Tammy Jones, New Lampwork Beadmaker- Wow!

I met my new friend, Tammy Jones on the internet.  I love reading Jewelry Making Daily's emails and metal jewelry artist/editor Tammy had mentioned in a post, that she had always wanted to try lampwork.  So I wrote her and told her that I would love to teach her.  (Heck, I felt like I knew her, because I had been enjoying her posts and I love to teach private lessons.)

So Tammy drove hours and came to my home studio for some fun.  And I have to tell you, she took to it immediately.  I was amazed.  You see that cupcake?  She made it after a few hours at the torch.  I can't tell you how impressed I am.

I didn't know how to take an artful photo of what Tammy made, because I was showing her how to use wires and form beads on the ends of them. (the wires makes the shot look cluttered.)  But you can see a leaf and a stamped flower bud on wires and the rest were on mandrels.  She made a red rose and girl's face too.  In the bottom corner, is her very first and only donut bead ever.

Needless to say, she aced her first class and I look forward to seeing how she incorporates her new skills in her jewelry. The new friendship was a real bonus and Tammy, can't wait for your next visit!

Guess What I'm Doing?

Guess what I'm doing today?

Look down the checklist for the fourth bullet. I'm teaching a private lesson. But this isn't just any private lesson, it's one where my student came from out of state and is staying for a few days. Oh boy, it's fun!

We started on Tuesday and will go through Friday. It's mostly about sculpture and learning how to look at photos and 3D items and translate them into glass. There are different steps and techniques to learn along the way which is what we're following, but at the end, we'll have plenty of time for specific beads that she wants to learn. I hear dragons, mermaids and angels are on that list.

So if you don't see me around quite so much, I'm having a ball working with my friend. Lots of glass, chatting and learning all going on at once.

See you tomorrow- same time, same place.