Almost Famous

I'm honored to be the subject of Holly Dare Hughes' blog post today. You can find it here.

I really appreciate that she was so nice to do that.
And of course, you'll want to check out Holly's online presence...lots to see. She's one busy lady. I'm rather partial to the fact that she makes stamps for cookies and cakes. Anyone who deals with painting cookies has to be a friend of mine. (and gosh, they're gorgeous- you can take classes too!)
http://www.sweetstampen.com
http://www.hollysfolly.com
http://www.hollysfollybeads.blogspot.com
http://www.modernrubberstamps.com
http://www.cookieandcakepainting.com
http://www.twitter.com

If you're wondering about the trophy...it's really special to me. My son had it made for one Christmas. It says I'm the "Best Dang Bead Maker In The World" which is why I love my son so much. I'll always treasure it and does that make me a trophy mom? Ha, just kidding.

See you tomorrow for some glass chat...http://www.studiomarcy.blogspot.com

I Used To Be Cool

I was researching Louisville, KY, because I might be visiting there next week and found this T-Shirt business, www.iusedtobecool.com on one of the city-centric websites, Keep Louisville Weird.

Well, you know any name that has weird in it, will attract me like a moth to flame, so I checked it out....and of course, after chuckling through all the different products from this company, I ordered one.

I know, it will embarrass my kids even more, but what the heck. I already do. And I think it's funny and it makes me laugh.

If you plan to be in the Louisville area Thursday, Oct. 9th and possibly Friday the 10th, drop me an email at studiomarcy@gmail.com to let me know. We can see if our schedules might mesh. I'll be there with my family and hoping to tour some of the local glass facilities during my free time.

See you tomorrow, http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com, with some more morning madness and a little fun tossed in too.

Trick or Treating Alligator

I know you don't tend to run into trick or treating alligators too often, but you might just find one in my etsy shop.

Meet Tyson, the sugar loving alligator who loves Halloween. Not for the scaring people part, (although he's good at that), but the candy lover with lots of cavity prone sharp teeth.

I saw a cute little crocodile in a children's book and decided to do my take on him. Often, I go by the public library and spend a little time in the kids' section. Many books have simplified drawings of cute animals, which make great inspiration for glass beads.

Have you used any children's books recently? Do you have some that are favorites that would be fun to interpret? I'd love to know about it.

See you tomorrow right here, http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com

Great Glass and Tool Carriers- Sale Today!

I just found this shop on Etsy. It's Bellflower Textiles and Megan is the owner.

Today, Megan is offering 10% off all orders. And just in case you'd like to design your own, she loves to do custom orders as well.

So here's what I do. I use these rollups for my glass, tools and mandrels. I have a variety of them in different sizes. When I travel, I can carry my glass in compartments and give them a soft place and easy to carry format.

At home, I store my mandrels in one of these too. I have quite a variety of sizes and it's nice to be able to go to one place to find the size I'd like to use. One of the important features is the fold down flap at the top. It holds them in after rolling it and with slippery mandrels or glass, that's important.

I have one for my tools as well. When I travel with them, it's really nice again to have them padded, safe, and in one place together. Besides, who doesn't love pretty fabric, that you can toss in the washing machine? Look at length, width, size of pockets, and everything else when choosing yours.

I am in love with Megan's sense of color and pattern on her offerings. The pencil one featured above would make me smile every time I use it.

So think alternative uses. And stop by Bellflower Textiles. Tell Megan you found out about her here.

See you tomorrow right here. http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com.

8th Annual Ugly Necklace Contest 2010

(necklace : Christie Harris- "Buttugly" -2007)

The Land of Odds has announced its eighth annual Ugly Necklace Contest with a first prize of $992.93 on the Land of Odds web-site.

Not only are they looking for hideous, but here are just a few of their other criteria....the necklace must be predominantly purple, (wonder what the story is behind that one!), the necklace must be 75% made up of beads and between 16"-32" long. The rules page has additional information that you will want to read as well.

All of this is due March 15, 2010.

So my friends, the ball is in your court. It's a nice prize, but for me, I just can't do it. I can't do regular asymmetrical jewelry, much less think this stuff through. Although, I think ugly probably comes naturally.

Let us know if you enter. We'll want to vote for you, and cheer you on. See you tomorrow!

http://www.studiomarcy.blogspot.com

Watch These Watches

Time for a new watch? Have you considered "outside of the box" styles?

I found this one on http://www.tokyoflash.com 's website. It's called The Infection. Funny how these little multi-colored pulsating cell-like shapes do a good job of illustrating the name.

