Halloween Goodies

I couldn't let Halloween pass without showing you some fun products.

But first, a quick word from our sponsor...me. If you haven't taken a minute to vote for the glass art piece of choice, (got my fingers crossed that you like mine- the third from the top "Spooky Night", please pop over to here. It will just take a minute and means so very much to me. Voting ends today.

And now on to our main program...
OUCH Skulls and Bones Bandaids
I know there are some folks who go for traditional (a little boring) tan bandaids and then there are those trendy folks who think that they need bacon slice or pirate bandaids. I say, show your dangerous side with these cute Skulls & Bones bandaids. Neutral colors and bada#$ pattern.

Or...look at what else I found. It's like a Nightmare Before Christmas one sided chia pet.

Skeleton Nyokkis are Japanese ceramic egg shapes filled with soil medium and rye grass. You can change its hair by snipping it or even adding a barrette or paperclip.

It's amazing how something so simple can bring a smile to my face so easily. Like a little touch of cute macabre in an eggshell.

Meanwhile, with Halloween on a Saturday night, I hope that all of you and yours stay safe and have a great time. I'm still debating what kind of candy to pass out. If you have a favorite, I'd love to know. I think kids should get tasty stuff that they really want to eat, not just the cheap stuff.

See you on Sunday. Don't forget the time change, if you live in the States.

Space Left for Andrea's Class in Austin

Hey gang-
My buddy at Blue Moon Glassworks in Austin, TX - Jim Berry told me that he still has two spaces left in Andrea's revealing the unexpected lampwork class November 5th & 6th.

Here's the link to the class

Andrea Guarino @ Blue Moon Glassworks

If you haven't taken a class from her, you're in for a real treat. Not only do her beads rock, but she's a delightful teacher as well. Students love their high success rate in her class.

Fuming with gold and silver, dichro, complex twisted canes and all kinds of fun stuff is planned for the class.

And, there are some cool bed & breakfasts as well as great restaurants near the facility. What a fun location to hold a class!

Wish it were me heading down there for the class. But I think with those two spaces, what a great way for you and a friend to pop down to that funky Texas city and have a great time.

ps when you sign up, tell them Marcy sent you!

See you tomorrow, http://wwwstudiomarcy.blogspot.com

Spooky Night ~ Need Your Vote, Please!

It's that time of the year when goblins and skulls are in abundance at FlameTree Glass. It's their annual Halloween Glass Contest and I need you to vote here for my entry, please. If it's not your choice, how about voting for the one you like best. (But psssst, I'm the third one down just in case you want to find me easily.)

My entry is "Spooky Night" and (okay, so I know it's not too spooky, but at least the owl has a bit of an attitude) I'm afraid that really scary...well, scares me. My mind freezes, I break out in goosebumps and I have bad dreams. We don't want that, do we?

But there are some super-duper torches that those generous guys at GTT have donated as prizes and I would dearly love to win one.

And if I win, I'll show you the inner workings on how I put this together and the thought that went behind it complete with photos and perhaps just a touch of interesting commentary about it. My first "Glass-amentary". Scary thought in itself.

Thanks so much for helping me. I promise to make some cool bigger stuff if I win one of the bigger torches. (I'm hoping for second place with the Scorpion that would work on my concentrator, fingers and eyes crossed and knocking on wood.) Here's the voting place again.

See you tomorrow for more glass and creativity chat here at http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com

Grey or Gray- It's Important However You Spell It

This past weekend in class, we were discussing the importance of the color gray. I know, it has the tendency to fade into the background, but for me, that's what makes it so important.

If you're familiar with my glass art, you'll know that I tend to use the brighter, more colorful options. But I truly feel that there is a big place for this color.

You see, with gray being such a great neutral, it gives one's eyes a resting place between the brighter colors. It recedes a bit and allows the others to "pop".

You can see that in both of the two photos that I snitched from National Geographic's website. (oh I love looking there!)

The top photo is a bit more muted, but the trees and reflections really show up against it and this photo of the dock below, is allowed to be exquisite because of its neutral background.

