Christmas Decorations in Murano and Venice

Dear Fellow Glass Peeps,
I'm subscribed to the newsletter from venetianbeadshop.com, and always enjoy their local photos of Venice and Murano.  After visiting and taking a class in Murano with Lucio Bubacco, the memories and wish to return are always present.

*flower shop in Venice, below   (I could get lost faster in Venice than any other city, I think!- but what a city!)

So I'm sharing just a few photos from the newsletter, but if you want to see more, please visit their website and learn a little bit about the local life through their eyes.

*restaurant in Murano, below  (Waking up and looking out to the boats and sunrise each morning on Murano was so touching to me.  It really grabbed my heart.  And being around so many other people who love glass too.)

All photos from VenetianBeadShop.com....

Santa Wears Camo?

I was totally floored to see a Santa wearing camo at the Dollar General today.  I always thought he traveled in red and white  Hope Rudolph and buddies watch out.

Christmas Ornament & Bead Class at Blue Moon Glassworks in November!

I wanted to let you, my blog readers know first, that my 2 day Christmas Class in Austin, TX at Blue Moon Glassworks will be the weekend of November 19th & 20th.  This is going to be a blast, because I love Christmas and so do owners Jim and Rose Berry.  So we're going to do it up BIG!

We'll be making really fun glass beads and ornaments in which you will be able to put your own special twists on.  Elves, angels, dogs dressed up with hats and antlers are not only a blast, but you'll be working with a variety of sculpting techniques that will give you the skills to make lots of wonderfully unique miniature ornaments, focal beads and special treasures either for others or to keep for yourself.

Of course heat control is one of the most important techniques, but we'll also be working with some silver, reactive glass, setting a CZ or two, canes and other ways to add sparkle and magic to your beads whether wearing them yourself or making them into tree ornaments.

You can email or call Blue Moon Glassworks to register  -  512-380-0770.  I hope you can join me for the fun and holiday magic.

Recent Itsy Bitsy Commission Work

I make a lot of commission work.  I love doing it.  So when I received an email from someone who asked me, "can you make me 20 Christmas bulb lights that are 1/4" long?"  I decided to give it a whirl.

If you are a flameworker, you know that is a pretty tiny scale to be working in.  But always loving new challenges, I got out my tape measure and turned on my torch.

I found that I could reasonably get to 3/8" of an inch using a 1/16th mandrel. (non- glass folk, I know you secretly love tech talk).  And made an assortment of colors for her.

So in case you're wondering what she is doing with them, here's the answer.  She is needlepointing Christmas stockings for her grandchildren with a house that has lights hung from its roof.  She tried the plastic miniature ones for embellishment, but decided that glass would be better.

And I couldn't resist taking a photo of them, so I added my little trailer that I got years ago on Etsy, and one of my new Santa design beads and made a little vignette.  Might just be my Christmas card this year too.

Stay tuned for my next commission blogpost . I'll give you a hint.  It has to do with a Spirit Animal.
See you tomorrow!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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".

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.

Time For Christmas Yet?

I guess I'm one of "those" who could skip Thanksgiving and go directly to Christmas. Yes, I'm thankful for so many things, and I do love turkey and apple pie, but I still love Christmas. I like giving gifts, and I love red and white and green together and best of all, I love the smiles that the holiday elicits.

So I know it's just November 1st and some of you will strongly disagree with me and discuss the commercialism of the holiday, etc. Point taken, agreed with and I understand completely.

I just wanted to say that I'm excited.

It's Here!

Merry Christmas to one and all. Wishing you a happy day with friends and family.

And to my daughter Sparky - I miss you-bunches! Hope you kick some serious you-know-what in your holiday Cribbage tournament. We're all rooting for you a couple of continents away. (and almost as cold here too!)

Love,
Marcy
ps if you want to see a funny website, click here. Sketchy Santas.

See you Sunday!

Free Fun Stuff!

