You'll find this glass bead set in Fire-n-Sand's Etsy. Have yourself a cool weekend!! Hope you do something fun!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Glass Bead of the Day 6/10/11
Well, for most of the States, it's been a hot, hot week! So what better to admire than a hot set of glass beads. Don't these colors just say "summer?"
You'll find this glass bead set in Fire-n-Sand's Etsy. Have yourself a cool weekend!! Hope you do something fun!
You'll find this glass bead set in Fire-n-Sand's Etsy. Have yourself a cool weekend!! Hope you do something fun!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Glass Bead of the Day 6-9-11
This lovely bead and pendant is made by Susan Lambert, the bead is a a Large Hole Focal Lampwork Bead Lined and Capped:
This bead is large, with a base of ivory with black scrollwork done all around it. She has lined it with silver and copper findings and that really helps set off the colors in the bead.
According to Susan "his bead is going to a gallery next week, so this is the last week it will be on Etsy!"
Ask The Divas June Edition
This month's questions is "Which technique do you find the most interesting/challenging?".
Rosemarie Hanus
I love making twisted
cane and stringers. It is so much fun to choose the colors and making different combinations - different stripes for the canes and different layers of color for the stringers. I love waiting until the gather of glass... is heated to exactly the "just right" temperature, waiting a bit more until it is ready to pull, and of course the actual pulling the glass into its final form. I have boxes and boxes of these to prove it!
Holly Dare
I lov
e silvered ivory. When I look at silvered ivory beads...it's like looking into a mini-universe!
Judith Billing
The technique that I find the most challenging is sculptural work. I guess using soft glass doesnt' make it easier LOL. I am not good at it, that's why I don't use this technique - and I'm not getting better because I don't use it. LOL. The... most rewarding technique for me is experimenting with color reactions. I just love the feeling of opening the kiln in the morning and not knowing what I pull out. Try to experiment a lot with different base colors, silver glass reactions and reactions to silver foil/leaf. I just love how silver leaf can transform a rather simple color (like ivory, black or cobalt) into something amazing.
Sharon Driscoll
The mos
t challenging thing for me is making a sculptural piece that works visually from all directions. When it works it's heavenly. The most challenging on an annoyance level for me is stringer work. It's never a labor of love.
Keep an eye out for our next Ask the Diva's in July, we will have more answers to this particular question!
Rosemarie Hanus
I love making twisted
cane and stringers. It is so much fun to choose the colors and making different combinations - different stripes for the canes and different layers of color for the stringers. I love waiting until the gather of glass... is heated to exactly the "just right" temperature, waiting a bit more until it is ready to pull, and of course the actual pulling the glass into its final form. I have boxes and boxes of these to prove it!Holly Dare
I lov
e silvered ivory. When I look at silvered ivory beads...it's like looking into a mini-universe!Judith Billing
The technique that I find the most challenging is sculptural work. I guess using soft glass doesnt' make it easier LOL. I am not good at it, that's why I don't use this technique - and I'm not getting better because I don't use it. LOL. The... most rewarding technique for me is experimenting with color reactions. I just love the feeling of opening the kiln in the morning and not knowing what I pull out. Try to experiment a lot with different base colors, silver glass reactions and reactions to silver foil/leaf. I just love how silver leaf can transform a rather simple color (like ivory, black or cobalt) into something amazing.
Sharon Driscoll
The mos
t challenging thing for me is making a sculptural piece that works visually from all directions. When it works it's heavenly. The most challenging on an annoyance level for me is stringer work. It's never a labor of love.Keep an eye out for our next Ask the Diva's in July, we will have more answers to this particular question!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Diva of the Month (Part 2): Patrice Shepherd
This is our second installment of my interview with Patrice Shepherd. I'm really getting to know "all things Patrice" - How about you?
What attracted you to glass?
"I have always loved glass beads, since the earliest knotted old strands of beads in an old tattered plastic bag handed down from my mom's friends :) Seed beads held my passion for over ten years, but I had to give up bead weaving when I developed tendonitis. Glass has always been an alluring material, especially when we saw all the gorgeous glass flowers made around the turn of the century. It's amazing what humans have done with glass over the years!"
Many glass artists have training in other art mediums. Do you? If yes, please explain.
"No training, I'm actually not the "artistic one" in my family. I've always been the analytical techie-girl, so glass is a challenging fun hobby that allows me to do something totally different from my job and regular life. There is so much you can express in glass, and I think it's my first "artistic medium."
Describe the first bead you made that you were really proud of? Are you still proud of it now?
