Right Turn Art Werks

Crazy Soup Anticipation

2012-01-30T18:05:00.010-05:00

Two posts in one day – who am I?

My partner in Bead Soup passion – Rebecca Sirevaag - has let me know that the beads are “in the mail”. Whoo HOO! Her package and mine ought to be like passing ships in the night. Mine went out on Saturday so I figure they will say hello to one another around Nebraska.

So now that the "soup is on" here is the tease. This is what they look like:
Yeah sure, huh? But isn’t this a neat trick? It is the beads I sent, really.

Lori Anderson has been sending us emails all along (what an organized mind this woman has) and mentioned Picnik where you can apply all kinds of effects to your photos. It is just the easiest site to use and what fun. I couldn’t show you what I sent to Rebecca – because she doesn’t live in Nebraska (I just figure that’s the half way point) and the beads have to travel a lot further than that. What kind of a surprise is it if your partner posts what you’re receiving before you get it?

The other thing I wanted to post about is that Lori has received notification of what the cover is going to look like on her book. This is going to be another great one since Lori has such an articulate way of explaining why she has chosen the components for her designs. Could she have done anything less than create a great book about Bead Soup? I doubt it.

What day is it?

2012-01-30T00:57:00.004-05:00

Second Book Giveaway

2012-01-29T11:18:00.004-05:00

First, Carol Kauhaapo if you are reading about this book giveaway please send me your home address so I can send you a copy from the first giveaway. I had two copies of that book and both you and Anne Ricketts of AMR GlassWorks won a copy of 500 Beaded Objects.

On to the festivities… I thought this book might be appropriate for the second giveaway. I love my copy of this one. Candie Cooper must be the bomb with metal and what lampwork artist couldn’t use some great jewelry ideas.

How lucky was I to have won an extra copy? This was part of the winnings from Lark Books and if you aren’t signed up for their great blog and get in on some of their giveaways – well – what the heck are you waiting for?

Again, to enter – just leave a message on this post and I will use a random number picker on February 4, 2012.

Best of Luck!

Sharon

Random Thoughts

2012-01-28T11:04:00.007-05:00

I wanted to say I see no comments on yesterday's post. Hmmmmmm, I'm not sure why that is - but okay. Just for the record I want to say that I don't believe you should copy any one's work BUT you can not look at the following beads and not see the resemblance to other peoples work. What I am saying is that most all art is derivative of something. And that - is OK. I've mentioned before that I had many an art teacher who espoused "Art in - Art out" philosophies.

At museums when I'd want to take off to peruse my speciality they would stop me and remind me to breathe it ALL in. They pointed out that no matter what you thought might effect you there were answers to your questions in unusual spots but you had to stop, study, analyze, and remember what you had seen. Absolutely.

Today I also sent out my Bead Soup package to my partner. I'm excited to hear what she will think. It was an unusual combo for me to send but I think she's up to the task.

It's snowing like mad here - great reason to turn on the kiln and hunker down.

Tomorrow - the second book giveaway. Yeah!

Thoughts on Originality

2012-01-27T16:57:00.016-05:00

"Nothing of me is original. I am the combined effort of everyone I've ever known.”
― Chuck Palahniuk, Invisible Monsters

"Books serve to show a man that those original thoughts of his aren't very new after all.”
― Abraham Lincoln

"All my best thoughts were stolen by the ancients.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Only those with no memory insist on their originality.”
― Coco Chanel

“We are all feeding from each other, all the time, every day.”
― Dave Eggers, A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius

“The small are always dependent on the great; they are "small" precisely because they think they are independent. The great thinker is one who can hear what is greatest in the work of other "greats" and who can transform it in an original manner.”
― Martin Heidegger

What do you think about the statements above? I am not for plagiarism but for a very long time have contemplated the idea of originality. If I put three lines on a bead ,that someone has also done, is it the same or different because I might have used ivory as a base and they have used red? It's an interesting proposition. I still haven't pre-ordered Kleon's book I want, but I'm going to. In the meantime I am adamant about coveting your ideas...ask me questions and I will answer. How do you feel about this topic?

It Always Comes Down To the Glass

2012-01-26T17:09:00.007-05:00

I’ve been considering my addition of clay to this multimedia mix I work with. On lampwork glass I work with frits – crushed glass. I love the look you can get doing this. If you fire enamel on metals you are still working with glass – just in its finest ground form.

Clay – it’s the frame work to display my creative expression and once again – it’s covered in ground colored glass that’s fired onto its surface. Clay without surface decoration is, well – dinner plates. You know, the ones you in a package from Walmart. They’re probably slip cast in some large factory and sprayed whatever color is the most popular. I have a set of those…in the least popular (they were on sale) color of burnt orange. But orange is my favorite so I win…LOL.

The only time I don’t work with some form of glass is when I fabricate with sheet metal or carve wax to cast. And then, I’m often thinking in terms of what can be created and combined with the lampwork for a balanced fusion of the two. I’d actually prefer neither take the spotlight but work in a harmonious balance. Aren’t I the dreamer?

When I do Kumihimo, or felt it’s never fiber for fiber’s sake. They are merely a tree in the forest, a creation where the thought pattern was primarily about the glass. Like what can I hang on this beautiful cord or wouldn’t this felt make a wonderful purse for a handmade bead.

I guess since percentage wise it always comes down to the glass I consider myself a glass artist no matter which of the mediums is in my hand.

I have to laugh at myself…. it’s like thinking about a great meal. If you slap a steak on a platter and just serve it it’s never going to taste as good as when it’s served with a nice wine, garlic potatoes, and a medley of roasted vegetables. THAT is when the flavor of that steak can be savored. See what I mean – the glass can be appreciated when it’s surrounded by a great accompaniment of other mediums.

The good people over at fusedglass.org have this cool site called glassfacts.info that give you massive amounts of information about glass. Like they didn’t do that already. Fusedglass.org is one of the most informative sites about glass around. And who is a better reference hoarder than me! LOL

Have a great day!

Subtractive Art and More

2012-01-25T10:44:00.004-05:00

Are you an adder or a subtractor? When I first started to work in wax for lost wax casting I hadn’t even considered the fact that it might entail adding layers where I might need them. I thought of it as a sculptural endeavor where I’d be removing little wax bits until I had the shape I wanted. I guess up until that point I hadn’t really thought of wax or my art in terms of being additive or subtractive. Now, I think of it that way all of the time.

No matter what you are working on jewelry, clay, quilting, painting, and so on you can look at your creation and say to yourself if I add a little something here – or remove it there can I enhance this piece of work. Lampworking is more additive but if you cold-work or sandblast the bead you are adding another dimension by using a subtractive process on it.

And that doesn’t even begin to cover what you can do with subtractive appliqué in art quilts, or wood sculptures ala’ Henry Moore. Then there is always subtractive color theory (trust me – I can’t even go into that here without putting myself to sleep) but you can click on those words and there is a fantastic site with incredible works of art that explains that and other color theories far better than me.

Okay – so all of this might be a little boring – you just want to make art. Me too! But this subtractive thing had rung a note when I saw an article in O – The Oprah Magazine. There is an artist who does subtractive poetry. His name is Austin Kleon. He has a site called Newspaper Blackout. It sounds like a fun thing to do when you are experiencing writers block or if you’re just done reading that old newspaper or book. Amazon carries his book – and I’m sure all the regular bookstores. I think I’ll have to add a sharpie to my purse for when I’m riding in the car or somewhere and have a peaceful moment.

He also has another book coming out in March of this year called How To Steal Like An Artist – 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative. You really need to go to the site; by clicking on the book title, he has these great visuals and explanations that run you through the quick version of what his book is about. It reads so true and it’s such a shocker. Sounds to me like this artist is on to something and I have a new form of writing poetry.

Like any of us need something else to do!

Ultimate Craft Showdown - Craft Wars!

2012-01-24T17:06:00.003-05:00

Sorry Everyone - I had posted the info for this new show on my blog and somehow the photo was so very out of focus that I decided it just had to go. Then, upon a little more research to find a better one it became clear that the talent search had closed on January 13th. Ooops!

If you're still interested you can google it (Ultimate Craft Showdown)- If it's like most of the Challenge shows on the network I am sure they are still looking for talent. And, if you can win $10,000. for being the most creative - well, all the better.

Tarot is Interesting

2012-01-24T00:41:00.010-05:00

You are The Empress

Beauty, happiness, pleasure, success, luxury, dissipation.

The Empress is associated with Venus, the feminine planet, so it represents, beauty, charm, pleasure, luxury, and delight. You may be good at home decorating, art or anything to do with making things beautiful.

The Empress is a creator, be it creation of life, of romance, of art or business. While the Magician is the primal spark, the idea made real, and the High Priestess is the one who gives the idea a form, the Empress is the womb where it gestates and grows till it is ready to be born. This is why her symbol is Venus, goddess of beautiful things as well as love. Even so, the Empress is more Demeter, goddess of abundance, then sensual Venus. She is the giver of Earthly gifts, yet at the same time, she can, in anger withhold, as Demeter did when her daughter, Persephone, was kidnapped. In fury and grief, she kept the Earth barren till her child was returned to her.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Under Promise - Over Deliver

2012-01-23T11:43:00.004-05:00

Paraphrased from Martin Lindstrom: Fast Company.

I read this article via my Kindle. Mr. Lindstrom (great name, huh – makes me think of my favorite pliers) says that companies that under promise and over deliver are those whose brands are remembered, but those companies are far and few between. One reason, and I’m sure the largest, is that over delivering isn’t cost affective to the bottom line – the profit. Hmmmmm, I get it. Mr. Lindstrom (gosh I like saying that) states that, “If it’s better than expected---or hoped for---we remember it above all else.” And that, “Small acts of generosity imbue us with that rare feeling of being cared for or considered by a company.”

Obviously Mr. Lindstrom deals with companies that are much larger than the average Etsy store front. It’s okay – The principals are the same and I can still remember how I squealed with delight at my first purchase from Etsy. It came wrapped beautifully and enclosed with a small additional token of appreciation for my order. I’ve never gotten an order that wasn’t wrapped or that didn’t include a Thank You. That first order became the basis of my decision to do the same with my orders. Mr. Lindstrom should place more orders via Etsy – There are a lot of entrepreneurs and artists out there following this suggestion. I think it’s an excellent way to do business.

What do you do for your customers?

Gaffer Trio

2012-01-22T15:34:00.007-05:00

I really do not know why I don’t work with this glass more. I don’t have a very large stash of it but little by little I collect it as I can afford it. To say it works like butter is an understatement. It’s not soupy, has this thick molasses tendency but isn’t hard or stiff.

I pulled from my stash a little of this and that to play with. I love the results and under the light they reflect like a champ. Sorry, the photo does the little luster I have no justice. What I haven’t’ figured out yet is the proper placement and flame for the “luster glasses” There must be one I am using that gives off this incredible gold (I think it’s Gold Luster) – looks like gold leaf on the finished bead.

Yes, I know I need more than a stick of this or that to figure things out but spending money is not going to happen soon. It’s a reduction glass and if I’m reading the notes on LE correctly Kendra said a very quick reduction hit, saved for last, and in the kiln.

These beads are organic and full of a variety of colors so it’s a little hard to pick out what’s what beyond the Blue Chalcedony/ Purple Rose and the base use of white or black to work on.

Deb Batten has done some wonderful work in Gaffer – She’s our great Gaffer resource from New Zealand and writes a lot of great tutorials. You can check Deb’s blog and the Gaffer Girls Lampwork blog – or call the girls directly for more of all things gaffer. I’ve never met a more helpful group of people. I know I am so not done working with Gaffer.

more to come - - - - - -

Periodically Reborn

2012-01-21T00:40:00.005-05:00

And whenever we switch to a new medium the process is renewed and we begin again!

Hip Hip Hurrah for constant growth.

Indelible? - Maybe

2012-01-20T11:39:00.004-05:00

The ISGB is having a juried show this year with the theme “Indelible”. I’ve been brain bantering that about and conceiving a piece I might create and submit by the deadline. Deadlines are not an easy task for me. For me – more often than I would like to admit – once the piece has been created in my head or conceptualized on paper it’s done for me. I’ve even gone as far as assembling the various pieces together and laying them out…then phffffftttttt – it’s over. It goes into a plastic bag with the drawing and becomes a UFO (unfinished object). The thought and solution for that thought was the end. I need minions….lots of minions.

