Torched Art

MemoryPearl Cages for Cremains Beads

2012-01-25T18:51:00.000-08:00

I am now offering these adorable MemoryPearl Cages. They are plated in your choice of silver or gold. I have teardrops and hearts. Other shapes, sizes and metals will be coming soon.

Each purchase includes three little glass MemoryPearls, each one a different color. The glass pieces are like little marbles the size of a pea.

Send in the ashes of your loved one, and they will be added into the glass for a lasting memento.

The Glass MemoryPearl is captured and kept safe inside the little cage by locking it shut with the necklace strung through the bail.

To purchase yours, please visit my Etsy shop.

New Gift Boxes

2012-01-25T16:43:00.000-08:00

As I expand my glass business into the Cremains Memorial Beads, I am searching for delightful little gift boxes. I found a fantastic American box company, Bayley's Boxes.

I went ahead and ordered a variety of boxes so I could see how they assemble and to see if the size would work. I'm glad I did this because some were quite time consuming and difficult to construct. Although they are adorable. Another thing I needed is for them to fit in the flat rate shipping VCR box. This ruled out a few as well.

They come with nice instructions for each box. They also come in many colors, prints, plastics, etc. The plain white you can even decorate, paint, stamp, rivet, glue, yourself. I am simply leaving mine white.

If you would like to see more photos of the boxes, I have an album in my facebook profile. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Torched-Art/251285824323

Here are the survivors. They are fairly easy to assemble, they fit in the USPS Flatrate VCR box.

Meetup: Jan. 21, 2012 at 1:00PM

2012-01-11T21:37:00.000-08:00

Come join the fun at our next meetup gathering.

We are debuting the newly remodeled studio. Snacks and drinks will be served, glass will be melting, and friends will be made.

Please bring your jewelry, glass, or art for show and tell (or sell).

If you want to try your hand at the glass, this will be a great opportunity. A brief review of safety, and sign a waiver and you can make a bead or two.

You are welcome to bring something to contribute to the food table. Healthy is preferable.

PLEASE NO NOT WEAR PERFUME OR SCENTED PRODUCTS!!!!! Or I will hose you down and dress you in my bath robe. Ok, not really, but I will give you a washcloth and soap to go wash it off. Seriously, I ask because I am quite allergic to chemicals and perfumes.

Sign up and rsvp at Meetup. $5 at the door.

New Studio

2012-01-11T19:34:00.000-08:00

After functioning for several years in a hodge-podge of shelves, equipment and chaos, I have finally made a much needed upgrade. I want to thank everyone who has spent their time and efforts to make this possible. (Dave, Mici, Richard, Ralph, and Charlie)

First off, let's just show you what the studio looked like this...

Seriously, I had a picnic bench and the steat for a shelf. Not really pretty, but at least it has been functional.

But now, I have beautiful white shelves, cupboards, countertops. I have so much storage, and drawers! But we had to put in our share of elbow grease to clean up these upcycled kitchen cabinets.....

You can see more photos and read more about the process on my facebook page.

My Etsy Listings

2011-11-29T08:19:00.000-08:00

Cremains Bead for Kathy

2011-09-27T11:07:00.000-07:00

Kathy has been the proud mama of a sweet rescue dog named Max.

She shares with me, "A bit about Max. I got him when he was 5 from a Bichon rescue. He had been a back yard breeder. Max was an old soul. He had big brown eyes and when you looked into them, you could see both the past and the future. He carried a "lovie" with him, a soft dog toy which had been de-stuffed. he was fun loving, but serious- not a lightweight. I will miss him every day for the rest of my life".

After some communication on what she would like regarding shape, size, colors, etc., she decided and sent the cremains to me. While in my possession, I keep the cremains safe. I offer to take care of opening the box and taking a small sample for the beads. Some people would rather not see this part.

Here is the process of making a cremains bead:

The core of the bead is made with ivory, silver, and transparent blue and green glass.

Then a thin layer of transparent is added so when I add the cremains, they "float" in the bead.

The thick layer of transparent glass is added. When it is thick, it creates a nice optic effect.

I use many tools to make the nice shapes of beads. This is an Osibin former.
Throughout the process of making the bead I have to heat it up. This is a great image. Can you see the heat going into the glass?

Here is the bead while it is still hot. It's ready to go into the kiln.

The bead has been taken off the mandrel, cleaned, and a wire bail added. It is on a crystal green necklace. Can you see the ashes? Here it looks like sand or salt and pepper. Sometimes the ashes can look like the milky way, or very bubbly. It all depends on the composition of the individual. But, they are always unique, and a pleasure to work with. I am happy I can offer such a personal and sentimental gift.

Max, you will always be loved and cherished.

If you would you like your own memorial bead, you can order yours through my etsy shop.

Wine, Beer, and Cheese set.

2011-09-25T09:56:00.000-07:00

I would love to share this custom made set. It was ordered by a family friend. He says: "OH Chistina! Those are great!! Absolutely awesome!! Just what I wanted!! You are a very talented and gifted young woman!! "

If you would like to order a set, please contact me. torchedart@gmail.com

Halloween Class

2011-09-24T13:47:00.000-07:00

Halloween Workshop: Do you have any cool beads to wear to your favorite festivities? Let's get together. Our next class we are structuring around Halloween. Let's make googly eyes, bloody fingers, goulish ghosts, ugly green witches, jock-o-lanterns, and candy corn.

When: October, Saturday the 15th 10 AM -4 PM (6 hours)
Where: Christina's home studio
How much: $150
Available spots: only 3

New mini classes

2011-06-10T15:39:00.000-07:00

Mini Classes

I am offering small classes to add to your glass beadmaking experience. More details will be listed soon.

Pixie Dust, Enamels, frit.
Learn how to apply the different glass decorations and the tricks to make it work. Learn how to mix, encase, or use as surface decorations.

The joy in Stringer and twisties.
Master your control over stringers and make beautiful twisties. Apply them to make beautiful designs in your beads.

Making and using "branding" rods.
Learn how to bend your own designs into your own "branding" rod then use them to make your mark on your beads,

Dots Workshop.
Raised, encased, multicolored, square, or turn them into flowers. There are endless possibilities with dots. Learn how to apply them with control.

Reactive glass, and the chemistry.
There is all sorts of glass these days, silvered glass, reduction, oxidizing, striking, oh my! Let's discover the fun in this luscious glass.

Wine Stopper class
Design your own wine stopper. Makes a great gift, or conversation piece.

Blowing Shards and applying them.
Blow colorful glass balls and smash them! Why would you want to do that? You'll learn what glass to use so it saves money on pricey colors, and how cool the technique is when applied to your glass beads. Besides, it's fun!!!

A Thousand Flowers; Millefiore class.
Learn the secrets of how the Venetians make their classic millefiores. We will be applying them to glass beads as well as making our own in this colorful workshop.

Pyrophobic?
Forget your fear of the fire with special instruction to the sensitive of fire. Use techniques to safely learn how to play with the flame and relieve your fear of fire. Tap your way out of fear with EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) NLP, and hypnosis activities. By the end, watch how your fear has desolved away.

Meet my torches

2011-05-19T15:28:00.000-07:00

At the moment I have 6 different lampworking torches. I would like to share them with you.... and a few more things regarding torches.

Carlisle Mini CC $229
The 7 fuel port Mini CC is popular for its size and economic price. Excellent for making beads, marbles and small sculptural work.

Carlisle Wildcat $420
The 19 fuel port WildCat is the next step up from the Mini CC.

Minor Burner from Nortel $188
The 7 fuel port Minor Burner has long been the most popular surface mix torch because of its size for making beads, marbles and small sculptural work as well as its economic price.

Lynx by GTT $435
Surface mix. 7 fuel port triple mix. Uses ¼" BC Hose Set. Can use it with boro and get a hotter flame with the third oxy knob.

Hot Head $40
Uses disposable MAPP or propane gas bottles. Doesn't require oxygen (and is therefore not as hot as oxygen mix torches). Good beginning torch. See the Hot Head Holder and Work Surface accessory. You can get the hose listed below to hook up to a propane tank outside.

Italian Torch... well, I am still working on this one. I don't know what to call it. My Friend Kim gave it to me. The cool thing about Italian torches is the radiant heat. It's close to working in a furnace, so sculptural work is a bit easier to do.

Looking beyond the torch...

Torch Mounted Graphite Pad can be useful if you like to shape or marver your glass with the use of two hands on the mandrel. It can also be used to hold inclusions like metal leaf, or millefiores. Prices range from$25 to $78 depending on what torch you are using.

Hoses can be purchases in many lengths and sizes starting at roughly $33. The hot head hose starts at $29.95.

Flashback Arrestors are another suggestion. "Helps prevent reverse gas flow and flashback (flame burning back through the torch, hose, regulator and tank)."

