Mad Scientist Handmade Glass Beads

Each year, I love making Halloween beads  I just don't want to make just the traditional ones, but add in a few different styles.  Black cats are expected and of course I do them, but it's good to have some unexpected ones too.  So years ago, I started making "Mad Scientist" beads.  I love designing crazy hair that stands up- kind of Bozo the Clown meets Einstein, and of course add in goatees, beards and the important flask of undetermined chemicals.  I'll be making a few more this year, so feel free to contact me if interested. 

The Flaming Bacon Tiara Quandry

The Flaming Bacon Tiara Quandry... the other day on facebook, I posted a photo of a Flame Tiara that I had made. I had used a filter (Oh I felt so artistic) and many of the folks who saw the post thought I had made a bacon tiara. Which made me laugh, because that is not beyond something I'd do. Honestly, I love bacon almost as much as i love a good flame. (that's what we use to melt our glass- 2,000 degrees of flame) So I took a non filtered photo of the flames in the sunlight. See the third photo and folks agreed, that does look a lot more like a flame.

So I cooked up some bacon and made a bacon tiara. (see left photo) I learned a few things... 1. just cooked bacon can not be held together by packing tape. It doesn't stick. 2. I can not ignore bacon or the scent of it 3. T pins work great for holding your bacon together for the quick photo 4. a little bit of saran wrap will protect both the bacon and your hair from each other.

In conclusion, artistic filters don't always achieve their goals when used, bacon is tasty any time of the day and I will make a glass bacon tiara one of these days. Because it would be fun!

If you are looking for either a flame or a bacon tiara - made on a metal base, please message me.

You can find me on Facebook by searching StudioMarcy or Marcy Lamberson, or join my private group "Glass Art & Beads by Marcy Lamberson".  You can also find me on Instagram @MarcyLamberson or on Pinterest too.    Catch you later!

Three Dog Day?

I have been having so much fun with custom dog orders recently.  Some people want them in Christmas outfits to use as ornaments and some folks want them as miniatures for a special place in their house.

These three little white dogs are a selection for one customer who needed options.  (the rest of the litter will go in my Etsy shop.)

I love making them and what a way to keep smiling through a busy season.

Hope you are enjoying your Sunday.  See you tomorrow!

I'm So Happy To Be Home

I heart being home!

Okay, so I admit that I wasn't posting as much as I'd like over the last three week, but I was busy!  While at the Gathering, I taught a 2 day class, co-taught a teaching the teacher class, was filmed and then spoke for the International Society of Glass Beadmakers conference, and participated in all the activities.  Then before the first conference was over, I joined a second conference also in Washington where I taught three classes and participated in that group's activities as well.  (Plus I got a little sightseeing!)  Then I came home and my daughter arrived for her visit prior to leaving for Antarctica next week.  You know how when you want to get in every available minute with someone how you kind of give up on sleeping the amount you should?  Yes, that's me.

I can very easily admit...I'm kind of tired.

So this weekend will be a bit slower.  I'm still unpacking, cleaning, and reassuring my wonderful cat Zeus, that I'm home for a bit.

 I am also teaching a "Beach" class at Flametree Glass tomorrow from 12-2, in case you want a quick sculpture class (www.flametreeglass.com)  I know there's still a little room, in case you'd like to join us.

I'll post more later this week to fill you in on my prior weeks' adventures and some of my purchases.  (making sure the economy stays strong, you know?)  Glad to be back.  See you Sunday.

Color Mixing Glass

Perhaps it's my old watercolor painting influence, but I love custom mixing colors in glass.  Whether it's actually mixing the two together, or layering transparents over opaques, it's always fun to see if I can get an exact shade that I am seeking.  

I mingle Vetrofond, Effetre, CiM and even some Devardi into my mixes.  Some play together better than others.  It doesn't seem to depend on the brand, but more the actual specific glass color.

And since I do this so freely, I also am teaching a class on color mixing.  My first class was in Austin at Blue Moon.  It was designed for non torch users- like mosaicists and fusers who could translate it into use for their specific projects.  But I was surprised at the number of flameworkers who signed up too.

Just wanted to show you a few and ask you, if you mix glass colors or layer, what are some of your favorite combinations?