What I've been working on.

I'm getting a jump on spring with dozens of cottage roses. Ran out of LP last night when doing the last 3 blue ones. Nice surprise when I discovered a spare tank here and didn't have to run to town today to get another one. They look so cool in the bowl by the computer that I just had to share!

I'll be putting up auctions for a dozen of each color and one auction for a mixed dozen. Hint, hint!

Quick Update

I haven't updated my website for awhile, except to take the bead sets and some of the jewelry off for the bead show. I've started to put all my stock on ebay since they sell faster there than on my site. I will be putting several fused glass candle shelters on the website as soon as I set-up a decent photo booth for them. They are similar to this here.

As for beads on the website, think it might be better to offer several designs, made to order and stick with ebay for new sets. Would make it easy for customers to find coordinating lampwork to match what they already have. I just can't seem to find enough time to keep both sites loaded with new beads consistently.

Bead Show & Display

Just did the Bead Expo show in Grand Rapids, MI. The DeVos Center is such a great venue for a show. The room is large with wide isles and good lighting. The location of downtown brings in a good crowd every year. The volunteers are fabulous, thank you for making the day run so smoothly for us! This was the third year for this show and I only see it getting better as time goes by. Hear's a picture of my display table and of the piece I raffled off as a freebie. It was won by a lady from Kalamazoo, MI.

Bead Storage Solution

Like anyone who starts to collect beads and other componets for jewelry design you soon find your storage area has become a tad inadequate. For me, a bakers rack used for plants in our office/sunroom was a good place to keep my bead boxes since it was right next to the diningroom where I could spread out and work. Fast forward a couple years and now not only was it an eyesore, the rack was dangerously overloaded with weight. I needed a storage unit that would look decent and have a good amount of space in it. Since I'd rather spend my spare cash on glass, new tools, and beads, saving for a nice storage unit wasn't at the top of the list.


DH and I found this "bead box" (what he calls it) for my birthday. I love it, not only does it hold all my stuff with some space left over, it looks great! It was half off in a clearance section to boot. I love the seedy reed glass in the doors too, no need for me to make stained or fused glass panels for it. This is the best gift he has ever given me, next to my daughter of course.

What an improvement!

Setting Goals

Been thinking about making some changes in my lifestyle. I turn 50 (bleh) next month! None of my past birthdays have bothered me one bit. I don't like the sound of 50, however if it pushes me to make some positive changes for the better it can't be all bad, lol. Its time to take charge of my health.

I need to quit smoking. I did quit when I was pregnant 17 yrs ago. In my early 40's I had a complete physical check up with all the tests thinking that would help me change some of bad habits. All the stuff they tell you not to eat, etc. I passed with flying colors (great genes) and was told to keep doing what I was doing (except for the smokes of course).

When I still worked full time weight and exercise were never an issue. My job was physical and heavy which kept my weight in check. I was also single for several years so the refrigerator wasn't stocked up like it is now. I quit the job in 95 and have slowly gained an extra 20-25 pounds.

Not that this is an interesting read or anything... just putting my thoughts down thinking it might help me reach these 2 goals if I can express them in print. I'm the type who knows I can do anything once I set my mind to it. It is making the commitment that I struggle with now. lol, I'm a Virgo so I tend to analyze everything. The plan is to curb bouts of smoking withdrawals (only a past smoker can relate) with bursts of exercise. Hopefully the need for instant gratification will pass and eventually be replaced by seeing results with the workouts. I just ordered the "Slim in 6" dvds to help speed up those results, or so they claim. With DD back in school by then and DH out hunting in his spare time they'll both survive those first couple of weeks relatively unharmed, lol. It will also give me the time needed to work on myself.

Enough of that, want to see some beads?

Time to get Going!

Didn't get much done in the way of beadmaking last week. I worked four 11-12 hour days instead. Not used to being on my feet that long on our hard tiled cement floors behind the bar. This week will be more fun! Only working on Friday, well, in town I mean since I work constantly in the house and glass shop at home.

Wish my new bead kiln was ready, Labor Day is my last outing this year where I could make beads while gone. Packing up my layered kiln from the basement shop is a pain. Maybe I'll work on jewelry instead this time. Off to clean the bar & get some groceries, then torching the rest of the day. I put a couple more auctions up today too, if you're interested there's a link on the right.

Have a safe Labor Day Holiday!

Playing Catch Up

After spending another 10 days away from home I've got plenty to catch up on. My mother took this picture of me making beads while we were camping up in Evart MI during the Dulcimer festival in July. It is rare that I take a half-way decent picture that I'm willing to share, lol. I was in the middle of listing a few new auctions (link to them is in the right column) and decided to add that picture here too. Put a face to the artist so to speak.