Austin Trip...Early Morning Communing with Nature

I'm back from Austin and had to show you what we did early Tuesday morning before I left. I went Stand Up Paddling for the first time with fellow beadmaker Anastasia and Jim Berry of Austin's Blue Moon Glassworks. I have to be honest- a lot of my time was spent kneeling, because I'm a little shaky still and Ana & Jim were so good. But it was a lot of fun. Lady Bird Lake was serenely beautiful and you can see the skyline in the distance. We spotted turtles, ducks, herons and even swans. I'm hoping we'll get a chance to go again, next time I visit.

X Ray Photography

I recently ran across this cool photography by Jim Whetje. He has overlapped and x-ray photographed seashells to form this koala piece. There is a variety of other x-ray photography on his site from dolls and heavy machinery to the most fragile flowers, check it out. I love it!

Where's Waldo?

Remember those books with the striped shirt guy hiding somewhere? This is a quick shot of some of my tangled bead mess. I feel like Waldo should be popping up somewhere in the middle of it.

I'll be home tomorrow and ready to blog about my class with Anastasia. See you then!

Austin Bead Society

I'm currently in Austin, Texas again. This time to take a class, instead of teach it. But before I discuss that, I wanted to show you just a little bit of one of the display cases at the Austin Airport.

Wow, the Austin Bead Society sure knows how to put on a great show. Gorgeous work by a variety of artists, prime location for many folks to see it, and great big posters publicizing their group.

I'm hoping that this kind of enterprise is mirrored in other locations. What has your art group done recently to help the members? This is so cool. Hats off to the Austin Bead Society. Great job!

Sunday Funnies

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

Brian Dowdall

Meet contemporary Folk Artist, Brian Dowdall whose paintings brought an immediate smile to my face. I knew when looking at his work that he would be as much fun as his work. (or is it play?). He is. And a nice guy too.

Brian was very proud to tell me about his upcoming year long show at the American Visionary Art Museum. He is included in "What Makes Us Smile". So very true.

So pop by his website. I personally think art should make us feel an emotion. And for me, Brian's folk art's colorful simplicity and style brings out twinkle and a grin and a jolt of happiness that is always welcome.

My Phone Is Off For You

I saw this website and the concept really resonated with me. It seems like every time I go out to eat, many of tables have multiple occupants texting, checking emails, or talking on the phone, instead of chatting with each other.

As a person married to someone who is constantly working and mom to 2 kids, I know that when the phone is physically turned off, at least there's a better chance to have a real face-to-face conversation. Can't help it- I really love conversations with good eye contact and folks focused in on the topic. I know, "old school".

According to the website, the handkerchief shown above actually blocks the phone signal. Although this is a wonderful idea, (in my mind), I can see physically turning off the phone works equally well.

So what do you say? Spread the word? Tweet, text, blog, call- just don't do it during dinner.

Just Discovered Artist

My husband and I were visiting West Greenville, S.C.'s art fair and stopped by ArtBomb Co.'s artist co-op to look around. The first artist we encountered was pushing her scooter on the old hardwood floors and offered to give us a tour. It's always a delight to view art through a child's eyes, especially one who has grown up in the environment.

Helena not only showed us her work, her studio -(pictured above) located in a hidey hole underneath the staircase, but other important places inside and outside of the building...including the outdoor shower, the garden and pictures of the resident dog.

I'm sure you have already guessed, but I bought her piece and it's in my office now. In fact, I offered double of what it was for sale- $2.

I will be blogging more about our adventure. I met some very interesting artists, each who deserve their own post.

See you tomorrow.

Voting for Beads of Courage- $20k up for grabs

Oh we're past halfway through the month with still a chance to receive more funding for the kids. Please go to BeadsofCourage.org to vote daily through the end of this month. It is a simple way to make a difference in others' lives by investing just a few minutes.

And could you do me a favor please? Spread the word. Facebook, twitter, blogs, groups you belong to, online forums all help the cause. Just a few minutes of your time to help sick kids....pretty easy in this very busy world we live in.