So how would you use the color gray in 104 COE glass? Many different ways. It makes a lovely background. Depending on the color that you want to show up against it, you can choose from the pearl gray, (almost white), the darker gray opaque or the wonderful transparent that is available. Choose contrast- darks against lights, and vice versa. Add a touch where you want the other colors to really show up.

I used to think that gray was not necessary in my palette, but I had the luck to take classes from Deanna Griffin Dove, who changed my opinion by showing me the difference. And now, I wanted to pass on her wisdom and would love to see what you come up with. Post a comment with a link please or tell me what you think.

See you tomorrow with more glass chat. Right here- http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com

Barbie Grows Up with Jonathan Adler

Jonathan Adler has brought Barbie into the modern age in a grown up, and very funny way.

Known for his creative and whimsical way of looking at things, (oh I love his style), here are four canisters from his Barbie line that crack me up. Each one is available separately.

And of course, there are his other containers that I have loved for years. He says they're for those, "beyond denial. stash in style"....including jars for "Uppers, Downers, Quaaludes, Dolls & Prozac". (and a brief disclaimer...I don't take any of them, but find the concept hilarious.)

See you tomorrow for more fun, glass and entertainment! http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com

Delightful Glass Art On Sale Now

I belong to a great group of glass artisans who sell on Etsy. We are the Etsy Glass Artists, also known as the EGA.

You can find us by going to www.Etsy.com and typing in the term, egateam in the search and our listings will pop up.

One of the things I like most about this group, (besides the sharing of info), is that we are all different. Not only are there fellow lampworkers, but we have stained glass, fusing, enamels and other forms of glass being made. It's nice to learn a bit about all of the aspects and share ideas about tools, designs and general knowledge.

Here are the members who are participating in the current Fall Sale which ends on Monday, Oct. 26th. Please click and visit their shops to find great buys and lovely items. I know I'll be doing some of my shopping there too!

http://www.StudioMarcy.etsy.com (Marcy Lamberson- that's me!) -- buy one get one 1/2 off
http://www.mycabincreations.etsy.com -- 20% off everything
http://www.Giapet.etsy.com -- buy one get one 1/2 off
http://www.GlassCat.etsy.com -- Fused and Dichroic Jewelry 20% off
http://www.jewelrybynatsuko.etsy.com -- 10 - 30
http://www.41Design.etsy.com -- 25% off everything
http://www.RWillisglassartist.etsy.com -- 20% off all fused glass items
http://www.LeahPellegrini.etsy.com -- 20%off everything
http://www.susansheehan.etsy.com -- 20% off all glass items

Not Mistletoe Already!

Every year I debate whether to bring out my Christmas beads before Halloween. It's a tough call, but some folks are early birds.

It's not that I'm out for the worms, but I do know that holiday craft shows are coming up and it's nice to have your inventory ready in advance. Or at least I prefer to operate that way.

So I'm slowly stocking my shop with holiday items. This year, once I rev up, there will be lots of new styles to choose from. I've got my drawings completed and now I just need enough time to execute them.

So if you are looking for the holiday sculptural beads, keep checking out my Etsy lampwork bead shop. I'll be adding at least a few each week as we gain momentum towards Christmas. And of course, please don't forget my BOGO 1/2 OFF SALE (buy one, get one half price sale) that continues until Oct. 26th. You can be both the early bird and get a great deal on worms, too!

See you on Sunday for more glass and creativity chat...http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com

Wine Bottle Chandelier- Recycling At Its Best

I've always loved an excuse to do something that is fun, but not quite the best thing for you. Well, I just found another example.

Here is Pottery Barn's "Wine Bottle Chandelier".
And if you are like me, finding a way to make one is far more fun than actually buying it. That would be too easy.

So of course, besides finding and figuring out the framework for it, I'd need to have the components ready to go. And if my very poor math is correct, it looks like I'm going to need about 12 matching wine bottles. And I know that I'll want to do my part for recycling, instead of buying them at my local wine and beer making supply shop, so they will need to be consumed first.