Am I going to get one….let’s see, DH is asleep in a recliner, one dog on the couch, in a dog bed, on the kitchen floor. My possible minions are not of this waking world at the moment. Minion count – ZERO. Pisses me off…….really…….how can they sleep when I am thinking so loudly is beyond me. Really! Maybe I need an intern – but where would I find one that is as anal as I am and who could follow directions written only in my subconscious. So not likely in this millennia!

By ‘Indelible” the ISGB means those things which have transpired in your life and etched a moment that is so totally recallable that it is, indelible.

I tried to think of a moment that collided with my brain with an impact I couldn’t shake it. The normal things came up children – marriage – divorce – family – life. What happened is I couldn’t’ separate a piece from the whole. Maybe if I were in my twenties again I could; but alas, I am not. What did pop out was the fact I am the sum of my pieces. If any one thing were subtracted from the equation that is me then it would alter the outcome of this moment. Profound? (LOL) No one is going to accuse me of that.

I’ve started to think of the theme as the pieces of my life. That concept led me to my jewelry boxes. It’s kind of a microcosm of all things Sharon. The crow in me has keepsakes that are shiny only to me. I pulled them out from all manner of places I’ve hidden them. Laid out they form an interesting beginning of a mixed media necklace. Some pieces are extremely self explanatory – others may not be – and there is much more to add. I have “hippie beads” which could tie the many pieces into a solid unit.

There also a requirement for handmade lampwork beads – it is the International Society of Glass Beadmakers after all. There in; for the moment, lies my rub. Uh, aside from the fact I have no minions. I’ve never had a particular “style” of bead. I have a style of art – the beads I make tend to fit into that “concept”. I have to figure out now what beads I could make that might represent those indelible moments of my life.

I have thoughts on the beads and completion of this piece – but whether they will end up in a UFO bag or brought to fruition is a whole ‘nother discussion. Wish me luck.

Ok, Enough Now Already

2012-01-19T13:41:00.003-05:00

This is a photo essay of today and my feelings - Yea it's pretty! Whatever....

Mixed Media?

2012-01-18T20:50:00.024-05:00

What is mixed media art?

Technically speaking, "mixed media" is any combination of two or more primary artistic mediums combined in a single piece of artwork. Try looking up what are considered the “primary artistic mediums” – that, in itself – was a bit of Internet folly. Maybe you can find it.

Hence, I guess, if you are using resin to make a pendant – or clay, or anything - and you add glass beads or any other of the “primary artistic mediums” (which amounts to just about anything) your jewelry would or could be considered to be of mixed media. It’s why I changed the description on this blog. It is the way I create, always has been, so I thought I ought to define my work that way.

Maybe we could break the “mixed media” label down further by quantifying it into larger titles (for example): “mixed media paper sculpture” but all those extra labels just strike me as redundant. Or, maybe as Etsy tags they ought to read - "mixed media paper sculptures with bit and dabs of acrylic, crayon, and ink." LOL It's one of those "things" we could do – but maybe shouldn't. I am a jeweler and I work with more than one primary medium so I’m paring the excess labeling as far down as possible

Why mixed media Sharon? (So, I said to myself….Self - - - -)

Nail Man

Louise Nevelson

My earliest recognition of visits to the Detroit Institute of Arts and Cranbrook where of pieces of art that contained what we now so commonly refer to as “found objects”. Oh, I loved it all – who wouldn’t be excited to stick their nose to nearly touching a Van Gogh (they didn’t cover them then). The Rivera Mural in the Grand Hall – he was such a character. But, it was Louise Nevelson that I remember most. All those neutrally painted pieces making shadows and coming together as a whole. Second to those were the rooms of African Art. I thought them primitive but such perfectly polished pieces of art. My very favorite of those African pieces at the DIA is “Nail Man” Sculpture. It brought about a massive love for all things talisman. Nail Man is also mixed media.

Nail Man is roughly 3 ½ feet tall. In the African Congo there are fetish statues known as Nkisi that are broken down into two categories. Those that are malevolent and those that are talismans’ against it. It’s an old story, right? All cultures and centuries and all kinds of images. I guess that’s why I love them so –the story – the battle of good vs. evil. Mostly maybe the protection of having the talisman – like having the Immunity necklace on Survivor.

And, as odd as it seems, I also relish the wooden alters of Madonna and child. Paint, gold leaf, wood. Another incredible mixed-media marvel.

Mixed media mavens – aren’t we all? What’s your primary media and why did you choose it?

Snow Day!

2012-01-17T13:44:00.006-05:00

It's beautiful out there but the roads are slippery and I have kiln is heating up (YES!). Enjoy the cartoon...and warm hugs to anyone who has to venture out in the white stuff today. Plus, for all of you in the sun and warm weather I will admit to being so jealous that I look like Shrek!

Invitation to Party

2012-01-16T11:02:00.006-05:00

Fifth Bead Soup Blog Party

WOW - Awesome

I get to participate in this wonderful round robin blog hop and creativity stretcher created by Lori Anderson. I’ve been wanting to do this for years but so many “life” experiences have prevented me from considering it. I didn’t want to ask to participate until I knew it would get the attention it deserved from me as a participant. This session was done by lottery because over 300 artists’ had asked to participate with manageable space for 200 (which is an incredibly insane amount to manage). I feel privileged to have my name drawn.

My partner for this adventure is Rebecca Sirevaag. When I get to know more about Rebecca I'll pass it on but here is her blog because I know you're just going to want to visit her soon.

I could explain all about this but Lori does it so much better you might as well hear the details from her. In the right column is the Blog Party symbol and all you have to do is click on it to get to Lori's site. Wish me luck!!!

Sunday Sillies...

2012-01-14T23:46:00.022-05:00

I had asked Sylvie if she would do a “Hey Girl” Hunk for me. She is a doll and for a small bribe of coffee, which she will definitely need to keep up in Tucson I was presented with my hunky choice of Daniel Craig. Here he is:

Swoon Swoon!

So thrilled was I over my Daniel Craig "Hey Girl" that I sent the whole Beaded Laughter site to my oldest son (the attorney) and he sent me back a photo and said I should do something with it and send it back to the Sylvie. Did he so NOT get the total point of this? And if he did maybe he just doesn't think Daniel Craig is my type - - - here my roar of evil laughter at that!!!!!

Well, child of mine - I did make up a "Hey Girl". Not to shabby either and anyone who wants him for their blog can steal him too. Any guy who will go out in snow like that deserves as many hits as the "hunks". You go guy and everyone have a gloriously Silly Sunday.

And the Winners are...

2012-01-14T00:56:00.003-05:00

Congratulations!

What I did was assign everyone a number based on the order in which you posted a reply to the original post. As luck would have it after putting some of my books away I realized I actually have TWO extra "500 Beaded Objects" books from Lark Publishing. Instead of running two contests we might as well have two winners. The books are packaged and ready to send out so please email me your address if I don't already have it: sdriscoll@charter.net

And the winners are: Number 7: Anne Ricketts and Number 12: Cheryl Kauhaapo

I had the number generators on here but when I returned to the post to find out who numbers 7 and 12 were it dumped the data. When it did that - I removed them - next time I will know to have the names printed out so I don't have to leave the page until it's posted. And there will be a new giveaway. In a week I will prepare the next book and get it posted and we will commence the second giveaway of my extra books. Best of luck on giveaway #2 and please post again.

Thank You! Sharon

World's Greatest Hand Cream for Dry Artist Skin

2012-01-13T11:24:00.004-05:00

I was telling you about that hand cream I made. Mine looks pink compared to this picture because of the lotion I chose to use. The original recipe came from several sources I culled from Pinterest. It’s excellent for your feet and a little dab will do you on dry hands created from long fun days crafting, or walking around the house all winter with flip flops on.

With your hand mixer mix the following in a bowl:

8oz. Vaseline (the 7.5 jar will work just fine)
8 oz. of Vitamin E Cream
16 oz. of Baby Lotion (you can replace this with your favorite but keep it simple).

Repackage in any containers you’d like. There are plenty available on-line or at your local craft store (I got mine at Hobby Lobby). My DIL loves the bottle I gave her and others are on their way in the mail. Since I’ve been using clay lately it’s really helped to keep my hands moist – especially considering how much I wash dried clay off my fingers.

New Work

2012-01-12T23:55:00.004-05:00

I don't tend to post many pieces of the new work here that are going on Etsy. With the Etsy Mini on the blog I figure you can see it so I don't do much announcing. Maybe I should and I'll try and be a little better about it. The three sets I just added to my shopped are Mixed Media components edging toward the season of love - "Valentine's Day." I hope you will like them. There will be more coming and I hope to have lots of posts before the end of the month. This piece is strung temp orarily on waxed linen and comtains all handmade beads. Several beads are ceramic and the majority are lampwork. I really enjoy this blend. What is your favorite blend of handmde beads and why?

“Decked Out” English

2012-01-11T11:39:00.003-05:00

I love a good Peace sign, can’t help myself. I’d claim it was caused by the water if I could get away with it but I’m a “Boomer” and that’s just the way it is. When I was looking up “Bazinga”(see an earlier post) I ran across “Gotcha” as a definition of the word and a whole Sheldon Cooper fan club. “Cool Baby!” And; at that point, things got a tad crazy.

One find was the UofM study and class to teach foreign students how to cope with English. They’re right! Think about a foreign student who might have been taught English and then they run into a “Valley Girl”. “Uh, like the situation was totally tubular, really – I mean like, it was just like gnarly to the max.” Talk about a linguistic curve ball.

That little Internet jaunt took me to words which I would like to stamp on some clay or metal pieces but then – would anyone understand? Can I say “Keep on truckin’ you “jive turkey” because you’re too “trippy” to be “making out” with no “funky flower child”. If I could it might be a “bitchin blast”, but then some “far out” “Daddy-O’ conservative “fink” might not be so “copasetic” about it. I’d have to “mellow out” before he “laid it on me” and it got all “heavy”. “Like wow” that’s so “far out”.

Well, I better “bug-out” now. It’s been “a gas”.

New lampwork is out of the kiln and I'll post some pic's tomorrow.

2012-01-10T15:03:00.000-05:00

Orange - It's Your Time

2012-01-09T05:20:00.012-05:00

If you like to stay a few steps ahead, take note: the Pantone Color Institute has just revealed the top ten colors you should—read: will—be wearing come spring. They are: Tangerine Tango, a juicy orange hue; Solar Power, a warm yellow hue; Sodalite Blue, a maritime blue hue; Cabaret, an intense rosy-red hue; Starfish, a warm neutral hue; Margarita, a piquant yellow-green hue; Sweet Lilac, a pinkish lilac hue; Driftwood, a beige-grey blend; Bellflower, an ornamental purple; and Cockatoo, a spirited blue-green. So, now you know which colors to look for, tell me: which color is your favorite?

Pantone's color of the year….and it’s Tangarine Orange. Oh Yes, it’s about time my favorite color made it to the top of the list. So for this Spring you can throw on that touch of sweet orange and go for it. This is the entire palette and there are some charming color combinations to be had here. If you don’t think so check out Pantone’s great designers and see what they’ve whipped up with them.

Designer's have already got that Spring Line into full production...

Silly Sunday

2012-01-08T10:22:00.023-05:00

You’re going to have to read this to realize these topics go together in a strange Sharon sort of way. Why at this rate I could be a guest writer for a newspaper (where is questionable)..

Tonight’s big news on our local TV report concerned the anger over trees that were blocking a road. Is this a four lane highway? – NAH. More like snow-covered back road – otherwise how could you get those trees cut down without anyone seeing you? Anyway, this post might help you understand my occasional mind melting issues. Below is the news report – I have highlighted the names of the roads and the apparent fact that we don’t seem to know how to count stumps that are missing their tops. I have a question – and we have time up here in the winter for pondering them. Well…, investigators – was it 16, 17, maybe someone stood a few logs up and it was only nine? You can estimate a crowd of people, or the number of gun shots at a robbery but when the evidence is just sitting still there in the daylight the word “ABOUT” in your report just isn’t going to cut it. The policeman was probably educated up here too and we are damn proud to have him. Probably fifth generation or something and all around nice fellah.

