The Woman to Blame Lampwork Beads

2011-10-14T09:11:00.002-06:00

It's time~~~ for the Annual Aurora Borealis Fireflies' Sale event

Saturday, October 22, 2011 One day ONLY!

10 am - 4 pm at the St. Andrew's Centre, 12720 - 111 Avenue, Edmonton, AB

$2 Admission (half our admission proceeds are going to Wellspring)

This year we have invited a variety of other artists to join us.

Come and check out the unique and beautiful handcrafted items!

CLICK ON THE POSTER FOR MORE DETAILS.

Aurora Borealis Firefles Annual Sale

2010-11-07T13:37:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendar! Saturday, November 27, 2010

Kaleido Festival 2010 - Arts on the Ave

2010-09-03T09:35:00.001-06:00

September 11 & 12 I am showing my work at the Kaleido Festival 2010!

Last year I had a really fantastic time (except for the 70 km winds) and hope that you will come out to visit me and the other fabulous artists who will be showing their work in this vibrant outdoor venue. This is Edmonton's new "Arts Ave" kinda like Whyte Ave without all the bars! Hope to see you! If you check the web link above you can see the variety of arts and entertainment that is planned. All so unique and exciting. Can't wait!

City Market Downtown on 104 Street (*Change of Date!)

2010-05-12T20:01:00.002-06:00

Come to the City Market downtown on 104 Street every Saturday 9:00 - 3:00 from now until October 9. Rain or shine. Look for me at the Aurora Borealis Fireflies tent. I will be there on these dates:

May 22
June 5
June 26
July 24
August 21
was September 25 now September 4*

These dates are subject to change so please check back if you are wanting to come and see me. There will beads by my other Beady friends for sale throughout the season too.

Treat yourself to some Kettlecorn Popcorn and a cupcake! (after you pick up your fresh fruits & veggies of course!)

That Bloom' Garden Show

2010-05-03T15:04:00.001-06:00

I will be showing my work on May 8, Saturday start time 9 am to 3pm at 9210 – 118 Ave Alberta Community Centre.

Presented by the Arts on the Avenue.. We will continue to feature Edmonton Horticulturists teaching Edmontonians how to garden and improve their own gardens: vegetable and floral. We are creating a whole experience for gardeners of all ages…young to seniors. We will have booths, and are partnering with a diversity of gardeners. Gardening workshops, seed and perennial swap, plant sale, kids garden and art workshops, and a phenomenal plant and art sale!… We will be serving tea, coffee and goodies; as well we will be graced by classical musicians throughout the day. Mothers’ will receive a special Mother’s Day gift!

Las Vegas Glass Craft & Bead Expo 2010

2010-04-14T20:53:00.002-06:00

Vegas Glass Expo Gallery

7 days in Vegas... lots of shopping for shoes and lots of shopping for glass and tools too. A couple of days of classes and a lot of fun on the strip. Here are some entries in the Gallery of Excellence. For more pictures of Fabulous Las Vegas check out my other blog http://www.notsowildvegas.blogspot.com/

Gallery Opening

2010-04-04T17:37:00.001-06:00

The members of the Aurora Borealis Fireflies welcomed family, friends, and fans on Thursday night at the McMullen Gallery. We received very positive feedback!

The show will run until June 6. Mon-Fri 10 a.m. -8 p.m. Saturday - Sunday Noon - 6 p.m (Call weekends as hours may vary 780.407.7152

Molten Meditation

2010-03-22T12:22:00.002-06:00

A Gallery Show!

The Aurora Borealis Fireflies glass beadmaking group is pleased to present their gallery exhibit, 'Molten Meditation', taking place at the McMullen Gallery (University of Alberta Hospital, 8440 - 112th Street ) from March 27 to June 6, 2010. Come explore the art of handmade glass beads as local artisans describe how creating in this medium is both meditative and an obsession. Reception takes place on Thursday, April 1 from 7-9 pm.

Now available at the Carrot!

2010-01-31T10:28:00.005-07:00

I have been asked by the The Carrot, a Community Arts Coffeehouse on 118 Ave to display some of my work for the next 3 months. It is available for sale!

The Carrot is sprouting up from the fertile ground of the Alberta Avenue arts revolution. You can find them at 9351-118 ave in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Open most of the time, but check their web site for The Carrots hours.

Also, here is a plug for my new blog all about Vegas. The Not So Wild Vegas Guide

Christmas Event in Historic Highlands

2009-12-05T09:19:00.005-07:00

OPEN HOUSE TOMORROW DECEMBER 19, 2009 - ONE DAY ONLY!
I will be at Wheelworx Art Studio December 19, 2009, 11:00 a.m. -5 p.m. 11208 - 65 Street (next door to Chickies). There will beads and pottery for sure!
My friend Linda, owner of Wheelworx Art Studio and raku pottery artist has opened her doors for this Christmas Event. Along with our artworks, you can see her selection of one of a kind antique Chinese furnishings. Visit the Avenue & Shop Local - Sabrina Butterfly Designs, Chickie Antiques, Beck's and Mandolin Books. Dine at Culina!
Hope to see you!

