Where Are YOU?

I have a website that helps me track my blog viewers and other information. www.statcounter.com

So what I would like to know...is where do you live?

Please comment and let me know. It's exciting to see how spread out we all are.
Looking forward to hearing from you....

Show Off Your ART

It feels like "pillow week" around here, but there was one other that I wanted to show you.

This pillow was made by Gerry White, our SE Regional Director and owner of Beads by Design, where our Southern Flames group meets.

Gerry took photos from last year's Southern Flames postcard and made them into fabric iron on appliques and then she made a pillow around them.

That's my gnome in the bottom center of it- and I wasn't the winner on the bidding, but I sure loved seeing the results.

Glass Casting Couch

Are you interested in glass casting?

I recently checked out this fun and informative website written by Gaffer Glass and think you might want to enjoy it too.

Pillows- Hooray!

Do you ever look at appliqued pillows for design inspiration?

I found a couple at Layla Grace's website, that I like a lot.

This one in particular has a great graphic design of three different flower choices.

The complementary color combination has always been a favorite of mine too.

Do you have favorite websites for this kind of inspiration? How about listing them in the comment section and sharing with us?

10 Year Old Glassblower

Ten year -old Theoren Hanks is a glassblowing kid whose parents decided to homeschool him so he could pursue his craft.

He's focused and commuting weekly from Sacramento to Public Glass in San Francisco.

You can read the entire article here. And visit Theoren's website here.

I bet there are a lot of us who wish we had found glass at such a young age. What a joy to see kids with passion and parents who support it.

My thanks to Mona who originally posted the article on facebook-you can find her Gaffer Glass website here.

Foja Mountain Frogs

Photographer Tim Laman shot some brilliant photos of frogs and other wildlife in remote New Guinea's Foja Mountains.

And National Geographic made them their photos of the month.

This one happens to be a Tree frog (Nyctimystes humeralis), but you'll see quite a variety in the photo series.

And looking at it from my glass and art perspective, what appealed to me is the fine texture on the skin, seeing their feet up close so my froggy toes look more correct when I make them and what really caught my eye, is their eyes. The cornea's brown "roadmap" pattern is very intriguing to me. That even by itself, looks like something I'd like to try in glass. The color, pattern and even how it looks encased. Hmmm, something new to ponder.

If you have ideas about it that you'd like to share, post away please! And otherwise, I'll see you here tomorrow!

Sparky's Home!

It's my birthday today. Yep, not the easiest thing to admit, but I'm really old.

And I really had only one wish for my birthday gift. I wanted my family to be all together for it. But that's a big wish, because my daughter, Sparky, seems to be traveling most of the year.

From working in Antarctica, to visiting New Zealand, Tasmania, Australia, Japan and then biking in Hawaii, she was gone about 9 months and just returned. The last time I had seen her was about last June.

Quite honestly, that's kind of hard on a Mom. So I am absolutely delighted that she's home. . Woohoo! The family is complete. Now all I want is a little cake (coconut, if I'm lucky) and ice cream and all is complete.

See you tomorrow...because the rest of today I'm celebrating!

Tonight- Demo by Loren Stump at FlameTree Glass

I'm excited about tonight's free demo by glass master, Loren Stump at FlameTree Glass in Atlanta.

Loren has been teaching his week long beginners' class and offered to do a demo for our local Southern Flames chapter. What a nice gesture.

I'm hoping that he will have his new tools to show us. You can see them here.

See you tomorrow. It will be a personal post...(pssst, it's my birthday!)

2010 Sixth Annual Glass Addiction Alphabet Marble Contest

2010 Sixth Annual Glass Addiction Alphabet Marble Contest

Oh my! Do you make marbles? The deadline for the Sixth Annual Glass Addiction Alphabet Marble Contest is rapidly approaching. Like June 1st!

Glass artists may choose any letter. The complete rules are here.

You might want to look at the winners and entries from previous years too. What a lot of talent in one place. So much to enjoy.