If you're like most people, you might be asking, "where's the clock face?" Well, it's right in front of you. You read it by the colored shapes. The red ones stand for the hours, the yellows for sets of five minutes and the green ones equal one minute increments. So you just need to be able to add or multiply by fives. A little more complicated than what we're used to, but the novelty might just be worth it.

Check out the rest of the techno watches on their website. Perhaps, they're not your stye, but still...it's great seeing what's out there and coming our way.

See you tomorrow- http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com

My Home Town In The News

Perhaps you've seen the news reports about the flooding in Georgia. Well my friends, living in the middle of it, I have to say, was pretty amazing.

I love water and always thought I wanted to live on a lake. However, I never really planned for that lake to be in the middle of my street.

This is one house down from mine, and we escaped a lot of the harm that other areas experienced. We were lucky. My thanks to Anita for sending out this photo.

I only had one not-so-good experience. I went outside in the driving rain to take a photo of the water rushing downhill from my backyard. It was awesome and they were great shots until I dropped my camera into the stream of water. The camera opened up and the camera card flew out and got quickly swept away. I'm not sure whether the camera will work or not. I was so lucky with that minor mishap compared to others.

So if you don't mind, take a sec., count your blessings and today find at least one little thing to do for others. I know that's topping my list. Somehow, I still believe that karma can be a good thing.

See you tomorrow for some uber cool, very modern accessories. http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com

Seasonal Related Beadmaking

This time of year, the pumpkins, ghosts and goblins are out in full force. Perhaps the kids aren't dressing up, but the beadmakers are selling their work to jewelry makers and private individuals.

I'm always interested in seeing what's being done. How does an individual take a basic theme and make it their own?

I like to use children's books as a resource for ideas. Usually there is a lot of imagination already there in front of your eyes and then re-interpret it to suit my taste and quite honestly, my abilities. Some stuff is just too hard for me to do.

This is a photo of my three little trick or treating bobbleheads that I made last year. (the dog bead doesn't bobble) I wanted to take the seasonal topic and skip the ghosts for a change, but still let the viewer know what holiday it is by the orange pumpkin candy buckets. I just imagined some of the cute little kids coming to my door and it always seems like the bigger sister is the the back row- watching over them. I entered it in FlameTree Glass's Halloween Contest last year.

So are you making Halloween related beads or crafts? What are you doing this year? Changing anything up, or sticking with the ones you know always work? Tell us about it.

Everybody's Free To Wear Sunscreen

Here's a video that I hope you'll take the 5 minutes to watch. It's advice written by Mary Schmich in 1999, who was a writer for the Chicago Tribune.

She described it as the commencement address she'd give, if she were asked.

I love this Baz Luhrmann version. It's common sense, humor and advice all rolled into one. Really listen to it.

"Dance, remember compliments you receive, forget the insults. Keep your old love letters, throw away your old bank statements." And so much more.

Everybody's Free to Wear Sunscreen... Enjoy!

And thanks to Jen Geldard for posting this on Facebook. After viewing it, I wanted to share it with all of you.

FlameTree's Halloween Glass Art Contest

Wow! Once again FlameTree Glass has teamed up with GTT torches to create a Halloween Glass Art Contest that is no trick - just treat.

Please check FlameTree's website for the complete rules, but here are some of the basics...

• hard or soft glass can be used

• multiple pieces of glass can be used.

• entirely flameworked

• one entry per person

• follow the complete set of rules on the website.

The contest has just been announced, so you're some of the first people to know. Now get moving and make your entry! Such great prizes that can be won!

I'm debating what I'm going to make as I write. I know, it's got to be good, to even be a contender. Winners will be chosen by online voting October 25-30, 2009. Looking forward to seeing your work on FlameTree's website.

I'll have another blog post for you tomorrow. See you then. http://www.studiomarcy.blogspot.com

Test Your Color Sense

I saw this website http://www.Livelygrey.com on Margie Deeb's last email. You probably already know Margie's name as an internationally known color expert. Luckily, she lives near me and I've had the fun of getting to take a class from her. She's wonderful. If you ever get that chance, grab it. She also has books and color reports, which are great reading as well.

Anyhow, this is a website she mentioned and it ranges from some games that even I can do to ones that I would only dream of being able to complete. However, from hearing some of your scores on other color matching sites I've posted, I know some of you will be able to do them all with great ability. So have at it and let me know. I'll be waiting to hear you crowing or woe-ing over them.