Last weekend...and upcoming Kaleido Festival

2009-08-23T11:51:00.004-06:00

Thought I would share some of the sights with you from Eastwoodfest. So much going on as you can see. There were street performers and belly dancers up and down the 5 block artwalk. That means there were 5 blocks of artsian tents too! If you missed it, there will be another event by the Arts on the Ave group September 25-27. Kaleido Festival starts on Friday night with a Gala, actually it is called the "No-Tie Gala"Art Show and Sale at the 92 St. hall on 118 Ave. Wine and cheese reception, live performance by Edmonton's top jazz musicians and shopping for handmade gifts!

There is more... Saturday is an all day arts celebration with Captain Tractor, on the main stage with lots of other perfomers. Search for artists on roof tops, in back alleys, parks. Discover some hidden gems! I think I will be located in a tent outside the hall. Whew! Hope it is still summer then. Then Sunday is a block party with Japanese drummers and more global musical entertainment. Just when you thought they couldn't squeeze in any more. The artists will still be at the hall with the handmade goods! go to www.artsontheave.org for more info.

Eastwoodfest is just around the corner!

2009-08-04T16:21:00.003-06:00

Look for me outdoors at this great event. I can hardly wait! I will be there with all my joolry. ;-)

Join us at the Eastwood Community Hall (82-87th street, 118th ave) on Saturday, August 15th, 2009 for EastwoodFest!
The day runs from 11 AM to 7 PM and all events are free!
You’ll enjoy;
pancake brunch (11:00-12:30 PM) OMG!
Eastwood ArtWalk and Sale
live music, antique cars, children’s carnival, street performers, visit stores and restaurants
For more info http://artsontheave.org/festivals/eastwoodfest-a-street-dance-celebration/

Market Day tomorrow and other Saturday fun!

2009-07-17T12:04:00.003-06:00

Saturday is my day at the 104 Street Market. I have lots of new pendants!

In the evening, we are going to see a documentary film called Handmade Nation about the renaissance of artisan made stuff! There is also a sale event preceeding the film which I will mention here as well. But if are you planning to go, you must come to see me first downtown! I can't very well promote an event that I won't be at but this event is worthy! I have been to one of their sale events and they have a great variety of interesting work. Also, they support independent artists - you won' t find Tupperware or home party stuff here. This is at the Trans Alta Arts Barns 10330 - 84 Ave.

New items....

2009-07-12T12:25:00.003-06:00

in Photo Album 2! Don't forget to use the zoom feature to see the beads up close.

Just a reminder, I will be at the 104 Street market this Saturday!

Change of Date and more events...

2009-07-05T21:36:00.005-06:00

I will be at the 104 St. Market as listed below with one change. September 12 instead of September 26. I have also been added to the list of vendors at the August 15 Arts on the Avenue outdoor market which is 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. I will post more details when it gets closer to the date. Also September 25-26 at the Kaledio Festival, a 2 day outdoor event again with the Arts on the Avenue community. I have to tell you, every event I have particpated in with this group has been fantastic. So much more going on then just the sales venue!

I have posted some new pictures to Photo Album 2 and have yet to add some details of prices and measurements, etc.

Summer Market

2009-05-09T16:12:00.003-06:00

The 104 Street Market 2009 season starts on May 16 and runs to October 10. I will be at the Aurora Borealis Fireflies tent on June 27, July 18, August 22, September 26 and October 10. The weekends that I am not there, there will be other glass beadmakers at the location as we will be rotating the Saturdays between 9 of us. There will be a good selection and a lot of variety since it will be different beadmakers every weekend.

The market runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3: oo p.m. rain or shine and is located on 104th Street North of Jasper Avenue. See http://www.city-market.ca/ for more info. It looks like it will be a lot of fun! Hope to see you!

Bloomin' Garden Show and Art Sale

2009-05-04T22:12:00.005-06:00

I will have a table at this show and will be hoping to see a lot of familar and new faces at the show!

Here are some details. The sale is Saturday, May 9, 9:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m. at Alberta Avenue Community Centre 9210 - 118 Ave.

I participated in an Winter Festival event at this location with this group and it was so amazing! All of the events that took place aside from the artists venue. I still talk about how impressed I was with the music and the response from the public. Please come, you will have a great time!

Class with Trey Cornette

2009-05-03T13:06:00.008-06:00

Beads I made in class. It was hard to decide which side of the bead to show you. They were really a lot of fun to make!

Here is a marble that Trey was making during the Thursday night demo at Bedrock.

Here is Trey demonstrating something with gusto. http://www.treycornette.com/

I bought a marble from him. It is the one in the bottom right corner. It is very cool!

