Glass Bead of the Day - Tuesday 11/30

Today is a typical gray November day here in the Pacific North-West. That's why I went looking for something vivid, colorful when searching for today's Bead of the Day. Something to brighten my day.

And these Dark Rainbow Rounds by Lara Lutrick right away jumped into my eye. Red, fuschia, blue and purple are the ideal color therapy on such a wet day. I feel much better already :)



You can find these pretties and many other beautiful lampwork beads in Lara's Etsy shop or her Artfire shop.

Wishing you all a vivid, colorful week :)

Holiday Challenge Results

We have results! The winner is...

Entry 2 - http://www.etsy.com/shop/maybeads?ref=seller_info

Congratulations! Let's see the rest of the incredible entries!

Entry 1 - http://www.lajewelrydesigns.etsy.com

Entry 3 - http://www.artfire.com/users/HollysFollyGlass
Entry 4 - http://www.riversedgeglass.artfire.com/
Entry 5 - http://www.etsy.com/shop/amysimsdesigns
Entry 6 - http://www.etsy.com/shop/glassbead
Entry 7 - http://www.etsy.com/shop/ashlyndesign

Entry 8 - http://www.artfire.com/users/shepherdcreations
Entry 9 - http://www.artfire.com/users/shepherdcreations
Entry 10 - http://www.etsy.com/shop/JanelDudleyBeads?ref=seller_info

Lampwork Bead of the Day - November 29th 2010

Today's lampwork bead of the day is this little Owl Inspirations set from emakaye's Etsy shop.  These beads were inspired by a nesting box owl named Molly.

Emakaye's Etsy shop is full of other inspired works of art as well, so you will be well-rewarded for your visit there with a feast of creative eye candy.

You are almost out of time for our Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale, but you still have a few hours!  All of the details are located in this post.

Have a great week!

Need a Lampworking gift? Ask the Divas!

So maybe you have a fire diva (or other lampworker) on your Christmas list, and you’re thinking- now what should I get them??? Is it ok to get a lampwork related thing when that’s kind of their job?? The answer is a resounding ‘YES”!!! The beauty of having a lampworker on your list is that their business is also their passion. And there are so many things to learn, tools to be had, magazines and books to enjoy, that their wish list is probably endless.

So where should you start???

Well, you can start right here in the virtual world. Etsy or Artfire can be great places to find tools and tuts. Or just do a search on google.
For tutorial choices on etsy, go to the handmade search window and type in the words lampwork tutorial. You’ll be presented with too many wonderful choices. Don’t know which to get? Find something you think is cool and get the tut sent to your friend with a little note telling them that you are entitled to the third bead they make with it. That’ll give them some time to get it right! If you ask your diva which tuts they already have, I'll bet they'll let you know which ones they still 'need'.

If you’re looking for cool tools, etsy is a great place for that too. Type in 'lampwork tool' and you’ll be presented with some excellent choices. Here are a couple of my favorites. I love this fishbone stamp from shards factory. http://www.etsy.com/shop/ShardsFactory

And who doesn’t want an optic mold from Agate58? http://www.etsy.com/shop/agate58

A little bit of murrini is always a fun gift. Our own Janel Dudley of http://www.etsy.com/shop/JanelDudleyBeads makes some cool murrini for making these eyeball beads.

Or visit http://www.etsy.com/shop/loriandkim for some of the murrini maybeads used in this cutie http://www.etsy.com/shop/maybeads


What diva doesn’t want to add to her bead collection, and where better to look than the shops of the other divas? Lots of divas have sales going on in their shops right now, but hurry, they end soon! Here are a couple of interesting choices. A real electroformed acorn cap accentuates this bead from giapet http://www.etsy.com/shop/giapet

Lara has some lovely choices in her shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/Lutrick

Here’s one of my own http://www.etsy.com/shop/glassbead

Heading out to the bookstores? A gift certificate or magazine is always welcome. Handcrafted Jewelry is a new magazine I’m dying to see, and Bead Unique has two lampworking tutorials in every issue. Ornament magazine is filled with inspirational wearable art.

