tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-252756812024-03-07T17:53:29.611-05:00Fire-n-Sand Glass Art: The Journey<i>Glass... lightning's footprints in the sand.</i>Karen Klomparens, Glass Addict and Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883195327397226461noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25275681.post-21429235843895573432012-11-27T02:20:00.000-05:002012-11-27T02:20:09.182-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/giapet" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="52" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8Ym5VkO1QO2gJF8J7-IseCjkgkTdqKExHgzDto_QqEj9XHhpLnPx6xOJ5WZqSYkoqVLwKOjKZDGc1g12R6YKgG5jiU0aLSqIimQIY3GWQXRVHWvoeyMea_Egu2Cj8t2A6Og/s400/bannercyber.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I'm a bit late in posting this to my blog. Been busy (obsessed with really) sewing doll clothes for Christmas presents. Offering a whopping 50% off in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/giapet">esty shop</a> for at least a few more days. You'll get a great deal on American handmade glass art either as a gift or for your own jewelry designs. Make sure you use the coupon code "CYBERMONDAY" during checkout to apply the discount. My shop is here, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/giapet">http://www.etsy.com/shop/giapet</a> <br />
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Also should mention the sign-up for the newsletter is broken at the moment. Didn't realize it till I tried to use my mailing list the other night. They made some changes in the software and it won't work till I work on re-configuring it. Karen Klomparens, Glass Addict and Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883195327397226461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25275681.post-38715113023521526722011-11-17T11:06:00.010-05:002011-11-17T11:35:05.209-05:00Exploring Handmade ~ Holiday Shopping Event<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lq8OBEex-Oo/TsNlS37IIbI/AAAAAAAAAKs/_FFfoCbjx1s/s320/exploring-handmade-graphic-welcome-to-day-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lq8OBEex-Oo/TsNlS37IIbI/AAAAAAAAAKs/_FFfoCbjx1s/s320/exploring-handmade-graphic-welcome-to-day-1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Recently I was invited by Debi of <a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);" href="http://www.designs-by-debi.com/">Designs by Debi</a> to be a featured lampwork artist in her "Exploring Handmade" Holiday Event. Debi is a wonderful jewelry designer who loves to use handmade artisan glass beads in her creations. The following is directly off her blog explaining what this event is all about.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Exploring Handmade Online Holiday Shopping Event!! </div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" align="LEFT"><span style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" align="LEFT"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Are you ready to Occupy Wall Street (from the comfort of your home in your slippers)?</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" align="LEFT"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Are you ready to send a BOLD message to Congress, Corporate America and the 99%?</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" align="LEFT"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Are you ready to support Artisans and Small Businesses to send that message?</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" align="LEFT"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Excellent!!</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" align="LEFT"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So I guess that means you're also ready to find some really great gifts for yourself and your loved ones, huh?</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" align="LEFT"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Alright then let's go....</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" align="LEFT"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm very happy to see you here and hope you'll enjoy following along this 13 day event. I didn't have time to put out all my fancy decorations so please excuse the accommodations... I've been spending my time searching for handcrafts and artisans to introduce you to ;) Every day I'll show you a handcraft or two and some of the artisans that lovingly create items using that particular craft. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" align="LEFT"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" align="LEFT"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">There are soooooo many benefits to buying handcrafted items direct from the artisans who make them. I discuss them in an article I wrote called</span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">"</span><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);" href="http://www.designs-by-debi.com/why-buy-handmade-jewelry.html">Why Buy Handmade Jewelry</a><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">"</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> ...... it ended up being about a whole lot more than jewelry ;) Artisans care about you and give a special touch to your items. We also give you custom one-on-one service and many ways to work with us. You'll notice most artisans are on facebook and twitter... we want to talk to you and share with you. Come join the fun and we'll show you just how amazing personalized service can be! </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" align="LEFT"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" align="LEFT"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We're all pinching pennies and gift-giving budgets for sure aren't what they used to be. But the people you'll meet during this event make gorgeous things... truly special things... things that, even if they are the only gift you give or receive, will fill your holiday with meaning and love.... from our homes to yours.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" align="LEFT"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" align="LEFT"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So, take advantage of this opportunity... Do your shopping for your loved ones AND don't forget to use the Amazon Universal Wish List to help your loved ones shop for you! If you're not familiar with it, please read my previous post so you can use this useful tool.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" align="LEFT"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" align="LEFT"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'd appreciate it if you would share this event with your family, friends and fans so they can enjoy it too :)</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" align="LEFT"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" align="LEFT"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I wish you all a Happy, Healthy, Prosperous Holiday Season!</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" align="LEFT"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" align="LEFT"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thank you for coming by! </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" align="LEFT"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" align="LEFT"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thank you to everyone who is taking part in and promoting this event!</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" align="LEFT"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" align="LEFT"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">♥ Debi</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">***************</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Thanks so much for supporting handmade during this Holiday season! Please follow Debi's 13 day shopping event on </span><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);" href="http://blog.designs-by-debi.com/2011/11/exploring-handmade-holiday-shopping_16.html">her blog.</a><br /><br /><br /></span></div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lq8OBEex-Oo/TsNlS37IIbI/AAAAAAAAAKs/_FFfoCbjx1s/s320/exploring-handmade-graphic-welcome-to-day-1.jpg"></a>Karen Klomparens, Glass Addict and Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883195327397226461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25275681.post-19519915045433716402011-11-15T20:13:00.010-05:002011-11-15T21:01:17.035-05:00Tis The Season Diva ChallengeThe Fire Divas are doing a Holiday Season Challenge! Take a look at these beauties! Please cast your vote in the poll on the right side of the <a href="http://firedivas.