Lampwork Bead of the Day - February 28th

Today's lampwork bead of the day is on this Spirit Necklace, created by Judith Billig of icarusbeads.

This focal bead and woven leather cord will look great around your neck, regardless of your gender.  And, if you purchase it within the next 24 hours, Judith will give you 20% off as part of our Bead of the Day project.

See you in March!  Isn't this year going crazily fast?

Fire Divas Gossip 2/27/11

The Fire Divas have a lot to share this week, so with out further ado, let's get to the gossip!

There's a parade of gorgeous turtles at

Shepherd Creations, so stop on by for a look at Patrice's new beauties.

Lori has had a one of those crazy-busy weeks, and after you visit

Ashlyn Design you'll find out how she'll have just the right words to describe it.

At Ugly Duckling Beads you'll find a lot of Fire Diva updates, plus a treasury of beautiful muted greens and blues.

You have to see Ema's beautiful Blog Soup designs, so be sure to stop by EmaKDesigns for her big reveal. Ema is also moving her shop to

EmaKDesigns on Etsy, and it's filling up fast with her gorgeous signature focal beads. Head over for a look!

Just how many rolls of bubble-wrap will it take to painstakingly wrap all of Amy's glass for her big move? You'll want to visit AmySimsDesigns for a look at her studio before it's all packed.

Janel just shipped off over 100 beads to Beads of Courage. You'll want to see these beauties at

Janel Dudley Beads, plus see what she's in the running to win!

This week, Melanie is mixing it up with Desert Pink Unique #2 and Latte Macchiato. Head over to

Mind Melt for the results.

Susanne found her focus the other day, and she's showing off her results over at BabsBeads. I spy a cute little penguin on a mandrel.

At

Maybeads, I'm once again playing Where are They Now with my beads - it's always fun to see where the little critters end up, and this week they are in some gorgeous settings.

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.

February Challenge Winner

We have a winner for the February Challenge! The entry chosen for the theme Ice Ice Baby was

Entry #2:

by Judith: http://www.judithbillig.com/

Congratulations Judith!

And lets look at our other entries one more time:

Entry #4 by Lori: http://www.artfire.com/users/ashlyndesign

Entry #5 by Amy: http://www.amysimsdesigns.com

Entry #3 by Sonja: http://www.silverriverglassworks.artfire.com/

Entry #1 by Lara: http://www.lutrick.etsy.com

Thanks for voting!

Fantasy Shopping Saturday

I've had my share of snow... Almost everyday there's a steady stream! Two inches here, another inch there, it adds up so quickly!  Fortunately I'm on a comfy love seat,  wrapped in a "Snuggie", laptop in hand, TV on my favorite "old movies" channel, and a hot cup of spiced apple cider nearby.  And what am I doing today????  Checking out the Fire Divas sites!! Join me....

Arensea

Ashlyn Designs

Babs Beads and Design

 

EmaK Designs

Hollys Folly Glass

Lutrick

Maybeads

Rivers Edge Glass

Shepherds Creations

Silver River Glass Works

Spawn of Flame

AHouston

Icarus Beads

Paul Bead

Susan Lambert

Ugly Duckling Beads

Amy Sims Designs

Bead of the Day 2-25-11

Check out this Silvered Glass Big Hole Bead from Fire 'n Sand! I really like the blue purple colors and the iridescent natures of this glass. It is just lovely.
Fire 'n Sand is participating in our Bead of the Day Project, you will get free shipping on this item if you purchase it within the next 24 hours.

Glass Lampwork Bead of the Day for Thursday, February 24th, 2011

Happy Thursday!  Today I found this beautiful bright heart focal from Holly's ArtFire shop (Holly's Folly):

Happy Heart Glass Bead Focal, Orange Black Turquoise

It's got loads of detail, with red dots, a red heart at the bottom, turquoise and black zig zags, yellow dots... almost too much detail for one bead to handle, but it manages to pull it off seamlessly :)  See what other goodies reside in Holly's ArtFire shop here, or visit her Etsy shop here.  Remember, Holly participates in the Bead of the Day Promotion, which means that for the next 24 hours, you can get this bead for 10% off in her ArtFire shop!  Just send her a message to let her know you saw it here as Bead of the Day first.