I just checked The Beader’s Color Pallette by Margie Deeb out of the library- it’s full of great color combos. Or they might want to hold onto that gift certificate until Lark books publishes Creating Glass Beads, Jeri Warhaftig’s newest book in March http://www.larkbooks.com/catalog?isbn=9781600595820

The Flow and Glass Line Magazine are full of lampworking tutorials and ideas, though you’ll probably have to order those online.

Gift certificates to our favorite glass suppliers are always welcome too. Frantz Art Glass, Arrow Springs, Artistry in Glass, Moretti and More, the list is endless. Each supplier offers something different, and a gift certificate will put your diva in the mood for something special.

Oh, I’m getting excited just looking at all of this stuff….So if you have a lampworker on your list this year, just look for anything glass related and they’ll be your BFF!

Fire Divas Gossip 11/28

It's SALE madness around here! And there's still plenty of time go get in on the Fire Divas' weekend sales. For a list of those participating in special sales through Cyber Monday, click HERE. Now on to the gossip!

You'll need to properly fortify yourself before you shop these great deals, and it just so happens that Ema has got an extra slice of pie. Follow the good smells to Ema K Designs for a bite, and a Thanksgiving recap.

Kathleen has the perfect alternative to shopping in those long lines at the mall. Head to Ugly Duckling Beads for her smart suggestion.

Sonja may have tried to sleep in on Black Friday, but her shops were wide awake and having a sale. You can still get in on her weekend deals - plus, Silver River Jewelry is in a holiday gift guide and you'll want to check that out!

The sales continue at LAJewelryDesigns. Artisan-made beads at unbeatable prices - with shipping combined between Lea's shops! The Fire Divas are trying out those new Etsy coupon codes, too, so make sure you've got your coupons before you shop!

The weekend sale at Fire-n-Sand Glass Art: The Journey lasts just a wee bit longer than Cyber Monday, so head on over and get the details. Then check out Karen's gorgeous giveaway bead!

There are even more great deals to behold at Amy Sims Designs, plus an icy treasury.

Janel is featuring two of her gorgeous new beads, plus, you guessed it, a SALE! Stop by Janel Dudley Beads for the details and your coupon code.

Grab your mittens and head to Ashlyn Design to get a good look at her winter beads, and you'll also see that Lori is in on the big weekend SALE event, too!

Are you a fan of Holly's Folly Beads? I am! And fans get even more off of Holly's beads during her huge weekend SALE! Find out how at Holly's Folly Beads, and while you're there, you don't want to miss her latest custom bead set!

There's another coupon code to collect at Lampwork Glass Beads, Playing With Fire - so head on over right now!

Theresa has added nearly 40 new beads and sets to her shops! And get this - they will all ship for FREE during her weekend SALE! So stop by Tease Beads for her new bead teaser.

The bargain hunting continues at Icarus Beads, where Judith has a special "Buy More - Save More" deal running at her webpage store, and a special coupon code to use at her Etsy shop.

There's one more coupon code to collect over at Lutrick. Lara has stocked her shops with holiday beads that are sure to please!

At Maybeads, I'm giving away the bird! Not the leftover turkey, but a fun little owl pendant, so please stop by for your chance to win!

Don't forget to vote in our November Bead Challenge - the theme is Christmas/Hanukkah, and you can vote to the right of this post.

The rest of the divas who blog are on the lower left side of the Fire Divas page, so if you missed any previous weeks, be sure to check down there.

Fantasy Shopping Saturday

Shopping....  I love it.  I could shop everyday...all day. But don't you just hate the long lines, and all that comes with mall shopping? Especially this time of year. My idea of a great shopping experience?  No long lines, a large selection to choose from, shopping at my convenience 24/7, no traffic congestion, and best yet, shopping from the comfort of my home, wrapped in a Snuggie with hot cider and donuts nearby. Mmmmmm...  All this is possible with the Fire Divas! Grab your computer, search for your favorite item, order it, and have it delivered to your door step hassle free! Here's a link to the different Sales and Promotions.  Happy shopping!