And I've decided to start taking Saturday off. It will be a day to research some of this stuff and add a little time to my schedule. I'll be back on Sunday bright and early with more fun. http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com See you then!

Seasonal Color - Does it Matter?

I'm not always the speediest bike on the block, but I have been noticing colors that are in my Fall catalogues.

And when one of my very favorite colors pops up, I sure take notice.

I'm talking about this gorgeous blue. I call it peacock blue, but perhaps someone out there can give me a better name.

These ads are from Crate & Barrel and Chicos.

So do you watch the advertisements to see what

retailers are showing, or do you go your own way?

Does it make any difference in your sales, whether you have what colors are being shown for that season. Tell me what you think.

See you tomorrow for more glass and creativity talk.

http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com

Dona Family Tool Thread

I've been avidly reading Ofilia Cinta's Lampwork Etc. thread about Carlo Dona's tools.

I've heard they are some of the best and of course I want to know more.

It's filled with photos of the tools and items that have been made with the tools, like the murrini eyes in this fish by Ofilia. (uber-cool, isn't it?)

And the tool names make me smile too. Seeing the "guillotine"...well, that name says it all. It chops murrini just like its namesake.

The fin mold or raggiera, really peaks my interest. Ofilia uses it for her eye canes and I read it's used for flower petal cane as well. I'd really like to try that one out. And it's made in multiple sizes as well. Oh what fun I'd have with these and more. Whether it's his porte cane or rod warmer, or the bellflower presses, I'd love to test them all out and see what they're like.

So stop by the thread and enjoy the photos and comments. I love threads where you really learn something and this one is perfect with that goal in mind.

Ciao. See you tomorrow- Marcy.

I'm Back!

I don't know if you noticed, but for the last month and a half, I haven't been listing many beads.

You see, I got burned out. I know, it's not an easy thing to admit, but it's true. And sometimes if someone talks about it, then it's easier for others to discuss.

I had been working really long hours and generally 7 days a week and it was too much. I got back from my trip to Miami at the end of July and ...well, I guess I cratered.

I needed a break. I was tired and I was wondering just what was I doing? My tendonitis was killing me and it was so painful to make beads.

So now, I feel so much better and am ready to ENJOY beadmaking again. It was getting close to feeling like a "have-to" instead of a "want-to". But now, it's better. I'm ready to kick into gear and just maybe take off a weekend or two a month. Maybe no more 10 hour days- we'll make it shorter and I'll continue with my exercise program. And just maybe...a balanced life can make my returned joy of glass continue for a long, long time.

So how are you doing? Pushing yourself hard? Balancing your life? I'd love to hear about it.

http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com. Tell us about it. I think there are lessons to be learned from all of our experiences.

Always on Sundae

I think I must have been daydreaming about mint chocolate ice cream with whipped cream and a cherry on top when I made this girl bead.

I do that a lot. Well, not only daydream about sweet stuff, but make beads that aren't planned, but just so you know, they show up on my mandrel. My hands aren't really possessed, but I start making something and then take a sharp right turn into something else.

My Sundae gal, has a chocolate chip skirt, a mint top with chocolate dripping down, whipped cream and of course the prerequisite cherry on top. Her bracelet and hair decoration are made of cherries too. I'd love to have something healthy and say they're organic, but honestly, I think they're more of the out of the jar variety. Too red to be real, wouldn't you say?

So my question for today is...do you pre-plan your beads? (honestly, I do plan plenty of mine), or do you wing it? Tell me a little about your process. I think we'd all learn from it.

And once Etsy is up and running again, I'll be listing my Mint Sundae girl at http://www.StudioMarcy.etsy.com. I think they're currently down for repairs. Hmmm, that will teach me to write my blogs at the crack of dawn.

See you tomorrow!

Mooning Over Photos

I wish I had saved this website url, because these photos are so sweet.

I love the kids holding the moon and even more the lower photo where it looks like the moon is a balloon.

How does this relate to glass? (hang on...I can do this....)

It relates, because it's people using an every day item in a unique, creative way.


...and that is what so many of us do.

So today, I'm asking you to post and tell me what non- tool do you use for your art, that is an everyday item you love?

I have a tiny screwdriver that I enjoy. It's got a thin edge and fits into those small, hard to reach spaces. I think this one was used to adjust eye glasses.

Now it's your turn...

See you tomorrow for more chat. http://www.studiomarcy.blogspot.com

Hotel Joule Pool...How Cool!

I guess I can dream, can't I?

If I ever get to Dallas, and I also happen to have won the lottery, I'd love to stay at the Hotel Joule.

