Bead of the Day for Thursday, September 30th, 2010

Wow, is it Thursday already?  Just like summer, this week flew by for me!  There are plenty of fall beads already bursting onto the Fire Divas fan pages and this blog, so let's try to savor some color other than autumn beauty, shall we? If you're feeling the same way, let's enjoy these lovely amethyst beads together...

Purple Amethyst Lampwork Bead Set by Rosemarie Hanus, Spawn of Flame

Lovely amethyst puddles amidst earthy swirling ivory/brownish stripes adorn this bead set.  Want to see more from Fire Diva Rosemarie Hanus?  Visit her Spawn of Flame Art Fire Shop!  She also has an Etsy shop, so you can browse one or both, for the full cadre of bead sets she has to offer.

To see the newest lovelies from the Fire Divas, visit this week's Art Fire thread here.  Thanks for enjoying this cool set with me, see you next Thursday!

Bead of the Day: September 29

I'm very late, I know. Autumn is really here, energy is dropping and I've got a cold coming up. Excuses, excuses! :)

In Sweden we have a saying - "better late then never!". And I think you agree once you've seen the bead I choose.

I have NO idea what Kaliptico is but I'm guessing a sunny place or a fruity drink. Something that makes you feel good, for sure!

Kaliptico Scrolls Focal, lampwork bead

Look at those pinks and citrus colours mixing together! It's made by Ema at Ema K Designs. Em also joined the Bead Of The Day Special Promotion and she's offering you a sweet deal if you order within 24 hours.

I would also like to remind you that we're looking forward to your entries in the Fire Diva Quarterly Jewelry Challenge. We need your contributions by October 15, but you ar so very welcom to hand it in sooner.

Bead of the Day - 09/28

We're living in a heavily wooded area, and today is the day that there's no mistaking autumn is here. Last Sunday hubby mowed and with that also removed the few leaves that had fallen. Today the lawn is covered ankle deep in maple leaves! Even the kids realized it and said "mom, look at all the leaves. Is it Fall now?" (they're 3 and 5 years old). LOL, they so desperately want summer to be over because that means Halloween is around the corner.

Speaking about leaves and autumn: Look what I found on Etsy when browsing the Fire Diva's lampwork glass beads! These red and amber glass leaves are created by Laurie from Isinglass Design.



Aren't these the most colorful and sparkling autumn leaves? I love them and I can think of so many designs that would look fabulous with these lampwork beads. Just imagine paired with amber and red crystals as cute dangle earrings. Gorgeous!

You can find these and other beautiful beads in Laurie's Etsy Shop.

Happy beading!

Bead of the Day - 09/27

Are you ready for September to be over?  I'm sure not... it  feels like this year is just flying by me.

Your bead of the day for September 27th is this gorgeous pendant focal from Lea Avroch of LA Jewelry Designs.  It's called Blue Danube, and reminds me of sparkling Caribbean waters.

Lea is participating in our Bead of the Day Project (more information here), which means that if you buy this focal within 24 hours of this blog post, Lea waives her shipping fee just for you!  Lea sells her glass creations on both Etsy and on ArtFire -- have a look!

You still have a little bit of time before the deadline for our Holiday Jewelry Challenge. Take advantage of all of the beautiful things our Divas have for sale and make something pretty!  Details on the challenge are here, and the prizes are fabulous.

Happy Beading!

Ask the Divas!

Welcome to 'Ask the Divas' for the month of September.

This Month's questions come to us from one of our facebook fans

'How do you get started? What does your studio look like?'

And here, in the words of several of the divas, are our answers.

From Theresa Ehlers http://www.etsy.com/shop/teasebeads
I learned to lampwork three ways. First, I took a simple intro class that taught me to light a torch and make a spacer bead. Second, I found http://www.lampworketc.com/ - that site is an endless wealth of information which can teach you just about anything you need to know, including the invaluable safety information I did not learn in my class. Third, I experimented. Glass work is a journey, and you learn from every turn.