(I think it would be less expensive to buy the chandelier at this point)

So perhaps the best thing to do is to have a Wine Tasting Chandelier Party with the actual construction done at least 24 hours after the party is over.

Have some ideas for this project? Please comment... favorite wine bottles, brands, and other tidbits of advice are welcome of course.

And who knows whether this is just a dream. Personally, I like the looks of Amaretto bottles, for a chunk rectangular light, but it sure would take me a long time to get the components for that one.

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

Stop By My Fabulous Fall Sale..Now - 10/26!

I'm having a Buy One Get One Half Off SALE (BOGO 1/2 Off) through Oct. 26 here in my Etsy shop. (http://www.StudioMarcy.etsy.com)

It's so simple...choose the beads and sculptures you'd like and check out as always. I will send you a Paypal refund for half off the lesser priced item. If you buy four items, the second and fourth ones will be half price! Nothing like a good bargain, when you need one, is there? As I'm in class for a few days, it will be a short delay before I send it, but within 24/hours, promise!

I will be blogging about the other Etsy Glass Artist Members who are also participating in this sale. Here are their links, if you can't wait to see what I say. Each shop has a different sale going on, but we're all having sales, and that's what counts!

http://www.StudioMarcy.etsy.com (Marcy Lamberson- that's me!) -- buy one get one 1/2 off
http://www.mycabincreations.etsy.com -- 20% off everything
http://www.Giapet.etsy.com -- buy one get one 1/2 off
http://www.GlassCat.etsy.com -- Fused and Dichroic Jewelry 20% off
http://www.jewelrybynatsuko.etsy.com -- 10 - 30
http://www.41Design.etsy.com -- 25% off everything
http://www.RWillisglassartist.etsy.com -- 20% off all fused glass items
http://www.LeahPellegrini.etsy.com -- 20%off everything
http://www.susansheehan.etsy.com -- 20% off all glass items

Frantz's Sale- Colors I'd Like To Try

L to R: Coral Martian, Sediment, Yellow Apricot Premium, Yellow Opal Premium, Dark Pink Premium Pastel
_________
I can't help but be tempted when I see sale advertisements for glass. It draws me in and even if I don't need it, I still want it. With my stash, I try to resist temptation, but can't always.

So I decided instead to blog about colors I'd love to try. Wish I could get a single rod and just test them out to see if I really, really wanted them as much as I think I do.

Here are the colors from the most recent Frantz Art Glass 50/50 flyer that recently came out.

I have to say that I'm not sure why I want that Coral Martian, but because I tend to horde many shades of good ol' # 420, it must be that same gene. I'm trying to think where I would use this striated rod, but I know I'd find a place. I know flower petals would rock with it and striated stringer on a turquoise base would stand out. And the Sediment looks like "fur in a rod". I think you've probably seen some of the dogs & fur babies that I make and it sure would come in handy. (Am I correct to guess there is a Vetrofond similar one that I own?)

The Yellow Apricot Premium is just flat out luscious to me. Rich and vibrant, I would find many uses for it, and I'm not an "orange" person. But this one is singing to me. And who can resist a good Opal Yellow? This one has "Premium" attached to its name. Hard to resist. I wonder how this batch is? Anyone try it yet?

And finally the Dark Pink Premium Pastel...I can never have enough shades of pink. I need it for cheeks, and cute little beads. It's always pretty cased with Ink Blue or other colors too. I guess I just like girly colors, simple as that.

So these are my current shades that I'm daydreaming about in the Effetre shades. I have a huge list of CIM colors and others too.

What have you been wishing for? Let us know. Add a link if you have one and let us all drool. If you have beads made with any of these, feel free to post a link to them too. Why not?

Converting MM to Inches for Jewelry

As a beadmaker, sometimes my customers ask whether such and such a size will fit through the hole that my bead has. Or other measurement type questions that normally make me cringe and wish I remembered more from my long ago school math.

