Friday, July 30, 2010

Glass Bead of the Day 7-30-10 ArtFire Friday


This lovely little flower bead from Susanne of BabsBeadsandDesign on ArtFire is today's Bead of the Day. I like the use of the copper under the clear and the two colored flowers. Check out Susanne's Vulcano flowers on ArtFire.

Susanne is participating in our Fire Divas Bead of the Day promo. Buy these beads in the next 24 hours and she will provide a 10% discount. Check out this thread on our blog for more information.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Bead of the Day - Thursday, July 29th 2010

Happy Thursday!  With this lovely weather we've been having (at least on this side of the country!), I've been enjoying some lovely new beads that remind me of cool summer evenings.  This new Boro Bead set by LAJewelry Designs (Lea) reminds me of summer evenings where you can see all the stars in the sky...


Check out her other beautiful beads by visiting her ArtFire shop here.  She also has a fully-stocked Etsy shop as well.

See what the other Fire Divas are up to in the weekly Etsy thread here. Enjoy :)

7/28 Bead of the Day

Today's Bead of the Day is a Big Kahuna ready for the beach by Maybeads


Isn't he the cutest????

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Bead of the Day, Tuesday July 27

Ready for a break this summer? Put on this hot pink and lime green bracelet from Amy Houston of ahouston on etsy, and cheer up! What a fun color combination.
Love that pink frit with green accents.
Go to Amy's etsy shop here to see what she's been up to:
And see what the rest of the divas on etsy have been up to here:
Hav

Monday, July 26, 2010

Bead of the Day - 07/26

Today's bead of the day is this Magic Rainbow from Judith Billig of icarusbeads.


This bead, and many other beautiful beads, are available from Judith's Etsy Shop.

If you buy this bead within the next 24 hours, Judith will give you 20% off.  Just send her a convo on Etsy to arrange things.

And have a great week!

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Fire Divas Gossip Column

The Fire Divas aren't letting the lazy days of summer keep them from getting things done. Find out what's keeping everyone so busy . . . let's get to the gossip!

Are you frustrated that Melanie hasn't been blogging as often as she used to? You aren't alone! Head over to Mind Melt to see what's keeping her from her blog, and more importantly, from her torch.

I continue to find bead inspiration in strange places. Find out where, only at Maybeads.

Lara of Lutrick is sharing a fun picture ~ but the question is, will it inspire some funky beads?

Amy has been adding new beads and jewelry to her shop. One look at Amy's Glass Blog and you'll be green with envy.

Things are heating up for Lea, in more ways than one. Find out more over at lajewelrydesigns.

Do custom orders get you all worke up (yes!)? Laurie of Lampwork Glass Beads: Playing With Fire has some sound advice to help you keep your cool.

Theresa's Etsy shop was giving her a hard time, but she finally gave it what it wanted. Stop by Tease Beads for details.

Silver River Jewelry is still coping with her loss. Maybe some treasury love will give her a bit of cheer. :)

Holly is giving away her heart ~ one of them, anyway. Find out how you can get it at Holly's Folly Bead & Jewelry Blog.

Karen is also giving away hearts ~ check out Fire-n-Sand Glass Art: The Journey for her lovely selection.

Ema has found a new venue for her beads and jewelry - find out where at Ema K Designs.

Susan has more than just gorgeous beads in her Etsy shop. She reveals her other handmade goodies here.

Patrice is finding inspiration in her own backyard. At Shepherd Creations, she pays tribute to some critters who will be missed.

Lori took some time to get away this summer ~ stop on by Ashlyn Design to see her vacation pics!

Have a wonderful week!

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Fire Divas Quarterly Jewelry Challenge Results!

Ding, Ding, Ding - we have a winner! We had incredible entries this time, but somehow a winner was chosen. Scroll down to see who won!

First Place:

Entry 2

Necklace designed with Lampwork beads by Sonja of SilverRiverGlassWork and Copper. On a bright sunny summer day the sun hovers over the water, sending rays up through the clouds with rippled reflections in the rushing water below.

Second Place:

Entry 4


This necklace was inspired by the fabulous focal bead made by Tera of Beadygirl Beads. I made some beaded beads (peace signs, and cellini spirals) in some of the same colors, and strung it all with swarovski crystals and sterling silver findings.

Third Place:

Entry 1

Information about the beads: by Amy Hall
Description of the piece: Silver wire, chain, lampworked beads
Inspiration for the piece: The square tiles by Amy inspired something different, and the demi-necklace was born!