Regulators are needed to regulate the flow of oxygen or gas. They are set specifically for how many torches are being used and what kind of torch. If you are using natural gas, a regulator is not needed. Hotheads don't need an oxygen regulator. Notice the chain holding the tank - very important.

Oxygen is used to make your flame hotter and burn cleaner. You can get various sizes of tanked oxygen. The larger the tank the better bang for your buck, however they cost a pretty penny.

You can also get liquid oxygen if you are in a retail or business location. They will not deliver to residential.

I suggest getting an oxygen generator. It needs a power source, and can be a bit noisy, but it will deliver unlimited oxygen, you won't break your back by lugging the tanks around. Just be sure to get the best size for your torch. I tend to work hot, and need lots of oxygen. Be sure to shop around as many glass suppliers offer sales. Generators come in 5, 10, or 15 lpm. Do your research on what generator is used for what torch.

Propane vs Natural Gas
Propane comes in a tank that you have to refill. It lasts quite a while if you are on a smaller torch working with soft glass. A 5 gallon tank lasts me a long time even when I teach. When traveling be sure not to let it tip over as it will leak. Propane is roughly $3-4 per gallon in 2011. It burns a little dirty compared to natural gas. And it it heavier and cause more of a carbon monoxide hazard. Another good thing is that it is portable, useful for demonstrating and teaching. Must be stored outside. Get a long enough hose.

Natural Gas is usually piped in to homes and businesses. It costs around $1.78 per gallon. It burns cleaner, and dcipates better than the heavy propane. It is pumped in at 3 psi, so no need for a regulator. For more information visit http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/transportation/afvs/cng.html

Meetup Group for Lampworking

2011-04-20T16:09:00.000-07:00

I've created a new meetup in San Diego for galss bead lampworkers. Come check us out at this Meetup.

Cremains Beads

2011-03-17T09:00:00.001-07:00

Have you lost a loved one? A pet or family member? Would you like to carry them close to your heart?

In November 2010, I lost my Grandmother to cancer. And about 10 years ago I lost my Grandfather. Just before Grandma died I finally was ready to work with my grandfather's ashes in my glass. It was a beautiful process for me. I wasn't sad like I thought I would be. I was quite happy to "play" with him again. It was very therapeutic to talk to him as I brought out his ashes and added it to my glass.

I made about five beads and strung them up into necklaces. On my next visit with my family I gave them each a necklace. One for Grandma, Mom, sister and myself. I love carrying a peace of grandpa and holding him close to my heart.

Now that I have Grandma's ashes, I plan to do something special with her too.

So with this, I am happy to offer this service to others. Do you have a loved one you would like to put into a bead? If you don't have ashes, I can use some hair or finger nail and encase it in the glass, it turns out much like the ashes. If you wish, I can put a lock of hair in a hollow bead.

Please give me a call for a free consultation. Ask about the Cremains Beadmaking Class.

Christina
858-722-9456

Wine stopper class, fantastic results.

2011-01-14T13:34:00.000-08:00

Thank You to my new student, Steven and Daniel, you did a fantastic job.

We began the class with the traditional safety and equipment overview. After learning the basics of how the glass melts and forms, and making a handful of beads, we jumped into the actual wine stoppers.

Both their attempts were successful. We began with a silvered ivory design... and ended with a bubble design.

Fantastic Job!

Here's what they had to say:

"Thanks so much. Your class was very informative. The demos were clear and concise. The pace of the class was fast enough to keep interested, but slow enough to grasp the concept. I'll be back for more." Daniel

"Very enjoyable class with great instruction. We went from small beads to wine stoppers in no time. Seems like a fun hobby one could get addicted to." Steven

If you are interested in taking my classes, please visit the classes page here or go to my Etsy account.

Classes

2010-11-30T21:26:00.000-08:00

Beginning

Glass Beadmaking Lampwork Class,

Gift Certificate

This class is intended for the curious, "I think I want to try it". Learn how to make your own Handmade Glass Beads.

Following a brief introduction of equipment and safety information, Christina will teach you how to make basic wound beads by melting glass in the torch flame and wrapping it onto a stainless steel mandrel. A variety of techniques will be learned from shaping the beads, pulling stringers, adding dots, feathering, encasing, and adding surface decorations.

You will be learning on an oxygen/propane torch in a studio setting with proper ventilation, seating, tools, equipment, safety, and an annealing oven.

Given that the beads need to anneal and cool down slowly in the kiln, your beads will be available at a later date for you to learn how to clean them and take them home. Accommodations may be made for the beads to be mailed to you.

Location: San Diego
Time: call to schedule your class
Class Hours: 6 hours with lunch break (bring your lunch)
Price: $115

An email will be sent to you after transaction with further information about the class.

Christina has her AA in Jewelry Design, and while working on her degree she became fascinated with art glass. She began taking glass classes and has studied lampworking and glassblowing. She has been creating jewelry designs since 1997, and she's been teaching glass beadmaking since 2000.

Wine stoppers, knifes, etc

2010-11-30T21:16:00.000-08:00

I love making useful objects for the home. I hardly ever drink, but my favorite items are the wine stoppers. Customers also use them for massage tools.

Beach Jewelry

2010-11-28T17:19:00.000-08:00

I love going to the beach with my Husband and friends. One summer I found an obsession with finding treasures on the beach. Rocks, seashells, coral, and other ocean elements inspire this line. I also include sand by using it in my glass beads.

Book contest update

2010-11-28T17:17:00.000-08:00

As it stands, I ended in 7th place in the book contest. We will see what the judges decide in a few weeks.

40% is from the public votes

60% comes from the official judges.

Who knows what they wanted, and perhaps there is a chance.

Book Contest, please vote for me

2010-11-03T20:19:00.001-07:00

ANIMALS NEED SLEEP TOO
BY
CHRISTINA CCOLE

I am sir David,
Knight of pleasant slumber.
This little tale is told
by my lovely Queen Mother....

Dragons don't ROARrrr
their babys to sleep.
They cuddle and kiss them

'till they don't make a peep.

The iguanas up in the trees
hold tight to the limbs,
as they are rocked fast to sleep
by the lullaby winds.

Prince frogs chirp and croak
a sweet lullaby tune,
to all of his children by the foggy lagoon.

Whales whisper wishes
of happy good night dreams,
to all the little fishies
and to the octopus queen.

Dolphin Mom, Pop, and Calf
play all day in the water.
And when they turn in,
they doze off without bother.

Queen mommy tucks me in,
I'm a very brave Knight.
And she turns on with a click,
a protective night light.

As I fall asleep,
under the moon beams.
Pink unicorns prance
all over my dreams.

If you liked this poem, please vote for me every day HERE.

Butterflies in my Stomach - Poem

2010-09-03T14:41:00.000-07:00

Butterflies in my Stomach

I've got butterflies in my stomach,

Oh, don't you see?

My, how I'm nervous,

it's just us three.

What was I thinking

when I said yes?

They didn't tell me

I'd wear this silly dress.

We've practiced and practiced

for a long time now.

I hope we get it perfect,

or I'll just have a cow!

Molly's on the fiddle,

and Kelly's singing a nice sound.

I hope I don't dance a face-plant

into the ground.

Molly said she's nervous,

at least her fingers still work.

I've got two left feet and

a tangly long skirt.

Kelly is confident

and calm as can be.

But what makes me nervous

is they'll be looking at me!

I've got butterflies in my stomach,

I can't go on!

Do you think they'll notice

if I'm gone?

Kick ball change,

twirl and flutter.

I hope I don't make

the audience shutter.

I don't want to go.

Really!

I'l die if I do!

I bet I can get out of it

if I fake catch the flu?

I hope the power goes out

before we go on.

Then they won't see

if I drop my baton.

Or maybe they won't notice

if we jump out of line.

There are many more acts

that are simply divine.

There are magic, and comedy,

and bicycle tricks.

Really, you won't miss us

our act is the pits.

Oh wait! What's that?

My light bulb turned on.

I remember how to make

my butterflies get gone!

Think positive nice thoughts,

and how pretty I'll dance.

And how we'll get an ovation

from the audience.

Relax.

Take a deep breath,

we will be finished soon.

Imagine I have extreme talent,

and can orbit the moon.

If I miss a step,

they don't know the routine.

They want to enjoy,

and watch us all beam.

Those butterflies in my tummy,

some are still there.

I guess that's okay,

it just shows that I care.

Oh golly! It's our turn

to go up on the stage.

If this were a story book,

I'd surely turn the page.

The lights are all dim

as we take our spots.

Molly whispers,

"okay girls,

let's show 'em what we've got!"

The fiddle starts in

on its beautiful tune.

Then the spotlight turns on

like the hot sun in June!

I'm a deer in the headlights

in my dance pose.

If I simply just stand here,

will anyone know?

I forgot my first step!

Eek!

I just want to cry!

Oh wait, I remember!

I'll give it a try.

I poise my baton and

take my first step.

It turns into a twirl,

and then I leapt.

I cart-wheeled and tumbled

and then did a flip.

