Glass Stock

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 who is passionate about glass and infuses everyone she meets with the same passion! Thank you Deb for sharing your knowledge and spirit with all of us :)

The most important lesson I learned at this event was to stop fearing that every new element I added to a bead would be the one to ruin it. I learned a freedom to create that I had never allowed myself before. I haven't put every technique I learned to use - but this one lesson I'm sure will dominate my efforts at the torch - probably for as long as I do this. Thanks again to all the incredible artists who shared so much of their knowledge and their spirit with all of us - You all rock out loud!!

Glass Stock!!

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 of this community of "co-workers". Within 2 hours of finding out I could go 2 people emailed me offering a place to stay, and another offering to car pool. I was stunned! What an amazing group of people I get to work with - even though we all do our own thing, the camaraderie is unbelievable!

These are the vendor gifts I'm taking (each person needs to bring 2) I hope they like them!



I've been packing for 2 days. So far I think I have everything but the computer, my toothbrush and the kitchen sink. The computer and toothbrush will go in last, I'm still debating about the kitchen sink :) I better go recheck my list for the hundredth time, I'm sure I've forgotten something.

Everyone has to do a demo at this event. I'm nervous about this so I had to pick something I could do in my sleep ~ Fancy Squares:


I'll be posting lots of pics when I get home next week and hopefully making use of a ton of new info! See you soon :)

Art Bead Scene Monthly Challenge

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 seastar bracelet and earring set made with my lampwork beads and heshi shells. Be sure to check out all the great work at Art Bead Scene!

Random Thoughts

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 correspond with where they are listed before they actually make it on the site! Some of that pile will be made into jewelry for my 1000 Markets shop, but most will be listed on Etsy and ArtFire. There is only a week and a half before school starts so we're headed out of town for a few days, but come September - Look Out! I'll actually be able to torch full time without any interuptions! I'm planning to update my blog once a week starting now (wait, now - no, now) :) and I'm also working on a tutorial! More on that soon. There is so much to do when you're a one man show!! Have a fabulous weekend and I'll see you next week :)

Designer Showcase - Splashings

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 friends and co-workers of those that wore the pieces she made.

Karen says: " As I tried new things, I discovered lampwork glass which I love. I never get tired of looking at it and am truely amazed by what glass artists can do. I love blues and greens and anything that makes you think of warm sunny places and the beach. I have fun trying to find new ways to use beads or trying to figure out a new technique I saw in a magazine, it's like a puzzle."

Karen started selling on Ebay and switched to Etsy last year. She also sells at shows and festivals in the MA and CT area. Her Etsy shop announcement always has a current list of upcomming events. You can also find her work at:

~Closet Collections - 409 Columbia Rd., Hanover, MA~

~HOME Wellness Center - 1028 Poquonnock Rd., Groton, CT~

Don't forget to check out Splashings Etsy shop for your next One Of A Kind jewelry purchase!

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6220155

Designer Showcase in the works!

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! :)

Shop Windows at ArtFire

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!