Glass Craft Expo Las Vegas

2009-04-07T12:39:00.005-06:00

Me and some fellow beadmakers went to Las Vegas to partake in a very beady event at the Glass Craft Expo at the Southpoint Hotel. (miles from everywhere exciting... oh well) The events and the classes and the trade show were terrific. I took a class with Leah Fairbanks http://www.leahfairbanks.com/ and loved it! She is well known for her beautiful floral beads but the class I took was sea and shore beads.

Here are some images of Vegas, the International Hotglass Invitational, and some beads of course. The Hotglass event was for teams of flame workers. This is different from lampwork which uses a much smaller torch and soft glass. The flame workers use really really big torches and work with borosilicate glass. They made some very interesting and some very awesome creations over the 2 nights the event took place. The results were revealved the next morning at the Exhibit hall.

Creation by Studio Anonymous (above) http://www.studioanonymous.com/

Creation by Onion Mountain (above)

A beautiful mermaid diving through the surf....

Hotglass team preparing gather for longest pull - they were hoping for a world record with a pull the length of a football field. Sadly, it did not happen.

Some very decadent things!

Dale Chilhuly's ceiling at the Bellagio

Below are beads made by me in class. The first is an aquarium bead with sea urchins, angel fish, jellyfish, seaweed and coral. I smudged the angel fish when I covered him with hot glass. Oops! Next time I'll try to avoid doing that. The 2nd picture is a little star shaped bead, then my fish and a pair of mermaids

Lovely Mermaid by Leah on the left, WWF Mermaid on the right by me!

GCWCC CRAFT SALE

2009-02-18T10:56:00.008-07:00

Featuring artists, designers etc. from shows like the Edmonton Stop Shop ‘n Show and the Edmonton Fringe.

ONE DAY ONLY!

Thursday, February 26, 2009
9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Canada Place Atrium & Food Court Levels

Come support the GCWCCand your local craft artists!

Bellagio Fountain - view from Eiffel Tower

2009-02-15T11:00:00.006-07:00

On this trip to Vegas we tried to do some new things. However, I can't exclude the Fountains at the Bellagio. EVER! We went up the Eiffel Tower one afternoon to see the view and were lucky enough to catch the fountains. They usually don't start until 3:00 p.m. and we were in the tower are around 2:00 - 2:30. I got some video after the music and water had already started. Argh! The sound quality is rather poor but if you turn up the speakers you can hear the music despite the chatter from the lady standing next to me that the microphone picked up. Enjoy!

Took Mom to the Liberace Museum this time and snuck some quick pics before the guide peeked around the corner.

Sale Event

2009-02-11T14:05:00.003-07:00

February 26 at Canada Place I will be in the GCWCC Craft Fair. It is 9:00 to 3:30 at 9700 Jasper Avenue. I will add more details if possible. For instance; what does GCWCC stand for? I'm not sure but this is somehow involved with United Way... I think our table fees go to United Way.

Bookmarks etc.

2008-12-07T14:27:00.005-07:00

A few other things I have not featured before.... Bookmarks and cell phone charms and a bracelet or two.

Update

2008-12-05T12:50:00.002-07:00

For those who have been looking in the photo albums at the jewelry, I have now added prices and descriptions to the pieces and also marked any that are sold.
Please contact me by email if you are wanting a piece. I also have silver chains and chokers available for the pendants. Some do have matching earrings which I have not taken any photos of yet.

More bracelets...

2008-11-23T14:07:00.004-07:00

These bracelets are each made with 2 large tubular Thai silver beads and embellished with Bali silver beads, Swarovski crystals and one handmade lampwork bead by me. $85.oo. Click for a closer look and then use the back arrow to return to the page.

A peek at some of the new stuff....

2008-11-22T10:22:00.007-07:00

Getting ready for next week. This is a sample of some of the new pieces I will have for sale. More pictures in Photo Album 2. I will add prices and descriptions soon. Click on the picture for a closer look and then use your 'back' arrow at the top of your browser to return to the main page.

A Big Event!

2008-11-06T11:52:00.004-07:00

I have a booth at a new show called Pizzazz! It is November 28, 29, 30 at the Hanger on Kingsway. Friday is 5pm-9pm, Saturday & Sunday are 10am-6pm. There will be over 70 vendors offering holiday gift shopping. An alternative to mass produced products from the mall! There will be something for everyone: children's and baby gear, fine art, home decor, jewellery and other teriffic crafts. Admission is $3, bring a donation to the food bank and get $1 off your admission.

Fountains of Bellagio - Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini

2008-10-18T13:21:00.005-06:00

Just got back from Vegas and I have to say, my favourite thing to do is to watch the beautiful water show in front of the hotel. The trip is not complete without having spent an hour or two watching the fountains. If you have been to Vegas and haven't seen it you are missing an amazing spectacle. The first time I saw it, it made me want to weep, but then they played Celine Dion and that ended it for me. Ha ha! Really, even watching the choreography to 'My Heart Will go on' and listening to her was kinda moving. Enjoy!