So, my bff (aka "Google") has helped me find this handy converter. It converts and has a nice chart which gives me my info that I need. Just wanted to pass it along to you. If you have a great website that has a handy tool, would you mind posting a comment to share it with all of us. The hint can be for anything that you would like to share.

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

FlameTree's Fabulous Halloween Contest Ending Soon!

This contest is near and dear to my heart. FlameTree Glass has the most fantastic prizes from GTT. I think everyone should enter. Why not??

This year, the voting is online, so everyone has a great chance.

Your entry needs to be flameworked- entirely...you need to email 2 photo views of it to FlameTree, (see specific rules) and of course include a description of your piece and a short bio. Only one entry per person. Deadline is October 24th!!! So hurry up! Voting goes through October 25-30th.

For all specific rules and info, please visit, http://www.FlameTreeGlass.com

Glass Challenge Still Going On

Have you entered for this latest edition of the Glass Challenge? I have. My little owl on a branch is right here.

It's in two parts. I made the owl sitting directly on the wood stump and branch as one of my "exercises" in heat control. I do that type of thing regularly. How can I keep everything the right heat and still add unevenly weighted sculptural additions. It's a lot of fun for me- like a puzzle. The base is a second bead, like my typical bead stands with the steel rod holding up the bead. Each one is cased with silver glass to give it that wonderful color combination. The owl was designed with silver ivory to fume it and add details.

The current Glass Challenge has some cool prizes as always. And it's so easy to enter. Just click here to check it out.

And just so you don't make the same mistake I did, below each entry are a series of little dots for rating the submissions. Big blonde moment, I accidentally clicked on the 0/5 dots, instead of the reverse. And you can't erase! Oh duh. So do me a favor, if you're rating them, be careful and don't mess up like I did. Worst is to the left and best is to the right. Snap!

See you on Sunday (remember, I'm now taking Saturday off) here at http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com

Let The Rumpus Begin

Tomorrow, the movie, Where the Wild Things Are opens at theaters. I'm excited. I used to read that book to my children when they were young.

I've always loved children's stories. The imagination, illustrations and stories often resonate with me. Perhaps, I'm just a bit of a kid at heart.

So as I was watching the PR come out for the movie, I decided to do a small interpretation as well. I made the Wild Things assemblage from three free standing beads and my friend, Jim Berry of Blue Moon Glassworks fused the stand. He had been experimenting with ideas for me.

The assemblage is meant to hang out together, but I left the beads loose, so they can be easily removed from the stand and worn on a change a bead type pendant. How slick is that? And even the tree has one side of leaves that isn't quite as round, so it will lay better when worn.

So pop by my Studio Marcy Etsy shop, and check it out, because that where the Wild Things are.

Shoes- Built For Creativity

I know there are a lot of people obsessed with shoes. And I understand your passion. So here are two very different styles that were shown on a trend report that I receive every so often. I can't say that I'm crazy about either, but I'm open to your opinions...what do you think? Does creativity get in the way of wearability? Just wondering....

See you tomorrow for some glass and creativity chat..http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com

Harold Cooney ~ Bead Craftsman

If you have seen Harold Cooney's borosilicate glass work, you know his beads speak for themselves. No need to go into great detail and superlatives, because you already have visual ones in front of you.

He sells at four shows each year. The February Beast Bead Show in Tucson, the June Bead & Button Show, the BABE show in CA and the Gathering.

Harold sells his beads on eBay, http://stores.shop.ebay.com/The-New-American-Trade-Bead-Studio .

For the immediate gratification people like me, he has the "buy it now" feature on his eBay auctions.

And if you are like me, it's always fun to go check out his selection and put in a bid or two. I personally have quite a variety of his beads from over the years. I'm a big fan. The patterns, color, technical details and shapes are always a delight to my eyes and although it sounds a bit corny, to my heart as well. There's something about them that I just love. I know I'm not alone. I think of them as complex simplicity.

He told me that his glass craftsmanship goal in life is to work towards becoming "very good at it". What an understatement. Harold is not only talented, but he's humble and a hard worker. Can't beat that combination.

