I took a look at the books today and got curious about the same months of 2008 and 2007.  I was truly amazed, and grateful.  More grateful really.  If it wasn't for my customers I wouldn't be here doing the thing I love so much. 

Yes, I get tired and cranky... sometimes wonder "what the heck I've gotten myself into" (although that very rarely happens any more).   But mostly I just cruise along and do what I do, hope for the best and really really try not to stress over little things too much.  

I have such a wonderful and supportive husband who lets me drag him all over the place to do my shows and "pimp my wares".  How often does that happen??

So, as I sit here mid way through this year I have to say that I am looking forward to seeing what life will bring in the second half of 2009.  What ever it is, I say "bring it on".  I think I'm ready...

I love my life.  Thanks for sharing the ride :)

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So you've all read about my adventures in Losa Banos land... my family lives there, that's why!  The $25 pedicure wasn't even worth that much, I've already had to re-do my polish... oh well.

So Wed, Thurs, & Fri I tagged glass... boring.  But, I am about 1/2 way done and I need to prepare for a class with Corina Tettinger next week-end.  Stayed tuned for that story.

The So Cal Flamsurfers had their quarterly meeting in my studio and I think it went quite well.  A demo by our president Judy Carlson, lots of food, a nice raffle and lots of sales, thanks everybody!  

That's all, not much else has gone on this week.  But I'm tired and I will probably have to tag more glass next week (and ssshh, don't tell anyone but I've done it again and I am 6 months behind on the freakin' books!)  I know, I know... shoot me now.

Happy Father's Day!

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So, I left Saturday morning.  Drove 275 miles up north to Los Banos, Calif.  Yes, you read that right.  My cousins moved up there years ago, I'm guessing almost 25 years ago. 

Anyway, I haven't seen them in prolly more than 6 years or so.  So I went up to see the girl cousins and a couple of my aunts and my cute as a button "niece" Maryssa (Mimi).  She's really my second cousin... but if she wants to call me "Tia Donna" that's okay with me... she still calls my hubby Uncle Jeff too.  That made me happy.  We all talked, a lot!  I have no voice left, it went on vacation some time on Sunday. 

We went and got pedicures, and my poor cousins feet... well, I guess you just had to be there when she was told it cost her "5 dollars more"...

I taught them to make beaded eggs, sorta.  More like I threw all the stuff on the table and just started to make one.  Cousin sitting next to me would see how I did it and then the next would follow.  So, it's a good thing this wasn't a paying gig 'cause they kinda got gyped.   But everyone made at least one egg, some made two.  I cheated and used glitter.  :)

All in all, I think everybody had a good time.  I get to pick where we go next year.  I think Santa Barbara would be a good choice.  Love you Morales Ladies!  I hope it really won't be a whole year till the next time I see you.

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So, uh... yeah, it's been a while since I've posted here.  I got so many great compliments from people telling me how much they enjoyed reading what lil' ol' me has to say.  I hope I didn't disappoint!

I have been so, so busy.   We went to Hawaii for a bead show in March, then another show in Vegas just a couple months later.  I won't be attending the Pasadena Bead & Design show any more.  Please, don't ask!  So my next show is in November, the San Diego Whole Bead Show.  Then back to Hawaii again in March 2010.  

Between the few shows I have lined up there are lots of classes being held in my studio, The Mandrel.  

I'll be back soon!  I also hope to have some new beads listed again soon!  I have a couple new designs that I am in love with... is it okay to be in love with my own design??  Oh well, stay tuned!

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5 years ago today, I made my very first lampwork beads on a HotHead torch... I was petrified at the thought of an open flame shooting out of the end of a torch.  :(  But I lit that thing and got over it really fast!  I fell in love with lampworking. 

I don't remember ever have heard of lampwork beads before and I don't recall actually ever seeing any.  I had no idea people were sitting out in their garage studios playing with molten glass!  But here I was doing just that.

I don't have the HotHead torch any more... it didn't last me long anyway, but I do still have my upgrade Minor torch and now work on a Carlisle Mini CC.  For my anniversary I just bought myself a split manifold Barracuda w/foot pedal... I can hardly wait for it to get here! 

