Friday, July 31, 2009

July 31st Bead of the Day


Today's bead of the day is just beautiful! The blue scrolls and dots just draw your eye to the bead. This focal bead was created by Fire Diva JanelDudleyBeads and is available in her etsy store.
Check out all the fabulous new Fire Diva creations in this week's Etsy sales thread.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

July 29 Bead of the Day

Today's bead of the day from our Fire Diva Promotion thread on Etsy is from Emakaye of Ema K. Designs.

This Reef Exploration Focal Bead is absolutely breathtaking.



Check out Emakay's Work and all the fabulous new beads being listed by the Divas this week in our promotions thread on Etsy.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

July 28 Bead of the Day

Today's Bead of the Day comes from infernoglassbeads. Pastel Swirl is lovely off-white focal that lives up to its name, with swirls of pink and blue and other pastels. The effect is really amazing, creating a layered, almost textured look to the bead's surface.

Monday, July 27, 2009

7/27 Bead of the Day

Today's bead of the day is just perfect for sum-sum-summertime! Aren't these watermelon big hole beads lick-able???

They were created by Fire Diva Lara Lutrick and are available in her etsy store.

Check out all the fabulous new Fire Diva creations in this week's Etsy sales thread.


THANK YOU!...

DIVAS ROCK...
You guys have put such a smile on my face on this day of
recovering from the storm...I just wanted to say THANK YOU!...


Saturday, July 25, 2009

Fire Divas Gossip

The Divas have had lots to gossip about this week and with all the beads being shown in the daily thread on etsy, lots of eye candy too. Check out what the Divas have been up to!

Jennifer of Glass Addictions gets exposed, celebrates a birthday and features a felter that makes really unique jewelry

Rachel blogs on Handmade Chic about getting back to the torch, fun Harry Potter finds, and features Magic Bean Buyer

Lea shared on LAJewelry Designs that she is getting a purple laptop, about Trashion, and having the bead of the day!

Holly gives a sneak peek on Holly's Folly Bead and Jewelry Blog of her Art Bead Scene challenge entry. It is unexpected and super cool, so don't miss it!

Nicole shows off photos on NValentine Studio of her trip, shares her idea of a dream home, photos from an art show, and dishes about the challenge of making a blackbird, which was chosen as the bead of the day.

Lara writes about how proud she is of her Dad

Lynne shares a secret sale and her Art Bead Scene entry on Island Girl's Insights

Eileen of Dorset Hill Beads comes up with another tough Thursday theme and showcases fairies with attitudes

Melissa made the front page of Etsy

Pam shows off some awesome eye beads on The Blue Between

Veda's Beads started a feature for jewelry designers that use her lampwork beads.

Maybeads is having a contest. Make sure you visit for the details. You won't want to miss it!

Janel Dudley shares how she upcycles to create her thank you cards and business card envelopes

Bead of the Day

The bead of the day is from Hollys Folly Glass ... Doesn't this look good enough to eat....

I picked Holly to be the bead of the day because up until this week she has been picking and posting .... So I really thing it's her turn... And I really do want to take a big slurp of that icing!

For work done by other fire divas check out our promotions thread on etsy...

So Many Posts...

As I promised I am blogging about our 200th post today...This is someone we haven't seen in the threads for a little while...Let's give a big hand for #200...
CHERINE - flamecrazy on Etsy...
Let's take a look at some of her beautiful beads offered in her shop...




CONGRATULATIONS DIVAS ON 200 POSTS...

so we don't loose momentum i will give a "something special" from my own studio to the 275th poster in our Etsy thread this week...

Let's see those new listings, promos and chat...

Friday, July 24, 2009

July 24th Bead of the Day

Today's bead of the day from our Fire Diva Promotion thread is made by Nicole of NValentineStudio . Check out her Etsy store for more bird beads, she makes the cutest owls.

Check out Nicole's work and all the fabulous new beads being listed by the Divas this week in our promotions thread on Etsy.



Thursday, July 23, 2009

July 23 Bead of the Day

Today's bead of the day from our Fire Diva Promotion thread is made by
KimVGlass . There is an interesting short story about how she created the design for East Meets West lX .










Check out Kim's work and all the fabulous new beads being listed by the Divas this week in our promotions thread on Etsy.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

July 22 Bead of the Day

Today's bead treasure of the day from our Fire Divas' promotion thread on Etsy is called Windows to the Soul and it was created by Lea of LA Jewelry Design. Isn't the silvered ivory and aqua a gorgeous combination???




