N Valentine Studio

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T08:55:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

I'll admit as a child Valentine's Day was not my favorite day, I got teased a lot. But as an adult I do enjoy it. It gives me a day to make a date with my husband and to make a special effort to say I love you, something I do not think we do enough of. Days get busy and often we forget to make special notice of those we love. If it takes a special day of the year to make me stop and take note, then I say "Thanks Valentine's day" for reminding me how much I love my husband.

Falling out of love

2012-02-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

I remember when scrapbooking came out thinking "where has this been all my life". I bought paper, books, scissors, punches, more paper, stickers, more punches and paper (again). I put photos into albums lovingly created mainly my husbands rodeo pictures and articles. I spent hours chronicling the years, fussed over page layouts and carefully detailed events. Then slowly it became an effort, papers sat at the table for weeks then months untouched. And finally I lost interest in it. Some days I wish I could re spark my interest in it, but I can't it just seems like way too much work!

Have you fallen out of love with anything?

Aftermath of Sabino Canyon

2012-02-11T11:11:00.000-08:00

Just when you think you are fit something comes along to let you know otherwise. Our Sabino Canyon hike has made me realize I am no where near as fit as I thought. I've been stiff for 2 days! Mostly my shoulders today, I think from the backpack. But yesterday my lower legs were pretty tight!

We headed back to the west coast yesterday, it'll be nice to be home. I head back to home tomorrow, one more day in Washington today then the early ferry tomorrow morning.

I am hoping to bring back some sunshine!

Sabino Canyon

2012-02-09T20:09:00.000-08:00

Today we hiked Sabino Canyon. It's a park area about 10 miles outside Tucson, you park at the bottom and a tram takes you up through a canyon for about 30 min to the top. We got out there and hike up some switch backs for 1 mile, then hung a right and hiked about 4 miles of gorgeous trails. Cacti like I've never seen, alpine meadows, rock formations and wild flowers just starting to bloom. It was some of the most stunning scenery I've ever seen. About 3 1/2 miles into the 4 mile hike it got high and ran along the edge of some rock faces and drops with no vegetation for buffer on the downhill side. Some of you know I have a fear of heights, well, did it ever kick in. I did ok for about 10 min or so, then we kept having to go out around a rock formation and turn a corner, and there was more uphill with yet another rock and corner, then another, it kept coming and coming. I had a full on panic attack. We had about 30 min of that type of trail to do before it started to go back down and level off to where I could breath without sobbing. Then we came down to come pools along the creek and back out to the road for a 1 mile walk back to the car. All in all about a 6 mile hike, and what a gorgeous hike it was!

A new day

2012-02-08T07:00:00.000-08:00

I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic waiting somewhere behind the morning.

J.B. Priestlet

More Tucson, a magical day

2012-02-07T20:48:00.000-08:00

After a lazy start to the morning Andrea and I headed out to sightsee around Tucson. We headed for Saguaro National Park. Wow, I think I must have said wow at least a dozen times. The cacti are amazing, the views breathtaking. Fresh air and gorgeous scenery was just what we needed.

We soon realized we were heading in the direction of the Desert Museum another place we wanted to see and decided to stop in. What a magical place. Many different desert settings to see from every cacti imaginable to riverside creatures. Bobcats, mountain lion, otters, raptors, coati and then the magic happened for me. The hummingbird aviary. Like walking into a magical fairy land. Dozens of hummingbirds flitting about, several momma's sitting on nests. You can walk through and watch them feeding from the many feeders. I was standing watching a feeder across a bit of brush and a little hummingbird flew straight across the brush at me, up to my face, hovered, dropped down and touched my hand, hovered back up to my face and flew away.

My heart skipped a beat.

It was one of those moments you have to make yourself breath.

We spent quite a bit of time in the hummingbird aviary, it was hard to make ourselves leave.

We headed back out a different way through a bit of a higher canyon with more gorgeous views. Went to dinner with friends, laughed, listened to their gorgeous children tell stories, laughed and most importantly relaxed.

Came back to our hotel and I decided a hot tub was a good idea, as I wandered across the parking lot to the hot tub a little breeze picked up and I could hear the coyotes calling.

While sitting in the hot tub looking up at a full moon I had to wonder, how could anyone not enjoy their time in this magical area? Day two draws to a close with me thinking more positive thoughts about Tucson and my bead show experience. OH! I forgot I got to see the new venue for the Whole Bead show tonight, it looks great! I love the atrium, I think it's going to bring new exciting things to the show for 2013.

Tucson 2012 - Whole Bead Show

2012-02-06T20:05:00.000-08:00

The Whole Bead Show at Tucson 2012 came to a close for me today. And what a show it was. My first time coming to Tucson I was very nervous. The first time at any venue let alone one as large as Tucson can be really daunting.

The crew at the Whole Bead Show laid those nerves to rest pretty much upon arrival. I was impressed with the way the show was so well run, the selection of vendors but most of all I was really touched by the care everyone puts into everything they do. I really don't think I can effectively put into words the feel this show has.

What I can say is I this, I've realized that people complain a lot about every little thing. I listened to vendors from other shows jumping ship, complaining about a lack of sales, complaining about traffic etc I could go on and on. BUT and I really believe this is a big important but, vendors need to start taking responsibility for their own sales more. Pick a good show (like Whole Bead "wink wink") and back it fully. Stick by it's hard working staff, shout from the hilltops how good it is, bring something new and exciting to the show for your customers to see, promote yourself before during and after, make friends with other vendors, learn about them and what they do, make and EFFORT!

I've realized how much effort the staff at Whole Bead Show put into the show and how much effort I need to put into it as well. It was a learning experience and hugely positive one for me. I thank Andrea for the chance to come, and the whole crew for the support.

The Whole Bead Show Tucson is changing venue's next year, it'll be closer to other shows. I have no doubt this will be a positive for the bead show and am looking forward to see what exciting things this brings. So remember for 2013 to go to the Viscount Suites on Broadway for what I believe is the best Tucson experience going.

A relaxing soak in the hot tub was the perfect ending for a perfect show. I'll blog more about classes and vendors once I get home so keep an eye here for more input about my Tucson experience.

How I fell in love

2012-02-06T07:00:00.000-08:00

I fell in love with glass many many years ago. I remember a glass blower at a produce style farm I used to visit as a child. I remember him blowing those clear glass animals and ornaments. I used to spend at least an hour there every time I went, I wound up working in the trail ride area of the place and managed to watch the glass blower often. I think that is where I first fell in love with it.

When did you first fall in love with your medium? Who inspired you to learn more about it?

Live life

2012-02-01T07:00:00.000-08:00

We have all been placed on this earth to discover our path. We will never be happy if we live someone else's idea of life.

