tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39361355612345117052012-01-31T06:46:50.522-08:00Handmade Lampwork BeadsVeda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.comBlogger751100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-1784838556923619782012-01-31T06:46:00.000-08:002012-01-31T06:46:50.539-08:00

So yesterday I completely forgot it was Monday.  But the good news is I was extremely motivated!  I think I had double the number of beads in the kiln this morning than any typical day in a long time.  I'm up really early this morning, so I'm going to make this post quick and get straight to work.  Watch for lots of new Etsy listings today! For some reason I've been thinking about birds lately.

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-43163041807998188022012-01-25T08:54:00.000-08:002012-01-25T23:13:20.607-08:00

upcoming events, news, and interesting tidbits The good, the bad and the ugly.  Sometimes you have to share them all!  I tried making murrini for the first time the other day.  I have a new appreciation for those that make these little guys! I've always been impressed with skill required to produce those tiny works of art.  I tried the simplest one, and this is what happened: Teeny, tiny little

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-49749049835253634972012-01-23T06:00:00.000-08:002012-01-25T23:14:01.498-08:00

Things that inspire me, color combinations I love, the music that rocks my studio and anything else that makes me want to jump up and make a bead! I seem to have been inspired simply by color lately.  It happens occasionally, a whole day where only 2 or 4 colors come out of the kiln.  This week I had a coral day, and a blue and green day.  It's a good exercise to just see how many ways you can

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-826830867225704932012-01-18T11:24:00.000-08:002012-01-18T11:24:00.801-08:00

The view from my studio window The view from inside the studio Guess where I'll be all day! Stay warm my friends!

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-41315945697611446722012-01-16T07:50:00.000-08:002012-01-25T23:15:03.250-08:00

Things that inspire me, color combinations I love, the music that rocks my studio and anything else that makes me want to jump up and make a bead! It's Motivation Monday and do you know what I want to make today?  Everything!  I'm sitting here with a hundred ideas running through my head; colors, shapes, styles ~ and I just can't decide where to start.  I seriously need to focus!   If I could

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-18306511824952866612012-01-11T06:00:00.000-08:002012-01-25T23:16:03.485-08:00

upcoming events, news, and interesting tidbits I got a new torch! Well, I got it last summer, but I finally set it up!   I've been using a Nortel Mega Minor for the last year.   I love this torch!  It's perfect for what I do, the flame is big enough to melt glass fast, and small enough for detail work.  I can fiddle with the knobs for a wide range of propane and oxygen mixes to affect the

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-50409012706199763182012-01-09T09:58:00.000-08:002012-01-25T23:16:17.301-08:00

Things that inspire me, color combinations I love, the music that rocks my studio and anything else that makes me want to jump up and make a bead! What's motivating me today?  I don't know yet, but I better find something!  Whenever I'm stuck for ideas, I head over to pintrest. It's really a great place for inspiration! Maybe I'll try these? And I think the music will be old school today:

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-33162947535250379372012-01-06T15:06:00.000-08:002012-01-06T15:09:29.151-08:00

I am getting a seriously late start on this!  I'm participating in the Anacortes Relay for Life again this year and I need to start working towards my goal of raising $200.00.  I have several items available for sale if you are interested in helping me reach my donation goal  :) Two year calendars ~ 2012/2013 $4 each Pink rubber Awareness bracelets with your choice of word:  Survivor, Faith,

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-52746965321109686772012-01-06T06:00:00.000-08:002012-01-25T23:17:05.412-08:00

Cool Handmade Stuff From Artists I Admire Today's Featured Friday is Natural Illumination My customer turned friend opened an Etsy shop yesterday!  She takes beautiful, tranquil photographs and incorporates inspirational quotes.   And she's super sweet!  :) This one is my favorite! Or maybe this one?! It's so hard to choose!  But I've already placed a custom order ~ Yep, she will customize any