Be sure to see all the fabulous new beads being listed by the Divas this week in our promotions thread on Etsy.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

July 21 Bead Treasure of the Day

Today's bead treasure of the day from our Fire Divas' promotion thread on Etsy is a cheerful and sunny member of the Littles Family, born out of the torch of DorsetHillBeads. Cydney Littles is made up of two handmade lampwork beads, wired together with sterling silver beads and sterling silver wire. Cydney Littles is ready to hang from your favorite chain, ribbon or cord. And be sure to check out all the other members of the Littles Family - each one is as cute as a button!





Be sure to see all the fabulous new beads being listed by the Divas this week in our promotions thread on Etsy.
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Monday, July 20, 2009

July 20 Bead of the Day


Today's bead of the day from our Fire Diva Promotion thread on Etsy is a gloriously bright bicone from Janel Dudley Beads. It's got some reactive silver glass in there creating pretty rivers of yummy color variation!






Be sure to see all the fabulous new beads being listed by the Divas this week in our promotions thread on Etsy.


WOW...120+ POSTS...

Way to go DIVAs...We hit over 120 posts last week...I promised a blog post about #120 and I'm glad I did...

Nicole of NValentineStudio was #120...I know I missed her in the thread these last few weeks but I can say I'm glad you're back Nicole...Here's a tribute to Nicole's shop and her amazing lampworking style...




Don't forget to post on this week's thread and YOU
could be the next featured DIVA...

Friday, July 17, 2009

July 17 Bead of the Day

Today's bead of the day from our Fire Diva Promotion thread on Etsy is not a bead at all! It's a glorious glass button from from NValentineStudio.


There are many pretty buttons in her shop, like this one listed today (my personal fave!).



Be sure to see all the fabulous new beads being listed by the Divas this week in our promotions thread on Etsy.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

July 16 Bead of the Day

Today's bead of the day from our Fire Diva Promotion thread on Etsy is from Melissa Vess of MelissaBeads.

I have long been a fan of Melissa's collaboration is Daniel of CatherinetteRings. Melissa and Daniel frequently collaborate and the results are jaw-dropping! Check this bracelet out!



Check out all of Melissa's work, including another collaborative piece with Daniel,
and be sure to see all the fabulous new beads being listed by the Divas this week in our promotions thread on Etsy.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

July 15 Bead Treasure of the Day



Today's bead of the day from our Fire Diva Promotion thread on Etsy is from Ema of EmaKaye a/k/a Emma K Designs.

This Purple Passion Bracelet is stunning!!



Check out Ema's Work and all the fabulous new beads being listed by the Divas this week in our promotions thread on Etsy.








Monday, July 13, 2009

A Compact Art Festival Booth

My new outdoor booth layout for 2009.

I did an Art and Wine show over the weekend at a local winery, and thought I would share my booth experience. I've been doing this for about 4 years now, and am learning a lot. I used to use the family pickup truck to haul my stuff to and from the show, but it started to be a problem because my husband could not take the boat out fishing when I had the truck. I used the traditional 6'+ fold up tables which can be heavy and difficult to lug around, not to mention tough to transport without a truck.

So, I was motivated to find a set-up that met the following goals:

1. Aesthetically pleasing and professional looking
2. Compact - needs to fit into a Prius
3. Inexpensive
4. Flexible - different shows sometimes force different layouts, so the booth needs to be reconfigurable.

Thus started my quest to acquire pieces that would work. First I bought the Caravan canopy at Costco, which has worked well for the most part. I got the one with the carrying case and side walls (for closing the booth up at night), but I suspect the reason that this one was at Costco was that there is about 3" too little fabric to easily fit the walls around the sides. The only way I can get it to zip up as advertised is to attach the walls before the unit is completely expanded, and then pop it up. It's very frustrating that the vendor couldn't just make the walls an inch wider. This canopy fits into my Prius with the back seats folded down, behind the passenger seat.

The grid panels are 2' x 6' and can be hung individually with cable ties (my most-used item!) from the canopy framework, joined together in pairs (again, with cable ties) to provide two right-angle corners that fit nicely around one table, or joined in a triangle or square for a totally vertical display. They can support a track light fixture for indoor shows. I like to hang large photos of my work from them so that people who are walking by the booth can tell what kind of work I have without "committing" to enter the booth. The panels could also be used to display actual jewelry pieces as well, in frames.

