Growing Crazy Mushrooms ...

I think I have mushroom envy.  My friends are posting photos of purple, green and multihued mushrooms from their yards.  Honestly, I was feeling kind of left out.  Oh yeah I have a few mushrooms, but they're brown, and kind of look like pancakes that have set out too long.  So what does a glass artist do?  Well of course, we make what we don't have.  I decided to make some with faces.  Why not?  This blue one is hanging out on my tree roots with some moss.  A perfect place for him.



...and he needed someone to keep him company, so this one has little arms and pink cheeks.  Must be a younger version.

Have to say I was fully entertained making them, but I need to get back to my usual lampwork glass beads.  Please follow me on Instagram - @MarcyLamberson  or on Facebook @StudioMarcy

The Flaming Bacon Tiara Quandry

The Flaming Bacon Tiara Quandry... the other day on facebook, I posted a photo of a Flame Tiara that I had made. I had used a filter (Oh I felt so artistic) and many of the folks who saw the post thought I had made a bacon tiara. Which made me laugh, because that is not beyond something I'd do. Honestly, I love bacon almost as much as i love a good flame. (that's what we use to melt our glass- 2,000 degrees of flame) So I took a non filtered photo of the flames in the sunlight. See the third photo and folks agreed, that does look a lot more like a flame.

So I cooked up some bacon and made a bacon tiara. (see left photo) I learned a few things... 1. just cooked bacon can not be held together by packing tape. It doesn't stick. 2. I can not ignore bacon or the scent of it 3. T pins work great for holding your bacon together for the quick photo 4. a little bit of saran wrap will protect both the bacon and your hair from each other.

In conclusion, artistic filters don't always achieve their goals when used, bacon is tasty any time of the day and I will make a glass bacon tiara one of these days. Because it would be fun!

If you are looking for either a flame or a bacon tiara - made on a metal base, please message me.

You can find me on Facebook by searching StudioMarcy or Marcy Lamberson, or join my private group "Glass Art & Beads by Marcy Lamberson".  You can also find me on Instagram @MarcyLamberson or on Pinterest too.    Catch you later!

Neutral About It

I love working in glass with lots of color, but sometimes neutrals are a satisfying change.  That's the case with this seahorse (sold).  She has pink cheeks (CiM's Desert Pink for you glass friends who are wondering) but the rest is ivory, silvered ivory and some of Double Helix's murrine for eyes.  Her snout is one of the most fun parts to make- from thick to thin to widening out at the end.  It just takes a bit of heat control. So expect most of my beads to be colorful, because that fits with my whimsical style.  Neutral has a place in my heart too!

Feeling Like Spring

Glass Bear with flowers by Marcy Lamberson

It's Spring.  And as I always do, I get a little flower obsessed as my trees and shrubs are blossoming here in Atlanta.  The azalea, dogwood, cherry trees are done and just the rhododendron have lovely blooms.

When I have a lot on my mind, often it translates into glass. So recently, I've been making my glass bears with flowers inside of them.

I've always loved the encased florals (as glass folk call them) and it's a nice challenge to add that technique with sculpture.  We don't usually see that, so it's a little different and a lot of fun to learn.  And honestly, I have a long way to go.  These are nice, but I am working towards "spectacular", which might take a few years.  Lol, I'm not in a rush, but do want to make different kinds of flowers inside of beads.

If you have spare time, I have a 48 hour live auction starting in one of the Facebook private groups, "Limelight" starting tomorrow- Tuesday 9am EDT through 8am EDT on Thursday.  Here is the link if you would like to see what it is all about:   "Limelight "

See you soon!
Marcy

Glass Spirit Bears, Animals & Other Fun Stuff!

Starting tonight (Monday) through Wednesday evening, I'll have a one person show which is auction format for my beads.  I've been doing this when possible. (next month it's in another group).

https://www.facebook.com/groups/AOMLampworkGlass/
If you aren't a member of this buying group, you click on "join" on the righthand side of the page.  When the moderator has time, they will let you into the group. If you have problems, message me and I'll see if I can help.
These are just some of the bears (and an elephant) that will be featured in this 48 hour show.