"I had a few beads at each "level" of progress, but there is one standout turtle as my style was changing from round to shaped shells. I was totally proud of this turtle three years into the journey... I didn't get to keep it though, as all my best are offered for sale. My newer pieces are fancier, but we must appreciate our progress each step of the way, especially when it's been a six-year journey so far. :) "
What inspires you?
"Nature is my inspiration. I love plants and animals, particularly wildlife in its natural habitat. Our world is filled with inspiring flowers, plants, trees, insects, mammals, landscapes, just everything around us outside (inside too if you're lucky!) can be inspirational. If you look at my glass work, you'll see loads of animals, flowers, insects; nature-inspired glass is my passion and our habitat is my inspiration. "
Do you have a plan when you sit down to torch? Do you sketch beads or have photos around for reference?
"About half the time I go to the studio, I have something particular I need to make. I'm very methodical in my approach to new designs, using multiple sketchbooks and searching for animal photos online and in my books until I have the idea "just right." I also use a list on my smartphone or a piece of paper to remind me what I should be making to add to my different plant and animal series collections. Starting without a plan can be overwhelming at times, as there are too many things you CAN make, however, starting without a plan can also be very fun. Personally I like to plan my direction most of the time, as you need to know where you are in order to get where you want to be. :) "
Photography seems to be a key element for any glass artist. What type of camera / lightbox set up do you use?
"I use a photo tent with natural-type light bulbs and a tripod for my camera. It took a while to get the setup to where I like it, as photographing glass is hard! Lots of trial-and-error, and editing the photos while trying to keep the colors true-to-life is difficult."
If the issue of finances (i.e. will it sell?) were of no consequence, what would you spend your time making?
"I would like to make more animals of all different kinds, larger sculptural work and more vessels. I love detailed work, and if selling it weren't so difficult, I'd probably make intricate pieces and collections all day long! "
What kind of jewelry do you wear? Everyday vs. out on the town?
"I wear my own pieces, usually one pendant most days, on a handmade leather cord or a chain. I don't wear much jewelry, but it's easy to wear something you've made, because it can be uniquely you. Plus my husband makes glass pieces too, so he has made several pieces for me, which make them extra special to wear. '
What is the one skill you wish came easier to you?
"I wish that larger sculpture came easier. Working with borosilicate, which requires a much hotter flame, it takes a long time for a large piece of glass to melt, and it must all stay warm while you are working with it to avoid cracking. This is difficult, besides the muscle it takes to hold a large piece in front of you for several hours! I'm getting better, but like everything else in life, it takes lots of practice'
What do you love about marketing your business? What’s the hardest part of marketing it?
"Marketing is difficult, as I don't like being "sold to" in my own life. I respect people's boundaries, and don't like to do very much marketing, but a little is good because I make very unique pieces. The excitement exhibited by a customer when they find something that "speaks to them" is such a wonderful thing to see and hear, so I guess that's my favorite part. When you have something so special and different like our handmade-with-love glass art (our Fire Divas group has tons of talent!), marketing is easier because glass art speaks to people on such a deep art-loving level. ' "
Thank You Patrice for another great interview and some helpful glass hints that will assist all of us artists!
What attracted you to glass?
"I have always loved glass beads, since the earliest knotted old strands of beads in an old tattered plastic bag handed down from my mom's friends :) Seed beads held my passion for over ten years, but I had to give up bead weaving when I developed tendonitis. Glass has always been an alluring material, especially when we saw all the gorgeous glass flowers made around the turn of the century. It's amazing what humans have done with glass over the years!"
Many glass artists have training in other art mediums. Do you? If yes, please explain.
"No training, I'm actually not the "artistic one" in my family. I've always been the analytical techie-girl, so glass is a challenging fun hobby that allows me to do something totally different from my job and regular life. There is so much you can express in glass, and I think it's my first "artistic medium."
Describe the first bead you made that you were really proud of? Are you still proud of it now?
"I had a few beads at each "level" of progress, but there is one standout turtle as my style was changing from round to shaped shells. I was totally proud of this turtle three years into the journey... I didn't get to keep it though, as all my best are offered for sale. My newer pieces are fancier, but we must appreciate our progress each step of the way, especially when it's been a six-year journey so far. :) "
What inspires you?
"Nature is my inspiration. I love plants and animals, particularly wildlife in its natural habitat. Our world is filled with inspiring flowers, plants, trees, insects, mammals, landscapes, just everything around us outside (inside too if you're lucky!) can be inspirational. If you look at my glass work, you'll see loads of animals, flowers, insects; nature-inspired glass is my passion and our habitat is my inspiration. "
Do you have a plan when you sit down to torch? Do you sketch beads or have photos around for reference?