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-24385610545493090132012-01-04T06:00:00.000-08:002012-01-25T23:17:24.433-08:00

upcoming events, news, and interesting tidbits I have an exciting announcement!  I'm very honored to have been included in The Flow Magazine's 7th Annual Gallery of Women in Glass!!   I can't believe my work was included amid all the truly incredible, inspiring artists in this magazine!  If you have a copy of The Flow I'm number 81 on page 16.   Thank you to The Flow ~ I can't tell you how

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-64686581230823009272012-01-02T06:00:00.000-08:002012-01-25T23:19:14.911-08:00

Things that inspire me, color combinations I love, the music that rocks my studio and anything else that makes me want to jump up and make a bead! The first Monday of 2012!  I'll be in the studio all day today and I'll be working on Chinese character beads since I have a special order and I need to replace some in my shop (plus, they're fun!).   Here's one I already made:  Friend Here's the

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-78457226921129055222011-12-31T11:44:00.000-08:002011-12-31T11:44:00.364-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! And a very Happy Birthday to the love of my life and the most incredible man I've ever met!(and he's pretty cute too!)Dusty As we end 2011 and look forward to what 2012 will bring, it seems everyone is making resolutions.  I gave up on resolutions years ago when I realized they rarely last more than a few weeks, and I'm not big on feeling like a failure.  I prefer to make plans.

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-89216865793366418102011-12-21T06:00:00.000-08:002012-01-25T23:18:57.148-08:00

What's Up Wednesdayupcoming events, news, and interesting tidbits Merry Christmas!  Happy Hanukkah!Joyous Kwanzaa!Happy Boxing Day! No matter which Holiday you celebrate, I hope you all have a beautiful day surrounded by the happy laughter of the people you love! I'll be taking a few days off to celebrate with my family, and then back in full swing next week.  Wishing you peace, love and joy

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-3329269122519190512011-12-19T08:43:00.000-08:002012-01-25T23:18:45.863-08:00

Motivation MondayThings that inspire me, color combinations I love, the music that rocks my studio and anything else that makes me want to jump up and make a bead! Today's motivation has to be cookies and carols!  When I decide to make cookies this is what I see in my head: (Picture was found on flickr) and this is a more accurate depiction of what comes out of my oven: (picture from life as a

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-35197105725053739062011-12-14T09:08:00.000-08:002011-12-14T09:08:25.681-08:00

What's up Wednesdayupcoming events, news, and interesting tidbits Last night I remembered exactly why I make beads.  Money?  Nope.  Fame?  Nope. Power? Nope.  Happiness? YES!  Making beads makes me happy.  And what's even better than that is when my beads make someone else happy!  I got a convo on Etsy last night that brought tears to my eyes.  The customer was just so sweet  and so excited about

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-49396746136680245762011-12-12T06:00:00.000-08:002011-12-12T18:43:37.790-08:00

                                     Motivation Monday Things that inspire me, color combinations I love, the music that rocks my studio and anything else that makes me want to jump up and make a bead! I've been hanging out on pinterest again ~(imagine that!)  and I'm finding manicures surprisingly inspiring. I totally wish I could do my nails like this, but I suck at nail polish; so I'm hoping

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-24134051415728122932011-12-09T08:34:00.000-08:002011-12-09T08:34:22.369-08:00

Featured FridayCool Handmade Stuff From Artists I Admire Happy Friday!  There are now 16 shopping days til Christmas ~ and just a week left to make sure online orders reach you in time!    I know I always have at least one guy on my list who is really hard to find a gift for ~ I think I just found an awesome solution!  Bath products from PlunkSoap.  Pair this great bar of stud soap with a bacon

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-14698158884969777732011-12-07T06:00:00.000-08:002011-12-07T06:00:04.305-08:00

What's Up Wednesday I recently posted a question in the Etsy forums asking whether a single or a bulk picture should be used first in a listing for one bead with more available.  The majority of the responses critiqued my photographs and as this is the first time I've ever received constructive criticism on my shop,  I really appreciated it!   So this week I've been working on retaking the