And please notice Margaret Zinzer's fantastic marble, "Zinser's Zeitgeist" which she hand painted with enamels on a cooled base and then put it back into the flame to vitrify. I love it.

Weekly Theme Word Challenges

Oh you know how so many of us are on Facebook any more. And it seems like we're always being asked to join some group on it.

When "Play on Words" lampwork challenge started up, I jumped at the chance. Not only were my friends joining in, but it also has a weekly new word in which we need to interpret.

This top photo was made for the word, "sinister". That type of word usually isn't representative of my style of glass, so it was important to see if I could make a bead that I didn't want to make cuter.

The lower photo was for the word, "whoosh". I wanted to show the wind blowing a child's hair and skirt. I had a lot of fun with this one.

So you can tell, each week we receive a new challenge. This week is Tutti Fruity. Oh heavens...I have no idea what I'm doing next. There's always the Chiquita Banana type lady, but it seems like perhaps I need to find something a little different.

Any ideas? I'm open to all possibilities. And if you haven't friended me on facebook, please do.

Turquoise Earrings- What a Selection!

I love seeing the season's selection of earrings at BergdorfGoodman.com and each spring, I look for the ones which incorporate shades of my favorite color, turquoise.

I took a screen shot of six that are next to each other on the page, and was very interested at how different each pair is.

It reminds me that often in art, we think if we tend to work in a certain color, that our work may look too similar. But just look at the unifying factor and yet the vast difference in each one.

So which pair is your favorite? I'm interested to know. If you can isolate the reason why you like it, I'd love to hear that too. I think both our glass and jewelry artists would love to know.

Birthday Wish #1

Geez, I'm getting old and about to get older really soon. Like in a week. And it's getting easier to answer my kids what it was like when the dinosaurs roamed the earth. As I become older and wiser, I find that I need less, (well, to be honest, except for glass, tools and other flamework stuff like that.)

But one of my two wishes this year is to help raise funds for the non profit, Beads of Courage. It's hard not to love this group. They are growing like gangbusters, helping really sick kids and families deal with crummy illnesses and bringing smiles to their faces. The beads represent milestones of courage and help tell the kids' stories.

I've been asking my facebook friends to donate by clicking here. Or on their website, you can donate here, (and please tell them that I sent you!) In return, I will draw two donor names out of a hat and they will receive something very special from me. If you donate directly to the BOC website instead of through facebook, be sure to let me know, so I am sure to add you to the hat.

I know it's a lot to ask in this economy. But making a difference in people's lives will bring you more joy than an inexpensive dinner out- and it will fill you up in a totally different, non-caloric way.

I'll tell you my second Birthday wish in a few days and don't worry, it's just good stuff and I'm not asking you to do anything. You can just join me in the big smile it brings.

See you tomorrow. We'll talk glass and creativity...promise.

Southern Flames Silent Auction Big Success!

Saturday night was our Southern Flames Silent Auction. Well over $4,000 were raised with 25% going to Beads of Courage. I'm so excited!

We had many very generous donors and you can see a list with their donations and websites on our Southern Flames' website...here. We still need another few days to get more photos up and ones from Saturday evening as well. So pop by and check it out and come back again. It makes a wonderful resource section for you.

See you tomorrow right here!

Carolyn Morris Bach Jewelry Artist

About a month ago, I visited the American Craft Council Show in Atlanta and was delighted to meet and enjoy the jewelry of Carolyn Morris Bach.

Have you ever found a piece of art that just speaks to you in volumes? Carolyn's work made me feel that way. I walked into her beautifully appointed booth and was immediately enchanted.

You see, Carolyn combines two of my favorite subject matters- birds and faces. I would go from one piece to the next and love each and every one of them. They have simple lines, yet the details are wonderful. The faces are sweet and the birds interesting. Now if only I can convince my family that I "need" some of this for Mothers Day.

3 2 1 Blast Off!

