Evolving or Just Spinning Out of Control? Thursday, Oct 9 2008 

Hi you all! I know, quiet again am I. I can’t help it. When I become either overwhelmed with inspiration or depressed due to creative block, I almost always become withdrawn. When I’m on a roll and my progression is coming along swimmingly, I’m much more chatty and even almost organized. Right now, I’m obsessed with the new direction that I’d like to take with my glass work and that direction required a new torch. Last week I purchased a GTT Cheetah. I installed it over the weekend and have been getting to know it’s complex flame environment. Although the torch is hotter than my Mini CC, it still not hot enough thanks to my limited oxygen setup. I either need additional oxygen concentrator or a new oxygen source altogether. Woe is me. . . I suppose I’ll get there eventually.

First, I’ll talk about my new Dragonfly series. Funny, huh? Summer’s over. Shouldn’t I be doing Autumn leaves or Christmas trees? I suppose I should, but my muse has no sense of time or season. Hence this bead, “Early Snow”. I’m pretty sure that this dragonfly wouldn’t have wanted to come out from his hiding place to take a peak at the unexpected October snow storm. ;-)

Early Snow

Also, a couple of new urn shaped focals. . .
House of Vettii Urn

House of Vettii Urn

Garden Wishes

Garden Wishes Urn

I’ve also been working on blown glass pieces. They have been the biggest source of my frustration but the feeling is actually bitter-sweet. These made these two pieces into oil lamps. :-)

Hanging Dragonfly Oil Candle

Hanging Dragonfly Oil Candle

 

Classical Garden Oil Candle Lamp

Gazing Ball Oil Candle Lamp

The Gazing Ball lamp was a total pain in the A$$!!!! It was a good experience though. She stands a full 4.5″ tall and is the largest piece I’ve ever made. I’m keeping her, as my little trophy.

Here’s wishing you all a wonderful weekend!!!  

Bead sales? Friday, Oct 3 2008 

Good morning ya’ll! Today’s bead sale has been canceled. I don’t have any new beads to offer. I was a little behind in releasing the Classical Garden Tutorial. When I finally did get to my torch, I ended up testing glass for two days straight. Everything I made ended up dunked in jar but these two days were GOOD days because this is what it takes for me to learn new things. I’ve decided to take a few days off from the torch to reboot my head and do some desperately needed work around my badly neglected house and spend some time with my terribly neglected family.

I have decided to no longer use the preview gallery to announce what’s going to be for sale each week. I know some of you like this feature, but I have had a few complaints from those who do not. This is mainly an issue for those that live outside of the US. They can’t get the beads that they want since they are likely in dreamland when I list them. Going forward, I will be listing beads on my site as they become available. I will also be utilizing my mailing list when I have several new pieces of new work to offer. If you are on my mailing list, please don’t worry. . .You will only hear from me once per week at the most.

Happy weekend to you all and thank you for stopping in!