James Van Praagh

What are you working towards?

2012-01-30T07:00:00.000-08:00

Tell me about your goals this year? What are you working towards? Do you have a plan, do you have a lofty goal? Is it a new product? Learning a new technique? Are you excited or anxious? What fueled your choices?

Tucson

2012-01-29T20:02:00.001-08:00

Here!

After a trying flight I'm here in Tucson. An hour spent de icing on the runway and screaming children made for a rather exhausting flight. But I'm here and it's sunny and there are cactus everywhere!

Traveling and rooming with Andrea G makes for a fun trip, I'm lucky! Can't wait for tomorrow and seeing what the sunshine brings.

We'll be at the Whole Bead Show at the Windmill Inn, come by and say hi!

Patina

2012-01-26T18:53:00.001-08:00

Some new patina's after tumbling, what do you think?

Stretch

2012-01-25T07:00:00.000-08:00

A little bit of fear means you are doing something worth doing, you are stretching, you are going outside your immediate grasp.

Yanni

Lofty Goals 2012

2012-01-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

I love lofty goals! Last year I accomplished mine without even realizing it until I was done. 2012 I'd like to work bigger in metal. BIGGER! I have a yearning to make functional pieces. Bowls and vessels. I've signed up for a class in the summer with Crys Harse at MISSA and am really looking forward to it.

I am really drawn to her bowls, this one is one of my favorites.

My first Glymm box has arrived

2012-01-20T14:33:00.001-08:00

My first Glymm box has arrived! I have to say this is the best present. Every month I get a box of beauty samples, I've subscribed to Glymm and Loose Button. I'm not a girly girl by any means but these boxes pretty much make me squeal every time they arrive, they are a special present just for me! I've already gotten two Loose Button boxes but this is my first Glymm box.

In this months Glymm box there is a card giving you info on your products, and a coupon card for a free lip shine with any purchase through the Glymm store (25.00 value).

My box is missing the Kaia Naturals Bamboo cleansing cloths, it was listed on my card but not in my box. I'm confident Glymm will correct this. So right off the batt I have a 17.99 value (assuming they send the cloths).

I also received a Vasanti Brighten Up face rejuvenator, a sample worth aprox 3.50. I am excited to try this as it promises brighter younger skin, and who doesn't want younger skin? A Anastasia Brow gel is next a 5.25 value. I won't use this but I do know someone who it'll make the perfect gift for! Two Burt's Bee's body lotion samples, about 1.50 value. I love Burt's Bee's products so I'm really happy about these, they are the perfect size to take on my upcoming trip too! Last but not least a Cargo Eye pencil, again I wont use this ( I already have one I love) but it'll go as a gift to the same person who's getting the brow gel!

So aprox a 35.00 value (again, assuming the missing cleansing cloths arrive). If the cleansing cloths never arrive a 17.00 value. That's if I don't use the free lip shine card!

Yesterday's snow

2012-01-19T16:42:00.000-08:00

This was my front door yesterday. We got a lot of snow Wednesday morning! It's pretty rare for it to come into the alleyway of the barn to our front door. The wind normally comes form the other direction here.

The boys seem to seem to still be enjoying the snow. It's nice to see them playing, Indy especially he's not really a playful horse. When I let them into the field each morning they seem to be bouncing up and down to go for a good run.

Today seems to be a quiet day, the horses played a bit but not as much as past days. The skies are dark and heavy, making me a bit nervous. Seems a bit like a calm before a storm. I have to drive sunday whether I like it or not so I am hoping the roads are decent by then.

A million moments

2012-01-18T07:00:00.000-08:00

Our live are made up of a million moments

Spent in a million different ways

Some are spent searching for love, peace and harmony

Others are spent surviving day to day

But there is no greater moment than when we find that life

With all it's joys and sorrows

Is meant to be lived one day at a time

Unknown

It's here!

2012-01-17T10:42:00.000-08:00

The snow they have been forecasting seems to be here! I love snow days, waking up to the peaceful quiet. Snow forces the world to slow down, something I think we can all use once and a while.

The horses always seem to enjoy a good tear about in the snow. I like that it's much cleaner than mud!

Today I'll be taking some time to enjoy the view, have a cup of hot tea and watch the flakes fall.

What does my work offer?

2012-01-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

What does my work offer you? Aside from being wearable art (does it get any better than that?) I hope my work offers you some sense of joy. Something you want to wear, hopefully daily. Something that makes you smile.

Do you have a favorite piece of jewelry? Do you have a favorite piece of mine, is there a piece you keep looking at?

Bead Soup!

2012-01-15T14:29:00.000-08:00

I'm in! The bead soup blog party this time around was a random draw of 200 people and I got in!

My partner is Nan Emmett and I am very excited! look at all the birdies! I started out making beads in clay, many many moons ago so i think it's kinda neat we got paired up. Many thanks to Lori for hosting this!

What fuels me?

2012-01-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

What fuels my passion? Well to keep it simple glass. Glass fuels my desire to create. To try new colors and strive for interesting reactions. That said I've found myself needing to be more organized when torching lately. If I find a interesting color combination I can't repeat it if I can't remember what it is! So I've been keeping notes, not something I've done prior to this. It's helping me narrow down what I like and do not like about the reactions.

Do you keep notes? Do you enjoy keeping notes or do you find it a chore?

New year mission statement

2012-01-11T17:22:00.000-08:00

Well it's a new year and I have new goals. I've found myself working in boro a lot lately, loving the colors, reactions and etherial quality it has. It makes me think I am looking for a bit more peace and serenity in my life? My inspiration lately has come from the outdoors, water and interestingly enough trees. I haven't seen the tree's translate into my work yet.

Boro is almost like meditating for me, it's a stiffer glass it moves a lot slower and forces me to slow down. It's also more forgiving for off mandrel style work and I am really enjoying the pod style pieces I've been working on.

Working away

2012-01-10T18:23:00.001-08:00

Back in the studio!

Did a bit of metalsmithing yesterday and today I fired up the torch and worked with boro. Trying to duplicate the beads (or close to the beads) above.

Trying to find some inspiration for blog posts, maybe a group or "plan" to follow. Anyone have and blog groups they'd like to recommend?

Happy New Year!

2012-01-07T19:08:00.000-08:00

A slightly belated Happy New Year to everyone! We spent a week and a 1/2 in alberta and had a wonderful time. I came home to a full mailbox and my goodies from a facebook bead group trade with Laura Bracken.

This gorgeous little package was for me!

And what a wonderful swap present! The earrings are so me! I love turquoise and the warmer tones in the copper. The pendant is very very cool. It's a see through pendant with a small tree and moss, I believe it's brass and a resin. I absolutely love it! Chocolate and a very sweet bookmark too, I feel really spoilt!