The cantilevered rooftop pool entrances me. Perched off end of the building, I can only imagine what it would be like to swim at night with the Dallas downtown lights and views from the end of it. How amazing.

The 1927 Gothic Revival building has definitely been revived. It's sophisticated and I know, just waiting for me.

See you tomorrow at http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com

Blue Moon's Website Changes

It's been a fun couple of weeks. I've been enjoying a renewed friendship with Jim and Rose Berry of Blue Moon Glassworks of Austin, TX.

We've been working together to tweak their website and make it a little easier for customers to navigate and find their wonderful products and notice all of the fabulous classes they offer. I've been their "new set of fresh eyes".

I really like how quickly the viewer can find the important aspects of their business when reaching the website. For me, it was important to show that they take Paypal as that is mine and many other artists' major form of payment.

And if you want a little fun, click on their "Get Directions". Once that page loads, click on their little picture and it will bring you to a real view of the shop.

One of my highlights of this website is the tremendous number of photos on it. Starting on the homepage, are photos from the previous month's classes and events. Clicking on "Gallery" will take you to tons of photos from classes, and even it goes all the way back to their opening.

Check out the lampwork classes they offer. I think Stephanie Sersich's class starts this Saturday (have no idea, whether there are spaces, but call if interested), and there are so many other teachers whose classes I'd love to take as well.

So pop by and check out Blue Moon Glassworks. And while you're there, snoop around, enjoy all the photos. classes, products and other glass options.

Vegetarians- Cover Your Eyes!

It's time to discuss a subject of great importance...

Meat Hats.

Yes, I know, it's not one that most people feel comfortable bringing up, but it's out there.

In fact, there's a website dedicated to the subject... http://www.hatsofmeat.com (who knew?)

If you'd like a little entertainment, and you aren't grossed out by raw meat, there are some really rather amusing hats made out of it. I somehow don't think this current fashion trend will last too long. It might just rub people a little raw. And as someone who looked at the entire site, I'm not sure that I can say that the meat hats are "well done" exactly either. Go have some fun. Come on, I dare you.

Come back tomorrow for some glass talk. (Promise, no more meat hats) http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com

Space in Heather Trimlett's Class in Atlanta

October 22 & 23th (2009), Heather will be here in Atlanta teaching her Marble Beadmaking class for Southern Flames.

We're excited to have her back again. She's an excellent teacher.

But we have a couple of spaces in her class to fill and I'm hoping some of you can come and join us. The class is held at Beads by Design. (just 15 minutes from my house) and about 25 minutes from FlameTree Glass in Roswell. Come and visit, and you can hit the Glass Bonanza!

Speaking of Bonanza, stick around on Saturday evening and join us for the Southern Flames monthly meeting (same location as the class). You get an extra demo by Heather AND you can meet our really fun local members.

So here's the scoop. CLICK HERE for information. And if you are coming, please email me so I can come meet you for sure! (StudioMarcy@gmail.com)

Beads of Courage's New Website

Beads of Courage has launched its sparkling new website.

Their front page shows us the upcoming events as well as how to donate 100% tax free dollars to this fabulous organization.

If you aren't familiar with Beads of Courage, it's a non-profit, 501(c)3, which organizes and provides an arts-medical approach (along with plenty of research) for children with life threatening illness. Beads are given out to children for specific medical treatments and they collect them on a long string to show their history. It gives them and others, a visual of their journey. We, the lampwork beadmakers (and other groups too!) make beads for this program. It is one of my favorite groups to support both financially and with beads I make.

I hope you'll stop by and check them out.

Concentration vs. Disbursement

I saw these two wonderful pieces of art by Brooklyn based artist, Soner On.

And after studying both and thinking how different each one was, I noticed some similarities as well.

Isn't it interesting how both are just black and white, and that the main difference is the concentration or disbursement of the color white, on the black surface?

Do you see where your eye travels on each one. Do you see the difference in mood, focus, and emphasis that each one creates?

What really sticks with me is how it relates to what we do for surface decoration on our glass beads.

To me, it's an outstanding illustration of over all pattern or decoration, versus creating a focal point on our beads.

There are times in which each style is needed, whether it's specifically for a piece of jewelry, or solely personal taste.

I hope today's post helps you visualize and become more cognizant of your design process with these fun illustrations. Compliments of artist Soner On.

Come back to read my daily blog tomorrow, http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com
See you then.

Tea For Me

Artist Linda Dolack's food packaging artwork creates a visual impact. It's created from all kinds of materials- sequins, beads, rhinestones and others are sewn and applied by hand.