Visit the weekly ArtFire thread to see what's newly listed over there for the Fire Divas, or just to stop by and say hi to us!  You can also visit the Etsy Fire Divas Team Thread here for new glass art listings on Etsy.  Have a great week and conclusion to February.

Ask the Fire Divas Question For February

This months question was "What is the most challenging part of working with glass?"

This is really a good question because this answer is a little bit different for each of us. One person's strength may be another persons weakness! Here are some of the answers from our lampworkers:

Amy Sims of Amy Sims Designs says "Deciding which colors to use, lol! Seriously, though, learning how the different colors react with each other is difficult, and takes a lot of practice. Explaining to a customer that I can't do "that bead" in a different color scheme because of the way the colors react or don't react is sometimes a challenge."

Lara Lutrick of Lutrick (Lampwork Beads and Jewelry by Lara) "For me it is trying to be patient and not force the glass. I'll try to move the glass or create a design when it is too cold and break the release. Also, I'll super heat it and get discoloration and burnt areas if I'm not careful. Glass will do what it is going to do."

Kathleen Robinson-Young of Ugly Duckling Beads says, "For me it's getting colors to have the same impact and intensity they have when working them in the flame. In the flame my colors seem to blend and play together well. Then the magic moment comes to see what they look like after a night in the kiln, and all I see is a design made with lackluster colors on a murky base that doesn't look anything like the rods I used. But some good comes out of it.... usually I can figure out what colors to use the next time to get the effect I want."

Lori Bergmann of AshlynDesign says, "One of my challenges is figuring out the chemistry of how different colors and silver glass work together, and trying to get consistent results. You never quite know what you'll get because each time you sit down to torch there are so many variables like weather, flame fuel mix, color batch, etc. that can affect the design."

As for me, SilverRiverGlassWorks one of my biggest challenges is taking the endless possibilities and narrowing them down enough to have a starting point every time I sit down to torch. There are so many possibilities and directions each torching session could take that sometimes I can't decide where to start and what to focus on!

Glass Bead Of the Day: February 23

It's so incredibly cold in Sweden this week! Again!!! For the past 10 days or so we've had -20 C almost every morning (wich equals -4 F - I looked it up!). And there's sooo much snow! Two weeks ago we got another 40 cm or so, and it keeps adding on, little by little. This is the coldest, snowiest and longest winter since World War 2, I think!

So no wonder I long for spring. And the begininning of spring is Easter. And a popular symbol for Easter is... can you see where this is going?

That's right:

Handmade Bunny lampwork bead

The qutest thing made by Lara Lutrick. It even has a spring green background!

Don't forget to visit our weekly threads at ArtFire and Etsy for more lovlies!

Glass Bead of the Day - Tuesday 2/22/2011

Just when I thought that spring is around the corner, we do have another cold winter day here in the Pacific North-West. Right now it's snowing heavily and there goes my hope for cherry blossoms and crocus flowers.

I need color. Now! What better way of dreaming about spring then looking at some colorful glass beads? For example these vibrant "Aqua Pasha" lampwork beads from Paul Spencer of PaulBeads:



Just look at the fresh aqua color, combined with warm caramel hues. Fabulous!
If you are longing for spring just as I do, and you also need some color therapy, check out all the other gorgeous beads in Paul's Etsy shop.

One World One Heart 2011 - Winners

The final blog hop of One World One Heart has come to a close. It took us a while to get in touch with all the winners of the Diva's gorgeous giveaways. Come along and visit the blogs of our lucky winners.

The blog hop was hosted by Lisa at  A Whimsical Bohemian. Lisa does have some BIG news about her plans for next year... yes folks,  Lisa isn't giving up on the blog hop format but is making it's focus more art related. Since the Divas are all passionate about our art, you can be sure we'll be jumping on that bandwagon! Now to the prizes.