You just can’t make this stuff up! And when they sandwich this “Important Breaking News” in between the political race in New Hampshire and the fact Charles Barkley is hosting Saturday Night Live – show blow up maps with arrows and then close up shots of the trees and say out loud the location of the said macabre attack and don’t start laughing…. Well, you have to learn to play along ‘cause in’ they’re serious. Even my DH who grew up here and has friends named “Toad – Jimmy John, and Bucky” burst out laughing. Here is the Internet version – use your imagination for the reporter:

Trees Intentionally Cut Down in Otsego Co., block road
By John McGowan, Anchor

The Otsego County Sheriff's Office is looking for whoever cut down about 17 trees on Tin Shanty Road, near Sawdust Pile in Charlton Township.

The trees were all 12 to 15 inches in diameter, and they made the road impassable.

The Otsego County Road Commission had to remove the trees.

Keep in mind if you have any information of perpetrators of this crime call the Otsego County Sheriff – (but don’t tell him how I was cracking on his patrols or the news anchor…..)

Super Creative Studio Area

2012-01-07T16:52:00.007-05:00

The ceramic studio at Right Turn ArtWerks is an austere department. It’s a humble area and nearly as portable as a plein air easel and paints.

Since I’ve shown you other areas I work in….torch, cast, fabricate, and so on I thought I’d show you where I create the clay “magic”. I have both a wet area and a dry area. Pretty nifty, huh?

I could take an obligatory hundred photos of my set-up –some great close-ups. Do a little Photoshop work and make it look magnificent – grand – maybe even downright arty and ostentatious. At least I’d like to think I could. LOL

Instead, I think I’ll just give you the skinny. Here you go:

Two folding TV tables full of goodies. Storage when I’m not a student in the “Ceramic’s Department “in ArtWerks is a super huge clear Tupperware type container that fits into the closet – 25# of clay and all.

I love working with the clay (actually almost anything creative) – I wash my hands a whole lot but I’ve taken care of THAT problem with a new recipe for hand cream (more later). I guess what I wanted show is you don’t need a ton of room to be creative with something. This is pretty bare bones but it works for me.

Gotcha

2012-01-06T11:22:00.006-05:00

Bazinga! I love that saying….as popularized by Dr. Sheldon Cooper in The Big Bang Theory. I wasn’t a fan of it before this – it must have coincided with something else I was watching on TV. Then, the reruns began on TBS and I’ve been watching it while I work on some clay pieces. There is also this insane desire to knock on doors three times while saying someone’s name…………I’ve lived in an apartment complex like that. Have you? I’ve been accused of being geeky, but not intellectual, just odd-duckish, so this sitcom just cracks me up. Trust me I’m not a sitcom person but bazinga is my kind of word!

I like the word so much I decided to make a few stamped ceramic pieces. These aren't painted yet and fresh from the kiln. I'm wondering how much fun a necklace covered in generational sayings might be. Remember "POW" from the Batman series...........LOL

First Great Inspiration Giveaway

2012-01-04T12:00:00.005-05:00

Look at the beaded piece on the cover of this book - it's the great work of Robin Atkin's. It was her book One Bead at a Time (now out of print) that first piqued my interest in bead embroidery.

500 Beaded Objects is one of the books I received in the Lark Book giveaway. It's a great book but I already have a copy. I use it all the time for inspiration - it's just supercharged!

I'm going to giveaway this book out to some lucky person so they'll have all that extra inspiration too. To enter all you have to do is leave a comment on this post - make sure I have your email address and I'll choose a random winner on January 14, 2012 via a random number generator.

Best of Luck!

I'm peeing my pants.....

2012-01-02T13:33:00.005-05:00

Not only has Sylvie Lansdowne long been one of my very favorite teachers she has also got a sense of wit and imagination beyond compare. You have got to go and check these photos out and no doubt you will be wanting to download one for yourself...

Beaded Laughter

Wishing You Health and Happiness

2012-01-01T01:00:00.000-05:00

Whoops, There it is!

2011-12-31T17:11:00.006-05:00

It’s easy to get down in the dumps. Its winter – politicians are arguing worse than ever – the economy still sucks – ACK, I’m getting older – life is messy. It is the final day at the end of the year and there is probably some smuck on TV out there reminding YOU to count your blessings. Am I right? Damn tooting I am.

Okay, so let’s work with this a moment. There are thousands of possible ideas to cover the cup half empty/full analogy. I’m going to point one out that is very – let’s say – experiential.

Experiential is a way of learning things that helps you to remember the lesson (it requires involvement – mind and/or body….it’s like (in the most graphic of terms) when you burn your face with the curling iron you learn really fast not to get that thing so close to your skin. That’s a negative experiential learning process, but an effective one.

Now you have the concept of that type of learning. So how do you apply that physical/mental learning style to “blessings, gratefulness, thankfulness, and half-full cups”?

You are reading this blog and one leap in assumptions I can make is that you are an artist. You probably have a good imagination so I don’t think there is any need for you go and burn your forehead to get the gist of what I’m telling you to imagine.

EVERYONE learns experientially – if we didn’t we wouldn’t learn to ride a bike, or write, make love, and so on. These experiences help us to improve on the first lesson…or not to repeat it if it hurt too much in the first place (the burn).

You’re still waiting for this end of the year punch-line lesson. Right?

Here it is. It works – I know because I taught and facilitated groups of distraught teenagers and some adults on how to do this for 23 years.

Let’s take me for example – my knees hurt (I weigh entirely too much and have arthritis – just fact) – when I think negatively about this, and I find it “getting” to me, I take a moment to meditate. While I meditate I visualize myself in a wheel chair, or without feet, or on crutches with my armpits a flame. You’re creative – remember me coaching you on that earlier? Me too! And after I do that, like Nemo, I go to my happy spot for a moment and then open my eyes again. I think to myself – whoa, am I lucky…two feet, armpits don’t hurt, no wheelchair. This isn’t to disrespect the people who are disabled. It’s all about how to think and feel about the disability or personal challenge that counts, I think there are plenty of disabled people who understand this. How we think – it’s important.

If your cup isn’t half full – WHY NOT? Determine why you think it isn’t and change the mental scenario around it. This is a simplification of the process for sure and some life situations are beyond your control – but everyone has plenty of blessings and plenty of things they can whine about, be depressed about, or be hateful about if that is what they truly want. Me, my cup is half full and I hope yours is too. And, if for a tiny moment, you can’t find a blessing in your situation try the exercise I described above – apply it to your circumstances and needs….maybe it will help.

I wish you health and happiness.

Sharon

How to Survive and Thrive In an Art Recession

2011-12-30T11:50:00.006-05:00

Recently, while reading another blog, I felt another artists pain when an art show did not meet her expectations. The show had the potential and she most certainly had the "goods". First, let me say DH and I did the Art Show circuit for over 27 years. It ain't what it used to be. BUT, it can continue to be lucrative in this economy if you alter you expectations and make it part of a whole marketing package. Here are some tips that might help:

Originally posted by SimaG Jewelry on September 9, 2009 at 3:13pm in my Handmade Handbook

How to Survive -- And Thrive-- In this Recession

9 steps to a Better Today and Brilliant Tomorrow for Art Festival Artists:

1. Remember: Not Only Good Things Come To An End
The current economic climate will change-for the better. The economy is like a pendulum, swinging first up, then down, then up again. The momentum of the current downtrend holds the energy for the upswing that is surely on its way.

2. Your Art Is Still Your Art-and Your Life's Work
Do not depreciate the value of your art. Do not cut prices just to make sales-but always be willing to negotiate in good faith. You have spent years establishing the value of your work to your customers. It is a whole lot easier to lower your prices than to bring them back up later on when times are good.

3. The Customer is Not, Repeat, Not Your Enemy.
It is all too easy to view people who don't spend their money on your artwork as adversaries. They are, like all of us, strapped for cash, or worried about being strapped for cash. Greet each potential customer as though he or she is a millionaire, which may just be true. And, remarkably, what seems unaffordable today becomes easily purchased tomorrow.

4. Never Reveal Your Financial Situation to a Customer
Your finances are yours, private and nobody's business (well, maybe the IRS!).
Act neither poor nor rich around the public. You are an artist-that is sufficient to the business transaction. Why? People of means like doing business with other people of means; people without means do not want to be reminded of their economic status. The best course: be yourself. Dress well, but not extravagantly; present yourself within the confines of your profession.

5. Clean Up Your Act
Take a hard look at your booth presentation. Is it cluttered? Filled with old work in dog-eared mats? Too dark? Too Light? Too unlike a small, exclusive gallery? Now is the time to turn your booth into an inviting, welcoming, happy, exciting, restful (yes, those two can happen together) and ultimately dollar-beckoning environment. Look at it this way: would you spend you money in your booth? Make certain the answer is yes.

6. Smile 'Till It Hurts
When the customer enters your booth-or before then-smile. When he or she says hello (or you do), smile. When he or she remarks on a piece of your artwork, smile. When you converse, smile. When the customer leaves-whether you made a sale or not-smile. Smile during setup and teardown. Smile on the way to the show. Smile on the way home. The point is this: happiness is inclusive; sadness craves seclusion. If you are down, that is the direction your sales will go.

7. Communicate 'Till It Hurts
Say hi, say what's up, say can I help you, say do you like the work, say it's sunny out, say it's raining out. Then, remember that silence, too, is a form of communication. Engage the customer, make him or her comfortable, lead them to your work, leave them to enjoy it. Then start talking again. The longer the customer stays in your booth, the better your chances of making a sale.

8. Don't Just Level the Playing Field, Change It
Offer to visit the potential buyer at his or her home. Suggest that your work would look great in their offices. Intimate that you might be willing to take payments over time (a check each month is better than none). Negotiate from strength: offer two pieces at a discount, but not one. Lead off communication with an offer of the discount (yep, right after you say hello). Let pieces go overnight on approval (with a valid credit card on file, of course). Send thank you notes-of course-to buyers, but also to those who do not buy; it often leads to a sale.

9. Set Only Realistic Goals and Reduce Your Disappointment
The art festival business is simply not what it used to be. Neither is much else in life; change is the only true constant. Money is no more than a (necessary) commodity that changes hands as we use it. Art lasts. What we create says much more about us than how much of what we create we happen to sell. Goals are important, certainly, but monetary goals are transitory. All of us are learning to live with "less" in these-transitory-times, but all of us can learn to enjoy what we have to a greater degree. And, down the road, there will be a show where you sell more, earn more and-using the lessons of these remarkable times-enjoy more.

Live, love, laugh, create.

Renewel

2011-12-28T12:51:00.015-05:00

I'm still in the spirit but it's getting to be the time of year, isn't it? You know....the end.

It's a time of assessment, revision, and reinvention. I've been looking over the blog and think it's time for a new look. Maybe a little streamlining - a tighter vision. Hopefully by the New Year I can work out all of the particulars and away we'll go....not a new adventure, just an adjusted one.

I've been checking out blog headers and such. One of the most interesting finds has been Seth Apter. He has a blog called The Altered Page. I ran into blog via some newsletters I've been receiving from Creative Mixed Media. He has been posting this whole series called Your Blog, Your Way. You can get to it via his blog and it's just outstanding. It's broken up into ten chapters and each is very thoughtfully prepared.

I was already on this quest before this post but running into Seth's series is most certainly going to help.

Happy Holiday's Everyone.

2011-12-25T12:36:00.003-05:00

Are you ready?

2011-12-24T21:01:00.004-05:00

This is so NOT my house - but I can dream....

In the old days, it was not called the Holiday Season; the Christians called it 'Christmas' and went to church; the Jews called it 'Hanukkah' and went to synagogue; the atheists went to parties and drank. People passing each other on the street would say 'Merry Christmas!' or 'Happy Hanukkah!' or (to the atheists) 'Look out for the wall!' ~Dave Barry, "Christmas Shopping: A Survivor's Guide"

It's almost here! Tomorrow morning - ACK! Home alone - Should I be putting my palms on my cheeks? Maybe. I have saved my Secret Santa gifts - from the artists on Lampwork Etc. for the morning. And, I'll admit it - I'm looking forward to them.

I believe in kindness - - - - - - - - - - - - - - pass it on - - - - - - - - - -

Cake Pops

2011-12-21T19:40:00.011-05:00

It’s official – I live like a troll. I have never heard of cake pops. We have no bakery here…unless you want to count the Walmart bakery. I’ve known the girl that works there for years but I know she wouldn’t consider herself a pastry baker. I used to decorate cakes – ah, that was in my twenties when I could afford the calories. I also made candy. That experience pretty much killed candy cravings for nearly a decade.