Fourth Place:

Entry 3


I commissioned Maybeads - www.etsy.com/shop/maybeads to create a set of turtle beads for me to make into a bracelet.
I think this turtle must be from Tahiti, just look at her lovely lavender shell topped with a pink flower that has a lavender heart at it's center! I call her Tita, which in Tahitian means "The Fruit of the Sun". Her gorgeous green eyes, which match her head, legs and tail, will look happily up at you throughout the day. Believe me, I know from experience, you can't help smiling when you look down and see that little turtle looking up at you! Two matching lampwork beads accompany her, each bead has a pink flower on one side and a pink heart on the other, with green dots between the two sides.

The other beads on the bracelet are Swarovski crystal and glass. The bracelet is 7" long, and Tita the Turtle is about 1/4 wide and 1/2 inch long

-----------------------------------------------------------

Congratulations and thank you to everyone who entered, and thank you all for voting! And extra special thanks to the Divas that donated prizes to the winners: LA Jewelry Designs, Teasebeads, Janel Dudley Beads,  Babs Beads, Ahouston / Two Glassy Ladies, Glass Art by Melanie and Holly's Folly.

Fantasy Shopping Saturday

Today's fantasy shopping trip will be all about School Colors!  My 20th High School Reunion is today, and I have been planning and organizing like crazy ~ so I thought I would take a little break and go looking for ways to celebrate school spirit!









And my personal High School colors, Black and Orange ~ Go Mustangs!

Friday, July 23, 2010

Bead of the Day 7-22-10 ArtFire Friday


This cute snake on a branch is today's bead of the day from Patrice or shepherdcreations on ArtFire. Patrice has lots of lovely beads and pendants made of Boro glass. Check out her ArtFire site HERE

If you buy this bead in the next 24 hours. Patrice will offer free shipping.

Don't forget to vote for the Jewelry challenge on the right of this blog.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Diva of the Month Lara Lutrick - Part 4

Wrapping up our final interview with Diva of the Month, Lara Lutrick.


Which of your secrets do we not know… is there something else you would like us to know about you or your work?
Secrets? Nah. Something else about my work? Recently I have started to collaborate with my father, David Lutrick, who is a woodturner. My dad is using my beads to accent his turned vessels. I have a write up on my blog:


How has your work changed since you began?  
More precise, smaller jewelry beads and larger focals. 


What is the biggest challenge you want to accomplish in the next few months?
Making more beads and jewelry for my booth at the local Farmer’s markets which I share with fellow Diva and local friend, Lori Bergmann.


What do you like about being a Fire Diva?
I like working with other beaders to promote lampwork beads.

Lara Lutrick Website Lutrick on  Artfire



Lutrick Fan Page Lutrick Blog


Bead of the Day - Thursday, July 22, 2010

Happy Thursday!  In my search for new goodies, I stumbled upon this lovely geometric beauty:

Turple and Green Triangle Big Holed Slider--Handmade Glass Bead - Beadygirlbeads

Check out Tera's other geometric lovelies in her Etsy Shop.

See what the Fire Divas are up to this week by visiting the weekly thread here. 

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Glass Bead of the Day, Tuesday, July 20

Today's Bead of the Day is this lovely "Boro Heart" from Karen Klomparens, giapet on etsy. What colors! And I love the way it hangs kind of sideways.

Visit Giapet's shop for more beauties, and to learn about special offers on her blog: http://www.etsy.com/shop/giapet

And here's the etsy fire divas forum for the week for more wonderful lampwork: http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6578227

Monday, July 19, 2010

Bead of the Day - 07/19


This is Frank.  Frank is a graceful, dignified fish -- on a bead.

Frank looks sleepy, like he's looking for a good place to curl up and have a nap, which is coincidentally exactly how I'm feeling today after getting back from seeing family in San Francisco.

Isn't he cool though?  I love his spots, and his eyelid just kills me.  He's also puckered up for a big, smacking kiss.

Frank, and more cuteness like him, is available in AnkleBiterBeads' Etsy shop. If you rescue Frank from the fishbowl within the next 24 hours, Dierdre will give you 10% off.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Fire Divas Gossip Column

The Fire Divas have spent this last week exploring and creating new things. And that can only mean great things are happening, so let's see what they've been up to!

Theresa has been exploring new glass types. Find out what's got her hooked over at Tease Beads.

See what Amy's been creating with her own gorgeous beads at Amy's Glass Blog.

Stop by lajewelrydesigns to see some beach-themed jewelry Lea is featuring this week.

Ever get into a creating funk? Holly has just the pep talk to get you out of it.

