And Away They Go Until Next Season

I'm sorting through my show inventory and putting away my Christmas beads until next year.  That's  a wonderful thing about this seasonal part...they don't go bad, and I smile when I see them the following year.

And it sure is nice to have a few glass beads and ornaments ready to sell while I'm working on the new designs.

So, enjoy your rest little beadlets.  See you in about 10 months.

ISGB's Renaissance Deadline Soon

The International Society of Glass Beadmakers (ISGB) has a call to member artists to design a "Renaissance" bead.  I have to admit, this one has me thinking.

What would "Renaissance" look like in a bead?  I guess one answer might be ornate and gorgeous- I can think of a variety of beadmakers who do that so well and each one looks like a little treasure that you want to hold in your hand and examine over and over.

Or would one design a bead that has to do with Murano glass during the Renaissance?  Or perhaps, thinking re-birth, would that relate to nature or flames perhaps.  There are so many ways to interpret it.

I have my own ideas.  I am not sure whether I will be submitting an entry, but depending on my decision, I'll either show or tell you about it in a few days.

Happy day after....wishing you a little rest and relaxation...see you tomorrow.

Chilly Greetings to Far Away

I miss my daughter Sparky who is working in the carpentry shop in Antarctica again this year.  Holidays aren't the same, but I am thankful she is doing what she loves and is happy & healthy.  I just miss her, as Moms tend to do, when their kids aren't home.

These are my kids on a gondola many years ago - probably at Steamboat Springs where we would go skiing regularly. (Thanks Page!)  I think her early lifestyle and love of outdoors brought her to this job which she really enjoys.

To everyone out there, who is missing someone, I understand. Okay, I'm done with my personal Mom moments.  Thanks for listening.  I know in my head that this is right for her, but at special times, my heart needs a few extra minutes to catch up.

Wishing you wonderful holidays, and back to glass and creativity in just a few days.

Bangle Bracelets from Class

I took a 4 hour metal bangle bracelet class at Spruill Art Center a little while back and wanted to show you what I made.  Lots of bracelets!  Loved my teachers, Kristin and Joann.  None of the starting wire was fancy.  But it was perfect to learn the techniques.  I enjoyed the hammering more than I thought I would and quite a few of these bracelets ended up being gifts for my friends.  Nothing like handmade, I always say!

Hope your holiday is shaping up.  I think I'm headed off to go read a paperback for awhile. It's been quite a while, since I've taken time to do so.    See you tomorrow!

Our Tree Is Decorated With My Blown Glass Ornaments

Well last night we finally got our tree up.  I had enough remaining ornaments from my holiday shows, to  decorate it, so it is all my handmade work.

We took a shortcut and used our faux tree.  Back in the day when the kids were little, we used to hike up in the mountains and chop one down.  Times have changed.  With the kids living other places and with my busy season being at Christmas, we opted to use this one.  My son Grant helped us put it up and he dubbed the faux snow as "feta cheese".  So this is now the feta cheese tree.  He is kind of right.  I sure hadn't looked at it like that.  I still like the tree and am happy to enjoy the fruits of my labor.

Red Shoes!

These shoes just make me smile.  They remind me of some of the Italian and French antiques that were in our home growing up.  Like someone repurposed a piece that they just had enough with.

I do not know who makes these, so if any of you readers know, please post!

The question is, would you (or is it "wood you") wear these?  And whether you like them?

Let me know.  I am curious.

Honestly, I've always been partial to red shoes.  Might be from watching Dorothy a few too many times as a child.

Santa, Could You Bring Me A Cute Robot?

Saw this painting last weekend at Gallery 1526. I love it. Maybe Santa will bring it. Got my fingers crossed.