I'm so proud I can almost burst. To me, it's so meaningful to have had some of my lampwork glass beads chosen to go up into outer space.

Here is a photo of my four beads which are blasting off in today's NASA Space Shuttle. You can see all of the beads chosen by a jury to represent Beads of Courage in space if you click here.

Beads of Courage is a non profit supporting seriously ill children who is teaming up with athletes and astronauts to show how making goals and being courageous is important. You can read about it here.

But meanwhile, you can bet, that I'll be right in front of my television this afternoon. Excited that my tiny little bit of art is doing something I'll never do- aim for the stars.

From Album to Super Heroes

Tremendously talented illustrator Cliff Chiang has

recently caught my eye.

In this instance, he has taken well known 1980's album covers and reinterpreted them as comic book heroes.

Who knew that the Breakfast Club could become even more iconic and classic than it already was?

If you enjoy this style of art, or the superhero way, check out Cliff's website here.

Being easily amused, I also like his "Loose Lips Bring Down Starships" piece. It reminds me of my grandmother and her pithy saying. Some folks just know how to make an old saying new again.

And as you know, there's usually an additional hook. How it relates to glass in my personal way of thinking...

well, this one is easy.

Comic books and Cliff all show the human form in many different poses. I'm always looking for ways to express movement (even if I'm not doing it well yet) and this is a great way to find more "action" poses to add to my inspiration file. He has some black and white sketches on his site that work really well for me. Action heroes often show the muscles and shapes - as a little simplified, which is exactly what works best for me.

See you tomorrow- same time, same place.. up, up and awaaaaaaaay!

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday Sparky, where ever you are!

Each year as my daughter's birthday rolls by, I get a little misty missing her. She's always out living life to the fullest all over the world and I'm so very happy for her, but it also means that I really miss seeing her too.

So Sparky, in case you're online, I wanted you to know that I'm thinking of you. Happy Birthday, enjoy your Hawaiian bike adventure. Hope you continue to see lunar rainbows, explore new places, find waterfalls and make new friends.

Love,

Mom

Shoes- Patterns, Textures...Mix It Up!

Daily, I receive an email from Endless.com, advertising their shoes du jour. Now, how I can survive this punishment and avoid going broke while perusing all the enticing shoes is beyond me.

But practicing meditation and maturity, I try to look at the ads through an artistic eye, instead of the "I wish/want" point of view. Which brings me to the focus of today's blog.

Did you happen to see how many stripe/line/color patterns and textures are on this particular model by Marc Jacobs? Wow!

And of course, I look at it as how does it relate to beads? (Can't help myself)

So all the colors, patterns, textures... just how do they relate to glass? I'm not sure exactly. But what I did notice, was that I like the smooth and woven texture together- which could be interpreted through stamps or even acid etched glass with some part of the smooth glass reserved. And the four different stripe patterns-did you notice how that caramel color unifies them? Have you made anything in glass (or another medium) that would be an interpretation of the multi patterns and textures? If so, post a link in the comments section. We'd all love to take a peek.

And I'll see you tomorrow, same time, same place...http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com

Free Online Branding Seminar Tomorrow

I received an email from Office Depot which offers a free 60 minute online seminar, "Avoid Legal Headaches When Branding Your Business".

More and more, I am seeing these free opportunities show up in my in box. I like that.

This one is tomorrow, (May 11) at 4 pm EST. You need to sign up in advance to get in. So... is this something that interests you? If I didn't have a private lesson scheduled, I'd be there. So tell you what, if you attend, could you let me know the highlights from it? I think this could be useful for us. I know social media is being discussed during the presentation.

And if you find out about any good FREE online seminars, let me know. I'll post them for everyone to have the opportunity.

See you tomorrow!

Happy Mothers Day!

Happy Mothers Day
Wishing you a day to remember

I took this photo at the Atlanta Symphony's Decorators Show House a week ago. Today is its final day. Pop by if you are in the area. It's gorgeous!