Hope you can join me.  If not, I will add extra beads to my Etsy shop on Friday after this show and sale is over.  http://www.StudioMarcy.etsy.com.

Seasonal Daydreams About The Beach

I'm not someone who goes fishing, but when it gets cold and gray outside, I do daydream about being at the beach.  And it seems like every year, I do this.  It comes out in my beads.  Last year we swam with the manatees about this time and I made manatee and whale beads.  This year, I keep thinking how I can't wait to go to a warm beach and swim in the ocean and out come fish.

So I am not calling it a "seasonal disorder", but maybe a "seasonal inner wish" which manifests itself in my art.  This year I am working more in transparent and metallic reflective glass- more sparkle and light transmitting and reflecting.  I didn't think I was a "bling girl", but at this point, I'm enjoying it a lot.

I'll be selling these and others via my Facebook page, www.facebook.com/marcylamberson and in my etsy shop, http://www.StudioMarcy.etsy.com.  Feel free to pop by and check things out.  See you next week.

Fish and Water Scenes... Something New to Show You

I don't think I'm alone when I dream about warm sunny beaches this time of year.  Even living in Atlanta, it gets a little too cold.  

When I take time for "playing", which means going somewhere different in glass, oftentimes the beads I make directly show what's been swirling in my head.    

For those who have been following me a long time, you'll know I spent my early years near the ocean.  It is what calls me and where I tend to be very happy.   Give me the sound and view of waves and surf, the distinctive scent, a few boats, even seagulls calling and plenty of sunshine.  It's one of my happy places.

So it's not a surprise that a fish with a water scene is my latest bead. When I painted watercolors, we had "happy accidents", where you were surprised but pleased with how something turned out.  This is one of those.  I thought I was using a different glass, but this one had silver in it and reacted differently than I expected.  Now to see if I can replicate and have it do what I wish on purpose.  Cross your fingers for me.  I think this is one of the directions I'd like to explore.  See you soon!

Finding the Right Camera Angle

Finding the right camera angle on sculptural beads sometimes is easy and sometimes, not so easy.  Here is one of my "Bird in Hand" beads.  The hole goes vertically through the middle.

Sometimes, it's just what is the part that should be the focal part of the bead.  Is it the hand, the bird, or the combination.  The hand is the harder part to make, and the bird is the colorful focus.  So I want both.  The technical detail needs to be showcased for adding value. For a beadmaker,  that's the hand. Keeping the fingers extending and and all a bit different, takes experience and technique.  The bird is far easier to make, but adds charm for the viewer and wearer.  Being blue, it could be interpreted as a bluebird of happiness.

So for me, I prefer the bottom photo.  The bird looks cute and chubby.  The hand shows enough for the viewer to see that there are individual fingers cradling the bird.  Which view do you prefer and why?

Bead Peeps Swap 'n Hop Reveal

I was lucky to be partnered with Marybeth Rich who is "Forest of Jewels" online and on blogspot.  She sent me such a super fantastic array of materials (see remaining ones below) that I had a hard time deciding what to do.  The top is the necklace I made.  I added some bits of "me" to her lovely copper clasp and turquoise and natural stones.  The copper pieces I found when visiting AZ and had been waiting for a chance to use them.  I already had some of my lampwork "eggs" and the shell bead, which I think tied it together.  Above the shell it looks like a chunk of wood, but is some of the polymer clay stash, which Marybeth sent.  See below for my cute bracelet that I made with more of it.

These are my extra beads that I still haven't used.  (I use white paper plates to see the beads better- no 20/20 eyes anymore!) See how amazingly generous she was?  And what made each packet seem like a special gift was that she packaged them in her handmade paper envelopes.  

And here is the wire bangle I made from her polymer clay pieces. 

