewelry too. So I like to try lots of jewelry techniques. I also work with precious metal clays. And I am trying to teach myself some basic silver smithing techniques.

So I decided to make a project that appeared in the September 2007 Art Jewelry Magazine. My plan is to adapt it for my glass beads. But for now I followed it precisely. I learned a new cane technique with polymer clay. I made 3 bezels and attached them to sterling backs which I had to saw out. And I soldered the 3 pieces to a wire (not easy), and soldered on a pin finding. Whew!

But I'm happy with the results. And I definitely learned a lot. It's not perfect. But I already have plans for number 2 and know what I need to do a little differently to work smarter.

Silver Cored Beads

2009-03-30T10:25:00.000-04:00

I'm making silver cored beads to fit on those popular European charm bracelets... Troll, Pandora, Biagi etc. I have been buying silver tubing and doing the coring myself. But that takes time and yes I break some beads.

Metal Clay Findings just announced a new product .. the fine silver bead core. It allows you to make your own metal clay or lampworked glass bead directly on the core, and it fits all those bracelets. So I had to try it! I made up 8 beads pretty quickly. Here is a picture of some beads made on the core and the blank core before I put glass on it. Pretty neat. Of course you have to be careful not to melt the core in the flame. Ask me how I know this!!!

Here is a better picture of the beads.
but as all things in life there is a trade off. I have to clean out the bead release from the silver core and I can't use my regular diamond file to do that as I would scratch the silver. Ummmmm. I tried tumbling, and the mixed shot liked to wedge itself in the hole. Isn't it amazing how it can get in that hole but does not want to come out. So I need to find some kind of brush to use.

So I have to decide... core my own, or order more findings......

Desert Bloom Necklace

2009-03-28T09:29:00.000-04:00

The inspiration..................

the flower is called a Mexican prickly poppy and it captivated my attention during a trip to Tucson. Here's the necklace it inspired

As usual once one piece is done it triggers new ideas and ways for improvement. Any comments?

Third Firing Worked

2009-03-28T08:42:00.001-04:00

Ok, repaired a second time and refired for the third time.. alone. The patina changed again. I really love the light green on the left. The area of the repair turned a reddish color. Overall for a first project I'm pretty happy.

Bronze Bangle Bracelet

2009-03-26T15:53:00.001-04:00

Remember those 4 pieces from my last post? Well I riveted them together with spacers and wire wrapped some pearl and crystal dangles and voila! a bangle bracelet. Glad I have a small hand. But this was a good experiement. Definitely see some possibilities.

Bronze Clay Bangle revisited

2009-03-26T08:11:00.001-04:00

The Repair - so I rolled and cut a shape of bronze clay 6 cards thick again to fit into the gap created from the first firing. Not so easy to get the fresh clay to adhere to the fired clay. Used a little spit (wash your hands first) and it stuck. (thank you Hadar) Dried it, sanded it , carved it.

Also made 4 other pieces... will talk about those in a later post.

Put all 5 pieces in the carbon for firing. The bracelet went in the bottom layer and the 4 pieces in a second layer on top. Used the same firing schedule.

Interesting to note that the patina on the refired piece deepened and there is lots of purple on the back. (no picture, sorry). The other 4 pieces have a patina similar to the bangle after the first firing. ?/? wonder if more firings will increase the patina??

The repair is not quite successful. There was some pulling away at one of the attached seams. Maybe I should have filed it more. Anyway the plan is to add more clay and fill in the little gaps and fire it again.... Stay tuned.

Bronze Clay

2009-03-23T08:05:00.001-04:00

I took a bronze clay class with Celie Fago last September. Vermont was great, even though I was hoping for more color change in the trees, and the class was superb. I had great expectations to rush home and make many bronze pieces. But, that never happened.

Saturday I finally got the urge to experiment and dug out the left over bronze clay from the refrigerator. I was happy to see that the clay looked and felt good. It hadn't oxidized and was well hydrated. I decided I wanted to make something that I would carve. I remembered seeing a bangle bracelet made by Barbara Simon so I set out to make one of my own. I made the bracelet 6 cards thick and left it to dry overnight. Sunday morning I carved petroglyphs and squiggles into the bracelet. I really got into the carving. It was fun. I decided to fire the piece during the day as this was my first bronze clay firing and I wanted to monitor it. The big decision was should I follow the firing routine given to me by Celie; or should I use the new firing schedule that I have read about on Hadar's website. I decided to go with the schedule from Celie for thick pieces that I got when I took her class. I ramped the kiln at 250 degrees per hour to a temp of 1531. I chose this slightly lower temp (instead of 1550) because I am pretty sure my kiln is firing a little hot. I used the coal based activated carbon and fired just the one piece in the large stainless steel container with the lid on. The container was placed on kiln posts. The schedule took just over 9 hours so I waited until this morning to pluck out the piece.