I know Harold is planning to name each of his collections after one of the 50 states. There are two- New Hampshire and Colorado that he's working on now. I enjoy this concept and wonder how many people will be lucky enough to collect one from each of the states? It should be a goal in itself.

Harold told me that his studio is right inside his double wide trailer's living room in Utah. Talk about working out of one's home. He's torched in a variety of locations, but seems to find his peace where he is now. Reading Harold's email to me, I was touched by the strength of his drive to do the best he can. And he sells some and he keeps some too. So if you want to get in on the good stuff...pop by his eBay shop and see for yourself. You won't be disappointed. Promise.
And by the way, Christmas is coming and this New Hampshire carved bead is what I'd really, really like...

If you are lucky enough to snag one of his beads, let me know. I'm always curious to see which styles and colors appeal to everyone. And I'll see you here tomorrow at http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com

Convergence II - Adorning the Past, Present & Pretend

This past weekend, ISGB members (International Society for Glass Beadmakers) received their notice of the next Call to Artists from the organization.

I love the creativity that is built into the theme. Here are the rules below and please note, you need to be a member of the ISGB (that's easy, just go to www.isgb.org to join)


CONVERGENCE II: ADORNING THE PAST, PRESENT, AND PRETEND

JEWELRY DESIGN WITH ART GLASS BEADS INSPIRED BY PERSONAS OF FACT AND FICTION

The International Society of Glass Beadmakers invites you to participate in our 2010 exhibition!Due to the incredible response we received for our 2009 project, Convergence, and with the depth of work that was submitted, we have decided to revisit the concept for a second year with a few updates. Convergence II is a juried show that will feature functional, wearable jewelry showcasing the use of handmade glass beads designed for an imaginary or historic figure.


EXAMPLES

What jewelry might Amelia Earhart have worn - a compass necklace or a pendant of a bird in flight?

What type of cufflinks would the Phantom of the Opera wear?

If Madeleine Albright was speaking to the General Assembly of the United Nations, what brooch would she wear?

What considerations would you make when designing a necklace for Marie Antoinette- would you make a heavily fortified choker?

Would you make an Art Nouveau style hair comb for Rapunzel?


GET CREATIVE
The possibilities and interpretations are endless and the stories of inspiration, we think, will be amazing to share!

Here is your chance, either as a solo artist or with a partner or partners of your choice, to participate in this one-of-a-kind exhibition. Jewelry can include, but is not limited to, components such as seed beads, fine metal, PMC, fibers, etc. We encourage you to use multiple mediums for your work. The main focus of the piece, of course, must be the glass bead(s).

Our mission is to once again showcase how handmade glass beads are incorporated into exhibition-quality jewelry, to develop a purchase-on-demand ISGB catalog of the exhibition pieces, and to publish selected jewelry with tutorials in various glass-related publications. We will also produce and make available a wonderful art card of the exhibition!

The exhibition will open in Rochester, NY at the 18th Annual Gathering. From there, Convergence II will travel to several different locations over the next twelve (12) months. In June 2011, Convergence II will be on display at the Bead&Button Show in Milwaukee and it will close in Ohio in July 2011.

To participate, complete and submit the online entry form at http://www.isgb.org/info/uploads/convergence_II_application.pdf

MORE DETAILS

· The entry deadline will be February 24, 2010. The entry fee is $35 for your 1st submission; additional entries are $20 each. This fee is due, along with the photographs of your piece by the deadline date. No exceptions, please.

· Should you decide to participate with a partner or partners, you will be responsible for contacting, confirming, and collaborating directly with your partner(s). You will need to meet all deadlines and participate in the project directly with your partner(s). If you participated in the Convergence I project, you may partner with the same person again; this is your own choice.

· ISGB and independent representatives will jury the exhibit. ISGB will notify you regarding acceptance.

· You are responsible for the cost of all materials.

