Play this game with me...show me the jewelry

Play this game with me...

Sometimes I'll go poking around on Etsy.com and find a unique outfit and then look around some more to figure out, what jewelry would go with it. Here is a peacock bodice knee length dress. (It's found here)

I know I have a lot of jewelry makers who read this blog...tell me, what do you have to go with it? Please post a link to a photo, listing or flickr page or whatever and show us what you've got.

Have a fun, safe evening and cheers to you and in with the new!

Time for Freud

Christmas is over and perhaps Santa brought you a little pocket change to burn. Personally, I have a "thing" for cool watches and lighting. This one caught my eye. It's a Dr. Freud watch with different words rotating at the top..".id, envy, sex, Dad, Mom" and more.

Freudian thoughts~ good for a smile and lucky you, it's in analog. I still prefer them over digital. You can find them of course at the Unemployed Philosopher's Guild website. One of my favorite haunts.

See you tomorrow

Organizing is for Animals

Well I hate to stick my neck out like this over a giraffe purse organizer, but I think this looks rather handy for my "more is more" in my purse way of life.

I'm thinking I might need to get something like this to start out my annual New Year's Resolutions to be more organized. (note: I did say annual. Each year good intentions, but never ending the way I'd really like it.)

If you're like me and thinking your purse could use a little help, you can find this organizer and more fun fabric patterns here.

Next Holiday?

With New Year's just around the corner, I made a Champagne bottle and wired it onto a little Sterling silver bail for a quick celebration pendant. It can be found in my StudioMarcy Etsy shop.

Artists Wanted!

I just found out about www.ArtistsWanted.org has a quick deadline of this Friday for their all artist medium call to artists. Here is the link.

"During the first week of March, New York City will host artists, galleries, critics and curators from all over the world. Let this be your opportunity to shine in the spotlight of a feature booth at SCOPE, the premier showcase for international emerging contemporary art and one of the most influential presences in the expanding global art market." says the website.

Check it out and see if it's something you want to try.

How Are You Doing?

How was your day yesterday? Recuperating? Wishing you a day of naps and chilling.

A Christmas Song for You

Ho, ho, ho! Hope Santa was good to you. My friend here would like to sing you a little song..Click Here. My thanks to the Georgia Aquarium...and wishing you a perfect day.

And Sparky, if you're reading this, I miss you so much! Wishing you a perfect Christmas in Antarctica and good luck with your Art Show down there.

Color For Bead Artists

If you haven't discovered my friend, Margie Deeb's "Color For Bead Artists" blog, you might be missing out.

Margie is a color expert. She teaches classes across the country on this topic and I was lucky enough to take one. Wow, did I learn a lot in it, and I thought I had at least the basics down. Wrong. There's so much more.

On this blog, she explains all about color, gives different perspectives, includes different ways to look at it and in my opinion, is really very interesting. (yes, I'd say that even if she wasn't my friend) Margie has quite a few excellent books and publications out. You can find them on her website, http://www.margiedeeb.com.

And to you my readers and friends, I'm wishing you a happy Night Before Christmas. May all your dreams come true. (and don't forget the plate of cookies and glass of milk)

Donna Wins the Southern Flames Tree & Vote Reminder

I wanted to show you a photo of our Southern Flames Christmas Tree that we raffle off each year. Members of our Atlanta based glass beadmaking group create ornaments and for each one donated, receives 2 tickets for the drawing. We can also buy a ticket for a dollar a piece. Most of the fun is seeing what ornaments everyone makes and we spend a lot of the meeting admiring them and eating. (Not a bad combination, I must say)

This year, Donna Myrick, pictured above, was the lucky winner. I was excited for her win. One of those karma things, I think. She had just shown me a wonderful collie bead that she had made as a custom order and told me that she couldn't have made it if she hadn't taken my sculpture class. Hearing that not only delighted me, but made me doubly happy that she won the tree.

One quick reminder to please vote for my Elf and North Pole Pups glass entry to FlameTree's Christmas Contest. Here is the link and I really appreciate it. I'm hoping to win the Scorpion to work off of my concentrator. Thank you so much for your help.

