Glass Spirit Bears, Animals & Other Fun Stuff!

Starting tonight (Monday) through Wednesday evening, I'll have a one person show which is auction format for my beads.  I've been doing this when possible. (next month it's in another group).

https://www.facebook.com/groups/AOMLampworkGlass/
If you aren't a member of this buying group, you click on "join" on the righthand side of the page.  When the moderator has time, they will let you into the group. If you have problems, message me and I'll see if I can help.
These are just some of the bears (and an elephant) that will be featured in this 48 hour show.

Hope you can join me.  If not, I will add extra beads to my Etsy shop on Friday after this show and sale is over.  http://www.StudioMarcy.etsy.com.

Beads of Courage Ladybug Stars

Imagine dreaming up a bead design and having it chosen to represent your hospital.  Fifteen year old Beads of Courage patient, Christina Perry was the winner to represent Pittsburgh and I was the lucky beadmaker chosen to interpret her design.

Its a yellow outlined sculptural star, with polka dots, a fat ladybug with green legs and a flower on the back side and will soon be offered on the Beads of Courage website.  I like this design so much.  It is sculptural (always prefer those), it has cheerful colors and a happy design.  Christina's message was that it was to show HOPE.  And if I have ever worked in hopeful, optimistic colors, it's this one here!

There are  other beads designed by patients, parents and medical staff involved through Beads of Courage that will also be for sale. Some are listed already, you can find them HERE.  And they are so reasonably priced at $25.00 each.

See you tomorrow!

Join Me for Creative Beadmaking Class at Glassic Arts in Florida

I'm teaching in Deland, Florida at Kathi Truba's Glassic Arts Studio on November 12-13th.  The class is called "Creative Forces" and teaches you how to interpret photos, words or items into 3-D sculptural beads or as surface decorations on traditional  bead shapes.

I make these for the Beads of Courage Dream Beads, but also these simple techniques work so well for custom orders, holiday ornaments and even for those family members who you hate to turn down when they say, "can you make me a _____?"  (Do you get those requests too?)

I've shown you a little sock monkey bead that I made for one of the kids in the Beads of Courage program.  That was the request.  Below is my picture that I used as a frame of reference.  I modified my piece for shorter monkey limbs (sturdier for little hands playing with it), and added the letter C for the child's name.  Here is the photo that I used as a basic inspiration.

So come join me for class in sunny Florida.  You'll come home with fresh and new ornament and bead ideas and more importantly, some great techniques that will just get better.  You can tell by the photos, that Kathi's studio is a lovely place too. 

Now here's another great part...Kathi and I have put our heads together and we're donating part of the (very reasonably priced)  class fees (both the students' and mine) to Beads of Courage.  So click here to find out more about the class. 

Kitty's Interview with Me!

Lampwork bead maker Kitty Bozzini recently posted a really sweet interview with me that I hope you will enjoy.  It included a "tip" and even a photo of one of my watercolors, that I usually don't show.
I hope you will check out her blog, right here and after you read my interview, check out some of her other posts too.  I  really enjoyed reading it.

Red Riding Hood Revisited

Two days ago, I told you that I was working on my bead for our Southern Flames Glassworkers group postcard.  And I showed you the darling print of the guinea pig dressed up.

So here is the end result.  No, I didn't dress up an animal as Red Riding Hood, but that still may be in the future...  But I did make this cute little girl and just happened to have a spare wolf hanging around my inventory (I know, what a coincidence).  I'm going to create a glass base for the two of them and make them a nice woodsy place to co-habitate.  Can't we all just get along?

See you tomorrow!  Right here at www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com  or find me on facebook under Marcy Lamberson.

Laura Zeiner- Amazing Artist

WOW!!!

My Bead Soup Partner, Laura Zeiner of Stick Lizard Designs,  knocked it out of the park as far as I'm concerned.  After a few emails discussing "likes and dislikes" and checking out her etsy shop, I came to the conclusion that her love of nature, neutral colors and specifically the beach would be a great jumping off point for my bead gift to her.  We needed to provide a focal, clasp and plenty of goodies in between.

I couldn't help tossing in some "etched beach glass" and some other turquoise rings for a pop of color, just in case she wanted it.  If not, I knew it might go into something else later.  In fact, I sent what I thought was enough for a couple of pieces and was amazed to see almost every last piece incorporated into her gorgeous necklace.

But if you want to see the best photo of all, you'll need to visit her blog.  It's at the bottom of her post and I love it.  I'll give you a hint...a non human is wearing the necklace and looking very happy doing so.

The Big Beads of Courage Drawing for My Cricket Torch!

Perhaps you remember that this Cricket Torch raffle has been going on for the entire month of March.   For every 25 beads or $25, the donor receives a raffle chance.  And  wouldn't you know it, there's been an overwhelming response.  Way over 6,000 beads have been sent in to Beads of Courage.   I'm so delighted with our wonderfully generous lampwork community.  And even better, quite a few folks have stepped forward with additional raffle gifts, so there are lots more to give away.

Here are two photos of the many which have been posted on the raffle blog, http://www.givebeadsofcourage.blogspot.com.  Please pop by and see all of the wonderful beads that are going to the kids.  I'll leave the blog online after the raffle is completed for everyone's viewing pleasure.

So before I do the drawing today, I'm going to double check my raffle tickets to the donations and then I'll be using the online number generator.  You can see it here.  And after that- I'll post to the BOC Blog and start contacting both the recipients and the other gift donors as well.  I'm excited for all of it!

And of course, the big winners are the kids.  Having watched them pick beads at one of our local events, I know that they think about it pretty carefully when choosing.  (and like a complete bead dork, I was watching to see if they'd pick one I had donated.) 

Cheers to the lampwork community - you make me so proud to be associated with all of you.

Sting Wears Lampwork? Help Figure This One Out...

My friend, Robin Snuttjer sent me this photo of Sting (*sigh*) wearing a bead. She was wondering if we can track down who made it or any details? What a great idea. Who can help?

And while you're at it, if you too are a fan, feel free to post your favorite song. Here is one of my favorites at a James Taylor Tribute concert.

Serenity

I know we're in the middle of a crazy shopping season, but somehow, this glass seashell that I made, seems to make me feel serene. I can't figure it out exactly...the color, the form, or the wonderful memories I have of being on the beach and near the ocean.

So just trying to do my bit to help you chill out and relax. Take a moment. Remember that wonderful holiday at the beach...maybe even with a glass of wine or margarita (or more!).

...this message brought to you by, StudioMarcy, where not all beads are red & green this time of year. (but most of them are and they can be wired into ornaments too if you prefer.)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Keep smiling and enjoy your holiday!