Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween!  Enjoy your day and ....perfect reason to indulge in a little chocolate.

Be Art

Want your Facebook profile photo to be displayed in London's National Portrait Gallery? How about in the Louvre or NYC's Met?  If this Facebook page gets one million "likes", it's a done deal.

Here is the the link and then share with your friends.  (caution, there is some "language" in the youtube promo, if you have kids around.)

I hope it works out. I'd have my photo with my kitty, Zeus.  That would be awesome.

I look at it as Why Not?  Blog, share and get the word out.  Ha ha, as an artist, this might be my fastest way to be displayed there. ;)  Here's mine!

Love The Close Ups!

Macro photography has always held my interest.  Patterns, details and perhaps seeing things I wouldn't see otherwise, fascinate me.  This holds true for David Littschwager's photo, "The Pigment of a Blue Button Jellyfish Blocks Ultraviolet Rays".  Long title and cool photo.  It makes me want to check out more of his photography and I could see buying this one for my studio.

I found it here, on Art.com.  I love using this website as a resource.  And there is so much more on it too.    Sometimes it's looking at percentages of colors that combine together, sometimes it's actual art, and other times, just thinking about how pretty everything is.

See you tomorrow.  For another post about life, art, craft or something interesting that has caught my eye.  Bye!

Christmas Ornament Inspiration

I saw this ornament on Pier 1's website and thought that I would use it as inspiration for a sculptural dove ornament that I make.  I've always loved what they mean and that is a part of the holiday for me.

So keep an eye out for my latest.  I've been working on all kinds of styles for Christmas.  It's one of my favorite times of the year and I love handmade, one of kind little treasures for my personal tree and to sell.

What are you working on that is new and handmade for the holidays?  Feel free to post a link with your response.  Let's share the love.
Peace out,
Marcy.

Advertising and Pointing The Viewer's Eyes

I love this ad.  And if you know me, you are laughing knowing that I would never wear tapered jeans.

But I do love the lines of it and how it works.

Squint your eyes a bit and watch where your eyes go...

Do you see how his body not only shows the product, but his top foot actually points to the company name and logo?  and how his bottom leg frames the headline and and is in line for the online viewer to click to find out more?  Pretty cool isn't it?

As artisans, a lot of folks in our community have to make up little ads.  We tend to try to stuff lots of information into it and don't always look to see where the viewers' eyes will travel.  I know that's me some of the time for sure!

So I just wanted to show you what I think works really well and also to remind myself what is important, if I want someone to take that expanded look.

See you tomorrow!

It's Getting Spookier

With all my seasonal Christmas show work that needs to be done, I have to be careful to take time to enjoy Halloween.  In this line of art, we need to make our seasonal products in advance, so that jewelry making buyers have time to create their finished pieces. So I'm in the middle of Christmas, before Halloween even passes.  And we all know, this is a really fun time of year.

It's not that I like "spooky", but it's more like it's time for people to be creative.  Whether it's the funny food that is a riff on the holiday, or the costumes and decorations, it's almost like this holiday gives people permission to be out of their traditional life a bit.

I have this little bride of frankenstein vignette in my etsy shop.  She is a bead and so is the owl.  They are fully removable for wearing, or they can stay on their mulberry root stand.  The tree can not be worn.  My suggestion is to get those change a bead pendants so you can switch back and forth.  (Her dress is my favorite part.  It really looks like there is movement and fabric, instead of opaque glass.)

Now, if I can just stay out of the candy until this season is over.  Of course I like that aspect too.  Chocolate and candy corns.  Save me your Mounds Bars...mmmmm.

Carl Turner's Art

If you know me at all, I enjoy unique and creative.  And from the looks of Carl Turner's art, it comes in all shapes and sizes.

Does it make you wonder if he enjoyed Dr. Seuss books as a child?

Fascinated by the Fascinator

Arturo Rios of the Etsy shop of the same name, has created this fabulous fascinator.  Now I know that it isn't for every occasion, but it sure looks lovely on the model.

I am loving it, because she would make a wonderful inspiration for a mermaid bead wearing these aqua leaves.  I am thinking a dark haired beauty wearing an aqua fascinator is in my creative glass future.

Now the big question is...would you wear a fascinator?  One this fancy or something different?  As most of my readers are creative types, would you try to make your own headpiece first or would you directly buy one?  enquiring minds want to know.

Pumpkin Ornament- It's not just for orange lovers.

CatnipStudioToo's Pumpkin Ornament really caught my eye today.  I love the bold graphic style that has been decoupaged onto it.

If you go to the listing, look at the bottom photo of the grouping of various pumpkins done in different patterns but still neutral colors.

Do you like it too?  (glass artists, are you thinking "beads"?)

Larger Than Life Santa

Santa is in the house!  Okay, well he is in my Etsy shop and that's as close to the house as I can get.  And he is larger than life, because the photo is bigger than he is in real life.  This Santa runs about 2"-ish. 

This one is a thoughtful Santa.  He's debating whether his elves will be ready on time and whether he can lose the last 5 lbs, so he can eat all the cookies that are left out for him.

But seriously, he can be worn as a focal bead or a quick wire wrap can make him into a wonderful one of a kind Christmas ornament too.

He's in my online shop, http://www.studiomarcy.etsy.com

Gear Geek Light Switch...Love It

Okay, so I changed the name for the headline, but I bet you envisioned something not as cool as this.  I found it and some other models in the Uncommon Goods catalogue, which has to be one of my favorites out there.