More Pendants and some semi-precious stones. Yum!

2008-10-10T12:56:00.006-06:00

Click on the pictures for a closer look and then use the back button to return to this page.

The braclet above, is made of irresitably chunky amethyst and tiny peridot gemstone beads. The chain and clasp are sterling silver (of course!). This one is soooo extravagent on, very fringey look with layers of colour. It reminds me of Hawaiian hula skirt on my wrist (if hula skirts were made out of rocks ;-). Price $180. Matching earrings available.

Long Necklaces & Stuff

2008-10-10T12:44:00.007-06:00

have been busy trying to get a lot of new things ready for the Fall sale. Here are some long necklaces (ranging from 22"-38") on beautiful sterling silver chain. Prices are between $90-$160.

The first 2 pictured are made up of Thai Silver beads, fresh water pearls and Swarovski Crystals, with a handmade lampwork bead focal.

The necklace below is made of Turquoise nugget beads (gemstone quality), the chain and components are sterling silver, the leaf is a carob leaf from the "Holy Land". What can't you find on the internet! It has been electroplated using silver. Kinda cool, eh? The circular silver component was made by me. Price $90. Matching earrings available in 2 styles!

New pendants

2008-09-21T09:50:00.003-06:00

Some new Pendants. Priced between $55-$75.

A couple of braclets. These are $145. Made with hand pulled glass cane and finished with handmade beaded tassel.

October Sale

2008-09-21T09:39:00.003-06:00

It's time for another sale event! The Aurora Borealis Fireflies are at it again. We have all been busy making lovely new things for fall. Join us October 25, 2008 at the Strathcona Community League Hall, 10139 - 87 Avenue, Edmonton from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. One day only. Lots of ideas for Christmas gifts to indulge your friends and family (and you!) who love a little bling in their life!

If you visited us last year, you know how much there was to see. We have rearranged things a little this time to ensure you enjoy your shopping experience. We accept cash, Visa, Mastercard, Amex.

Class with Lisa St. Martin

2008-06-24T19:29:00.007-06:00

Lisa St. Martin specializes in sparkle! It was so much fun learning new ways of incorporating dichro, silver, copper and even copper dish scubbies. Lisa is always thinking about different ways to work with metals. We fumed with gold and apparently I have to practice this since none of my beads got anything more then a pink hue. This is good, but I wanted to see the golden glow.

These pictured above are made by Lisa. Check out the sparkle on the right! This bead was subdued compared to some others she had that were over the top dripping dichro. Too much fun! I absolutely love the Carribean blue hue of the sculptured vessel on the left.

These are the beads I made. Hmmm, gotta get a little more sparkle and wow going. I was really pleased with my beads and now want to play with all of the dichro I bought. Yikes!

Class with Michael Barley

2008-06-24T19:01:00.006-06:00

The first picture are beads that I made in the class.... Okay, it is a little stressful and remember Rome was not built in a day. Must practice.

The following are some beads made by Michael. The one on the choker I bought and the 2nd one aquired by luck. Michael raffles all his demo beads at the end of class. I'm so lucky to have won the Leaf bead!

Here is Michael actually making the Leaf Bead I won.

This was the beginning of 2 weekends of intense classes with bead makers of renown and unique style.

Michael Barley from Port Townsend was in Edmonton for 6 days of classes. Wow! 2 days per session, 10 students each session. He must have been exhausted by end of day 6 and happy to be on his way home. Michael, we were so blown away by your generousity in sharing so many of your techniques and ideas. Thank you thank you thank you!

Cuteoverload

2008-05-27T15:00:00.001-06:00

This made me think of a Ingmar Bergman film if he made 'films' about cats.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0M7ibPk37_U

Enjoy!

New stuff!

2008-05-11T21:31:00.004-06:00

Here are a few pictures of different pieces. I will post the rest in Album 2 with prices and info.

Spring Sale!

2008-04-30T14:04:00.001-06:00

Click on the image to read the details.

How secure is your package?

2008-01-08T10:35:00.000-07:00

This is a box containing items I ordered and intended to give as Christmas gifts. It took over 30 days to receive from the supplier through no fault of the post. I placed my order November 28 online and was informed that it had been shipped December 4. I received it on January 3. See how well the box is sealed? I am actually missing an item from my order and presume it slipped out of the opening. I don't think I'm wrong about that.

I have still NOT received any reply to numerous messages I left on the 1-800 of the supplier. I had to leave messages due to 'high volume of calls' they were receiving. Their message said my call would be responded to in 48 hours. I have complained to their 'parent' company and to the Better Business Bureau. But still, I have not heard from the supplier. I'll give you a hint as to who it is... of the few actual Canadian TV broadcasters, this one has the letters __ B C. (I don't want to say the name and get in some kinda trouble. Oww, I'd be so scared! NOT!) I'm thinking of calling a troubleshooter at either CTV or Global. Ha ha!!