Judith Billig of Icarus Beads' treasure pendant is winging its way to Germany  to the home of a talented jewelry maker. Stefanie's blog focuses on her beautiful jewelry designs!

Rosemarie of Spawn of Flame is sending her a Glass Lampwork Pendant to Sam of Everheart Quilts in Alaska. Sam makes some amazing quilts and features her art and life on her blog.

Karen / Giapet a/k/a Fire-n-Sand is sending her lovely heart necklace to Georgia to a multi-talented artist named Jamie. Her blog, Peach Street, focuses on folk art and life.

Barb of River's Edge Glass is shipping her etched glass bead pendant to Carol in Tennessee. Her blog, A Stitch Across the Border, focuses on hand sewing and cross stitching.

Lori Bergmann of Ashlynn Design is sending her colorful "Shroom" bead to Mia from California. Mia isn't a blogger but is a lucky reader.

EmaKaye is sending her beautiful large glass lentil to Kansas to Trisha Too of Easily Amused. Trisha writes about her mixed media creations.

Judith Johnston's purple off mandrel heart has found a home in Appalachia. It will go to Sandra of Thistle Cove Farm. Sandra shares farm life and her faith on her blog.

Susanne of Bab's Beads and Design's red lampwork heart pendant is off to Shaiha in Washington state. Shaiha's Ramblings is a blog that covers a little of everything from beading to book reviews.

 This off mandrel heart by Holly Dare of HollysFolly Glass is traveling quite far to Australia to Liv of Liv Loves Scraps.

And Kathleen Robinson Young of Ugly Duckling Beads is shipping her sterling silver interchangeable pendant, off to Georgia to the home of Cherry whose blog is The Thoughts of Cherry Jane.

Be sure to check out the Diva's that  hosted individual giveaways on our own personal blogs!

• Rosemarie / Spawn of Flame OWOH blog post.
• Holly has  OWOH prizes on two of her blogs: Creekhiker and HollysFollyBeads
• Judith Billig / Icarus Beads OWOH blog post
• Judith Johnston / Judith Beads OWOH blog post
• Ema Kaye OWOH blog post
• Lori Bergmann / Ashlyn Design OWOH blog post

We've sure made a lot of friends and discovered a lot of cool blogs. We hope some of you got to visit some new fun and creative blogs too.

Lampwork Bead of the Day - February 21st

If, like me, you could have claimed up until this moment that you had never before seen a walrus out of glass, you will never be able to say that again after looking at this adorable little Wally Walrus Handmade Lampwork Bead from Lauren of MayBeads.

Lauren has many other fun animal beads for sale in her Etsy shop, and also sells her little menagerie on ArtFire.  If you pick up this little walrus within the next 24 hours, Lauren will foot the bill for the shipping as part of our Bead of the Day Project.

Have a great week!

Jewelry Challenge - That Special Bead - Winners Announced!

The Fire Divas want to congratulate the winners and the participants of our Jewelry Challenge - "That Special Bead".

Our 1st Place Winner is

The beautiful necklace by Scott Bjorge featuring a bead by Ashlyn Design and some stunning wire work.

Entry #1

Designer Info: Scott Bjorge. Gallery 
Designer's Description: As we enter the heart of winter it is nice to think of our beautiful Spring gardens to escape the cold and snow. This lovely focal bead by Ashlyn Design inspires that feeling with it's blend of an array of lovely colors. Designed with a sterling silver 's' hook accented with two more beads from Ashlyn Design brought around to the front to become part of the design.

2nd place goes to

This beautiful set by Helen Aresik which mixes pearls, crystals, pressed glass and seed beads with a floral focal from Holly's Folly .

Entry #5

Designer Info: Helen Aresik / Helen's Atelje
Designer's Description:  Romance in pink. This design is based and inspired on the beautiful and wonderful, handmade lampwork bead made by Holly's Folly. When I look at the Focal bead I think of a beautiful garden with pink flowers. I’ve chosen beads and other findings to match the pink and green tones in the focal bead. I made some beaded beads myself with pink beads with a green bead inside, inspired of the deep green color inside the focal bead. I also used chain and findings in sterling silver, some swarovski crystals, freshwater pearls and other glass beads and leaves. The necklace is 80 cm long excl. the pendant, which is 10,5 cm. The focal bead is almost 4 cm long. The bracelet is 21 cm long and the earrings are 3 cm long without the earhook.

