Won't You be my Guinea Pig?

I've developed a class that I'm planning to take on the road with me to help offset my show fees next year. Here's an invitation to all of you locals to come over and help me test it out in person! 

Twisted and Coiled Wire Jewelry Workshop
 
Class Fee: $35 (WHAT A DEAL!) including materials and a 40-page workbook with color pictures, instructions, tips, exercises and design ideas.
Contact: lori@lampworkbylori.com
Class Limit: 5
Date and Time: Saturday, November 7 from 1:30-4:00
Location: Lori's house (Greenwood) BYOB

This workshop is designed for persons who are interested in or new to working with wire and beads to create stylish, unique, and long-lasting jewelry. We will:

• Review a detailed list of tools, materials and supplies
• Twist and coil wire (both manually and with a drill)
• Uncover the secret to making perfect wire-wrapped loops
• Make your own jump rings
• Make a swan clasp
• Wire wrap a focal bead
• Learn how to select beads for wire work
• Practice reaming bead holes
• Discuss ordering wire for your future projects

At the end of the class you will have assembled a beautiful copper bangle to wear home.

A tools list will be provided but all critical tools will be available for borrowing or sharing. You are welcome to bring your own beads.

What a Whirlwind Week!

Somebody please remind me not to schedule two shows back-to-back again, and a 2-day lampwork class in between! Aw, it wasn't that bad, and of course I had a great time.

One of the highlights was my two-day class with the fabulous Kim Fields in her sculptured birds class. I have to tell you, that lady is quite a talent and I learned a lot. I was on the verge of selling off all of my soft glass but now I'm thinking twice. We made a simple transparent bird, an owl, a "Pudgie," a Snow Bunting, a Chickadee, a branch for birds to sit on, and finally, Kim demonstrated a "fantasy" bird. Here is one of Kim's birds, a Vermilion Flycatcher.

I had been meditating on the following scripture that week. As we were making the birds and looking at books to understand their detail I was reminded again of the wonders of nature and how each species is so unique and realizing there are so many different kinds... I was just amazed and humbled once again at the creativity of God.

What is man that you are mindful of him,

the son of man that you care for him?...
You made him ruler over the works of your hands;
you put everything under his feet:
all flocks and herds,
and the beasts of the field,
the birds of the air,
and the fish of the sea. ~ Psalm 8:4-8

At The Art Center bead show in Highland Park, IL (Chicago) I had fair sales and got to meet some long-admired and friendly beadmakers such as Ellen Black, Karen Ovington and Ofilia Cinta who's watermelon quartz murini hollow fish stole my heart!

The best part of the weekend was probably the food, and by food I mean pizza - Gino's East pizza - and introducing it to my nephew. I couldn't believe there was a Gino's right near our hotel when planning our trip and I was so excited to taste it again after almost 30 years. We got a 12" pan pizza, and when they say pan, you should imagine a cake pan. It was so yummy, and Jake loved it. We ended up eating it for Satruday dinner and finishing it off for Sunday lunch. Mmmmm, mmmm!

Oh, by the way, be sure to stop by http://www.lampworkbylori.com/ to vote on where you buy your lampwork beads and check out my tentative 2010 schedule.

Lampwork Lori
lori@lampworkbylori.com

Meet Me in Chicago this Sunday for The Art Center's Annual Fall Bead Sale

First, I'd like to extend a warm welcome to all of my new customers from the West Michigan Bead Expo! It was a pleasure to meet you all and thanks again for purchasing one of my little creations! I hope you enjoy your purchases for many years to come. I used to live in South Bend in the late 80's. Michigan is one of my favorite states to visit. The air always smells just a little sweeter once I cross the state line.

Second, I'm excited to announce that I'll be at The Art Center in Highland Park (Chicago, IL) for their annual Fall bead sale this Sunday, October 18, 2009 from 10:00 to 5:00.  The event features exquisite jewelry and an exciting variety of new and antique beads with interactive beading workshops. Admission is Free to TAC Members and a $3 donation is requested for non-members. For more information, contact Jackie Chilow at jchilow@theartcenterhp.org.

Third, after next weekend's show I'll be posting most of my inventory on ebay and Etsy. When I start posting heavily, I'll include instructions in my blog on how to get notified when new listings come up.

Have a great week!

Lori

Meet Me This Saturday in Grand Rapids! Take Advantage of Wholesale Pricing!

I have lots of news this week!

First, I'm very excited to share that I will be at the Western Michigan Bead Expo this Saturday, October 10th at DeVos Center in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. I love doing bead shows because I just LOVE beads! If you are in the area I hope you will stop by and say hello!

Second, if you have seen me at a show then you know that my prices are already rock bottom for lampwork beads. However, since I am often asked about selling wholesale I have decided to set up a pricing schedule just for you jewelry artisans. The following schedule begins immediately and applies to all focals, sets and loose beads (including orphans). Finished items, special orders and findings are NOT included in wholesale pricing.

Purchase = $100 to $299.99, then discount = 10%
Purchase = $300 on up, then discount = 15%

I hope to get to a point where I can keep my online store stocked to the point where I have to worry about this!