Lara of Lutrick is reminding everyone to vote in the Fire Divas' latest Jewelry Challenge. Voting is easy - just pick your favorite design on the right side of the blog ------------------->

Want to know who is participating in Christmas in July sales? Janel Dudley Beads has the list. Janel also has some gorgeous etched crystal beads that you have just gotta see!

Judith is switching thing up to combat her slower summer sales. Head over to Icarus Beads - Dreams about Glass & Color to find out her ideas.

Ema has put that murrini purchase to good use ~ you've got to see what she's done!

At Maybeads, I found bead inspiration from some stuffed animals.

Who likes lizards? Patrice has a new glassy version at Shepherd Creations, and it is amazing!




Saturday, July 17, 2010

Fantasy Shopping Saturday

Time again to take a fantasy shopping trip through the Fire Divas' shops ~ I look forward to this every week!
I think today I'll go in search of crazy critters.  Enjoy!












Thanks for shopping with me today ~ see you next Saturday!

Friday, July 16, 2010

ArtFire Friday Glass Bead of the Day 7-16-10



This cute seahorse is today's bead of the day from Holly Dare of HollysFollyGlass. Holly says in her description that this was one of her first seahorses and I'm impressed. I think if I tried to make one it would be a metled blob.

If you buy this bead in the next 24 hours. Holly will offer 10% off. Please contact her first.


Don't forget to vote for the Jewelry challenge on the right of this blog.

Fire Divas Quarterly Jewelry Challenge - Time to Vote!

We don't have as many entries this time, but WOW are they good ones! You can see the entries below and when you are done, you can vote on the right -> for your favorite. Voting ends in one week (July 23).

Entry 1

Information about the beads: by Amy Hall
Description of the piece: Silver wire, chain, lampworked beads
Inspiration for the piece: The square tiles by Amy inspired something different, and the demi-necklace was born!

Entry 2

Necklace designed with Lampwork beads by Sonja of SilverRiverGlassWork and Copper. On a bright sunny summer day the sun hovers over the water, sending rays up through the clouds with rippled reflections in the rushing water below.

Entry 3


I commissioned Maybeads - www.etsy.com/shop/maybeads to create a set of turtle beads for me to make into a bracelet.
I think this turtle must be from Tahiti, just look at her lovely lavender shell topped with a pink flower that has a lavender heart at it's center! I call her Tita, which in Tahitian means "The Fruit of the Sun". Her gorgeous green eyes, which match her head, legs and tail, will look happily up at you throughout the day. Believe me, I know from experience, you can't help smiling when you look down and see that little turtle looking up at you! Two matching lampwork beads accompany her, each bead has a pink flower on one side and a pink heart on the other, with green dots between the two sides.

The other beads on the bracelet are Swarovski crystal and glass. The bracelet is 7" long, and Tita the Turtle is about 1/4 wide and 1/2 inch long

Entry 4


This necklace was inspired by the fabulous focal bead made by Tera of Beadygirl Beads. I made some beaded beads (peace signs, and cellini spirals) in some of the same colors, and strung it all with swarovski crystals and sterling silver findings.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Bead of the Day 7/15

Our Bead of the Day is Field of Murrini Poppies made by emakaye! This bead looks fantastically surreal and artistically cool!



Ema is participating in the Fire Divas Bead of the Day Promo! You can get 20% off of Ema's Field of Murrini Poppies if you buy them within 24 hours of this post!

Keep up with our weekly chat threads in Etsy and ArtFire, see what's new and take advantage of our Christmas in July sales!

Diva of the Month Lara Lutrick Part 3

This week we get a little silly as diva of the Month, Lara Lutrick answers Ten Silly Questions.

What is on your nightstand…list everything?
Alarm clock, book, light, framed picture waiting to be hung, papers, earplugs, cup of water. 

If we were visiting, and starving and you weren’t home…what could we find in your pantry / fridge to use to whip up a meal?
Noodles and tomato sauce. 
 
Favorite color and how does this show up in your bead work?
Purple. It doesn’t show up too often as the purples in the glass aren’t that great, but more and more purples are coming out so I’m using it more. CIM has some nice purple colors as does Gaffer.

Making beads is solitary work. How do you handle that??? If you listen to music / watch videos, please share some of your playlist.
I listen to books on tape. I just pick out one at the library that looks good on the shelf. 