Thanks so much.

Marcy

Pack of Friendly Dogs

Last week I taught sculptural soft glass at Austin's Blue Moon Glassworks and here is the group of dogs that my students made. I was so proud of them and their cute little guys. This was the first sculptural glass class for most of them. Hooray!

Gypsum & Quartz

I was strolling down the T Concourse at the Atlanta Airport a little over a week ago, (strolling, because I was early for a change), and saw a great display. Here are two photos- Quartz and Gypsum. I loved the colors, texture and size of them. If there is anyone who can tell us more about them, please speak up. I know there are some experts who read this blog. (p.s.- sorry I'm running late today- just got back from out of town!)

Drinks- Magnified

Thanks to Michael Davidson of Florida State who decided to see what drinks look like under a microscope. Originally, Davidson used the patterns for neckties and then he sold the license to the images to a businessman. Crystallization and magnification sure makes gorgeous art. Who knew?

$20,000 Grant Jimmie Johnson Foundation - Please Vote

Beads of Courage has another voting competition going on. Beads of Courage received a $10,000 grant from the Jimmie Johnson Foundation (NASCAR) and the Samsung Helmet of Hope. They entered us into an opportunity to gain $20,000 in additional funding.

This money would be used to put our Creative Courage Journal Program in the hands of more than 5,000 children who are coping with chronic conditions or experiencing long hospitalizations due to their disease process. The Beads of Courage Creative Courage Journal Program helps children process intense emotions and worries that they have. In the spirit of our mission and all Beads of Courage Programs, we exist to help children RECORD, TELL and OWN their story of SURVIVAL!

Vote here:

Samsung Helmet of Hope


You can sign up for a daily reminder list here:
http://www.beadsofcourage.org/pages/mailinglist.htm

Everyone is welcome and the list will be deleted after the contest.

Thanks for any help you can give! Please feel free to spread the word to your local group!

Clockwork Sunflower Pin

I noticed this pin the other day on Modern Artisans website and just fell in love with it.

It's by Jim Mullan and Tori Rhoades and can be found right here. I like the combination of the clock face with nature element and of course the color. It has some of my beloved aqua in it, which always is a stand out.

I also noticed the photography with the flower kind of "pointing" towards the pin. The background is simple, but not too simple with the pattern behind the solid color. Nice!

See you tomorrow.

Hooters For Hooters-

Ha ha, okay tell me the truth. What were you really thinking this would be about?

Actually this is a very serious subject to me, but I'm trying to keep it lighthearted. I will be listing my special breast cancer awareness owl beads starting tomorrow in the afternoon in my etsy shop, http://www.StudioMarcy.etsy.com. Each one is different. Half of the proceeds will be donated to the Susan B. Komen Foundation in honor of my sister. She was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and actually today is having some surgery today. So please join me in sending warm, healthy thoughts her way.

I'll be putting up new owls pretty much daily as they sell. So check back often. And if you'd like one made to order, I'm happy to do that too. Join me in making a small difference and fighting against breast cancer.

Cody Nicely

Last week I took a class with a cool, glassblower named Cody Nicely. This guy is someone to watch. At 24 years old, he's rocking the soft glass as a blower and making some outstanding pieces. Besides that, he's already hooked into great galleries, has collectors, shows at ACC and other places that many folks aspire to.

So watch him. I think this guy is going big places. Talent, drive, hard work and with all his success, a heck of a nice person as well.

p.s. who couldn't like someone who names their piece, "New Squid On The Block"?

Contemplating Fonts

It's funny. How you write your business name reflects who you are. And it's as important as first impressions in person. So as I'm working on a long overdue website redo, (http://www.studiomarcy.com), I'm trying to figure out who I am as a glass artist and who I want to be.

I want to show artistic and somewhat whimsical with a side of serious too. Because that's where my beads are. I have a few series of beads and glass that would be unrecognizable as mine, unless I told you, because they aren't colorful and whimsical. But the problem is...I like them too and want to show them.