"About half the time I go to the studio, I have something particular I need to make. I'm very methodical in my approach to new designs, using multiple sketchbooks and searching for animal photos online and in my books until I have the idea "just right." I also use a list on my smartphone or a piece of paper to remind me what I should be making to add to my different plant and animal series collections. Starting without a plan can be overwhelming at times, as there are too many things you CAN make, however, starting without a plan can also be very fun. Personally I like to plan my direction most of the time, as you need to know where you are in order to get where you want to be. :) "
Photography seems to be a key element for any glass artist. What type of camera / lightbox set up do you use?
"I use a photo tent with natural-type light bulbs and a tripod for my camera. It took a while to get the setup to where I like it, as photographing glass is hard! Lots of trial-and-error, and editing the photos while trying to keep the colors true-to-life is difficult."
If the issue of finances (i.e. will it sell?) were of no consequence, what would you spend your time making?
"I would like to make more animals of all different kinds, larger sculptural work and more vessels. I love detailed work, and if selling it weren't so difficult, I'd probably make intricate pieces and collections all day long! "
What kind of jewelry do you wear? Everyday vs. out on the town?
"I wear my own pieces, usually one pendant most days, on a handmade leather cord or a chain. I don't wear much jewelry, but it's easy to wear something you've made, because it can be uniquely you. Plus my husband makes glass pieces too, so he has made several pieces for me, which make them extra special to wear. '
What is the one skill you wish came easier to you?
"I wish that larger sculpture came easier. Working with borosilicate, which requires a much hotter flame, it takes a long time for a large piece of glass to melt, and it must all stay warm while you are working with it to avoid cracking. This is difficult, besides the muscle it takes to hold a large piece in front of you for several hours! I'm getting better, but like everything else in life, it takes lots of practice'
What do you love about marketing your business? What’s the hardest part of marketing it?
"Marketing is difficult, as I don't like being "sold to" in my own life. I respect people's boundaries, and don't like to do very much marketing, but a little is good because I make very unique pieces. The excitement exhibited by a customer when they find something that "speaks to them" is such a wonderful thing to see and hear, so I guess that's my favorite part. When you have something so special and different like our handmade-with-love glass art (our Fire Divas group has tons of talent!), marketing is easier because glass art speaks to people on such a deep art-loving level. ' "
Thank You Patrice for another great interview and some helpful glass hints that will assist all of us artists!
Monday, June 6, 2011
Lampwork Bead of the Day for Monday, June 6th
Happy Monday! Another week, and another step closer to summer! I know temperatures are edging up all over the country, making us think of beach weather and cool ocean waters... This bead reminds me of them too :)
This is "Aquarium Glass Lampwork Bead" by Abbielyn, and it's loaded with detail. Abigail set out to create a bead with tons of detail, and we can tell she succeeded! This large focal is almost an inch wide and tall, and can absolutely be the detailed heart of an underwater fantasy necklace. Check out her Etsy shop for other beautiful lampwork beads.
See what the other Fire Divas are up to by visiting the ArtFire and Etsy threads. Thanks for admiring handmade lampwork beads with us!
 |
| Aquarium Glass Lampwork Bead by Abbielyn |
This is "Aquarium Glass Lampwork Bead" by Abbielyn, and it's loaded with detail. Abigail set out to create a bead with tons of detail, and we can tell she succeeded! This large focal is almost an inch wide and tall, and can absolutely be the detailed heart of an underwater fantasy necklace. Check out her Etsy shop for other beautiful lampwork beads.
See what the other Fire Divas are up to by visiting the ArtFire and Etsy threads. Thanks for admiring handmade lampwork beads with us!
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Fire Divas Gossip Column!
As the days get longer we can't help but get caught up in the lazy days of summer! We have though here at the Divas been hard at work with our projects and glass endeavors.
I am pleased to announce that our Beads Of Courage Auction was a great success and we raised $107.50! This money is going to help out these wonderful children and wonderful cause! A HUGE Thank you to all the Divas who made this possible and the generous bidder who found it in their heart to give! These beads will have a lasting, loving home for sure!
Thank you Divas who kept blogging, tweeting, and facebooking this amazing auction!!!
So what have our other Divas been up to????
Well Holly Dare of Holly's Folly Glass has shed some great light on 104 glass! I want to spill the beads (I mean beans) but I won't you will just have to take a looksie for yourself and see the amazing picture that shows us all- each color is not created equal!
Lori Bergmann of Ashlyn Design got a chance to do a little celebrating by announcing the winner of her Bead Trends Giveaway Contest. She was able to send a little birthday happiness to the winner of the giveaway! Check out her blog for all the great info and for a link back to the Bead Trends Issue that Lori was in!