Happy Holidays

2011-12-26T14:31:00.000-08:00

Hoping everyone had a happy holidays. We had a house full of people for most of the day, but it was the least stressful Christmas we've had in a long time. We ate, visited, opened presents, ate, opened presents, ate and visited. What astonishes me is I still have a fridge and freezer FULL of food?

Hubby loved his gifts. He got night vision binoculars and spent about 15 min watching the horses out the window last night. I also gave him a new super duty battery charger with a timer on it so he doesn't boil his batteries anymore, and he got TONS of stocking stuffers. All in all I think I did good for him with gifts this year.

I got a COOL guillotine shear for cutting sheet metal, it'll cut up to a 1/4 inch thick sheet! I'm most excited about this gift, hubby also got me a system so I can listen to my Iphone music in my truck! He also gave me a small trail motorbike, which in all honesty I think was a gift more for him than me *snicker* I am really nervous on bikes and really not comfortable. But he had a blast zipping up and down the driveway on it!

Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season filled with laughter and fun!

Luxe Box came today!

2011-12-22T14:32:00.000-08:00

I've subscribed to Loose Buttons Luxe Box and I admit I adore it! It comes every month with samples of different beauty products and it's only 10 bucks a month! It was a treat to myself and I've felt pampered each time it's arrived. It came today, perfect timing as I was feeling really grumpy after hours of Christmas shopping, long line ups and lack of HO HO HO in general. It really doesn't feel Christmasy at all to me this year. And then.............I picked up my mail YIPPEE!

It comes packaged beautifully, with a card explaining each items uses and costs. I love the boxes they use, they slide out and are pretty sturdy. I'm saving mine for future uses, maybe storage in the studio!

So, my box had the following. DDF Firming Cream which I actually got to request. We had a choice of one product this month and I've been wanting to try some anti aging cream for a while so this was perfect timing. It retails for $2.90 a gram and I got a 48 gram sample size, a 40.00 value!

Yves Rocher Mandarin shower gel YUM! Lovely scent and everyone knows I adore anything scented. It retails for 3 cents a ml and the sample size was 400 ml so a $1.50 value.

Two samples of Paco Rabanne a mens (going in hubby's stocking) and a women's. The women's is a bit heady but now that I've had it one for a while I'm really liking it, a very rich scent that makes me feel decadent. Both samples total a $3.30 value.

I also got a FULL size Nyx eye liner, interesting because I was just thinking about eye liner the other day. I'm curious to try this as it's been forever since I used eye liner. It's a $4.00 value.

We also got adorable Loose Button chocolate coins, very cute.

So my total value for this months Luxe Box $48.00, pretty good I'd say. Plus shipping is included!

Focus

2011-12-21T09:43:00.000-08:00

If you’ve lost focus, just sit down and be still.
Take the idea and rock it to and fro. Keep some
of it and throw some away, and it will renew itself.
You need do no more.

Just don't give up

2011-12-20T09:13:00.000-08:00

“Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong.” - Ella Fitzgerald

It's been a quiet Christmas season here. When the winter Stinking Fish Studio Tour was cancelled I didn't replace it with anything else. I didn't book any craft shows, mainly because it was too late to get into any of the bigger ones. In hind sight maybe I should have done something. It's been lean this season, not many sales. Online sales are slow, I think the worst of this economy is finally in Canada.

I'm plugging ahead daily, trying to stick to my goal of a minimum of 5 days a week in the studio in preparation for Tucson at the end of January. Still working on pods and tiny boro beads, having a lot of fun with them. Hoping to have LOTS for Tucson.

New boro!

2011-12-15T07:00:00.000-08:00

I've change my torch set up and boy what a difference! I turned down my propane PSI and switched to my cricket torch. I am thrilled with the results. I've got new pods I am really happy with the finished product and lots of teeny tiny boro beads, all of which will be at Tucson Whole Bead Show.

Shine

2011-12-14T09:41:00.000-08:00

The divine spark is within you, know that it’s true and shine today!

What really Matters

2011-12-07T09:38:00.000-08:00

And the truth is that what really matters is what happens today - Rosanna O

Make It Happen

2011-11-30T09:36:00.000-08:00

"Nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who dared believe that something inside of them was superior to circumstance." - Bruce Barton

Favorite Tool - Borosilicate Glass

2011-11-22T09:31:00.001-08:00

My current favorite tool is more of a supply, it's boro glass *swoon*sigh*. I've been playing with it a lot this month and have fallen in love. It's got such etherial colors and something about it has just drawn me in. I stole the above photo from the Glass Alchemy website. I've been using their colors more than others, I like the consistency and I also like that's it's North American made. Plus the owners are just plain wonderful people!

How can you not love this glass? I adore the beads I'm getting with this glass. It reminds me of Double Helix but something bit different, I can't quite put my finger on it yet.

Coastal Expressions

2011-11-14T07:19:00.000-08:00

Gratitude

2011-11-07T07:16:00.000-08:00

Often this time of year things get so busy we forget about the things we already have to be thankful for.

I'm thankful for my friends and family, ever supportive and always caring.

I'm thankful for my studio, medium and craft. I don't know what I'd do if I had to go back to a "real" job.

I'm thankful for my health, I think at 42 I'm the fittest I've ever been!

I'm thankful for this season, as much as I often whine about the gray cold days I love snow! Winter is here and hopefully snow will be here soon.

What are you thankful for?

Ring Repair

2011-10-31T13:49:00.001-07:00

I had a request to fix a ring that had gotten squashed in a move. I was about 50% sure I could fix it, and if not I figured I could re make it.

WELL it was simple thanks to my Jim Moore press!

Here is the poor little spinner ring, fairly well squashed.

I popped it into the bead press with my smallest die, ran the die through the ring. Moved up to a bigger die, repeat until rounded out!

Voila!! Fixed spinner ring!

Excuse the grainy photos, my point & shoot camera is not the best.

What................

2011-10-31T07:14:00.000-07:00

What is your favorite craft project you've tackled lately? Care to share a link? Winter is here and there will be some dark nights perfect for crafting.

New beads and Tucson!

2011-10-29T17:55:00.001-07:00

I've got a great little mixed set of floral beads in my Etsy! Lots of colors, tons of design options!

I've also got some exciting news!

I am doing Tucson Whole Bead Show!!!

I'll be sharing a table with Andrea Guarino Slemmons we'll be the first booth on the right as you walk in. It's sure to be a booth you will NOT want to miss!