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Fire Divas Blog</a> The poll closes at midnight on Sunday, November 20th. Make sure to leave your comment below after you vote-the winning comment (randomly chosen) will win a 20% off coupon to <a href="http://www.artfire.com/users/BabsBeadsandDesign" target="_blank">Susanne's ArtFire Shop</a>!<br /><br />Entry 1<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhcUr7KGTKJv7oDskC5pZJmUVQxySqf0AO2g1aWwyu9iMGYam5t9-dzVmKAHlfX5M7LzMSSA9jcq22bbZnlCrKJQm7w8YOFqIKyWJPybjU1Fx5WoW4Xq59XjSgZwZ-cUERrY/s1600/Entry1_thumb%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhcUr7KGTKJv7oDskC5pZJmUVQxySqf0AO2g1aWwyu9iMGYam5t9-dzVmKAHlfX5M7LzMSSA9jcq22bbZnlCrKJQm7w8YOFqIKyWJPybjU1Fx5WoW4Xq59XjSgZwZ-cUERrY/s320/Entry1_thumb%255B1%255D.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675403724691427778" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Entry 2<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXqraaK-sBFL0ED9nArHBx1AJUTHroE3YmCUvx-SwjDqUpRXYcsNRM_TBI9dqx3Qk6iru_3Z-2zaOQ4cgguoNhmftvBbcBX-OTP16dMnIKJ8lcD5R-fJRBeLLqKUfR3r0AcW8/s1600/Entry2_thumb%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXqraaK-sBFL0ED9nArHBx1AJUTHroE3YmCUvx-SwjDqUpRXYcsNRM_TBI9dqx3Qk6iru_3Z-2zaOQ4cgguoNhmftvBbcBX-OTP16dMnIKJ8lcD5R-fJRBeLLqKUfR3r0AcW8/s320/Entry2_thumb%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675407049201967570" /></a><br /><br />Entry 3<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJdVTAVa0NOi0wZNycfqH3lNt6W00v41sOvFlI3JCpu7nqAJ4V9mh5e9fOXfWulhVkMaiTtxUpk_65wVase100HeI-yeuOAj43efs7fpttJUPTBTmSN4Uz_TQnw86I0BFexE/s1600/Entry3_thumb%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJdVTAVa0NOi0wZNycfqH3lNt6W00v41sOvFlI3JCpu7nqAJ4V9mh5e9fOXfWulhVkMaiTtxUpk_65wVase100HeI-yeuOAj43efs7fpttJUPTBTmSN4Uz_TQnw86I0BFexE/s320/Entry3_thumb%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675407347027174914" /></a><br /><br />Entry 4<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudaEsK78UotNF2SP5kxFQOZjks5qX81j3sD91yMSEjP8PdhFr1BTX2kimua0fhWVHwzLsQZykliBtgR8-C6UjUInOs6EtOF9a-R6SrpkG-YLp-mpxNl4O_RNm0glvq1gjDnI/s1600/Entry4_thumb%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudaEsK78UotNF2SP5kxFQOZjks5qX81j3sD91yMSEjP8PdhFr1BTX2kimua0fhWVHwzLsQZykliBtgR8-C6UjUInOs6EtOF9a-R6SrpkG-YLp-mpxNl4O_RNm0glvq1gjDnI/s320/Entry4_thumb%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675404066419426562" /></a><br /><br />Entry 5<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixFrMVZbauDVD2Qm7Qdmr7Yqngs0D7oWeLvM2sMqDgLRiQPUMs1yTdR962DB_AJkHmxCQ2UxVxr8HHpmK5GT7IHH5YqdvEvUzJHveqqy8GpNKhsKzxGxbQ6v5i-Y3pDTONta0/s1600/Entry5_thumb%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixFrMVZbauDVD2Qm7Qdmr7Yqngs0D7oWeLvM2sMqDgLRiQPUMs1yTdR962DB_AJkHmxCQ2UxVxr8HHpmK5GT7IHH5YqdvEvUzJHveqqy8GpNKhsKzxGxbQ6v5i-Y3pDTONta0/s320/Entry5_thumb%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675404215516113442" /></a><br /><br />Entry 6<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-q79yoYKs-aRYfnap5MWiaKKOTdMXC-FzyY294WPwaX5IJ-hBe0IbBsI-3e2bxyIXi3cSjlSEa_AVAjaulikmX0lMUNVmr35xKr230G6_ir9kAVjsAKwUzgMKTKW9qRuNhMQ/s1600/Entry6_thumb%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-q79yoYKs-aRYfnap5MWiaKKOTdMXC-FzyY294WPwaX5IJ-hBe0IbBsI-3e2bxyIXi3cSjlSEa_AVAjaulikmX0lMUNVmr35xKr230G6_ir9kAVjsAKwUzgMKTKW9qRuNhMQ/s320/Entry6_thumb%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675404353829516290" /></a>Karen Klomparens, Glass Addict and Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883195327397226461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25275681.post-84421241145920934422011-07-17T06:07:00.004-04:002011-07-17T07:23:05.439-04:00Sizzling HOT Summer Sale! 40% OffIt's time for a hot sale! I've been so busy with warm weather projects that I haven't been at my torch as often as I'd like so to boost some sales I'm doing the biggest discount ever!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">40% Off</span><br /><br />Use this coupon code at checkout. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"> </span>" <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >SIZZLINGHOTSALE</span> "<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8tDm-0JPpW2BcChzDIKF8aj7cu4UAkKh8-y8CexphmhIBgyD3pmzNrok7AGvaXypXmRG1TdHX2zEWv3FYm-tjTx7VsqncnAqpsAMr7OT0Llsz8ww3L1xXN6kS1381jHXDNEk/s1600/2301b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8tDm-0JPpW2BcChzDIKF8aj7cu4UAkKh8-y8CexphmhIBgyD3pmzNrok7AGvaXypXmRG1TdHX2zEWv3FYm-tjTx7VsqncnAqpsAMr7OT0Llsz8ww3L1xXN6kS1381jHXDNEk/s400/2301b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630261357770259202" border="0" /></a><br />Great time to pick up new beads for your fall and Christmas season shows! The sale will end on Thursday the 21st.<br /><br />Are you following me on Facebook? Here's the link, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fire-n-Sand-Glass-Art/163583837011756">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fire-n-Sand-Glass-Art/163583837011756</a>. Hope to see you there!<br /><br />That's about it for now. Worked a night shift last night and going kayaking with my glass buds in a few hours, I really need to catch a nap.Karen Klomparens, Glass Addict and Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883195327397226461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25275681.post-15805658670412313432011-05-28T10:43:00.004-04:002011-05-28T10:58:08.780-04:00Auction for the BOC, Beads of Courage<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120729829860"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 309px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnO8MQriF5bqUHDSItFZg71VB-y-2mJ1OlMdfpy4spKaokS8oh303zHzb_XoYXRWejP7_WNOP19QD9ALp1VegI6TlyUsfwTPm9c1cO0CZH000323XiwEQOKePSnBfM_gj1_I/s400/BOC2011-01%2528w%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611778359561058162" border="0" /></a>This ebay auction features a collection of beads made by the Fire Divas team I belong to. We also made a duplicate set that has been set directly to the Beads of Courage Program to be distributed to the kids. <br /><br />The proceeds of this auction will be donated too so we're all hoping that it gets many bids. Most of these beads can used as focals in designs. Please click on the picture and take a look. The winner will also have the option to donate the beads to the kids in the program and we'll even mail them for the winner if they choose that option. Great opportunity to "Pay it forward!"Karen Klomparens, Glass Addict and Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883195327397226461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25275681.post-25588347320139403942011-03-26T16:44:00.003-04:002011-03-26T17:20:12.246-04:00Beads of Courage Program<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.beadsofcourage.org/pages/about.htm"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 351px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_uBZXrg4M6ZDRCPvImkRMSXXcHIa5t-zTv1xluseSsl4zKa4lPIoe4z-FOdecxODNAkF63IBcR28WGI3njX_zjwxQCtFqfNBB7_4drNDO6zZdOGz4IZCnr5tfFUv9M-mb6k4/s400/boc02.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588494753479065554" border="0" /></a>Beads of Courage provides Arts-in-Medicine for children with serious illness.<br />This is a picture of some of the beads I've been making for the Beads of Courage program. This wonderful program was started by nurse Jean Baruch in 2005 and has spread to 60 hospitals. <br /><br />I've linked the picture to their about page so you can read more about what they do for the kids and families who are going through so much. They even have a Beads in Space program where beads are selected to ride the space shuttle and then return to earth and the BOC. How cool is that!<br /><br />Many artists also donate their work for auctions and web sales with the money going directly to this cause. The artist site can be found here <a href="http://www.artistsgive.com/">http://www.artistsgive.com/</a><br /><br />The Fire Divas, an Etsy Team I belong to is having a sale for the next week. There are 16 of us participating with varying discounts and coupon codes to apply them. You can read more about it and see the list of shops on the <a href="http://firedivas.blogspot.com/">Fire Divas Blog.