Technicolor Quick Challenges

I was torching with a friend one day and we decided to have what we called a "Pier One Quick Challenge".  I had their holiday catalogue in my bag.  So we each picked one item for both of us to interpret in glass.  We just wanted the "theme" and not the specific item. So we had a quick peek and then shut the book.

This is "peacocks off mandrel"  and here is my interpretation.  I made his tail feathers primarily transparent, so he could sit on a window ledge and glow.  It worked.  this will be posted in my Etsy shop later today.  I'm thinking if I were to revisit this one, I'd of course spend more time planning, but also might acid etch the tail for a different look. 

My friend chose a Zen Turtle for the challenge.  I'll find it and post it another day.  It was a funny one too, because my turtle looked like it was part frog.  Amphibian- no need to quibble!  See you tomorrow.

Murrines with Calories

Monday, I was downtown with my friend, Heather visiting the Atlanta Gift Show. (More about it in another post). One of the companies was demonstrating their candy making,so we stopped to watch. It was just like glass murine making, except out of sugar!

We watched him form the core and roll the colored sugars on a heated "table marver". He would add layers of color, essentially encasing the previous addition. And then he rolled and stretched it- often by gravity to his desired circumference and chopped all the samples from those.

Yes-.murrines with calories.

Here are some photos from the demo and their display of antique candy machines really had me wishing that they would demo those too. And I already checked. Any other antique machines are hard to come by and very pricey. Darn it. I really thought it would be cool to try some with glass.

See you tomorrow!

Portlandia- She's Making Jewelry Now

If you aren't familiar with Portlandia, this is a clip that makes me laugh.  It's a gentle and funny poke at the handmade jewelry industry.  Of which, I am proud to be a part.

Just a few minutes long, check out this youtube clip.  Or search for it on youtube by key words, "portlandia- she's making jewelry now".

Front Door

Still the noise, but progress! This is Nick, one of the five members of the crew. Nice group, and great at what they do.

When Cupid Strikes

Well Cupid isn't striking me...but I am always in favor of a little extra love going around.

This cutie is now in my StudioMarcy Etsy shop.  He is a bead and can be made into a pendant if you are careful, but with having appendages coming out at a few angles, I think he'd be adorable as a little hanging love charm on a stand (I can make you one, if you need one), or hanging in a window.  He's typical bead size, under two inches-ish and is so very sweet with his bubble gum cheeks.  They get pink when he's flying and asserting himself.  So if you need or know someone who can use an adorable love charm, check him out here.

Crazy Noise

I don't know about you, but I do my best work when it is quiet and peaceful. Well, our house is getting some long overdue repairs, which seem like they multiply by the day. This started In early December and I am not sure when this phase will end, but the constant noise is pretty hard on focus and getting things done inside, when the walls are rattling. But in the end, I know we will be thrilled. And I really like my contractor, a young woman in her mid thirties who is top notch and the crew of really nice guys who look a bit like ZZ Top impersonators.

So if you see a bit less from me artistically, you know why. But meanwhile, the squirrels and woodpeckers won't be dining on this house any more! And that makes it worthwhile. See you tomorrow!

Valentine Season Already!

I am starting off the season with little animals, cupids and non traditional ways to say you care to people you love.  This little fellow will be listed today in my Studio Marcy Etsy shop.

Look for more fun ways to say you care, that will last through the ages and make your loved ones smile.

Remember, some bunny loves you.