I like the way she translates the bright food packaging style into a piece of art. Most of the products that she represents are ones that are known in our every day existence and often she recycles the original packaging as a base for her pieces.

Not only are they beautifully rendered, but if I had this Lipton piece in my kitchen, I know I'd be starting my day off with a smile.

Hooray for cool stuff!

Guess Who's Coming To Dinner?

Knock, knock. Who's there?

Look carefully, can you see who is at the door?

These are two of our neighborhood wild turkeys. They stopped by a house down the street for a little visit.

This back porch is two stories up and my friend said that if the glass doors hadn't been closed, she's sure they would have come in. Apparently they stood there and looked in for quite a few minutes. I can't help but wonder what was going through their minds.

Hope you're enjoying the Labor Day Weekend. See you tomorrow at http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com

Up In A Puff of Smoke

Glass pipes are a part of the glass world that often seems tucked away- almost like shhh, it's not really part of our art. But you know, even if it's not an industry that you agree with, there are some lovely glass pieces out there.

Recently, I saw a website, http://www.glasspipes.org, which has some very interesting and gorgeous glass work.

Here are shots of a collaboration between multiple glass artists called, "Talking With Dragons (Part Two)" More photos can be found here.

Apparently it's over 2 feet long and 9 inches wide.

Even if pipes aren't your "thing", you might want to stop by and look around the site. There are some very cool pieces with wonderful details, patterns and shapes there.

Now that I've found it, I know I'll be back. Just to see what's being done.

See you tomorrow. Happy Weekend!

Lights, Camera, Action-

This past weekend a group of friends and I went to a nice beach resort for an end of summer get together. Of course it had the delicious food, beautiful beach and the other qualities that resorts normally require.

But as usual, I tend to look for the details of a place. What is interesting to me? What might relate into the glass world? Lighting often does. And I was busy snapping photos of their lovely ceiling lights that were metal over glass.

The top photo is of one that I spied in their spa building. The combination of geometric with swirls intrigued me.

The center section reminds
me of blossoms with leaves in a very graphic design way. It fit its surrounding.

I found the second fixture in a more social setting. It too was in a hallway, but near their upscale restaurant. The leafy pattern swagging the side along with the swirly design that has a hint of floral again caught my attention. How would one interpret this pattern? It's much more intricate and less easy to replicate. (not that I'd want the exact one anyhow).

So next time you go out, don't forget to look up.
You might be surprised at what you see. It could be the inspiration for your next bead design.

See you tomorrow for my next blog post on http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com. I have some glass comments that I think you'll enjoy.

Extreme Dog Grooming- Poodle Art

The other night I had the strangest dream about standard poodles wearing jewelry and accessories walking on their hind legs and operating vending machines at a college or art center. (that part wasn't clear)

Not having consumed particularly spicy food, or other strange items, I must say the dream really had me wondering.

I hadn't seen these poodle photos yet, but perhaps they would have made more sense.

These extreme grooming practices have been captured in photos by photographer Ren Netherland.

I picked out just two, but click here for some amazing other shots of poodles looking like bison, pandas, chicken, football players and of course, the ever present peacock. Yes, you read correctly. Actually, the camel one really had me chuckling.

And watch my etsy lampwork glass bead shop for some Studio Marcy beads which might be taking a few of these photos and using them for inspiration.

After all, we always hear, "make your dreams a reality". Maybe I will.

Catch my daily glass and creativity blog at http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com (sign up so you don't miss any of them) and pop by my etsy shop at http://www.StudioMarcy.etsy.com

See you tomorrow.

Designing Philosophy & Watch Me Create

I recently read Lori Greenberg's Watch Me Create post, which really resonated with me.

Lori is showing and writing about her creative process in designing jewelry with these fabulous funky lampwork Venus beads that she makes. (Aren't they fun!)

I love how she tells us how her brain works. But most of all, I guess I agree with her creative process. You see, she likes figuring things out for herself. She says she experiments and sees what comes from that.

Experimenting is one of my favorite pastimes. So often my experiments don't turn out as planned, but that's the joy in it. As Dr. Seuss said, "Oh, the places you'll go!". Limitless possibilities right in front of you.

Please stop by Lori's Watch Me Create post and read where she's going with these beads and how she is getting there. And pop by the other articles. They're being posted at least a few times a week or more- rotating by the authors. You can click on any of the authors' names on the right side and read what each person has written in the past too. (Don't forget my posts too!)

See you tomorrow. We'll chat some more.