So Happy Valentine's Day everybody, here are my first beads... I still have them :)

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3 weeks... what the heck... I feel like I'm in BIG trouble.  What happened?  I had plenty of time, I thought.  It's time to sort and figure out what I have and what I need.  I've gotten some new display stuff, no more all black.  I like the stuff I got, maybe I'll take pics :)

OTOH, Trey Cornette was just in over last week-end to teach a class.  It was awesome, I got to try a new torch.... A Bethlehem Barracuda, on a foot pedal.  It totally rocked my world!  So I ordered one!  I hope it shows up before I leave for Hawaii.  I would love to be able to play with it before I go, but if not, it will be here when I get back.  Something to look forward to right?

Well, I guess I better get to the studio.  I need to do anything!

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4 weeks 1 day till we leave for my Hawaii show... or 24 days of bead making left.  Thank gawd for the epiphany or I would be floundering around right now trying to figure out exactly what I want to make.  

I have such a sense of freedom and relief knowing exactly what I'm going to do every day when sit down to work.  Oh and part of that relief is knowing that I've finally finished catching up on my books... I thought I was only about 8 months behind but in all reality I was 1 entire year behind.  I'm never going to let that happen again. 

My table is going to be redesigned, I've bought new displays, so out with the "all black" theme.  I love Pier1 imports!  As soon as the class is over this week-end I'm going to do a trial run of my table.  

And OMG!  I watching a re-run of Wife Swap right now and these people are truly disgusting, who the hell eats 4 month old raw meat??  

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I thought I had written about what my epiphany was in my last post... I guess not, must have written about it somewhere else. 

Anyway, while I was at my last show, I was looking around at my table.  Looking at another bead makers' table (some one who I greatly admire, Miss Stehanie Sersich), and realized how simply neat her table was.  And while I had lots of beads to choose from, that was exactly the problem.  My beads were all over the place, in design, not that they were all over the table :). 

So, I'm looking at my beads and seeing a theme across two trays, and then I look at a third tray that has a bit of everything in it, they were so out of place.  My table display is cohesive but the beads were not.  So, I came to the conclusion that I struggle some days with bead making because I am "trying" to make beads... and those are the beads that I don't enjoy making.  The epiphany:  Make beads that make me happy!  

There are always a few people at each show that comment on how my beads look ceramic... some say "these are glass over here but these are ceramic" and I always say "no, they are all glass, even those"... I like that!  The ones that people think are ceramic are the ones that I truly enjoy making.  So there you have it, I've found them!  I've found "me" in bead making.  I am content now :)

 Cheers everybody!

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My last show in Pasadena did not go well.  Thank you to all the wonderful customers who knew I would be there and came to see me.  I just want to tell everybody that I won't be returning to do that show, but will keep you posted on where I'll be... hey, I'm going to do a show in Hawaii this March... and another in Vegas at the end of May.  I know, quite a distance to go for beads but if you know of any show that will be in So Cal please drop me a note... I'd love to have show that is close to home.  In the meantime, I do have a store that you can come to, I always have my beads there. 

I also had an epiphany about where I'm headed in my bead making and so I am going to have clearance on the beads I have that I will no longer make.   

Cheers everybody!

 

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Ahhhh, inventory in my store went quicker than I thought it would.  Still need to catch up on the book keeping but with a full class this week-end I think I'll have plenty of time, since I won't be able to make beads :(  I should really have a seperate torch set up so that I can work even when there's a class. 

I show in Pasadena next week... I have to go scrounging around the house and studio for beads, I keep finding little bags of beads, which is a good thing 'cause I haven't been very productive the last few weeks.  Thank goodness I have a lot of buttons. 

I hope everyone has a wonderful 2009!

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As the is drawing to end I want to wish everybody a wonderful and prosperous New Year. :)

I'm still working on the books and doing an inventory count.  Both long and tedious and just as equally boring.  I have a show in just 3 weeks and no beads to show for it.  Wish me luck on all of the things I have to do in the next couple of weeks.