</a><br /><br />Gotta run and get ready for work. Next up here is another freebie drawing as soon I make a piece for it. Get on the mailing list (right hand column) to be entered for a chance to win!<br /><br />Until then, Think Spring!Karen Klomparens, Glass Addict and Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883195327397226461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25275681.post-7466176635302598142011-03-24T13:40:00.006-04:002011-03-24T13:58:58.885-04:00Customer Appreciation Sale!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qnNsyX9G2D9ozOsV296R671CN8NBKvxjvOyyTltbzTddk5HtToydgx-4m2Rmt_l2LHLoeolTjoMo3hP6MAmyOLdjK9o8Xff9o_YMm-7k9fRO8jWhG7dwTcbkfWNKqFEvmNY/s1600/thxflame.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qnNsyX9G2D9ozOsV296R671CN8NBKvxjvOyyTltbzTddk5HtToydgx-4m2Rmt_l2LHLoeolTjoMo3hP6MAmyOLdjK9o8Xff9o_YMm-7k9fRO8jWhG7dwTcbkfWNKqFEvmNY/s400/thxflame.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587703261355156674" border="0" /></a>Having a 20% Off Sale to say "Thanks" to all of you who have made it possible for me to continue to work with glass all these years. I appreciate you as a customer and will continue to treat both you and your information with the utmost respect.<br /><br />Now for the sale info. You'll need to use the coupon code 20PERCENTOFF during checkout and the 20% off should be applied to the cart. The code is good in both my <a href="http://giapet.etsy.com/">Etsy</a> and <a href="http://www.artfire.com/users/Fire-n-Sand">Artfire</a> shops. The sale runs now through Sunday night, April 3rd. If you do happen to run into issues on either site please contact me and we'll figure it out.<br /><br />Here's a couple new items from me.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70604782/budding-tulips-etched-bead-set-fire-n"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 351px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-iOpZg1Xcc2uvNHSHcDVnassvonRHvkbkzcweegSHa66X46rlUQ3uyM3jAGbosimo1H0wEDAwxfvw-_bRAQuRzIGWLES5TmXBT1wq5VDF6H5_EDgImBsXbYzBmVnSjg1mrY/s400/2246.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587705802232390834" border="0" /></a>Budding Tulips<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70580669/black-white-gray-ribbed-bead-set-fire-n"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 351px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiflkvt1mk-dxxSPzc3RagFYMNP8ZvINDRJEyDBSYS2dSR7bAG5tBNJrFS8mvGWbYMyytVZla8R4M6LODeufT5OXe5VeX1wZ6jc3CW7tGopmhqQYRJpRRI1qLe3CD3G-Zq_xME/s400/2239.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587706590093819858" border="0" /></a>Classic Ribbed Rounds<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">That's it for now, I have more beads to make!<br /></div></div>Karen Klomparens, Glass Addict and Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883195327397226461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25275681.post-19501303345318607792011-01-15T20:00:00.005-05:002011-01-15T20:44:39.075-05:00Cabin Fever & the Winter Blues<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fire-n-Sand-Glass-Art/163583837011756?ref=sgm"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxV84iK2Y3VNLsFPSUivhPsV8u2vfpl36IQZ-JHbP0BXkMd5OwyEmTcx0qTht2H-Qefzsh4-V0LB8g4ygiQmxY5VACpw4AKp_EMHxTC1gZZzaM-ou_w8VpkMmvZgPxlJs7kU/s400/163649_1772011470140_1534870580_1836460_3191683_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562583899138807314" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It's here. I'm restless<br /><br />Cabin Fever has set in a little earlier this year (seems to that every year now)<br />The older I get the less I like the cold weather and snow. There are days I don't notice whats going on outside because I never look outside, how sad it that? Do love a good snowstorm though and we have plenty of them living close to one of the Great Lakes. The promise of spring emerging in just a few short weeks (keep telling myself) helps me keep the faith, lol.<br /><br />The iced Chapel Hill shoreline picture above is a photo sent to me via email with a bunch of other beautiful shots from MI. I'll be posting them on this blog over the next several weeks until spring catches my attention. I don't know who originally took the photos, if I find out credit will be given to them.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/65884778/blown-glass-vessel-blizzard-by-fire-n"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 351px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVt6Nkik7BAnMc0D7GKYPUiYkZ5tMvmRzWcEcSgBUVygGMiZeDjQOqquzVH2KYbLghf_IuEL-p8MBP1gDIcSYM66HauU5-2ssloq7Junn1-noDodAXitxpjyR7G6yS9JrIw7A/s400/il_570xN.208076966.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562583218305856386" border="0" /></a><br /><br />In the meantime my 20% Off Winter Sale is still active until Tuesday Midnight. Use code WINTER2011 during checkout in either of my shops, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/giapet">etsy</a> and <a href="http://www.artfire.com/users/Fire-n-Sand">artfire</a><br /><br />THINK SPRING!Karen Klomparens, Glass Addict and Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883195327397226461noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25275681.post-47487567568019704752011-01-07T10:02:00.005-05:002011-01-07T10:41:17.133-05:00Winter 20% Off Sale<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/giapet?section_id=5483993"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 372px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLGD_uK0Y30tLTz8v-8YNzysGzKrxF6Q-UtdRHcz4RVE-yMtopNoGCOtzR4kOzkhiN0fJG8FDi3RUGbvNIRKu-El8I0fPfZzikD1KGrgr-tbKYBWm-7XjUGsyxg8GPZoHepgs/s400/1837.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559460786334246546" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Having a Winter 20% Off Sale! For the next week or so I'm having this sale in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/giapet">Etsy Shop</a> to raise money for taxes. Etsy has a cool coupon feature now so you'll have to enter the code WINTER2011 at checkout for the discount to apply. No more waiting for refunds from paypal!<br /><br />I'm going to run the same sale and same code to my <a href="http://www.artfire.com/users/Fire-n-Sand">Artfire Shop</a> too! I've added a few new things there and hope to add many more in the next week.<br /><br />Edited to add...<br />Artfire is doing unscheduled maintenance right now, I won't be able to add the code there till later today.Karen Klomparens, Glass Addict and Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883195327397226461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25275681.post-14274124027479983622011-01-02T11:29:00.006-05:002011-01-02T12:02:13.287-05:00Cleaning Beads<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2695227"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 372px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGwdW3hCbiJ2F23ofnT0-zbOuuNbhoeGEnJ21Gb4aJBM5JATnBUUhkeEOpw51GlGwCDVJ3h_CsE_Qge0oeRXG_tSr0isypBxCfQaOWppBw6CueoBLHxw4AixlvV5L1midMHY/s400/bit02.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557627607300589138" border="0" /></a><br />When you're a bead artist one of most dreaded chores you have to do is clean your beads, often dozens of them at a time. Ask most bead makers and they'll say this is the chore they like doing the least. This and dipping mandrels.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2695227"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 372px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrN5EcmYWafJgjAOLpDnQ9eu6fA1i3kFkFzD3dR4FC20UmDmP0S2C_awFtyIVK6Ute4id7dTgaoJZyKWYH6lh8gBwfLQ0KN4GPzsfSVX1zU0V-DZJ_Ry66vlX3aCjsk7dpLQ/s400/bit01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557627471302171058" border="0" /></a><br />Recently I saw a post on <a href="http://www.lampworketc.com/">LE </a>(Lampwork Etc., the best lampwork forum there is) about cleaning out big hole beads, specifically pandora style ones made on a 3/16 mandrel.<br /><br />I had completely forgot that I have a large stash of diamond coated bits just the right size for pandora and other euro style beads. When adding a sterling silver core to these beads you need a 5mm hole for the tubing. The bits I use are 5mm and have a pointed end which helps to center the bit when cleaning.