One of Theresa's creations, and her studio- Wow!

From Sonja McClung http://www.etsy.com/shop/SilverRiverGlassWork
I started making lampwork beads because I wanted my jewelry to be more unique and stand out from the crowd. I took a basic lampworking class from a bead shop near where I live. I was hooked as soon as the torch fired up for the first time lol.

My studio is in my basement and I do try to keep it relatively neat since I don't work well if its too messy.

A set of beads from Sonja, and the flame in her studio

From Lea Avroch http://www.etsy.com/shop/lajewelrydesigns

Though some are completely self taught, I strongly recommend a beginners class if possible since there’s fire & combustibles involved. Though perfunctory, it at least gives you the basics, as well as safety instructions.

I'm in serious envy of those with beautiful free-standing studios! I have a tiny 3’ long space I work out of in my garage. Next to my work space I have glass & frit storage, separated by COE, since I work in boro & soft glass. I have another table that I take out when ready to torch. I move most of the contents that you now see on my workspace onto it. My frit storage is a rotating 4’ high shelving unit I bought when a local store went out of business. It’s my favorite!

A lovely silvery bead from Lea, and her little studio space

From Lara Lutrick http://www.etsy.com/shop/Lutrick

Before I made lampwork beads, I had bought cheap beads from India and China and thought they were neat, but while at a local arts and crafts fair, I saw and bought my first true artisan lampwork bead. I was quite impressed. I had never seen anything so pretty. I still have that bead and it continues to be a favorite. The artist told me that there were classes at my local bead store. I took the class and was immediately hooked. Lampworking is my passion; it feeds my soul and my need to create.
Well, my studio is a mess. Lots of glass everywhere. My dad made my ventilation hood and it is great, but not pretty.

Lara's favorite bead, and the studio it was created in.

And from me, Laurie Ament http://www.glassbead.etsy.com/
I learned with my daughter from a great book by Cindy Jenkins called Making Glass Beads, but I would certainly recommend a class to get yourself jump started. Your local bead shop or glass store should be able to help you find one. The website recommended by Theresa is wonderful, but I can't resist a good book- two others are The Complete Book of Glass Beadmaking by Kimberly Adams, and Passing the Flame by Corinna Tettinger. The website and books will also help you with studio setup. And then there's a lot of practice to be done... Have a great time on your journey through the world of glass!

My studio is an ever-changing area in my home. It's kind of pretty right now!

One of Laurie's fish, and her 'Studio With a View'

Time to be ~Inspired~

Here are some beautiful creations by the Fire Divas, using their own glass, to inspire all those jewelry designers out there. Don't forget about our Quarterly Jewelry Challenge!


Ema K Designs



Rivers Edge Glass



Beads by Lara


Maybeads



Silver River Jewelry



Holly's Folly


We will be sure to inspire you even more next week!

Sunday Gossip

Good Morning Diva Fans... time for a little Sunday Gossip:

May Beads is contending with some really camera shy critters! I thought they might be in the "Bead Protection Program" but, it turns out they have a perfectly good reason for being camera shy! And... Ema K has a similar dilemma!

Lutrick is finding bead inspiration inside fruit! You gotta see these pics!


Clare Scott is showing off her au natural side...

Silver River has something very frightening right outside her window!


Lori Bergman  is all "a twitter" this week with lots of new avenues and projects including...boot camp? Oh my!

Icarus beads is having a "retro" week... it's gorgeous!


Holly's Folly is sharing one of her favorite bead shopping tips!

Beadygirl is taking part in a beady bash all weekend. Sounds like lots o' fun!
 
Amy is feeling fritty, oh so fritty! And Janel??? Showing off her earthy side this week!


Patrice is saying, "Adios" to Summer with a special collection.

And Lea is still helping the Divas spread the word about our fabulous jewelry challenge! What are YOU making for it???