I think one of my favorite blogs to read is Sharon Driscoll's of Right Turn Artwerks! She has a little bit of everything from life, glass, and her metalsmithing journey. I love seeing the next new thing she is cooking up and this post is no exception! Check out the lovely, gorgeous dangle earrings that she created! This post was such a great read!
I am happy to say that this Sunday will be filled with great little tidbits from our Divas, a couple of cool glasses of homemade lemonade and maybe a little time at the torch! I hope you enjoy your Sunday with whatever wonderful summer plans you might have! Till next week!!
I am pleased to announce that our Beads Of Courage Auction was a great success and we raised $107.50! This money is going to help out these wonderful children and wonderful cause! A HUGE Thank you to all the Divas who made this possible and the generous bidder who found it in their heart to give! These beads will have a lasting, loving home for sure!
Thank you Divas who kept blogging, tweeting, and facebooking this amazing auction!!!
So what have our other Divas been up to????
Well Holly Dare of Holly's Folly Glass has shed some great light on 104 glass! I want to spill the beads (I mean beans) but I won't you will just have to take a looksie for yourself and see the amazing picture that shows us all- each color is not created equal!
Lori Bergmann of Ashlyn Design got a chance to do a little celebrating by announcing the winner of her Bead Trends Giveaway Contest. She was able to send a little birthday happiness to the winner of the giveaway! Check out her blog for all the great info and for a link back to the Bead Trends Issue that Lori was in!
I think one of my favorite blogs to read is Sharon Driscoll's of Right Turn Artwerks! She has a little bit of everything from life, glass, and her metalsmithing journey. I love seeing the next new thing she is cooking up and this post is no exception! Check out the lovely, gorgeous dangle earrings that she created! This post was such a great read!
I am happy to say that this Sunday will be filled with great little tidbits from our Divas, a couple of cool glasses of homemade lemonade and maybe a little time at the torch! I hope you enjoy your Sunday with whatever wonderful summer plans you might have! Till next week!!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Fantasy Shopping Saturday
Everything is perfect.! It's Saturday....The sun is out... it's a beautiful 80 degrees. There's nothing on my "To Do" list except to "chill" with a capital "C", or do whatever I feel like doing today! What I want to do most? Browse the shops of the Fire Divas. I find traveling from shop to shop, an adventure. On a daily basis I can find all sorts of goodies,....whimsical characters, beautiful serene nature, fun and funky, and, dots and swirls. I could go on, and on....but instead of talking about them, how about a taste of what you'll find in their shops? Follow me....and then check them out on your own. I guarantee you...you won't be disappointed!
Have a great Saturday!
 |
| Abielynn |
 |
| Uvanomos |
 |
| Bab's Beads and Design |
 |
| Kitty Lampwork |
 |
| Lutrick |
 |
| Holly's Folly Glass |
 |
| Shepherd Creations |
 |
| Ashlyn Design |
 |
| Susan Lambert |
 |
| Right Turn Art Werks |
 |
| Rivers Edge Glass |
 |
| Icarus Beads |
 |
| FenG Beads |
 |
| Silver River Glasswork |
 |
| Spawn of Flame |
 |
| Sun Door Beads |
 |
| Ugly Duckling Beads |
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Glass Bead of the Day 6-2-11
Check out this stunning pendant from Michelle Veizaga of Sun Door Beads. She has some lucsious and beautiful beads in her shop. Check out this Royal Jewel Necklace.
And don't forget the weekly threads on ArtFire and Etsy!
And don't forget the weekly threads on ArtFire and Etsy!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Lampwork Bead of the Day: June 1
Now it's officially summer. Yay! Right now, we have a perfect summers eve in Uppsala, Sweden where I am. The wind, that's been blowing hard for two weeks, has finally calmed down and the evening sun is shining thru the fresh green outside my window. Ahh! The air smells of lilacs and we have a five day leave ahead of us!
Pretty nice!
Another thing that's nice (Warning! Bad radio change over) is this bead set from Hollys Folly:
Komboloi | Raku Silvered Ivory Glass bead set Olive Heart shapes
They look as if they were found on a beach somewhere. Weather worn to lovely, soft shapes. Love them!
Donät forget to check out the weekly Fire Diva threads on ArtFire and Etsy to keep up with what's happening in the divas shops!
Pretty nice!
Another thing that's nice (Warning! Bad radio change over) is this bead set from Hollys Folly:
Komboloi | Raku Silvered Ivory Glass bead set Olive Heart shapesThey look as if they were found on a beach somewhere. Weather worn to lovely, soft shapes. Love them!
Donät forget to check out the weekly Fire Diva threads on ArtFire and Etsy to keep up with what's happening in the divas shops!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