Things You Might Not Know

Did you know that Wolffia arrhiza is the worlds smallest flowering plant? It's part of the Araceae family of plants including calla lilies. Each dot is an individual plant.

To learn more about it...(I think this is interesting) click here.

And (promise) only today and tomorrow are the final days for voting for the FlameTree Christmas Contest. Please click here. I'm hoping you'll vote for me.

See you tomorrow.

The Proposal- A Real Life Marriage Proposal via Muppets & a Movie Trailer

I'm the first to admit, I'm a sucker for a sweet romance and this real life marriage proposal and blog how it was done, touched me deeply.

You can read about it and watch it here. But the very short story is a young man had been with his darling for 10 years and decided it was time to propose. He went to great lengths to make it special and meaningful for her. Wait until you see and read about it. Click here and bring a tissue.

If you still have a spare moment, please click HERE, and vote for my Santa's Best Friends entry in the FlameTree Glass contest. Lots of great glass entries to view and you need to scroll to the bottom to vote.

Help Me! Please Vote for My Elves and Puppies

Today is the start of FlameTree Glass's first Christmas Glass Contest. I have to admit, I love Christmas and when there is the possibility of winning a torch involved, I got excited. You see, I would love a Scorpion and that is second place. I've been working off of my concentrator and I think it would give me a better flame for my bigger pieces. So my fingers are crossed!

So PLEASE, click here and take just a minute to vote. You scroll down through all of the entries. I love the variety and you will really enjoy all of them. A lot of them are my friends and so talented.

And one more bit...FlameTree Glass who is sponsoring this contest has a 35% off soft glass sale going on through the end of the year. Their shipping is super fast and customer service is great. Please consider shopping with them. Thanks! And don't forget to VOTE (for me!)

Butter Me Up

Okay, if you misunderstood, the title is not meant to be kinky, but a witty lead in to this adorable butter dish that I found on Etsy. It's made by Natalya Sots who grew up in Kazakhstan and now lives in Chicago. Natalya's shop can be found here. And Santa, if you are reading this, I've been a very good girl and would like this or her Sunshine Girl Tea Cup which also makes me smile.

Introducing...SNOW GLOBES In My Studio Marcy Etsy Shop

Woohoo! I have been making Snow Globes and they are now in my Etsy shop. Each one is one-of-a-kind and so much fun. If you love them like I do, pop by and visit...click here.

Stuff You Can't Have

I'm sure you've been wondering what baby shoes made from bologna would look like...so here's a photo. I found it on a fun blog, http://www.stuffyoucanthave.blogspot.com. Now the author is on a vacation, but feel free to poke around and examine past blogs. This particular post on edible baby shoes, can be found here. I'm rather partial to the lettuce ones with the red cabbage accents.

See you on Sunday!

Save the Date: One World One Heart

Save the dates for the 5th and final One World, One Heart Blog-arama. All the information can be found here.

Essentially, it's one huge connection of established bloggers who each offer a "door prize" or more, for all the folks who read their One World One Heart post and comment. Not only does it give you a chance to win some really cool stuff, but what I really like about it, is that it opens our worlds internationally to more interesting people who do interesting things. I've made some good friends from it and found some fascinating blogs.

So get into condition now...practice visiting other blogs and commenting, lift weights, drink coffee or whatever you need to get in shape. It's a lot of fun and of course, I'll be participating for its last year with something (or things) wonderful to give away. Mark your calendars Jan. 30th. Bet you didn't have any plans anyhow....

See you tomorrow!

More Angel Making This Saturday at FlameTree Glass

Aw, I was so touched when my two hour class students a few weeks ago asked if I would continue on and teach another class for them (and open to everyone) on more angels, fun bead stands for them and maybe touch on other winged and fantasy folks.

So FlameTree added me in to their busy schedule and I have a 4 hour class this Saturday from 3-7 pm. It will be fun of course. But I also wanted to tell you the really reasonable price. It's only $75 for 4 hours. In this day and age, I think that's a really good deal.

So pop over to FlameTree's website and sign up, or give them a call.

BIG SALE....20% Off EVERYTHING in StudioMarcy

So I said to myself, "Self? Why do you need to hang onto to every bead? Why not spring clean when folks can use these fun beads...before Christmas, instead of a post- holiday sale?"

