Lampwork by Lori

Switching Blog Formats

2011-12-12T12:50:00.000-08:00

Hi!

I am switching to Tumblr. You can see new posts at: http://loriasmithbeads.tumblr.com/

You can also follow me on Twitter @LoriASmithBeads

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T15:36:00.000-08:00

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Philippians 4:6

This has been a tough year for me in many different ways. The hardest things were probably having to make difficult decisions when I wasn't in my best frame of mind, and dealing with a world turned upside down.

Yes, it has been a tough and lonely year, but faith in God helped me to stay patient and calm. He has walked with me through some deep valleys and each time my faith only grows. I'm convinced that if life were a cakewalk we wouldn't know what faith really is. He is my rock. Thank you Lord.

Getting Back in the Saddle

2010-11-22T10:27:00.000-08:00

As some of you know, I've been sidelined for quite a while with pain in my hands coupled with my continued battles with depression. The pain turned out to be a combination of Carpal Tunnel and Fibromyalgia. Fibro rarely manifests in the hands and feet but of course it happened to me last December. It felt as if someone had beaten my hands with a lead pipe. The pain has trailed off over the next few months and I am now managing it with Lyrica, the "wonder drug." In addition, I have some torn cartilage (to simplify the explanation) in my right wrist and no insurance at the moment, so I only torch when I really feel up to it. I wish I had happier news, but hey, I'm trucking along!

This past week I made some icicles and I really liked them. I think I'll try to make more before Christmas. I've also been working on silver core boro beads for European charm bracelets (3mm sterling snake chains). You might know these by other names like "Pandora," "Troll," and "Biagi." In the meantime, here are some pictures of some recent sets. I love the colors!

Have a super Thanksgiving week!

Spiral Fibula Pin Tutorial is Finally Here!

2010-03-22T12:24:00.000-07:00

I don’t know about you, but I am really drawn to big beads — especially long beads. But how can you really wear them aside from as a pendant? Well, you can make them into pins! Fibula pins are easy and make wonderful statement pieces. They are also great gifts along with a pair of matching earrings.

I’ve designed this fibula pin to include a decorative coil formed into a spiral embellishment at one end of the pin.

This tutorial includes two options for the coil: a straight coil, and a twisted coil.

This tutorial is divided into three parts, and each on their own is a valuable mini tut:

• Making the Twisted Wire (Optional)

• Making the Coil

• Making the Spiral Fibula

I encourage you to experiment and use different gauges and shapes of wire for the coil as well as different shapes for the “spiral” such as triangles and organic shapes.

Get your copy now at http://www.etsy.com/shop/LampworkbyLori.

Experience Level: Advanced Beginner or higher.

The .PDF file includes 14 pages of instructions, tips, and images that will be delivered via email within 24 hours of purchase via email. Please include your phone number with your order in case there are problems. My contact number is 317-490-3791.

Recommended Tools & Equipment:

• 8’ or more of 20, 22 or 24 gauge wire (round or stamped twist)

• 18” 16 gauge wire

• Cutters (heavy duty preferable)

• 1” to 2½” of beads that fit on a the 16 gauge wire

• Fine or super-fine steel wool (000# or 0000# grade)

• Flat nose pliers

• Round nose pliers

• Chain nose pliers

• Nylon jaw pliers

• Jeweler’s file

• Chasing hammer

• Bench block or anvil

• Tumbler with mixed shot

• Dawn® original dishwashing detergen

• Coiling mandrel (about 1’ of 1/16” or 3/32” stainless steel TIG rod or 14, 12 or 10 gauge wire for mandrel (you can also use any other similar material such as a dowel rod, coiling gizmo, etc.)

• Keyless chuck power drill (recommended)

• Bench vise (optional)

• Cup hook (optional)

• Safety glasses (optional)

It's Bead Show Season!

2010-02-03T16:21:00.000-08:00

I'm gearing up for the 2010 bead show season which, for me, starts in Skokie, IL on February 20 & 21.