I'm looking forward to finally getting to d the bead show, and sight seeing! Andrea promised we'd do a couple days of it, I've wanted to see the desert area for a very long time now and cannot wait!! I know we'll be tired after the show and SO appreciate her humoring my wanderlust wants!

Fears

2011-10-24T07:10:00.000-07:00

We all have fears, some logical. Some not so much. I have a fairly large fear of heights, and have for as long as I can remember. I have many not so fond memories of hanging Christmas lights, cleaning the archway we have over our driveway, bridges ............ I could go on and on.

When I was in Turkey a friend convinced me to go on a hot air ballon ride, I'll admit it was one of the most terrifying things I've ever done. But it was also one of the more special things. It was something she really wanted to do and I knew she wouldn't do it on her own. So along with a few tranquilizers up we went. How different everything looks from up in the sky, how quiet and peaceful. While I was terrified for a lot of it I did get a chance to appreciate the beauty. I think it's also helped me come to grips a bit with my fear of heights. I don't panic quite so much over bridges anymore and the thought of Christmas lights doesn't send me into a cold sweat!

What are your fears, rational or not.

Large Animal Rescue Course

2011-10-18T10:56:00.001-07:00

Last weekend I participated in a large animal rescue course. It was hosted by Metchosin Firehall. There were firefights from Metchosin, Sooke and some members of the Metchosin Emergency Operations Center. The instructor was Jennifer Woods a pretty amazing lady I might add. She's worked with Temple Grandin and she sets up emergency response programs for large animals, pretty much all over the world.

Saturday was all classroom, it was a lot of information to take in. Lots of theory, pictures and video. I felt a bit overwhelmed at the end of the day but it was totally worth it.

Sunday was practical and HO boy was it a day!

We started out at Perry Bay Sheep Farm learning to handle (herd) sheep. I had no idea the little buggers were so fast! Nor did I know they jumped like they do! We were split into teams of 3 to try and herd and separate sheep, not an easy task!

We went to another farm to look at alpaca's and goats, sorry I didn't get pictures from that farm. Alpaca's have always made me a bit nervous, they move a bit odd and the whole "spitting at you when angry" thing just grosses me out! The goats were adorable!

Then we moved on to trailers, we looked at a straight haul and two angle hauls and it really made me think about my trailers and how easy or hard they'd be to remove an animal from in an accident.

Then onto horse handling.

First they wanted to learn to catch loose horses, I really thought my guys would just mill about making it easy for everyone. I don't know if it was the weather or what but they TOOK OFF and gave everyone a small challenge to catch them.

Then we did some knot tying, blindfolds and strapping systems. Who'd have thought a bra would make an awesome blindfold!

They wanted to try strapping and lifting a horse and I figured if they could do that with anyone it'd be Indy and he handled it really well. The backhoe couldn't get high enough to actually lift him but they got to work through how to attach strapping and the process of it all. I was really impressed with how they handled it, I stayed out of the way as it wouldn't be me strapping and lifting! It'd be a fire crew so they needed to work through it, and I think they did a great job. I was impressed with their skill and how concerned they were for Indy. Indy wasn't concerned at all and spent most of it asleep with one back leg resting. We had one spooky moment when the straps got dropped but everyone handled it really well and Indy settled down immediately and they strapped him up again!

All in all a pretty cool way to spend a weekend. I want to thank the firehall for letting me attend the course.

Studio Goodness

2011-10-17T07:04:00.000-07:00

This set of ceramic bells is one of my favorite things in my metal studio. The wind almost always blows out here in Metchosin and these are often making a pretty noise in the window.

My inspiration board is one of my favorite things in the glass studio. The clock would be a close second. I have two large inspiration boards that need to go up in the metal studio. I'm always printing, clipping and glueing things up to go on the boards. I have a large collection waiting for the metal studio.

Do you have a studio? If so what's your favorite bits of goodness in it?

Black Cat Halloween

2011-10-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

Negative views of cats originated in the middle ages. In this period, people were more likely to believe in myths, fables, and legends about any subject. But much of the folklore surrounding black cats associated them with witches. Black cats were thought to be the "familiars" of witches, which means that they were the spirits of witches in animal form. Some people even thought these cats were reincarnations of witches from past lives.

I think black cats are magical, they often seem to be looking at you like they know what you are thinking.

I've got a few black cat penny charms in my etsy shop!

Halloween Penny Charms

2011-10-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

I've added some great Halloween penny charms to me Etsy Shop!

Color

2011-10-10T07:59:00.000-07:00

Color. As a glass artist I am blessed by color. The color palette to choose from in glass is endless. If you can find the exact color you want you can always mix it!

Purple has always been one of my favorite colors, I even painted the metal studio walls a rich violet.

What's your favorite color, why? Does it make you smile, sigh, laugh?

Cashmere and Camo

2011-10-07T12:34:00.000-07:00

I'm Cashmere and Camo's accessory crush of the week!

It's a great blog, I've really started to look forward to her posts. It's always something interesting! I'm thrilled to be featured on her blog, check it out!

Cashmere and Camo

14 K on my 42 nd birthday!

2011-10-03T09:55:00.000-07:00

Today I ran 14K and it's my 42 birthday!!

I am fitter than I've ever been and it's a milestone event for me. I'd never in a million years had thought I could do it. 2 days left in my 10 weeks to 10 K running program and I'm already over 10K!! Never underestimate yourself!!!

Abundance

2011-10-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

Abundance is not something you acquire, it's something you tune into. Wayne Dwyer.

Mountain Lake

2011-09-27T18:47:00.001-07:00

Mountain Lake

These beads are spectacular! If I do say so myself. I am really enjoying my experiments with boro, I love the etherial look you can get with it. These beads have some gorgeous turquoise pools next to khaki and some crackling.

WWYD?

2011-09-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

What new thing would you learn if you had the time and the money?

I’d learn larger functional metal working. I’ve been itching to try some larger pieces, maybe some forging. I watched some of the bowl forming at the MISSA class during the summer and I really yearn to try it. I’m hoping to take the class in 2012!

Featured Artist - Julie Van Ember

2011-09-23T09:37:00.000-07:00

Julie Van Ember is another Canadian beadmaker. I adore her marbles! Check out her shop she has some stunning pieces. She lives in Alberta and I admit I am a tad jealous, if I could chose any place to be in Canada other than here it'd be Alberta.

How long have you been working in your medium?

I've been lampworking since 2004.

What drew you to this medium?

As with many other hot glass artists, I started out in stained glass. After several years of that, I took a beginner class at the torch.

What's your favorite piece?

Can't really say that I have one at the moment, usually it is my most current work.

What's the hardest piece you've ever made?

I think off mandrel sculptures and marbles are my most challenging pieces.

What’s the one favorite tool you cannot live without?