So I responded to myself, "Self, you're right. Glad I listened to you."

(Well, I don't want to mention at least one of the folks in that conversation is a little off kilter, but with all the wassail hanging around the house and the chocolates, we'll let it go this time.)

But bottom line is that I am having a 20% off sale in my Studio Marcy Etsy shop through Saturday. Use the code "joy2010" at checkout to receive the discount automatically. I will be adding at least two new beads daily if not more. So also feel free to message me, if you have any requests. I might just have what you're looking for.

Cross Country Snowboarding- Need a Laugh?

If you need a funny, tongue in cheek moment, watch this youtube video on cross country snowboarding. This pair had me dying of laughter. And listen to them "rock the triple entendre". Their Segway jousting (I think that concept looks like fun) on another video has its funny moments too.

Cleaning For a Reason

My friend Vivian sent me this info, which sounds almost too good to be true. I am so impressed with this concept and am thankful that there are organizations like this. Please pass it on.

(oh and this cute photo is from here. A site that has just about everything!)

Cleaning for a Reason

If you know any woman currently undergoing chemotherapy, please pass the word to her that there is a cleaning service that provides FREE housecleaning - once per month for 4 months while she is in treatment. All she has to do is sign up and have her doctor fax a note confirming the treatment. Cleaning for a Reason will have a participating maid service in her zip code area arrange for the service. This organization serves the entire USA and currently has 547 partners to help these women. It's our job to pass the word and let them know that there are people out there that care. Be a blessing to someone and pass this information along.

http://www.cleaningforareason.org/

Ava The Snow Girl & Last Day of My BOGO 1/2 Off Sale

Meet Ava, the newest Snow Girl in my StudioMarcy shop on Etsy.com. She is wearing her Urban Outfitters accessories and wishes she had feet so she could wear some of their shoes too.

Ava can be easily wired to be worn as a pendant, but personally, I think she would make a great Christmas tree ornament too. She's unique and would stand out so well against an evergreen tree.

Stop by and visit soon. I have a show tomorrow, so my Etsy shop will close down for the day and I'll bring all my beads to sell too. Sunday, I'll reopen with more beads.

But the important news..(.oh why do I wait until the end to tell you?) Is through the end of today- Friday, I have a Buy One, Get the second less expensive One (BOGO) Half Off. You just buy in multiples of two in my Etsy shop, write BOGO in the note to seller at check out and voila, I will shoot you a Paypal with your BOGO 1/2 Off refund. Easy Peasy! Hope to see you there.

Artfire's Newsletter - Benefits?

Although I'm not too active selling on Artfire, I do have a shop. And because of that, I receive the newsletter.

I was interested to read about their partnership with the Craft and Hobby Association. Wow, what a great idea. This opportunity could help provide their members with an option for insurance, which plagues so many self employed artists and craftspeople. Being an Artfire member gives you a 20% discount off of CHA membership, the first year. There are more benefits too.

Uncommon Goods Supporting CERF

Now through December 31,UncommonGoods will once again donate $1 to CERF+ for every customer “vote” at checkout during its Better to Give campaign. Visit them atwww.uncommongoods.com to see the vast selection of goods they offer.

If you aren't familiar with CERF, they are a non-profit, (Craft Emergency Relief Fund) for self supporting American Artists who need financial help due to emergencies.

This photo isn't the best, but it's one of Uncommon Goods' offerings. It's a DIY Shower Curtain. What fun! You can find it here. I can just picture making one of these with my kids when they were young...and to be honest, I'm still tempted to make one.

Hats off to Uncommon Goods for supporting the artists who provide products for their website. In future blog posts, I'll highlight other groups who support artists during the holidays.

Mosaic High Heel Outdoor Chair

I was cruising through Etsy and happened to find this high heel mosaic chair from LyonsMosaic. I love the reflective materieals plus the pattern. Doesn't really go on my back patio, but gee, it sure screams "fun", doesn't it?

It is only $600 and 40 lbs,. Available for pick up- I'm ready for a field trip to Colorado.