I was searching for something to make for the holiday – and somewhere in the insane Internet surfing I’ve been doing I ran across Cake Pops and Bakerella. What the heck – where have I been?

This is definitely like a call to arms for me. No one could ever accuse me of being a hip cat but how did I not know about this? I feel like an Ostrich in the Sahara. I’m making Cake Pops. This is sort of like the recipe I used but following some other recommendations for leaving them in the refrigerator for at least two hours before putting them in the dipping chocolate.

So what are your favorite recipes for the holiday? Have you ever made cake pops? The photo of finished cake pops isn’t mine – mine are still in the fridge .

This is your basic cake pop recipe:

Make a 13×9 cake. Any flavor you like, just follow the instructions on the box. Let it cool. Crumble the cake (always fun for the kids) and add in 1 can of frosting. Throw it into the refrigerator for 15 minutes.

1. After refrigerating, dust off your Playdoh skills and form the mixture into balls. Then place a sucker stick into the top of each cake ball. Pop them into the refrigerator for another quarter hour.
2. While waiting, start melting your candy melts.
3. After 15 minutes in the fridge, dip and swirl each pop into your candy melt.
4. Once you’ve got an even coating on the cake pop, place the stick into a Styrofoam block while the candy melt shell hardens.
5. Announce to your family and friends that the cake pops are ready.

Darn YOU Hoffman!

2011-12-19T21:56:00.006-05:00

Source: petapixel.com via Sharon Driscoll from Pinterest

Okay - so now I have to "shake off" this terrible computer surfing issue and get back to business. It's all Mallory's fault. She posted on her blog about the Pinterest site. It's an on-line bulletin board. Yup, that was her crime. Isn't just like the criminal to blame someone else? I love the photo above - Wouldn't you just like to shake off the day like that? I was visiting Pinterest tonight and see that the Lark Blog has been doing the same thing since I saw some neat things posted in both places today.

Yes, I know - Get off the computer Sharon. It's not a toy.

Mixed Bead Sets

2011-12-12T19:54:00.005-05:00

I've been creating small batches of beads over the past couple of weeks, aside from the Christmas ones I've already listed. Since I've been working both in ceramic and lampwork I decided to concentrate on finding some complimentary colors to mix up into some sets. The contrast between the two is exactly what I wanted, although with glazes the ceramics are also shiny. I can't wait to mix in some metalsmithing. This is the set I just listed on Etsy. I kept it neutral and added a rustic heart I cast this summer. If you added a piece of leather and a few more pieces of silver it would make a great bracelet.

Lark Book Giveaway

2011-12-10T20:09:00.010-05:00

If I’ve said it once I’ve said it dozens of times here on the blog. Shout it from the mountain tops – I love books! Right now I am walking on air because I was just notified that I won one of Lark’s super fantastic book giveaways. On the way to my hot little hands and soon to be tired eyes and high blood sugar, from all of the eye candy (LOL), are 21 (yes – that is not a typo) Lark books coming to live at the Driscoll household.

And now – they are giving away another great batch (38) of their top titles. And how do I know these are so wonderful, you ask? I already own about 15 of them. They are invaluable as reference and inspiration. Someone has to win them – Why not you? Besides, it’s a great blog and they send out the best notices of fun new crafts, tips, and fun crafty things to so from their books.

Enter Here!

When the new books come I’ll post them here – I’m so excited I can hardly stand it.

Carnage Before Christmas?

2011-12-08T20:57:00.016-05:00

Carnage in the front room - Is this Bones or CSI?

Busted!

This is the younger retriever - Trudy. Do you think she knows it's almost the holiday? I'm beginning to wonder. She always unstuffs her toys but this seems a little bold to me...body parts are everywhere. It is like a little kid who keeps his blanket until there isn't anything left but a raggedy little corner. And, she loves her tattered pieces. I pick them up. She pulls them out.

New toys for Christmas? Maybe.

Kiln Full

2011-12-07T16:03:00.004-05:00

Aside from torching I filled the tiny kiln with a little load of ceramic beads. I really need to find a better system because this is just kind of willy nilly. I should purchase more kiln stilts so I can arrange things both high and low. It's just a small kiln so there isn't much room but that is good. I really don't see me getting a bigger one. Sooner or later I will figure it out.

Do you like the "Candy" tag? This one is on Etsy and I have one I put with a peppermint designed bead and some crystals on a long necklace to wear. It would look good with glass chocolates and charms too.

How's your Holiday shopping going? So far for me - not so good. Maybe tomorrow.

Hot Elves!

2011-12-05T16:04:00.004-05:00

I suppose you were expecting to see a sexy elf? Sorry. This is my elf - I have a few to post for the holiday. This one is in used Ivory glass for the face and Bubblegum for the cheeks. He's a cutie and comes with a ceramic "Believe" in a golden green. I wish I could post more today but I have torching and photo editing (sizing) for Etsy to do. Later...

Sleepy Sunday

2011-12-04T16:43:00.004-05:00

Здравствуйте!

2011-12-03T23:51:00.004-05:00

One of the most fascinating things about a blog is that once in awhile you run across someone who is accessing it at the same time you are. In the case of my blog I can not tell you how excited I get when I see other countries pop up on my little world map. Europeans seem to be such global thinkers – and I feel as if I have lived in a box. Once in awhile I see someone check in from Russia so I wanted to say “Hello” and I looked up the translation.

Lest anyone think that isn’t very forward thinking of me since most of the world tends to be bi-lingual and us Americans tend to be spoiled by that I’d like to explain. It’s not that I haven’t heard or seen Russian. As a child I was not allowed to learn it or mimic what I heard. My maternal Grandparents were Russian. My Grandmother died before I was born but my Grandfather lived with us and until I grew up and moved out. He was a constant in my life. He spoke several languages and occasionally redressed my mother in Russian. When I’d ask him to teach me he would politely refuse. My mother told me it was because he believed you should assimilate to the country you chose to live in. Bunk I thought, but I respected his wishes.

My Grandfather taught me to dye eggs with onion skins, render fat for soap and make soap, grow a wicked garden and save the seeds of the best plants for next year, and so many wonderful things. How can you not love all of those things and be fascinated by the country that made him who he was?

Some where, I am sure, I am probably related to someone overseas – my Grandfather had family. He refused to tell us much – Bolsheviks, Khrushchev, and a great fear of someone punishing him for being the first born and being sent off by his family. He really did think if he went back to find family that he would be kept. How the world has changed, huh? I hope it continues to evolve and to my friend in Russia I hope you are reading and know how happy it makes me – personally and artistically, that you stop here to read this blog.

Whooops!

2011-12-02T14:06:00.003-05:00

I thought I'd better mention something - although no one has brought this to my attention I was thinking about it today. My knowledge of ceramics was based on one absolutely perfect class taught by Jennifer Heynen (Jangles) at Bead and Button a couple of years ago. She was outstanding. I described my knowledge as fitting on pin-head because, unlike Jennifer, it is not my area of expertise. She is a wealth of information and an expert, having studied ceramics.

I just don't want anyone to think she is a poor teacher and that is why I referred to my knowledge as minuscule. SHE is the bomb and if you can take a class with her in Georgia at her shop or at Bead and Button you should jump on it.

Now - if you have an questions about lampworking or metalworking - I'm your gal.

2011-11-30T19:12:00.005-05:00

Let’s talk ceramics – which, I can assure you, my information bank on this one would fill the head of a pin. What I can do is tell you what product I’m working with to make these.

First off, I’m using low-fire Earthenware clay in white (from Runyon Pottery Supply, a Michigan company but I think most States and Countries have similar suppliers). It also comes in red and gray. I have some old red left from my DD’s days on the pottery wheel and it looks like even after all of these years they might be useable too. The clay is sitting soaking up some extra moisture and soon I’ll knead/ and wedge the reconstituted stuff.

For the under glaze colors I’m using the ones Jennifer Heynen gave us in class – simply labeled by color. I also bought some new colors to mix from the Big Ceramic Store and Runyon called “Concepts” by Duncan. They’re compatible with the clay and firing that I’m doing.

After they’re fired to the bisque and nice and hard I under glaze them and cover that with clear glaze. Fire again and voila.

Seems simple, huh? Well, I only think it is because I’ve followed Jen’s instruction and her book. I do have a daughter to refer to but she did it for fun, it wasn’t her area of study. Since I’m such a lover of books I will admit to a half a dozen on the topic but other than that I can do little but learn as I go on this one – so far I’m having a great time.

Nellie update: The stitches are still in but they removed the tube and she's finally perking up. YES! I was getting worried. Whew!

Tis' the Season, what a great way to start!

2011-11-28T18:48:00.008-05:00

Done like you've never seen before!

This video from the small Yupiq Eskimo Village of Quinhagak, Alaska, was a school computer project intended for the other Yupiq villages in the area.
To the surprise of the villagers, over a half million people have viewed it! Check it out for yourself:

Hallelujah

Newest Bisque

2011-11-27T17:41:00.007-05:00

There is plenty of moss growing under these feet – LOL. Isn’t it just like that during the holiday? Oh, we’re all busy alright! It’s just that the artwork suffers a bit while you recharge the personal batteries with family – hence the artistic moss. It’s a good thing to enjoy family and take an artistic break (aside from playing nurse with Nellie). Here is the current plate of bisque pieces ready to be painted. They probably won’t be up on Etsy until next week – after there is a kiln load painted.

On the Nellie front - the vet visit went well but they did not pull the tube - Yuck -three more days of pads and arm sling covers. They also piled on the antibiotics and her stomach is not taking to the Rimidyl what-so-ever. Can we get a break here please? Back to the vet tomorrow....and hopefully the torch too!

Poor Nellie - Who thought of this fashion statement?

2011-11-25T22:46:00.009-05:00

She is on the mend - at at least that is what we hope to hear from the vet tomorrow who is meeting us at her office on a Saturday. She'll be removing a tube from her leg. This is our beloved fur-baby, Nellie. She is our 12 year old golden retriever. Some place along growing up she developed a growth on the inside of her left rear leg. It never bothered her and we had it checked yearly - but it just kept getting bigger (double grapefruit bigger). Finally it interfered with her walking and we decided it had to be removed. And so it was, on Tuesday. Wednesday, the day before the "big turkey", we picked her up from the vet.

She has to have a temporary tube covered so she doesn't bother it - and there has to be plenty of changeable padding there to absorb the dripping. I think I deserve an award for ingenuity on how to keep the pads and gauze on...and up where they belong. I'm calling it the ultimate arm sling. Take one old shirt and cut the arm off with plenty of material up to the neck and presto - leg warmer.

Poor thing - but she can walk with it. LOL - and do the necessary business. We've run out of Leopard print cotton arms and today's new sling is hot pink polyester. I'm not sure which is worse - the indignity of the get-up or my poor choice in recyclable long sleeve shirts.

Entirely TMI On Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T14:47:00.052-05:00

I know this is more than you want to know about Thanksgivng here in the States and elsewhere but what the heck - If you are reading this you can dazzle your friends and family with after dessert trivia. This is reposted from World Gormet.

Thanksgiving - A Celebration of Plenty

Did you know that eight nations of the world have official Thanksgiving Days? Those countries are Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Korea, Liberia, Switzerland and the United States.

The tradition of declaring a special day or period for giving thanks is an ancient one. It dates far back to the time when our ancestors hoped that an ostentatious display of gratitude would placate their capricious gods -thus ensuring continued bounty. But these days of thanksgiving were also occasions for celebrating the year's plenty with feasts and joyful gatherings. The thanksgiving celebrations of the ancient Greeks took the form of an annual fall festival, during which offerings were made to Demeter, the goddess of corn. Every October the Romans held a harvest festival called Cerelia, in praise of Ceres (Demeter's Roman counterpart) which included games, parades and a feast. The Jewish harvest festival, Sukkoth, is still celebrated every autumn as it has been for 3000 years.

One of the most well-known symbols of Thanksgiving also dates back to ancient Greece. The cornucopia or "horn of plenty" comes from the myth in which Zeus gave Amalthea (who had fed him with goat's milk when he was an infant) one of the goat's horns as a gesture of thanks, with a promise that it would bring an abundance of anything she wished for.