CFL and Craft Fairs

2007-11-26T09:57:00.000-07:00

Hmmm, I don't think the two mix very well. The turn out at Dog with Wings was a little sad and I'm sure the turn in weather didn't help. Oh well. Thanks to all who came and supported this very worthy charity. The dogs were so well behaved ...

It was the end of a long day for Charlie. Having sat patiently while dressed in his Santa hat to have his photo taken with shoppers, he decided he needed a quick nap before heading home.

Check my Photo Albums on the top right for pictures of jewelry that is still available.

Christmas Craft Fair & Market Sunday Nov. 25

2007-11-15T16:15:00.000-07:00

I was invited to participate in a Christmas Craft Market in support of Dogs with Wings - Assistance Dog Society. It is 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 25, 2007 at Heritage Hall, 7406 - 139 Avenue, Edmonton. (Adjacent to St. Michael's Extended Care Centre)

Crafts, baking, Christmas items, gourmet food, gifts, jewelry, artwork, clothing, artisans, candy, face painting and more!

A portion of the proceeds of all sales will go to support Dogs with Wings, an Edmonton based charitable orgainzation that raises and trains guide dogs, assistance dogs and autism service dogs, partnering them with disabled individuals. For more information http://www.dogswithwings.ca/ or http://www.dogs-with-wings.blogspot.com/

Come shop, have lunch and meet the dogs!

Success at Artfest!

2007-11-11T10:36:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to all the vendors and organizers of Artfest 2007! Over 700 shoppers and browsers came to Bellevue Hall to see what was happening in the art community of Bellevue Highlands. Thanks to everyone who stopped by my table!

If you are thinking about that piece you didn't pick up for your favorite Aunt or best friend or yourself, please check my photo albums (on the right side of the page at the top) to see if it is still available. Once you open the album you can hover over the pictures to see description, price and availability. You can also click on the photo for a closer look.

If I am able to do any more venues before Xmas I will post here on my blog. You can email me if there is something you would like to purchase. the.ckirby@shaw.ca

Pearls and stuff

2007-11-01T21:17:00.001-06:00

So I had all these pearls and Czech crystals waiting for inspiration. There are 6 different bracelets pictured and they all have a set of matching pearl earrings!
Here are more of the Onyx square frames each with a lampwork bead inside.

Here are a few large pendants.
And a funky coral coloured glass made these fun beads which are accented with some silver glass. That is glass made with a very high silver content which makes it very reactive with other colours that contain a lot of metals.
This is so silky shine and really fun!

2 days with Jennifer Geldard

2007-10-15T18:55:00.000-06:00

I took a 2 day class with Jen and was thrilled to be able to learn her techniques with enamels, shards, reactions, and how to fix a bead gone bad. My favourite was the very dreamy ornate bead. I always admired them and was so excited to learn the secret to making them. Can you guess which one it is?

Riverbend Library

2007-08-28T11:11:00.001-06:00

The Aurora Borealis Fireflies, the lampwork group I belong to, has been invited to display works by our members in the Riverbend Library at 460 Riverbend Squre, Rabbit Hill Road & Terwillegar Drive in Edmonton. It is a most awesome display! Check it out.

Bought a bead!

2007-08-27T09:58:00.000-06:00

This is a bead I bought from Kim Fields. It is a really beautiful encased floral which was built up using multiple layers of transparent colours while layering the components of the vines, leaves, and finally the morning glory flowers! We learned to make this style of bead and I can't wait to get to the studio to try it again. I took the price tag off before I showed it to husband. Eek!

Kim Fields' Class

2007-08-26T21:44:00.000-06:00

Two day class with Kim Fields. Wow! It was fabulous, great, fun, informative, entertaining, long, tiring, inspiring! Can't wait to get to the studio tomorrow and start to play! If you get a chance to take her class, don't hesistate. She is so very very nice, creative, helpful... I could go on, but you get the idea. Here are a few pictures. That's her kneeling.

This is a gorgeous floral relief bead made by Kim with really fabulous branch cane.
Here is Kim pulling stamen cane. The gather was so huge, it pulled out to 10'. Wow!
Here is a sampling of some of her beads. I took lots of pictures for inspiration and bought one bead as a souvenier.

New Pendants

2007-08-17T11:27:00.000-06:00

I haven't been getting much done in the way of beads but had some new stuff I wanted to make up into nice new pendants. Pendants seem to sell well since they are a nice way of adornment that most women seem to enjoy wearing. Bracelets are little tougher sell. You would be surprised how many times I hear women say they don't want all the fuss. I say... What??? who wouldn't want to fuss? I love all of the colour, brightness and personality that make these pieces so desirable. (I hope!) It's a little treasure that you can hold in your hand or wear or your wrist or on your neck.

