From Vintage Evil Genius to Pink Squiggles

Last Saturday night at our Southern Flames meeting, two of my friends Julia and Andrea were wearing very cool t-shirts, as pictured. I hope they don't mind, but I am sharing their source for them as well- right HERE. I know a few folks who would get a chuckle out of this one. Even if it is an evil one.

But while I was chatting with Andrea about it, she also showed me a new style of metal coloration work she is doing and selling in her Four Tails Lampwork store on 1000 Markets.

Having seen it in person, the vivid and blended colors really attracted me. I love the metals and colors combined. Andrea does beautiful lampwork and metal work, so this new iteration makes sense that it would be just as cool. (besides, I love squiggles and own some of her work that I wear often.)

So if you're looking for something a little different, check out her shop. I didn't see everything listed that she had with her on Saturday, so keep an eye out. I'm also not sure if she lists in multiple websites, so there might be other great sources of her work as well. Email her and ask. Tell her I sent you and btw, she gives great shoulder rubs too. The stress headache from my long day at the Holiday Market was reduced considerably within 2 minutes. Thanks Andrea- you're one of the sweetest evil geniuses I know!

Free Falling

I did it! I went skydiving yesterday. Maximum speed according to the altimeter was 152 mph.

My family went to www.skydivethefarm.com to celebrate my husband's birthday.

My new bff Chuck was my tandem partner. This flight with him was his 2050th. Talk about experience!

If you haven't had this adventure before, it's a little hard to explain. I was strapped extremely tightly to a stranger, and plummeted out of an airplane at 14,000 feet. We did our free fall to 5,000 feet before Chuck pulled the chute. The view was amazing and I think we laughed, chatted and smiled the entire way down.

So here's the dirt. I'm scared of heights. And to be honest, I did close my eyes for a few seconds as we exited the plane. It's a little hard being brave while kneeling in front of the open door the first time attached to a stranger, (we weren't new bffs until after we landed). We did a somersault on the count of three out of it and I quickly opened my eyes because I didn't want to miss any more. After that, it was a lot of fun and an amazing adventure. One of the best parts was looking out around the countryside from above the top of the clouds. Talk about feeling close to nature.

Would I do it again? You bet. And if you are ever considering trying it at "The Farm" I highly recommend Chuck. His explanation of what's going to happen, plus what's going on while it's happening made me feel safe with the equipment and let me thoroughly enjoy the adventure because of my confidence with his expertise. Can't ask for more than that.

Colorful Exotic 'Shrooms

According to my online "sources", these two mushrooms are real. I am bummed that they didn't tell me what kind they are. But I still think they would make cool beads whether real or not.

If you know anything about mushrooms, or fleshy, spore bearing bodies of fungus, please feel free to post and tell me about it. I sure think they're pretty.

And while you're reading this, I am debating whether to go sky diving today. It's my husband's birthday and he and my son have it planned. I'm either watching or participating. Cross your fingers for me just in case I have enough courage.

See you tomorrow...I hope.
http://www.studiomarcy.blogspot.com

Faberge

A little eye candy never hurt anyone, so here is a link to Faberge's website.

This site is an artistic mix of animated drawings, moving photos and of course, their drop dead jewelry. Oh my! I could drool over this stuff for a long time. Wait until you see the Red Hibiscus Cuff. Mmmm.

So when you have 5-10 minutes to explore, stop by and and enjoy it. It's not your typical url, and I hope that it inspires you in some way too. If not, just kick back and smile. It's a pretty one.

See you tomorrow, here at http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com

Calling All Jewelry Designers!

Calling All Designers - Introductory Jewelry Challenge!

The Fire Divas are hosting an Introductory Jewelry Challenge! This challenge will be for jewelry designers who use artisan lampwork in their pieces. The winner of the Challenge will receive a beautiful group of Fire Divas' work. This is a wonderful chance for jewelry designers to show off their talents and get exposure!

Now for the details:
This first challenge will allow lampwork from any artisan. We require information about the artisan who made the beads used in the submitted piece, so if you submit something, please be ready to provide that information.

The challenges to follow will only allow Fire Divas' lampwork.

We will allow one submission per person per contest, and a maximum of two photos per submission. Entries may be submitted here (http://www.flickr.com/groups/firedivachallenge/) for approval, no later than January 1, 2010. Please include, in the comments section, the following:
Information about the beads:
Description of the piece:
Inspiration for the piece:

Fire Divas reserve the right to approve or reject any submissions.

Fire Divas reserve the right to modify or cancel the challenge at any time.

Ok, the boring stuff is over - go have fun creating!

Creation Is Messy's Stone Ground Glass

Recently, I was lucky enough to join the ranks of testers for Creation Is Messy glass.

I have been a big fan of the colors that they provide to increase my palette, especially with my sculptural glass.

My angel shown here was made from entirely CIM glass. I love the colors.

One of the colors that I really love is Stone Ground, which is similar, but not exactly the same as Moretti's Opal Yellow. I used it in my angel's hair and was so happy to have found it. It makes a perfect pale blonde and will go well as part of my "fur palette" as well. Can't you picture a Golden Retriever or Blonde Lab with their coats this color?

One of the cool things about CIM's website is that there are comparisons listed on the website, so you can see the colors being used in real beads and comments by the users. If you click on the angel link above, you'll arrive at a page that showcases what I mean.

If you haven't had a chance to poke around on that website, take a few minutes to enjoy it and scout out new colors.

I noticed an opaque light blue (called "Zachary") that will be fantastic when it joins the ranks sometime in December.

So go hit up their website and enjoy how artist friendly it is. And while you're there, look at all the artist examples using the glass. It sure helps for visualization for your own work as well.

See you tomorrow, right here- http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com

Come See Me This Saturday!

I'll be at the Chattahoochie Nature Center's first Back to Nature Holiday Market and Festival this Saturday.

If you'll be in the metro Atlanta area, I'd love for you to stop by. It's a cute nature center right on the river and benefiting creatures and programs that relate to it. I'll have cute little animal and Christmas related beads, pendants and holiday ornaments as well as other fun offerings.

Saturday, December 5, 2009 - 10 am to 4 pm General Admission/Members FREE

Buy local this Holiday Season! Find unique gifts while staying away from the crowds of the mall. Come browse local vendors selling a variety of items for the perfect holiday present!

Activities include:

• Holiday Marketplace with over 40 vendors selling local, handmade products!
• Snowflake Scavenger Hunt on our Woodland Trails
• Crafts and face painting for the kids
• Musical entertainment that will get you in the spirit with this nature holiday shop around
• Hot cocoa and coffee to warm the toes
• Explore their brand new Discovery Center and take home a fun nature souvenir from our Gift Shop
• Visit with some of CNC’s non-releasable wildlife up-close throughout the day