Susan Lambert

Ashlyn Designs

A. Houston

Icarus Beads

Hollys Folly Glass

Crafty Clare

Arensea

EmaKaye

Lara Lutrick

Janel Dudley Beads

LA Jewelry Designs

Lampwork Glass Bead of the Day Friday 11-26-10

Check out this super cute hound dog lampwork glass bead by Lauren of MayBeads. She makes all sorts of cute animal beads. Check them out on her ArtFire and Etsy stores.

I just couldn't help posted this cute kitty stocking bead from her Etsy store. Click HERE to see this listing.

Many of the Fire Divas are having a black Friday/cyber Monday sale this weekend. Check on this thred for more information.

Glass Bead of the Day: November 24

I can see you!!!

Glow in the Dark - 10 Eyeballs BHB

And I can see you in the dark too! 'Cause I'm a glow-in-the-dark-bead. :)

This awesom big hole bead is made by Janel from Janel Dudley Beads. And it's not only beautiful - it's practical too during the dark season, as you will more easily spotted in the traffic if you're wearing this.

By the way, did you vote in the November Challenge? If not, please do.

Fire Diva's Black Friday-Cyber Monday Promotion!

The cat's out the bag! The Fire Diva's are pulling out all the stops to kick off Black Friday and Cyber Monday!
Beginning Friday, November 26 through Monday, November 29, 2010 we'll be offering Coupons! Special Discounts! or Free Shipping! for bargain-conscious customers looking for hot items and good deals! Check out the list that follows to see what each Diva is offering! Happy shopping!

1) Holly - 20% off my shop http://Hollysfolly.com or Artfire shop http://www.artfire.com/users/HollysFollyGlass or my Etsy http://www.etsy.com/shop/HollysFollyGlass - use coupon code THANKFUL upon check out. Addition savings for fans.

2) Lori - 10% off my Etsy http://www.ashlyndesign.etsy.com/ and ArtFire http://www.artfire.com/users/AshlynDesign shops from Friday to Monday

3) Kathleen -10% off http://www.etsy.com/shop/UglyDucklingBeads

4.)Sonja-10% off http://www.etsy.com/shop/SilverRiverGlassWork and http://www.artfire.com/users/SilverRiverGlassWorks

5) - Lara - 10% off at Artfire and Etsy + free shipping
http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&seller_id=22129
and http://www.etsy.com/shop/Lutrick

6) Janel 20% off at Etsy from Friday to Monday http://www.etsy.com/shop/JanelDudleyBeads

7) Patrice - 20% off my ArtFire shop: http://www.artfire.com/users/shepherdcreations : Use coupon "FIREDIVASTHANKSGIVING2010"

8)Barb - 15% off on my AF shop from Friday-monday http://www.artfire.com/users/riversedgeglass
 
9) Melanie - 20% off on ArtFire http://arensea.artfire.com/ or Etsy http://arensea.etsy.com/

10)Amy 20% off on ArtFire shop coupon code TURKEY: http://www.artfire.com/users/AmySimsDesigns

11) Theresa - Free shipping on all items in my Artfire shop until Monday:http://www.artfire.com/users/teasebeads

12) Lea - 20% off my Artfire http://www.artfire.com/users/LAJewelryDesignsand Etsy http://www.etsy.com/shop/LAJewelryDesigns from Friday to Monday - use coupon code HAPPYTHANKSGIVING upon check out.

13) Karen - Friday - Monday, 10% off in both shops, http://www.etsy.com/shop/giapet and http://www.artfire.com/users/Fire-n-Sand

Diva of the Month - Amy Hall - Part 4 (Conclusion)

Welcome to our conclusion post about this month's diva - Amy Hall (which happens to be me, the Diva of the Month column writer, this month, so please excuse the first person!)

One secret you might not know about me yet is, I am kind of crazy about animals. I even used to work in a veterinary clinic. We have two cats and a dog... actually we sort of have three cats right now cause we are looking after someone else's. It's like a zoo around here and I wouldn't have it any other way.