I have a few exciting surprises up my sleeve this year. At some of the shows I will be giving wire workshops for creating copper bangles and fibula pins which will include a copy of my "book" Wire Workshop Secrets.

Wire Workshop Secrets is jam packed with tips and techniques I've gathered over the past thee years that you won't find in any other book on the market. Even if you don't take a workshop with me you can still buy the book at any of my shows for $18.

And the Winners are....

2009-12-01T07:58:00.000-08:00

Dragon Troll Queen! Chosen at random, this is a woman after my own heart who loves to make jewelry, books on archaeology, ancient history, and the greatest movie of all time Young Frankenstein! LOL! She will receive a nice variety of boro beads totaling 1/4 lb just in time to make some Christmas goodies.

Bebdesigns! Bebdesign is a member of the Starving Jewelry Artists Street Team (http://www.starvingjewelryartists.com/) on etsy, which is sponsoring a "Wrist Candy Holiday Giveaway and SALE 10/26 through 12/6" so be sure to check that out. She will also receive 1/4 lb of my boro beads very soon!

Congratulations winners and thank you to all who participated in the boro giveaway!

Call for Wire Jewelry Photos

2009-11-15T21:20:00.000-08:00

Hello friends!

I'm in the home stretch of what has turned out to be my book on wire jewelry basics. This "little" book started out as an outline for a class I want to teach at the 2010 Intergalactic and Bead Mercantile shows; however, it has taken on a life of its own and become a 70-page book chock full of all the things those books with the wire tutorials never taught you. How exciting??!!

I know that many of you are jewelry artists who have purchased beads from me in the past, and a good percentage of you probably work with copper and/or silver wire. SO... I'm going to offer a free focal bead to anybody who sends me a picture of a piece of jewelry you created using wire that I use in my book. My objective is to show varying styles of jewelry made with wire, so go wild and send as many photos as you like! (All entries will remain YOUR property unless you sign a release form.) Here are the details:

DPI: 300
Dimensions: At least 1000 x 1000 pixels
Background: NOT white (if possible)
File type: .jpg
Include: Name, your website, your email, your artistic statement or a blurb on your inspiration for the piece, a signed release form (I'll send you one if your photo is selected).
Email address: lori@lampworkbylori.com

Deadline for entry: December 31, 2009!

Oh, and don't forget to go to www.lampworkbylori.blogspot.com (if you're not already here), click "Comment" and leave a few words to let me know you're reading my blog for a chance to win a 1/4 lb of boro orphans! The more you comment, the better your chances to win! The drawing will be held on my birthday, December 1 for TWO winners! Wooo hooo!

Bead on!

Lori

New Teaching Gig at Blooming Dragon Emporium! I'm Really Psyched!

2009-11-08T11:30:00.000-08:00

All of the i's aren't dotted and t's aren't crossed, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to be teaching my Twisted and Coiled Wire Jewelry Workshop at Blooming Dragon Emporium on Indy's east side in mid December as well as January, February and March of 2010.

I'm planning to add two additional wire classes called Floral Fibula Pins and Hammered Earrings that feature hip disk beads. I'm not Blooming dragon's posted schedule yet, but head on over to their blog and sign up for their monthly newsletter for upcoming dates.

In addition, Blooming Dragon will be carrying my wire pieces for purchase in their gallery section.

I've known part-owner, Marti Icenogle, for several years now. She and her daughter Tina do some wonderful things with Precious Metal Clay and fused glass, too!

Oh, and don't forget to go to www.lampworkbylori.blogspot.com (if your're not already here), click "Comment" and leave a few words to let me know you're reading my blog for a chance to win a 1/4 lb of boro orphans! The drawing will be held on my birthday, December 1 for TWO winners! Wooo Hooo!

Over and out!

Lori

November Give Away: 1/4 Pound of Boro Orphans!