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2695227"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 372px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVEq1MW2xsvymuuUPfxCpcsAoWEVFGm8LNnCFZ6x9iF_XWT9IUMHyltCCN5MdDuKoOnu1EO7JhT-HcgAS6Dm8rkl7DpCuqr4FRckRPsprjZlQx32tTPsimWSU6AnCETBMkU4/s400/bit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557626946521494498" border="0" /></a><br />I also use these for cleaning vessels and dread beads since they work much faster covering a larger area than the small bits. If you haven't tried these I encourage you to do so, at $3 they won't break the bank and you'll have those bracelets beads ready to core in no time. These are in both my <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2695227">Artfire</a> and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/65116879/diamond-bead-reamer-bit-for-silver-cored">Etsy</a> shops.Karen Klomparens, Glass Addict and Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883195327397226461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25275681.post-45829428970265016212010-11-26T10:21:00.007-05:002010-11-27T00:52:45.515-05:00Black Friday/Cyber Monday ... and Tuesday!Running late as usual, seems to be a theme with me lately. Couldn't drag myself to the computer after eating turkey yesterday to post my Thanksgiving weekend sale so here it is.<br /><br />10% off in both my shops.<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/giapet">Etsy Shop</a><br />Please use this coupon code at checkout, BLOG2010THX<br />Yes, Etsy has the coupon feature now!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.artfire.com/users/Fire-n-Sand">Artfire Shop</a><br />Please use this coupon code at checkout, BLOG2010THX<br /><br />Giveaway Item<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgc-QEE5spZ0cWR9W1Nx8mC-e-ecjTtHHXq2AUkCFZSKVwGkdqL2lyd1trJG7KkduWU0TnD3PaYOovBq4ktXkWfUgeddTQPbcsMeMahhS64DxNzIqq3gYOTwegDuOWvYUYVc/s1600/2159.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 351px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgc-QEE5spZ0cWR9W1Nx8mC-e-ecjTtHHXq2AUkCFZSKVwGkdqL2lyd1trJG7KkduWU0TnD3PaYOovBq4ktXkWfUgeddTQPbcsMeMahhS64DxNzIqq3gYOTwegDuOWvYUYVc/s400/2159.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543882110515506850" border="0" /></a><br />And since the Fire Divas just did a breast cancer research promotion I thought it would be nice to do a pink heart for the giveaway. Everyone on my mailing list has a chance to win this beauty! Sign up in the right column of this blog...there's still time. A winner will be chosen next week after the sale is over.<br /><br />Here's the list of Fire Divas current sales too.<br /><br />Karen - Friday - Tuesday, 10% off in both shops, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/giapet">http://www.etsy.com/shop/giapet</a> and <a href="http://www.artfire.com/users/Fire-n-Sand">http://www.artfire.com/users/Fire-n-Sand</a><br /><br />Holly - 20% off my shop <a href="http://hollysfolly.com/">http://Hollysfolly.com</a> or Artfire shop <a href="http://www.artfire.com/users/HollysFollyGlass">http://www.artfire.com/users/HollysFollyGlass</a> or my Etsy <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HollysFollyGlass">http://www.etsy.com/shop/HollysFollyGlass</a> - use coupon code THANKFUL upon check out. Addition savings for fans.<br /><br />Lori - 10% off my Etsy <a href="http://www.ashlyndesign.etsy.com/">http://www.ashlyndesign.etsy.com/</a> and ArtFire <a href="http://www.artfire.com/users/AshlynDesign">http://www.artfire.com/users/AshlynDesign</a> shops from Friday to Monday<br /><br />Kathleen -10% off <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/UglyDucklingBeads">http://www.etsy.com/shop/UglyDucklingBeads</a><br /><br />Sonja-10% off <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SilverRiverGlassWork">http://www.etsy.com/shop/SilverRiverGlassWork</a> and <a href="http://www.artfire.com/users/SilverRiverGlassWorks">http://www.artfire.com/users/SilverRiverGlassWorks</a><br /><br />Lara - 10% off at Artfire and Etsy + free shipping<br /><a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&seller_id=22129">http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&seller_id=22129</a><br />and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Lutrick">http://www.etsy.com/shop/Lutrick</a><br /><br />Janel 20% off at Etsy from Friday to Monday <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/JanelDudleyBeads">http://www.etsy.com/shop/JanelDudleyBeads</a><br /><br />Patrice - 20% off my ArtFire shop: <a href="http://www.artfire.com/users/shepherdcreations">http://www.artfire.com/users/shepherdcreations</a> : Use coupon "FIREDIVASTHANKSGIVING2010"<br /><br />Barb - 15% off on my AF shop from Friday-monday <a href="http://www.artfire.com/users/riversedgeglass">http://www.artfire.com/users/riversedgeglass</a><br /><br />Melanie - 20% off on ArtFire <a href="http://arensea.artfire.com/">http://arensea.artfire.com/</a> or Etsy <a href="http://arensea.etsy.com/">http://arensea.etsy.com/</a><br /><br />Amy 20% off on ArtFire shop coupon code TURKEY: <a href="http://www.artfire.com/users/AmySimsDesigns">http://www.artfire.com/users/AmySimsDesigns<br /></a><br /><br />Theresa - Free shipping on all items in my Artfire shop until Monday:<a href="http://www.artfire.com/users/teasebeads">http://www.artfire.com/users/teasebeads</a><br /><br />Lea - 20% off my Artfire <a href="http://www.artfire.com/users/LAJewelryDesigns">http://www.artfire.com/users/LAJewelryDesigns</a> and Etsy <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LAJewelryDesigns">http://www.etsy.com/shop/LAJewelryDesigns</a> from Friday to Monday - use coupon code HAPPYTHANKSGIVING upon check out.<br /><br />More goodies coming soon...but running late for work now......poof!Karen Klomparens, Glass Addict and Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883195327397226461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25275681.post-45589201406835705722010-11-10T00:00:00.008-05:002010-11-10T00:41:04.353-05:00Bug BittenI've been bitten by a new bug! More like a few bugs that go hand-n-hand. This coming Feb it will be 3 years (yeah I know it's embarrassing) since I bought an electroforming kit. I had the solution and everything needed to play with it but just never got around to it. Not surprising since I once kept an unfinished macrame wall project almost 20 years, lol. Hey...those wooden beads I salvaged from it are vintage now!<br /><br />Anyway, this electroforming stuff is pretty cool! It is like electroplating except it deposits a heavier layer of metal on the pieces you have in the solution. Once they come out of the chemical bath you can patina them to different colors using homemade recipes or pre-mixed ones.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/giapet"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 306px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFpXHx9O2jIvALm_3a2ZmwDt6JdSQtXonmlmPqLDQReZHF4ARuO2zmhOYXHTuy0-j9F01jMQOWwr72-1Y-tFXvdLt3P6Y0QYeAO56944mdPbd_RW0ollasqr7zyjgOsFP7TPU/s400/2132aa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537791265952001138" /></a><br /><br />I've always loved the green weathered look copper gets when exposed to the elements. There is a copper domed roof on a church in Grand Rapids, MI that you can see from the highway... I just love the color of it. Last time I drove past it they were putting a new roof on it, it was bright and shiny again.<br /><br />This process adds all kinds of possibilities for my glass work. Some of the above pieces came from nature like the mini pine cones, twig, acorns, and leaf. The ones in the photo are in various stages or being patina-ed or sealed to hold the color of the patina. Having a blast finding things to use. <br /><br />Trying to decide to what to use for the blog giveaway, glass or metal? I'm way overdue for a drawing so stayed tuned to see what it will be.Karen Klomparens, Glass Addict and Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883195327397226461noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25275681.post-34677021462904723492010-07-22T00:07:00.005-04:002010-07-22T00:56:33.299-04:00I HEART YOU SUMMER SPECIAL!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fire-n-sand.com/2014b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuW7BGkUYmCQf0OEek1ki83bkfuCjJRX92V5J3fT2_wGd8xftIYKKVDaeN2pg-SJBQMLLq9mMO8w3K-Pg7VSCH73wXQW0cXN3Kpw0jrkjiKfuLRhhYxsHQGab-1VMi_OeBJU/s320/2014a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496579218863651282" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >I HEART YOU SUMMER SPECIAL!