Thomas Straub- Eye Candy

Thomas Straub is a photographer who creatively presents jewelry, fashion and other topics as an artistic still life. Visit his website and look around. Then google him and see more of his work. For some reason I find that his work makes me feel emotion- which to me, takes a photograph from just being that, to an artistic piece. See if you agree and let me know.

Sting Wears Lampwork? Help Figure This One Out...

My friend, Robin Snuttjer sent me this photo of Sting (*sigh*) wearing a bead. She was wondering if we can track down who made it or any details? What a great idea. Who can help?

And while you're at it, if you too are a fan, feel free to post your favorite song. Here is one of my favorites at a James Taylor Tribute concert.

Ha ha, keep laughing...

Glass Rings for Jewelry

I found these handmade glass rings in Venice, Italy when I visited this spring. I think they are a lovely rose colored hue. I bought a lot and now, I think it's actually too many. (this is a huge step for me to admit, for those of you who know me.)

So I'm selling some. And some turquoise and deep periwinkle rings too. Yes, I don't just buy one color, I buy a lot. (and there are more colors that I'm not ready to part with yet too)

But I wanted to show you. I take a chainmaille style jump ring and attach it to an earring finding. It looks lovely that way. (sometimes I embellish it more.) and for the remaining hoop, I attach it to a chain as the centerpiece and voila, I have a simple matching necklace as well.

If you are interested in any of them, I have them for sale in my Studio Marcy Etsy shop. I have enough for multiples, if you want a certain number. They make up quickly for shows and jewelry parties while having the handmade aspect, but simple and goes with everything look as well.

You Know You're A Glass Artist If...

My friend Cyndy sent me an email with "you know you're an artist, if..." . So I amended it a bit for glass artists. Please add some more to it. I know you can think up good ones.

You Know You're A Glass Artist If..

You were more concerned about the color of your car than the fuel consumption. The highlights in your hair are from your glass palette. You are having lunch with the girls and you compare burn marks on your neck and arms. The only piece of new furniture you have in your home is new kiln furniture. You butter your toast with your fingers, just to feel its texture. You know what shade of green the lichen on the trees is. Your favorite home repair store refuses to work with you to repaint your den, because you rename all of their paint swatches and you get upset that they don't carry the exact nuance of raw umber you had in mind. There are dip 'n go blue fingerprints on your phone. You carry didys in your purse. You have beads in your pocket. You explain your deplorably bad housekeeping by saying, "it's a work-in-progress..." You know that art does not match your sofa. Dust bunnies are part of your mixed media. You know the difference between beige, ecru, cream, off-white, and eggshell. You know more than 28 colors.

Serenity

I know we're in the middle of a crazy shopping season, but somehow, this glass seashell that I made, seems to make me feel serene. I can't figure it out exactly...the color, the form, or the wonderful memories I have of being on the beach and near the ocean.

So just trying to do my bit to help you chill out and relax. Take a moment. Remember that wonderful holiday at the beach...maybe even with a glass of wine or margarita (or more!).

...this message brought to you by, StudioMarcy, where not all beads are red & green this time of year. (but most of them are and they can be wired into ornaments too if you prefer.)

Arrrgh, Pirate Snowmen

I've noticed that pirate snowmen aren't too available these days, so I decided to offer up my secret stash of swarthy icy he-men. This one has his hook, parrot, and of course a dubloon hanging from his neck. You can find him in my Etsy shop, if he hasn't already been kidnapped by a pirate loving wench.

ps He would make a cool tree ornament as well. If you need help adding a wire loop, I'm happy to help you.

Wombats, Who Knew?

I imagine today you were expecting me to talk about "Black Friday" and shopping for hand crafted goods for the holiday this year.

No, I decided that Wombats would make a much better topic.

You see, I had never really seen one before my friend Jan started posting them on her facebook page.

Kind of cute little critters, aren't they? Actually they're Australian marsupials who dig burrows, (Check out their nails! No french manicures for them) And their marsupial pocket for their baby is backwards, so the dirt doesn't get in when they're digging. Growing to about 40" long, they are short, stout and herbivores.

So of course I've made my first Wombat lampwork glass bead, which I'll show you at another time. But first, wanted you to see these cute little creatures.