OTOH, I am grateful for this past year.  Things went well and I know that if I can keep a positive outlook for the coming year it will be good as well.  I refuse to use the "economy" as an excuse.  I will tighten the purse strings a little and hope this all blows over quickly.  All of the doom and gloom just makes me want to work a little harder 'cause I know that if my little studio can survive this it can survive just about anything.

Cheers everybody!

Filed Under: December 08
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Because this blog doesn't support all the links and stuff the way WordPress or some of the other blog applications this is the way I'm going to insert the Blog Ring I just joined. 

 

Beadmakers Blog Ring Home/Join | List | Next | Previous | Random alt-webring.com

Filed Under: December 08
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So, a member over on a forum that I frequent posed the question... why have a blog if you're not going to post updates for months at a time? 

My theory is this, blogging is way to let people (potential customers in my case) know what is going on.  Keepin' it real, let them know that there is a human behind the screen.  And while I may not post as often as I would like or you would like (would you like?) if I feel like I am talking to myself, then I might take my sweet time posting again.  I like to hear from people, it let's me know that someone out there is reading, cares enough to respond to anything on my website.  Without feedback from the readers it's like having a conversation with yourself. 

That's my theory and I'm stickin' to it.  Your turn :)

Filed Under: December 08
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That's me.  I know I said I would be posting more beads here... I've just been so busy.  I have a show in a just a few weeks and I have almost nothing to show.  I have to do the inventory and I have to catch up on the books.  I'm only 6 months behind... Uuughh!  Anyway, I'm not even going to say I will get to it.  I will eventually, but I won't try to say when.  :(  Somebody please come save me from myself! 

Filed Under: December 08
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One more class scheduled before the Christmas holiday... and so far I have this horrible nagging feeling.  I'm losing sleep over some stupid tool that I ordered 3 weeks ago.  It was supposed to take 7-10 days for delivery... I understand that there were 2 US holidays that interrupted mail service and if I say okay, well maybe they didn't actually make the Friday shipping date and it didn't go out till Monday... that's still 12 days in transit... Now, I'm scrambling to get something from someone else. 

In the mean time, I have show in January.  The Pasadena Bead & Design Show.  I know it will come up faster than I expect.  Luckily, I have *lots* of buttons, so I won't waste time doing any of that.  But, I am uninspired to make anything at all right now.  Maybe I need to get out some books or magazines and just "forget" about the show.  Stephanie Sersich is going to be there, how do I compete with that?  :cries:

 

Filed Under: November 08
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Okay, so I'm thinking that the last show I did was not a total disaster.  I made my table fees back and sold one of my most favorite bracelets.  The girl who bought it came back 3 times to look at it and try it on.  It was "calling" her.  I am happy that she was so taken with it.  Now I get to make another. 

OTOH, I have more than 200 buttons for sale.  I will spend the next couple of days photographing and uploading them to the website.  I may even offer a sale.  :) 

 

Filed Under: November 08
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Insert :heavy sigh: here... after weeks of making more than 200 glass buttons... are you ready for it... drum roll please... I sold 1 set of 3 red buttons.  Yup, that's it.  I am very sad. 

I sold some bead sets and a bracelet.  So I made more than my table fee, about 1.5 times more and that's okay.  But I guess all those buttons will get stashed away.  :(  I sold more of them in Oakland at The Gathering.

So that's my tale of woe.  I'll try to photograph and list them here.  I won't be selling much on Etsy... I hate having to pay them a fee when I already pay to have this website, I love this website... hopefully I can figure out how to get more traffic here.  Any ideas?

I'm off to snuggle my new puppy :)

 

Filed Under: November 08
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Oh lord... I have less than 24 hours to:

Make another bag, I have the interfacing attached to the fabric and I know which colors/patterns are going to go where and I even have the buttons made.  Wish me luck that I can knock this out quickly. 

Baby dog "Ming" has an appointment at the vet, so she needs a bath.

I have about 50+ buttons that need to be cleaned, carded and priced.