2009-11-01T17:26:00.000-08:00

Since I've started making boro beads I've accumulated more orphans than usual. Orphans are beads that didn't quite make it into a set or little experiments that didn't quite go my way.

So, from November 1 thru November 30, if you come to my blog at http://www.lampworkbylori.blogspot.com/ and click "comment" under any blog post and leave a comment, I will enter your name in a drawing for 1/4 pound of boro orphans! The more you comment the better your chances of winning.

I will draw twice for two different winners on my birthday, December 1st (Wooo!) and post the names here on my blog.

NOTE: If you have trouble posting a comment please email me at lori@lampworkbylori.com; however, only blog comments will count as entries.

Won't You be my Guinea Pig?

2009-10-26T13:33:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-10-25T10:55:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-12T13:44:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-10-05T15:45:00.000-07:00

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!

Planning Ahead

2009-09-27T13:24:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not, I've already started planning my show schedule for next year. I'd love to be able to do LOTS of shows because I love meeting the customers and the other vendors. But, I don't have as much stamina as I used to so I've limited myself to one show a month within a 5 hour drive. I may make and exception or two and fly down to Florida (where it seems you can find a bead show almost every weekend) and hang out with some other lampworkers. Financially it would likely be a wash, but it could be fun! Anyway, assuming that I get into all the shows I've registered for, my current 2010 schedule is posted in the right column.

Unfortunately, I don't have any new pictures this week either because I had a bladder infection AND a kidney stone! UGH! In the meantime, enjoy some boro sets for sale on ebay by one of my inspirations: Little Crow Glass Arts.

Rainy Days and Sundays...

2009-09-20T14:39:00.000-07:00

It's a typical autumn day in Indiana. A little rainy, a little cool.. perfect for a nap. Jake took me to the JC Penny Home store after church and I finally bought some sheets that fit my bed. I'm pretty psyched! These sheets are even made by Sealy so I figured I couldn't go wrong! I also bought one of those REALLY soft blankets to match and a nice foam pillow. It was all 50% off! Wooo!

I'm very thankful to have found a church that I like, and grateful that my friend Ann has agreed to pick me up (I don't drive because I'm incredibly accident prone!) Today I met my Sunday School class. We're small, but we're covering some pretty interesting topics.

Well I don't have anything new to report on the topic of beads except that I'm getting ready for the Southwest Michigan Bead Show (October 10 in Grand Rapids, MI) and still exploring lots of colors and reactions in boro. It's a whole new learning curve, just like Moretti was, only not as many people talk about it.

It is a little expensive to switch from soft glass to boro so I have been trying to sell off as much frit (crushed glass) and other tidbits to buy glass and a more protective pair of eyewear. Colored boro throws off a much brighter light at the torch than soft glass, so I have to have eyewear almost as protective as a welder's.

Here are some samples of the boro colors I work with:

Allow Me to Introduce You to My Friend, Mr. Smiley

2009-09-13T13:26:00.000-07:00

As you know, it is often a risky proposition to pursue the passion of art as a profession. Sometimes, the risk pays off...

My friend Mr. Smiley, a.k.a. Brent Graber, was one of my first instructors in boro glass. Before meeting him I had read many of his helpful posts on Lampwork Etc., a very popular forum and global virtual community for lampworkers. Brent is famous for his heart pendants and nobody I know can coax the beautiful colors out of boro glass like Brent. He has even worked with Northstar Glass to create a custom glass cane called "Serendipity."

Now, it turns out that Brent needed to have hernia surgery and he needed to pay for it in advance. He received offers for donations, but lovingly declined because he was able to help himself. So, he set a goal to sell 100 "Serendipity Hearts" at $35 each (just like the one shown in the image above) in two weeks. However, due to popular demand, he has added 20 more to that goal! Congratulations, Mr. Smiley!

Tales from the Dark Side

2009-09-01T16:14:00.000-07:00

Hello friends and welcome to all of my new friends from the Greenwood WAMM Fest. What a great time!