You can find the Toggle Switch  Plate (laser cut steampunk light switch cover) right HERE.  I would be so amused if I had one.  I don't know why I like watching gears go around and make other things work.  Perhaps it was some childhood toy that caused it.  But I love the movement.

See you tomorrow!

Table Top Vertical Glass Storage Tip

I am always looking for better ways to store my glass on my studio table. So when I spotted this sturdy metal storage Handi Shelf when I was at Carlisle Machinery (home of the Mini CC and other fine burners), I had to buy it.

They make them there and ship them flat with easy assembly instructions. Yep, even I can do it. And I like the eight slightly angled shelves- so the rods won't roll off. I can sort my glass by beads that I am working on, or even put lots of tools on it and know it will hold them.

I know other Glass Stock East participants scooped some up, but they had more in stock ready to ship when I left yesterday. You can find them at http://www.carlislemachine.com

Tomorrow I will tell you more about Glass Stock. See you then.

Cooler Outside, Ready For Wool?

I am in NJ today, (no Snooki sightings), and the air is crisp! As torching is hard to do in one's hotel room, I brought my wool roving and needles for felting. I am thinking little thin bangles, but I am open to other ideas. What would you make with these yummy colors?

Santa Is In The House

You'd better watch out...oh wait, a little early for that.  But I am working on my holiday inventory for shows and my Etsy shop.   It's a crazy year this year, and I need any head start I can get.

So I popped this fun loving, striped trouser with suspenders hipster wannabe Santa into my etsy shop, in case you too, are trying to stay ahead.

You can find him here.  He would make a great miniature ornament or pendant, and he particularly enjoys hanging out near you on a desk or other flat surface to make sure you are behaving yourself.

Here's a hint:  I just turn him towards the wall, when I want to misbehave.  It works!

See you tomorrow. I'll be in New Jersey getting ready for Glass Stock East at Carlisle Machinery.  Can't wait to use their wonderful burners...(Santa, I'd really love a Lucio Burner for Christmas!)

Zeus...Today's Feature

Zeus was feeling left out, so today he gets to be the star. I have been in and out of town so much, I am sure it's been hard on him. I am grateful his pet sitters are so good! And with this photo, I can quickly pull it up on my iPad and smile, when I am missing him.

While In California...

Of course we couldn't resist. This is one of the photos from Sugar Hill, a wonderful old building used to house eight winery tasting rooms. But one of my favorite tastings was of different balsamic vinegars. Have to admit, they were very tasty.

Another Fun Hotel This Week

From a Hostel with a pirate flag last week, to a Riverboat Hotel this week, it's been quite a series of trips.  (Next week's hotel is a lot tamer!)

We're staying on the docked Delta King Riverboat this time.  Built in 1927, it is the sister ship to the famous Delta Queen.
(and if you are wondering-  no, Zeus didn't get to come along- he's home with the house sitter).

I'll tell you more about this trip next week, after I compile my photos.  See you then!

Fall Winter Trends..This One Could Be For Some of Us

So the Accessories website said that "Haute Craft" is one of the trends for this Fall and Winter season.  They described it as, "The comforts of home are brought on the road as she adapts homespun elements to her exploration of ethnic cultures, natural wonders and unknown destinations. She embraces imperfection, and although she is drawn to rough textures, experimental clashes of materials and colors, artisanal raw unpolished finishes are unrefined aesthetics; her appreciation for well-crafted design should not be overshadowed. She carefully layers and pieces her eccentric mixes of elements together like patchwork-couture craft at its finest."

I liked the part about "couture craft".  It has a nice ring to it.  I kind of see some organic lampwork beads in this mix.  Probably mixed with metals and looking at this montage, I could also see felting, or some woven craft mixed into the jewelry too.  What do you think?  What would you do?

Transparent Red Glass Leaf...Va Va Voom!

I love this transparent red glass leaf pendant with veins.  It is worn vertically and can be seen in my Etsy shop, http://www.StudioMarcy.etsy.com along with other new bead selections.  I made it of mandrel and of course, it's one of a kind. Check out all my new beads. I'm so happy to be listing again.

Hot Times in Asheville, NC

So do we look busy?  Here is just a small portion of the group from Hot Times this year.  We all look so focused, but there was a ton of laughs and chatting going on too.  We were just caught at the right time!

The demonstrators were Becky Mason and her sister Diane Woodall, Ann Scherm Baldwin (Schermo) and Terry Hale.  We all learned new things, tried out each others' tools, different glass, and traded tips and tricks.

I was delighted to help some of the members of the group with their sculptural projects.

Can you pick me out of the group?  Lots of blondes at our table.

I'll post more, but wanted to give you the highlights with the demonstrators first.

Home Again and Listing New Beads...Finally!

We're in October, so it must mean that it's time for Halloween Beads!  I am home from Asheville and will write about it this week and post photos.  But in the meantime, I wanted to let you know that I'm filling my Etsy shop back up.

Yes, I know it's been awhile, and I have been busy with so many other things, but I miss listing fun, new beads- especially the one of the kinds on Etsy.  So, if everyone is patient with my traveling schedule, I am so happy to be back.

If you give it a peek, (http://www.StudioMarcy.etsy.com), you'll see stacked pumpkins with a small black crow perched on top.  Justinstein, brother of Frank, The Penguin from Batman, which is not only a bead, but at 2.25" a pretty cute ornament as well, and other beads.  I will highlight them more through the weeks.

Happy to see you again and let's have some fun!
xo
Marcy