Join Me For Flametree Glass Class Saturday, June 8th!

I'm teaching a quick lampwork glass Shell and Starfish Class on Saturday June 8th, from noon until 2pm.  I'll be at Flametree Glass in Roswell, GA.  It's a lovely studio.

Here is the link for my beachy glass class.  I really hope you can come join me for the fun!  And bring your questions for other sculptural soft glass.  If there is time, I'm very happy to answer them.

Sleepless in Apalachicola

Remember that movie, Sleepless in Seattle, where Tom Hanks lives on a houseboat?  Did that ever make you wish to live on one too?  I've always liked the idea.  While on our Birthday/Memorial Day beach trip, I found two houseboats- side by side that are for sale in Apalachicola, FL.  This cute town is mostly known for its oysters and it has a sweet, laid back funky charm as well as lots of older homes, some cute shops and nice people.

I need to mention that these floating homes are tiny.  And I have no idea whether they have any of the typical "house" things in them like kitchens, bathrooms, etc., as they are currently offices.

But two for sale, side by side!  What fun!  This is just a dream for me, but a fun one.  I've always loved the water and actually living on it part time, would be a blast.  But I'm posting them up here for you, because in case you have a hankering for the floating life, I'm happy if my friends snap them up instead of me just dreaming about them.

Hope your weekend was a blast. Mine was sunny with a plethora of white sandy beaches and all the seafood I could eat.  Two thumbs up!

See you tomorrow!

He Came With The Couch

Last week, my friend Kim was visiting from Colorado.  She's a new Grandmom, and of course, shopping for her little treasure was a top priority.  While we were out, we came across this children's book which tickled our funny bones.  We laughed throughout the story and of course bought it.

And not having grandchildren, but still being a connoisseur of kids' books, I went to Amazon and snapped up a used copy, for a song (plus shipping).

If you have a little person in your life and are in the market for a lighthearted story with cute illustrations, please consider this book.

This little blue item who came with the couch, and wouldn't go away, proved his worth in the end. I always like "happily ever afters".  'Nuff said.

Two thumbs up...if I had more, they'd be counted too.

Oh Heavens!

Let me start with the disclaimer, I love my son.  And I love his sense of humor.  But a mooning gnome for Mothers Day that he thinks I should put in the yard?  Now I love gnomes as many of you know.  And here is the kicker, I have even made a glass mooning gnome.  (Thank you Kevin for buying it).  And now I am wondering...have I turned into a fuddy duddy in my old age?  It scares me a bit.  This is the tamer one of the two gnomes that he gave me.  I told him to surprise me, and he sure did.  Last year he found 3' tall pink flamingos for the yard.  I think if he gave me something like flowers, I'd be looking for the one that squirts me when least expecting it.

So now, every few days, I text him a photo of the gnome in different places.  And I stop to think how it makes me smile each time I find a silly place for it to send to him.  And I am thankful for all the little things in life and having a son who thinks of me on Mothers Day and loves me.  

In The Atlanta Area This Weekend? This Is Where You Will Find Me.

Come see me and my colorful glass (& my new fun flower wreaths too- who knew they would come back into style?) at the Dunwoody Arts Festival and here are the specific details.

I will have some creative charms and bracelets made from metals and my sculptural glass.  Also, sun catchers, one of a kind utensils and more jewelry (have you seen my adjustable statement rings?).  I have added earrings this year in honor of Mother's Day.  A new pair is always a great present.

Hope to see you there.  Rain or Shine. Saturday 10-6 and Sunday 11-5.

2 New Jewelry Micro Trends

Micro trend #1- Mid Finger rings.  What do you think, thumbs up or down on it? And please wear mid finger rings on those thumbs while voting.  This is good for our handmade artisan friends, so I vote thumbs up.

Micro Trend #2- Statement Earrings.  I will ask for a vote in a minute, but just wanted to make a quick comment...  This could be awesome, but if you are making statement earrings, think of how heavy they are. I know when I make glass earrings, I can get more show from a larger piece if it is flattened and the light can hit it. Keep 'em lightweight, and they get a thumbs up from me.  What do you think?

Making Over My Beaded Silk Dress

I found this gorgeous beaded silk dress at a thrift shop years ago and have been saving it for something, but I haven't been sure exactly what.

It's heavy- both with beads and with the lined silk fabric.  Just gorgeous.  The label says, "Victoria Royal Ltd" made in British Crown Colony, Hong Kong and the other label reads, "Wolf Brothers" Florida.

Here is a close up of the bead work

I am taking suggestions as to what to do with it.  It is missing a few beads and not in perfect condition, but gorgeous none the less.  Although it says size 12, I'd guess it's closer to a modern day 8-ish.  

I was wondering what it might be like turned into a handbag or something else.  Do you have ideas?  I would hate to waste all that intricate beading.  It's just so pretty.

Incredibly Tacky

Luckily, this title is referring to the name of the adhesive I'm using on my latest project and not my incredibly joyful pendant lampshade. I wish I could as easily include the same intriguing details in my whimsical glass beads and sculptures.

Still debating how many more patterns, trims and colors to add before the whole thing reaches saturation level, but I am not there yet.

So creative friends, (and I know you are the ones who read my blog), here is my question for you..after I am done, should I give an all over vintage feel to this project with a golden varnish, or leave it with the clearer, bright colors? What would you do?

Angelic Palette Knife

Okay, admitting that I really enjoy some of the adult paint by number while drinking wine type classes. I found a studio that combines pieces and techniques that I would enjoy and a delightful owner/teacher. I know there is nothing to it and that it isn't high art, but the amusement quotient is very high for me. It is called Just Giggles and is in Milton, GA.

Here is last night's piece. We used a palette knife for about 95% of it. It's kind of awkward on my non dominant side and one of the solutions is to turn your painting upside down. Funny! Luckily my glass work has made me kind of comfortable using both hands, so sometimes, I just switch.

And you know when working in glass how adding more glass is sometimes a little tough when your base is too warm? Well with these acrylics, adding more paint on top of a thick, wet base is just as hard. This part cracks me up, we use a hair dryer to make it work. I found it amusing using a blow dryer on the angel's hair, so I could add more colors to it. (The girl got highlights and low lights, just like mine!)

Some of the techniques I learned last night included mixing skin tones, blending multiple shades as you work up and down the canvas, pulling in nearby color, and a touch of shading. Not bad for two hours of fun.

And my final step is putting it up for sale. I have had good luck selling my pieces from these classes and once that happens, I sign up for another one.

Happy Thursday to you.