My Turn for Watch Me Create

My latest commentary for Watch Me Create will be posted sometime today. I've written about testing the waters by learning a bit of another style of glass- this time fusing/slumping and combining it with some of my lampworking skills.

Last week I was at Blue Moon Glassworks learning some new techniques to combine with the ones I already have and my Watch Me Create post shows what I made. So instead of spoiling the photo opportunity, I'm handing you a quick peek inside of Blue Moon where I taught my class and in turn was taught a lot about glass from other perspectives by my friend, Jim Berry.

The interior of the store is an artist's dream. Lots of tools, glass, machines, completed work by a variety of artists, and books too. The lighting is good, but the atmosphere is even better. Jim & Rose Berry and the rest of the employees make you feel at home the minute you step inside. I like that in a shop. You feel like they want you to be happy & successful and so generously share their time and knowledge in their art and products that they carry.

You know what kind of people they are, when you meet sweet little baby Emmie who comes to work with her Mom Lisa, one of the Blue Moon long time employees. Bob, Mike and Jody also work there and are part of the Blue Moon "family". I guess besides all the wonderful new skills that I learned, I also made some pretty nice new friends in Austin. You know, you can go to a lot of places to learn new skills, but it isn't everywhere where you feel so welcome. And for me, remembering people's kindness will last in my heart and mind a lot longer.

Designing Philosophy & Watch Me Create

I recently read Lori Greenberg's Watch Me Create post, which really resonated with me.

Lori is showing and writing about her creative process in designing jewelry with these fabulous funky lampwork Venus beads that she makes. (Aren't they fun!)

I love how she tells us how her brain works. But most of all, I guess I agree with her creative process. You see, she likes figuring things out for herself. She says she experiments and sees what comes from that.

Experimenting is one of my favorite pastimes. So often my experiments don't turn out as planned, but that's the joy in it. As Dr. Seuss said, "Oh, the places you'll go!". Limitless possibilities right in front of you.

Please stop by Lori's Watch Me Create post and read where she's going with these beads and how she is getting there. And pop by the other articles. They're being posted at least a few times a week or more- rotating by the authors. You can click on any of the authors' names on the right side and read what each person has written in the past too. (Don't forget my posts too!)

See you tomorrow. We'll chat some more.

Watch Me Create- It's My Turn

If you haven't visited the Watch Me Create blog recently, may I suggest that you might take a few minutes and stop by?

Okay, it's not just because it was just my turn for my article about "Whimsical Interpretations of Art & People", but because we have more writers adding diverse commentary on their art and craft styles.

Now there are 15 of us. And who would have known that each of the 15 artists have something interesting to say. (Well, I bet Lori Greenberg knew, she's the mastermind behind it.)

I read about inspiration for things they're doing, what books they're reading, and enjoy learning about their creative processes.

And when you find someone who really interests you...you can look for their name on the right hand side of the blog and click on their name for more of their posts, or click on their photos on the left, and be taken directly to their websites. (Find me at the very bottom of the artist totem pole- strong shoulders you know...).

Let me know if you've stopped by too. You can leave a comment there. If you have nothing to say, just use the secret code word, "cupcake". I'll know what you mean. (and if you're in my Etsy shop looking for Frida, there will be another one added very soon.)

Craft Gossip- The Glass Art Writer and Her Many Websites

Do you ever notice someone and think, "This person really rocks. I need to keep an eye out and watch what she's doing." I've found that person, her name is Lori Greenberg.

You probably know her or have heard of her. She's a glass artist and a writer and recently started writing for the Craft Gossip Blog Network. She covers glass areas like casting, lampwork, stained glass, fusing, blowing, mosaic, sea glass, etc. You can find her almost daily posts by clicking here.

Lori featured my Free Ice Cream Tutorial

the other day, but the best part about it was the amount of exploring and information that I found on that website when I went over there to look. You want to know more about glass...or Indie Crafts, Quilting, Jewelry Making, etc., pop by, but plan on reading for awhile.

Lori told me that she feels like she has all this info and thoughts inside of her that need to burst out. "When I find something interesting or that works for me, I want to share it with the world", she explained.

Lori is also the mastermind behind the "Watch Me Create"blog. I'm lucky to be one of the bead artist writers there who write about their creative processes. If you haven't, check it out.

And of course as a bead artist, Lori has her online bead shop website called ...lorigreenberg.com, Where you can find her latest offerings.

But for me, I saved the one that I love the most for last. Her Bead Nerd site covers everything you want to know about the art business side- it is packed with technical information, (I really need this) selling skills, how to be more efficient, and so much more. If you read and practice her tips, I promise you'll come out ahead.

And now I'm off to read her article from a Wiki about "How To Dress Like An Artist". The title brings back a funny memory of when an out of state student came to my home studio for private lessons. I saw her physically surprised when she met me, which made me laugh to myself. Later, we chatted about it. I told her what I noticed and asked her whether she was expecting me to look differently? She said "yes, you're an artist. I expected you to look like one." I responded that when I had previously left a message, her answering machine had classical music on it. I didn't know how old she was or anything about her, so I dressed in some of my more conservative "Suburban middle-age Mom" clothes, which is partly who I am too. We shared quite a laugh, but it also taught me a lesson about mistaken assumptions. So I'm off to read Lori's post and find out which wardrobe adjustments I need to make.

Visit Me at Watch Me Create

I'm being featured on Watch Me Create where I talk about blending two techniques of lampwork and why encased florals really do go well with sculptural glass. (As illustrated by my little Lori La Rue the puppy) Stop by for a little encouragement and tell me which two techniques you'd like to combine and where you want to go with it.
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I have space for another online sculptural coaching session. If you're interested, you can contact me by posting here, or email me through my website, www.StudioMarcy.com
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