Periwinkles Are Popping

Although the weather can't totally decide what season to be in, I am thrilled to see little periwinkle flowers popping up. It is a sure sign we are headed in the right direction.

Divergent Styles of Jewelry

I had these two photos in my jewelry file and noticed how different they are.  Like opposite ends of the spectrum.

I think I like the simpler style.  ;)

See you tomorrow with photos of some of the glass work that I've been doing recently.  

Four Legged Hipsters

Scotland is doing a tourism promotion "Year of Natural Scotland" with Shetland Ponies wearing hand knitted cardigans by local, Doreen Brown.

I've always wanted to go there, but now, even more.  I wish they'd outfit all their horses in handknit sweaters.  Perhaps there are other animals that could use some sweaters, leg warmers or a cute vest.  Yep, I really want to go!

Great Messages Are Everywhere

I'm in class again today.  Going to work on listening to these wise words!  See you soon with some results from my class.

Beads of Courage Honor

I am delighted to share with you that I am one of 30 lampworkers chosen to be in the inaugural year of the Beads of Courage Bead Artists Hall of Fame.

If you are in Tucson, Beads of Courage is having an event on February 9th.  I'm not at the show, so I will be home wishing I was there to enjoy the honor.

You know, sharing my time and abilities with this wonderful program is so fulfilling.  We see that it means a lot to the families and the kids.  How can anyone not love helping?

ps  These little space guys were some of the Space Shuttle riding bead replicas that I made for Beads of Courage to sell on the website.

More Classes I'm Taking

Today I'm in an enamel class with the wonderful Ricky Frank. I love his cloisonne work.  This is a sample and here is a link to his website. You may have seen him at an ACC show, or in other high level craft shows.

It's a small class of 4 for three days.  Needless to say, it's just the basics and we won't be making anything as wonderful as Ricky's work here.  But I am hoping to take away some new skills and hope there is something that will transfer to my other art.

I will post when I have something new to show.  It might be a few days, while I am busy learning, but see you soon!

Limited Editions...What Do YOU Think?

I was looking at Crate & Barrel's Limited Edition Tea Pots in my email this morning and contemplating their marketing strategy.

We all know that some folks collect them.  And using logic, collectors tend to prefer unique.  So by limiting the number, and making the decoration more "modern" or current, I am wondering how this sells for them.  And whether they are starting a younger generation of collectors of tea pots?

This one is by Yellena James and I like it.  I just don't have room for anything that I don't need right now. I'm at the stage where I need to reduce my collections instead of increase them. (unless we're talking about art supplies and equipment or fun tools)

But it made me think about our Glass Bead business and other art/craft industries.  Many of us do the equivalent of "limited editions".  Would it make any difference if we market them that way?  Food for thought.