</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br /></span></div><br />From now until the end of the month, if you spend $25 on glass or jewelry items in my <a href="http://giapet.etsy.com/">etsy shop</a> you will get a Free Heart Pendant Bead ($12-$15 value) sent along with your order!<br /><br />You will also get to <a href="http://www.fire-n-sand.com/2014b.jpg">pick the heart you want</a> from this page, <a href="http://www.fire-n-sand.com/2014b.jpg">http://www.fire-n-sand.com/2014b.jpg</a> on a first come first served basis! Please put your first 3-5 choices in "notes to seller" during checkout. I will make more if needed.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >The Catch.....</span><br />I will be without computer access from Thurs. July 22 - Aug. 1st. , all packages will ship after Aug. 1st. I appreciate your support and hate to close the shop (or have my family take care of it ) and hope you like this special as a way of saying thanks for your patience and understanding. ;-)Karen Klomparens, Glass Addict and Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883195327397226461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25275681.post-14161730621180720582010-07-19T10:48:00.005-04:002010-07-19T10:56:47.428-04:00Three Winners!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://giapet.etsy.com/"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJSQ6tlIvF_uEDQcrL4sPFXStenjPKwbpg4smeOR4ZsUM-UjZ-5kHOxMvkDAtlo6_nCyu_B-4heLunR0WiPrh2rRZVN6fO-qaylMV_MbIO5Xgi7ja31C4cc0IMCn7p0IvglJY/s320/2020a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495629293576091490" border="0" /></a>New bead in my <a href="http://giapet.etsy.com/">etsy shop</a>.<br /></div><br />The three lucky winners have been randomly chosen to receive one of the heart beads shown in the previous post. Their initials are L.S., C.F., and D.L. Congratulations!<br /><br />Plan to do another drawing mid August, so keep your fingers crossed...the next winner could be you!<br /><br />Have a Fantastic Day!Karen Klomparens, Glass Addict and Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883195327397226461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25275681.post-16434013548365229292010-07-18T10:38:00.009-04:002010-07-18T11:21:10.075-04:00I Heart You<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/giapet"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 317px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN66eYW3Pgy3jMKZpkXzzLeyNaR8ZLIm_EFB74oVRIZf3xpuVeOKCEXwwIatiQC95uzVkYLKLcYFNwL_ASPW9DFHwV8RUqmbYs7vdWPtHlp1XDy3ErIIEqdHa8274asbQrfLA/s400/2014a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495262592935237074" border="0" /></a><br />Ahhh... once again I can't believe it has been over 3 months since I have updated this blog. No wonder my "hits" on it are down, lol. Never claimed to be any good at this blogging thing, just trying to go with the internet social flow.<br /><br />With summer in full swing I find myself torn between projects, routine chores, and the stuff you can only accomplish during the warm months up here. Sometimes feel like I'm failing at it all miserably. My gardens needs help.... serious HELP. Mom still needs the jewelry I promised to make for her birthday/anniversary (March/April) gift. She should have never said "No hurry, I know you're busy." Only when she recently asked specifically for them did I manage to get a pair of navy blue and white earrings made to match a shirt she wanted to wear this summer. I know I'm not alone, most everyone talks or writes about how busy they are this summer.<br /><br />Since I haven't done a free bead drawing in so long I'm going to pick 3 winners this time to cover May, June, and July. I made 25 hearts yesterday, the winners will get to pick the one they want. You are automatically entered if you subscribe to my Glassbits Newsletter. Winners will be randomly chosen tonight. After 2 weeks if I don't hear back from them with a shipping address a new winner is drawn.<br /><br />You still have time to enter by signing up for my newsletter using the form in the right column. People on my mailing list also receive other perks like special discounts and advance notice of sales. And of course, I don't spam your inbox daily or evenly weekly with it. I'm lucky to get it out every 60-90 days.<br /><br />Hope you all have a great summer and take some time to kick back and enjoy a cold beverage. I know I am as soon as I finish reupholstering those foot stools and moving the rocks back into the garden. =)Karen Klomparens, Glass Addict and Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883195327397226461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25275681.post-33084763261638652562010-04-06T17:30:00.007-04:002010-04-22T21:47:50.909-04:00And the Winner is...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPYZL99UGr2K6f68xLMsXmwJ8hHxAR69g0EzLsM7WYNPpD6SmQoWsBCkqkbWY4DQSaxOQl3jeClEuc8ninpfak6TGOrI7iQTVge5CQQXgYNde7SiqpAs3UZc04E5uf0SxnVk0/s1600/winner.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPYZL99UGr2K6f68xLMsXmwJ8hHxAR69g0EzLsM7WYNPpD6SmQoWsBCkqkbWY4DQSaxOQl3jeClEuc8ninpfak6TGOrI7iQTVge5CQQXgYNde7SiqpAs3UZc04E5uf0SxnVk0/s320/winner.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457140623290329858" border="0" /></a>Today was numbers day again. Usually I ask a family member to pick one between and x and x. When googling "random number picker" <a href="http://www.random.org/">this site</a> came up, now bookmarked for future use.<br /><br />It was also used to pick the winner of the April Spring Flowers bead drawing, which is Debbie Stokes. Congratulations! She has a couple weeks to claim her gift or another winner will be chosen.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7mVo0TgEn4VlWV4abzVz2MT3f54PuwhdTQ7MIcYnbCC-a5dadukMyps8TNWxShXZ1wlOJbDb2fez5ZnVnblI3f4NanJIr_oSP1W3dz3-YujEq00sllU33WAnINqtwJ7rzBE/s1600/1865a.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7mVo0TgEn4VlWV4abzVz2MT3f54PuwhdTQ7MIcYnbCC-a5dadukMyps8TNWxShXZ1wlOJbDb2fez5ZnVnblI3f4NanJIr_oSP1W3dz3-YujEq00sllU33WAnINqtwJ7rzBE/s320/1865a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457140487982371762" border="0" /></a>Just a picture of a big hole bead I made recently. I like the simplicity of if it as I can sometimes overwork a bead until it is as busy as a Chicago highway during rush hour. And I believe every blog post should have a pretty in it.<br /><br />Happy beading until next time!Karen Klomparens, Glass Addict and Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883195327397226461noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25275681.post-53158250397037764552010-04-02T08:04:00.004-04:002010-04-05T12:00:59.932-04:00April Flowers Bead Drawing<div style="text-align: center;">Win this Pendant Bead!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIpovXNBcS3jJhiybs2bcltOsZyWtpnOxFo54QreFNLg0JpMKpfqJAQTOahEzoP7o_Bdr_P74w3PmgfXSKm2koFECabuYqOOpK2QDWB7U3dIM5K3vtbSSqqiQDPTAUiIlaU6U/s1600/1853.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIpovXNBcS3jJhiybs2bcltOsZyWtpnOxFo54QreFNLg0JpMKpfqJAQTOahEzoP7o_Bdr_P74w3PmgfXSKm2koFECabuYqOOpK2QDWB7U3dIM5K3vtbSSqqiQDPTAUiIlaU6U/s320/1853.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455510113977238978" border="0" /></a><br />Spring is here, time for a spring flower freebie. This handmade lampwork pendant bead would make a sweet focal surround by pink and blue accent beads. It is also just the right size for a key chain or purse charm.<br /><br />If you want a chance to win this beauty all you need to do is sign up using the box on the right. I promise not to flood your inbox, usually just zero to 2 times a month at the most. Every person on my mailing list has a chance to win. The drawing will be April 6th (my folks anniversary). The winner will be announced here (initials only at first), then contacted for their shipping address and permission to use their name on this blog. If no reply is received in 2 weeks then another winner will be chosen.<br /><br />Have a Beautiful Spring Day!Karen Klomparens, Glass Addict and Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883195327397226461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25275681.post-65369200406773685962010-03-22T18:11:00.004-04:002010-03-22T18:52:26.261-04:00Spring Is Here!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNFdgyMfk1WN7qsgrVpjKuEAQ7MwEJ40TAt2kvsCdbf0n5htfzAjWCHxhX-Hz1ZgowBVaXN-BAk3nmzglAtdF-2QbsEs3_vlMe41-v6dXperikXJQ-W6zI4Qrf0ieX6KGapME/s1600-h/spring02.