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-50673221470905350582011-12-05T08:07:00.000-08:002011-12-05T08:07:43.885-08:00

Motivation Monday It's Monday again already ~ where did the weekend go?  It's cold out there this morning!  22 degrees and I am in need of some warmth!  So today's motivation is going to be flowers. There!  That makes me think of islands where it's warm and sunny every day! And now for a little warm music: Michael Franti - Sound of Sunshine One of my favorites, and I just made it my alarm

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-17990969425774638762011-12-02T06:00:00.000-08:002011-12-02T06:00:17.200-08:00

Featured Friday I have a very special featured artist today ~  My daughter opened an Etsy shop!  KTBelleCrafts  She does a variety of crafts including some incredible paintings with spray paint, recycled glass crafts and blown eggs.  She opened her shop on Tuesday and she's already had 2 sales.  Congratulations KT!!!  This is one of the eggs (it's reserved but she'll be listing more in the next

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-61591433284125291262011-11-30T06:00:00.000-08:002011-12-07T17:47:26.669-08:00

What's up Wednesday Most important things first.... COUPONS! I woke up to about 30 emails on Monday from stores offering their Cyber Monday sales, so I decided to go ahead and have a sale too.  Since I did it on a whim, late Monday morning, I also decided to make it good until December 1st.  Use the code CYBERWHIM for 10% off everything!!  Ok, I realize that's not as good as getting a giant TV

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-47786000962610133272011-11-28T06:00:00.000-08:002011-11-28T09:54:09.799-08:00

Motivation Monday It's Motivation Monday!  So what's my motivation for this week?  Doors!  I know, it seems strange, but look at these great doors and try not to get motivated! I'm not sure how this will wind up in beads, but seriously, how can you not be inspired by these! and the music that's rocking my studio this week? Love and Theft because sometimes, no matter how great things are, I

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-43423628756925442792011-11-25T06:00:00.000-08:002011-11-25T06:00:01.885-08:00

Featured FridayCool Handmade Stuff From Artists I admire Because we have officially hit the single biggest Holiday shopping day of the year, I thought I would take a more relaxed approach and share some beautiful ornaments I've found.  Fabulous gifts for even the most difficult to buy for person on your list or something you will treasure year after year as you decorate your tree. These

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-49977706898836355002011-11-23T06:00:00.000-08:002011-11-23T06:00:02.075-08:00

What's Up Wednesday Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, so this week I've been focusing on all the things I'm thankful for.  Foremost is the fact that I'm married to the perfect man.  He makes me supremely happy every single day, and he makes me laugh - loudly and often! But the most important reason I'm thankful for him is the way his love, kindness, support and respect provide my daughters with an

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-81720189243884217892011-11-21T06:00:00.000-08:002011-11-21T06:00:09.369-08:00

Motivation Monday things that inspire me, color combinations I love, the music that rocks my studio and anything else that makes me want to jump up and make a bead! It seems I've been inspired by everything rainbow. How can anyone look at a rainbow and not be happy? I love happy!! These fun pancakes are from tablespoon.com . I think if everyone ate these for breakfast ever day the world

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-28046317613342330062011-11-18T06:00:00.000-08:002011-11-18T06:00:15.608-08:00

FEATURED FRIDAYCool handmade stuff from artists I admire MaybeadsMy friend Maybeads makes the most adorable critters!  Every one of them makes me smile :) They sell out quick though, so if you see one you like don't hesitate!! Metamorphosi                                                                  I love this piece by Metamorphosi!  Partly because it's glass of course ~ but it's also up

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-23850047193099137252011-11-16T06:00:00.000-08:002011-11-16T06:00:12.254-08:00

Another regular feature on my blog?  YES!  What's up Wednesday is where you will find upcoming events, news, and interesting tidbits.  So what's up this Wednesday?   I'm attempting to make a major overhaul in the way I manage my time.  Until last week I managed my time by making a daily to-do list.  Totally sounds like a great idea.  It's not. My list included everything, everyday, and I do