3rd place is


This fabulous necklace by Gretchen Coats - a double spiral of Swarovski crystals with a hollow heart by Holly's Folly. 

Entry #4

Designer Info: Gretchen Coats Etsy Blog Gallery  
Designer's Description:  This 24" necklace is made up of close to 600 3mm swarovski crystals in a double spiral. The Focal bead is made by Holly of Holly's Folly Glass, and the crystals and seed beads match the blue and pink of the focal bead perfectly! Heart is actually hollow, and upon closer inspection you can see 

the smaller beads run through the center of it!

CONGRATULATIONS WINNERS!!!

Now let's see the rest of the fantastic entries:

An "eye catching" necklace by Michelle Plumb featuring an eye bead by Holly's Folly and natural and metallic beads.

Entry #2

Designer Info: Michelle Plumb Gallery Contact: maplumb1 {at} wowway (dot) com
Designer's Description: Eye of Horus necklace, with focal by Holly Dare of Holly’s Folly and eye murrini from Janel Dudley Beads. I’m fascinated by ancient Egyptian history, so this bead called me immediately. The necklace was made with Holly’s Eye of Horus focal, graduated lapis lazuli rondelles, turquoise rounds and gold-plated rounds. Fit for a Pharaoh!

This piece by Mary Elam is rich with silver and glass baubles from Janel Dudley Beads

Entry #3

Designer Info: Mary Elam / Stella's Blossoms
Designer's Description:  Boro Blues is inspired by the beautiful blue fire within each of these lovely beads by Janel Dudley. The brilliant shades of blue and aqua truly radiate goodness from within. Each Boro bead is accented with Bali Sterling silver beadcaps. I've included my favorite Bail sterling silver focal bead in a unique oval shape to compliment the design. Swarovski crystals add extra sparkle. A thai silver toggle closure is included.

Thank you so much to each of the creative designers who entered our challenge and to all the fans who voted. We look forward to the next challenge!

Fire Divas Gossip 2/20/11

The Fire Divas are all announcing their One World One Heart winners, so be sure to stop by all the blogs to see if your number is up! And while you're blog-hopping, you'll see some gorgeous new color tests, spring flowers and more . . . so let's get to the gossip!

Janel's Etsy shop will be on vacation for a couple of months while she and her husband put down roots in a new state. But you can still reach her through convos and email, and maybe she'll pop up on

Janel Dudley Beads from time to time. Good luck in your move, Janel!

Lara stepped up and took over the Fantasy Shopping post yesterday, so be sure and head to Lutrick for her fabulous finds!

Melanie is busy testing colors, and there are three new ones this week with cool names like Appletini, Orchid and Atlantis. So head over to

Mind Melt to f

ind out which one she'll be ordering more of as soon as it's in stores.

See how a t-shirt inspired a stunning bead at Ema K, then check to see if you're one of Ema's lucky One World One Heart winners.

Rosemarie is announcing her OWOH winner, as well as showing her "curious" photograph. Aren't you curious to see what that's all about?

Well, what are you waiting for?

Go to

Spawn of Flame to find out.

Judith's OWOH winner is announced over at

Icarus Beads - Dreams about Glass & Color, so check in to see if you're the lucky winner!

Another OWOH winner is announced at Ashlyn Design, and be sure to scroll down to check out Lori's chocolates and chocolatey glass colors. Your mouth will surely be watering after a your visit.

At

Maybeads, I'm playing Where are They Now with my beads - it's always fun to see where the little critters end up!

Daffodils are blooming over at Shepherd Creations ~ stop by for a cheery bit of springtime!

Holly is thrilled to have three of her beads used in the Fire Divas' Quarterly Jewelry Challenge, so stop by Holly's Folly Glass so check out the gorgeous pieces.

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.