Oh that was perfect!

Yes!

Did you see it?

The audience clapped,

and I gave them a smile.

I tossed my baton

as high as a mile.

Kelly kept singing

with her sweetest voice,

while the audience cheered,

and made all sorts of noise.

How they love all of this,

the stunts that I do.

It took lots of practice,

if they only knew.

One, two, three, four,

leap and plie.

Oh, how they do love me,

and my dance of Ballet.

Look at me,

and my gymnastic tricks.

Can't think of much else

that I need to fix.

My dress isn't silly,

it's perfect you see.

It grabs all the attention,

all eyes are on me!

I flip flop and bounce

across the dance floor,

spinning my baton,

and tossing once more.

Oh no!

Say it's not true,

our song is all done.

I bet if we ask

they'll watch us again.

The fiddling was perfect

and the singing on key.

But I saw all eyes staring,

looking at me.

Oh look, I'm so proud,

see the audience stand?

I told you they'd think

our act was just grand.

I wasn't nervous at all.

Nope. Not even one bit!

That surely wasn't me

who threw that hissy fit!

Butterflies in my stomach?

What are you talking about?

I knew I'd be great.

No question, no doubt.

That was so fun!

Can we do it again?

Perhaps next time

I'll be a comedian.

Sign me up!

I'm first on the list!

Wait, I changed my mind...

a ventriloquist!

My Pillow and Me

2010-08-26T08:12:00.000-07:00

Me and my pillow,
my pillow and me.
Oh how comfy,
soft, and snugly!

I take it with me
just about everywhere.
All over the house. The Bathtub?
No! Not there!

I have to protect it,
as it protects me.
I've got proof.
Look at it! It's so raggedy.

I take it on car rides,
and trips to the store.
But mom makes me leave it in the car,
doesn't she understand how I just want more?

I love my pillow,
my pillow loves me.
Oh how comfy,
soft, and snugly!

I cuddle my pillow,
and pet it and squeeze.
You'll like it, just try it!
Oh, won't you please?

My pillow adores me,
it's by my side wherever I go.
It even followed me to Bud's house,
even after Papa said no.

I love my pillow,
my pillow loves me.
Oh how comfy,
soft, and snugly!

I've loved my pillow now
for many years.
The thought of outgrowing it
just brings me to tears.

I see it has holes,
rips and tares.
But when I close my eyes,
I don't really care.

I love my pillow,
my pillow loves me.
Oh how comfy,
soft, and snugly!

I took it to Cole's house
to spend the night.
He teased my tattered pillow,
and we had a fight.

Why didn't he understand
how important it is?
If he had a snugly pillow,
I'd respect his.

My pillow has been good to me,
like a best friend.
There to comfort me, cradle me,
and always defend.

I brought it to Granny's
just the other day.
She washed my raggedy pillow
while I escaped to go play.

Now my pillow doesn't stink like
a dirty old dog.
But it's still comfy soft,
I'm sure I will sleep like a log.

So, now my pillow stays home
when I go away.
But I don't miss it,
considering how hard I play.

I still love my pillow,
my pillow still loves me.
It's so comfy,
soft, but now so raggedy!

I'm a big kid now,
my mommy says.
I'm almost ready to say,
so long to those pillow days.

I've loved my pillow,
my pillow's loved me.
It's always been so comfy,
soft and snugly.

One day I'll go shopping
for a brand new one.
The kind for big kids,
but no doubt, still fun.

One of these days
dad will find a box for safe keeping.
Knowing it's safe in the closet
will be relieving.

I loved my pillow,
my pillow loved me.
It will always be with me
in my memory.

Guess what!
Hurray!
I can't wait for you to see!
My new big kid pillow,
just as comfy, soft, and cuddly.

_______________________________

This is dedicated to any kid,
old or new.
In memory for your blankie,
woobie, or pillow you outgrew.

I know how it is to miss it so,
as mine, it was so gross, it had to go.
How much I miss it,
no one will ever know.

But, I admit, I found a new one,
it's true!
His name is Dave.
I love you.

Lampworking class next Thursday.

2010-07-29T16:32:00.001-07:00

One spot left for the begining glass beadmaking class.

This class is intended for the curious, "I think I want to try it" artist. Learn how to make your own Handmade Glass Beads. Following a brief introduction of equipment and safety information, Christina will teach you how to make basic wound beads by melting glass in the torch flame and wrapping it onto a stainless steel mandrel. Some design includes silver application, use of unique glass and clear encasing techniques. Make a bracelet out of your new collection of beads.
6 Hours $115

Call or email for more details.
858-722-9456
torchedart at gmail dot com

Easy way to find colors ......Frantz Color Palette

2010-07-21T08:46:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's difficult to know what colors are what, especially with all the glass companies out there. Thanks to Frantz, we have an easy way to find what we need.

The list is organized by color: red, blue, yellow, green, browns, pink, purple, black, transparents, light opaque, dichroic, and silvered glass.

Here are some examples of what you can find. The bar on the bottom provides clickable thumbnails to read more about the color.

Enjoy.

Ladybugs Listed on Etsy

2010-07-13T07:41:00.000-07:00

Millefiore Chips are up again. My cute ladybugs are ready for summer.

$9 for 25
$17 for 50

no charge for the shipping and handling.

I made it in another treasury on Etsy.

2010-07-07T16:00:00.001-07:00

Spanish Village Open House

2010-07-06T13:52:00.001-07:00

CIM color chart

2010-07-05T19:45:00.000-07:00

I LOVE some of these CIM colors. Here is a great website that has all the colors.

Yay! Another Etsy Treasury.

2010-07-04T19:56:00.001-07:00

Silver Casting Class

2010-07-03T21:08:00.000-07:00

Cast sterling silver mask with glass grapes, enameled silver leafs, glass vines, and ribbon.

Casting class coming soon. Contact me to sign up.

Was Mermaid and figure of a woman, sterling mermaid tail cast in cuttlefish.

Feather silver bar with macrame adjustable bracelet.

My Husbands wedding ring. Cast sterling with plated gold.

I'm getting Braces soon.

2010-07-02T21:18:00.000-07:00

I've had TMJ issues for most my life. Actually, July 4th will be the 20th year of having it. I was 13, having lunch, taking the first bite of a hotdog, and my jaw popped and locked open. Somehow I managed to unhinge it, but the pain was breathtaking.

So, I've had enough, and getting braces again to try to fix it. Despite the eight years of braces when I was a kid, about nine more months should help with some of the damage. We will follow up with a night splint specifically made for TMJ.

I will post pics when I get them on in a few weeks. Meanwhile, I'm enjoying the adventures of spacers.

Arrow Springs

2010-06-21T11:06:00.000-07:00

I'll be there....

The Northern California Chapter of the International Society of Glass Beadmakers (ISGB) meets at Arrow Springs twice a year. For the past couple of years we have turned June meeting into a Bead Bazaar with about two dozen booths of glass beadmakers showing and selling glass beads and related items. Our classroom area is open to all to play. There will be experienced people demonstrating glassworking at a torch and first timers learning to make beads. Everyone is encouraged to join in. There's a BBQ and glass is priced at the bottom price break. So, come join us for a great day with some wonderful people all sharing what we are all so passionate about.

Grab their attention.....

2010-06-21T09:34:00.000-07:00

In an effort to save my voice, some brain cells, and to communicate to other customers when I am busy with other customers, I have made some cute little signs. I've been using paper and marker and doing my best to cut out cute shapes and add decorations, but after all that, it's still just paper and marker, and they fly away in the wind even after using tape.

They are subtle, but I think they are classy. They don't scream. Sometimes if you whisper, people will hear you better.

TAKE ME HOME

The little signs are made of copper and I have two sizes of letter and number stamps. Read at the end of the blog entry to learn how to make them.

BUY ME!
HOW DOES IT FIT
SPLURGE INDULGE PAMPER

My next signs:
Prices for earrings, beads, bracelets, etc.
"CELL PHONE CHARMS"
"MAGNETS"
Perhaps a name tag?
"CASH OR CHECK PLEASE"
And in the near future "VISA" and "MASTERCARD"... wouldn't it be cool if I punched the whole logo for the cards?

I'LL LOOK GOOD ON YOU
TRY IT ON
PLEASE TOUCH

TAKE ME HOME
I'M YOURS

HOW TO MAKE THEM

WHAT YOU NEED:
-metal sheet, mine is copper
-cutters or scissors
-marker
-letter stamps ( Harbor Freight has them for $5)
-Metal hammer and rawhide hammer
-flat surface to pound on like an anvil or metal block
-wire brush or sandpaper to clean the metal
-green copper patina, paper towel, glass jar, tongs, paint brush
-clear acrylic paint or spray
-safety items: glasses, gloves, and dust mask

1. Select the size and shape of the metal sheet, cut it if you want a special shape. Make sure it is clean and free of oils. If the recessed letters are dirty, the patina is less likely to stick. Wash your hands.