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-82613842469185034232011-11-14T06:09:00.000-08:002011-11-14T06:09:00.479-08:00

YAY it's Monday!  Ok, that was probably overly enthusiastic for a Monday, but hey, it can't hurt to start the week off with a positive attitude! :)  Motivation Monday will now become a regular feature on my blog. Here you'll find the things that inspire me, color combinations I love, the music that rocks my studio and anything else that makes me want to jump up and make a bead!  Like many (many

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-45903648735829542772011-11-11T06:50:00.000-08:002011-11-11T06:50:03.002-08:00

I decided my blog needed a little more structure. Or maybe I need a little more structure so I quit neglecting my blog!  So on Friday's I will be sharing cool handmade products from great artists that I've found. I hope you find things you'll love too! First ~ A little something from my friend Rachel of Inferno Glass Beads  I love her big hole lampwork charm beads!  Doesn't this one just glow?

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-63482462288446674252011-10-21T17:10:00.000-07:002011-10-21T17:10:24.677-07:00

INSPIRATION Sometimes you wonder where a person gets the inspiration for their art.  Sometimes you think "wow, that's beautiful, I wonder what inspired it?"  And sometimes you think "what the heck gave them that idea?" So, in case you're wondering, I thought I would share.                         A couple of days ago the sunrise at my house was particularly beautiful.

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-52465720139685293632011-10-11T06:00:00.000-07:002011-10-11T06:00:07.320-07:00

WARNING:  This post will be image heavy, and mildly alarming ~ small children and those with OCD should look away!  :) I'm so embarrassed I can't believe I'm sharing this!  My studio is in a convenient location to be the dumping ground for everyone in the house.  If you don't know where it goes, just put it in the studio "Mom will deal with it".  Okay, that might work if Mom actually dealt with

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-14608899705931031252011-10-08T06:00:00.000-07:002011-10-08T06:00:01.427-07:00

No, I'm not running a marathon (no suprise to those of you who know me!), but it certainly feels like it these days.  Right now I'm running my life, my home and my business long distance while I help my Grandfather with harvest.  I'm scattered all over "Hell's half acre" (as Grandpa puts it) and it's a bit of a challenge.  Hubby and the kids are at home ~ thank goodness for text messaging and

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-90455383839689018642011-09-28T23:00:00.000-07:002011-09-28T23:00:46.211-07:00

We've all done it.  You're baking cupcakes, they're turning out great and then bam! you over fill one or forget to set the timer and they start going bad.  I've been "baking" lampwork cupcakes lately and they're super fun! However; this white cake, lemon frosting with a cherry on top went horribly, horribly wrong and bam! FISH! I love this job :)

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-67610119177684876072011-09-26T22:47:00.001-07:002011-09-26T22:48:30.425-07:00

A couple weeks ago my husband found an ugly little desk at a second hand store. He brought it home and refinished it and then asked me to make knobs for him. It turned out great! Here's a close up of one of the knobs I wish we could work together all the time, but one of us has to have a day job so the kids can eat. (Not it!)Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-8803659888736427452011-09-06T18:41:00.000-07:002011-09-06T18:41:48.481-07:00

As a continuation of my previous posts about collaboration:  I thought I should share the finished product ~ I'm super excited about these! Thanks to my master spoon bender, I have over 20 more prepped for me. I just need to figure out what kind of special beads to make for them. :) This is the first one that made it to "ready to list" status! It's available here:  VedasBeads Lampwork Spoon

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-83816662594516358842011-08-29T06:30:00.000-07:002011-08-29T06:30:00.957-07:00

Sometimes answering the question "what doesn't work" is as important as learning what does work.  Partly because answering this question means you are trying new things, experimenting with new ideas, and probably well on your way to some fantastic new art work!  As a continuation of my collaboration post:  Dusty thought I could do something with the fork and spoon ends that were left over from

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-37892855382986144162011-08-27T13:41:00.000-07:002011-08-28T14:31:37.303-07:00