The reed fencing is new this year, and came from Home Depot. It was dirt cheap at $20 for 16'. I like the way it softens the back and sides of the booth. It's reusable at home for outdoor decor too.

The carpet was another Costco item and is made from recycled plastic, and is good for outdoor shows where there is a lot of dirt. Unfortunately, I have to clean it - this year it made its debut at a rainy show with mud, and it's filthy.

The curtains tie onto the canopy frame, and were inexpensively purchased at Cost Plus Imports. The two tables are metal roll-up camping tables from Sierra Trading Post, and I use PVC pipe to extend the legs to bring the tables up to a comfortable browsing height for jewelry. This is key for jewelry artists - nobody wants to have to bend down to peer at your tiny works of art. The tables are wonderful - they don't weigh much, they're sturdy, and when disassembled they fit into a 5' tubular nylon bag about 10" in diameter, and I can carry two at once.

The two rectangular tables are joined by a square table made from a tall cardboard box (from The Container Store) that is weighted inside and has a 24" square plywood top bungied to the weight. When combined with wood or other rigid tops and bottoms, cardboard boxes are a fabulous, lightweight, flexible option for shows and won't break your bank. I've heard Uline has some great ones too. They can be painted or covered with decorative materials to make an artistic statement as well, and I've seen artists put glass jewelry cases on top for a very professional look.

I like making an "L" shape with the tables to create a "behind the counter" area where I can stand and talk with browsing customers. I've tried other layouts (tables along two back walls) and like this one the best for engaging with people. It also lets me stay in the shade, and gives a protected space for shoppers too.

Underneath the large necklace busts in the back are some lightweight woven fabric storage bins from Storables. Unfortunately they don't nest, but I love how they blend in with the black table coverings to reduce visual clutter. The necklace bar on the square table is made from PVC covered with pipe insulation and then velour, and it's inserted on a wood stand made from a piece of 2 x 4 with a large wooden dowel.

The earring display is a peculiar piece I picked up at a home consignment center - it's a square wooden base with an Eiffel tower-esque obelisque top that has lots of criss crossed wires I can hang earrings on.

Now for the part I'm most excited about - the trays. I found some tiered buffet serving pieces for around $30 each at Bed, Bath & Beyond that break down flat and give a unified look to my booth. This makes efficient use of the space and lets me put stuff higher in back. Sure, these cost a little more than other options, but I really like the look. Since the trays in the back are raised up off the table, it gives me a spot to stash my receipt book, calculator, pliers, etc., and a place where I can write up purchases without requiring another piece of furniture in the booth.

Now serving: Fire Glass!

On the trays is something called "Fire Glass" (www.blazingglass.com). I knew I could use rice, coffee beans, peas, etc. to display the jewelry on, but I wanted something different. You know those newer outdoor gas fire pits? Well, this is the new replacement for lava rock - it appears to be tumbled tempered glass, and what could be more perfect than fire glass for lampwork beads? This stuff comes in many different colors, and while heavy to lug around, I think it really draws people into the booth. When they ask what it is I just tell them it's the windshields from all the cars I've wrecked over the years (jk).

Most of my "miscellaneous" stuff fits into a lidded plastic tub - my gift bags, clamps, cable ties, guest book, business cards, tape, table signage, one table covering, a few busts, mirror, etc. I need an extra bag for gift boxes, however. Since I need to fit stuff into oddly shaped places in my car, I opt for plastic shopping bags for some items - it's easier to squeeze them in than if they were in a rigid tub.

How to Pack a Prius for a show 101.

Not shown are my canopy weights, which currently are an assortment of sandbags and concrete filled PVC.

All of this fits efficiently into my Prius including my jewelry, provided I put things in the car in the right order and in the right spots. The grid panels and canopy have to go on the bottom, behind the passenger seat which is pushed all the way forward. On the floor in front of the passenger seat are the five framed posters of my work. I forgot about the grid panels being on the right and had to repack the car after taking the photo above - I could not get the hatch closed.

So, I am finally self sufficient come show day, and DH can fish to his hearts' content. My heart still melts, however, when he shows up to visit me at a show, or comes by at closing time to lend a hand with the breakdown.