I love the sparkle and the opaque textures mixing together.  I kept the pink cord on the focal piece, because I like the mix of the hard beads with the soft cotton.  If I had more, I would have added it between some of the bead sections.  I left the largest design piece on the end.  I like it like a big dangle, instead of in the middle. And of course, I had to add a touch of "me" in it too.  Just the simple purple lampwork beads which blended in well.  

Here is the list of the other Swap Hop Members.  I swiped it from Marybeth's page. (shhh, don't tell) Please visit Marybeth next, if you haven't been to see her already.  I linked her name with her blog to make it easy for you. 

BEAD PEEPS SWAP N HOP 2015  PARTNER LIST    Our Hostess: Linda Anderson from http//:fromTheBeadBoard.blogspot.com
Linda	Anderson	http://fromTheBeadBoard.blogspot.com
Marica	Zammit	http://www.beadlovelies.com
Linda	Anderson	http://fromTheBeadBoard.blogspot.com
Jessica	Hocutt	https://faithfamilyandadventure.wordpress.com
Kristina	Hahn Eleniak	http://www.peacockandlime.wordpress.com
Debbie	Jeffries	http://debrasdivinedesigns.com/blog/
Rosantia	Petkova	http://bairozan.blogspot.com/
Shalini	Austin	http://jewellerybyshalini.co.uk/my-blog/
Catherine	La Vite	http://drygulchbeadsandjewelry.blogspot.com
Annica	Larsson	http://zestyfrog.wordpress.com/
Lori	Schneider	http://beadaddicted.blogspot.com/
Divya	N	http://www.jewelsofsayuri.com
Mowse	Doyle	http://mowsemadethis.blogspot.com
Fay	Wolfenden	http://torchfairy.blogspot.com
Kathy	Lindemer	http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/
Claire	Fabian	http://saraccino.blogspot.de/
Janice	Warden Bergeron	http://thejewelryroom.blogspot.ca
Natalie	Davidson	http://www.northshoredays.com
Deb	Fortin	http://www.studiok24.blogspot.ca
Inge	von Roos	http://ingetraud.wordpress.com
Karen	Mitchell	http://overthemoon-design.com
Robin	Reed	http://willowdragon.blogspot.com
Marie	Covert	http://thistledown-and-swaddlings.blogspot.com/
Alicia	Marinache	http://www.allprettythings.ca
Nan	Smith	http://www.wirednan.blogspot.ca
Johana	Nunez	http://artincendi.com
Kelly	Hosford Patterson	http://travelingsideshow.blogspot.com/
Lori	Blanchard	http://alainnjewelry.WordPress.com
Sue	Kennedy	http://suebeads.blogspot.com
Shai	Williams	http://shaihasramblings.com
Niky	Sayers	http://silverniknats.blogspot.co.uk
Melissa	Trudinger	http://beadrecipes.wordpress.com
Candida	Castleberry	http://www.spunsugarbeadworks.blogspot.com
Erin	Guest	http://www.renlish.com
Nicole	Rennell	http://nicolerennell.com/blog
Ien	Temaluru	http://ienmaginationsjewelry.wordpress.com
Robin	Showstack	http://heartsdesiresjewelryforyou.blogspot.com/
Sam	Waghorn	http://palemooncreation.blogspot.co.uk
Marianne	Baxter	http://www.simplyseablimejewelry.blogspot.com
Elsie	Deliz-Fonseca	http://ladelizchica.blogspot.com