Generally speaking, in the US there are two kinds of glass used by lampworkers: soft glass and borosilicate. Up until last month I have used mainly soft glass. Soft glass is available in many different colors and does not require all that much torch power and oxygen ($$$) to work. However, I recently purchased a very powerful oxygen concentrator that has enabled me to move up to borosilicate glass. When a lampworker starts out in soft glass and moves into boro, it is jokingly referred to as moving to "the Dark Side."

Borosilicate glass or "boro" is also called "pyrex," just like the measuring cups in your kitchen. It requires much more heat to melt, but the colors and clarity of this type of glass can be mesmerizing! Everything about this glass is sensitive - the flame temperature, oxygen content, length of time in the flame, length of time you strike it, length of time you anneal it in the kiln, etc. But, the results are oh so worth it. Here are some of my favorite beads from my first month on the "Dark Side."

Through Sunday September 13, all Boro focals will be ON SALE for $8.00 EACH with $2 USPS shipping! That's a STEAL for this type of glass and all the work that goes into it. Here's what you do:

1. Go to this link and pick the beads you want: http://picasaweb.google.com/lori.smith.indy/8BoroSale?feat=directlink

2. Check the comment under each bead picture to make sure the bead is not sold or reserved by someone else. If not, put your name in the comment box for that bead.

3. Send me an email stating that you have made your selections with your PayPal ID.

4. I will bill you through PayPal.

5. Once I have received your payment I will ship your beads.

Don't Forget to Join Us at WAMM Fest!

2009-08-13T09:04:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to come on down to WAMM fest in Greenwood, IN on Saturday, August 22 to see me and Fran Carrico of Fran's Glass Bead Fancies.

WAMM Fest is a one day festival, bringing a celebration of wine, art, music and microbrews to Greenwood. This is a fun-filled family event with all proceeds going to local charities.

CRAIG PARK - GREENWOOD, IN

AUG 22 - 10 AM - 8 PM

WINE : Local wineries showcasing their finest selections

ART: Many local and surrounding area artists displaying their work.

MUSIC: 6 elite musical acts as well as local youth dance, choral, gymnastic and performance groups

MICROBREW: Local microbreweries featuring their best on tap

Izzie Bella's Growing Big and Strong!

2009-06-22T16:32:00.000-07:00

Today, little "Iz" went to see Dr. Pagan for a checkup and she's doing just dandy. She's just over 6 lbs. She got a big Distemper shot, so by the time she got home she was like a wet noodle and she snoozed all afternoon. She is so much fun and is really keeping our spirits up these days. I think the funniest thing is when I am lying in bed in the morning, not quite ready to get up, and I hear her "war cry" as she clomps down the stairs to "attack" and get me out of bed to play. Dad almost has the pool fixed so I'm starting to look for a puppy life vest so we can get her in there and at least teach her where and how to get out in case she ever falls in.

Isn't she a cutie?

Also, I listed some new items on Etsy today so be sure to check 'em out!

Hey You! Come Here and Buy Some Beads!

2009-06-19T11:37:00.000-07:00

Enough of the subtle approach. I'm going for the hard sell here.

Just take a look at these beads. Aren't they gorgeous? Can you even believe that I made them? Yup, I did.

Now, I'm hungry.

So, look over to the beads at the right (on www.lamworkbylori.com) and click on the lampworkbylori.etsy.com link (or just go there). Yes, that's right, you can do it!

When you see a bead you like, just click on it and then click Add to Cart. Easy peasy! If you're new to Etsy, you will have to create an account before you can check out, but what else is new? You can even avoid all that online payment crapola by sending me a check or you can even call me with your credit card number and pay over the phone. Can't you see that I'm bending over backward to make this easy for you!

Okay, so maybe you're a guy, or you don't make jewelry and don't know what you want to do with the beads that have caught your eye. Hmmm, well I can understand that. How do you think I got started in this game? All you have to do is let me know. I have lots of beautiful silk ribbons, cords, silver chains, copper and silver wire, etc. I'm sure there's something we can work out. Didn't I tell you I'm just that magical? (I crack myself up SO bad.)

