Frankie in Soda Lime Times

If you are a flameworking beadmaker, and haven't subscribed yet to Diane Woodall's Soda Lime Times, you are missing a great deal.

This month has the Halloween issue and I have a tutorial for Frankie, (pictured above) in it.  But within the 52 pages, (yes, that much!)  there is tons of content in her monthly subscribtion e-zine.  It is so worthwhile.  I have been beadmaking for about 12 years, and each issue teaches me something new.

Fingertip Rings

So what do you think about fingertip rings?  These are made to just rest on the nail bed and you can find them HERE.

Seems to me, that if they take off, there are some pretty fun options for all of us artisans to add our bits of flair to the concept and make them different.

How would you add your style to this concept?  Or wouldn't you?

Rings...and More Rings

I have a full tray of handmade flamework glass flowers on adjustable metal rings waiting to be listed in my StudioMarcy.esty.com shop.

Most are "Statement Ring" size.  They really show up on your hands and are lively and fun.  I have some smaller ones as well, which are for the women who also love the handmade artisan style, but prefer to use their "inside voice " as my son says.  Both sizes also have some more geometric and also organic styles along with the whimsical garden flower variety.

Color Trends

I was looking at one of my favorite fashion trend sites and they showed this palette as one of the trends for 2012.  (I'll be blogging about the Pantone 2012 Color of the Year in a separate post)

But the first thing I noticed was how perfect some of the Creation is Messy colors are for it.  Wow.
The first photo, their color "Ginger" for the slacks and "Crocus" for her top.  The second photo, "Desert Pink" seemed to fit the bill.  The third photo looks like "Dirty Martini" to me.  Not an exact match, but it would go well with what is shown.  The final photo again would include "Desert Pink".

So if these are some of the color combinations, I think I'll be watching what's in the shops and probably shopping for CiM glass.  I'm a big fan of their colors anyhow, so this will be easy.

Tiny Magical Elves

I never knew that elves were so tiny, until one of my customers asked, "can you make tiny elf charms?"  Of course I could.  So here is the gang.   Left to right...Conor, Faervel, Thalon & Fred.  There's always one in the bunch!

That is a penny that Conor is leaning on.  He's not really lazy, just "resting".  They are quite small.

And they are available in my StudioMarcy Etsy shop.  You can click HERE to find them.

Next Holiday?

With New Year's just around the corner, I made a Champagne bottle and wired it onto a little Sterling silver bail for a quick celebration pendant. It can be found in my StudioMarcy Etsy shop.

Carolyn Morris Bach Jewelry Artist

About a month ago, I visited the American Craft Council Show in Atlanta and was delighted to meet and enjoy the jewelry of Carolyn Morris Bach.

Have you ever found a piece of art that just speaks to you in volumes? Carolyn's work made me feel that way. I walked into her beautifully appointed booth and was immediately enchanted.

You see, Carolyn combines two of my favorite subject matters- birds and faces. I would go from one piece to the next and love each and every one of them. They have simple lines, yet the details are wonderful. The faces are sweet and the birds interesting. Now if only I can convince my family that I "need" some of this for Mothers Day.

Faberge

A little eye candy never hurt anyone, so here is a link to Faberge's website.

This site is an artistic mix of animated drawings, moving photos and of course, their drop dead jewelry. Oh my! I could drool over this stuff for a long time. Wait until you see the Red Hibiscus Cuff. Mmmm.

So when you have 5-10 minutes to explore, stop by and and enjoy it. It's not your typical url, and I hope that it inspires you in some way too. If not, just kick back and smile. It's a pretty one.

See you tomorrow, here at http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com

Cheaper by the Bakers Dozen Cupcake Glass Beads

I had an inquiry from an online bakery specializing in cupcakes. We discussed a wholesale price for cupcakes.

Now I know that a lot of artists don't do wholesale, but I have a different opinion. If the details are spelled out carefully and agreed upon, then it can be a win/win situation.

But back to cupcakes. Part of the fun for me, was trying to figure out what types of cupcakes to offer. I reviewed her website, and then thought about what would I want to make multiples of at the price we agreed upon. (and decided that I was pretty open as long as the cupcake wasn't too detailed)

Here are four samples of the many that I came up with. I first made a list of what colors cake bases might be. Then I went to frosting colors and then I have a separate column for decorations. By writing out my ideas, it's easier to make an assortment, once I get to the torch, than having to think them up as I go. I'm a list person through and through.

Do you sell wholesale? And if so, do you have any pointers for our readers? And of course the other thing I want to know is...what's your favorite type of cupcake? I think mine would be rum cake with pineapple frosting and lots of coconut sprinkles, I've never seen one, but it sounds good.

See you tomorrow!

Making Your Own Headpins

Do you belong to Beaders Showcase?

I really enjoy that they strongly encourage videos to be posted there. I recently watched one on making your own headpins.

Here is the link to the How To Make Your Own Headpins.