2. With your marker, draw what you want to say. Make sure the spelling is correct, and the letters are the same size as the stamp letters.

3. Punch your letters into the design using the metal hammer. Put on your glasses.
TIP: Don't punch all the way through, and make sure the letter is the right side up. You can "roll" the punch at different angles to get more detail on a corner that didn't punch very well.

For the stamps visit here.

4. Flatten the piece by lightly hammering it on the back side against the flat metal surface. The rawhide mallet shouldn't make any marks, just help flatten it.

5. Clean off the new sign with the wire brush or sandpaper.

6. Time to patina! Keep your glasses on and put on your mask and gloves. Do not breath the chemicals. It is best to do this outside standing up-wind or if you have a great ventilation system in your studio do it there. Read all the information on the bottle for instructions and safety.

Place your glass jar on the paper towel and pour enough of the patina liquid to cover your sign into the jar. Place your sign into the liquid carefully as not to splash. Leave in for 3 minutes. When ready, grab the sign with your tweezers and place it on the paper towel facing up, and let dry. If you want more patina, paint more into the letters on on the edges.

7. Polish some patina off to the point you can read the letters clearly. You can use your wire brush or sand paper. (I used my Dremel with a brass brush. It was much faster)
Leave the edges raw with the patina if you want that look.

8. Coat the sign with acrylic. I used a spray can, and placed the signs on cardboard. Wear all your safety gear, and make sure the spray off does not spray onto anything else or into your studio or home. It's stinky and very toxic. After one side drys, flip it over and paint the other side.

Congrats! Your sign is finished. Use double sided tape to stick it on your display.

OPTIONAL
Drill holes so you can hang them with wire or strung. You can also turn them into earring holders by adding more holes on the bottom.
To draw more attention, dangle a bead off it. Give it some bling. Glue a silk flower, crystal, or give it a frit border. Perhaps, if you know how to enamel, transparent colors would be beautiful.

TIP
Go beyond the double stick tape. Glue a pin, magnet, or Velcro.

UPDATE! No Spanish Village today.

2010-06-20T09:27:00.001-07:00

I've decided to stay home and make beads for next weekend. I should be out there soon and I will post an announcement when I plan to go.

I love my webbed toes

2010-06-19T22:50:00.000-07:00

I was born with webbed toes. It's called syndactyly. There was a show in Bones that featured a man with webbed fingers. Ashton Kutcher has toes just like me. Hallie berry has 6 toes on each foot.

No, it doesnt help me swim faster and the only drawback is I can't wear those cute toe socks.

And this, this just looks like an infection waiting to happen. Not even an option.

At least my feet don't look like this:

My wedding ring

2010-06-19T17:18:00.000-07:00

Thanks Gabi, I should be out in the studio making beads for a show.

Dave and I wanted our wedding rings to be special. I think I posted something on how I made his, but I don't recall sharing mine.

I wanted a sapphire as the center stone, and a vintage look But I also wanted another element, Micky. Do you see him?

The Euro shank is a bit squared off to help the ring stay centered. It works pretty well.

The side diamonds are actually sapphires.

Here is a good close-up of the finished ring. We love it.

I burned my finger

2010-06-19T13:45:00.001-07:00

When I'm too lazy to get out my burn medicine that I love so much, this will do. Aloe works nice too.

Another Etsy Treasury

2010-06-14T22:09:00.001-07:00

Left by the sea...

Fire Retardant Fabric

2010-06-12T13:19:00.000-07:00

As I get my booth more set up, I am having to think about how I want my tables to look. Dave, my wonderful husband, surprised me with some new folding banquet tables I've had my eye on for several months. My vision has been to make nice fitted table skirts for them.

In my research on fabrics, I thought ahead to the times when I will need to have the booth ready for conventions and they require your fabric to be fire retardant.

Now, you can go two ways to make sure your fabric is FR (Fire Retardant) . You can spray it or treat it with FR spray or get FR Fabric.

One of my questions is WHY does it have to be FR? If the building is going up in smoke, it's a given that the fabric is going to burn too. Well, yes, it will burn if it is engulfed in a major fire. However let's think a little smaller.

Fire Retardant Fabrics are used in many places and used for many things, stages, table cloths, welding. Regular, organic fabrics will burn if caught on fire, while synthetic fabrics will melt in small flames. So if the fabric were exposed to a hot stage light, welding sparks, or candles on a table, it will most likely burn a small hole rather catch the whole stage curtain on fire.

Photo: Chair in front not protected, Chair In Back Protected With Fabric Fire Gard.

This is what it says on the website:

"NO-BURN® FABRIC FIRE GARD, a clear and odorless liquid, was developed to help alleviate this problem. This non-toxic, non-carcinogenic and environmentally safe fire retardant is applied directly to furniture fabrics and other interior furnishings. Not only can NO-BURN® FABRIC FIRE GARD slow down the fire, but in many cases it will not allow interior furnishings to catch fire.

FABRIC FIRE GARD can also be applied to stuffed toys, crafts, clothing, holiday decorations, costumes, potholders and many other household items."

I have yet to find out if the Fire Marshall will require proof that your fabric is FR. I have seen that you can request a certificate from the fabric vendors if they are selling it as FR material. Perhaps carrying a small swatch of fabric with a fire proofed test on the corner could be proof enough, and satisfy the Marshall.

Here is a good website for simple explination and photos: http://www.fireretardantspray.co.uk/about.php

Now the challenge... what color should I chose?

I'm in an Etsy Treasury

2010-06-08T09:03:00.000-07:00

What kind of glass?

2010-06-04T06:38:00.000-07:00

So, I was cleaning my studio, ordered more glass and organized my glass. And I found a few colors that weren't labeled and I can't figure out where they belong or what they are called. Some of this glass is about 13 years old, had to blow off the dust. In this photo, I have one rod of dark ivory to have something to compare it to.

Teaching is fun

2010-06-02T23:04:00.000-07:00

My Student's work.

It seems as though each class I teach, my student's work gets better. While I only start them off with some simple, little, round beads, I like to get them right in there playing with more design concepts.

Here are the results from my latest beginning bead class. Pamela and Mona did a great job.

Acorns

2010-06-01T22:47:00.001-07:00

Not sure what got into me, but I had an acorn day. All sorts of shapes, sizes, colors, and designs.

Bead on a Key

2010-06-01T22:43:00.000-07:00

Mona, my friend and PMC teacher, as well as my glass beadmaking student, requested this little work of art. I think it's beautiful. And she bumped into me at Spanish Village over the weekend, guess what. She was wearing her new key.

Spanish Village Art Center

2010-06-01T22:11:00.000-07:00

Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park

As jobs go, this one is pretty nice. I am my own boss, I get to be outside in the sun. Listen to the birds fly around and every so often some exotic noises come from the zoo. The courtyard is so beautiful. Full of potted plants and beautiful blooms of every color. The art is so nice, so far I picked up a few gifts for Christmas gifts.

I'm still working on improvements to my booth. While I have spent hours on making my necklace displays with a variety of fabrics, and I have some display items, I am not finished with the entire display. I'm having a difficult time setting up my hodgepodge set of tables and table covers. I plan to get some bigger tables and make some nice fitted table covers. Now to decide on the fabric. Choices, choices. What color, and texture should I go with???

So far, I've only showed three days, and they went well. I made more in three days than I would have as a Dental Assistant. And this is more rewarding. I get to be an artist, what I wanted to be as a little girl. For years, I've wanted to be in an environment like this. Surrounded by beautiful architecture, luscious plants, eclectic art, and creative people. I also get this with my other job at the medical office. They are unique people with wonderful talents, and I love learning new things every day when I am there.

Too bad it's not summer all year round.

Burn Medacine - Biogaze

2010-05-14T22:02:00.000-07:00

If you have burned yourself, you know how much it can stop you in your tracks and dampen the mood to make more beads. I was introduced to this wonderful product called Biogaze.

Here's how to use it:

Clean the burn or injury.
Pull the heat out of the burn with mild / room temp water.
NEVER EVER put ice on a burn, or use butter.
Dry the area.
Cut the gauze the same size as the burn and place onto burn.
Cover with bandage and don't get it wet.
Leave on overnight, redress, and use until pain or burn is gone.

If your burn is deep or down to the bone, see a doctor. Burns can become infected and cause more damage than expected. So play it safe and get medical help.

Note: Why do burns hurt? Because the air or oxygen is getting to it. If anything, cover your burn with a wet cloth. This will smother the burn, and help remove the heat.

Here are some links to the product.
http://www.novumpharma.nl/index.php?id=1118&L=1
http://www.efarma.nl/PAGES/ItemInfo.asp?ItemID=14282593

An alternative is Silvadene. However, I have tried it, and not a big fan.

