Rosa writes about life in Nashville and takes really nice pictures!You can read more about this year's event on our host site:
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
One World, One Heart Winner
We have a winner! Rosa has won my purple and blue heart:
Rosa writes about life in Nashville and takes really nice pictures!
You can read more about this year's event on our host site:
Rosa writes about life in Nashville and takes really nice pictures!You can read more about this year's event on our host site:
Monday, February 15, 2010
Meet the Fire Diva of the Month - Lauren Mazursky
Well, I had hoped to be telling you about the winner of the One World, One Heart Prize today but... I haven't heard from her. So...We improvise.
Our Fire Diva of February is Lauren May Mazursky of Maybeads. I wanted to share Lauren's answers to the 10 Things about Glass Interview with all of you.
What attracted you to glass?
I love the uniqueness of it. I like the fact that no two beads are exactly the same when it comes to artisan-made lampwork beads.
Many glass artists have training in other art mediums. Do you?
Um, none.
Describe the first bead you made that you were really proud of? Are you still proud of it now? (Please send a photo if you have one.)
The first bead I was really proud of was a penguin bead – my kids recognized it as a penguin! That has to be good!
What inspires you?
Cartoons. Animals. My kids come up with some wild ideas, which can be inspiring, or downright ridiculous. I like crazy colors, too.
Do you have a plan when you sit down to torch? Do you sketch beads or have photos around for reference?
No sketches, I can’t draw. Sometimes I have a list of beads I have to finish (if they’re custom beads) or I’d like to make (usually turtles and dogs). But I basically wing it if I’m just making beads to list in my shop.
Photography seems to be a key element for any glass artist. What type of camera / lightbox set up do you use?
I use my husband’s camera, which is a Canon 5D 100mm with a macro lens. We have a light box and there are three lights around it. One on either side and one in the back.
If the issue of finances (i.e. will it sell?) were of no consequence, what would you spend your time making?
Turtles and dogs.
What kind of jewelry do you wear? Everyday vs. out on the town?
I wear my wedding band, a watch and usually earrings. Sometimes I wear a necklace with a bead on it that I made, but not as much as I probably should.
What is the one skill you wish came easier to you?
Scrolling, or anything with stringers or twisties.
What do you love about marketing your business? What’s the hardest part of marketing it?
I actually enjoy marketing online. I’m not much of a salesperson in-person, but I enjoy writing, so I like to promote through my writing. I have a bead blog where I write about lampworking, and I love to promote my fellow fire divas. I love sharing a great find with other people.
All the Fire Divas would have to agree with that. Lauren is always cheering each of us on and promoting our work!
You can read Lauren's first interview HERE and her most recent one HERE. Please check the Fire Divas Blog on 2/22 for the last interview.
Our Fire Diva of February is Lauren May Mazursky of Maybeads. I wanted to share Lauren's answers to the 10 Things about Glass Interview with all of you.
What attracted you to glass?
I love the uniqueness of it. I like the fact that no two beads are exactly the same when it comes to artisan-made lampwork beads.
Many glass artists have training in other art mediums. Do you?
Um, none.
Describe the first bead you made that you were really proud of? Are you still proud of it now? (Please send a photo if you have one.)
The first bead I was really proud of was a penguin bead – my kids recognized it as a penguin! That has to be good!
What inspires you?
Cartoons. Animals. My kids come up with some wild ideas, which can be inspiring, or downright ridiculous. I like crazy colors, too.
Do you have a plan when you sit down to torch? Do you sketch beads or have photos around for reference?
No sketches, I can’t draw. Sometimes I have a list of beads I have to finish (if they’re custom beads) or I’d like to make (usually turtles and dogs). But I basically wing it if I’m just making beads to list in my shop.
Photography seems to be a key element for any glass artist. What type of camera / lightbox set up do you use?
I use my husband’s camera, which is a Canon 5D 100mm with a macro lens. We have a light box and there are three lights around it. One on either side and one in the back.
If the issue of finances (i.e. will it sell?) were of no consequence, what would you spend your time making?
Turtles and dogs.
What kind of jewelry do you wear? Everyday vs. out on the town?
I wear my wedding band, a watch and usually earrings. Sometimes I wear a necklace with a bead on it that I made, but not as much as I probably should.