I hadn't realized that it's so easy to do. I'm not sure that I want to make all of my headpins, but there are times in which an extra long one is needed. Or now that I have watched it, I think there are other things I might want to do with fine silver. I just need to think of what they may be. Got any ideas?

Of course it wouldn't be so much fun if a torch wasn't involved. The Creative Jeweler, who made this video, said even a creme brulee kitchen torch would work. I guess that's an excuse to go buy something else that's shoots fire. Woo hoo! I like those tools.

Do you make your own headpins or something else that is really easy? Tell me about it. I'm always interested in acquiring new skills. Especially if they involve just a touch of danger.

See you tomorrow-

Does This Bead Match My Bag?

One of my customers constructed this bag and she is aiming to embellish it a little more. So she contacted me with the bottom photo and asked if I would design a bead to go with it.

Well of course I'd give it a try. I love looking at custom orders a bit like a puzzle. It's good to mentally and physically challenge oneself to figure out how to make something new.

Before accepting the commission, I look at the colors. Do I own rods that match, or can I layer or mix these shades? What about the shape? Is it within my realm of expertise? And technically, can I figure out how to attempt to do it...at least on the first try?

Often it takes more endeavors than just one. And I know that I don't usually charge enough to cover those extra efforts, but to me, the custom orders almost always are worth it.

Each one teaches me and that's one of the elements that I love. Foremost is the customer's happiness, when I'm able to create what they want. It makes me just as joyful. But definitely secondary, is stretching my boundaries in a different direction to practice looking at the 2-D object and interpreting it into a 3-D shape- boldly going where I have never gone before. It's like a mini class for myself.

Do I ever have to call it quits? Sure. Not often, but I have. Once someone wanted me to make a specific NASCAR racing car less than an inch tall with the numbers and some of the intricate details. What was I thinking? Suffice it to say, it didn't work. I imagine if I had chosen to continue on and make enough of them, I'd get it, but I didn't quote a price anywhere close to the hours I was putting into it. That car is still on my bead rack to taunt me.

Some of the more memorable custom orders? Well I delighted in concocting someone's cat dancing on two legs, wearing a pink tutu and a black pirate patch. Creating pets, or the grandchildren face beads, school mascots, special mermaids and fairies or funny requests like Easter bunnies wearing viking helmets makes me grin. Bringing others' imagination to life is very rewarding.

So this swallow, (which matches a tattoo as well as the tote), is ready to be sent. Just wanted to share a portion of my art with you. These custom orders are a pleasing challenge in many ways of almost every day that I am at my torch.

If you have a custom bead you'd like to discuss, please contact me through my StudioMarcy Etsy shop, http://www.StudioMarcy.etsy.com. I'd love to chat.

Seashells by the Seashore

It's always a delight to see one's glass art turned into jewelry by a customer. I love how each jewelry designer manifests their own point of view.

My friend Debbie, from DG Designs on Etsy has honored me not just by a simple credit, but also including my name in the title. Wow, that means a lot to me.

This is "Marcy made a seashell" which is listed in Debbie's shop. You might have seen this seashell in my previous blog post. What a joy to have it made into this pretty necklace. I'm not sure whether it's the Swarovski crystals that match so well or the little handmade brass sea urchin beads that make me like it so much, but I sure do.

Last summer I was lucky enough to meet Debbie and her husband when they were traveling through Georgia. We had emailed so much beforehand, it felt like we had been friends for years.

So thank you Debbie for the recognition. I am truly touched and so appreciative.

Are You a Superwoman?

Are you a Superwoman?  Or do you have one in your life?

The other day, I was thinking about Mothers' Day and what would I buy for my Mom.  She's a tough one to buy for- has everything she wants and generally I'm limited to tennis related items.  Sometimes when trying to figure out this hard to buy for type, I do a mental "free-association".   The word, "Superwoman" came to my mind.

I won't go into family history and details, but suffice it to say, she's pretty amazing and that was the birth of the big "S" focal bead.  I know there are so many other women out there who are just as cool.   Are you one of them?  

I'm going to make more in different colors.  I'm hoping that women will find their free association in the symbol as well as get a good smile out of it.  Superwomen of the world unite.  Now if we could just get the rest of the super powers.  I'd sure love to be able to fly.

Three Etsy Treasuries - Hooray!

I always appreciate it when my beads are chosen to be featured in an Etsy Treasury. Currently there are three of them and each one is quite diverse.

Treasury A is titled Forest. I love the diverse products that fit the theme. If you can't tell, my Large Tree Bead is the third row down and second across. I made it either as a very large focal or for customers who like to use them on bead stands.

I have to say, I am quite enchanted by the Summer Felted Handbag by Kokoon. Handbags are one of my vices and this one is organic and beautiful.

The treasury was chosen by JuliaFelt on Etsy. Pop by her shop for some beautiful items. I'm partial to her Autumn Bag.