Oh, depending on what kind of wombat, they come in varying makes and models too. I like the name "hairy nosed wombat" personally.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Keep smiling and enjoy your holiday!

Thanks!

Wishing all my friends a day with friends and family, laughter, happiness and of course, someone else doing the dishes!

Happy Thanksgiving....and rest up, because tomorrow starts the shopping season.

Cheeseheads of the World, Trade!

I couldn't help it. When a fellow Etsier offered to trade me a cheese hat for my "Santa is a Cheesehead" bead, I couldn't resist. Well, guess what just came in the mail? My new hat.

I love a good trade. And although sports doesn't interest me too much, a large foam slice of cheese sure does. I know I'll get plenty of use out of it. (I mean, after all, I can even flip it upside down, put a bowl in the head divot and use it to serve hors d'oeurves).

One of my other favorite non-bead trades involved a bead for a computer printer. I had been thinking about one for a teaching trip, and this one came about at a Southern Flames meeting. It was a win/win, as far as I was concerned.

So tell me about trades that you've made for your artwork. I love hearing about them.

And if you live in the Atlanta area and are willing to trade housekeeping for beads, please contact me immediately. It could be a long, happy relationship. ;)

Hamsters....

Camillia is hanging around my Etsy shop and needs to be adopted. Know anyone who loves hammies? She is a little shy, but has a sweet personality. You can find her hanging out here.

Sparky's Continuing Adventure

My daughter Sparky won't be home for Thanksgiving again this year. For those who have followed my blog for years, you'll know that she's working in Antarctica for their summer season again.

Sparks called us last night using an iridium phone from Byrd Camp in the middle of the continent. She's living in a small tent and helping build the tent city for scientists and others who will be using it.

As with each call, I learn something new- she said the weather has been holding them back a bit with windchill making it close to -50 below at times, wind at 40 knots and about 20' visibility... yikes! She sleeps with her water bottle, so it doesn't totally freeze up. Makes me appreciate my warm, cozy house so much more.

One of the cool things about their environment right now are the "sun dogs" Have you heard of them? This is new to me. They're like halo reflections on each side of the sun. She said with the snow, (and 24 hour sunlight), the reflect even more and it looks like little rainbows all over the sky.

So as always, I miss her. But I'm really proud of her. She said it's a dream job for her and what parent doesn't want their kids to be that happy?

What Robin Learned

Two of my out of state friends, Beth and Robin came by my studio a few weeks ago, so Beth could have some private lessons and Robin joined in to keep both of us company. Beth had the torch time, but observant Robin apparently got a lot out of it too. I'm so glad. That was part of the plan.

Some come visit Robin's blog and see what she picked up from watching. And I'm sure there are posts about the bead series she's recently been doing, which I just love. Kind of a retro/graphic type vibe that are delightful.

I Love Etsy

I can't help it. I love Etsy. Where else do you find so many adorable photos like this? This elephant hat can be made in any size. I found it here.

And if you aren't familiar with the site, don't forget (it's an elephant thing), you can can click on "Alchemy" and request items. Etsy sellers will bid on your work. This includes graphics, and other types of things that you wouldn't think of. I know I've received plenty of custom orders through that venue.

Retractable Lights Studio Table

I saw this retractable lights studio table by Cypress based interior design firm Ais Studio. With a few modifications, doesn't it seem like a dream for glass and other art forms? The lights go out when the central doc is lowered and you can retract half or all of them. Stylish and fireproof would be so cool. I'd love one for teaching students.

Making Pets Into Glass Beads

Meet Jasmine the Hamster. She's a likable sort. Soft, fluffy, and this one doesn't escape, unless it's your idea.

Jasmine is a glass bead- oh about 1.5" long and a little more than half an inch tall. She's a great little focal bead for hamster lovers, but would also look delightful on a stand or sitting by a computer. I think she'd make a great ornament too.

Jasmine used to live in my Etsy shop, http://www.StudioMarcy.etsy.com along with a fun selection of other glass goodies. She's been adopted, but stop by and say hi to her friends.

Cooking in Your Kiln- Yes, You Read It Right

Earlier this month, I posted on facebook that I was curious how others had used their kiln besides for their art. I received a lovely assortment of responses...