"Most important fact about Silvadene Cream 1%

Silvadene is a sulfa derivative. If burn wounds cover extensive areas of the body, Silvadene may be absorbed into the bloodstream, and if you have ever had an allergic reaction to sulfa drugs, such as Bactrim or Septra, this could lead to a similar reaction. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced."

Or you can use honey.

Or the trusted Aloe Vera. Check out the link for many other uses.

Please keep in mind that everyone is different, and while one person may favor one remedy, another person may not. Please use caution whenever using medications and do not use products you may be allergic to. I am not a nurse or Doctor, this is only information provided to help you find something that works for yourself. Before using a new medication on an injury, please do a skin test in advance to verify that you will not react poorly. No reason to add insult to injury.

Maya's Custom Necklace

2010-05-06T10:50:00.000-07:00

From posting photos of my creations on facebook and listing my Etsy , I've had a few friends have me make some custom pieces. Maya is one of them.

Maya has an old key from her Grandmother's Hope Chest. She contacted me to see if I could do anything with it, and before I knew it, it was in my possession. Her first request was for me to encase it in blue glass, but I didn't want to ruin or melt the key for a variety of reasons. From distortion to compatibility issues to not wanting to breathe the vapors from this unknown metal. So I imagined dangling some beads off it, and received unanticipated feedback. My DH and I were out at a street art fair in San Diego, and I saw my inspiration. It was a piece of art with wire wrapped all around it. I was already imagining something like it, but just seeing that art helped me "see" it, but with beads.

I sent a big bag of beads, mostly blues, for Maya to chose from. She also chose black leather cord from a variety of provided options. She chose two blue beads, and the one pictured is the one I saw fit for this project. I love the encased subtle earthy colors that enabled me to create the double sided design.

Keys in themselves are quite symbolic, and if you give them enough thought they will provide you with a number of stories. Could this key have a fascinating history? What secrets did it keep, protection did it provide, hope it inspired, or did it keep something safe? Could this key have protected her private love letters, or contain special treasures in hopes to use when she marries, or perhaps this key could have protected her life's fortunes? Perhaps I should just ask Maya. Or perhaps not!

As a key goes, this one is not the most beautiful nor made of fine metals, but this key is special to Maya, and I am honored to adorn it so she will enjoy wearing her grandmother's key close to her heart.

While, in these recent months, I have been experiencing a major shift in my body and soul, this project has become very delightful for me. I am attracted to the idea of this key being double sided, and I am also attracted to the rainbow or Chakras as well as the meaning of stones and their healing qualities. I wanted to pass this on to Maya as well.

http://www.reiki-for-holistic-health.com/chakra-aura-picture.html

I sifted and sorted through my stash of loose beads looking for a rainbow of semi-precious stones, glass, pearls, and fine metals. I wanted this piece to be symbolic, and contain the magical energy and properties that stones are known to provide. So I found an assortment, but I had to do the research to learn what half of them were actually called. I have some catalogs, but here is a link if you are interested to see what a nice list looks like.

I figured on day I would find inspiration to indulge into learning what certain stones mean. So here goes......

I found a website on the healing energies of stones. Peaceful Mind

Amethyst: This stone can show us how to let go and trust; surrender so that you may see beyond the cycle that consumes your attention; give it all up, so that you can receive more; and bow, that you may become a part of the greater whole.

Hematite: Hematite is known to deflect negativity. It restores equilibrium, stability and is also used for astral protection.

Jade: Very calming to the nervous system. The color green is representative of life or growth. Helps one channel passions in a constructive way, making expressions of love easier.

Lapis Lazuli higher guidance, intuition, connection to higher self, overview, decisions for good of all. Organizes, quiets mind.

Malachite: On brow: Stimulates physical and psychic vision, concentration.

Obsidian: help to see truths by initially amplifying beliefs, patterns, fears, blocking our growth.

Peridot: This stone is traditionally used for health, wealth, and protection.

Pearls
Black: pearls are used for stability, protection and grounding.
Gold: pearls are used for prosperity, ethereal connections and aura cleansing.
White and cream: pearls represent purity, spiritual balance and can be used to engage the Crown Chakra

Quartz: The natural tendency for quartz is for harmony. Quartz can both draw and send energy therefore it is effective for sending/receiving guidance. Quartz is used for transformation in healing and in all levels of change (mentally/emotionally, physically and spiritually).

Turquoise: This stone is most famous as an amazing over all healer for illnesses in the physical body and mental/emotional issues. Turquoise is known as a stone of protection and communication on every level.

Amber: detoxification, Amber can add stability to your life, is used for past life work.

Carnelian: Carnelian is used in the Center area for harmony and balance. This stone represents confidence, boldness, initiative, dramatic abilities, assertiveness and outgoingness.

Coral: Coral brings diplomacy and concurrence, quiets emotions, brings peace to innerself.

Hematite:Hematite is known to deflect negativity. It restores equilibrium, stability and is also used for astral protection.

Horn bone: I couldn't find anything but for me: Organic, healing, sacrifice.

Opal (swarovski crystal): Real white Opal: White: Balances Left and Right. Brain. Opals are extremely sensitive and must be treated with great care. Rarely used in crystal layouts except by someone who wishes to intensify his or her emotional state. They easily diversify and scatter energy. Some literature states frankly that many who wear this stone have a fickle nature. Anytime the wearer feels uncomfortable with an Opal, the stone should be removed.

Sunstone: This stone is a kiss of sunshine, crystallized. Honors the God, brings good luck and fortune. Energizes and empowers one's self. Warms the heart and lifts/rejuvenates the spirit. Sunstone is used for protection, life force, and grounding.

Unakite: Unakite can be very helpful in the steady release of feelings long held in. We often think of the emotions as originating and residing in the heart, and Unakite can soothe Heart Chakra issue.

Yellow Jade: Both impart the gift of joy and happiness. They teach the interconnectedness of all beings. Help organs that process food and waste in our bodies.

It's time to brag...

2010-05-02T21:47:00.000-07:00

I've been doing some organizing and cleaning in my home and studio these days and found my friend's business card. She created one soon after learning how to make glass beads.

I've been making glass beads since 1996, and while I have made a few friends, and one very good one (you know who you are), I haven't had a studio buddy... until now. Mici and I met a few years ago. And now we are best friends. We started just enjoying the beach together, then we started beading down on the beach, then Dave and I asked if she would perform our wedding ceremony. So you can see how special this person is to me and to have her share play time in the studio with me is one big bonus. So, I wanted to write this blog post about Mici, my friend and student.

Right off the bat, she dove right in to making sculptural beads. From troll heads, to mushrooms, to mermaids, goddesses, and fairies, she never ceases to amaze me with the rapid progress she makes. I compare my beads from the first year, to hers, and I am impressed with her vision, ambition and talent.

She gave me a framed photo of us posing together in the studio. The cool thing about this frame is that she glued about 20 of her glass beads on the frame. I keep telling her, and my students, to keep their beads because it's fun to compare your old beads to your progress. I suppose this will be ok, I love that frame.

To see more beads visit http://mici.vpweb.com.

I've created gift certificates.

2010-04-16T19:38:00.000-07:00

Gift certificates are being integrated into my business. Either posted as a class, down payment, or gift certificate, it's all about the same idea. I'll have a few listed on etsy for different prices, but people are encouraged to contact me for a specific amount.

Organize it all.

2010-04-16T17:34:00.000-07:00

From glass to beads, and tools and supplies. I have a few containers that I really love.

I have a decent little stash of beads I like to use to compliment my own glass beads. For $10 at Home Depot I found a case to hold them in with a sturdy handle. I like to sort the beads by
the colors of the rainbow. I also like to keep them on the string. This way I can pull out the string and determine if I have enough of that particular strand to fulfill my needs for a jewelry piece. If the beads are loose in a jar, baggie, or container, how am I to know how far I can string.

I use this same plastic organizer to organize my seed beads too. And again, organize it like a rainbow. I have some spaces for the tubes, but most of the colors have been strung up using the bead spinner. I like using the seed beads off the string by pinching a row of beads, it's easy to string multiples at a time when they are all lined up rather than one-by-one.

A third way I use this organizer is for my glass rods. The small compartments by the handle are perfect for shorts, while I can place the longer rods in the rest of the space. I organize by transparent, translucent, and opaque. I am careful too to keep the ends free of sharp burs and prickly ends. This is perfect for traveling when I teach and do demos.

Again, a similar container, but smaller, and it's a double-decker. I keep all my silver beads, ear wires, clasps, etc. Also a variety of leftover beads, I use them for wiring up pendants and earrings. In the bottom are things like extra inventory and more bulky items that aren't used as often.

To further my organization skills, I keep glass jars and the lids. They are cool. I love the prego jars, not just for the size, but it means "you're welcome" in Italian. I also love the shape of the salsa jars. If you've read my previous post about making frit, you'll see why my shorts of glass have barely begun to fill these jars.

Cheep plastic shoe boxes from the dreaded walmart are really nice to organize with. I love that I can see the contents, and the lids keep the studio dust out. About $1 at the store.

