Glass Class

I had the pleasure of teaching beginning glass bead making to three delightful ladies today, all friends of one another.  So the ice was already broken upon arrival. 

We played with colored glass and fire for several hours, then a break for lunch and some delicious homemade chocolate cookies from Jane!  They had a lil bite to 'em ~ (secret ingredient was cayenne) ~ just yummy!

Oops! She accidentally left the container behind today, and here's what's left after my dinner.

 Since I won't see Jane til next Saturday, reckon I'll have to help her out to prevent stalage (that's a word, ain't it?) Mmm...just one more...

So back to the torch ~ 

They were thrilled at getting to create with molten glass.  

I have to say, all three were quick studies.

 

Jane loved making larger beads.

Great concentration! 

And here's Chris, so proud of her dots...she got it!

WTG Chris!

(Sorry about the blur...I had a hot bead in my other hand)

 Just look at some of their trophies!

A little red heart!

 

I always meet the nicest people in my classes, and these three were so much fun to be with.  I think I've made friends for life!

If you're interested in taking a class, just give me a shout in the comments.

Or click to email me here

 
With gratitude to my DH in help setting up (no he wasn't dressed like this ;-)

and appreciation to Ellen and Art Exposure Gallery and studios.

Turtles

(Want to visit the Bead Soup Blog Party hop?)

Click here

Probably the most popular/requested glass bead creature that I make is the sea turtle (frogs are a close second).

At least two factors multiplied result in the product:

1) I am situated on the coast

2) Topsail Island's Sea Turtle Hospital is located nearby.

 Photo from seaturtlehospital.org

Now in their 15th year, many volunteers dedicate their time and talents to watching and protecting nests, and caring for injured sea turtles.

My first encounter with a real live sea turtle occurred right there on Topsail Island when I was a small girl on vacation.  A huge mother turtle had come to shore to lay her eggs, and I recall seeing the grownups trying to force her back out to sea.

It seems they (mistakenly) thought she had lost her mind or sense of direction, as they pushed on the huge marine reptile, the poor thing.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Among the turtles I create the design I try to emulate is the Loggerhead class.  I'm more fond of the ones that look more natural in color with earth tones.

But...I've had requests for turquoise turtles, 

emerald turtles,

and even pink ones!
(absent on photo day)

Think I'll head out to the torch soon...
time for some glass therapy.

And tomorrow, I'll be teaching others
how to make glass beads.  Good times!

.

REVEAL! Bead Soup Blog... PartyOn!

I had a wonderful time with my first bead soup exchange!  I humbly admit it was a challenge for me using components out of my level of confidence.  Just call me "Simple Simon"...I can do elaborate in glass, but not for complex jewelry design.

A reminder of my ingredients from Kitty

As I placed the first bead cap on a bead (my usual way below the bead), it suddenly occurred to me that fall is almost here and our massive oak reminded me also:

Acorns!

I decided to feature Kitty's resin pendant by surrounding it with acorns, and even had enough to make earrings, accented with
Kitty's handmade tags.

Notice the lovely detail on the clasp.

The Full View

Such a big pot of soup had enough for 2!

Zoom

And even a 3rd set!

Handmade Pendant

As you've seen, the soup ingredients yielded 3 full recipes!
Here's the leftovers:

And they WILL get consumed!

 At any rate, I am absolutely delighted with ALL of the results!  I just hope my partner, Kitty, agrees ;-) and I'd like to thank her again for sending such a delicious soup!

 Go here to view the reveal of the soup I sent to

My partner, Kitty,

Have fun at the Party!

(clickable)PARNTER LIST AND BLOG LINKS

Check it out! The participants are from ALL over the globe.

Click the map to view full screen.

 (Map courtesy of our hostess, Lori Anderson)

Uh-oh...

...what am I getting myself into...

You may remember that I have several previous blog posts about quilts and quilting.  In one of them I mentioned how I've wanted to learn the craft some day.  Well...

THAT DAY IS HERE!

 And --- I've started a NEW separate blog:

THE QUILTING POST

to keep my hobbies distinct and to keep up with the quilt progress over there, so please visit often!

 I'd love for you to follow me there!

(click the machine to go!)

The Reveal....Soon!

The Bead Soup Blog Party will be culminating this weekend!  By this Saturday, September 17th, everyone will have their amazing handiwork for show and tell, and will be blog hopping, enjoying a reveal of all the beautiful creations for days to come.  Over 360 participants!!!

I'd better finish up my project & get to snapping photos!

Meanwhile, here's another photo of the soup ingredients I'm working on:

Thanks to my partner - Kitty!  'S gonna be fab!

In Remembrance

 

 In remembrance.