My brass stump shaper.

What’s your favorite thing about your workspace or studio?

What I really enjoy about my lampworking workspace, is the fact that it takes up so little space. Although a whole room or small building could be turned into a studio, my stainless steel table is really all the space I need. Having said that, my future plans once I move, is a full room with at least 3 torches set up so I can have friends over to play.

What is your other craft?
I still dabble in stained glass and stained glass mosaics. Lately, I've taken up knitting toques as a pass time during the long winter evenings. Crocheting with wire crochet while incorporating beads is another art form that I thoroughly enjoy.

Who or what inspires you? ( include links if you have them)
I've taken classes with well over a dozen renouned lampworkers, so I can't pick just one person that inspires me. But living on the bank of a river, the astounding excitement and beauty of the great outdoors is never far from my mind

What's your favorite inspirational saying?
Although I wouldn't necessarily call this inspirational, I pretty much go with 'go big or go home' for much of my work. I enjoy having a large canvass to decorate plus building beads/marbles from the inside out which in turn creates a large mass of glass.

What's one thing you've never done you always wanted to do?
Go to Australia. Even though my heart belongs in Italy (for the love of glass), Australia is on my list of things to do.

Drag racing

2011-09-20T09:22:00.000-07:00

Yup, thats me driving a drag car! Who'd have thought! It's no secret my husband has a large car collection. It's also no secret it drives me crazy on a regular basis, our yard and shops are full beyond full. The clutter often makes me a bit grumpy.

When my husband asked if I wanted to give drag racing a try I first thought "are you INSANE!" no way, nope, nu uh, not ever. Then I went and watched him race, WELL it looked kinda fun. There were also a few girls racing. Cori, a friend of mine had raced years past and was talking about getting a car to race soon. That got me interested. Teresa, the girl who cares for our place when we are away racing round track. That got me even more interested. I mulled it over......

Why not try it!? I went a couple weekends ago for the first time and boy was I nervous. There is a lot to remember and a lot to do! I wasn't all that hooked at first. Then I did a burnout ............ WELL what fun is that!

I'm still trying to remember everything and the shifting is still a bit of a challenge for me, but so far it's been a positive experience. A bit of a bucket list kinda thing!

A challenge

2011-09-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

I’ve been struggling this year with one thing consistently, finishing the metal studio. I got the walls filled, sanded and painted with great gusto. Found a work bench and some cabinets. Set up my soldering bench and some cork boards.

And, then, there it is. I’ve been working in it but haven’t managed to get the rest done.

I have plumbing to connect. The sink and pipes are there and ready but the plumber needs to come do the connections, and he really doesn’t seem t understand how badly I want to get this finished! Once the sink is in I can get the cabinets hung and get the machining bench set up. This is something I’ve been dying to do! I want all my heavy tools bolted to a bench, and they’ll stay there! Ready to use when I need them. I’ve also got three more inspiration boards I’d like to hang and a couple pieces of art that need to go up on the walls.

I wonder why this seems to be taking me so long?

Craft Project

2011-09-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

What craft project have you started lately? Care to share a link?

My week vacation

2011-09-08T20:40:00.000-07:00

I spent the last week at a glass get away with friends in Chinook. Of course being the terrible blogger I am I took about three photos total, sorry!

I had a wonderful time! I flew into Seattle and met up with Kari. Spent the night with her and her wonderful family, what a fun bunch!

We headed out for Chinook the next day and spent all weekend playing with glass, PMC, clay, beads oh the fun!

I find living on an Island lonely and treasure time like this. We even had a small pit fire and made smores one night! I laughed every day, heck I think I laughed every hour of every day! I truly love each and every one of my wonderful (and patient!) friends!

Family and Friends

2011-09-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

Being an artist isn’t easy. I often hear “You are so lucky to be an artist”. Or “How nice to be able to dabble in this”.

I am lucky, but luck didn’t get me here. The support of many family and friends helped me keep moving forward even when I wondered “Can I do this?”. I’d like to think talent comes into it too! Without the support of my husband I’m not have the wonderful studio space I work in. Without the support of friends I’d have nothing. Really in a crunch it’s our friends who keep us going. Who we sound ideas off, who tell us the truth when we ask opinions. Who support us when we fail. Friends can make or break you, mine make me!

I’d also like to think I don’t dabble. I’m a “GO FOR IT!” kinda girl. I dive in with both feet, sink or swim. I figure why do things ½ way?

Have a close look

2011-08-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

Have a close look at this piece, the colors are they something you like or do they seem to bright?

This is a copper pierced piece with a heat patina. Personally I love the look of the heat patina but I have heard a few comments that it’s too much, too bright. Do you think the birds get lost in the color or does it make them stand out?

Brass Tools

2011-08-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

While I was at MISSA a couple weeks ago I learnt how to do hot twisting (forging) and boy was I hooked! I was excited to be able to make some of my own tools! I’ve been wanting to work on some more functional pieces and this seems to be a good was to ease into it.

The tools are fabricated out of 360 bronze stock. They make wonderful tools for moving and poking hot glass. A nice feel in the hand makes them great burnishers as well. I hope to slowly add some different end shapes to them, and am always open to ideas.

Coastal Expressions

2011-08-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

I have a Coast Collective show coming up Nov 10-20^th. Coastal Expressions features many local artist in several different mediums. Featured Artists include the following.

Nicole Valentine Rimmer

Lisa Riehl

Jim Jenkins

Deborah Czernecky

Bev Petow

Debbie Jensen

Kees Luchs

This promises to be a dynamic and interesting show!

Tutorials

2011-08-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

Tutorials for daisy beads/garden bracelets and spinner rings in my Etsy shop!

Favorite Tools - Sharpie

2011-08-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

One of the most often used tools in my studio is my Sharpie pen. I love the new colors! I probably have over 20 pens at the moment, and lust for several more.

I’ve been doing some copper etching and the fine tipped sharpies make a nice resist. I need to experiment with the different colors and see if any work better than others. The fatter tips makes a slightly better resist but are hard to get any kind of detail with.

A good pen in a happy color can bring a childlike grin to my face!

Packaging

2011-08-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

I have to admit packaging is one of those areas I feel a bit slack in. I see so many people who make hand crafted boxes and envelopes for their orders. Sometimes I see cute little brown boxes embellished with stamps and paper.

Alas it’s not my string point I use simple plastic Ziploc baggies with a card and the item ordered. That gets wrapped with a few layers of bubble wrap and shipped in a bubble envelope.

Items purchased in the studio get wrapped in tissue and slipped into a box. Simple but pretty.

I’m always hoping a paper person will trade me beads for some interesting packaging!