· Design your glass beads and jewelry knowing that you may be asked to share instructions for them in print. Keep detailed notes about all materials (including specific quantities and sources), techniques, etc. in case your design is selected for publication. Artists retain all rights to original designs and instructions*.

You must be a member of ISGB in good standing to participate in Convergence II. Your partner, however, is not required to be a member.

We hope you decide to take part in this exciting event!

*You are not required to share your instructions in order to participate.

Questions? Contact Sarah Riggle at isgb.convergence@gmail.com or 1-866-473-4742.

Hot Times in Asheville

Psssst, this is where I am right now...I'm in Asheville, NC at Hot Times here at A Touch of Glass owned by Gary Newlin, and which is put together by my buddy, Marjorie Langston with the help of friends. I'll mention more names in my follow up post.

It's always a joy to attend this get together. About 30 torches, a lot of glass, chatter, tools and laughter start at 9 in the morning and continue until 9 pm at night, for those who can make it that late. I think this is the 6th year and my third or fourth time attending.

Fabulous drawings, wonderful resources and selected bead artists do demos twice a day. We also have a room full of generous lampworkers who share what they know with the rest of us. I'll fill you in on some of the details when I return. But meanwhile, back to the torch and my new & old friends.

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

Button Tutorial by Jill Symons

Have you seen the lovely glass work that my friend, Jill Symons makes?

Her website is http://www.JillSymons.com and she designs and flameworks lovely beads and completed jewelry and then sells them directly from her website.

But the important part about today's post is that Jill has a free and well illustrated lampwork button tutorial on her website. You can find it here.

You're going to read it and go out and make some new buttons. Bet you. You'll smack your forehead and say, "why haven't I been doing this all along!". So get out there and try it. And then let me know how you do. In fact, I might just get off the computer for a few minutes and make some myself.

Can't wait to hear from you and please share the link to this tutorial. Thanks Jill! Love it.

Neiman Marcus Christmas Wish Book Is Out!

If I had my choice, the term, "bah humbug!" would be outlawed. Yes, I'm one of those crazy Christmas lovers.

It's not the gifts that I'm to receive, nor is it exactly the buying of gifts...(I'm one of those who loves handmade- both giving and receiving). But it's more the magic and child like joy of the holiday that I love the most.

So I have to say, I'm always delighted when the
Neiman Marcus Christmas Book makes its debut. You see, they work really hard to find some very unusual as well as down right gorgeous items to place inside of it.

Before writing this, I wondered if I should just focus on the "sublime" items. Yes, jewels abound, high tech gadgets and things that you will probably never need in all of your life. But instead, I chose some objects that appeal to me.

The double page of blues really caught my eye. I love the deep jewel like colors and the interesting pattern on the blouse and the textural qualities of the funky jewelry.

And what I would really delight in are the cupcake cars that are pictured below. Oh what a hoot!
This car originated at Burning Man, (another item on my bucket list-maybe someday I'll be the oldest person in attendance) and was designed as an art car that tops out at 7 mph. Oh how I'd love to toodle over to the grocery store in this sweet little vehicle and putter around the neighborhood giving little children and fun adults a nice ride. It only retails for $25,000.
Maybe it's time to start buying lottery tickets?

So give it whirl and stop by the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book

And I'll see you tomorrow. Right here, http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com

Toto, We're Not In Kansas Anymore...

I'm not sure whether it will take a hurricane to move me along, but in November, I will be joining friends to walk a 5k in honor of a friend with Pancreatic Cancer.

Our buddy, Mike McClure has been battling it for awhile, darn it. This is a great way to show our support of his tremendous fight to get well.

If you have some spare change to add to our team's effort, I'd love it. Here's the link, I Support Marcy's Cancer Walk, where you can donate.

If not, just wish me well. I'm looking forward to landing a house right on top of this crummy disease. Ding Dong, let the wicked witch be dead.

Glasscaster with Marcie Davis

If you like to listen to music or spoken word while working, I've got an alternative that is so interesting.

