Halloween Beads

I've been making Halloween beads with my students and for my Etsy shop already.  It may feel a bit early to you, but jewelry artisans want them in time to make up their scary jewelry for the holiday.  Here are a few that are new to my repertoire.  The black cat is really a dark blue transparent that I was experimenting with.  You can see the shade in her tail and ears.  The little black crow on the stack of pumpkins is really black, however.

And here's a tip if you're a glass artist making a cob of corn...
I used the end of a small hollow mandrel to make the kernels.  I had cased the yellow with a transparent amber so when pressed down, there would be a little bit of color difference which creates depth.

You can find these in my Etsy shop, (StudioMarcy).  Needless to say, they'd all love to go to new homes.

Sculpture Mini Class

I want to make better faces in glass.  There,  I said it publicly, so now I have to work on my performance.  Recently, I took an intro to sculpture one and a half hour class at our local arts center and loved it.  Our teacher, Tom Williams (check out that link to his website), was a delight.  He made our quick intro fun, and interesting, while he demonstrated how he teaches and sculpts.  And he gave us each a small chunk of Georgia clay to try a little of what he was showing us.

Bummed that it's only offered on Wednesday nights and that's our Southern Flames night, I will need to wait until summer, when my Flames Board position ends.  But believe me, I'll be in line, once I am free to try it.  I posted a close up of the lips on the bust that he showed as an example.  I have the hardest time forming lips and think this tactile craft form, will be a big help to gaining a better understanding of how to translate it into glass and perhaps into my watercolors as well.  And who knows, maybe I'll be adding clay to my list of top 5 favorite mediums, who knows?

Glass Stock East- Get Your Reservation In Now!

I am really looking forward to teaching at the first Glass Stock East this year held at the Carlisle School of Glass.  It opens Thursday evening of October 27th and runs through October 28, 29 and 30th, 2011.

Lots of fun teachers and classes will be featured.  For all the choices and more info, click here.  It's Deb Crowley's baby, and although I've never been to one, I keep hearing how fantastic they are.

As you've probably guessed from the photo, one of the classes I'm teaching is "It's A Dog's Life" class.  Yep, it's all about our furry friends.  As the class is only 4 hours long, we can't do each person's pet, but I'll be sure to teach you the basics and spend a little time with each student to help figure out a plan for interpreting your fur baby on your own.  

I was so excited to see all the classes offered.  They are ones that really interest me and I'm sure you'll see plenty that you'd like too. Please check this Glass Stock East link for lots more information.  And I sure hope to see you there!

Teletubbies or Glass?

Just to look at ~ not to eat.

http://www.StudioMarcy.etsy.com

Three new beads listed daily

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Glass Resolutions for 2009

Every year I make glass resolutions. It's almost like I have an overall concept of a revised Mission Statement in my head and they are the steps to back it up. They're areas that I would like to enhance or focus some of my energy.

2009 Glass Resolutions

1. Add more movement to my pieces. Make them look and feel less static.

2. Work on some big, "out of the box" projects. I have two major ones that hopefully I'll complete in 2009. I've been making beads and branched into more assemblages and bobbleheads in in '08. It's time to take it step further.

3. Make more jewelry out of my glass and actually remember to wear it. I get so wrapped up in creating glass for others, I forget to make some wonderful pieces for myself
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4. Teach in more locations. I want to travel and spread the joy of sculptural glass. I'm teaching (2) two-day classes in February for the Southern Flames and then a two day class in Miami for the Gathering. I'd love to help others either learn or improve their sculptural glass in a fun and relaxed manner.

5. I'd like to branch out and add a "gallery" style line to my work. I have other sides of my glass that I don't show that are more serious and inspired by people's connection to nature. I'd like to explore that facet of interest in glass.

6. I would like to be more "deliberate" in each of my beads. Think each one through, before making them. Work harder towards improvement.

7. And perhaps I should stop taking photos with my computer's camera first thing in the morning before brushing my hair and putting on make up. (Sorry about this- I just didn't have a photo to go with this post and decided to wing it.)

Happy 2009 to each and every one of you fellow glass lovers. Wishing you joy and health and of course, plenty of glass.

I would love to hear some of your resolutions or focuses for this new year. Please share with us.