Originality

2011-07-30T19:04:00.000-07:00

What makes us original? A commonly asked question but not so easily answered when you direct it at yourself. I’ve been mulling this question over this morning with tea in hand, then another cup and yet another.

Then it came to me, I think what makes me original is my lack of direction (or the attention span of a turnip) as some say. While it may not make me unique I feel it makes me and my work original.

I get bored easily so I find myself looking for new ideas and techniques often. Which means my work is often changing and evolving.

This spring I learnt piercing and that’s been my current “new technique”. I find the most exciting part of it is looking for images I can pierce in one complete piece, so I can save the relief image for use on another piece.

The only limits are, as always those of vision.

Jump

2011-07-29T08:14:00.001-07:00

“Jumping at several small opportunities may get us there more quickly than waiting for one big one to come along.”

Hugh Allen

Sooke Fine Arts and Stinking Fish Tour

2011-07-23T19:54:00.000-07:00

The Sooke Fine Arts Show and the Stinking Fish Studio tour are on!

I am really thrilled to be a part of both. Last night we went to the Artist Celebration at Sooke Fine Arts and what a show it is! Well displayed and a lot of different mediums. I highly recommend it!

Stinking Fish Studio Tour runs through until August 1st and I am at the School House Studio from 10-5 all days!

MISSA

2011-07-17T15:19:00.000-07:00

I was at MISSA all week taking a couple classes. I started last weekend with a metal etching class with Crys Harse. What a exciting class it was! We etched copper and brass, she brought a endless supply of different resist mediums so it was really fun to try them all out. I see some larger pieces in my future as a result of this class!

While I was there I really enjoyed the fact that there was NO cell phone reception anywhere, so from 9-5 every day I had time to learn, think and grow. I am going to try and implement this into my studio routine as a monday to friday work plan, no phones or internet from 10-4. Think I can do it?

I also enjoyed meeting other artists in the many many other mediums running classes. So much so that I decided I wanted to see if there was a class during the week I could take. As it turned out there was room in Julia Lowthers shoe box studio class. So I figured why not?

Class was in the boat house, a wonderful setting. We saw otters, a heron and loads of starfish on our walks in and out of the workshop. The class was a lot of fun. Julia works very differently from me and I had several ah haaaaa moments. I highly recommend her, the best class notes and kit provided ever!

My favorite technique was learning how to make these twisted brass pieces. Most people made theirs into bangles but I saw tools! I see many more of these in my future if I can find the square rod stock for it.

One last photo of Pedder Bay, it was such a joy to spend time is such a serene setting.

Explore

2011-07-17T08:22:00.000-07:00

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” - Mark Twain [Samuel Clemens]

Lofty Goals Take Two

2011-07-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

After snowmobiling to a cabin this winter I'd met a lofty goal of mine, spending some time in a remote cabin in the snow. Granted it was a short stay, just lunch but it was a life moment for me. So it's time to add a new goal. This one is a little more daunting for me.

It involves, running and groups EEKKK!!

I'd like to try and run a 10K, yikes! Did I type that for real? My running program is coming along pretty well and I'm thinking running a 10K is something I could potentially do, right?

I am not a fan of sweating in public, nor am I a fan of public embarrassment (ie; failure) so I'll need to make sure I am more than ready when/if I do actually run one.

SO! My new lofty goal = run a 10K

July 4th!!!

2011-07-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

Happy July 4th!!!!

It's summer

2011-07-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

It's summer, at least it better finally be! Spring has felt so long and dreary. I'm dying to be picking veggies from the garden. But alas mine is slow and there isn't much to pick yet. I had visions of it looking like the picture above by now, but things are slow to grow.

The flower beds are much more prolific, I've had poppies blooming, a few lilies some peonies and even a water lily. I'd like to add another water feature but I don't think that's in the works this year. Maybe next. I envision a small planter with a miniature lily floating in it and a trickle of water flowing into it. Beside my hammock, with a good book........maybe the cat taking a nap. I think you see where I am going with this?

Who write poems?

2011-06-27T10:48:00.000-07:00

“It is the formidable character of the species to routinely seek the improbable, the difficult, even the impossible, as a source of pleasure and self-justification. Who would try to write poems, or novels, or paint pictures unless he is an optimist?” - Lionel Tiger

Organization or not

2011-06-25T18:14:00.000-07:00

It seems I struggle with creativity and in an effort to try and keep on track I've been organizing a creativity board...........or not.

I truly had a wonderful cork board in mind with loads of inspiring images, and quotes. But instead I have piles of this. Well not quite this bad but mess, and I am not a fan of mess.

So my goal this month (July) is to try and get the machining room completed in the metal studio and get the cabinets hung, mess cleared out and inspiration boards hung up!

Think I can get my husband on board? He needs to get the water finished in the studio and hang cabinets, all in all maybe a 3 hour job.

Favorite Tool - Opening Skylight

2011-06-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

As the weather gets hotter I really do appreciate my opening skylight. I have it behind and above my glass work bench and it really helps with the air flow in my studio. My out take air is directly behind my torch and with the fresh air intake being behind me it really makes for a "clean air" studio. We are often windy here so there is usually a breeze too. Look into opening skylights if you are building a studio, or for that matter any home.

Lessons we learn

2011-06-17T20:42:00.000-07:00

Spending time at Bead and Button has made me learn a valuable lesson. I need friends! I am reminded again how lonely living on Vancouver Island can be. It's a big Island but our friends have all moved off it and I often feel isolated.

I'm planning a escape in August to connect with a group of friends in Washington and I can't wait. I feel more energetic, creative and happy when I've got smiling friends to connect with!

2011-06-16T18:20:00.000-07:00

Bead and Button 2011 is over, and what a show it was!

I had the pleasure of being the teaching assistant for Andrea Guarino for the masters class. We had a four day class, one set of students for the first two days while the other set of students worked with Michael Barley then the students swapped instructors. It was a interesting and fun class. It was great to see old friends and make some new ones.

The show itself was whirl wind. Meet the teachers night is wed, going till 11PM yikes! The next night is the show preview night, then the "open to the public" show starts. Sales were steady, and I did get a chance to check out some booths I wanted to see.

It was a pleasure to be in booth #10 with Andrea again. I didn't take any photos (I know I'm a bad blogger).

I'm home safe and sound, but I'll admit a bit exhausted!

We are all gifted

2011-06-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

“We are each gifted in a unique and important way. It is our privilege and our adventure to discover our own special light.”

Mary Dunbar

Favorite Tool - Rainbow Maker

2011-06-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

While this isn't really a tool I adore it! I actually have two in my metal studio and need to get a couple for the glass studio. They are solar powered unit that spin when the sun hits them, spinning and sending rainbows all over the walls. Mine start to work at about 5 in the afternoon, the time of day I normally start to run out of steam. They always make me smile and I usually work for at least an extra hour or two once they start up. I've seen them on amazon!