Enough about that... here are the beads (don't forget you can click on any of the pictures in my blog for a larger image and get a better look at the stuff!)

Backyard surprises

2007-07-24T21:45:00.001-06:00

There was a lovely little ladybug in my ornamental grass....

and a porcupine in the apple tree!

Rock hound

2007-07-08T23:39:00.000-06:00

I made a monster of a necklace this afternoon. It is about 22" long and very substantial. (I should weigh it and price it per pound!) How come I never found rocks this pretty when I was a kid? Rocks I used... Aquamarine, Cuprite, Chrysocolla, Apatite, Amazonite chips and stick pearls along with accents of square silver seed beads, Cloisonne beads, and a Thai Silver Heart with a Bali Silver clasp.

Canada Day!

2007-07-01T18:02:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday Canada and Happy Anniversary to KDK! It's been 18 years, I don't know if he has done the math yet, but it seems like only yesterday.... ahhhh we were so young then!

So what did I do on our anniversary? I made a bracelet of course! I love the colours of these pearls and was inspired to add some of my lampwork in a 3 strand bracelet. Funkadelic!

Where has June gone?

2007-06-24T08:58:00.000-06:00

click on photo for a closer look

I have been working on the silvered ivory bead with black scrolls and am really happy with the results. The base bead is made with ivory coloured glass rolled in silver foil which gives it that antique earthy look. The 2 at the top are my latest attempts which are the most scrolly whereas the 2 at the bottom, done earlier in the month, are similar but the scroll design is a little looser. Also I was able to bring the silver sheen to the beads which gives a really warm glow to them. One set of the beads at the top of the picture are for a lady who has been very patient I hope! ;-]

Makn' jewelry

2007-06-09T22:24:00.000-06:00

Here are 2 necklaces, well 3 actually since the florite one is actually 2 separate pieces that can be worn together. The other is heavy looking but I loved the stones some much I wanted to wear them all at once. It is made of fossil coral.

Another one before the sale

2007-05-18T00:33:00.000-06:00

I have more stuff to post but I must go to bed. Made more bracelets, more earrings, more pendants. Got to put on a good show for the ladies in the hometown. Leave tomorrow and hope I don't see snow when I come home.

Apparently, I like to make scrolly designs

2007-05-14T19:31:00.000-06:00

I searched the internet to find chokers that had clasps small enough to slide a bead over. I found these! So simple and they show off the bead without a lot of fuss for all those who say "I don't like to wear fussy jewelry." Now you have no excuse. You can change the beads to suit your mood or your outfit or your bracelet or your earrings. Oh so many possibilities!

Another sale!

2007-05-14T19:20:00.000-06:00

I am preparing for a sale hosted by a friend this weekend. Wanted to have these new bracelets to show. They are kinda fun. The black & red and the black & white both have toggles which can be adjusted to the buyer's wrist size. Very cool idea don't ya think? I loved the streaky coral and lavender so much when I made it the first time that I had to make it again.

Mothers' Day is almost here!

2007-05-11T10:11:00.000-06:00

How much do we love Moms? Lots, especially when Moms really love us and what we do!

Here's one for Mom. Such a happy bracelet!

Electric!

2007-05-06T19:50:00.000-06:00

My favourite Moretti colour is Striking Electric Yellow. It is called striking because the colour does not occur without some coaxing. The glass, once shaped, must cool slightly and then be reintroduced to the heat of the flame to bring out the desired colour. The pendants seem to have a light within - a glow almost electric.

Maybe one more

2007-04-13T13:33:00.000-06:00

These turquoise tabs turned out quite nice. I have a nice barrel shaped bead that goes on a choker and matches this. I just don't have time to photograph everything. So use your imagination!

Getting close to a melt down....

2007-04-11T21:58:00.000-06:00

Here is a piece I really love... Framed Heart on black leather 18" neck cord. The frame is black onyx.
These are all focal beads on sterling silver chokers 16" prices vary from $50

4 bracelets today

2007-04-09T21:57:00.000-06:00

Busy day, made earrings too, but still have more beads that want to be made into beautiful things too.

More Purple is always good!

2007-04-09T11:39:00.000-06:00

I have much to learn about the photo editing. I can't get a true purple in the image. The crystals and the glass are much more colourful then they appear here.

One more from last night

2007-04-09T08:15:00.000-06:00

This turned out very nice. The frit I used was called 'aphrodisiac'. Hmmm, maybe that is why I made enough beads for 2 bracelets. The crystals are some colour called Ernite. I have no idea what that is but it accents some of the green blue bits in the beads.

White Blossoms

2007-04-08T20:25:00.000-06:00

I am getting slower... I need to make another 7 or 8 bracelets. Oy! This one turned out kinda nice!