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNFdgyMfk1WN7qsgrVpjKuEAQ7MwEJ40TAt2kvsCdbf0n5htfzAjWCHxhX-Hz1ZgowBVaXN-BAk3nmzglAtdF-2QbsEs3_vlMe41-v6dXperikXJQ-W6zI4Qrf0ieX6KGapME/s320/spring02.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451585503128575714" border="0" /></a>Spring is my favorite time of year, always has been. Maybe because the snow is finally gone or at least on its way out for good. Or maybe because new life starts to spout out of the ground. Not sure, just know I love the energy it gives to both the landscape and myself. Makes me feel young.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOV3lRup6MrahHQEdlrSBg4PEhLKEcjrLP7YVkx4ZL2ZOWIaZ_mV5ChkydqcBuXhEwiCKy8eUFNfRVdE0VjmRCSyPzsvQ2yelMnp4IV0uzXmQ4aOtpK-rf0Ae1Aokv_wwR_L8/s1600-h/spring03.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 279px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOV3lRup6MrahHQEdlrSBg4PEhLKEcjrLP7YVkx4ZL2ZOWIaZ_mV5ChkydqcBuXhEwiCKy8eUFNfRVdE0VjmRCSyPzsvQ2yelMnp4IV0uzXmQ4aOtpK-rf0Ae1Aokv_wwR_L8/s320/spring03.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451585505789444850" border="0" /></a>Guess that little pedestal I got from Hobby Lobby couldn't handle all that energy, it was fine a couple weeks ago when we still had snow on the ground. Wonder if the MI glass girls want to try making some Hypertufa stuff. Bet a pedestal made of that would hold up year after year. I used to spend an enormous amount of time in our yard working on my gardens. Now a days, not so much. <br /><br />I freecycled the veggie garden's fence just to get help pulling it out. Still need to get that spot cleaned up and spread some grass seed over it. That leaves me with 4 other garden areas and the plantings around the house to care for. They mostly look like crap now, especially the back of the house where we had a tractor pull out 6 tall overgrown shrubs. That was about a year ago. Think DH is waiting for me to get sick of the mess and fix it, hope he's not holding his breath, lol. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPMOfAG1ciPFviftC8r6MCrHbHNXQQq-B3PS9nbXZNNXUBBpuThrXSN5GNbTzTLIHia39DJNtn3maeAVkLBPT9_SZVGHCo6Fm5PpOIEcMgM8E5U-jRLvE-7jwoybqrgtDb24/s1600-h/spring01.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPMOfAG1ciPFviftC8r6MCrHbHNXQQq-B3PS9nbXZNNXUBBpuThrXSN5GNbTzTLIHia39DJNtn3maeAVkLBPT9_SZVGHCo6Fm5PpOIEcMgM8E5U-jRLvE-7jwoybqrgtDb24/s320/spring01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451585494760509490" border="0" /></a>If you are checking into my blog to see what the next newsletter giveaway is going to be I haven't decided yet. I'm thinking flowers, just seems like the thing to do this time of year. Of course I'll post it up here once I decide. <br /><br />I also have a couple of glass "science projects" rolling around in my head, (scary). They both involve power tools, chemicals, fire, and trial and error. If anything becomes of them I'll blog it. Don't worry, my science projects aren't near as toxic as the ones we find in our daughter's bedroom. Hear my torch calling me, have to run. ;-)Karen Klomparens, Glass Addict and Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883195327397226461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25275681.post-32297108603258202952010-03-12T00:44:00.011-05:002010-03-12T02:10:17.535-05:00Mailing List Management & Software<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9bgqxH85cFz4hUauQm2o6PO4njHWcpPKqigHz3rqZl6X7uh6eH2ZxJz4NV8o_cWwl4oMEr4mYZisIl4Tho_tpzMPsgIeGMrg_6rptSAwRBWuvMJVCNWYPDSSlr1o_zwPyxw/s1600-h/mailbox.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 137px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9bgqxH85cFz4hUauQm2o6PO4njHWcpPKqigHz3rqZl6X7uh6eH2ZxJz4NV8o_cWwl4oMEr4mYZisIl4Tho_tpzMPsgIeGMrg_6rptSAwRBWuvMJVCNWYPDSSlr1o_zwPyxw/s320/mailbox.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447619738048270098" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">If you've been selling your wares online for any length if time you should have a mailing list. If not you're missing out on potential sales. It is a way to keep in touch with your repeat customers and build your client base for custom orders.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >What you should consider with your email/newsletter.</span><br /></div><ul style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><li>Frequency: Don't send it too often. No one likes their inbox bombarded every day or two by the same person or company! Once or twice a month is enough.</li></ul><ul style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><li>Layout: Make it interesting and pleasing to the eye, add only a few pictures to keep loading times to a minimum.<br /></li></ul><ul style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><li>Offers: Grow your list by offering a giveaway, free shipping, or special sale on a regular basis.</li></ul><ul style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><li>Permission: Never, I repeat never add past customers without their permission. Doing so and making them opt-out is rude and unprofessional. Use sign-up forms on your website, blog, and emails instead.</li></ul><ul style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><li>Keep it simple: People are more liking to actually read what you write if you keep it simple. Everyone's busy and in a hurry these days so make it a quick read for them.</li></ul><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Like many of us I started my email list using my computer's regular pop mail program. It didn't take long to outgrow it. I needed to find and pay for a program to manage my list. I've been using the same one for the last couple of years. It does what most of them do. You can create separate lists, track messages, create messages with design content, send test emails, etc.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The cost of this service was $10 monthly. The thing that bothered me, there were some months I didn't use it at all, just overlooked it or was too busy. And now I'm close to having to upgrade my account to the next level for the amount of subscribers I have which will up the monthly bill to $15. So just like car insurance it pays to shop around. I found another service that will handle twice the amount of emails for half (yes, 1/2) the cost. I should explain that my new service is based on emails sent out monthly where the old one was based on total subscribers. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">And they offer a 15% discount (use code 264XUF) to boot! So if you think you're paying more than you should for your mailing list service please check this place out, </span><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="http://ymlp.com/psignup_promo"><strong></strong><strong></strong></a><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><a target="_blank">http://ymlp.com/psignup_promo</a></strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">. You'll save an extra 15% over their already fantastic value. The pro account is 500 emails monthly for $3.75 , the pro plus is 500 emails monthly for $5.00. The next level includes 2,500 emails monthly, pro $7.50, pro plus $10.00. Don't ya just love finding a great deal!</span>Karen Klomparens, Glass Addict and Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883195327397226461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25275681.post-23106435964911691772010-02-22T16:47:00.007-05:002010-02-22T17:36:54.846-05:00Shop Update Today!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41257589"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2psaWjN851In6shD43UFTuW5ERm9SNGAGoTIsu2mn0NpyPI8P6eSbtGvuY5UczZdzb5O0LGQ82r3TJH9bNpqz1nu-ROdaAbI3qvlG72HlAWj8gFxlZATs30uV57XxPIrNTY0/s320/1802.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441198623941904450" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41238353"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHs_AbgBzGvqjLkLITICWW4_Ehlmjof2tyjLRX7ylktqDQfAq8yM0x0CBV5I11Wk-tDOn44S03MzzpOuPtVWymn5EbxPZG_QMNEBa0x2EKryUGm5yZh7tuqcGcMDsDwHQ4zW8/s320/1795b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441198943029242354" border="0" /></a><br />Just a quick post today to show some of the bright beads I put up today. Don't know about you but I'm ready and waiting for spring!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41245500"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9jjsHGTQgeSeccaVJ84wRtcsCwIPBGVzJzzBgm5KUM-CPp31P29jc7eqRNtSm_JjtjTHht5lh2pBG6WxPDmGMsrrkm6x3tpGqj2ajrh7KJZldv_wf_Xnpc2lVFf3in8Jrgw/s320/1797.