So I'm searching for the right font for my Studio Marcy logo. If you have a favorite, please post it and let me know. I'd love to see what you find or think would work well. and I have a favorite in the group that I posted in the photo. Do you? Which one do you think fits me the best?

Plant Texture

Last weekend we were heading for rooftop margaritas, when I spied these plants in a tiny area. I love the texture of them. They made me want to reach right out and touch them. (I don't know what kind they are...anyone know?) But the cool light color against the warm bright green as well as the spiky against the frilly sure made me smile.

So here you are. Just a little something that caught my eye. Do you have natural textures that intrigue you? Got a link to post and let all of us see a photo?

Meet My Latest Custom Order

This little guy is very, very ill and his owner's friend asked me to make him into an angel. What a sweet gesture. He's a clumber spaniel with white wings and has a little brown spot on top of his head, that they call his kissing spot. I know other owners who kiss their pups right there too.

In fact, once a neighbor told me that her pet had a permanent red mark where her lipstick would slightly color the fur, because she kissed him so often. That sure makes me smile.

So join me in thinking warm thoughts for this little guy. My original photos show that he's just precious and I'm sad for the owner. I hope this little token will bring a smile to her face, when she's thinking of him.

I"m Back at Blue Moon Austin, TX

I'm down in Austin, TX, getting ready for my class at Blue Moon Glassworks that starts Saturday. I'm staying with the delightful Rose & Jim Berry, who are the owners. They always make me feel like part of the family and so welcome. Rose even beats me at Scrabble every time I visit. (One of these years, I'll win...just not sure which one, to be honest.) Jim teaches me something new about glass each time- he knows a lot about stained glass and fusing and I trade technique and tool chat about lampworking. I treasure their friendship and wonderful hospitality.

So if you're in the area, stop by and visit. I'll be here for a few days and would love to see you.

Boom-A-Rang Mobie

My buddy Leah makes these marvelous mobiles out of glass. She has a wonderful variety from mini ones, to very large. You can even find a "Make Your Own Mobile Kit" there too. Stop by Leah's Etsy Shop to see more.

Just Click and Enjoy

Joe Imler posted this, and I blatantly stole it and posted it here. As he says, it's a Rube Goldberg style. I guess I always enjoyed lining up dominoes, setting up the game, mousetrap and just a basic fan of cause and effect. Hope you enjoy this one.

Renewing Vowels- Funny

I was supposed to be in Cape May NJ this weekend for a wedding, but the weather kept us from flying in. (darn it). In honor of our missed appearance, enjoy this comic. It makes me laugh.

Cupcake Heaven

My friend, Sylvie Lansdowne turned me on to this website. If you want easy recipes and the eye candy photos to go with them, click right here. It's called "Ming Makes Cupcakes"...and she makes cookies and scones too- and shares her recipes.

It might be lucky that Ming doesn't live near me, or I'd be visiting her often.

See you Sunday

Emilio Santini

I am currently in a three day class with Emilio Santini at FlameTree Glass. I'm doing his soft glass human form class while his other boro goblet class starts on Saturday. I'll post photos when I'm done.

He's a blast. His teaching style is perfect for my learning style. Not only will he repeat his demos (sometimes over and over- okay, I'm a slow learner when it comes to human form in the Italian style --I keep wanting to flash the piece in the flame and then limbs start dropping all over the place) And he is very verbal in his explanations... Emilio started working in glass at 11 years old in Murano and his years of experience really give him the knowledge to explain so much. Besides, I get to hear his lovely Italian accent which is so lyrical.

So, more later. But for now, just wanted you to know, that if you get an opportunity to take a class from him, jump at the chance. I've learned so much and day one is just over.

Whisper Owl Garden Statue

I saw this Whisper Owl Garden Statue on MyDeco.com website. I couldn't help thinking, this sure looks like inspiration for a bead for me. What do you think? I like the swirls and texture, and the shape. Elements will be perfect to take and run with them.

What do you think? Which elements inspire you or interest you?