Shai	Williams	http://shaihasramblings.com
Lee	Koopman	http://stregajewellry.wordpress.com
Jayne	Capps	http://mamasgottodoodle.blogspot.com
Marti	Conrad	http://artisancomponentmarketplace.com/martisbuttonsandbeads/2015/03/20/bead-peeps-blog-hop/
Tina	Bosh	http://bookbug-somanybookssolittletime.blogspot.com/
Eleanor	Thomas	http://woolywireetc.blogspot.com
Jeanne	Steck	http://www.gemsbyjeannemarie.blogspot.com
Gloria	Allen	http://www.wingsandbeads.blogspot.com
Rachel	Mallis	http://www.mintmonarch.com/#!blog/c1jlz
Andrea	Glick	http://zenithjade.blogspot.com/
Stephanie	Stamper	http://skwds.blogspot.com
Chris	Haussler	http://pixybugdesigns.blogspot.com
Betony	Maiden	http://www.beadwenches.blogspot.com/
Kari	Asbury	http://hippiechickjewelrydesign.com/blog/
Jenny	Kyrlach	http://anafiassa.blogspot.com/
Colleen	Foley	http://colleenfoleycreations.blogspot.com
Marybeth	Rich	http://forestofjewels.blogspot.com/
Marcy	Lamberson	http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com  (you are here)
Dyanne	Everett-Cantrell	http://www.deelitefuljewelrycreations.blogspot.com
Ginny	Lones	http://www.Skippingintotheunknown.blogspot.com
Maria Rosa	Sharrow	http://willowstreetshops.blogspot.com
Loretta	Carstensen	http://designsbyloretta.blogspot.com
Dolores	Raml	http://craftydscreations.wordpress.com
Michelle	McCarthy	http://www.fireflydesignstudio.blogspot.com
Louise	McCormick-Glazier	http://jewelrytreasuresbylouise.blogspot.com/
Heather	Richter	http://desertjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com
Tammy	Adams	http://www.paisleylizard.com/blog/
Shirley	Moore	http://beadsandbread.blogspot.com
Seed Beaders
Susanne	Stelljes	http://pearlify.blogspot.de
Sheila	Prosterman	http://catswithbeads.blogspot.com
Pallavi	Asher	http://kalaabhushan.blogspot.in/
Jami	Shipp	http://celebratinglifewithdamamashipp.blogspot.com
Peggy	Kosier	http://www.kosydesigns.blogspot.ca/
Andra	Weber	http://andrasjoyfuljourney.blogspot.com
Catherine	King	http://catherines-musings.blogspot.com
Krafty	Max	http://kraftymax.com
Sierra	Barrett	http://giraffecanhas.wordpress.com
Lois	Sherwood	http://thiznthat5454blog.wordpress.com
Katy	Heider	http://onthepondcreations.blogspot.com
Rebecca	Robertson   (White)	http://morganafeycreations.121hub.com/
Heather	Richter	http://desertjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com
Brandy	Collier	http://bhjewelry.wordpress.com
Stephanie	Haussler	http://www.pixybugdesigns.blogspot.com
Lori	Blanchard	http://alainnjewelry.WordPress.com
Kathleen	Breeding	http://99bobotw.blogspot.com
Becky	Pancake	http://beckypancakebeaddesigns.blogspot.com
Renetha	Stanziano	http://lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com/
Tami	Norris	https://jewelrybytami.wordpress.com/
Ginger	Bishop	http://lilmummylikes.blogspot.com/
Peggy	Johnson	http://charmbarn.blogspot.com