Fantasy Shopping Saturday

October is right around the corner, and you know what that means - Halloween. So this week I've decided to make it Spooky Skulls Shopping Saturday. Don't be scared, these skulls are made of glass. And they'd also work nicely in the Fire Divas Quarterly Jewelry Challenge. So let's go skull shopping!

BabsBeads

shepherdcreations

susanlambert

DorsetHillBeads

Lutrick

HollysFollyGlass

Glass Bead of the Day 9-23-10 - ArtFire Friday

Today's bead of the day is from one Melanie of Arensea on Art Fire. She is calling this Crazed Algae Lentil Focal. I really like Melaine's beads for their abstract and organic nature.

Melanie is participating in our Bead of the Day Promotion (click link to see rules) . Get Free Shipping on this bead if you buy within 24 hours of the time this is posted to the blog.

Bead of the Day for Thursday, September 23rd, 2010

We've had a few recent additions to the Fire Divas group lately, so please welcome Kalera Stratton of Beadwife, and admire a new set of her colorful Emerald Kaleidoscope beads:

Emerald Kaleidoscope - 8 Lampwork Beads by Kalera Stratton

See what else Kalera has in store by visiting her ArtFire shop.

To see all new Fire Diva listings on ArtFire, please click here.
See you next week!

Jewelry Challenge Shopping List #2

The entries are rolling in, but there is still plenty of time to enter! If you'd like to learn more, you can find all the details in this blog post.

If you want to enter but are feeling a little blocked, here are some pieces that might inspire you and give you a starting point for a breathtaking work of art.

Beads By Lara



Fire-n-Sand



Lampwork By Amy






Ema K Designs



Holly's Folly

Bead of the Day: September 22

Sometimes, the simple is the best.Like these beads from Barb at River's Edge Glass:

Juicy Orange Spacers

I just want to eat them! Such a wonderful colour. And so shiny! And round!

And don't let their simple appearance fool you. It taks a lot of practise to make spacers this round and even in size. A LOT!!!

Let me remind you of the Fire Divas Quarterly Jewelry Challenge! Still a few weeks to enter the competition with a chance of choosing your favourites from the Fire Divas shops.

Diva of the Month: Eileen Snyder (Conclusion)

In this last portion of the interview, we wrap up our focus on this month's Diva - Eileen Snyder of Dorset Hill Beads.

We asked Eileen if she had any more "secrets" to share with us, or anything else to share about her work. She told us that she didn’t think there was anything that we don’t know already. "I enjoy being creative and have many NEW items to bring into my shop…Keep your eyes peeled…"



As for how her work has changed since she begun? Eileen tell us, "All I can say is YEAH…and now of course my work is really changing because I am not lampworking at this time and probably not for at least the next year…"



The biggest challenge Eileen wants to accomplish in the next few months is promoting the new items in her shop and to create sales. She says, "so…I would love for you all to support me in this change and help promote my new items…THANKS…"



And of course, we asked her what she likes about being a Fire Diva. She says, "Being a Fire Diva has been such a great experience…I love the support, cross promoting and encouragement offered by this amazing team…Each and every one of the Divas I consider a friend…and…I want to personally thank those who have been such a great support over the last year plus…It’s been a tough one for me and my family…"

So thanks for stopping by our blog! That's it for this month's Diva of the Month - but stay tuned for interviews with our October Diva (not yet announced).

Dorset Hill Beads on Etsy

Dorset Hill Beads on Twitter

Dorset Hill Beads on Blogspot

Bead of the Day - 09/21

I just made my girls a Hot Dog for lunch - at least something that I call a Hot Dog to make the kids excited about it. It's a rather healthy version of it and doesn't resemble the traditional Hot Dog a lot. Now, while eating my lunch, I started browsing the Fire Diva's Etsy listings to select a bead to feature as the Bead of the Day.