Proclaiming days of Thanksgiving for various reasons - success in war, a bounteous harvest, the recovery of a king from illness - was part of European tradition for centuries. The first rite of Thanksgiving to be held in North America took place in 1578, when English explorer Martin Frobisher arrived in Newfoundland and ordered that a ceremony be held to thank God for protecting his crew during the long and dangerous sea voyage.

However, much of modern North American Thanksgiving lore is associated with the Pilgrims. In 1621, a year after arriving in the new world on the Mayflower, and following a severe winter in which many of their numbers had succumbed to disease, the colonists celebrated their first successful harvest by organizing a thanksgiving feast to which they invited the neighboring Native Indians. On the menu for that first American Thanksgiving were almost certainly some foods that have become staples of the holiday - turkey and pumpkin - along with other wild fowl, venison, oysters, clams, fish, corn cakes, and wild fruit and nuts.

Why do Americans celebrate Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November?

Because President Abraham Lincoln declared this day a holiday in his famous Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1863. Yes, but who was behind this decision? The answer is Sarah Josepha Hale, one of the most important, yet least recognized, women in American history. She lobbied the President to officially proclaim a day of Thanksgiving, convinced that observing it on a national level would bind the warring country together and ensure peace.

In Canada

During the American Revolution, many colonists desiring to remain loyal to the British crown headed north to Canada, bringing with them many New England traditions, explaining the continuing similarity of many US and Canadian Thanksgiving customs and menus. Following European tradition, general days of Thanksgiving had been officially proclaimed in Canada since 1799 to celebrate royal events or the end of wars or epidemics. By the latter part of the nineteenth century, a day of thanksgiving for an abundant harvest was proclaimed each year for a Thursday in November, later moving to October, perhaps because of Canada's colder climate and earlier harvest. Eventually Thanksgiving came to be celebrated on a Monday, though in the 1920s Thanksgiving was once again observed in November, the Monday before Armistice Day. Finally in 1931, Canadian Thanksgiving was fixed for the second Monday of October, a move formally enshrined by Act of Parliament in 1957.

But enough about history! What's for dinner?

On most North American tables, a turkey still holds pride of place for the annual Thanksgiving feast. In the US alone, over 40 million turkeys are consumed on this holiday weekend each year! It is usually accompanied by gravy and stuffing, the particular accents of which are determined by region. Along the eastern seaboard, oyster stuffing is traditional, hearkening back to the days when these shellfish were a cheap and plentiful source of food. In the south, you are more likely to find cornbread stuffing, while in the northern US and Canada you might find wild rice among the ingredients for the turkey dressing. Cranberry sauce is traditional, made with fresh or frozen berries, or perhaps in the form of a jiggly cylinder that slides out of a can! A staple of many American Thanksgiving dinners is sweet potatoes, combined with sugar, spices and butter, turned into a casserole and sometimes topped with marshmallows. Other vegetable dishes, salads, pickles and rolls usually round out the meal, followed by the traditional pumpkin pie and whipped cream. In many households, a final Thanksgiving tradition is to retire to a comfortable chair to loosen one's belt!

If you made it through your dinner and are reading this you are probably already napping and I hope you had a wonderful day.

Cold Feet - Warm Heart

2011-11-20T12:07:00.005-05:00

Right now I’d settle for 70 degrees – that is the temperature in North Carolina tomorrow where one set of my grown children reside (Son #2 and Darling DIL). Alas, it’s Michigan and tomorrows high will be 45. I’m thankful for no snow at the moment. I’ve shopping to do!

This cold weather contributes to cramps in my legs and cold feet. I hate cold feet. A very smart country doctor, who took care of the nursing home folks; and me, gave me some sound advice. He said that when they changed over to nice wool slippers for the patients, because of the chronically cold feet and cramps, that the majority of patients responded favorably -at least those whose cramps weren’t contributable to other medical issues. His advice to me – go on-line and get yourself some Eddie Bauer wool slippers.

My slippers are Walmart specials but I think some of these would be nice. The Martha Stewart pattern is free and they look very comfy. And then, there is a pattern on Etsy at Fibers and Twigs that appeals to me too. It uses old wool sweaters that you can felt up in the washer and then cut out and sew.

Best of luck my cold weather friends – I hope this helps you all keep those tootsies warm while you’re torching and working away at your favorite cold weather projects.

Indelible Memories - An ISGB call for submissions...

2011-11-17T22:42:00.009-05:00

Hey there everyone! We just received a notification from the ISGB about the upcoming 20th Anniversary show for the Gathering. They've had many a good topic in the past - but this one - well, I really like it. I don't know anyone who hasn't had a time in their lives that they can't reference back to.

For example, I cannot smell cinnamon without thinking of my Grandfather making oven toasted cinnamon with sugar on old bread in the oven. It was crisp - crunchy - sweet. Conjures up a brown necklace - maybe frits - or crushed clear glass like sugar - maybe hollows with spices captured within. The possibilities with this theme are endless.

What's your indelible memory? Here is the call for submissions (I've made ISGB clickable above):

A Collection of Personal Narratives Expressed in Art Glass Beads

In everyone's lives are moments that stand out, moments that we remember more clearly than others. We can call these certain memories to mind as if they happened just yesterday, no matter how much time passes. What makes these moments unforgettable may vary greatly. Maybe it was doing something for the first time or for the last time. Perhaps it was an entirely commonplace occurrence but one day, that one day in particular, something different happened. These are the moments that become etched in our memory permanently. Sometimes, all it can take to transport us back to that moment is a smell, a word, or a sound, and we can play that memory over and over again in our mind's eye.

Reach back into your memory. Pluck out the details from one of your most memorable or special experiences. Take those sights and sounds and translate them into glass! Paint a picture of that memory using glass beads as your brushstrokes and jewelry as your canvas. Turn that special memory into a wearable work of art.

This is an opportunity for ISGB members to participate in a special exhibition that will open in conjunction with our twentieth anniversary Gathering in Bellevue/Seattle, Washington. Jewelry can include but is not limited to components such as seed beads, fine metal, PMC, fibers, etc. Multiple mediums are encouraged; however the main focus of your piece should be hand-crafted glass bead(s). Members may choose to work solo or with partners of their choice.

Handmade Meaning...

2011-11-13T18:35:00.005-05:00

I'm having the usually "Silly Sunday" but did some browsing this morning with my coffee. When I did I found this interview on Etsy which contained Seaworthy's explanation of what she thinks qualifies as "handmade". She hit the nail on the head for me.

While growing up my Grandfather lived with us. He was a professional chef - I not only basked in grand parenting I also got interesting things to eat. Would I consider that handmade? Absolutely! Chef's are artists with their materials too. I guess I've lived a handmade life...crocheted and knitted blankets, sewing, cooking, lace, shoes, toys, gardening, and so much more. How about you?

This is what Seaworthy had to say when asked, "What does handmade mean to you?"

"Handmade, in my opinion, is about human connection. Handmade isn’t just tangible items – it extends to locally-owned shops and restaurants, small wineries, organic farmers and people who make made-from-scratch meals for their loved ones. It’s about people doing and making what they love and sharing it with the people who enjoy and appreciate it. It’s all about the human experience and how we connect to one another, as corny as that may sound."

Bravo! You can see Seaworthy's incredible wares by clicking on her underlined name above. It will take you directly to her Etsy site. She mades some great jewelry.

When I Wish...

2011-11-11T19:49:00.009-05:00

It's on a Star!

This is one of the first totally finished and Etsy listed ceramic, lampwork, and metal mixed works. Let's see - I have a 50# block of clay - I've had it for years. Today I had to dip back into it because I've used up the first couple of fist fulls I've had wrapped up in my ceramic box...LOL. It's still in perfect condition! Yeah, Runyon Pottery Supply! Who'd of thunk it. I ought to be able to get a million stars out of that block of gray stuff - right? That's a lot of great sculpting fun.

When my friend Susan and I teach she has a funny saying that makes me chuckle every time. "Now, let's see - If we can just sell a million of these at a dollar a piece we'd be rich." It's a quick nod to the fact you'll probably never get rich doing art...at least not in the pocket book. Thank goodness there are all kinds of rich!

Ceramic Treasures

2011-11-10T10:27:00.003-05:00

This is the pile of bisque from the kiln. Now, I'm just waiting for the kiln to cool so I can remove what I painted - YES! Off to torch and everyone have a wonderful day...

While I'm Working...

2011-11-09T10:55:00.005-05:00

Today is a creative day. Yesterday I fired up the kiln for the clay pieces I left behind to dry and today it's back to the torch - YES! Until I get some photos of what I'm working on I thought I'd show you an assortment of the items available for purchase at FaerieCon. Whatever your faerie persona you can fulfill it here.

Wing Whacked and a Fin

2011-11-07T20:04:00.007-05:00

Costume judging for the adults - there is one for the kids too!

Steam Punk and Mermaids are well represented!

Gothic Faeries are always welcome.

Watch Out for Wings !

I feel a little "wing whacked" after the drive back - but joyful about the experience at FaerieCon. Since I'm too tired out to write a bunch I thought I'd just let the photos speak for themselves. I've talked before how you have to be careful sometimes when you are walking around FaerieCon...because...some of the Faerie's wear very large wings and when they turn in a confined area you can get thwacked a good one. Included are some of the many many wings of FaerieCon, a few Princes and Queens, and tons of assorted creatures. Tomorrow when I get time I'd like to show just a few more photos before I sign off of this years fun time and gear back into normal. What's normal anyway?

On the way back to reality

2011-11-06T23:31:00.002-05:00

I'd edit a batch of pictures to share tonight but it's late. FaerieCon has ended another mythical year in Maryland and we've packed and driven part of the way home. I'll post the best of the rest tomorrow night....but for now I'm going to snooze. Just like this tired little Gnome who was busy being cooed and coddled by all of adults for his costuming.

Catch you tomorrow.......

More from FaerieCon...

2011-11-05T22:00:00.015-04:00

Check out this Viking, he is just so dignified and has a booth close to Mystic Swan.

This is Jenny Davis-Reazor. She's a Mixed-Media artist that caught my eye yesterday when I was browsing around the booths. Her clay and jewelry work is great. If you were here with me I'd take you down to see her booth but since I can't I've made her name clickable and it will take you to her web site - and from there you can check out her blog and Etsy too!

And, then there is this photo of this wonderful couple. I was at the costume competition and when I turned around to leave when they were finished there they sat. They were having a wonderful time - and so am I.

Having a Faerie Nice Time

2011-11-04T23:58:00.007-04:00

I'm just to pooped to write much so I'm sending some Faerie love your way. Just a few photos I edited tonight. We are here and having a wonderful time. Tonight we went to the Good Faerie's Ball and heard Delhi 2 Dublin play. Holy Crap - they rocked, and the floors in the Maryland Ballroom just shook. Wish you were all here to enjoy this......

FaerieCon Here I Come

2011-11-02T15:40:00.006-04:00

Sorry I've been missing in action again. I've been making ceramic and lampwork beads like crazy and trying to get ready to leave for FaerieCon. I attend to accompany my friend Sharon Dent of Mystic Swan Jewelry - she gracious invited me to add some of my work to the mix but on this show I just so enjoy being the side-kick that I've declined.

This year Sharon has moved to a larger booth in a downstairs ballroom and we will be closing at an earlier time which will allow us time to attend the Faerie Balls. It's always fun to see the costume changes and listen to the music. This year a popular band called Qnytal will be playing at one of the Balls. And then someone I haven't heard before called Priscilla Hernandez.

I promise I'll be posting from FaerieCon and sending along the daily photos of what's happening. Plus, if you have never been to a Renaissance Festival or one of these you ought to consider it.....such a feast for the eyes and soul.

Thinking Orange and Halloween

2011-10-27T15:47:00.010-04:00

Thinking Pumpkin here! These are Mac-O-Lanterns from Indestructables.

I wish we had little ones around because I used to love to decorate the house up. It was an all out front porch festival….bales of hay, lights, pumpkins, corn stalks. I just loved it. Now…well, we don’t even have neighbors with kids. Mine are grown. Really, I need to move – this is retirement villa and I’m prepared for adoption. I don’t care if they are the neighbor’s kids….send them here and I will bake cookies. Uh, I can also do carrots if you’re into the vegetarian thing better. And I’m damn crafty and entertaining.

Today an email from Indestructables arrived and reminded me of the whole holiday thing. This reminds me I need to get my “Nightmare” Christmas tree out; but first, about the email. Sometimes they (Indestrucables) just crack me up. I’ve posted a photo from there. They’ve a whole section of Halloween ideas.