Besides the typical form for heating drinks or keeping them warm, there were quite a few folks who make pizza in theirs.

But it was intriguing to read about some of the other creative answers...Gwynne has cooked a turkey in hers. Rashan has made beer can chicken and was so sweet to pass on this website which gives recipes for cooking a turkey and also for a New York Steak (pictured above). I can't wait to try them!

Of course other glass peeps mentioned that they use their torches for cooking too- hot dogs, s'mores, pop tarts and creme brullee. And one of my favorite responses, this one from Leah, mentioned that she had heard that an artist did a demo where she cast ladles of glass out of the furnace and then cooked pancakes on it. Oh, how I'd love to see that.

Now, one more thing...if you haven't friended me on facebook yet, I really wish you would. There's a great network of artists there and what fun it is to see what everyone is doing. Just click the link above.

Great View!

My buddy Jim Berry of Austin's Blue Moon Glassworks recently shared this photo of his friend's fence adjustment for "May" the Basset Hound.

How can you not smile when seeing this photo?

Pirate Festival- Arrrrgh! and a Schooner Too!

I saw this upcoming 3rd Annual St. Arrrgustine Pirate Festival coming up this weekend and smiled. Looks like a bunch of fun.

I guess it's a self named group of re-enactors, living historians and casual pirates who gather each year for a weekend in St. Augustine, Florida. All kinds of activities- from weapons demonstrations and a thieves' market, to stories, shanties and I'm guess some pretty crazy parties as well.

Here is the website in case you're in the area.

But what interests me even more, is finding out about the privateer wooden sailing ship the Lynx. This schooner was recently built to create a living history museum and modeled on the original historic tall ship the Lynx from the War of 1812. I see it will be in Florida until February and hope to get down there to see it in person. Sailing on a tall ship has been on my bucket list for a long time. While this isn't exactly the same, it might be as close as I can get.

Simply Shiny Blog

I really enjoy this blog and think that perhaps you might not have discovered it yet. Kristy writes about Artfire, Etsy and some of the technical things that we artists need to follow as well as her own jewelry that she makes (I really like it!) and a little about life.

Not staying up with the online selling details like I should, I seem to learn something new quite often.

So pop by and take a peek. Click here!

And I'd love for you to post links in the comment section of some of your favorite blogs. Tell us what you like about them. (And of course post your own with a big star!)

Chub...One of Santa's Helpers

Little Chub just adores Christmas. Each year he dresses up in his antlers and gets ready to daydream about the big day. He still wishes he could fly, but honestly, who doesn't?

Chub is waiting for adoption in my Etsy shop. Pop by and give him an "attaboy".

Day of the Dead Partying

So last Saturday night, we joined our good buddy Rick for a Day of the Dead party and a great little hidden restaurant in Atlanta. These are two of the decorations that are on the walls.

There was a surf-salsa band which kept us tapping our toes and the cute little kids dancing up a storm. Even the wait staff were dressed up.

But the best part was the food. I had something similar to Elote, which is Mexican corn on the cob done with a twist. So read the recipe below from www.allrecipes.com and just take the corn off the cob and add a good little sprinkling of chili powder for an extra kick. Yum!

Elote

Ingredients

• 4 ears corn, shucked
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup grated cotija cheese
• 4 wedges lime (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat.
2. Grill corn until hot and lightly charred all over, 7 to 10 minutes, depending on the temperature of the grill. Roll the ears in melted butter, then spread evenly with mayonnaise. Sprinkle with cotija cheese and serve with a lime wedge. (and add some chili powder too!)

I Didn't Forget Thanksgiving!

Just so you don't think that I've forgotten Thanksgiving, please meet "Punkin". She's one of my "sweetie pies". Perfect for any time, and available in my Etsy shop.

Don't forget, I love custom orders and now is the time to let me know, so your dream bead can be made in plenty of time for Christmas. I can make them into pendants if needed or ornaments too. And in case you're a Pandora bracelet type of person, I make sculptural big hold beads as well. Just contact me through my Etsy shop or email me at StudioMarcy@gmail.com.

Change De Clocks!

Hello. Did you remember? "Spring forward, fall back"....to sleep!

See you tomorrow when you're wide awake again.