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441198789042761954" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41238311"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_E2r2qYUDzLq8uBxWoBH_FODEBi6Z_SNE5EKwOAL_JSZLZAEwiXUveiOz7__SZ-m4rE9eGLCwMBSDEFfbuimYHkH77r9SYaHX2Lba3EtffqmSYbbqH0biMsF8Gge4xUP_EJQ/s320/1794.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441199107310790914" border="0" /></a><br />It's my husband's birthday today, we're going to see Avatar tonight. Have to get going, have 3 people asking me stuff at once, lol.Karen Klomparens, Glass Addict and Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883195327397226461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25275681.post-29844900480379855222010-02-19T21:26:00.013-05:002010-02-19T23:39:38.342-05:00Hi, My Name is Karen & I'm an Over-Packer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMFh4c5OXjsdB82djxeBtLEJ2CJ8VoHSs6T3mR6Bv0-xUkAFHOITDgMI3BnmzHH4E58Lld4c7yQivY3D8qgLuWPuWFft_WxeOdoWtqUPXF9bZUXK7a6UO56wLID314uSh1x8/s1600-h/ship01.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMFh4c5OXjsdB82djxeBtLEJ2CJ8VoHSs6T3mR6Bv0-xUkAFHOITDgMI3BnmzHH4E58Lld4c7yQivY3D8qgLuWPuWFft_WxeOdoWtqUPXF9bZUXK7a6UO56wLID314uSh1x8/s320/ship01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440147415329188370" border="0" /></a>Remember the line in the out-takes of the movie "Liar Liar" with Jim Carrey when an actress improvises and calls him an "Over Actor"? It's hilarious because he didn't see it coming. Quite often I think of that scene when I'm packing my wares for travel via the US Post Office. I tend go a little overboard. <br /><br />See the small white bundle below by the 3" yellow candle holder? It is three bead listings wrapped separately in foam padding and then wrapped together with another piece of foam. The 4" box on the postal scale above has one 7 x 13 mm bead in it, wrapped in foam sitting in a bunch of packing peanuts. The box weighs in at 2.6 oz. (an empty box weighs 1.8 oz.).<br /><br />Of course, all this isn't <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> necessary to get a few beads safely to their destination. <br /><br />Or is it? <br /><br />Many years ago I had safely padded, bubble wrapped and shipped some earrings in a padded envelope only to find out later the post office had destroyed them somehow. Haven't used a padded envelope since. Call me paranoid, it fits.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBcdIFmE25Wrv46q-O39MMobRa_mkjlPyCuIZx4_YBCUfE_EiE20S0yjrsQwnMjHpuhsDrLOix-SOVGqdYrT2NwJFuj4H3OloHE0PzfWW96WNBYRIP1Tskk4oEHig6kKHd_U/s1600-h/ship02.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBcdIFmE25Wrv46q-O39MMobRa_mkjlPyCuIZx4_YBCUfE_EiE20S0yjrsQwnMjHpuhsDrLOix-SOVGqdYrT2NwJFuj4H3OloHE0PzfWW96WNBYRIP1Tskk4oEHig6kKHd_U/s320/ship02.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440147843527140546" border="0" /></a> Here's another order going out in the morning. It consists of a bundle of beads, one 4"-5" votive candle holder, and three tea light candle holders. The unwrapped yellow piece is to show how much bubble wrap is on the other tea light holders. You'll also notice the top, bottom and sides of the box are lined with 1" styrofoam pads. Had the styrofoam (and the 16" x 12" x 12" boxes) here because they're the perfect size for shipping my oak bead displays in.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRE5Sdnyx1h3edcxmNJnHgtR5uLz97szocOZRwrh3JxXdEwtL9YSpvIjL9dS2UKxJvPhZU0HZI3md-wQrGGcN1pFzJlnh_ns6GOGOKYQV5nq-m0pXGlI7vgiQQes_lz3awjM/s1600-h/ship03.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 245px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRE5Sdnyx1h3edcxmNJnHgtR5uLz97szocOZRwrh3JxXdEwtL9YSpvIjL9dS2UKxJvPhZU0HZI3md-wQrGGcN1pFzJlnh_ns6GOGOKYQV5nq-m0pXGlI7vgiQQes_lz3awjM/s320/ship03.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440147716217093010" border="0" /></a>Here's a picture after packing peanuts were added along with the bundles of glass goodies. Yes, I added some peanuts to the bottom of the box first. Used to order from a large well known glass company and they would put your goods in the bottom of the box and pour the packing peanuts just on the top. DUH???<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nwu5rnbk_zubqc_eBpBZJmFnPya6Wi7rTgtKvoPAbR7vernI-TfGwULWLSh7eL2nCcxHS657giiJFz40alAvo8xH9XhvJueMHeJSFdYHh98KXrTLV5vRVsrasG5kbdmrPq8/s1600-h/ship04.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 252px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nwu5rnbk_zubqc_eBpBZJmFnPya6Wi7rTgtKvoPAbR7vernI-TfGwULWLSh7eL2nCcxHS657giiJFz40alAvo8xH9XhvJueMHeJSFdYHh98KXrTLV5vRVsrasG5kbdmrPq8/s320/ship04.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440147589749622530" border="0" /></a>Ready for the packing list and business cards before sealing it up with way too much tape. ;-)   The styrofoam pads add extra support if heavy boxes are set on top of it during transit. They also keep the box from collapsing if the postal workers abuse the heck out of it. I've heard you should never mark a package "fragile" since it might be too much temptation for bored workers to resist. <br /><br />A few other things I've learned about shipping your goods. <br />Paying extra for insurance is more about peace of mind than actually being able to collect on a claim if needed. <br /><br />I once shipped two 18" bisque-ware molds from MI to CA. I had taken the time to open each box they came in and wrap them with several extra layers of bubble wrap. Then the two boxes were taped together and wrapped again more layers before going into a huge box with padding. One of the molds was broken by the time they reached CA. I went to the UPS shipper I used to file a claim. The claim had to go through the account holder with UPS which was a local drug store. They said UPS would pick up the package <span style="font-style: italic;">and</span> the packing materials for review. I emailed my customer who was an online friend and asked her to set everything out for them since she would be at work when they came to pick it up. <br /><br />UPS denied the claim due to "insufficient packing". Later I found out UPS had only picked up the small box the mold came in, not the huge box it was shipped in or the packing/padding materials. I was pissed, how could they review my packing job fairly when the UPS guy only took 1/4 of the stuff back with him. The owner/pharmacist of the drug store was there when I went back to explain this to the clerk and said he would cover it. A few days later I had a check and refunded my customer. <br /><br />I usually ship via the US Post Office and used UPS for these molds because of their $100 of insurance coverage, and the rate was cheaper on such a large box going to CA. The Post Office has broken things too so it really doesn't matter which one you use.<br /><br />The way I see it, over-packing is my best option for hassle free safe arrival. Being a little paranoid, sometimes I document how an item was packed up just in case. LOL, your looking at it now!Karen Klomparens, Glass Addict and Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883195327397226461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25275681.post-64104144691639928432010-02-17T22:52:00.005-05:002010-02-17T23:25:01.177-05:00Just a few hours left to save 20%<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40778863"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxZy4CQ-2RIIHjSdgrtcRH2vJyr8TEayywwxXL1aG_-br-fv0LskotNBy9RT7SMof3CkZ8Zn6EtFHvTsM1biBJCWnzT3hEAvlGcTPmMc17T4LVIea0E1UGpEFPJn2-QdH80xU/s320/il_430xN.123677357.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439427451399593522" border="0" /></a><br /><p><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40862225"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTI8HYxov-ylYghoI4UD2AtCVAm77mNKodHQmOj5wD7LdaQ-dgv2XQHurvlc7WmehqNwrdSNfRAHcTebCS74qFyRzccwaK600LhPD2AyltJcb0wm0eIC2DxIinY-hQZ-eRpyM/s320/il_430xN.123961903.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439427875276186450" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p><br />My 20% OFF SALE is winding down! Save on my<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/giapet"> lampwork beads and pendants.</a> Shop and Save for your spring beads.