Friday, May 29, 2009

Packing

I can't say much about this except that I hate it! I've taken all day to do this.......I have entirely to much stuff but hate thinking that I might forget something that I need. I think I can dress an entire group of people and I'm betting that I still end up in just jeans. When will I learn. The camera is packed so I'll try and take oodles of pictures of Bead and Button to show you and some class shots. This year it's bead insanity - metal, glass, and ceramic. Taking the fast boat over and reassuring myself that there are no fresh water Great Lake sharks. HAHAHAHA (okay, you can laugh - don't mind). But, when I go to the Gathering the only thing that might see ocean water are my toes. It would be my luck though to find the lone washed up, yet still alive, poisonous jelly fish.

Let her happen Captain....we're off!


Thursday, May 28, 2009

Post Card Mania

I did it! I wasn't really sure that I could, or would, eventually figure out how to use the Overnightprints site. But, following several techo messes it was conquered. Tah Dah!

It (and an additional 299 clones) made it to Florida and into the Gathering (The International Society of Glass Beadmaker's convention) postcard clearing house (literally, some wonderful lampwork artist's home...poor Heather Ferman). She is wonderful. I just talked to her and she is a really great person to be working on all of this with the Florida lampworking membership. Stuffing postcard boxes has to be a task and a half.

I'm hoping it looks okay - it's an older photo some of you will recognize from my blog but I thought it was colorful and had some skulls in it. Unfortunately, by the time my buddy Susan suggested the postcards it was to late to go crazy trying to get something newer together. It will work. How about you? Are you getting a postcard together? If not, why aren't you? If I can do it - you can do it.

How about the ISGB Aquarium for the Children's hospital. Good cause - get to work ! Go to the ISGB web site and look it up. I'm thinking I will make a chubby Mermaid. None of those thin sleek ones (although they are simply beautiful and Sylvie Lansdowne makes the most scrumptous ones of all). Mine had to be "healthy" and stealth - like a shark, but toothless!

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Fabulously Fubar

These beads were the FUBAR's of the month - & caused me to switch out torches for more control. Okay, it's probably NOT the torch because I've always loved my Minor BB. It's me! But, I switched to the Lynx anyway. I get to playing in those details and before I know it I've let something cool off to much. These are the results of poor choices in heat control....grrr. Most of the beads I've already repeated and others are going to have another go around. Look how far off the top dot I put that glass bail on the hearted pendant. Where was I looking. Better luck next time fubar queen.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Emotionally Hard Core (EMO)

I will admit to being stumped when I first found the reference to something being emo. I’m not hip to anything but you would think I’d know more working with kids and all. So when I kept running into the "Emo tag" on beads and other things on Etsy I had to look it up. At the bottom of the post I have included the Wikipedia reference for you – like YOU need it! But I certainly did.

It looks like I may have leaned toward being an EMO kid – except maybe for the bang part because I was in the Cher generation and could not stand the bangs in the eyes bit so I kept giving all of my girlfriends barrettes. It wasn’t Emo then – just weird. I didn’t mind being weird (all the art students seemed to be) and I’m guessing today’s Emo kids don’t either. If you minded being labeled you’d conform, but where would be the fun in that!

I asked one of the kids I worked with about Emos and he gave me an additional rundown. He said it meant “emotionally hardcore”. What fun to be able to talk to kids who are usually alienated from everyone. It sure keeps your eyes open. And, as thanks for the information, I made him the bead that is pictured. He gave me a critique and I have a few small things to fix in the next one. In the meantime I’m going EMO – at least bead wise. At least once in awhile so I can visit my roots (aside from the hair roots I visit as often as I can, hahahaha).

This is what the Wikipedia has to say about Emo (quoted directly):


Fashion and stereotype

Today emo is commonly tied to both music and fashion as well as an inspiration toward the emo subculture, and the term "emo" is sometimes stereotyped with tight jeans on males and females alike, long fringe (bangs) brushed to one side of the face or over one or both eyes, dyed black, straight hair, tight t-shirts (usually short-sleeved) which often bear the names of emo bands (or other designer shirts), studded belts, belt buckles, canvas sneakers or skate shoes or other black shoes and thick, black horn-rimmed glasses. This fashion has at times been characterized as a fad. Early on, emo fashion was associated with a clean cut look but as the style spread to younger teenagers, the style has become darker, with long bangs and emphasis on the color black replacing sweater vest In recent years the popular media have associated emo with a stereotype that includes being emotional, sensitive, shy, introverted, or angst-ridden. It is also associated with depression, self-injury, and suicide.

This definition is almost exactly the same as my youthful friend had to say. Well, if it's anything like being punk, greaser, preppy, jock, or any of the hundreds of other definitions and labels we give everything and always have lets keep our fingers crossed that most kids hit the middle ground somewhere - and long live individuality!

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Meet Robin DeAndrea Koza

I have been getting this great frit now and then from my friend Robin at Glass Diversions. It’s the frit you’ve been seeing in the beads that I’ve been making. She has a knack for creating some nice ones all ready to go and I’ve loved the promptness and customer service. Check out some of those frit laden beads on my Etsy or go to the Glass Diversions site where they also have some examples to look at – lots more than I do. Robin has her own site, Posh Elements, and an Etsy site too called Cahootz.

Another thing Robin DeAndrea Koza does is teach Viking Knit classes. She does a wonderful job and has some great examples to prove it. She was kind enough to share that photo with me so I could share it with you. I adore great eye candy and she certainly has some. If you are ever down her way (Carmen, Indiana) you should think about taking a Viking Knit, or any other class, from her. I hear she’s an excellent teacher. Go to Robin’s sites (I’ve made them clickable) for more info on classes and other great eye popping goodies. Have a great day. Actually.....

I hope everyone is having a GREAT MOTHER'S DAY!!

Friday, May 8, 2009

Falling off the Earth


Try as I may some times I find it impossible to disappear! I'm located somewhere on the planet earth - at least physically. But, I want to be on Lost (or on vacation) - or in Heroes - or have some superpower that would make me invisible once in awhile. The fly on the wall and not in the soup.

Sorry for the prolonged absence from this blog. Not like me. But, I'm Baaaacccck and posted soon will be all sorts of new bloggy things. So if I can't be a Hero then we'll just be astronauts and blast off the planet. Let's go exploring jewelry and beady things in other planets far far away. Here is a link so you can look at the "Big Blue Marble" from space. Don't you just love NASA. You get the astronaut's view from that link! A girl can dream....

So, since I'm Earth bound once again and back in the groove don't forget to check it out in the days to come.