I need to build my display boards for the 200+ buttons that I have.  Thank goodness I cut out of my jewelry class early on Thursday to go and buy the materials I need. 

I need to get all my show "stuff" together and Jeff isn't here to help me with any of this stuff.  Not that I'd let him any way :)  But it's nice to have him around nudging me along.  :Sigh:

Cheers everybody, happy Saturday!

Filed Under: November 08
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Could my life get any freakin' weirder?  'Nuff said.

My fiber show is on Sunday at the Torrance Recreation Center... please stop by if you're in the area.  I have about 200 buttons right now, I hope I can crank out about 75 more... we'll see.  I'll have my beads and jewelry there too.  I haven't made any more bags, but I have lots of fabric... does that count?  Prolly not, I hope to get at least one done that can be for sale.  I don't know if I can give up my very first one!  :) 

That's it, off to make some beads and buttons and iron on the interfacing for a new bag while baby dog is asleep.  Oh, didn't I tell you?  I have a new puppy... she's a 7 1/2 week old Shar-Pei puppy.  Her name is Ming.  I luvs her :)

 

Filed Under: October 08
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I have 3.5 weeks left to make stuff for my next show on NOVEMBER 2!  I'm in deep pooh.  I have practically nothing... I swear I just applied for this show and I had 8 weeks to prepare!  WTH happened to the time?  I also wanted to make another bag, I have the felt and the fabric, I just need to get serious.  Wish me luck, you probably won't hear from me till after the show.  I'm just happy the space fee is practically nothing... so if I totally bomb it won't be too bad.  :(

Filed Under: October 08
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So much for doing "a little bit every day".  Still behind, and I haven't made any beads or buttons in a week.  Some bizaar heat wave came through here, then we had a bit of drizzle on Saturday.  Supposedly another heat wave is supposed to come through again this week.  Sheesh. 

On the other hand, I had a nice little sale on my website (www.shop.TheMandrel.com), it's my online lampworking supply shop.  I think I did quite well, and got a decent response. 

I even sold a little boro heart pendant from my Etsy store on my birthday, a sweet surprise. 

That's all for now.  Tryin' to motivate myself to leave the house and go to the bank.  Wish I could just use the machine outside, but I have issues with putting cash into the machine.  I need to see someone physically take it, count it and get a receipt for my deposit. 

I don't have control issues, no really I don't :)

Filed Under: October 08
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I was never good with numbers, have always hated math.  I can draw a triangle without using the numbers on a ruler... and yet, I own a business... ::sigh::  That means keeping "the books", I don't have an accountant because I'm so far behind I'd be too embarrased to let anyone see them now. 

So, I've been plugging away an hour at a time punching numbers into the register and making sure the deposits in my books match the deposits in my bank account.  I figure, if I do just a little every day eventually I will get caught up... then, I solemnly swear to spend the measly 10 minutes every day to make sure they stay caught up.

Math is not conducive to my art... ::sigh::

Filed Under: September 08
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Holy smokes!  What a whirl wind of activity!  It's all over now, at least for the time being.  The bead bazaar at the Gathering in Oakland was so much fun.  Jeff had to stay and help with the customers for what he says was more than 2 hours!  There were receipts that didn't get written because I was just overwhelmed :)  If you are one of the peeps who didn't get a receipt and would like one please let me know and I get one to you.

Next up was the Pasadena Bead & Design Show... I didn't do as well as I had hoped for but that's okay.  I'll go back again January and see if maybe it's just the time of year.  I met some very cool people and got an invitation to do another show, but I already had a show planned for the same week-end.  Maybe next time. 

I also came away with a new hobby!  Needle felting... it's totally addicting and I can't wait to post a finished project!   I have always loved fibers but never bought any because I had no idea what I would do with them.  Then I met the girl who owns Chameleon Colorworks who introduced me to the people who own Custom Handweaving, where I bought my needle felting tools and some wonderful fibers :)  Keep checking the website, I'll be posting some finished work soon.