Anyone else have learning experiences to share from their festival set-ups? There are lots of ways to do this, and mine is only one.

July 13 Bead Treasure of the Day

Today's bead of the day from our Fire Diva Promotion thread on Etsy is from Lynne of IslandGirl on Etsy (a/k/a Fireball Beeds).

Lynne makes a variety of beads... from whimsical to floral to electroformed wonders. This hollow puffer fish is the bead of the day! Isn't he a cutie??



Check out Lynne's work and all the fabulous new beads being listed by the Divas this week in our promotions thread on Etsy.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

FEATURED DIVA OF THE WEEK - June 6

This past week's randomly picked DIVA of the week is Lauren of Maybeads...OMG...I just have to say that Lauren's critters stole my heart when she first started posting those adorable turtles...They were the cutest and hold a special place in my critter heart...Take a look at what she offers in her shop now...From aliens to dogs to turtles...These critters will capture your heart...








You could be next Friday's Featured Diva...
Post in our Etsy Promo Thread then check out the blog on Sunday...
See if you are featured...
This is a random pick from all of the Divas that post in that week's thread...

July 12 Bead Treasure of the Day

Today's bead of the day from our Fire Diva Promotion thread is from
Angela Kane of Blue Lagoon Beads.


Wow! I think that this gorgeous borosilicate focal is mesmerizing! It's just too hard to look away!





Check out Angela's work and all the fabulous new beads being listed by the Divas this week in our promotions thread on Etsy.

Friday, July 10, 2009

July 11 Bead Treasure of the Day

Today's bead of the day from our Fire Diva Promotion thread is from Jennifer Cameron of GlassAddictions.

Jenny's work is so striking... she's known for her nightmare insomnia bead series but this made-to-order wrapped bead is her latest and is so pretty!




Check out Jennifer's work and all the fabulous new beads being listed by the Divas this week in our promotions thread on Etsy.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

July 10 Treasure of the Day

Today's bead of the day from our Fire Diva Promotion thread is from Laurie of glassbead a/k/a Isingglass Design.

I love, LOVE fish beads and this one is so pretty!




Check out Laurie's work and all the fabulous new beads being listed by the Divas this week in our promotions thread on Etsy.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

July 9 Treasure of the Day

Today's bead of the day from our Fire Diva Promotion thread is from Lauren of Maybeads.

I am a HUGE fan of Lauren's work and have one of her turtles on my desk to keep me company. And I chose a turtle for the bead of the day...this one is a bookmark!




Check out Lauren's work and all the fabulous new beads being listed by the Divas this week in our promotions thread on Etsy.



Tuesday, July 7, 2009

July 8 Treasure

Today's bead of the day from our Fire Diva Promotion thread is from our fearless promo leader, Eileen of DorsetHillBeads.

I think her delicate summer flower is just adorable!


Check out Eileen's work and all the fabulous new beads being listed by the Divas this week in our promotions thread on Etsy.

Monday, July 6, 2009

July 7 Treasure of the Day!

The Divas list their new beads in the Etsy Promotions thread. Today's favorite bead, chosen by moi is JulieChristie's Seahorses! I couldn't chose one!




Each of these contains a little underwater scene!

Check out Julie's work and all the fabulous new beads being listed by the Divas this week in our promotions thread on Etsy.


100 Posts Last Week AGAIN...

GO DIVAS...Our 100th poster was Holly from HollysfollyGlass's...
CONGRATULATIONS Holly...

Here are just a few of her beautiful offering in her Etsy Shop...

Sunny Day at the Beach

Wanda - Lampwork Fish

Who will be this week's 100th post?...

Friday, July 3, 2009

FRIDAY Featured Diva... July 3

Happy July 3 and July 4th...
Today's randomly picked featured diva is Ellen from the Etsy shop Emakaye...Here is a little something about Ellen, aka. Ema, that you probably didn't know...
"My most important role is Mom to three boys, ranging in age from 8 - 17 (yikes am I really that old). I have a myriad of other responsiblities as wife, bookkeeper for my self employed husband, and so on......but my endeavor of creating and selling my work is high on my list".


CONGRATULATIONS EMA...

You could be next Friday's Featured Diva...
Post in our Etsy Promo Thread then check out the blog on Friday and see if you are featured...
This is a random pick from all of the Divas that post in that week's thread...