How has my work changed since I began? I've improved a lot, just technique wise. It's hard to pinpoint how it has really changed over the years, although I'm sure there are differences. I feel like it's become more consistent, although I still get some fugly beads when I experiment.



A big challenge I want to accomplish over the next few months is, finishing my degree program successfully. I am taking my last two courses right now, and will be doing my final exams this December. Then with any luck, I will graduate!



What I love about being a Fire Diva is, I love the support, and just getting to know all these great ladies. Their work is fantastic, the community really helps me to promote my work, and they are always there to answer a question. Really supportive environment in this group which is so great!



And that's the end - stay tuned for next month's Diva.

Amy on Etsy ~

Two Glassy Ladies Website ~

Amy on Twitter ~

Amy's Glass Blog ~

Two Glassy Ladies on Facebook

Fire Divas Gossip 11/21

It's the week of Thanksgiving, and we Fire Divas have a lot to be thankful for . . . our torches, our glass, tools, murrini . . . but most of all, our customers. We are so grateful to all of you who purchase our beads and use them in your creations or simply collect them. Thank you!

The Fire Divas want to remind you to look for a special announcement TOMORROW on our Thanksgiving weekend holiday sales event. 

If you sell on Etsy, you'll be thankful after reading Judith's latest post that gives some shortcuts to listing your items. And as usual, there's always gorgeous eye-candy at Icarus Beads, so be sure to check out her new creations while you're there.

Susan Lambert has much to be thankful for, and they're arriving this week for a visit.

Kathleen is stretching her creativity to a new medium, and she's very pleased with her work. So head to Ugly Duckling Beads to see what she's up to ~ you'll be happy you did.

2011 will be here before we know it. Wouldn't a calendar filled with glass goodies be the perfect way to keep track of all your important dates? Head to Holly's Folly Beads for more information (she has two beads in the calendar!). These would make excellent gifts as well.

Amy is thankful for her new tools! You have to stop by Amy Sims Designs to see what she's been making with them - *drool*.

You'll be grateful when you visit Silver River Jewelry, where she's announced here holiday sale in one of her shops. One-stop shopping for gorgeous finished jewelry - how easy is that?

One of Janel's beads is on the surface of the moon! Well, not exactly, but it's pretty cool anyway. Head on over to Janel Dudley Beads to see what I'm talking about.

Lori's blog has got that golden glow about it this week. So be sure to stop by Ashlyn Design for some special color inspiration.

Amy's Glass Blog is chock full of links this week. See how you can get in on a giveaway, as well as learn 10 Silly Things about Amy.

Ema's got the scoop on the Fire Divas recent fundraising efforts for Breast Cancer Awareness month. Check out Ema K Designs for the details ~ we're all so thankful for all the funds raised!

Shepherd Creations, Maybeads, LAJewelryDesigns and Lampwork Glass Beads, Playing With Fire are all reminding you to vote in our latest bead challenge. The theme is Christmas/Hanukkah, and you can vote to the right of this post. We are all so grateful for our voters!

The rest of the divas who blog are on the lower left side of the Fire Divas page, so if you missed any previous weeks, be sure to check down there.

Fantasy Shopping Saturday

Every bead has a story. Each one reflects what's in our heart, the things we are passionate about. They capture what we see and experience..., a relaxing drive through the countryside, a trip to a white sandy beach, a romantic dinner. As glass beadmakers we begin the story. You put the finishing touches on our beads with your personal style, thereby, giving them life.  You complete the story! What ending will you put on these glass beads by the Fire Diva's???

Emakaye

Janel Dudley Beads

Spawn of Flame

Icarus Beads

Amy Sims Designs

Giapet

Lara Lutrick

A. Houston

Maybeads

Silver River Glass

Arensea

Tease Beads

Holly's Folly Glass

L. A. Jewelry Design

Susan Lambert

Rivers Edge Glass

Don't forget to look for all our special announcements starting November 21, 2010 for Holiday specials!