So, because my glass buttons were kind of a hit at both the ISGB Bead Bazaar and at the Pasadea show and I had several people tell me I should look into doing fiber type shows, my next show is going to be very close to home... I'll be at the Southern California Handweavers' Guild "Weaving & Fiber Festival (WeFF)" Annual Autumn Show & Sale on November 2nd. 

I'll have both beads and buttons there along with some of my jewelry and hopefully some finished felted bags.  Of course they will be featuring my buttons and beads :)

Public Invited 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Torrance Cultural Arts Center
3350 Civic Center Drive, Torrance CA (map)
Free Parking, Admission $5

 

Filed Under: August 08
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You're ignorance is showing...  this little blurb is from the shop of a fellow "etsian"...

"♥ As a jewelry designer I'm always looking for high quality lampwork beads that I don't have to pay an arm and leg for. FINALLY, the market has opened up and we don't have to be held hostage by inflated prices! I don't know about you but I refuse to pay $30.00 for six beads, that nuts! ♥"

You want "high quality" beads and you get your beads from Austin Hamilton??  What are you going to do when all your jewelry starts getting returned to you because the beads are splitting in half because they have not been annealed... and what about the poor girl who happens to be wearing one of your "high quality" bracelets and is allergic to the bead release that wasn't cleaned from the beads? 

Here's the breakdown people:

$30 for a set of 6 beads / and let just say that a person only pays themself $5 an hour to make the beads, clean, temporarily string them, photograph and upload them to the computer...

• 1.5 oz of glass = $1.20
• bead release   = $ .05
• oxy/propane  = $1.50
• kiln run           = $1.00
• make beads    = $2.50 
• bead cleaning = $ .83    <10 minutes
• string 'em up  = $1.00 
• computer time = $15.00
• listing fee        = $.20
• etsy's cut after sale = $1.05
• paypals cut     = .90
• packaging/shipping supplies = $1.50
• time/gas to post office = $.50 
• GRAND TOTAL is $27.23  --- whoo hoo!  You get $2.77

Let's see... divide that by 6 and you made yourself a whopping .46 cents a bead, congratulations.  Make sure you get everything done right the first time 'cause you'll be losing money if you make any mistakes at all. 

For sure this is not a totally accurate breakdown, but you get the idea.  Handcrafted artisan made beads do not have over inflated prices.  And I can guarantee that there are artists out there who charge the $30 and are losing money after the sale.  :(

Filed Under: July 08
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How many times have I told my kids "don't wait till the last minute to do homework you've known about for weeks!"... so that's exactly what I've done.  It's crunch time, I have 2 days to finish my jewelry class notebook (I actually should have already turned it in).  I think I'll be okay, just a dozen or so more sketches.  I'm also needing to finish a bracelet and a pendant.  They're each about 1/2 way done. 

I made some beads today with some scrumptious new transparent purple glass I got from the Lauscha Lady... it's nothing new, but I've never had any before and the stuff melts like creamy goodness.  What a lovely glass and the color is wonderful!  Pics coming soon, promise!  :)

Happy June everybody!

Filed Under: June 08
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if you can believe that.  The shows are over, I have new things to do and a class in my studio to prepare for in a couple of weeks, I have my night class notebook that needs to be done (or more like started, does it count that I actually have one??)  I also have tons of finish work that has to be done on the cast projects that I've done.  Anyway, I'm b.o.r.e.d.

I even have new glass colors to play with, I still have my obsession with boro, but I just "don't feel like it".  

It's cool enough that I can make beads without breaking into a sweat but I go and make a single teeny little bead then come back to the computer.  Seems as though I need to get motivated, so what motivates you? 

 

 

Filed Under: May 08
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then you will be among the first to know that I have opened up registration for the following classes at The Mandrel...

Dustin Tabor on September 13 & 14

Larry Scott on October 25 & 26

Kim Fields in November (need to double check my dates)

and two 2-day sessions with Michael Barley in December;               Session 1 on Friday December 5 & Saturday December 6 and  session 2 on Sunday December 7 & Monday December 8

While it was never my intention to "pimp" The Mandrel on my Prima Donna Beads website, I can see that I have quite a few people reading my little blog, so I thought I would give any bead makers who are reading it a little advanced notice before I send out my newsletter.  :)  Cheers everybody!