6 days left... not panicking

2007-04-08T14:19:00.000-06:00

I loved making these beads! Then I didn't know what to do with them. So here is a kinda offbeat bracelet that looks like a curious mix of beads and silver.

Last one tonight for tomorrow we torch!

2007-04-06T22:05:00.000-06:00

This is a lovely set of beads that I will be sad to part with, as I am certain someone else will be attracted to the warm tones and flat smooth feel of these. I reworked this bracelet as the earlier design had a square toggle that would not stay securely fastened. Good thing I discovered that before the sale! Also I changed the crystals from Khaki to Chrysolite and Montana.

The sale is in 8 days .....eeeeeeeekkk!

2007-04-06T18:14:00.000-06:00

Here is 'a' bracelet and pendant. I have been working all day. Really. I made some cell phone charms and some earrings. Went for a walk and delivered more brochures for our sale. Very cold and windy. Glad to back inside where it is warm and the chair at my work bench is waiting.

Aqua Swirl

2007-04-04T20:55:00.000-06:00

Okay, there are 10 days left before the sale and I have many many more pieces to create. Yikes!! Inspiration can't come soon enough.

New bracelet - Rubino Star

2007-04-04T20:54:00.000-06:00

Another new bracelet - Red Blossoms

2007-04-04T20:52:00.000-06:00

New bracelet - Venato

2007-04-04T20:49:00.000-06:00

A Pendant

2007-04-01T20:41:00.000-06:00

Just playing around one day and made this. Decided it should become something lovely and here it is.

Countdown to April 14 - 13 days remain

2007-04-01T16:18:00.000-06:00

Three bracelets from 2 weeks ago. I have been trying to work a little each day or a lot every weekend and get jewelry made so I am not burning the midnight oil the week before the sale. After I make the pieces I always say "take a picture!!!" This seems like even more work, but once they are sold, they are gone. My precious! These have been made using a frit called Iris Orange. It does a really cool reduction in the flame and if you get it right you get the blues and lavender tones. Some are better than others but the overall effect is nice I think.

I have more bracelets I could photograph but am waiting to get more done to photograph in a group. I'll post as soon as I can.

Free Frit!

2007-03-26T08:47:00.000-06:00

I ordered frit (which is little bits of crushed glass in colourful mixtures that I roll the hot bead in to add more colour, interest, depth) from a place in the states and when the package came I realized it was not what I ordered. I looked at the invoice and the order actually belonged to Ulrike in Germany. The lady who sent me the frit said to keep it as a gift (whoo hoo! there were 9 different ones) and she would send mine ASAP.

The beads on the right side and bottom of the picture have been made using the 'lemon grass' frit over silver leaf on dark ivory. Oooooo! I made enough for a complete set - pendant, bracelet, earrings, and cell phone charm. I really love the effect!

Back to the studio today for more. I was supposed to be making 'earring' beads and that was it but I got distracted by my creative side.

New jewelry

2007-03-25T17:27:00.000-06:00

I realized that 16" & 18" chains are very limiting and I needed to branch out. Hmmm, what better than silk cord and lovely Chinese knots? This is called a Prosperity Knot. You can make it with 2 colours of cord for an even lovelier effect. Since this was my first, I just went with one colour. I just have to figure out how to securely fix the cord ends with a clasp. The first one I glued on using a recommended expoxy, came off with a light tug. Argghh!

Very very very busy getting ready for the sale on April 14. Did I mention this? It is at the Bellevue Hall from 10 am -4 pm.

Casey "the cat" or K.C. ("kitty cat")

2007-03-05T17:02:00.000-07:00

How the cat spends her day... Squirrel is oblivious to what is on the other side of the glass.

2007-03-05T16:58:00.000-07:00

Squirrel mooning cat.

2007-03-05T08:43:00.000-07:00

Squirrel escapes yet again.

(Casey's thought bubble) You have taunted me for the last time you furry rat!

About beads

2007-02-18T19:53:00.000-07:00

Got some scrap glass to play with yesterday. These beads are made from strips of Spectrum sheet glass. I think I might have to invest in some of this stuff!

5 days in Vegas

2007-02-17T16:00:00.000-07:00

Spent 5 days in Vegas and couldn't seem to win a thing so I went shopping instead. Gotta love that Fashion Show Mall. I could have spent all 5 days in there when I wasn't standing in front of the Bellagio watching the dancing water. Hmmm... I think there is a glass show there in April and I may have to make another trip, and hmmm... I think Jimmy Buffet is playing at the MGM April - that would make the trip absolutely necessary, and hmmm, I think I need to buy another t-shirt at the Star Trek Experience Gift Shop. Thanks to my sister for sharing the great pictures I have posted.

View of the Paris Hotel from the other side of the lake at the Bellagio

2007-02-17T15:59:00.000-07:00

Chihuly's Glass ceiling in Bellagio Lobby

2007-02-17T15:56:00.000-07:00

I have added a link to his site... click on the link and go to Public Installations - Bellagio. I was absolultely blown away when I first saw his work in person at the Seattle Art Museum many years ago.