The next Treasury, UWIB Puts The Fun In Funky, has a great mix of items by Street Team members. The initials stand for United Women in Business. If you're interested in joining, please ask me about it. They do a great job promoting and supporting each others' shops. You can see my cactus in the center of the top row.

This Treasury was created by JMJ Creations. I visited her shop and found a really cool pair of earrings called Diva Drops. And seeing that it's my Street Team, I can't pick a favorite item from this treasury, but I must say that I love robots!

And the final third treasury, (wow, this week was really generous, wasn't it?)... well it's called "Colour"

and these colors really make me smile. I love the light bright ones.

This was chosen by Cynmb. I wish I could show you

her shop, but Cyn is an Etsy buyer and according to her feedback, very much loved. I know my messages with her were so very nice.

Anyhow, Cyn chose my little aqua rocket focal bead with 4 fire power boosters on the bottom. I had fun making it.

And if you've read the rest of my blog today, I bet you can guess which item is singing to me. Go ahead and guess.

Treasury will have disappeared after you click the links after a few days. Treasuries only last 2-3 days and then are gone. So enjoy the photos, click if you can and support my fellow Etsy artists and Treasury makers.

It always is so interesting to me to see what items someone will choose and the themes that go with them. Each of these are so different and yet have one of my beads in common with the rest.

See you tomorrow with some glass chat. I've got a topic that I think you'll like.

Teletubbies or Glass?

Just to look at ~ not to eat.

http://www.StudioMarcy.etsy.com

Three new beads listed daily

~

I Like Some Spam

Now I haven't gone as far as joining the Spam Fan Club, but there was something calling to me to make the can of classic Spam into a a lampwork glass focal bead.

I admit, I ate it once in a while when I was a kid. It was what a lot of kids ate along with Tang, the drink that Astronauts took to the Moon.

And I understand that Spam is served in Hawaii pretty often too. I say, good for them, if they enjoy it.

But for me, I just made it because it makes me smile whenever I look at it.
Hopefully this Spam bead makes you smile too.

ps, don't forget, when writing on glass, case your stringer with transparent glass, so there's more separation between the letters.

See you tomorrow!

Artisan Beaders Weekly Give Away- Catie's Blue

Oh baby, I love this!

Brandi from Catie's Blue is the etsy shop and street team member who made this week's giveaway.

It's simple to enter the drawing, which ends on Friday. Go to the Artisan Beader's blog, and follow the simple directions from there.

I think it's the aqua apatite combined with the lemon quartz, sparkle and the boro bead that just sends me over the edge. Aqua is my favorite color.

I know I can solve my problem by just contacting Brandi to request a similar one of my own.

Blue Bird of Happiness and Karaoke Singer: Focus on Pink Cheeks

Here's a cute Bluebird of Happiness who has such a sweet face. For a change, I added pink cheeks. It's amazing what they do to add some "sweetness" to this bead.

She's joyful because this weekend she's going to be singing karaoke. I know, you don't tend to think of birds doing that, but this is a songbird.

She sings Rockin' Robin and Free Bird. The rest of the birds have a hard time lighting a flame at the end of the song, but now are using their cell phones instead. Three cheers for new technology.

As some of my beads are somewhat autobiographical, I need to be clear that this one
is not. I can't sing note and if you're lucky, you'll
never hear me utter a sound. It will bring tears to your eyes, and those aren't tears of joy.

So be thankful that I make little bluebirds instead. I'm leaving the singing to them.

See you tomorrow,
Marcy

Hurry! Fabulous Giveaway from Orion Designs

Hurry. Don't miss this one. You have until 5 pm EST TODAY!

Vicki of Orion Designs is giving away this cutie pie pair of earrings. (I love her jewelry) They go with everything and are made from glass and brass. Vicki is a member of Artisan Beaders Street Team on etsy, and this is part of our preholiday promotion.

Here's how you do it. Go to Vicki's etsy shop, (click here) and choose your favorite item. Then go to the Artisan Beaders' blog and leave a comment. (here's the link) Visit the blog first if you want all the links coming from one page. If you hunt around, you might just find a little of my lampwork incorporated in her jewelry, which of course is a wonderful option for your favorite item!

I know you want to win. And besides, you'll be the coolest person on the postal route receiving a package from Chugiak, Alaska. Not everyone can claim that one!

Happy Friday to you, unless you're in the Antarctic like my daughter, who is a day ahead. Anyone else here celebrating the weekend already?

Inspiration Monday Part Deux

You saw Monday's frog costume for inspiration, now here is the bead.

Meet baby Abby who is wearing it. She is currently living in my etsy shop and if you'd like more views of this little cutie, just click here.
Of course she would be perfectly happy to hop over to your house too.

I thought if I wrote about inspiration, perhaps it would be a good idea to show you my final translation too. And if you missed Monday's blog, just scroll down to see the original photo.

Catch you tomorrow!

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