Filed Under: May 08
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I had a wonderful time!  Thanks so much to all the wonderful people who bought my beads and to all of those who gave me such high praise.  As an artist I always wonder if my beads are good enough, what if no body likes them, are they priced too high, not high enough, are they too big, not colorful enough, etc., etc.  So to have people tell me that I do wonderful work and that my prices are fair or even that I'm not charging enough is a great thing.  I truly appreciate the feedback.  Thank you :)

I really hope that Bead Expo will return to Phoenix because I would go back again, my hubby and I had a great time.

Next stop is Oakland at the ISGB's "The Gathering".  I will have a table at their Bead Bazaar.  It's located at the Convention Center West in the Oakland Marriott on August 9.  I know it's open to the public, I'll post more as the date gets closer.

The following week-end I'll be at the Pasadena Bead and Design show held at the Pasadena Hilton held August 14-17.  Then a long break from shows till January where I'm planning on going back to Pasadena then we're off to Hawaii in March!  Whoo Hoo... I'm exhibiting at a show sponsored by the Soft Flex people.  Very exciting!

I'm exhausted, we just arrived home about half an hour ago.  I'm going to sleep most of the day away tomorrow I'm sure. 

Cheers everybody!

Filed Under: May 08
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Yesterday's show didn't go so well for me.  So that means there are more for Bead Expo Phoenix.  Yay!  I'm definately happy for the fact that I won't have to rush out to studio to make more beads.  But I will go  in and make some leisurely sets, colorful ones too!  :) 

But first I need to pack my suitcase for the show, this is my first time flying to do a show, so I hope I don't overload my bags... I've seen those poor guys in the airport unloading the bags to redistribute the weight... I don't want to be one of them... and I need to do it before the hubby comes home, or he'll be standing over my shoulder to make sure I "do it right".  Cheers everyone, see you in Phoenix!

Filed Under: April 08
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...but who's counting?  I'm not in a panic.  I'm not worried about traveling out of state to do a bead show in a convention center.  I'm not worried that I won't have enough inventory or that I'll have too much inventory... Yeesh!  Wish me luck people.  I'm off to the torch :)

Filed Under: April 08
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A call today set my brain cells into a whirl.  I'm not used to receiving calls about bead making in general.  Today I received a call from a woman who wanted to know how easy it is to learn to make beads... I've never been asked that before and was thrown off by the question.  I don't think there is any way to say "on a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 being very easy and 10 being very hard..." 

For me, it was relatively easy, but I had no idea what bead making was... I had never heard of it, never realized that some of the beads I was seeing at the local bead show were hand made, created with fire and glass by "someone".   In other words, I had no expectations of making something magnificent like Andrea Guarino, Kim Neely, Heather Trimlett or some other master bead maker. 

When I signed up for my first class it was on a whim, it didn't even occur to me to go and look it up in books or on the internet before I took the class.  I'm glad for that too, I went in with a clean slate and no clue.  I know that this is no help at all to someone who wants to know how "easy" it is to learn.... how "easy" was it for you to learn to ride a bike, or drive a car with stick shift?  We all know that practice is the key to learning these things and the same applies to glass bead making.  Keep an open mind and remember to practice, practice, practice.

Filed Under: April 08
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Jennifer Geldard was here this past week-end and Monday & Tuesday... I was graced with her extending her visit through Wednesday, thanks to Delta Airlines.  So, I got my very own "in person" tutorial on making glass branches for an owl totem I accidentally made.  If you ever get a chance to take a class with Miss Jenny, please do yourself a favor and do it.  I promise you won't regret it.

I am exhausted but I have wonderful ideas whirling through my brain.  New beads soon, as soon as I clear the fog in my head.  Lack of sleep is not conducive to bead making. 