Bummer, it split right at one of the deeper carving lines. Today I am going to try to repair it. And I am going to follow the same firing schedule. The bracelet has fully scintered though, so I am happy with that. So stay tuned. I'll post the repair when it's done. Oh yeah, some cool colors too... nothing too vibrant though.

I just tube set a stone

2009-03-05T12:16:00.000-05:00

I have been wanting to teach myself to tube set a stone for a long time now. Never seem to have the right tubing to go with the stone or visa versa. During the Tucson shows a year ago I actually took a Rio Grande class on stone setting. A great class by the way. It was a 3 day class, and by the time we got to tube setting, I was so sick with the flu I don't remember anything.

Today I was going through some old issues of Art Jewelry Magazine .... I'm cleaning my studio and putting away the hundreds of magazines on the floor is a high priority. Of course it's nice to take a break and thumb through them too so I am guessing that is why my studio never gets clean. Anyway, in the July 2008 issue, Noel Yovovich, who made the awesome bracelet on the cover, has a one page article on a super quick way to tube set a stone. This time I actually had the correct size tubing for my 3mm amethyst and literaly in 10 minutes my stone was set. I didn't kill my hand pushing the metal over the stone either. And it looks good - not perfect - but good. I have learned that you should file the cut edge of the tube before setting the stone. Next time I will wear my magnifiers so I can actually see those tiny imperfections.

I was anxious to try this new technique to set the stone so now I have this piece of tubing with a stone set in it, and I am wondering what to do with it. I'll figure that out later; right now I am just rejoicing that I can do it!

Fabulous textile woodcuts

2009-02-18T13:40:00.000-05:00

These were one of my first finds in Tucson - fabric wood cuts. In Asia these woodcuts are used for printing on fabrics and paper, but as soon as I saw them I thought what great texture they would be for PMC. Can't wait to try them. I'll post pictures as soon as I make something

Tucson Gem and Jewelry Shows 2009

2009-02-18T11:30:00.000-05:00

I wanted to post every day while I was at the gem and jewelry shows, but there was never enough time in the day. This is a sunset photo from my front porch. My husband and I own a home in Tucson where we plan to retire one day. I gather all of my bead inspiration when I visit there.

The shows this year were down both in attendance and vendors. I shared a booth at the Whole Bead Show and even though my sales were down slightly I was happy. I would have gone out there to shop anyway. The best part of the trip is to share some time and inspiration with some very dear "beady" friends. We met years ago at one conference or another, and we try to get together once or twice a year. Mickey named us the "Bodacious Bead Buddies". Well, we had a blast.

I'm sorting out all of my purchases. Stayed tuned for some pictures of great finds

Happy Valentine

2009-02-17T15:51:00.000-05:00

My husband never forgets Valentine's Day. I even got the flowers a few days early as I was heading out to the Philadelphia buyer's Market Show and wasn't due home until late afternoon on Valentine's Day. But as you can see they still look great - and so does my hubby of 34 years. And I am mighty pleased with them. The color - lilac - is awesome. Never saw roses quite this color before. It's really MY color!

On the other hand the Buyer's Market needs a new name this year as I'm not sure a lot of buying was happening. The registered atendees were way down. But to be fair there was some buying going on and I'm sure there are many happy vendors.

I was juried into the ISGB - International Society of Glass Beadmakers - booth. There were 12 of us exhibiting. The work looked awesome. The booth was great. But the traffic was way down according to one artist who was there last year too; and sales suffered. It's sometimes hard for new artists to weather times like this. You always wonder "was it just my stuff they didn't like?" But a friend and I were talking this morning and we decided this is the year to build up your inventory, try new techniques, and hang in there.

When I was in Philadelphia I stayed at the Marriott as it was close to the convention center. This sign in one of their jewelry stores sums it up.... I was tempted to buy something at those prices, but they were closed...............

Happpy New Year 2009

2009-01-18T09:21:00.000-05:00

Wow, I'm a little late getting started with blogging routinely for 2009. - one of my resolutions. But I have been super busy. I got juried into the Buyer's Market Show (aka the Rosen show)through the ISGB and have been working like mad to get my samples made and sent. The deadline was January 15th.

I decided that I wanted a consistent body of work; and this line of jewelry needed to include my lampworked beads. Lately I have been making a lot of hollow beads. Some of them turned out a little wonky, but the shape reminded me of the organic shapes of baroque Tahitian pearls (which I love!). So I decided to base my line on this shape. I also decided that the beads should be etched because I love the softness to the touch that etching creates. So here is the result...

Designing a cohesive line of jewelry earmarked for wholesale sales with several price points was also challenging. Also I had to keep in mind that if this line actually generated sales I would have to be making the pieces routinely. So after weeks of development... here is the result

I'm fairly happy with the result, but have already noted pieces that need tweeking. Now I have to begin designing the 2010 line...

Let me know what you think...................

Desert Collage

2008-11-30T10:36:00.000-05:00

I have been cleaning up my computer over the long Thanksgiving Hoilday. Put together this collage....beads, inspiration, cool photos...

