Free Fun Stuff!

"No one has ever become poor by giving."
-- Anne Frank

I just discovered Marilyn Scott-Waters' website, www.thetoymaker.com. It is chock filled with FREE paper toys to print out, color, glue, sparkle and play with. From paper dolls and spinners to gift boxes with cute illustrations and otters, it's all a gift from her talented hands and heart.

Perhaps you have some little people who need another activity to keep them actively busy and happy...this could be for you. And if you're like me, you'll want to download some of these pdf.s just to try them out.

Enjoy. Wishing you a visit from "you-know-who" tonight down your chimney, or however he arrives. Don't forget the carrots for the reindeer.

Sending love and hugs,
Marcy

Canoodling with Frosty

As you read this, I'm heading to Colorado and then Wyoming to be with family for Christmas.

Even though I live in the warm South, I am ready for the snow and ice and plan to make snow angels with my niece and nephew's little children and hopefully nail a big fat snowball on the back of my son's head. Just once. I know I'm dead meat after I succeed. But the thrill will be seeing his face with the surprise attack.

But besides the fun of being with family, will be the joy of little children who believe in Santa Claus. I miss it.

So those of you lucky ones with kids at home or grand children nearby, enjoy it to the max. And if you're like me where you get to share others', I hope you're as thankful as I am.

See you tomorrow with a two hour time change, more pre-holiday Glass, Creativity and I promise, not too much personal news.

Taking a Deep Breath This Time of Year

This time of year, it's good just to take a deep breath and remember what's important. All the gifts, family and other details need to take a backseat for a little bit.

I call it re-centering. It reminds me of when potters put the clay on their wheel and get it all aligned. I need to do that sometimes too.

These photos are from my neighborhood. The top one is the view at dawn out my window. The bottom left wild turkey was strolling through my front yard the other day and the deer is from a neighbor- (thanks Anita). She snapped it in her yard a few houses away.
For you, I wish a few deep breaths, if needed. And of course energy and happiness to enjoy the rest.

See you tomorrow. Have a great day.

Cruise Ship Hot Shop- What Fun!

I saw the following job description in my GAS weekly newsletter and thought I'd pass it along. I hadn't heard that a cruise ship was outfitted with it's own hot shop.
+++++++++++++++++++

Casting Calls for Blow Glass at Sea Program - Corning Museum of Glass

Casting Calls for Glassmakers on Celebrity Cruises January 25, 26 & 27, 2010 – Seattle, Washington, Pratt Fine Arts Center January 28 & 29, 2010 – Tacoma, Washington, M-Space February 1 & 2, 2010 – Portland, Oregon, Elements Glass Glassmakers, contact us and sign up to try out for our Blow Glass at Sea program aboard Celebrity Cruises. We’ll be at the West Coast locations, listed above, in January and February. During the tryout, you will be expected to make a two-gather piece, such as an optic bowl or a handkerchief vase or bowl, using simple or no color. The most successful pieces are blown pieces which show change quickly and be completed in no more than 30 minutes. Candidates will also be expected to narrate a demonstration (while assisting the gaffer). Candidates will be sent a script prior to the tryout. Successful tryout candidates will be invited to Corning, NY, to train for three to four weeks before being scheduled for an assignment at sea. If you are chosen for the Blow Glass at Sea program, you will need to pass a drug test and physical examination which are required by Celebrity Cruise Lines. Participants must be able to live onboard a Celebrity Cruises vessel for a minimum of three months. Interested? Send your resume and photos of your work to Debra Sharretts (sharrettsdc@cmog.org) at The Corning Museum of Glass. She will contact you with additional details. You may also reach her at 607-974-8241 for more information. You can also visit http://www.cmog.org/dynamic.aspx?id=10482 for more details about the Blow Glass at Sea program.

Celebrity Solstice includes a fully equipped hot shop for Hot Glass Show demonstrations

SNL- Christmas on Hulu

Some folks can't miss Frosty and others prefer Charlie Brown. But I like a variety and this show always has it.

Yes, it's a little naughty and quirky, but always gives me a good laugh in these stress filled days.

You can find it on hulu.com. Here is your link.

Hope you enjoy and remember, if you are easily offended, please don't click and watch.

Complete Lampwork Set up Available

Unfortunately, another lampworking friend is closing up her shop to follow other avenues. I'm sad to see her go. Here are her complete photos of what's available.

You can contact her for all her details at psanthuff@gmail.com.

Complete Lampworking Set-up

Complete lampworking set-up for both soft glass and Borosilicate. Includes the following and more, all in excellent, gently used condition:

EQUIPMENT:

• Nortel Red Max torch with top-mounted pre-mix minor burner and marvering pad
• 12-foot hoses and all connections, gauges, flash-back arrestors, etc. for both oxygen and propane tanks
• 27” x 55” steel desk work space with two handy drawers
• Creation Station with universal arm and hand rest
• Olympic kiln digital programmable Model HB 86 E, 13 x 13 x 20 (outside dimensions) with stand
• Custom-made exhaust system featuring a galvanized hood with mounted fluorescent light and a duplex electrical outlet to handle attaching additional lighting if desired, Suncourt DB 210 in-line duct fan and ducting to fit standard 36” double-hung window. Separate carbon monoxide detector can be included.
• Propane tank

TOOLS and SUPPLIES INCLUDED:

• Good supply of mandrels including 1/16” x 9” & 12”, 1/8” x 9”, 5/32” x 9”, button mandrel, custom made mandrel holder stands.
• Suede welder’s apron
• 2 pair high-quality lampworking eyeglasses
• Good selection of various tools including different size tweezers, mashers, graphite marvering tools, button and lentil graphite molds, Zoozii Kalera Trio and Lentil Trio brass molds, glass rod holders, etc.
• Several glass-making books and DVDs
• Linoleum used as floor protection (if desired), and a naugahyde protective screen (to stop flying glass) on custom-made supports (see photo)
  
  

SEPARATELY AVAILABLE:

• ¼ - ½ lb. lots of most colors of Moretti glass and much larger quantities of white, ivory, black and clear
• Selection of frits, powders, and other goodies
• Large selection of beads -- semi-precious, glass, crystal (Swarovski), bone, etc.

What's Your Sign?

I love these little Zodiac recycled .5" sterling silver charms.

They're from Mickey Lynn, a local jewelry maker in Atlanta. The designs are simple and fresh and wouldn't it be fun to have one for yourself?

By the way, I'm a Gemini. What sign are you?