Filed Under: March 08
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Yes, I think I can do once a week.  A daily blog is just too much, don't you think?  So, I will make the commitment to add new beads and do a weekly blog post.  I think I can do that...

New sets added Mariana, Keely, Cara, Crista, Jordan, Martine, Hana & Fae.  They're in the Gallery-Sets.

Wondering where I get my bead names from?  A baby name website, or if I hear something on the t.v.   For example: Paula, Simone, and Randi... Are you an American Idol fan?  I can't help myself :)  Got an unusual name?  I'm always adding to my list.

Filed Under: March 08
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Okay, so it's been about a week since I've posted anything new.  I have good intentions, really!  I have some new sets put together, they need pricing and photographs. 

On Sunday I made something I was very excited about.  Will post more about that later.  I hope you like it... them?  :)

 

Filed Under: March 08
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~Update to this mornings post~ I made beads...  I have a kiln full, yay!  I just got on a good roll and completely forgot about the picture taking. 

I will make beads... I have an idea, so let's see if it works out.  3 beads in this past week is all I've done.  Don't tell the hubby... only 8 weeks left till Phoenix Bead Expo.  I really need to get to work.  I'm not going to panic... yet.

I will put together some bead sets from the beads I have made in the last couple of weeks...

I will price and photograph those bead sets...

I will post those photos on the website...

 

Filed Under: February 08
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Skipped a day... nothing to say.  ::Sigh::

Trying to get back on track.  I have just 9 weeks until Bead Expo Phoenix... the count down begins.  I don't have much of a bead inventory... I know I need to buckle down and get motivated.  I need inspiration. 

Listed a few more focals. 

Filed Under: February 08
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...Clear the images from your flash drive so you can take more than two photos before the camera give you a CF Error code.

...Distractions in the studio are bad... I got almost nothing done today.

...Life is good.  I sold my first set of beads from this website last night.  Thank you :)

 

 

Filed Under: February 08
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I think of all the beads I make, these are my favorite. I actually plan to make these when I make them. Not something I generally do... plan, that is :) I use my favorite color glass as the base, my favorite frit color on top of that and any opaque purple that happens to be close by. I have to have the perfect size stringer... too thin and it just goes willy nilly all over the place, and too thick and it's just too gloppy. I like the way the purple stringer seperates and creates a lighter outline around the darker center... doesn't seem to matter which purple I use, they all seem to do it.
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Filed Under: February 08
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Heh heh... according to my stats I had 31 visits to my one blog post since I wrote it yesterday.  Okay, that's cool :)  That's about 31 more visits than I expected.  Thanks!

It has been suggested that I use this blog as a way to describe my process when I create.  I've never really thought about the process... I usually dive right in.  If you've taken a look at my beads, you'll see that I'm really into organic, earthy color.  I don't go for the bright and whimsical, no matter how hard my hubby tries to get me to do it. 

I'll pay more attention the next time I go play at the torch and try to explain the process later.  In the mean time, here's my work space:

I use an Aim kiln with a digital controller.  In the back you can see I use tanked oxy.  The torch is Carlisle Mini CC.  I hate to wear the groovy didymiums so I have a table mounted dydimium sheild.

Another view of my torch area... this is pretty clean since I had to clean up for the Kate Fowle class we had here a couple weeks ago.  In the background you can see my flat lap... I used to have to unpack it and re-pack it every time I wanted to use it.  I just set it up on a rolly cart thing, so now I can use it whenever I feel like it, without it being a hassle.

And this is where I do my silversmithing.  I wish I had more space but I'm glad I have even this little area to work in.

Filed Under: February 08
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Well, I guess it's not actually new... but I have a new host.  I am so excited about how easy it has been to work on this.  I hope you like what you see.  I'm going to be very diligent about adding new items every day, so please check back often. 

I'm not much into the blogging thing.  Tried it a couple of times, it just seems so strange to write what is essentially a diary on-line and to post it all out there for everyone to see... forever!  I just wonder if people whom I've never met before are really interested in "a day in the life of Donna Conklin"?  Maybe not, it's pretty boring really :)

Filed Under: February 08
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