If you ever want to really amp up the creativity in your art work ~ collaborate with someone!  Not only is it more fun, but the ideas grow exponentially when you work together.  I know when I sit down to create jewelry with a friend we're always critiquing and improving each other's work.  The other day I asked my husband to bend some spoons for me to make into bracelets. He did a few and they

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-86143561469151252102011-08-18T06:00:00.000-07:002011-08-18T06:00:12.100-07:00

Whether you are taking your wares to sell at a one day street fair or a week long art festival, the question you always ask yourself is "what will I need while I'm there?".   I've seen this question come up over and over online, so I thought I would share my list. First things first ~ I start making my list 3-5 days before the event.  And yes, I do make a new list every time because I can never

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-78978748075863098202011-07-22T11:05:00.000-07:002011-07-22T11:05:35.648-07:00

We all have them.  They don't go with anything.  Maybe you made a few more than you needed or they just weren't what you planned when you made them. Somebody asked for them and then changed their mind and you don't know what to do with them. They kick around in the studio forever and all they do is gather friends (and dust). Well guess what, you can love your beads again!  I need to buy

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-36698583378283831602011-07-21T09:13:00.000-07:002011-07-21T09:13:26.730-07:00

Many times when I list squares, which are my most popular bead, they will be slightly graduated.  I make that clear in the listing and people know exactly what they are going to get when they purchase them.  However, when someone places a special order I try to get them as close as possible to the same size since they are essentially buying them sight unseen.  I usually make many, many more than

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-22693863069720645512011-07-13T11:12:00.000-07:002011-07-23T09:31:37.315-07:00

My life in beads has been enriched and encouraged beyond measure by the people who support me! I think it's time to let them know and to introduce them to you... My incredible husband Dusty! This man will listen to me talk about beads for hours without even getting a glassy (haha) look in his eyes! He jokes about hawking beads like a carnie - but he's there at every festival setting up, selling

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-74574519981478743392011-07-09T13:43:00.000-07:002011-07-09T13:43:15.251-07:00

I just got a shiny new website!  It even has that new website smell!  :)  I was very careful this time to select a host that provided simple drag and drop, cut and paste, point and click set up.  I told the service rep I didn't want to have to know html or any of the other acronyms to use it. Basically it was easy, but there certainly was a learning curve.  After several hours of working on it,

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-38559112304722642312011-06-28T09:40:00.000-07:002011-06-28T09:40:32.379-07:00

Yesterday, I spent several hours at the torch.  I mixed colors, pulled twisties, played with color combos and made what seemed like a lot of beads.  When they came out of the kiln I showed my husband.  "Honey ~ look at all the beads I made today!" Then I took them off the mandrels.  32 spacers, 21 beads and 2 pendants (not counting the focal that's still stuck on the mandrel. You know what

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-1095164910626615672011-06-23T08:33:00.000-07:002011-06-23T08:33:52.248-07:00

Yesterday I was torching (Yay!!)  and I decided I wanted to make a rainbow colored twistie.  I'm not sure what the accepted way to do this is, so I set about figuring it out myself.  I started with a paddle of clear, striped on the colors, and covered the whole thing with clear. I'm using CIM clear at the moment. I took a picture because I thought it looked kind of cool. This is the paddle,

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-85159466363423160582011-06-22T13:05:00.000-07:002011-06-22T13:05:52.201-07:00

Ah the poor neglected blog. So here's what I've been up to the last several months in 50 words or less: Got a real job.  Had fun.  Met great people. Stressed out.  Cried.  Stressed out some more.  Quit real job.  Regained personal life. Realized if I put the same energy into my own business it would be successful.  Fell in love with lampworking again.  Whew!  Hope I never have to run through

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-90414114410031370392010-10-16T10:49:00.000-07:002010-10-16T10:49:54.989-07:00

For the last month I've been playing Farmville in real life, and in all honesty it's the best job I've ever had.  I worked apple harvest for my Grandfather who is 85 years old and has been farming for at least 60.  I had worked in the orchard several times as a teenager, but I didn't really appreciate it then.  It was incredible to go to work every day with a man who truly loves what he does and