Describe the most fun day you’ve ever had.
I don’t have a most fun day, but a most fun vacation, hope that will do. My dad surprised my mom, my sister and I with a trip to Disneyland when I was little. We were going to just go to the coast for a beach vacation in Oregon, but we missed the turn off. My mom asked dad “why didn’t you turn?” He then said we were going somewhere else. He asked me and my sister where we thought we were going. I got really excited as I knew right away. Dad told me years later that he thought I was going to pee my pants I got so excited. We then went to the park AND did the original beach vacation. It was so fun. 

If you had one wish, what would it be???
End to all wars. Unlikely, but would be great. 

Who do you most admire in glass and if you could take a class with that person, what would you most want to learn?
There are so many people to admire. I have taken a lot of glasses, but some I haven’t taken that I would like to take are: Tom and Sage Holland, Loren Stump.

What is the first thing you do when you get home?
Take a shower.

Do you have a day job??? If yes, what is your favorite thing about it???
I’m an RN at a local medical clinic. I like getting to know my patients. 


Name three tv shows you watch but are kind of embarrassed about. Survivor, Merlin and Deadliest Catch.




Lara Lutrick Website Lutrick on  Artfire


Lutrick Fan Page Lutrick Blog

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Wednesday's Bead of the Day

Happy Wednesday!  So call me a sucker for blues and purple... I just found this lovely set, and the colors are just one of my very favorite combinations, PLUS it's by our own Diva of the Month, Lara Lutrick!

RAINBOW ROUNDS - Multicolored Blue and Purple Lampwork Beads by Lara 

I know it's not just me that finds that combination soothing, so hopefully someone will snatch them up and make a wonderful bracelet out of them.  Anything made with these would be lovely, though.  The wispy colors that dance around underneath the clear glass are just mesmerizing, and I'm sure this set won't last long. 

And also, the newest glass art goodies from the Divas on Artfire.com

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Fire Divas Gossip Column

The Divas have been busy bees this week, so let's get to the gossip and see what's going on!

Lori's been keeping a secret and she's finally spilling the beans. Head over to Ashlyn Design or turn to page 20 of Bead Trends magazine to find out her good news.

Lea is spreading her wings and just joined a new Etsy team. Stop by lajewelrydesigns to find out why she's all atwitter.

Melanie's color testing posts are baaaaack! On the menu this week at Mind Melt is Split Pea, and now she even has some fab new dishes in which to serve some real split peas. But not surprisingly, these dishes are inspiring her to cook up some new beads instead of edible treats.

Patrice isn't letting a little burn thwart her creativity ~ at Shepherd Creations she shows her torching battle scars and how she was able to move on a keep making fabulous art.

Lara of Lutrick isn't letting her Diva of the Month status go to her head. She's still appearing at her local Farmer's Market with her good friend Lori and their finished jewelry pieces.

Holly has a tooth ache, so she's having a sale! Makes perfect sense to me. Head over to Holly's Folly Bead & Jewelry Blog for details, and find out why she's also already thinking about Fall.

Janel is showing off a custom piece at Janel Dudley Beads ~ it's getting glowing reviews!

Tera is also showing off a jewelry piece, and this one made it into her first publication ~ so head over to Beadygirl Blog to find out where!

Looking for jewelry findings? Amy has found them and stocked up a new Etsy shop. Amy's Glass Blog will show you where to go.

Theresa wants more power! Help her earn the funds for her new oxycon by participating in her ArtFire SALE! Head on over to Tease Beads for details.

Silver River Jewelry has a broken heart. :(

Eileen from Dorset Hill Beads is going through a lot of changes. Her Monday Meditation says it all.

Judith is realizing just how mysterious romance can be - so she's taking her time. At Icarus Beads - Dreams about Glass & Color, you'll see what has got her heart on hold.

There are only a few more days to enter the Fire Divas' Quarterly Jewelry Challenge, so get those Summer-themed pieces photographed and let's see 'em!


Saturday, July 10, 2010

Inspiration - More Jewelry from the Fire Divas

We're showing off more jewelry made by the Divas who are ineligible to win the fabulous prizes featured in out Jewelry Challenge. But... we hope it inspires YOU to make something great before July 15th!

Don't these earrings from Lara Lutrick make you think of summer fun???

The cool copper wire really sets off the neutral florals and vintage pewter in this necklace by TeaseBeads.



This pendant from EmaK Designs captures the feel of the ocean:



Flowers are the theme captured in glass and wire in this pendant from HollysFollyGlass.


Pendants, Rings, Bracelets, Necklaces, Anklets, Lariats... all are welcome in the Fire Divas Jewelry Challenge. Just get them in soon! Deadline 7/15/10.

Rules and Contest Info are HERE.