I’ve also added a link to one of the best pumpkin carvers I have ever seen. I’d carve one but no one would see it here. Instead I gave money to the local Halloween party given by the Lion’s club. Actually, it’s a huge bash I’ve mentioned before that’s held at the High School.

Enjoy the links…….

Ray Villafane - This is a link to the greatest pumpkin carver of all time! His U-Tube tutorials. This is his site: Villafane Studios

Post Flu....YES!

2011-10-26T12:09:00.016-04:00

Where’s Sharon now that she is feeling better. I’ve listed some new lampwork on my site – holiday items. It’s fun to make snowmen while it’s still Fall weather. I doubt I’ll feel that way about January – about then I’ll be making flowers and wishing for Spring.

It’s still clay time too…kind of like play time? Here is the plate full of goodies to go in the kiln for bisque fire. And a photo of the newly fired stuff that just came out. I’m still considering the options for using it. It’s like having a brand new writing tablet and getting that first line drawn on the paper….sometimes it’s just agony. But, once the doodle begins the pages are fair game!

I’m learning some things about packing the kiln. I ruined four pieces when I strung them on kanthal wire too light to hold the weight. The wire bent and the pieces either touched the bottom of the kiln or each other – POOP. Lesson learned. I’ll need to get out Jennifer’s great book again and look some things up. Since I’m only making a small quantity of things to use it would be great not to lose too many.

This is so much fun. I'm hoping to create some mixed media projects when I have an assortment to choose from in metal, clay, and glass.

Sunday Silly

2011-10-23T11:09:00.003-04:00

I'm feeling much more like myself again. The cold, aches, and boiling fevers are gone...whew! So now I'm just pondering what to do with my day. I have made some clay beads to add to my lampwork but they haven't even reached the kiln for the first firing. I'll get some photos of the stages they go through later.

I had a good laugh at myself - Jennifer Heynen is such a great teacher and wonderful artist. She posted the new photos of her studio and gallery on line. In the photos you can see the racks of air drying items getting ready for the kiln and all of her luscious hand painting. When I go in my kitchen - - - - I see my paper plate of drying items.....LOL. I'm such a geek.

But, at least, I'm a nerd without the flu!

FLUGet Your Shot!

2011-10-17T23:43:00.010-04:00

No, didn't fly anywhere. It's the flu. Get your flu shots. I got the flu on Sunday (I have not been sick in over four years). Okay, I'm lucky - I take precautions. Washing hands is no problem. Getting shots - no problem but I hadn't done that yet Unfortunately, Sunday the FLU knocked me right on my ass and has not been letting up.

Last night I felt a little better so I started to work on some wax pieces I want to cast in brass to go with the ceramics. I was able to drag a brush across a few bisque pieces. Okay, I said to myself, "you're a little weak but this is a 24 bug and on its way out the door."

I guess flu didn't get the message and today I had a fever spike to 102. I felt like the princess and the pea. I had plenty of cushions, blankets, and pillows. Still I could feel the awfulness of my aching shivering body.

Tonight the fever has broken.

Can tomorrow be the demise of this miserable stuff? I hope so.

Or, tomorrow some people in white coats could show up at my house and take me away - maybe even my Turkey. If a Flu Virus was a bead - well it would be pretty....but in a body with it's prickly things just working away on you - it's not. I've been watching to much SciFi while on the couch.

Enjoy the photos - This is the enemy! Wash your hands and get a flu shot.

A color blast of Ceramics

2011-10-12T17:01:00.007-04:00

Fall gets me all colorful - can't help it - we all know my favorite color is orange. So here I am looking out the window and decide with all of this color going on outside I ought to try a little inside. If DH wasn't such a "neutral" kind of guys the walls would be a color riot.

Clay is interesting addition for me. I'm still not over the texture and getting it all over my hands. It's okay to work with. It's not okay as it dries on my hands - ick! I prefer wax work for casting or making lampwork. But, I like the colors you can get with glazes and it a kind of "glass".

I was taught how to do this from Jennifer Heynen (Jangles) at the Bead and Button Show one year. I thought it would be useful to mix with glass beads in necklaces and other things - heavy on the bead work and not a copy of Jennifer's incredible work. More like a variation on a theme and definitely not a wholesale item.

These are fun - colorful. I guess when it's fall and bright you want to capture that last flower and make it last until spring has returned you mimic the colors. I'm going to be doing some riveting - maybe some waxed linen knotting. Truly I'm not quite sure how it's all going to go together but I know I'll never get there if I don't get some components ready. Wish me luck!

Street Art

2011-10-12T11:03:00.011-04:00

I've just been enjoying the weather, creating drawings, and getting the leaves raked up. What I miss right now is being in Detroit. I am the city girl at heart. Alley's intrigue me - although since I'm not one of Charlie's Angels I don't wander down to many. Ah, memory lane.....

Part of what I miss are the great sporting events. Wow, the Detroit Tigers against the Texas Rangers. Baseball at it's finest right now - equally matched teams makes for a great sporting event. My Dad took me to games - a lot.

Another thing I miss - street art. People do crazy things with their environment. I even like gang signs and graffiti. Although it would be nice if it weren't done as an act of destruction. But then, if it was less destructive they'd be more like the Rotary or Moose.

I added some great street art photos here....fun stuff. You have to love how creative people can be.

Aren't these inflatable sculptures just the greatest? Created with garbage bags and left on subway grates or where there is wind. Love it!

Trolling Along

2011-10-06T21:28:00.005-04:00

Last year while at Faerie Con and talking to Brian Froud he mentioned he was on his way to Abram's (his publisher) after the festival. A new book it seems will hopefully be about Trolls. How exciting a character to be writing about and illustrating. Since Faerie Con is virtually here I've been pondering that conversation and thinking about the Trolls.

This conjures up some great reverence and laughter. Since I live in Michigan - the "Mitten State", as it's referred to, sometimes people forget we have a whole Upper Peninsula that isn't shaped like a mitten at all. Here - below the Mighty Mackinac Bridge we call the people who live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan "Yoopers". Well, actually - they also refer to themselves that way. My DD attended Northern Michigan University and delightfully called herself that too. She even picked up the lingo. For example, "We're having nice weather, eh?" Lot's of people up there of Finnish and Swedish decent.

Okay, so I am on my own merry memory lane here...let's get to the Trolls. If you live below the bridge we are called "Trolls". LOL.

Anyhoo - I decided I ought to attempt a few Trolls in honor of that conversation and my honorary position as "troll in residence." These are fun!

Sweet Fall

2011-10-05T14:54:00.014-04:00

Laurie Geller shared Brad Mossman's photo on Facebook. It is, of course, pictured above. Aside from the fact that a "need" is without a doubt the mother of invention it reminded me of blog posts I've seen many times by Mallory Hoffman and Angelina Greer Garren about feeling blessed. Though I'm not prone to talking out loud about my feelings - trust me please - I am.....in so very many ways thankful. And (leave a pause for breath here)... this particular photo just slapped me in the face with the millions of ways that I am.

I am shocked by the beauty of today. It is in the 70's - warm, sweet, still. There isn't a breeze but it isn't hot....perfect? Absolutely beyond perfect - sublime.

I began post this a few days ago...this weather has held tight. It won't hold for long. Our area is known for changes. It could be 80 degrees and then frost at night. But, for now I'm thankful for the calm before winter comes.

Yesterday DH and I took a trip downstate. We visited the Dow Gardens - I've talked about it before. I love gardens. My Mother was a gardener - she had a large rock garden. When she passed and we sold her house I was concerned...not about who had bought the house. We waited a long time to sell - many years. More it was that it had sat vacant for a long time, unloved maybe. I couldn't understand it and wondered to my bones what would become of it when we did.

Partly it didn't sell because of the economy - and partly it was that I wasn't really ready to let it go and I don't think she was either.

Then someone came along - they happened to be driving in the neighborhood because they were dropping their children off at their school (my school as a child). They saw the sign and decided to give us a call. Serendipity. There are children to play in the yard and a nice young couple.

One of my blessings - my eldest child is an attorney (I refer to him as my frustrated machinist). His hands work as hard as his brain. He wrote up a contact between the couple and I. An iron clad little tome in which the poor owners couldn't' even cut down a shrub without pre-authorization. He loves his mother and loved his grandmother. After it was all signed I explained to them in private that they should do to their yard what they wanted to do to make it their own. As thankful as I am for this child, and his brother and sister, I want for the couple to have many happy years in that home. To do that, they need to leave their mark.

The deal is fair - my mother would have had it no other way. We keep an escrow for them and make sure there is plenty of insurance and the taxes are paid. The payments are low - like rent. It helps us and they are happy.

The surprise for me - they kept the huge Oak - it takes three people to circle it. They cleaned and thinned her overgrown rock garden. She collected those rocks all over the state and had my father drag them back from every trip, it was full of perennials (I brought many here to this house and so did her Grandchildren). They've redone the inside of the house - thank goodness - it sorely needed updating. And they invite us over, it's nice of them.

I'm blessed, I'm thankful - for the patience to hold on for the "right people" to buy the house. They've been wonderful on so many levels. For three wonderful children, an incredible husband, good friends, good weather, and for a million things I can not mention here.

In my head daily I am thankful. This is my post of blessings....there probably won't be another one. I hope everyone continues to count theirs out loud. When I read those posts by my friends I smile and think of mine too.

ReDONE and a new ReDO Earring Project

2011-10-04T10:56:00.011-04:00

Finished this pair and now I'm on to the next ones!

This is the original earring. I found this set with the other one. Tarnish heaven here...but easy enough to clean off with a quick tumble. On the left is a quick drawing of what I'd like to change about the earring. I'd like to make it more swing and have more dangles.

I have experimented with some of what is shown attached to the earring. It had to be modified because the larger ring shown dangling on the go between ring was glass - and although smallish it interfered with everything else that was hanging.

What's cool about this is it's a great update. There is now a crystal, a very old Czech pressed square off of an antique necklace, new discs I made, and silver spiral twist I created. Since everything is attached singly it sways and moves....and it has some great mojo.

I shortened the way to long wire and gave everything an antiqued brushed surface. I like the Redo, how about you? This set will be for sale in the Etsy shop. My friend Susan owns quite a few of my earrings. She was one of my first customers and now a dear friend. She refers to my earrings as little pieces of art since I'm so picky with what goes on them. Most often they are OOAK. That part is kind of nice since you won't see them floating by on every ones ears.

I'm knee deep - well, maybe knuckle deep in finding where I stashed some of my old earrings from when I did art shows. Here is the final design for the old hearts. Eliminating the larger glass disc was a good idea - now they swing and hang better. Off to find more earrings.....

Silly Sunday - Pass it ON!

2011-10-02T11:01:00.003-04:00

Sweet Way to End September - Day Trip!

2011-10-01T12:18:00.012-04:00

Friday I took a day trip with my friend to the GLW Bead show in Southfield (about 3 hours away). Since it’s drive we make a day of it with lunch out and a few other stops. I even got to spend some of another friend’s money on some stone beads she needed and I’ll ship those to her tomorrow. Maybe I can start renting myself out as a “bead wench” – kind of like a personal shopper, but a lot more fun.

I found some good things – but certainly not the selection you can find at Beadfest or Bead and Button – and definitely not Tucson. One of the photos is of the new items that will go into my stashes.

One of the places we stopped was CR Hill. They are the Michigan version of Rio Grande Jewelry Supply but without all of the bells and whistles. Locally owned for a gazillion years by good people who know jewelry supplies and equipment, what’s good, what’s not, and how to service anything. We stopped to see about casting equipment for my friends shop. I bought some 22 gauge silver wire and some polishing wheels for my Foredom while she talked “shop”.

The other photos I added for today are of a necklace I saw in one of the shops…maybe it’s not new to everyone but I thought it was terribly cool. Thick leather flowers stacked and strung on a nylon braided cord (like a nice cord for Kumihimo). I’m wondering if the style could be translated into something for lampwork…..ah, the possibilities and the greatness of a busman’s holiday.

The back of that necklace incase you want to see how it was created!

From This to That - An Earring Makeover

2011-09-30T12:00:00.001-04:00

I had some orders to fill and found these very old earrings sitting in a tray of unsold earrings. I wasn’t sure how long they had been around until I started to fool around with them today. Since I am pretty good at signing original things I was able to figure out when they were originally make – 1997. It had my name and date on the back. The fact is they held up pretty good for just sitting around ”carded” up for a show.