What is the one skill you wish came easier to you?
Scrolling, or anything with stringers or twisties.
What do you love about marketing your business? What’s the hardest part of marketing it?
I actually enjoy marketing online. I’m not much of a salesperson in-person, but I enjoy writing, so I like to promote through my writing. I have a bead blog where I write about lampworking, and I love to promote my fellow fire divas. I love sharing a great find with other people.
| Lauren's Etsy | Lauren's Twitter | MayBeads Blog |
| Maybeads on Flickr | Maybead's Facebook Fan Page |
All the Fire Divas would have to agree with that. Lauren is always cheering each of us on and promoting our work!
You can read Lauren's first interview HERE and her most recent one HERE. Please check the Fire Divas Blog on 2/22 for the last interview.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Huge Team Sale on Etsy!!!
Come in!!! Let me entice you with chocolates!!! Stay a while won't you???
The Fire Divas are having a sale to celebrate our new team status on Etsy. That's right, the Divas have made it official and are now an Etsy TEAM!!! (Go Divas! Go Divas!)
Individual team members will be offering a variety of discounts or free shipping from their shops. Search "Fire Divas Sale" to find items on sale in participating shops from February 11- 17. After the sale, we hope you will continue to search "Fire Divas Team" for quality lampwork beads, jewelry and accessories.
Let's go shopping!
1. LA Jewelry Designs - 20% off all items in Etsy and ArtFire
2. Lutrick - 20% off all items in Etsy and ArtFire
3. Hollys Folly Glass - 20% all items in my Etsy shop
4. Tease Beads - 15% off all lampwork in her Etsy and artfire shops (artfire shop discount will be given as a refund)
5. Janel Dudley Beads - 15% off all items on Etsy, additional 10% off to returning customers
6. Something New 4 U - 20% off all items in her Etsy shop
7. Rivers Edge Glass - 15% off beads in her Etsy and ArtFire shops
8. Vedas Beads - 15% off in her Etsy shop (excluding squares)
9. MayBeads - Free Shipping on everything in her Etsy shop
10. Giapet - 20% off loose beads in her Etsy shop (jewelry,supplies not incl.)
11. Glasstastic Treasures - 15% off all items in her Etsy shop
12. Ema Kaye - 15% off all items in her Etsy shop
13. Dorset Hill Beads - Free shipping on everything in her Etsy shop
WHOOOO HOOOOO!!!! It's a rockin' SALE!!! LET'S GO SHOPPING!!!
The Fire Divas are having a sale to celebrate our new team status on Etsy. That's right, the Divas have made it official and are now an Etsy TEAM!!! (Go Divas! Go Divas!)
Individual team members will be offering a variety of discounts or free shipping from their shops. Search "Fire Divas Sale" to find items on sale in participating shops from February 11- 17. After the sale, we hope you will continue to search "Fire Divas Team" for quality lampwork beads, jewelry and accessories.
Let's go shopping!
1. LA Jewelry Designs - 20% off all items in Etsy and ArtFire
2. Lutrick - 20% off all items in Etsy and ArtFire
3. Hollys Folly Glass - 20% all items in my Etsy shop
4. Tease Beads - 15% off all lampwork in her Etsy and artfire shops (artfire shop discount will be given as a refund)
5. Janel Dudley Beads - 15% off all items on Etsy, additional 10% off to returning customers
6. Something New 4 U - 20% off all items in her Etsy shop
7. Rivers Edge Glass - 15% off beads in her Etsy and ArtFire shops
8. Vedas Beads - 15% off in her Etsy shop (excluding squares)
9. MayBeads - Free Shipping on everything in her Etsy shop
10. Giapet - 20% off loose beads in her Etsy shop (jewelry,supplies not incl.)
11. Glasstastic Treasures - 15% off all items in her Etsy shop
12. Ema Kaye - 15% off all items in her Etsy shop
13. Dorset Hill Beads - Free shipping on everything in her Etsy shop
WHOOOO HOOOOO!!!! It's a rockin' SALE!!! LET'S GO SHOPPING!!!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Winter Monet - Revolution in Progress
January's inspiration painting was cold, wintry scene called The Magpie by Claude Monet. I knew right away I would attempt one of those fantastic tree beads... but I wanted a cold, translucent feeling.
