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

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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.