Lastly, I have a great rolling storage unit of plastic drawers. I orriginally got this for traveling when I do demos and teach. It fits in my SUV as well as under my work bench and acts as support. I recently got another one for a portable office for when I do shows.

Teaching Girl Scouts

2010-04-12T23:02:00.000-07:00

Today was my second workshop with the Girl Scouts. Boy was it fun. I love kids and beads, so life doesn't get much better than that. Well, maybe if you add chocolate.

I gave a Q&A presentation, showed my jewelry, and let them pick out a focal bead, seed beads, and cut the string to size. I assisted in crimping the clasp on and gave minimal guidance as they did a great job on their own.

I had them pose with their finished pieces.

At the end of class I handed out diplomas for the girls to fill out. It encouraged them to learn what kind of beads they were using, the tools and supplies they needed, and the colors they used.

Blowing Shards

2010-04-06T09:57:00.000-07:00

Blowing shards is fun. I have a small steel pipe. By gathering a full rod of glass and adding frit or enamels, I can blow bubbles. The balls of glass are so beautiful. Perfect timing around Easter, they look like decorated eggs.

Here is a close-up of one ball. I used green glass with a variety of blues and green enamels.

Every time I blow a new ball of glass, they make different shapes. I'm trying to perfect that.

This is a tray of enamels, I used pink and red.

This one is Effetre brown, with chalcedony frit.

All bagged up, no dust can get to my precious shards. Now where to store them so they don't break????

I plan on trying millefiores, and using stringers to make dots and spirals.

Making my own frit

2010-04-05T22:52:00.000-07:00

For years, I have been throwing my glass shorts in a container intending to use the for something. Usually I try to use up the end of my glass rods in a bead, but sometimes I don't need to use the glass at the moment so the easy thing to do is just throw them in a jar when I finally get around to cleaning off my bench. (I'd like to add, my studio has been reasonably clean these days. Thanks to teaching.)

I threw all the shorts in a bowl of water to wash them off and soak the tags for easy removal. I used tweezers to avoid getting any cuts or splinters.

I then organized them in colors to have a variety of frit mixes. From blues, greens, transparent and opaques or mixtures. One mix looks like it will turn out to be a nice "animal print" and another of red and white for Christmas.

I placed the glass batches in the kiln set at 960 degrees. After soaking in the heat for at least 10 minutes, I then used tweezers and wore a leather glove to protect against the heat. The glass was dumped into jars of water with ice cubes. The glass quenches and fractures into little bits.

I took the glass and pulverized by hand with a muttler one teaspoon at a time. If there is too much glass, it doesn't break into small pieces. I don't recommend using a glass, it can chip, and the glass is not compatible with 140 coe glass. I just didn't have a metal glass on hand.

I placed the glass frit on paper plates and layed them out to dry. Later I poured the frit into little baggies. I plan to sift and clean the frit after getting some screens to separate the frit sizes.

I love succulents

2010-04-05T22:40:00.000-07:00

I've had a small collection of succulents for a few years. They've been in a pot and in a window in my studio. But now I have more thanks to my friend Kelly. Her whole back yard and front porch has pots of succulents. My favorites are, well, all of 'em, but I really love the ones with colors like orange and reds. Here's a photo of the samples from Kelly's garden. I made a few terrariums from the round glass centerpieces from my wedding.

Barnacle Bead Tutorial......COMING SOON

2010-03-23T19:59:00.000-07:00

I'm working on my first tutorial, and it's going to be jam packed full of info. What's fun about making a bead representing the sea is there is so much life in the deep blue, a million beads can be made from a million artists and not one will be the same. I will be demonstrating a variety of inclusions and condiments that are both well known and some not so common ideas. I'm not finished with the photo shoot, but I have started on some editing of what I have. Don't worry, I plan to have a splash of color added in there too.

OK, so, I need testers and critiques of the tut. I haven't ironed out the details yet, but I will give the tutorial to a select few people. I need newbies, as well as experienced lampwork artists. What you get out of this is a free tutorial as well as submitting your beads for the gallery section of the tutorial. Your name and website or blog will be listed next to your photo(s). If you are interested in being a tester, please send me an email to me. I will then email you a response with some details about your end.

The tutorial is not ready, I need a few long days to focus on it. I hope it will be ready for testing in April and ready to launch within a week or two after that.

Ring Cigar Box Display - Free Tutorial

2010-03-15T20:43:00.000-07:00

While working on my booth I have been coming up with some fun display ideas. For displaying my rings, I did a quick google search and found a cute cigar box display. I thought this would work well with the supplies I have.

While I have finished rings of various sizes and designs on the left, I have added some side compartments. One is for the glass cabs, and the other is for unfinished rings. The custom rings can be glued with 5 minute epoxy. An alternative use can be used for matching beads, or more rings.

Here is how I made the box......

INGREDIENTS:
cigar box, fabric, padding, spray glue, hot glue & gun, pen, scissors, wood, saw, rings.

1. Select your box and if you want divided trays, cut to fit and file the edges.

I bought the wood at the local Home Depot.
I found a variety of beautiful cigar boxes at a local cigar shop for only $1 each.

2. You can see that the dividers are temporarily placed to see if they fit.

Select some fabric that would create a nice background for your style of jewelry and rings. I chose a beige faux suede. (The runner up was a shiny crushed velvet.)

3. Measure your cigar box to see how much fabric you will need. Each pleat is about an inch. So if your box is 6 inches deep, double it to 12 and add another 12 inches. Because you have to add a few inches for each pleat.

4. Cut your fabric and padding. I used some recycled padding from a bed spread. Thin foam would work too.

5. Use spray glue to attach the fabric and padding together.

6. Trim the edges so they are straight. This will make it easier to make even pleats.

7. Using a hot glue gun add a thin stripe of glue between each pleat on the padded side. Don't add directly in the crease, this would create a sharp crease, and we want it fluffy from the padding.

8. Add a dot of glue on each end of the fabric side deep into the fold. Try not to get the glue where it will be visible.
It's up to you how many pleats you want in your box. Mine has about 15 pleats.

9. Trim the edges so they are straight and fit between the the wood you just cut to size.

10. Hot glue the fabric, wood, and wood dowels (molding). Simply zig-zag a line of hot glue for the fabric. Add a small bead of hotglue on the bottom of the wood, as well as the molding.
(The molding covers the unfinished look of the pleats.)

11. Using small swatches of fabric, make some little pillows for the boxes on the side.

12. Label and price your rings.

For an extra bonus, use the inside of the lid to your benefit. I have added mirrors, or you can add a nice, big, eye-catching photo of your rings. I have also thought of adding some hooks to the top lip so I can dangle beads, or necklaces, or earrings, or charms, etc.

Protecting Yourself- Liability

2010-03-12T12:54:00.000-08:00

In furthering my career in glass, I have been working on a number of aspects regarding safety for my students and customers, liability protection, and in particular for this blog entry, incident reports.

While searching for liability insurance, the insurance agent suggested having an incident report - just for extra measure. And also take photos immediately even if you can not see the burn, or the cut is too small, or if their ankle does not look sprained from a fall. One never knows if that burn will blister, the cut get infected, or the sprain is a break. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst???

In a recent google search under "incident report", I found a number of pdf and doc files that I downloaded and compiled into my very own document for my own use. I would like to share my efforts for anyone who may think they could use it.

***** I am not a Doctor, Lawyer, or anything of the sort, so I release any responsibility or liability from sharing this form with the public. I strongly urge you to do further research and consult with an Attorney or your insurance provider to ensure you are protecting yourself correctly. Make any necessary changes to your document. You are taking the provided document at your own risk. By downloading this document, you automatically agree to assume all responsibilities deriving from your use of this document. (Hey, maybe it is overboard, better safe than sorry.)

Also, If you have any comments, critiques, suggestions, or concerns, and especially any compliments, please feel free to comment or email me. TorchedArt@gmail.com

****Incident Report File****

Glass Campus Website

2010-03-11T10:42:00.000-08:00

In doing further research recently for teaching my lampwork classes, I have discovered many things. One in particular is this website called Glass Campus. They provide a wealth of knowlege for all kinds of glass including stained glass as well as lampwork. Another aspect they focus on is tutorials and how to fix equipment like your kiln. One page I especially value is their Forms page. If you search for information about liability release forms, many artists suggest this, but this website provides it in pdf format. At least this will give you a good idea of where to start if you need to create your own. It provides a number of points to focus on if you are going to teach. They also include files on class evaluation and consignment agreements. Their forum seems to have a fair amount of traffic worth taking a peek at as well.

Kilns and ovens

2010-03-08T09:50:00.000-08:00

I am in the market for a new kiln. One that I can easily travel with, and something that will work well for teaching. I figured posting something about kilns would be nice because I had a student yesterday ask me about kiln choices. A quick google search brought me to this website.