I made the bead and etched it. I found some of the new colored beading wires in shades of blue and some delicate blue opals. I had always wanted to try a design that allowed some of the beads to float and move around on the beading wire. I used crimps and crimp covers to act as "stops" for the opals. A Bali silver clasp and 10mm sterling balls balance out the design.
I wire wrapped the focal art bead in 18 gauge sterling with a rosette bottom.
This was also my entry into the January Challenge for the Fire Divas. I came in 2nd place. Congrats to Lauren of Maybeads on her first place win!
I made the bead and etched it. I found some of the new colored beading wires in shades of blue and some delicate blue opals. I had always wanted to try a design that allowed some of the beads to float and move around on the beading wire. I used crimps and crimp covers to act as "stops" for the opals. A Bali silver clasp and 10mm sterling balls balance out the design.
I wire wrapped the focal art bead in 18 gauge sterling with a rosette bottom.
This was also my entry into the January Challenge for the Fire Divas. I came in 2nd place. Congrats to Lauren of Maybeads on her first place win!
| As a special, limited time offer, I am going to place a check out button here on the blog for $30 dollars OFF the list price of this necklace, provided you check out through Revolution Money Exchange. This is the only free way for vendors like myself to receive money. Other online payment systems and credit card processors take a nice chunk of artisans hard earned money and this is my way of educating the public and other artisans about this fantastic service! So there are two buttons there: One for RME ($65.00) and one for PP at full retail (95.00)! Let's see what happens! | |
 |
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
More New Stuff
New on Holly's Folly: A Red White & Blue floral set - cause summer is right around the corner!
A silvered ivory / chalcedony combo with olive shaped beads and a heart focal this is just stunning in person!
A spring mini set:
And some Greek Easter eggs... cause, yes, it's time to start thinking of that too!
I also got one new focal listed. This is so pretty!!
A silvered ivory / chalcedony combo with olive shaped beads and a heart focal this is just stunning in person!
A spring mini set:
And some Greek Easter eggs... cause, yes, it's time to start thinking of that too!
I also got one new focal listed. This is so pretty!!
Monday, February 8, 2010
New Stuffs
Whew! I've been so busy working on custom projects for my students / upcoming classes and for my 25th reunion of my sorority, I have not listed anything new ALL YEAR! But I did get some beads up Friday!
New on Artfire:
First, My "playthings" series. I love playing with the beads I wear and these first two sets were made with that in mind! I include a friction clasp chain with these sets so they are ready to wear!
Pink Playthings Big Hole Bead Heart & Flower Set
Purple Playthings Mini Big Hole Bead set
The Rusted Key to My Heart
The Prince's Rose
Check back here tomorrow and I'll show off the new beads on the Folly site. Hoping to get some news ones up there today!
New on Artfire:
First, My "playthings" series. I love playing with the beads I wear and these first two sets were made with that in mind! I include a friction clasp chain with these sets so they are ready to wear!
Pink Playthings Big Hole Bead Heart & Flower Set
Purple Playthings Mini Big Hole Bead set
The Prince's Rose
Check back here tomorrow and I'll show off the new beads on the Folly site. Hoping to get some news ones up there today!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Seeds
Where does creativity begin? Where do the seeds of a new ideas grow from? I have students tell me all the time that they are not creative. And I'm pretty quick to tell them that's just not true. Creativity, like that seed in the garden, needs to be nurtured in order to grow.
Every artist I know sees the world a little bit differently...but really, isn't it just that they take the time to really SEE it???
I spent an hour this afternoon on the shores of the flooded creek near my house. I was absolutely fascinated by the fast moving water and how it would get ahead of itself causing up to 20 swells to grow two - three feet high before the water on top of those swells would actually start to flow backwards and then spill over and cause a wake out into the shallower parts. Once some of that water was released into the wake, all those swells would simply disappear.
I have no idea where that bit of knowledge and understanding will appear again. A painting? A bead? A short story? I'm not certain, but I know it will come out somewhere...
The truth is, we are all creative beings and the seeds of new ideas are born all the time, often subconsciously. You see a beautiful flower on a walk and you end up trying to sculpt it.