"No one has ever become poor by giving."
-- Anne Frank

I just discovered Marilyn Scott-Waters' website, www.thetoymaker.com. It is chock filled with FREE paper toys to print out, color, glue, sparkle and play with. From paper dolls and spinners to gift boxes with cute illustrations and otters, it's all a gift from her talented hands and heart.

Perhaps you have some little people who need another activity to keep them actively busy and happy...this could be for you. And if you're like me, you'll want to download some of these pdf.s just to try them out.

Enjoy. Wishing you a visit from "you-know-who" tonight down your chimney, or however he arrives. Don't forget the carrots for the reindeer.

Sending love and hugs,
Marcy

Canoodling with Frosty

As you read this, I'm heading to Colorado and then Wyoming to be with family for Christmas.

Even though I live in the warm South, I am ready for the snow and ice and plan to make snow angels with my niece and nephew's little children and hopefully nail a big fat snowball on the back of my son's head. Just once. I know I'm dead meat after I succeed. But the thrill will be seeing his face with the surprise attack.

But besides the fun of being with family, will be the joy of little children who believe in Santa Claus. I miss it.

So those of you lucky ones with kids at home or grand children nearby, enjoy it to the max. And if you're like me where you get to share others', I hope you're as thankful as I am.

See you tomorrow with a two hour time change, more pre-holiday Glass, Creativity and I promise, not too much personal news.

SNL- Christmas on Hulu

Some folks can't miss Frosty and others prefer Charlie Brown. But I like a variety and this show always has it.

Yes, it's a little naughty and quirky, but always gives me a good laugh in these stress filled days.

You can find it on hulu.com. Here is your link.

Hope you enjoy and remember, if you are easily offended, please don't click and watch.

Creation Is Messy's Stone Ground Glass

Recently, I was lucky enough to join the ranks of testers for Creation Is Messy glass.

I have been a big fan of the colors that they provide to increase my palette, especially with my sculptural glass.

My angel shown here was made from entirely CIM glass. I love the colors.

One of the colors that I really love is Stone Ground, which is similar, but not exactly the same as Moretti's Opal Yellow. I used it in my angel's hair and was so happy to have found it. It makes a perfect pale blonde and will go well as part of my "fur palette" as well. Can't you picture a Golden Retriever or Blonde Lab with their coats this color?

One of the cool things about CIM's website is that there are comparisons listed on the website, so you can see the colors being used in real beads and comments by the users. If you click on the angel link above, you'll arrive at a page that showcases what I mean.

If you haven't had a chance to poke around on that website, take a few minutes to enjoy it and scout out new colors.

I noticed an opaque light blue (called "Zachary") that will be fantastic when it joins the ranks sometime in December.

So go hit up their website and enjoy how artist friendly it is. And while you're there, look at all the artist examples using the glass. It sure helps for visualization for your own work as well.

See you tomorrow, right here- http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com

Not Mistletoe Already!

Every year I debate whether to bring out my Christmas beads before Halloween. It's a tough call, but some folks are early birds.

It's not that I'm out for the worms, but I do know that holiday craft shows are coming up and it's nice to have your inventory ready in advance. Or at least I prefer to operate that way.

So I'm slowly stocking my shop with holiday items. This year, once I rev up, there will be lots of new styles to choose from. I've got my drawings completed and now I just need enough time to execute them.

So if you are looking for the holiday sculptural beads, keep checking out my Etsy lampwork bead shop. I'll be adding at least a few each week as we gain momentum towards Christmas. And of course, please don't forget my BOGO 1/2 OFF SALE (buy one, get one half price sale) that continues until Oct. 26th. You can be both the early bird and get a great deal on worms, too!

See you on Sunday for more glass and creativity chat...http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com

Rock the Vote for Studio Marcy and Other Holiday Beads

Our Lampwork Etc. Street Team (LEST) Holiday / Winter Challenge voting has just started and I invite you to come join in the merriment.

