Harold Cooney ~ Bead Craftsman

If you have seen Harold Cooney's borosilicate glass work, you know his beads speak for themselves. No need to go into great detail and superlatives, because you already have visual ones in front of you.

He sells at four shows each year. The February Beast Bead Show in Tucson, the June Bead & Button Show, the BABE show in CA and the Gathering.

Harold sells his beads on eBay, http://stores.shop.ebay.com/The-New-American-Trade-Bead-Studio .

For the immediate gratification people like me, he has the "buy it now" feature on his eBay auctions.

And if you are like me, it's always fun to go check out his selection and put in a bid or two. I personally have quite a variety of his beads from over the years. I'm a big fan. The patterns, color, technical details and shapes are always a delight to my eyes and although it sounds a bit corny, to my heart as well. There's something about them that I just love. I know I'm not alone. I think of them as complex simplicity.

He told me that his glass craftsmanship goal in life is to work towards becoming "very good at it". What an understatement. Harold is not only talented, but he's humble and a hard worker. Can't beat that combination.

I know Harold is planning to name each of his collections after one of the 50 states. There are two- New Hampshire and Colorado that he's working on now. I enjoy this concept and wonder how many people will be lucky enough to collect one from each of the states? It should be a goal in itself.

Harold told me that his studio is right inside his double wide trailer's living room in Utah. Talk about working out of one's home. He's torched in a variety of locations, but seems to find his peace where he is now. Reading Harold's email to me, I was touched by the strength of his drive to do the best he can. And he sells some and he keeps some too. So if you want to get in on the good stuff...pop by his eBay shop and see for yourself. You won't be disappointed. Promise.
And by the way, Christmas is coming and this New Hampshire carved bead is what I'd really, really like...

If you are lucky enough to snag one of his beads, let me know. I'm always curious to see which styles and colors appeal to everyone. And I'll see you here tomorrow at http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com

Up In A Puff of Smoke

Glass pipes are a part of the glass world that often seems tucked away- almost like shhh, it's not really part of our art. But you know, even if it's not an industry that you agree with, there are some lovely glass pieces out there.

Recently, I saw a website, http://www.glasspipes.org, which has some very interesting and gorgeous glass work.

Here are shots of a collaboration between multiple glass artists called, "Talking With Dragons (Part Two)" More photos can be found here.

Apparently it's over 2 feet long and 9 inches wide.

Even if pipes aren't your "thing", you might want to stop by and look around the site. There are some very cool pieces with wonderful details, patterns and shapes there.

Now that I've found it, I know I'll be back. Just to see what's being done.

See you tomorrow. Happy Weekend!

Artisan Beaders Weekly Give Away- Catie's Blue

Oh baby, I love this!

Brandi from Catie's Blue is the etsy shop and street team member who made this week's giveaway.

It's simple to enter the drawing, which ends on Friday. Go to the Artisan Beader's blog, and follow the simple directions from there.

I think it's the aqua apatite combined with the lemon quartz, sparkle and the boro bead that just sends me over the edge. Aqua is my favorite color.

I know I can solve my problem by just contacting Brandi to request a similar one of my own.