Fountains at the Bellagio

2007-02-17T15:55:00.000-07:00

Fremont Street

2007-02-17T15:54:00.000-07:00

It's not Bloomingdales, but the prices are right.

Too funny!

Fashion Show Mall

2007-02-17T15:43:00.000-07:00

This is paradise! Neiman Marcus, Nordstroms, Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Macy's (not crazy about it - it seems worse then the Bay if that's possible) all under one roof!!! We didn't get to see all of it and we shopped there for 2 days. MUST GO BACK!!! The shoes the shoes the shoes the shoes the shoes!!

More Jewelry

2007-01-29T20:49:00.000-07:00

Pink Grapefruit. Mmmmm! I love this colour. It is 2 colours of bullseye glass and the crystals are called padparadascha. Delish!

Jewelry

2007-01-29T20:46:00.000-07:00

Silvered Sea - This is a set that I have sold. Really lovely shades that went with a blouse I had just bought. Guess I will have to make a set for myself. Oh well.

New Favourites!

2007-01-29T16:04:00.000-07:00

I started to make this (more experimenting) simple black and white style with leaf cane and they look so cool that now I have made enough beads for at least 2 bracelets and have made a couple of focal beads for pendants too. I can't wait to get back to the studio and play with other colours using this same style. These beads aren't even as good as the ones I made today. This is gonna be great! I just discovered that if you are reading this blog and you want to see the beads close up, you just click on the picture and maximizes the image. Duh! In my post with the blue beads I said, "you cannot see the sparkle in the image", but if you click on the picture you can see the sparkle.

Hearts for ???

2007-01-29T15:47:00.000-07:00

Hey! I love making hearts! I have a friend, also a bead maker, she made over 150 hearts for a wedding. She swore she would never make another but every once in a while I catch her making them again. She has a great pair of tools that can be used to make hearts. One squishs the big round blob of glass and the other pushes it to one end of the mandrel to make a cone shape. Then you hold the mandrel (the rod that the hot glass is on) vertically heating the shoulders of the cone and that gives the heart the nice rounded lobes. I don't want to tell my friend that I usually only make a heart shaped bead when a once perfect bead goes bad.

Blue Beads for Pendants

2007-01-26T11:15:00.000-07:00

(Click on the image to see the sparkle!)
Experiments with Blue beads. Some I like better then others. Can tell which? Unfortunately the photo does not show the sparkle of the dichro or the aventurine. Nuts! Those are the ones I really like.
Top row left to right - made with medium blue with dichroic glass and blue aventurine; medium blue with frit; medium blue with dichro and filgrana; medium blue with silver leaf and intense black; medium blue with silver leaf + 2 small beads.
2nd row left to right - medium blue with silver leaf and intense black; white base with blue aventurine, intense black, intenseblue raked; dark blue with dichro and blue aventurine poked and twisted; next 2 dark teal with dichro and blue aventurine poked and twisted; light blue with dichro and gold aventurine poked and twisted.

Home town makes the headlines again...

2007-01-26T09:54:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am from a small community north of Edmonton and anytime I read the paper and see the name of my hometown it always involves some tragedy or sensational news. The lastest news is 3 suspected murderers have been apprehended. Who could believe that a town of 2,500 harboured such dark hearts? Ha! That is where all the pyschos live their quiet lives before they become headlines. Happy to say I have no clue who these suspects are having never heard their names before.

Back to beadness... here are some beads I made in a class with the fantastic Alexx Cheng. I smile everytime I look at them. The class was really a lot of fun! Finetuning basic techniques of decorating a bead and learning some new tricks and skills too.

January 2007

2007-01-21T15:03:00.000-07:00

Haven't worked on any jewelry since before Christmas. Here is piece that I made for a customer in New York. Yes, I know! How did I manage to get a customer in New York? A friend of a friend of a friend. The large beads are made using black and red twisted cane which is made separately from the bead. A length of cane, about 18", is prepared by melting the combination of colours together in layers and then slowly pulling and twisting in the flame to resemble a peppermint stick like piece of glass. The length is then cut into smaller pieces and melted around the base bead and then encased in clear. Very time consuming but the effect is very nice. The smaller accent beads were also handmade by me. All of the silver beads and the toggle are Bali Silver and the chain is sterling silver.

Happy New Year!

2007-01-01T11:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my birthday! No big celebrations, just did lots of shopping pre-birthday with my kind and generous hubby, Kevin. Getting my jewelry 'working' studio set up and more organized. So many fiddly little things to store and keep track of. Got a great cabinet at Costco that is actually a tool chest but I think it will work.

Had a quiet night since Kevin had to go on a call until late last night. Enjoyed some chicken chimichangas and a margarita then had birthday CAKE!!! I think I have a sugar hangover today.

Hope to make some beads today!