<br /></p><p>When the sale is over I still have to edit all the listings back to their original prices. The sale prices are good until I have the time to edit them all. That could takes hours since there's quite a few of them to do. Why not hurry and save while you can? <br /></p><p><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40851578"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2xEBZ0YNv5RCp1AxTVBYDj9qdKP3kk0lYgVZoH020lB6xV-GzRQEbK3evSen-bMvNSNnID4wzSp2JR2519ftoXTnyTq0EBeh0hufckZzk3RodKRYXtwIkDL3cM8CX7NFNYA/s320/il_430xN.123925607.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439427655086016562" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></p>Karen Klomparens, Glass Addict and Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883195327397226461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25275681.post-47891187800085314682010-02-11T07:04:00.006-05:002010-02-11T07:17:04.201-05:00Sale Time Again?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZL68l9Sz4qjtwc4OAArzKYnvS4U13p5h3cdQTECKIpk-9Zx1f503rbedQ9OQU39GxPmf6FYlbGHdXC5m0D5RR1PPd-MfueZtdsRZC0GDkmyn7HbbOaFZbiHgpqmJUtvooSt4/s1600-h/2651_1077129059426_1562245592_194568_1652477_s.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 76px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZL68l9Sz4qjtwc4OAArzKYnvS4U13p5h3cdQTECKIpk-9Zx1f503rbedQ9OQU39GxPmf6FYlbGHdXC5m0D5RR1PPd-MfueZtdsRZC0GDkmyn7HbbOaFZbiHgpqmJUtvooSt4/s320/2651_1077129059426_1562245592_194568_1652477_s.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436956344194910402" border="0" /></a><br />The Fire Divas are having a sale to celebrate our new team status on Etsy. Individual team members will be offering a variety of discounts or free shipping from their shops. The sale runs from February 11- 17.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40412972"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 279px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKASoW1iPQWR7yeY6PJq9W9jfwndw7Wd8l6BIEn2b_NjfgR9wypZjSbSaz9ES-xVfxNY4QqElIKJlPx3DIihtogFrhtM7-KfxMZBgjTS2pWnxtjGF__BcwiMBFXp7hGvLunOM/s320/il_430xN.122429420.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436958132722139282" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">I've included all my loose beads, sets, and pendants in this sale. Stayed up till the wee hours of the morning editing <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5093319">my listings</a> to show the 20% Off sale price and the original price. Don't miss this one, might be awhile before I do another sale.</span>Karen Klomparens, Glass Addict and Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883195327397226461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25275681.post-12444405587349384362010-02-06T11:19:00.006-05:002010-02-06T11:52:16.685-05:00Last Day for my BOGO Sale!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40105332"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8IWLUGWx3-251U6qqWzRtJazqkJFm9wPkhT5sLPzNgqhgK4GA4dBjqFd1l0jUJKl4mvji3r7U9dYH4mnjSnfn_Txb8paoLTYII98FsvUg_yMugR7FFrVbjp34uoFoURDsY8/s320/il_430xN.121383052.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435167210078642370" border="0" /></a>This is the last day of my BOGO Sale! Really loving the look of the barrel pandora bead above and think I see a series of them in different colors in my future. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40104943"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixymriJfQXuWx-3CM_npYhmwTxtvF7ZUfHAHPkg0y8s6KGutJGu25Uu0pYVGclEI-Ldn72X48_-1jYgqPOTROTus0VwQ6XVanhDzxSrcESThTKow64e3qsKE54o4-VBomdPt8/s320/il_430xN.121381714.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435167026643341938" border="0" /></a>Here's another design I'm partial to and works well with organic earthy beads.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40101765"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKaVCN1cYNJQxSVMzMlM2FEy7S7vYakiIMNxPeOhuVPH4xPXp_rlcn2Hlt4HfqRG5zSzPzb8tQqS179WaK8HetyJPejbt1sMYquAz2e9M7ql4gUhw0R_LxRBa6bLdrY3-tLU4/s320/il_430xN.121371215.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435166842378725474" border="0" /></a>Another side wrapped bead with brighter colors. These are a great way to showcase contrasting colors.<br /><br />The Bogo sale runs till midnight, maybe longer if I crash before then. In that case I'll honor the buy one get one 1/2 half until I edit out the sale info from shop announcement.<br /><br />In a previous post I talked about Tanya needing an operation to save her life. Her insurance company denied it, the funds were raised by the caring online community of artists and followers on facebook. Tanya has had her surgery and is recovering. She is very grateful to have this behind her and especially all of those who have helped by donating or getting the word out. May God bless her again with a speedy recovery!Karen Klomparens, Glass Addict and Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883195327397226461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25275681.post-61635871493666443572010-02-01T09:29:00.004-05:002010-02-04T15:03:31.770-05:00Bogo Sale & Drawing Winner<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgChSzhtgqnk1QrM31pj8c-cF9bNhoes_7Zzu2iR-jBd6Zw9L2LVBv6QiHEBtKQ182H4YTfR4eZFtdyBaEcQ5iJcL0SeCXTreInShTavHgnb_wDhjEok3mHCOTkc7bQf9_Vb-8/s1600-h/febflingsaleavatar3jpeg.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 175px; height: 175px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgChSzhtgqnk1QrM31pj8c-cF9bNhoes_7Zzu2iR-jBd6Zw9L2LVBv6QiHEBtKQ182H4YTfR4eZFtdyBaEcQ5iJcL0SeCXTreInShTavHgnb_wDhjEok3mHCOTkc7bQf9_Vb-8/s320/febflingsaleavatar3jpeg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433282705416209730" border="0" /></a><br />The Etsy Glass Artists (EGA) are having a "February Fling" Sale from February 1st through the 3rd. Checkout participating shops below to see their particular offerings! Please use the code "FEBFLING" in your notes to seller upon checking out to get the sale price. Great sales just in time for Valentine’s Day! You can find perfect gift for your sweet hearts or little sparkling treasure for yourself!!<br /><br />Etsy Glass Artists "February Fling" Sale<br />February 1st - February 3rd, <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">My sale will run all week through the 6th!</span><br />Participating Members:<br /><br /><a class="postlink" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/giapet">http://www.etsy.com/shop/giapet</a><!-- m --> - BOGO 1/2 Off<br /><br /><!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.jewelrybynatsuko.etsy.com/">http://www.jewelrybynatsuko.etsy.com</a><!-- m --> - BOGO 1/2off or 15% off on one item<br /><br /><!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.glasscat.etsy.com/">http://www.glasscat.etsy.com</a><!-- m --> - 20% off all fused and dichroic jewelry<br /><br /><!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.mycabincreations.etsy.com/">http://www.MyCabinCreations.etsy.com</a><!-- m --> - 20% off everything<br /><br /><!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.studiomarcy.etsy.com/">http://www.StudioMarcy.etsy.com</a><!-- m --> - BOGO 1/2 Off<br /><br /><!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.popko.etsy.com/">http://www.popko.etsy.com</a><!-- m --> - FREE shipping on all jewelry<br /><br /><!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.prizmatic.etsy.com/">http://www.prizmatic.etsy.com</a><!-- m --> - BOGO 1/2 Off<br /><br /><!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.kimvglass.etsy.com/">http://www.kimvglass.etsy.com</a><!-- m --> - Free Shipping<br /><br /><!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://leahpellegrini.etsy.com/">http://LeahPellegrini.etsy.com</a><!-- m --> - 20% off<br /><br />*BOGO - Buy One Get One 1/2 off<br /><br />----------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-size:130%;">Congrats to the Winner!<br /></span></div><br />I had isp issues yesterday, between my teenager's downloads and Hughes.net's poor limited bandwidth allowance I was unable to post the drawing winner on Sunday. The biggest drawback to where we live, I can't get a decent internet service out here.<br /><br />The lucky winner is Liyana Othman, Congratulations!<br /><br />To be entered in the next drawing all you have to do is sign up for my newsletter. I promise you I won't bombard your inbox, I'm lucky if I get it sent out once a month.<br /><br />Tip of the day: If you are paying 18.95 monthly for On Star service you can call them and get them to lower the price if you request to cancel the service. We're now paying 12.95 monthly.Karen Klomparens, Glass Addict and Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10883195327397226461noreply@blogger.com0