Everything then was a little slicker and not so mixed media and, obviously, they didn’t sell since they are definitely a mix of metals and incredibly plain. It just was kind of a plainer time for those things here in a rural area. In the cities – not so much. And look at the length of those ear wires! The first thing I did was took them off the earring body. They are definitely getting redone to a shorter length.

I decided to update the look a bit and see what would happen if I put them up for sale. Added a huge solid copper rivet - some curvature – holes for handmade beads. I shorted those earrings wires by about a quarter inch and added some hammering.

So far, so good. I've still a new finish to add with a lot more antiquing. Those beads (yet to be made), and back on go the earring wires after a good polishing.

I’ve two more pair to play with and I’ll update you after the last step to these.

I guess it goes to say - Anything can be recycled and maybe I better dig around some more.

Have a great day.

Playing with Silk

2011-09-29T00:50:00.012-04:00

I'm not totally sure where I'm going to keep using the recycled sari silk but I have to tell you I just love the feel of it and am going to keep incorporating it in my work. I purchased a bundle of colors a couple of years ago at B&B and have been hoarding it. There was a pink strand that just seemed to suit these super feminine pair of earrings. And, if you don't like it - well, they're just tied on. But these are soooo cute on your ears with them.

I made the earrings out of some lampwork discs I hadn't listed on Etsy yet and I think I'll make more of those earring wires. There's some cathartic that happens when pounding with a hammer.

There are a lot more designs to get out of the sketchbook and onto the work table....ah, sweet metal therapy.

Fall Inspiration - Customer Appreciation Sale

2011-09-27T09:55:00.007-04:00

I needed a few pieces of paper for background or maybe a collage and decided to take a short fall trip up to Gaylord to visit the Hobby Lobby. They've a brand new one and I just love it. Some of what is fun to see are all the displays. and most certainly there is fodder for a bead or two in that mix of decorations. Besides, it's like cider or apples in the Fall it feels so gooooood to get into the Season!
I also found this cute display of Peace Signs and great colors I thought I'd share here. And, look at the design possibilities with those flowers.....

Frankly, I am NOT ready to even think about this..........but, if the Lobby has those displays up it must be time for me to make snowmen.

Have a great day and don't forget - Customer Appreciation Sale on Earring Beads is still going - Use the coupon "Earrings" at the Etsy check out to get 10% off on any Earring Bead Set!

Customer Appreciation Sale - Silly Sunday

2011-09-25T13:16:00.011-04:00

This is Che Che. LOL - a friend from Brazil tells me those are female body parts. Officially she is Che Che Rodriguez Hogan. She was my Mother's fur baby and we inherited her when Mom passed away. Looks like a pleasant enough dog, huh? Think again! She's a terror - the boss of the roost and the retrievers will make a large path around her when she's having a "mood". Even the feral cat from the garage won't mess with her. You gotta love a dog with moxie.

This is our youngest retriever - Technically, Gertrude Jean. We call her Trudy. The little Bug (part Boston Terrie and part Pug) is my DD's dog - Penny. She was "hanging out" with Trudy for the Wedding.

This is both retrievers. They love a good trip to the Dairy Queen. The white faced fur baby behind Trudy is Nellie Belle. She is the eldest at 12 years. She is like the princess of the clan. Always sits erect, crosses her front paws, prissy (except with water - she thinks every water is a bath tub to be jumped into), she is also like a bull in a china shop. Absolutely no sense of her size. There may be plenty of room to walk and she steps on your feet - hits you with her butt - and gallops like a horse.

I love animals - it's constant humor.

Let's not even begin to talk about the feral cats born in the garage last winter. They now hang around the front porch and love to line up for hot dogs with what my DH calls "the girls". My son calls it the Zoo and call the dogs the "Sisters of Chaos." Never a dull moment.

AND............

Don't forget, I have a sale going on! Good prices on earring beads - topped off with the sale - it's a real deal and just in time for those winter gifts or art shows......check the previous blog post for the Etsy coupon.

Customer Appreciation Sale

2011-09-25T00:00:00.004-04:00

Customer Appreciation Sale

I’ve received such wonderful support from my customers – so many have become friends through the many years I’ve been a shop owner on Etsy – that I am often overwhelmed by their kindness. And, don’t think I don’t know and understand what a patient and supportive group you’ve been too! In return for what you’ve given I’d like to offer a perk.

All customers can use the coupon code “Earrings” to purchase any of the Earring Bead Sets (they are all listed under the Earring Set Section in my Etsy Shop) at 10% off the listed prices!

I will continue to add on more earring sets throughout the SALE (ends on October 1st - 2011) so get ‘em while they’re hot AND on sale. Check back daily for new listings – I’ll be adding at least one set per day. You can even have me save them for the end if you’d like and I’ll bundle them up into one large shipment at one great shipping price.

Thanks again for everything – and have a great week!

You've Got to Love the Hippie Look

2011-09-23T21:02:00.002-04:00

I've just posted a fun earring set of beads on Etsy - It reminds me of the tie-dye shirts I used to wear. I think I even have an old Batik dress upstairs too.

I Love working in Triads

2011-09-22T12:06:00.011-04:00

I thought I’d show you an interesting triadic color combination I’m working with. One of the traditional ones you see – a kind of knock your socks off color explosion – is Red, Yellow, Blue. Usually it’s most noticeable in Fire Engine Red, Cobalt Blue, and Sunshine Yellow. Any triadic color scheme will work. Any triangle around a color circle will pop.

The house colors are a more subtle, but traditioanl color combo - Also, Red, Yellow, Blue. and isn't it magnificent on this house?

This is what one color harmony site had to say:

A Triadic color scheme has three hues from an equidistant from one another on the color wheel - such as red, yellow and blue - or orange, violet and green, blu-green, red-violet and yellow-orange.

• Like the complementary color scheme - triad harmonies can be vigorous, but they can be subdued as well.
• Example can be Red which might be translated as mahogany or blue as French grey or yellow as vanilla.
• Thus when used in subdued checked unity than the over all effect is one of well rounded balance.

This ia another Triadic Color scheme that pops up again and again in homes, beads, furniture, artwork and so on. You can also look at one of many of the Color Chart sites for color tips when you're feeling "stuck" on that next great lampwork project

Look at how well that scheme translated into this painting. Again, it's subtle but it works!

This is what I strived for in this bead set. The base color is a translucent yellow –one of those glass rods that is annoyingly not a great opaque yellow – but it does have the quality of being subdued and since it is translucent it has enough clear in it to hold the layers above in a crisp pattern. From there I had to chose the red’s and blues. If I’d of gone with the same shade of each of the colors it would have matched (you know – the bright Yellow, Blue, Red) but it may not have popped or been as appealing.

One of the things I look at when I’m perusing other peoples work is not just looking at the techniques. When it catches my eye I try and analyze why I was drawn to it. We do it with clothing, advertising, well – just about everything. The next time you find yourself wistfully looking at something that’s caught your eye think about why and translate it into your beads. It’s kind of like finding your muse.

Etsy

2011-09-19T14:00:00.004-04:00

It's always a hurry up and wait thing for me with Etsy. I'm wondering if it wouldn't be better to list one day a week. Get them all up at the same time and then do it again the following week with one weeks worth of work. What do you all think would work best?

New pieces are up on the site and our photography is improving. Photography is a art all on it's own so it can be difficult to get them right.

Here's one of the latest! Why not combine my favorite things - Hearts, birds, the new flower petal look. All I need to add is a skull and a disc and I'll have them all covered - LOL.

Sweet Silly Sunday

2011-09-18T11:59:00.006-04:00

This I how I looked when I woke up this morning

This is my DH when he looked at me

And this is what I thought of his reaction

Like I care big boy! After thirty years this is how I roll. Rolling right on to the couch with my coffee, my hair, my PJ's, and the Sunday paper. The torch is not going to care how I look either.

New listings on Etsy are up and there will be more listed tonight. Whoo Hoo! Let's hear it for SUNDAY!

Gaffer and Other Purple Rose Examples

2011-09-16T15:39:00.020-04:00

I'm showing you the many purples in my life. The most important is the test run of the new Gaffer colors. I guess I really like the color because I seem to have plenty of it around.

The first bead on the left was my weak attempt to emulate Lara Lutrick's great twisted Purple Rose examples I mentioned from her blog. This bead is made of both colors over a base of opal white. I had a heck of time with devitrification and when I would clear that up I'd lose the color - that was annoying, but I don't think it was the glasses fault. It was user error!

The center bead was a squeezed example that is just beautiful and is encased with Gaffer clear. It did blanch out the rich tonal purples but it is a lush bead close-up that looks like layers of watercolor.

The bead on the far right - It was a mix. I used the purples, a luster clear, and blue chalcedony. I used the organic dripping process by super heating the bead and letting it flow. This bead has no encasement and was squeezed. Do I like the glass? - Absolutely...it works very easily.

I just need a few more sessions at the torch with it. And considering some of the silver glasses and their learning curve this Gaffer is a joy. But then, I like Gaffer - they make a nice glass. Considering how much Italian glass I have around here that's no small statement.

It's going to be a great a purple fall around here so I'm adding in pictures of my other current Purple examples:

Flowers sent my by youngest son and his wife for my birthday. I LOVE that deep rich burgundy purple on that Calla Lily.

And then, I guess my foot had to get into the act. I was so excited about torching I wasn't watching what I was doing in the fridge and knocked a shelf off of the door (in defense of my clumsiness it does have a broken attachment). It was like a three story crash - shit! This Vlasic pickle jar came down full force on the toes....the now purple rose toes. It's also looking like they could use some lotion - macro does NOTHING for feet.

New Gaffer Purples

2011-09-14T15:12:00.013-04:00

It's been all over the Lampworking forums - this great new purple glass from Gaffer that replaces the Zimmerman 99. After seeing Lara Lutrick's write up on her blog and testing results that was it for me - order placed.

I also hadn't ordered the Blue Chalcedony they came out with so I picked some of that up too. The rods are totally great looking and I love that they sent a variety.

This glass is a lot of fun - It's loose - like an Italian Ivory so it's not so stiff and it's easy to use. I've already got some pieces to post for sale on Etsy.

Who's Got the Button

2011-09-14T10:51:00.008-04:00

Hey, my tool arrived. Actually it arrived before the wedding or right after it but we've been hopping here. I have the old (I think they are) Trimlett button mandrel that looks like a hot dog cooker for the grill but much smaller. They served their purpose and worked but this one - well, it's just way to versatile to pass up.

Who knew Barb Reed is from Michigan - not me! Thanks Barb. I am definitely going to have a great time with this and as soon as I make some buttons I'll get them posted here and give you a shout out.

If you want one go to River's Edge Glass. She's a darn good lampworker too!

Glass Goblets

2011-09-12T12:20:00.005-04:00

It’s not a bead but it is glass. If I’d of had time I’d of disassembled some wine glasses and made some crazy stems for them using clear boro and glued them onto the goblet/ and base. Alas – Our Daughter’s wedding was one week away when we decided these went so well with the outdoorsy country chic theme. First we made these great chandeliers for hanging wired mason jars off of with tea lights. And then Mom had an “ah ha” moment and saw a design for the wedding goblets. Since I’m no artistic wuss I went in search of the various parts.

So easy – we used ½ pint mason Jars that are tall. They also come in an 8oz. kind of short jar. But, with the candle holders we had chosen this was the best possible alternative. She loves them. We wrapped them with raffia on the handles and some silk flowers and name tags – it’s how the bridal party found their seats at the table. We answered a million “How’d you do that” questions so we knew they were a hit.

Okay – so it’s not a bead – but it is glass. And, what I used to glue the two pieces together. Its special glue I purchased at “His Glassworks”. It’s glue that has GUSTO. This stuff works so very well on glass to glass pieces. I have not tried it on glass to metal yet. I absolutely believe that its tensile strength is such that the glass will crack before the bond lets go.

See, I’m always doing something in the same glass driven vein………..Hope you like the goblets

Where were you on 911?

2011-09-11T09:50:00.002-04:00

On the National Geographic site they have the 25 most unforgettable photographs of the 911 attack. They are worth seeing, they are not pleasant to look at, and they should never be forgotten. Where were you when it happened?