I have the Aim kiln, and it has served me well for about 10 years now. I love how reliable it is. Arrow Springs fixed a small problem for free. I have an external digital control hooked up to avoid an more over heating. I believe they come with a digital control installed. Well worth it. However it is not easy to move, and I have to rely on help to get it in and out of my car. I need something lighter.

One aspect in general for buying a kiln is what are you going to use it for? Strictly for Lampworking? Or do you want to fire clay, PMC, Fusing or Slumping glass, firing enamels, granulation, or burn out for lost wax casting.

Some requirements for my travel/teaching kiln are: easy to carry by myself, digital kiln control, plenty of insulation so I can unplug and go, front loading so the mandrels stick out (easy tagging for identifying student's beads, and I can easily grab the mandrels to move them over to make more room), double door, large enough opening for bigger beads.

I suggest visiting Arrow Spring's Website to see their line of kilns. They have a fantastic reputation. And the price is right for a beginning beadmaker.

One more thing to consider is how are the beads or glass going to be placed inside the kiln? When the beads are first placed into the kiln they need to not touch anything this includes the walls, floor, fiber insulation, and other beads. Why? Because the bead may be soft or tacky and it can stick to other elements. It really sucks if you stick a bead to another bead, then you lose two beads in one shot. Once the beads have in a sense "chilled" out, they then can be stacked off to the side to make room. At 960 degrees, the beads are not tacky any more and should be safe if they touch.

Here is an image of a nice rack for the right size kiln. It can be found at Frantz Art Glass. For $16

Sharps container, Safety

2010-03-02T20:18:00.000-08:00

I am very concerned about safety especially for my friends, family and students. I would feel terrible if someone got hurt due to my negligence.

So.... I have a sharps container. Do you? When I have glass that needs to be thrown out, I at least try to put it in a box or jar. Think of it this way, if the sharp shards and dangerous strings of glass are loose in a trash bag or garbage can, this can be a potential risk to the person or people that will handle the trash. You know, when you grab a trash bag and throw it in the garbage can, sometimes you take your hand and push on the top to make it squish into the can. Imagine that loose glass going right through the bag into your hand. Ouch! And what an unpleasant surprise.

So, I have jars and when full I screw the lid on and at least the shards are in a container.

my little mermaid

2010-02-25T09:37:00.000-08:00

I love making goddesses and mermaids. Something about the female form is so beautiful, and the glass seems to naturally melt into place creating those luscious curves.

This piece is 4 inches long. She has elements of silver, blue frit, Reichenbach powder.

Her inspiration comes from a show I am trying to jury into. Wish me luck.

Beading random household items

2010-02-20T19:45:00.000-08:00

As a glass artist, I'm constantly looking for fun and new ways to apply my glass to something. For our wedding we decided to put a teapot on the registry list, and of corse, I had to put my own bead on the lid.

Have you seen glass push pins? I made these for my Dad's birthday last year. They are being used in a shadow box holding up wedding photos.
I've also beaded wall hooks, drawer knobs, cabinet handles, and more.

How I customized my blog

2010-02-19T23:02:00.000-08:00

It says you can do this in an hour, but between watching the Olympics and being tired, it took a bit longer. If you want to customize your blog go here.

And the Whales were naked

2010-02-18T19:10:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we spent a lovely warm day at the beach. The highlight of that day was watching a gray whale jump out of the water three times. I missed the first one, barely saw the second, and definitely saw the third jump. Actually it was more of a "peek". The whale poked it's head up out of the water and plunged back in. It was still so exciting.

Heating your hot glass

2010-02-15T20:38:00.000-08:00

Using soft glass, sometimes it can be a bit finicky introducing it into the flame. Taking room temperature glass and throw it in the flame, and there can be a problem. The glass can be a bit shockey, especially with some colors, and guaranteed some popping glass if there is a small bubble that has been pulled or stretched the length of the glass.
One helpful technique is to warm the glass very slowly in the flame, but this takes time. And if you tend to be a bit impatient or want to make more beads per hour, then use something to warm the glass.

One nice invention adopted by quite a few lampwork artists is the curling iron heater. Instead of heating the curling iron, throw some rods of glass in there. There are a few different models, but if you get the one with the flat top, it can be used to place glass "condiments" like dichroic glass, murrine chips, shards, or cane, etc. You can get one here.

A few months ago I got my hands on a hot plate heater thingy. Yes, that's the technical and brand name. It gets super hot, hot enough to burn your finger if you grab the glass in the wrong place.

So, being that it did not have a "lid" I grabbed some sheet metal and with a simple bend and tucking it in the sides, it becomes a garage. To further the functionality, I added a back wall to trap the heat. And even though mine is curved, I can still manage to add my "condiments".

Blessed Marble Toss - Wedding

2010-02-12T11:41:00.000-08:00

In addition to the wedding post, I want to share another glass influence from the wedding. Have you ever heard of the "Blessed Stone Toss"? When I heard of this I had to make it my own, so here is what we handed out on note cards just before the wedding:

We are passing out marbles for you to hold and bless during this service. As you cradle these marbles in your hand we ask that you transfer the magic from these moments into them - to bless them. Use words that you wish upon these newlyweds like hope, love, family, connection, unity, etc. At the end of the service we will all follow the Bride and Groom down to the surf to toss them into the sea (the marbles, not the couple). The waves and tides will keep the marbles and their blessings alive in constant motion as long as they remain in the surf. If these beach tumbled treasures are found and taken home, the new owner will then posses a piece of magic and the blessings that were born from this beautiful day. May they unknowingly posses what loving words you chose to bless these marbles.

So, after we said "I do", and kissed, Dave and I took some marbles and marched back down the isle to the water's edge. We gathered and at the prompt, we all threw our marbles into the waves.
Little by little in the following weeks some of our friends found a marble or two, but most are likely to find a long existence tumbling in the pacific.

My beaded wedding hair

2010-02-09T10:06:00.000-08:00

I got married in August on the beach with a group of 100 family and friends. It was very casual, in fact, I forgot to even put on make-up. However the highlight of my wedding attire was my boquet and the beaded necklace my dear friend, and fellow beadmaker, Kim Osibin made for me.

This necklace was intended to be worn as a necklace, and I suppose it took some getting used to the idea that I decided to put it on my head. After all, the amount of work, time, money, and love Kim put into it, and I put it on my head? Sorry Kim, but I LOVED it. I wasn't going to wear a veil, so this worked perfectly.
Catering to the beach theme, Kim created this dazzling composition of beads of aquas and blues. From beads made by herself and other lampwork artists, as well as Hill Tribe silver, and carved Polynesian nude figures to represent the Bride and Groom.
She sent it to me before the wedding in a beautiful blue box. As I opened it, my breath was swept away. It now has a spot on our bedroom wall in a glass shadow box.

You can see more images of her work on her facebook page.

I have my Father's eyes

2010-02-08T22:39:00.000-08:00

Well, not really. And he's not my father either, he's a friend's father. But they're my eyes.

A few years ago my friend, Kim, and I were in Hollywood doing the tourist thing. We stumbled on a really crazy store with lots of crazy things. I want to say it catored to the goth/Vampire scene. They had stuff like preserved snakes and bats, and sold books, candles, capes, and canes. They also had a collection of glass eyes. So Kim and I decided to get one each ans a souvenir for that day. I'm not sure how I ended up with both of them, but one still belongs to Kim.

Recycling Glider

2010-02-04T14:17:00.000-08:00

About two years ago my hubby (then boyfriend), gave me a bag of parachute cords. They are durable, colorful and best of all, re-purposed or recycled. And for two years, I've been asking the people at the Glider Port if they have any old gliders ready for retirement. Rather than seeing them go to the land fill, we use the wing for wind breaks and bags. The string I use in my "Beach Jewelry" line.

In colors of bright orange, yellow, teal, purple, and pinks, I string up my own glass beads and found objects from the beach like stones, sand, shells, glass, etc. The sand is melted into my beads creating a number of looks from sparkly, salt and pepper, to a mottled organic texture. I can either encase it or leave it on the surface, melt it, boil it, or leave it be. Although if I add too much, it will break the glass bead.
So just last week I finally got a glider. You can see I had a blast with my new, very large treasure. I found that the cords were quite dirty, but my little ultrasonic cleaner brightened them up. It took over an hour pilfering thru the ruffles of the wing to find where the cords were attached, and then more time to untangle the mess I created. So, now we have fabric for our beach gear, and I have more than enough string. And now I don't feel like I have to hoard it, I have plenty to use!

Painting the studio

2010-02-04T13:16:00.000-08:00

My husband is the best! He is so supportive and helpful. He built a wall to enclose the patio so I have a real room. Last year we used a tarp that was cold and flapped in the breeze. This year, he built the wall frame, mounted the windows and door, and nailed up siding and the inside wall. He even painted it white to match the newly painted ceiling we painted just after the wedding.