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-12611716330775388152010-08-25T11:41:00.000-07:002010-08-25T11:41:32.250-07:00

Yesterday I played with Sunset Pastel glass from Effetre (591206).  It's a pretty pink in rod form, with concentric lines of orange and darker pink in the core. By itself, it ranges from coral pink to orange either with or without swirling.  The spacers in this photo were wound straight on the mandrel, the larger beads were swirled on. You can see the range of colors that come up both ways.  As

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-7272704445288826952010-08-24T11:26:00.000-07:002010-08-24T11:26:39.332-07:00

I was fortunate to be able to spend the weekend at the Frantz Bash, an annual event hosted by Mike Frantz that always includes demos by fabulous artists, great sales, camping, camaraderie and he feeds you. :)   I met some great glassy people, learned a lot, and of course bought way too much glass!  The picture below shows all the new (or at least new to me) colors.  I left out the pounds of clear

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-87864537166415621682010-08-17T08:10:00.000-07:002010-08-17T08:10:40.168-07:00

That's how the glass world fondly refers to using boro ~ and I'm thinking of crossing over.  I make happy little beads.  They're little, bright, technically acurate, but they aren't spectacular.  Every time I feel pretty good about where I am with my beadmaking, some boro boy comes along and tells me "if you would just practice a little you could be as good as I am.  I've been doing this for 6

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-15021230844869384742010-06-16T08:03:00.000-07:002010-06-16T08:03:03.373-07:00

Belize was truly incredible!  We had so much fun!  The ruins were fascinating, the weather was perfect, the snorkeling was fantastic, the people were great and the company was fabulous!  We celebrated our 14th anniversary while we were there, and 26 days of spending every single minute together was the perfect way to do it!  I am truly fortuntate to be spending my life with my best friend.

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-53435191395416755932010-04-27T09:32:00.000-07:002010-04-27T09:34:14.427-07:00

During the month of May my husband and I will be backpacking across Belize ~ I'm so excited I can hardly breathe!  Preparing to be away to for so long is a lot of work ~  I'm going back and forth between worrying and jumping up and down!  I think almost everything on my "before I can leave" to do list is done.  Hmmm.....  what am I forgetting?  (Jump, Jump, Jump!)  Hmmm... What am I forgetting? 

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-67767125749359174592010-02-24T17:30:00.001-08:002010-02-24T17:30:24.221-08:00

I'm working on some new ideas for expanding my business. Stay tuned :)- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-72121560247230931752010-01-31T18:11:00.001-08:002010-01-31T18:11:36.164-08:00

A few days ago my old mp3 player died. I looked at that as an opportunity to buy an iPod touch! I've wanted one forever, and since I can't work without music, I figure it's a business expense :) Now that I can blog and check in to facebook mobily, I'm sure it is! As a bonus, I officially have no excuse not to update more frequently ~ one more resolution down!- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-6021732181968531912010-01-03T12:03:00.000-08:002010-01-03T12:05:00.102-08:00

A photographer from my local paper contacted me last Monday and told me he had taken pictures of my jewelry at the local gallery and would love to see the process of making glass beads.  He came over that afternoon and took dozens of pictures and then called a reporter to come intrview me too.  The little article turned out to be a full page!  Here's a quick excerpt ~ You can read the whole

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-58179854879899284292009-12-31T06:51:00.000-08:002009-12-31T07:11:55.099-08:00

Happy New Year!!  I truly hope that 2010 will be everything you want it to be!  I wanted to share a couple new beads ~ we've been so busy with company I've barely managed to squeeze in any torch time, but I'm pretty pleased with what did show up in my kiln.  Glass teaches me something new everytime I sit down at the torch ~ sometimes with fantastic results! I'm finally getting the silver glass

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-1110877205362747242009-12-15T10:00:00.000-08:002009-12-15T10:00:14.052-08:00