I am selling through Facebook mostly now, so message me through my name, Marcy Lamberson and I'll help you find lots of fun beads and cool stuff.  xo

Free Shamrock Glass Bead Tutorial by Marcy Lamberson ~ Studio Marcy

Lampwork Glass Shamrock Quick Mini Tutorial

Nothing like a freebie, is there?

Tools   

a. 1 rod of transparent green glass

b. parallel mashers (any mashers are fine)

c. glass shears 

d. Stump Shaper - other tools will work as well

Step 1.  Base Bead

Using your transparent green glass, make a base bead that is shaped  kind of like a fat football.

Step 2.  

Gently mash your base bead to flatten it into a thick oval.

Then using your glass shears, make your first cut as pictured above.

I am using a 1/16th mandrel and you can see that I am careful to snip near the mandrel, but not close enough to jeopardize breaking bead release.

Step 3.

Snip the rest of the cuts as pictured for a total of 4 cuts.  You can see you have made the basic shape of the shamrock already.  Please keep the base warm, but not hot.  If you accidentally warm it too much, then gently flatten with your mashers to return to the shape you need.

Step 4.

Now make mini snips on each of the horizontal petals.  Only go in about a third of the way.  Two snips total with your glass shears.

Step 5.

Use your flame (keep the heat gentle) to warm the top petal that is divided by the mandrel.  I do a combination of heating one side and holding the mandrel on an angle upside down to slightly droop the glass to help form the rounded section, and also using my brass Stump Shaper to gently indent the glass close to the mandrel.  It's almost like making a mini heart.  If you are having problems, then feel free to add a dot or two of glass on the outside edges away from the mandrel, to give it more definition.  Do both sides.

Step 6.

I use my brass Stump Shaper to gently push in the glass at the bottom to form more of a stem.  Both the non sticking brass and the wedge of that tool make it easy to get in there and gently press toward the mandrel to make it look more stem-like.  Voila, you are done.  Pretty easy, isn't it?

~

And perhaps you aren't into shamrocks, but this easy technique would be great for flowers as well.  I could see them with frit, stringers and even and extra raised dot in the center with a cool murrine, or so many other ways.

Hope you enjoyed this easy tutorial.  I have decided that I will be making more of these for your enjoyment.  Please stop by and see me on my FB business page or my StudioMarcy etsy shop. 

Dragonwort or Stink Lily...Not Sure Either Is A Descriptive Name

Last night on a walk with my friend Shannon, we came across this more unusual very large purple projecting plant.  Of course there were the jokes, but it made me wonder about it and it's name.

Upon a little research, (can you imagine what I googled?), I found that it has quite a few names, among them Dragonwort and Stink Lily.  Here is the leaf which is quite large as well.

If I figured it out correctly, the plant's real name is Dracunculus Vulgaris.  The large purple leaf at the base of the spadex has almost a velvety feel to it. (Of course I had to touch it.)

Another interesting fact is that this plant is usually found in the Balkans...like around Crete. So what was it doing in Roswell Georgia?

I dunno.  But it was fun to see it in person and you can bet I'm going to go back and check on it in the future.  We'll see whether it unfurls a little, changes growth direction or perhaps I need a photo of when it wilts.  Yes, probably more elementary school jokes will ensue.

Hope to see you soon.  Today, I am looking into the start of migrating my blog over to another server, and changing up my website.  It's time to make it one with all and get back to more glass discussion and a little less gardening.  

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.

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.

Class ... Color Mixing and Murrine for Newbies

I promised I'd talk a little about my other class that I'm teaching for Blue Moon this week.  It's a one day class for people with zero or little torch experience.  Color mixing, twisties, murrine, stringer and all kinds of things that fit into those categories.

Blue Moon has a lot of mosaic and fusing students, so this one can give them more fun and exciting ways to stretch what they are already doing.  Isn't that what we look for...how can we broaden our artistic vocabulary?

It is also fun for beginning and early intermediate beadmakers.  It's a laid back, feel comfortable with soft glass, its elasticity, heat control (one of my favorite topics!) and learning how the traditional color mixing we did as kids in painting, doesn't always work in glass.  I find in my work, often I need a specific color that isn't offered in our rods, so sometimes mixing is the best way to achieve it.  (What I would give for the perfect Golden Retriever opaque glass!) But you know, necessity sometimes teaches us great lessons, and I'm having a lot of fun, passing it on to others.

Getting Ready For Blue Moon In Austin

I am excited to be teaching in Austin next week at Blue Moon Glassworks. My two day Pets Class is so much fun. It is the same one I taught at the ISGB Gathering last year. We will work on a range of dogs and cats, of course, but will also touch on a small rodent (we actually had a pet rat when my kids were little, but no fear, this one is the much cuter hamster) and of course we will do a bird too. But my favorite part is when each student will use their photos and will design and make their own personal pet! I love how excited students are when they make their special family member...like an inner glow comes forth. Totally awesome.