There are 13 wonderful submissions- some are focals and some are bead sets. All of them are connected to Etsy lampwork bead shops.

So come by here, and be sure to scroll down for the photos of the beads to vote for your favorite. If you are undecided, my elf and I would love your vote.

And if you want a quick search for LEST team members on etsy, just type "LEST team" into the handmade search and it will bring up this page. I can always be found in my shop at http://www.Studiomarcy.etsy.com.

I know some of my readers also have beads in this contest. Feel free to comment and mention which bead is yours in the contest and why not add its url if it's for sale in your Etsy shop too?

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Meet Guppy ~ From Plushie to Focal Bead

Meet Guppy. Guppy is the favorite stuffed animal of one of my customers' little girl. Apparently, Guppy isn't allowed to go everywhere the little girl goes, so her Mom decided to find her a stand in who could.

So she contacted me through my etsy shop and sent me a variety of photos of this beloved pink seal. I was touched. Obviously this is a well loved "friend" and as a fellow Mom, I have my memories of how attached my kids became to certain toys.

So let's talk about the process a little. How did I get from step A to step B?

I looked at the shape, the texture and the face on Guppy, to decide how to form this and where the hole needed to be.

Then I picked my colors, which you fellow glass artists know are limited, when it comes to pinks.
I used the Effetre pink and CIM's Gelly pink for the two shades.

My first two efforts, (not shown) were pretty scary. I had tried to give Guppy some texture, so she'd look more like a plushie, but she looked more like a seal wearing a lion costume, as I added fur around her little face. Needless to say, those two got scrapped, but they were helpful in figuring out the body shape and flippers.

On to a smoother and more refined Guppy. No textured fur. I built the body like a large donut shape at first. I wanted to get my height of the body with that. Then I started adding on to parallel sides. A little bit on the side where I would attach the head and face and a lot of glass onto the back side. It looked a little like an asymmetrical torpedo. I wasn't worried about the exact shape at first on the back flipper end, but wanted to get the mass of glass in place.

I added the head in the Effetre pink and flattened the part where the CIM pink face would go. Two dots where the eyes would be added and then the face. Just a bit of black stringer for the simple eyes and nose. I chose not to make the whiskers, because when they're fine lines, they tend not to look very good...at least when I make them.

I shaped the front flippers with a little bit of detail made with pliers and then heated the back flipper side and slightly pulled it out for the elongated shape. I added to large dots of CIM and gently mashed them for the back flippers. A little more plier work for details (and maybe a touch of razor blade for more definition and we were good to go. Guppy is on her way to be wrapped for Christmas. What a fun gift and an everlasting memory.

You can see more angles of Guppy in the sold section of my shop. Just click here to get to it.

Do you have family favorite items that can be translated into glass memories? Or have you done it already? This was my first custom order like this and I really enjoyed making it. I could easily imagine a little girl loving that pink seal.

Thanksgiving Is Over, Bring On Christmas! Ho, Ho, Ho!

With Thanksgiving over, Christmas Season is in full swing. There's no breathing room , is there? And (*sigh*), I'm throwing my hat into the ring to participate in this melee as well.

So, with that said, I'm giving all of you an advance notice of my Buy One, Get One 1/2 Off Sale (BOGO) which starts this Sunday (11/30) and runs through Saturday (12/6). As always, any purchase over $40, receives Free Shipping, even if you live somewhere far, far away. (Okay, I liked the sound of it, but perhaps I should just say, if you are an International Customer).

Just check out as usual and write "BOGO Blog" in the note to seller. Do not pay yet. I will send you a revised invoice through Paypal with the discount showing, and then you just click on the link and pay through it. Easy Peasy.

So save a little for beads this year. All of my sculptural beads make wonderfully unique tree ornaments or even package decorations for someone you REALLY love.

I'll remind you again, once the sale starts, but mark your calendar to shop on Sunday while you sip your coffee and relax . Happy Friday!
Marcy