Selling beads and jewelry

2008-11-30T10:11:00.000-05:00

I sell my beads and jewelry in a variety of places:online, galleries, and shows. I really like doing shows as I like the one on one contact with my clients. You also learn about your beads and jewelry even from the people who do not purchase anything. I decided to stop doing outdoor art festivals last year. First I lost my helper (my daughter) when she moved. Then last year my tent self destructed; plus it is just too hard to do an outdoor show when you have to set up all by yourself. And you never know what Mother Nature has install for show day! So the shows I do now are bead shows and trunk shows. I don't do a ton of shows just 4 - 5 a year so it is important to choose the shows wisely.

I just returned from a show which made me realize how important it is to do you homework before trying a show. This show was in a new venue, so I really didn't have the option to go once before applying to be a vendor. But the location seemed good so I applied. Boy was I disappointed. The lighting in the room was awful - better suited for a romantic dinner out instead of selling glass beads. I did bring a few of my spotlights, but they are only effective given that there is adequate room lighting to begin with. To compond the issue there were electrical issues throughout the show causing the vendor lights to flicker and go on and off.... all day. Major migraine situation!

So what do you do in a situation like this? It made me realize that as vendors we really have no recourse except of course, not to go back. I complained to management of the show before it even opened, but they did nothing. Other vendors were complaining, but more to each other than to the show promoter. The clients were frustated. They wanted to buy, but couldn't see the products well. So bummer.. long trip....stress, disappoinment. But as always, the beaders I did meet are wonderful people as usual. I sold a few beads, and oh yeah.. I got to visit with my daughter.

Artifact Beads

2008-11-16T14:33:00.000-05:00

I have a love hate relationship with my artifact beads. I love them, customers love them; but they are complicated to make. I just made 30 beads for my upcoming show in Bellevue, WA, but only 12 survived the many firings to my satisfaction. But I learn a lot every time I make a batch. And I have started to keep a notebook so I don't make the same mistakes. I do think my kiln is firing a little hot so I really need to adjust for that next time.

I did get a beautiful bead from this batch. and it gave me inspiration on a few variations to make after Thanksgiving. Here is a picture.

After I create and anneal the lampworked bead, I apply the PMC and fire the bead again. I sometimes have 4 to 5 firings before the PMC is just right. You have to calculate and allow for the shrinkage of the metal clay. Too tight - the bead might crack; too loose - the silver doesn't bond with the glass. too hot of a kiln and the glass slumps. And on and on. This bead was put into a liver of sulphur bath and the resulting colors are just amazing. The other thing that happended with this bead is that the PMC fumed in the kiln and changed the color of the glass bead. Very cool!

New Rococo Series

2008-11-09T10:44:00.000-05:00

I have started making some wonderful organically shaped hollow beads that I acid etch. I was inspired by a gorgeous baroque pearl that saw in a magazine ad. The ad and my new beads led to wanting to make some jewelry, which led to creating a line of jewelry using these beads. I wanted something simple - a go to piece of jewelry that can be worn any time. Some of the pieces are made with sterling silver chain, and the highest end piece is made with a wonderful hand made chain maille of antiqued sterling and copper wire. I really love the look of the 2 colors of metal.

The exciting news is that I just got juried into the Philadelphia Buyer's Market February show with this line. Now I'm hoping the economy rebounds enough so that I actually have some sales. I'm really excited about this new opportunity. Go to my website and click "What's new" to see all of the pieces.

PMC on lampwork - my artifact beads

2008-11-09T10:20:00.000-05:00

Well, October flew by. I have started to make beads in earnest for the Bellevue Bead Show next month. I have been asked by several clients for more artifact beads, and I hope to have some new ones on my website soon. In the meantime I did enter a visual challenge that the PMC guild sponsors every quarter. They publish a picture in their newsletter and then you go off and create a piece using the picture as inspiration. Well I was runner up this month with one of my artifact beads....

So I am working hard on those artifact beads... they just take a long time. Having said that I really need to go make dinner now. Sunday has always been pizza in our home. And tonight it's chicken marsala pizza.

Welcome to my blog

2008-11-09T10:19:00.000-05:00

I've decided to join the blogging world; at the same time wondering how I can manage to ever update a blog. So what's going on in my life? I am about to leave for a week in Tucson where we have our second home... one day to be our retirement home. Right now my youngest daughter lives there and takes care of it for us. Since the house is smaller, I had a studio built on the property out back, and I am off to Tucson to start equipping it. This will be fun as well as intimidating. It's completely empty; how do I choose the right furniture? I'm also getting ready for a show in November, and I am entering the newly announced competition sponsored by the ISGB and Bead and Button. I have been paired with a great jewelry artist - Heidi Kummli. Watch for pictures as the projects progress. I'm also writing a step by step article for the ISGB's Bead Release. So I am keeping this short. Just wanted to get something written and posted to try this blog out.....