And wouldn't you know it ... there on the screen I saw ... him! And fell immediately in love with him. It's Oscar, the Wiener dog!


Don't you get a huge smile on your face just looking at him?
Sure, Oscar does look a bit embarrassed to be trapped in the poppyseed bun ... but I don't mind, because I lurve him just the way he is.

This delightful lampwork bead was made by the uber-talented Lauren from Maybeads. You can find Oscar as well as all his other cute animal friends in Lauren's Etsy shop.

Best of all: Lauren is participating in our Bead of the Day Project, which means Oscar will travel to you for free (= free shipping) if you purchase him within the next 24 hours.

Fire Divas Halloween Challenge Results!

This challenge was lots of fun, and now we have the results! The winner is:


http://www.etsy.com/shop/beatlebabyglassworks?ref=seller_info

Let's see the other awesome Halloween entries too!


http://www.etsy.com/shop/JanelDudleyBeads


http://www.artfire.com/users/lutrick

http://www.ahouston.etsy.com

http://www.etsy.com/shop/maybeads

http://www.artfire.com/users/HollysFollyGlass

http://www.etsy.com/shop/glassbead

http://www.etsy.com/shop/emakaye?ref=seller_info

http://www.artfire.com/users/shepherdcreations

Thanks for voting. Up next is our Thanksgiving Challenge!

Sunday night Fire Divas Gossip

Hello everyone! It's Sunday evening again. The weekend sure seems to fly by!

Look at the enameled beads on Isinglass design! Enamels add a whole new dimension to lampwork beads. Always something interesting to do when you work with glass, and it's fun to share a few tips and tricks.

Lori Bergman is focusing on some lampworked beads on antique keys. What door do you think that key 'did' open? Isn't that something to contemplate with a unique pendant made by Lori?

Icarus beads is testing different types of clear glass for encasing. I can't wait to see which glass is her favorite. Encasing beads without bubbles or 'scum' is a challenge and you can see in many Fire Diva's beads that the challenge is something they have conquered.

In the meantime, Mind Melt is showing the results of testing a glass called Mojito. Who would have thought so many variations could be pulled from one type of glass?!

When you are doing your bead shopping, stop over at Clare Scott's shop for a great discount!

Also stop in to Holly's Folly to find out some interesting news about Art Fire.

Awwwww May Beads has the cutest little critters. I love looking at the charm swap results she is posting.
 
Ema K has pumpkin beads for sale. Just on time for October jewelry!

Also look at the pumpkin beads by Patrice. Isn't it fun to wear pumpkin jewelry?

stop back next week for more Fire Diva's gossip!
until then, have a great week, and think lampwork!!

Fantasy Shopping Saturday

As you probably know, the deadline for the Fire Divas Quarterly Jewelry Challenge is approaching (Oct. 15), and we would love to see some more entries! The theme this time around is "Holidays," so get in the holiday spirit and whip up something pretty using Fire Diva beads. Any holiday will do! To help you in your designs, I've searched out bead sets that aren't tagged as holiday beads, but could certainly help with various holiday designs. Use your imagination . . . and let's go shopping!

Ruby Gold spacers by AshlynDesign would add an element of sophistication to any jewelry piece.

Shades of green are found in many a holiday, and Gaia Mini Spacers by icarusbeads would add something unique to your designs.

The colors in these Twisty Spacers by RiversEdgeGlass conjure up a holiday feeling, don't you think?

All right - these black and orange spacers by HollysFollyGlass are tagged with Halloween, but I couldn't resist adding them. They obviously would finish up a Halloween-themed piece quite nicely.

craftyclare's shop offers this gorgeous set of blue on white willow patterns - what a gorgeous addition to a holiday piece these would make!

Find more beads by the Fire Divas by searching "Fire Divas" or "Fire Divas Team" on Etsy and ArtFire. Get crazy creative with your holiday pieces ~ we'd love to see them entered in our challenge!