I already feel the difference. Not only is it brighter, it's warmer too. Thanks Hubby, you're the best!

If you would like to see more of my studio please watch this video.

Postcards / Identity

2010-01-28T21:13:00.000-08:00

I've wanted to design some postcards for years. I suppose I haven't because I had business cards, and as I mentioned before, life got in the way so I didn't really need them. I love postcards. They can really make a statement, and hopefully if it's a really pretty one, customers and admirers will save them for a long time, and if you're really lucky it will find a home on a fridge or two.
This is my first design, I had this vision this morning while waking up this morning.

Bottle Stoppers

2010-01-28T18:37:00.000-08:00

Some of my favorite items to make are wine stoppers. They can also be used for any bottle that would contain anything you like. Oil, vinegar, bubble bath, holey water...
I have sold a few to some massage therapists, they loved the design because it can help them really get those tough spots.

Micromosaics

2010-01-27T11:22:00.000-08:00

Just after my trip to Venice Italy in September of 2001, I came home with a yearning for micromosaics. I spent hours online admiring them. One evening I decided to make one. So I went into my studio and for two days I started from scratch starting with a design, fabricating the silver bezel, pulling hand mixed strings of glass, and cutting the tiny tiles or tesserae.

The Rose was my first piece, and I wear her all the time.

Micromosaics to this day still hold a special place in my heart. A sencse of nostalgia of old art mixed with the wonders and magic of glass. I have a collection of about 20 Italian pieces. They are kept safe in a dark box. I really should have them out on display for me to enjoy.
I taught one class at Bead Expo in 2003. Boy was it a thrill to be a teacher at one of these bead expos. Unfortunately, life took a turn, and I had to pack all my glass, tools, worldly possessions, and dreams into boxes for several years. Life took a bumpy road and on that road I slept in my SUV with my dog, bike, and book bag. I wasn't homeless for long, but none the less, I didn't have a home.
After many years of my tools stored safely in storage, I have finally set up shop and ready to begin again. Starting fresh in a sense. This glass bead world is not the same as I left it nearly 7 years ago. There's a lot more out there. New tools, websites, information, and competition.
I consider myself 2nd generation American lampworker. The first generation was a group of artists that all took the same class essentially around the same time and became the first generation. I took classes from a few teachers from this group of artists, Loren Stump and Kim Osibin. So as their glass offspring, I would be 2nd generation. I have spawned a few myself. In fact, I will be teaching glass beadmaking in a few weekends at a local glass shop.

I don't teach my micromosaics any more. That is put on the back burner. I hope to save it for when I am active in that again and can teach at big expos again. I made the mistake of teaching privately in my home. She then went back home and is now teaching MY class. Of course, I don't get any of the credit. Hopefully soon, I can start my glass worldly adventures and add my micromosaic class into the mix.

Customizing my Display

2010-01-27T10:55:00.000-08:00

One major item I have noticed about jewelry display is the necklace displays and how boring they are. They either come in black, white, gray, or pink (if you accidentally order the wrong color). I had an idea to cover my neck boards with beautiful fabrics hoping that they would bring a sense of richness to my both. My mom had some nice fabrics as she likes to quilt, so I requested hues of flesh tones from beige, peach, burgundy, brown, etc. While I aimed to have solid colors, I did add a few floral prints and stripes. A few boards managed to find a swatch of eggplant too. One always needs a darker color to display a lighter necklace.
I love colors, and leaving my booth a bland color like gray or white was not an option. Perhaps a good one for some as it may simply display the jewelry better, but it's just too plain for me. So my table cloths and curtains are multiples of solid colors. Mostly jewel tones of amber, amethyst, gold, citrine, and jade. I painted some large, lightweight frames green and added fabric over some cardboard. One frame has a screen so visitors can still see into the booth. The frames are hung from the EZ Up so I have multiple levels of display so the shopper has more to see and I have more space to display.

It's Show Time.... I hope

2010-01-26T22:08:00.000-08:00

Well, my new year's resolution is to start doing shows. I'm trying to get my ducks in a row by trying to find shows, doing research, and I also bought a book titled The Art Festival Handbook. I also joined Art Fair Source Book, an online mecca for artists who want to sell at shows.
I've got a new white canopy, all the linens, displays, inventory, etc. Now I have a home studio, husband, job, and freedom to finally put some real effort into finally doing this.

Cigar boxes and their potential

2010-01-26T21:51:00.000-08:00

A few years ago my friend, Melody gave me some cigar boxes that her old boss had given her. I have kept my limited supply of enamels on the square one, some necklace components in another, and the third, well, I'd rather leave that one for your imagination.

I have been in love with them. They are so beautiful. I love the shapes, size, smell, all the different designs, and most of all their potential. My recent inspiration to get some more was a mixture of seeing them in the Bouncing Bead Shop, online, and at the Velvet Box's home(see older blog post).

I called a local cigar shop and got them dirt cheep. So I cleaned them up, and turned a few into display boxes complete with mirrors, and fabric on the bottom. Of course, that's not all I want to do with these boxes. I want to make purses, and bead display boxes too. I have some ideas for handles, but you'll have to wait and see.

Plant Angel

2010-01-26T21:35:00.000-08:00

You know when you put a valid effort into something, and in the end it still doesn't work out? Well, this is what happened to a Angel Goddess Bead I made recently. She cracked! Of course, not the best goddess I've ever made, but someone would have loved her.
I never throw out my beads. In fact, I still have the very first beads I made from my very first class back in 1996. At this point, I have a few big jars of beads that are either cracked, wonky, ugly, or don't belong on the table to sell. They remind me of how much I have improved on some of the techniques I was trying to master. They do however have their special spot in my glass display cabinet so they can easily be seen by friends and students.
A friend recently pulled some out for a project I was working on. How silly of me to be protective of them, "they are not to be sold" I said. "These are part of my history, and besides, they're crap". She thought they were beautiful, how nice.
Anyhow, I have an Angel placed in my suculent flower pot to grace my studio and watch me and my friends create. At least this one isn't going into the jar.

Skeleton Key meets glass

2010-01-26T21:23:00.000-08:00

It's nothing new to the glass world, but It's new to me. I bought some old skeleton keys so I can add my lampwork beads. I have always loved these keys. They are so artistic and come in so many shapes and sizes. I tend to lean on the side of preservation and keeping antique treasures in their original glory, so it was a tad unnerving to take these beautiful keys to the flame. Heck, if the bead doesn't look good, at least I can crack it off and start over with the key as good as new.

Visiting Ohio and The Velvet Box

2010-01-22T20:15:00.000-08:00

My Husband and I visited his family in Ohio for Christmas this year. It was nice to see my new family as we have only been married since August this year.

I have to admit, a major highlight was visiting Jennifer Pitts and her husband of The Velvet Box. They were very friendly and invited me to come over to their home to visit. I drug my Husband and his mother with me, and they were patient and actually appeared to be interested in seeing their beautiful studio and work. They were full of very useful information, and I ate it up. I am finally in a position in my life where I can start selling at shows, so I had a lot of questions for them from how they process credit cards, to how they set up their booth.

I anticipated the visit to be fairly quick, but it lasted a few hours. It's so fun to meet other lampwork artists, as we are kindred spirits who love the flame and glass. So thank you Jennifer for your time, knowledge, and friendship.

My Studio is wet

2010-01-18T18:21:00.000-08:00

My Husband helped me finish building a wall to cut off the elements to the patio. Unfortunately with this rain, we have found a leak in the roof and a big puddle on the studio floor. Nothing bad, but a bit annoying to add yet another thing to the list of things to do.

I'm lovin' my studio. It's the largest one I've had yet. I have three work benches. One bench has two glass bead making stations. The other two benches are for silversmithing, and other projects.

My friend Lloyd gave me his old kitchen cabinets, so I created a beautiful 8 foot counter top with storage. I have drawers and cupboards and a space to roll up a chair.

Only problem is, there is not heat or AC. So in the winter its chilly, and I fear that summer will be hot. Good thing I have a radiator and fans.

Teaching at Fusion Glass in La Mesa

2010-01-15T17:35:00.000-08:00

Wahoo! I've got two beginning glass beadmaking classes booked for the first weekend in February 2010.

My last class was at the Bouncing Bead, but they moved and can't fit me in the back room.

For more information about the class please visit:http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs083/1102292284921/archive/1102728856766.html

Getting Started.

2010-01-15T17:09:00.000-08:00

I'm usually at a loss for words, but recently I have found them. My concern about blogging was that I wouldn't have much to talk about or even if I'd want to post or find the time. We'll see how that goes.

I guess in the past couple years, I have had to be creative in responding to emails from another lifetime ago at a job. And recently I had my story published about my wedding. Even thought it was shortened, it was a sense of accomplishment to have something of mine published.

I have been synchronizing my accounts with facebook, youtube, and etsy so they can cross advertise and I can get noticed, and make a few bucks.

So why not start the blog thing too.