What's your favorite blog?

2011-06-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

Do you have along list of favorite blogs? How about sharing a few favorite links?

Don't waste life.

2011-05-30T08:16:00.001-07:00

“Don't waste life in doubts and fears; spend yourself on the work before you, well assured that the right performance of this hour's duties will be the best preparation for the hours and ages that will follow it.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Rainy day routine

2011-05-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

Living on the westcoast in basically a rainforest makes for many a rainy day. I like the sound of rain on the roof, preferably at night, but the gray overcast during the day I could do without. It tends to depress me, and we get days and days of it here in a row.

I usually open the windows, letting in some fresh air and try and get some work done in the studio. If I can't get motivated at all I retreat to the couch, with a good book and the cat.

Favorite Tool - Canon MX700 printer

2011-05-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

I use my printer a lot! I am often printing up images for my pierced pieces, tutorials, inspirational sayings to hang in the studio. I got the Canon MX700 about two years ago and I really do like it. It scans and faxes as well, so it's really the only machine I need office wise. It's pretty easy to use, and has wonderful image quality.

To Celebrate!

2011-05-19T20:52:00.000-07:00

Kaye Husko won this give away!!!!

To Celebrate 103 watchers I am giving away a assortment of 6 penny charms in your suggested "style". I've got bead themed, horse themed, rodeo, sayings, funny, skulls, trees etc etc you'll get a copper ball chain to wear them on too.

Leave a comment hear with your favorite saying. I'll draw a name wednesday the 25th!

Plain will never be the same.

2011-05-16T08:01:00.000-07:00

I love this poem. It's from a yogurt commercial!

From deeply depth in the sea of same,

Plain broke free from the same old same.

Plain will never be the same.

"With nothing to lose and the world to gain,

Plain arched its back and did proclaim.

Plain will never be the same.

103!!!

2011-05-14T08:01:00.000-07:00

103 Followers!!

Stay tuned I'm going to have a give away to celebrate!

Let me introduce you

2011-05-11T11:05:00.001-07:00

Let me introduce you to one of my best friends. Andrea Guarino Slemmons of Andrea Guarino Beads. I met Andrea many years ago, she's actually the instructor I took my first "real" beadmaking class with. I went to her home studio in Pt Townsend and took a two day semi private lesson with her. WELL, I was hooked! Hooked on beadmaking, hooked on Pt Townsend and definitely intrigued by this amazing sharing person. We didn't become close friends till years later.

I've had the joy of being close friends for years now. We've traveled to Germany, Turkey, Texas and many places in between. She's a joy to travel with, I often help her out in classes by being her teaching assistant. She's a wonderful instructor, sharing all she knows and very caring and attentive.

I'm lucky to call her my friend. She listens when I whine and moan about living so far away from everyone, when I can't get motivated to make anything, when I don't want to go for a run today and many other general gripes. Always being supportive, always being a friend.

I thought you all might enjoy a little introduction to such a wonderful person!

10 K week two

2011-05-09T18:07:00.000-07:00

Today was day one of week two, interval three of my 10K program..............and I'm still walking! About two hours after my run this morning I wondered how my day would progress. I was stiff! But I kept going about my day and now I feel back to normal. I'm up to 4K in run/walk intervals now. Aside from the large dog that scared the bejezzus out of me it was a great run this morning!

10 K week one

2011-05-05T19:15:00.000-07:00

Today marked day two of week one of my 10K in 10 weeks program. I have to admit whilst jogging UP a hill this morning I thought "WHAT the HELL was I thinking!?" But after finishing this mornings interval training session I felt uplifted. I'm doing a program that works you up over 10 weeks to running 10K. When I got home I logged the rest of the training intervals into my runkeeper program and when I read the last one I thought "how cool would it be if I could do this?". Anyone who knows me knows I do not choose to run. I've never chose to run. If our horses get loose, I head for the front gate and close it, then persue the loose critters. I'm NOT going to chase them about willy nilly, sheesh, running makes you sweat ya know?

But mid winter I decided I needed to do something to get active, I'm not a gym kinda gal so I tried walking. Which lead to running (a bit). Then I saw this program and so far I like it, running in the morning gets me moving and seems to keep my energy up throughout the day. I like that I can just put shoes on and do something, I'm really going to try and stick with it while at Bead and Button. I'll have to use a treadmill there, it'll be interesting to see if I can master the treadmill and stick to the program while away from home.

Who knows maybe this will be me soon!

Favorite Tools -Laptop

2011-05-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

Some how in my favorite tools blog posts I've managed to miss the one tool I spend a exceptional amount of time using, my laptop.

I have a MacBook, and I love it! I used to have a Toshiba somethingorother that crashed on a regular basis and got viruses so often I stopped counting. I futzed around on it for a very long time, cursing daily and wasting a lot of time waiting for it to decide to work.

Finally I decided enough was enough and it was time to get a new laptop. But what? Well a good friend and Mac loved talked me into getting a Mac. Boy, if I only knew what I'd been missing I'd have done it ages ago!

There was a bit of a learning curve involved but once I got it all sorted out I am amazed at how user friendly a Mac is. Coming with lots of softwear and tutorials to go with them it really has made my computer time less painful and more productive.

I've had my MacBook for about two years now and aside from dropping it, it's had no problems. The dropping issue was fixed amazingly fast, 24 hours and I had my laptop returned and backed up!

So shortly after the MacBook came the Iphone, and now I'm happily a Mac owner!

What sparks the feeling of failure?

2011-05-01T20:09:00.000-07:00

Today I ran into an old friend I'd lost touch with. Someone I always enjoyed spending time with. Funny, caring, helpful, a devoted husband, and wonderful friend. He mentioned he was ill (again) and it hit me like a bus. I immediately felt like I'd failed at being a friend. I'd fell out of touch, not bothered to put myself out there, stayed home when I should have visited and just in general felt a huge empty heart.

I know in my head that these feelings aren't valid, that I am a decent caring person and life just gets in the way sometimes. But I can't help but feel like I often don't put myself out there enough. I tend stick to working in the studio, doing barn chores, errands and the like but often not reaching out to connect with friends. Locally for sure, it seems I often see my US friends more than my Canadian ones.

It's interesting what can spark feelings of failure and how it can affect our thoughts. Has anything sparked a feeling of failure with you?

Home

2011-04-30T19:56:00.001-07:00

I got home last night and am finally settling in, I had a class today so it feels like I haven't really sat down for 24 hours!