My family and I are taking a walking tour today and lunch on a sunny patio somewhere. Hope you too, have a lovely day of memories.

Found: Custom Stenciled Portraits

I saw this Etsy item featured on iVillage and had to take a closer look. What a great idea!

For those of us who tend towards "non-traditional", this could be a lovely substitute for the pastel portrait of children. (although I have wonderful ones of those too which my Mom painted).

I can't see this arriving in time for Mother's Day, but why not keep this idea for other gifts? This kind of personalization, is what I love. Faces, places, memories...and reminders of those special times. Here is the link to the Etsy shop. You'll find other options open too.

Light Me Up!

Lights everywhere!

While in Murano, we were lucky to visit a delightful little hidden light shop with glass and crystal chandeliers.

You can see our looks of wonder as we learned that we could design our own colors, patterns and styles within their parameters. In fact, one of our class members did just that.

Another class member was exploring the possibility of checking into purchasing a chandelier skeleton, (I don't know the correct term for it), so that they could use their own glass to create a light of their own style.

Ah the possibilities....

See you tomorrow for another blog about creativity, fun, glass or who knows what! http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com

Etsy Treasury Fun

I received an email telling me that I was placed in an Etsy treasury by Susan . My little glass sunny side up egg is among some delicious looking breakfast art, and of course immediately got me jonesing for an aromatic piece of bacon.

The pancakes look pretty good too.

And all of it is hard to believe that my brain is fooled by mostly textiles.

My eggs tend to move pretty quickly in my Etsy shop and often folks ask for bacon, toast, S*bucks coffee mugs, pancakes and sometimes even a glass of orange juice.

This treasury will expire very soon. But pop by my shop, and Susan's to see some fun items.

Bridging the Gap

While strolling around the island of Murano, our group happened to notice the roman numerals dating one of the bridges over the canal.

Trying to hearken back to our old elementary school days, (for me, back in the days of dinosaurs), we couldn't be exactly sure of the date.

So the next easiest thing to do, is to snap a quick photo and the double check our guesses.

But let's make this one step easier.

Ah the joy of the internet. I went to http://www.novaroma.org/via_romana/numbers.html where it did the conversion for me.

This bridge was built in 1858. The roman numerals, in case you can't read them are: MDCCCLVIII.

It is a bit awesome, in the truest sense of the word, to contemplate who else has walked across the same little bridge. When being on a small island with so much history in my chosen glass art form, I have to stop and think about it. Who has gone before and who will travel across it after.

I hope my friends, if you haven't yet had the opportunity that some day you too will get the chance. And when you cross it and see the date, please pause for a second, remember this post and contemplate the same thing. How such a big world has become smaller with time and options- and remember those who have traveled before us and will come after too.

LOST Bingo Cards- Who Knew?

I am almost a little concerned to admit it, but I have never watched the tv show, LOST. But, I do have dear friends who are absolutely enamored with it.

So in their honor, I am posting a website which has free LOST cards for playing LOST Bingo.

I did not know this is a game typically played, but when the word "FREE" pops up, I'm there.

So here is the Bingo link for your show fans. I hope you enjoy them and please let me know if you actually play it some time. Probably beats the "Hi Bob" game we played in college...lol.

Graceful Hands in Glass

One of the many items that my teacher, Lucio Bubacco demonstrated, (or as he said, "do a performance"), were tiny little graceful hands made from glass.

The size of the hand itself, is about the same as the first joint of my pinky finger.

So you can imagine my awe in watching him not only sculpt this marvelous little treasure, but to do it with a large rod of glass. For you glass folks, this isn't our usual size that we buy in the States, but the thicker ones that are more available in Italy. Geesh!

Needless to say, practicing this was high on my agenda, and to be honest, high on my "not yet achieved" list too. My glass hands looked more like they were from some Zombie B Movie, than one owned by a prima ballerina. But they will remain on my list until I am more satisfied with how they turn out. I know the age old "practice, practice, practice, will bring my desired results....eventually.