I was at work. We had access to televisions and were called immediately by family members who saw the breaking news stories. Everything stopped – since I worked at a residential facility for delinquent youth I went to the classrooms and gathering my group of kids and brought them back to a dorm area where they could also see what was happening. The kids watched it with us. It was awful – the kids were upset, angry, bewildered, we all were. You have to be careful how you react to things in that setting but it was hard not to – we were in shock. It was difficult to process the kid’s reactions to what had just happened and keep control of your own emotions.

I’ve had ten years to process that day. You look back at the various reactions and I realize I was sitting in this reflection of the general population (although a lot less worldly than adults). Some of the youth (a very small percentage) were interested, although somewhat indifferent to what had happened. They represented a rather traumatized and desensitized community. Another percentage – on the other end of the spectrum – had to be comforted. They are the super sensitive of the community, mostly victims who felt it to their toes and no doubt had nightmares later that evening. The majority had emotions ran wildly like a roller coaster. I, for one, fell into that group where I was angry, sad, panicked, and empathetic to the New Yorkers – the families I knew were watching with me and screaming in terror for their loved ones.

When you work with families, and children, and have both yourself, your mind just goes there. No one will forget that day, or the many other milestones we have witnessed. What a generation to belong to – may we someday find Peace for All.

New Resource

2011-09-10T22:12:00.002-04:00

My oldest son - My machinist at heart send his GOM (good old Mom) a birthday note and a U-Tube to watch. Okay, he gets Mom and he makes me these little "goodies" that I love and use. My Arbor press for lining beads is just a joy. Anyway, he thought I'd enjoy this U-Tube video of this machinist who is making a jewelry stake. Loved it!

Hello - why I didn't know about this fellah is beyond me, but I didn't. What a find for a tool freak like myself - - - and he makes pancake dies I can use in my hydraulic press. His name is Potter. Otto Frei apparently carries his line of tools but you can get them directly from his web site. I don't think he realized what a find he sent me but I'm sure glad he was thinking about me.

Maybe you'll like it too! It's from Potter USA - and to get to the web site - Google it - you'll end up bookmarking it for your resource list.

Thank You Bob - Love you too!

All I needed was a Gnome!

2011-09-09T21:08:00.007-04:00

LOL - They had a repeat of the "Closer" the other night and it was the one where someone used a poor garden Gnome to, uh - - - off the current weekly victim. I have to admit, the poor Gnome did look a little ruthless. I didn't have one invited to the wedding but maybe I should have.

This isn't the Gnome. But, I had to tell you about these poor guys. Apparently - somewhere in Europe - and my friends over there beyond the great ocean please forgive me for not remembering the country - someone(s) decided to Free the Gnomes. They liberated them from yards and gardens and put them in other places. I wonder if they would of wanted my Mother's Gnome. He was a happy sort and slept in her garden. Eventually he was liberated to my daughter's yard.....and I don't think he's interested in a European tour. Gosh, maybe he (she - how can you tell? - pants?) would let me go in their place.

I didn't get time to play at the lake this year either. But if I did I'd of made one of these sand tributes. Mine would have just had the pointed hat sticking out of the sand and maybe a hand reaching out. I'm not one to put out energy in the sun, on the sand, while sweating bullets, and looking at some skinny chic next to me.

And to finish my little tribute to about the only thing I didn't have at the wedding...but we do have them in Michigan - Mushroom houses. This one is famous and is in Charlevoix. It's where I would imagine a Gnome might live if he had a choice. We have entirely too much time on our hand during Winters in Michigan.

Maybe tomorrow I better make a little glass Gnome - or two. Since it's time to get my fingers back to the torch it sounds like a fun place to start!

2011-09-08T21:52:00.011-04:00

Does he look nervous or what?
The wedding bells have chimed and Katie and her adorable DH (Joel) have headed home. The tents are down; porta-potties are gone (whew!), all the decorations packed up, and extra food divvied up between neighbors and family.

Back to the beadmaking and jewelry : - ).

It was a great time.

Glass and Weddings?

2011-08-30T23:13:00.006-04:00

There are several new glasses out there but Lara definitely has done the definitive tests on these beautiful blue purple reactions. To see them go to Lara Lutrick's Blog. She always makes these awesome beads, which I love, but this color is a knock out replacement for some old Zimmerman Frit that was a favorite for many of us. Plus, it sure was nice for Lara to post these informative results. Thanks so much Lara!

Sorry about the shortage of blog posts but we are now on the big countdown to my daughter's wedding day, September 3rd. After that, you'll be hearing a whole lot more. I hope you like the photo of the future Mr. & Mrs.

Beadfest Bracelet

2011-08-19T12:58:00.004-04:00

It’s been a year of changes for me. No Bead and Button, no Gathering (ISGB Conference), and no Beadfest. I can’t say I haven’t had NO fun because I have. My father would have told me at this point, "Sometimes you speak weller." LOL But, I sure have missed being part of the bead world action.

My friend and teaching partner, Susan Lambert, gracious agreed to teach our classes alone this year. I feel awful about it, considering I designed one of our great bracelets (pictured above). Susan is a great teacher and she’ll more than do it justice and I can continue on here getting “wedding “ ready – It’s a new art form. New to me and I love creating decorations.

I’m considering offering the tutorial for the bracelet on Etsy. After Susan returns from Beadfest I’m going to check on a few things and I’ll get it posted.

Torch-Fired Enamels

2011-08-18T18:23:00.015-04:00

Amazon Link

I'd like to give a huge shout out to Barbara Lewis for her great new book - Torch-Fired Enamel Jewelry. And, her blog spot, Painting with Fire, is one of my favorites. Almost forgot the Group she created for all of us enamel lovers...the widget is in the left column.

I've been up to my neck in wedding planning and around these parts that means I've been making the decorations that are hanging on two rustic chandelier's to hang in the bridal tent. Do they include glass - you bet! I've been working on some clear boro pieces to hang amongst the other goodies. And this is on top of the wish tree pieces, favors, and so on. And as hard as I am working so is my darling daughter in Illinois. We are on the big countdown to September 3rd.

Anyhoo, after twisting some steel wire "S" hooks that are huge in size I decided to come back into the house for a break and DH comes walking up, "Hey, look what the delivery guy just left on the steps." Whoo Hoo - there it is - my new book fresh off the press.

I'm going to have trouble containing myself from doing some enameling to go with the lampwork beads. It's going to kill me.......ACK, I'm just to busy. Maybe I can run around with a magnet and see if any of my old metal beads are iron worthy for after the wedding. Since I'm trying, in desperation, to clean up one of my work benches that will be in site of people coming and going into the house maybe I can run a magnet over the top of it - wouldn't that just be doing duel duty? Oh piss, who am I kidding!

Barbara Lewis - this is one great book - you're killing me!

Pantone's Fall Colors

2011-08-14T23:33:00.013-04:00

I'm sure everyone's checking out these Fall Colors by Pantone. It's kind of fun to see what the "in" colors are going to be. I'm not sure I'm enamored of the bunch as a whole. They are all kind of washed out for the most part and something I might expect maybe as a Spring palette of colors. But, I guess there might be quite a bit of wiggle room here to go with something deeper or contrasting.

When Marcie Lamberson picked one of their beautiful colors as her favorite of the palette - It's a beautiful pinkish color called Honeysuckle - I thought the color they had on the palette it might look great against was Cedar. It's kind of a grayish green. You know - Red/Green opposite on the color wheel. You're just going up and down the tones and brightness scales but it all works so well that way.

Oh what the heck - I mean look at the palette - you've got Bamboo and then there is a purple to contrast. Uh, let's see - How about their blue called Quarry and then Emberglow (an Orange derivative). Oh what the heck we can do this, right? Yup - No Prob - Lemon - in - O

A Stumble Find

2011-08-12T20:46:00.003-04:00

How many times I've searched for something that would stick two radically different things together. Or, radically different in my mind when they wouldn't stay stuck!

Lara Lutrick was cruising Stumble and found this great site. She passed it on to the Fire Divas and I’m including it here because it looks like one of those great things that ought to be on the original “Resource List” I posted previously. Thanks Lara ---- it’s a good one!

Glue This to That

HAHAHAHA - Here we go - Shark Week

2011-07-31T12:53:00.002-04:00

Okay, it's my usual unreasonable week. Have I ever swam in the ocean? Yes, out East, in Georgia. Have I ever seen a shark? - only in an aquarium. Is this an unreasonable fear? - ABSOLUTELY! I think it stems from my father's experiences in the Navy in WWII when I was told the tales of yum yum yellow. So do I get on boats? Yes, I learned to swim off of one of my fathers. But, I don't swim in the ocean. Not to worry on that note - although we've lots of water in Michigan, it's fresh water.

I totally believe in live and let live. And, I figure there is a shark out there with my name on it and he's looking to say "Hello". Yup, that comes under totally insane unrealistic anticipation. LOL My unreasonableness on this topic surprises even me. You see, I'm the gal who would just LOVE to be catapulted off an aircraft carrier in a jet. Even though it would require an ocean.

So what an I doing - watching Shark Week!!! What is your craziest fear?

Dot Mania

2011-07-30T10:49:00.007-04:00

The pile has grown dramatically. I've even sandblasted a few of them for another design feature and a little more tactile feel. Actually, I do not think I am done exploring this series yet and am wondering how to combine this patterning with some silver casting. Maybe I could combine a cab into a Moroccan inspired piece. Uh, how am I going to do that? Set from the back? Bezel from the front? Prongs? ACK - - - maybe this one won't happen for a while.

I haven't counted them but there are over twenty beads in this color series, at this point. The longest one that is sitting on top is about to get a few sandblasted lines and maybe some drop shapes in the open sky blue areas.

When is this wedding? Uh oh! I have only a month to finish all of the house overhaul and unless I want to do a drop and dump (put it in boxes and throw it in the basement to sort later) I better get focused because there is not much worse than cleaning out boxes of "stuff".

Missing the Gathering SO much and wishing I was there with everyone.

Poop poop-de-doop

2011-07-27T23:19:00.006-04:00

This is me...really, NOT! Well, maybe it resembles me a little. In spirit anyway. Right now I have entirely too many things on my plate and when I do that everything starts to suffer since not enough of them are being accomplished. Or at least accomplished to someone else's expectations.

Sounds like a whine, right? Maybe in a small way it is and in another way it isn't. Since I decided to take on a "few" more things some others suffered. One of them that suffered when I adjusted the design of my blog a long time ago was that all of my "Favorite Blogs" were deleted. I tried to remember everyone and couldn't. Since then, one of my favorites has commented on my posts and today I looked through my favs to do a fast click over to her blog and went - WTF - where is it. I am pissed. Not with anyone but myself. It's like the old adage, "make new friends, but keep the old - - - La, la, fa la, and gold." LOL, that is going to go through your head all day now.

To try and correct this gross error in action and very possibly judgement I am adding AGAIN one of the best blog writers I know. Angela Garren - and I've probably misspelled her name and need to be beaten about that too - you all know her. Yes, you do. Angelina Beadalina is her name and bead making, mothering, writing, and all around making me think and laugh out loud is her game. Sorry Ang...and I know there are others too.

If I've dropped you from my favorites list please let me know. I'm an idiot, and a slow one the uptake one too. I've several things to rectify. And, a wedding in a month. YIKES. Some "commitments" are going to have to be pared down or eliminated as I simplify my life again.

And one of the enjoyments I've been missing is blogging more for myself and you guys, making and posting more beads to my Etsy - gheeze, just lots of things. Time to WAKE UP Sharon.

Midnight Mermaid

2011-07-14T16:24:00.008-04:00

I thought everyone might like to see what "Midnight Tide Pool" looks like finished. She will be traveling via snail mail (priority actually) to Columbus, Ohio tomorrow to the ISGB (International Society of Glass Beadmakers). They have graciously accepted her for their auction to benefit the ISGB at the Gathering (glass conference) in Louisville, Kentucky. I'm tickled and I hope some lucky buyer will be too.

Raked, Layered, and Masked

2011-07-09T21:34:00.004-04:00

I have been drawing out all of these beads - once in a while when I limit my palette to just a few colors then I can concentrate on design. In this case the designs and patterns have just been filling my head...and keep coming. this time I added a little more black and some turquoise enamels sifted on here and there. What fun! And, I'm not done yet...more are in the kiln.

Let Freedom Ring

2011-07-04T22:43:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday USA !!!