I've been putting off the overwhelming task of cleaning my studio for months, but I finally buckled down and spent 2 days cleaning, organizing, and getting rid of all the stuff that doesn't belong in there.  Which probably means I was avoiding doing something that I wanted to do even less! :D  Well, it was approaching dangerous ~ I had a pile of glass that I kept putting the latest hot rod down

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-40620565643041019302009-11-18T17:51:00.000-08:002009-11-18T17:51:03.538-08:00

I'm just stopping  by here to take a breath and share some of my newer work, and to remind everyone that I'm always up for special orders ~ but please contact me soon! Currently, I'm working on non-jewelry gift items ~ Here is a set of fruit salad magnets:   and of course: more Charmed Dreads :)   Lately, I've been wearing these just on a simple neck cord and I love them! I have some

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-48682208905778982122009-10-27T10:10:00.000-07:002009-10-27T10:28:40.308-07:00

So what do you do when you're super excited about a new line of beads!  It's so hard to decide - do you roll out the whole line (i.e. several at once) with hoopla and fanfare?  Or do you introduce them one at a time?  One at a time will get more views in your Etsy shop - and we all know views equal sales.  But all at once makes a more dramatic entrance!  I voted for all at once for this line, I'm

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-66885939332781188022009-10-21T09:20:00.000-07:002009-10-21T12:17:25.185-07:00

They say if you are making a bead and you decide you don't like it, smash it and make it into a fish.  So what happens if you are making a fish and you don't like it?  I now know the answer to that question ~ Really Ugly Beads!  As a bonus:  ugly beads take really bad pictures!!  Do I dare attempt fish again today? 

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-29187091421337560122009-10-14T09:50:00.000-07:002009-10-14T09:50:55.728-07:00

Yesterday I played around with mixing my own custom colors.  Basically, you take two rods of glass, heat the ends, smoosh them around and pull them into something resembling a new rod.  Actually, it's more like a thick stringer when I do it. :)  I then made clear beads and encased them with the new color - the clear base makes it so my skinny rod of glass will go farther. This set is made from

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-13229551394372728932009-10-12T09:40:00.000-07:002009-10-12T10:01:13.029-07:00

This past week I decided to try my hand at shards again. The dismal results from my first attempts notwithstanding - I think I've finally figured it out! :) For those of you that don't know - shards are made by wrapping glass around the end of a hollow tube, blowing until you get something that resembles a lightbulb, then shattering the bulb and using the bits on your bead. So far, the recipe

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-35770389551245971992009-10-05T15:31:00.000-07:002009-10-05T15:42:43.148-07:00

I'm working on a few new things - night scenes and ocean scenes. Couldn't be farther apart! But I'm having fun with both :)Here's a night scene - Blue goldstone background, big yellow moon, tree silhouette and a black bird preparing to take off from a branch.and from a series of Starfish by the Sea - A red starfish waits on a sandy beach for the cool blue water to cover him.I have another series

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-59594569408953524442009-09-21T09:10:00.000-07:002009-09-21T09:24:45.197-07:00

The most fun I've ever had with my torch on!!! Four full days of torching with and learning from some of the most amazing artists I've ever met! I learned so much from the classes, but I also learned something from every single person I met there. This is a picture of Deb Crowely ~ the indominatable force behind the Glass Stock event. She is an incredible artist and also a fun, kind-hearted women

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-40486873900471583052009-08-31T20:11:00.000-07:002009-08-31T20:44:22.342-07:00

I'm on my way to Oregon for an incredible glassy adventure!! 4 days of glass classes, demos and torching!! I've never had an opportunity to take classes before, so I am hugely excited about this! Plus, I get to meet in person many of people that I've "known" online for years and I'm sharing a house with 7 or 8 of my closest strangers :) I just have to say that I am so fortunate to be a part

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-62675672998737865112009-08-30T09:37:00.000-07:002009-08-30T10:00:29.276-07:00