Have you stopped by Marcie Davis' Glasscaster Podcasts? (I can't help but love her first name. Has a nice ring to it, don't you think?) They are a treasure trove of information and interesting conversations.

There is so much to learn and it's so easy. I have a Mac, so it was easy for me to just click. I believe you might need iTUNES (which is free) to make it work. But any additional time spent is worth it. And don't forget to click on the red archive link on the bottom left corner of the page. Oh, and be prepared for a lot of glassy goodness that you will enjoy.

See you here tomorrow, for more glass and creativity chat, http://www.studiomarcy.blogspot.com

Hooters For Hooters - Breast Cancer Awareness

I am a big supporter of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Susan B. Komen Foundation.

Unfortunately, too many of my friends, relatives and acquaintances have been hit hard with breast cancer.
I sure wish a cure could be found.

So this year, I decided to do try a different style of donation to this worthy cause. I designed a line of focal beads called, "Hooters for Hooters".

I love birds and the owls just seemed like a natural fit. Each one is sporting a light pink ribbon. You will need to make the hooting sound yourself. Hope you smile over the name, I do when I think about it.

I've started listing them in my lampwork glass Etsy shop and will continue add them over the next week. Each one is different. Now I am playing with the idea of putting a few in corsets as well. If you have a special color combination request, feel free to email me at StudioMarcy(at) gmail.com

Help me support this worthy cause as half of each sale will go to the Susan B. Komen Foundation. Currently I have six of them. If they all sell, I'll be happy to make more. These little owls are hooters for hooters.

I Always Wondered...

I always wondered if Pandas were playful.




Guess I have my answer now.

Cute photo, eh?

It's Not All Black and White

I'm just not sure what it is about zebras and their stripes that intrigues me so much.

I find that I'm very attracted to the semi symmetry and slight undulation of their markings. Did you know each one is different, like our fingerprints?
And how can you not love their mohawk-like mane?

I've found zebra patterned skateboards in bright colors, and of course, shoes, cakes like the one below and even monogrammed shopping baskets.

But I'm wondering, why haven't zebra striped lampwork glass beads ever become as big sellers as the age old tiger stripes? What's up with that?

Anyone have any ideas? Would you rather have jewelry with tiger stripes or zebra stripes? Would you wear them? Let us know your opinion.

And don't forget that I am taking Saturdays off, but will return Sunday with a new post here on http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com

Branching Out ~ Chandelier Making

I've been working on building a chandelier for a few weeks now. It's a slow process when one is a bit indecisive. I'm not usually, but this really brings it out as it's my first light that I've made.

I bought a simple base at a local shop and decided to change out its decorations and embellish with my own lampwork and bead collection.

What a lot of fun! Because the base of it is so non traditional, I had a bit of a hard time getting started. The "theme" of it changed three times, until I finally settled into what I felt comfortable with. (oops, sorry about that dangling participle there).

I went from a colorful "over the top" style to a neutral, textural earthier kind of "spirit animal" theme. The amount of metal in the base and modern design needed a less-is-more type style than what I originally planned. (which was my more-is-more aesthetic)

So I gathered my supplies of creams, whites, grays, brown, metallics, crystals and various textures and shapes and sorted the beads and embellishments. It made it a lot easier to line things out and test string them to see if they were looking like I had imagined. I used my lampwork glass, bone, ceramic, coconut husk, wood, and other mediums to get the look I wanted. To keep the cost down, I didn't make it all lampwork, but the highlights include sculptural focal beads that I made just for it. Then it was time to get to work. And I'll show you the results of the finished chandelier either tomorrow or Thursday.

Because...well, as I'm writing this, I'm wondering if there's just one more thing that I want to do. Now I'm considering whether to alter the base metal color of the chandelier. Sure, it would be a lot of work, but I just have to ponder that scenario for a little while longer...darn, these aesthetic choices are tough. Darker or lighter? Burnished copper or burnished aluminum?

See you tomorrow at http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com. I'm not sure whether it will be the continuing sage of the chandelier or something different. We'll know first thing tomorrow morning. Thanks for stopping by.