I got home to new lumber being added to my raised garden bed and a HUGE bed being added in one empty spot in the garden. Not sure how I feel about the new bed. It's not really what I had planned for that area of the garden. I pictured a rambling trail with a few trees and pockets of plants. But, the bed was a bit of work to add and the lumber is heavy so I feel a bit bad saying I want it moved. But, I feel a bit pissy that it was added without my ok. I tend to get a bit possessive over my space and the things in it. Anyone who's seen how tidy my space is in contrast to my husbands clutter can probably understand.

How do you feel about people moving, adding or adjusting things in your space?

Friends that make you smile

2011-04-28T08:03:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful dinner last night with friends. Thai food and laughter, can it get any better than that? A movie, Water For Elephants, followed. More great friends to see at the movie. I love visiting Pt Townsend, it's a lovely city with amazing people and some of my best friends anywhere. I think if I was ever to move to the US this would be the place!

Favorite Tool - Bead Stopper

2011-04-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

This is a handy little tool. It may seem very simple but it can prevent a lot of re stringing when assembling bracelets etc.

It's called a Bead Stopper. The little spring opens up and clamps around your stringing medium. I've used it on Fireline type medium, waxed cord, ribbon and elastic and it holds well on all of them. It holds pretty tight. I can pick my pieces up, and handle them quite a bit without the worry about the beads sliding off.

I like that I can work on assembling my piece without using crimps. I can take out or add beads without much hassle.

I purchased mine at Micheals. I've seen them in most bead shops. A small purchase that will save you a lot of grief!

Success!

2011-04-20T07:00:00.001-07:00

I've been playing around with heat patina on reticulated copper and combining it with liver of sulfur. I'm really happy with how this piece turned out! The background is reticulated copper, the front plate is sterling but it's a secondary piece from another cut out. I managed to get the entire thing cut out in one cut, thus saving the relief for a second piece. I lightly reticulated the silver and sweat soldered it onto the copper backplate. I think it turned out pretty cool!

Favorite Tool - My Kiln

2011-04-18T12:26:00.000-07:00

I have a Jen Ken bead annealing kiln, I have the octagonal kiln with a bead door. I like that I could fuse a plate in it if I wanted, there is enough room for that. I have bricks filling in the back 1/2 of the kiln and mandrel racks in front of them to place my mandrels in. It has a Bartlett digital controller I adore! I can program 4 different programs into it and after baby sitting my old kiln while it ramped down for a couple years I decided to get a digital controller when I got this kiln. Money well spent!

Lofty Goals Checkin

2011-04-13T11:07:00.000-07:00

Way back when I set out some lofty goals. When we went snowmobiling in February I felt like I'd achieved those loft goals. It was a surreal feeling coming home along the trail realizing I'd reached a goal I truly never thought I'd get to. I love the snow and winter, and a cabin in the woods in snow is my "dream" and has been for a long time. SO, I'll add a new goal. Just for me. I want to go to Alaska and see the northern lights. After meeting Elise of Koi Creek Beads this last weekend at her class. I'm even more inspired to get to Alaska. Her class was amazing by the way! So my new lofty goal is to get to Alaska and see the northern lights in person.

Favorite Tool - Anti Fatigue Mats

2011-04-12T12:25:00.000-07:00

I am not sure these are really a tool? But they are essential to having happy feet! My husband got me two large packs of these for Christmas and I have to say they are lovely. As artists we spend a lot of time of our feet, often on hard floors. Concrete or wood really isn't all that forgiving on our poor tired feet. But, lay some anti fatigue mats over that hard floor and your feet will thank you!

Tis the season

2011-04-07T20:23:00.000-07:00

Fooled you! Tis the season for rain here! By this time of year I am ready for sun, flowers and spring birdies. Today the sun poked it's head out for most of the day. I'm always surprised how quickly things start to dry up once it finally stops raining. We've still got a lot of standing water but my bulbs are up in the garden, grape hyacinths are up! They really are my favorites! Working on lots of ideas for metal, I DO need to get some beads made for bead and button though. June creeps up faster than you think!

Favorite Tool - Bracelet Mandrel

2011-04-05T12:21:00.000-07:00

A bracelet mandrel is essential for making bangles. As I showed in a earlier blog post I solder my bangles and after that they are not round. They are then hammered on this wonderful tool! I clamp it into a vise, slide on the "not round" bangle to the stepped section that it fits on and hammer away. This photo shows a round one, I also have a oval one. I like the stepped sections, the bangles seem to sit better on them than they do on a tapered mandrel. It's heavy so watch you don't drop it on your toes!

New Pierced Pieces

2011-04-04T18:14:00.000-07:00

I've got some new pierced pieces I'm offering at a reduce price, the patina is a bit darker than I'd have liked.

Copper branch, measuring 54mm by 38mm, bronze chain. Regular 75.00. REDUCED to 50.00.

Copper tree, measuring 45mm by 47mm, bronze chain. Regular 75.00. REDUCED to 50.00,

The world is a changing

2011-03-31T07:00:00.000-07:00

After watching footage of the Japan earth quake and tsunami I've been thinking about several things.

One I am still dumbfounded when watching footage. It's like watching a movie, my eyes watch it but my brain has a hard time processing that much devastation.

I am amazed at how well the country seems to be handling it. I wonder how well my own country and city would handle something of that magnitude?

I live on an Island and as long as I can remember there has been talk of it "sinking". We've had minor earthquakes but nothing causing major damage in my lifespan. Watching the Japan disaster on the news has made me re think my own evacuation plans, if I was to need to leave with little notice.

We've got three horses, at one time we had as many as 20. For the first time in either mine or my husbands life we can load all our animals in one trailer load if need be. It's a comforting feeling. It's got living quarters for us and our kitty (of course he's got a travel box!) so we could if need be pack in a short time frame and be mobile.

What has me wondering if how would the Island itself handle an evacuation? Would you head for higher ground or try to get off the Island completely? What households things would you grab in a short time frame? What would you leave behind?

It's all a bit mind boggling, but I've been thinking about it a lot lately and wondering what exactly I'd do?

Favorite Tool - Elbow Pads

2011-03-29T12:11:00.000-07:00

As a lampworker (beadmaker) I spend a lot of time sitting, which isn't all that great for my already compromised back. When I set up my work station I had one of my physio people come in and look at how I had things set up. He raised my chair and mentioned I needed something to rest my elbows on. I had a piece of black foam for a long time but it finally compressed down and was almost useless. I had seen bean bag style elbow pads but often they were fabric, which would of course get holes fast with hot glass bits flying about. I cannot unfortunately remember where I found these leather ones but I love them. They are easy to clean and don't burn through if a hot piece of glass happens to land on them.