I just entered Art Bead Scene's monthly challenge for the first time! I don't usually enter this sort of thing; but I'm really making an effort to push myself, challenge myself and gernerally try things that are out of my comfort zone. This seemed like an excellent way to start!The challenge for August is to be insired by the ocean, which has always been a huge inspiration for me! My entry is a

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-14566366192415455552009-08-18T17:36:00.000-07:002009-08-18T17:51:05.326-07:00

I have been on a roll lately! In the last two days I delivered over 140 beads to my local bead store The Sun Dog Bead Co. Two torching sessions per day have really boosted my production, and the cooler weather has helped a little. I'm still working my way through a huge pile of beads that aren't currently listed anywhere for some reason or other. I must often put them in the boxes that

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-17020187673617242112009-07-22T08:59:00.000-07:002009-07-22T18:16:02.082-07:00

Featured Designer Karen Cedrone-Harris of Splashings is a talented designer that makes fantastic jewelry using handmade lampwork beads by a variety of artists!Karen began making jewelry 5 years ago when she became a stay at home mom in search of a challenge that would keep her busy. She started making jewelry for herself, and then friends and family and eventually selling her jewelry to the

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-22109122986958706172009-05-19T10:17:00.000-07:002009-05-19T14:44:52.902-07:00

Just a quick post: Watch for my upcomming "Designer Showcase" series ~ Featuring designers who have used my beads in their work. It never hurts to have a little free advertising right? If you would like to be included please contact me! :)

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-52223348365538819522009-05-18T08:53:00.000-07:002009-05-18T09:10:18.005-07:00

Good morning everyone! Just wanted to share a quick post for those of you that have an ArtFire shop or just love to shop ArtFire! Shop Windows at ArtFire has a great blog that truly celebrates the ArtFire artisans! Check it out for featured artists, great new indie products, sales and cross promotion ideas. You can also follow them on Twitter! Check it out today!

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-6990103868416915472009-05-14T19:33:00.000-07:002009-05-14T19:41:49.946-07:00

Since people always want to see other people's studio spaces, either for ideas for their own space or just general interest in the artist I wanted to show you mine :) The best part for me is the wooden cubes from target hung on the wall and filled with different shapes and sizes of pvc pipe for organizing the glass. Wait - did I say organizing? What I mean is "oh, there's an empty spot" :)

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-58262563248945068692009-05-11T20:45:00.000-07:002009-05-11T20:52:28.239-07:00

I think I'm starting to get the hang of the whole "be everwhere on the internet" thing! I signed up for facebook yesterday, and already I've reconected with so many people I know :) So now my next challenge is to figure out how to keep everything updated online and still get some work done. I'm going to have to do some serious multi-tasking!

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-12679179087118053942009-04-21T19:00:00.000-07:002009-04-21T21:00:30.800-07:00

I know the economy is taking it's toll on everyone these days, so I've lowered the prices on every item I make. :) It's my way of stimulating the art community! I want you to keep doing what you love (and in turn, I'll get to keep doing what I love!). So keep beading! and thank you for buying Veda's Beads! :)

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-13112646092584239572009-04-16T08:26:00.000-07:002009-04-16T08:30:57.900-07:00

Good morning! I just wanted to let everyone know I'll be at the Wenatchee Renaissance Faire this Saturday, April 18th. I'll have all my products from my various shops with me and I'll also be demo-ing! Stop by and see me :)http://www.wenrenfaire.com/merchants.html

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-42852364875968374352009-04-15T22:02:00.000-07:002009-04-15T22:07:13.232-07:00

So this is my first official Blog Post! (Assuming we ignore the fact that I got ahead of myself with ping.fm) :) I'm just going to start with my generic "about me" statement tonight, but hopefully this will be the place to share all things beady!Generic statement:I have a passion for glass that I hope to share with you here. I love the solitude of working at the torch, the way the glass melts

Veda's Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14911751103528255618noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3936135561234511705.post-24280438676558947762009-04-15T21:54:00.001-07:002009-04-15T21:54:40.737-07:00

Trying out ping.fm

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