Tomorrow I will tell you about my other class.
If you are interested in classes Blue Moon, you can reach Jim and Rose Berry by emailing.
Jim@austinbluemoon.com. Or check out the website at www.austinbluemoon.com

ps  I had to include a photo every blog, so this is yesterday's test kitty with a bird on her head .  Haven't made this style before, so have plenty to tweak.  But wanted to show you my first try.  It will be fun to see where it goes.  Can you tell I wanted to try one with color?

Tophatter Auctions Tonight and Tomorrow!

I am back from vacation and raring to go!  Tonight at 7pm EST (4 PST), I will have some of my beads in the Standby category on Tophatter.  The web address is below.  Here is how it works.  The wonderful Jenelle Aubade sets up the auctions for her (and her dh's ) wonderful beads and sets, then she invited me to put some of my beads into the standby category.  That means, if you want to bring it into the auction mix, then you click it.  It also means that you will bid the minimum bid. (This is the place for great prices, as Tophatter is still working to establish itself.)

I will be adding more beads and these lovely glass bell flowers (which are on 22 gauge steel wire) I love using these wire wrapped into earrings, wired onto pins and all kinds of other ways.  And checkout Jenelle & Dan's fun beads. They are so pretty and great for jewelry.  Hope to see you there.  (oh, and if you haven't been to one, you can chat and ask questions during the fast paced auctions and you can set alarms to come back for the pieces you want too!  Pretty cool!

Tonight- Monday  http://tophatter.com/auctions/16451/standby
Tomorrow night - Tuesday http://tophatter.com/auctions/16452/standby

Join Me- Great Bead Sale on Tophatter

This mermaid bead is one of the big variety of beads that I will be auctioning the Saturday, 2/23 at 1pm Eastern Time.  You can see some of the beads on our auction pinterest board here.  I will be adding more tonight and tomorrow.  I will have 50 live auctions and the hosts and really nice people, Jen and her husband will have 50 too.  They are in real time and loads of fun with chat, so you can ask any questions at the time too.  Here is the link... http://tophatter.com/auctions/15406 .  I will have mostly sculptural beads- shells, mermaids, bunnies, eggs, flowers, animals, pets and all kinds of fun glass lampwork beads.  Jen and her husband have a lot of bead sets, pairs and really pretty colors and decorations.  You'll like them.  Most of the auctions have a small minimum which is clearly stated along with a photo, shipping and other pertinent info.  Come see us.  Saturday at 1pm Eastern Time.

Love Is In The Air

Yeah, that's right.  Some bunny loves you.  Happy Valentine's Day.

Currently Fascinated With...

NUDIBRANCHS!

These are awesome!  Have you ever googled nudibranchs?  I love their colors, shapes and patterns.  Look for a new series coming out soon that mimics some that I've found.

Glass friends...see the opal yellow, periwinkle, white, ivory, ink blue...yeah, me too.  What would you use for the interior color- the one on the top layer in the middle..kind of a warm, golden brown that probably needs to be hand-mixed?  Suggestions?  That color seems to have pinkier tones in some places and grayer in others.

Okay, just thought I'd show you.  I think they could make some gorgeous oceanic organic shaped jewelry.  Better get my kiln up and running.  This will be a busy day.

Happy Friday to you!

Rocks, Paper, Scissors...Come Visit

I will be volunteering at the Spruill Art Gallery tomorrow, (Tuesday) from 10 am - 2 pm.  We'll have all kinds of wonderful artisan holiday gift ideas for you.  This one caught my eye when I was volunteering last week.  I think it would be fun to have the three little rocks, paper, scissors dishes.

And of course my blown ornaments and flameworked whimsical figurine ornaments are there too, through Christmas.  These are especially good if you have a small tree.  They are smaller sized.

The address is: 4681 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, GA.
(770) 394-4019
Pop by and visit.  (great other shopping in the Periment area as well.)