You realize that new bead you made is a dead ringer for the pattern on a pretty dress you saw last week.
Creativity is waiting for you to begin to take notice, pay attention, listen to your inner voice. It's waiting... for you.
Every artist I know sees the world a little bit differently...but really, isn't it just that they take the time to really SEE it???
I spent an hour this afternoon on the shores of the flooded creek near my house. I was absolutely fascinated by the fast moving water and how it would get ahead of itself causing up to 20 swells to grow two - three feet high before the water on top of those swells would actually start to flow backwards and then spill over and cause a wake out into the shallower parts. Once some of that water was released into the wake, all those swells would simply disappear.
I have no idea where that bit of knowledge and understanding will appear again. A painting? A bead? A short story? I'm not certain, but I know it will come out somewhere...
The truth is, we are all creative beings and the seeds of new ideas are born all the time, often subconsciously. You see a beautiful flower on a walk and you end up trying to sculpt it.
You realize that new bead you made is a dead ringer for the pattern on a pretty dress you saw last week.
Creativity is waiting for you to begin to take notice, pay attention, listen to your inner voice. It's waiting... for you.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
New Artfire Goodies
I got nothing today... I'm in the middle of unpacking from my big wire wrap extravaganza this past weekend and starting prep for my cookie classes this coming one....
But I did manage to get a few things up on Artfire:
You know how I love my silvered ivory!!!
And... I should mention also have up all the rubber stamp images designed for jewelry making. They have always been available on my rubber stamp site but I put them in both Artfire and Etsy for convenience. This is one of the sets of ladies for domino art:
I also have sets made for working with PMC... Thanks for L@@king!!!
But I did manage to get a few things up on Artfire:
You know how I love my silvered ivory!!!
And... I should mention also have up all the rubber stamp images designed for jewelry making. They have always been available on my rubber stamp site but I put them in both Artfire and Etsy for convenience. This is one of the sets of ladies for domino art:
I also have sets made for working with PMC... Thanks for L@@king!!!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Treasury Love
I found myself in THREE treasuries this week and thought I should share the love!
Katarzynna placed my Blue Gal heart in her Sensible treasury
Her shop is full of elegant treasures such as this organza roseball necklace /wristlet.
And with Valentine's fast approaching, my Whole Lotta Love Big Hole Pair is featured in TWO treasuries!!! Maybe they will find a home!!!
My friend Janel Dudley placed them in the most awesome treasury of fellow Fire Divas called Hearts of Glass! Aren't all these gals so talented???!!!??
Janel makes glorious cased silver wonders in her bead shop! This dots and swirls necklace is stunning!
The other treasury featuring my Whole Lotta Love Duo is this Valentine Hearts by Nikifashion
Nikifashion has all kinds of unique knitted goodies in her shop! I love this wool lace shawl!
Check out all these treasuries before they are gone (in a day or two)! And be sure to visit the shops of these fantastic artisans!
Katarzynna placed my Blue Gal heart in her Sensible treasury
Her shop is full of elegant treasures such as this organza roseball necklace /wristlet.
And with Valentine's fast approaching, my Whole Lotta Love Big Hole Pair is featured in TWO treasuries!!! Maybe they will find a home!!!
My friend Janel Dudley placed them in the most awesome treasury of fellow Fire Divas called Hearts of Glass! Aren't all these gals so talented???!!!??
Janel makes glorious cased silver wonders in her bead shop! This dots and swirls necklace is stunning!
The other treasury featuring my Whole Lotta Love Duo is this Valentine Hearts by Nikifashion
Nikifashion has all kinds of unique knitted goodies in her shop! I love this wool lace shawl!
Check out all these treasuries before they are gone (in a day or two)! And be sure to visit the shops of these fantastic artisans!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Fire Divas January Challenge
In honor of the blue moons this month, The Fire Divas are holding a January Blues Challenge! You can see big pictures of the entries below, then vote for your favorite on the Fire Diva Blog! The voting will be open for one week, and will end on February 7. Please go vote!
Entry #1
Entry #2
Entry #3
Entry #4
Entry #5
Entry #6
1527:38
Entry #1
Entry #2
Entry #3
Entry #4
Entry #5
Entry #6
1527:38
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