I've given you a good start with some great listings today. Do yourself a favor and snap up some one-of-a-kid pieces of art by moi. I guarantee you will fall in love with them once you see them and hold them in your hands for they are much more delightful in person. Go ahead, you will thank me. ;-)

Cincinnati Show a Success!

2009-06-16T07:52:00.000-07:00

Hello friends!

It's been a long couple of weeks getting ready to take my show on the road but it was worth it. My nephew Jake and I left Friday afternoon for a delightful weekend away from Indy. It was nice to spend time with him and he was a big, big help and we always have fun together. Lord knows I couldn't have done it without him, so thanks, big guy!

Anyway, I won't bore you with the hotel snafu. Suffice it to say that everything worked out just fine. Saturday morning we ate a quick breakfast and set up the booth. The Sharonville Convention Center was a beautiful new venue.

The people running the Bead Mercantile show (Jane's Fiber and Beads) were very kind and helpful, as I had never done a traveling bead show, and all of the other vendors were just great. I think there must have been about 60 tables there. I got to meet Patti Cahill (thanks for the $1's!) and Mavis Smith (thanks for the "wing tips"!) two very well-known artists in the American lampwork bead movement, as well as some ladies from the Miami Valley Lampwork group. We were set up right next to the ladies selling beautiful ceramic Kazuri beads, and of course, I can't keep my hands off of anything made from clay!

The flow of customers was smooth and steady and we made back our booth fee, hotel and gas on the first day. We celebrated by having dinner at The Outback Steakhouse and going to see Star Trek and heading back to the hotel for a good night's sleep. On Sunday the crowd was a bit lighter because of a huge thunderstorm, but we were back in Indy by 6:30 and both dog tired!

I collected 30 names from customers who wanted to be on my mailing list. I mostly sold beads from my orphan bowl, which I thought was odd because my prices were extremely competitive on my better beads, but I'm thinking that usually, unless you have a drop dead gorgeous bead, people are looking for low investment items that they can put into their own projects and turn a profit, so I'm going change up my strategy a bit next time.

Overall, I would call this effort a success because I got to spend so much time with my Jakester, I met some great folks, I got out of the house and made some money, and picked up some ideas for how to make it easier and more profitable next time.

I'm cooking up some great ideas in my head, hopefully they'll turn out right at the torch! In the meantime, I've posted some new items on etsy and ebay so be sure to take a look!

Something You Should See

2009-05-25T19:32:00.000-07:00

Long time no post, I know! I've been kinda busy with different things.. moving stuff from one gallery to another, taking photos for jury submission, making beads for my upcoming show in Cincinnati, catching up with old friends on FaceBook, puppy sitting, etc.

This post is particularly dedicated to my non-lampworking friends. Of the many thousands of glass artists in the world today, there are only a few who have become "household names" and one of those is Paul Stankard. He specializes in very realistic botanical paperweights. He rarely teaches, but the Toledo Museum of Art recently sponsored a class with Paul and a couple of my former instructors - Tink Martin and Karin Wilcox - attended. Last I checked, there were a few of his pieces on display in the glass gallery at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. I have to tell you that seeing his works in person nearly brought me to tears and that's not an easy feat. Please do yourself a favor and click here to see more beautiful works by Paul.

A New Bead

2009-05-10T18:47:00.000-07:00

Here is a bead I made the other day that was inspired by a sweet and very talented friend from Germany, Manuela Wutschke. It incorporates opaque orange shards, pink glass and enamels, and thin, black stringer.

"Jiminy Cricket!"

2009-05-06T14:44:00.000-07:00

I've been hemming and hawning about buying one of these little guys for quite a while. At $139 I just couldn't resist any longer. It's a Cricket, the smallest and newest torch in the line of torches offered by Glass Torch Technologies. This little guy should allow me a wide variation of heat options depending on my settings - ultimately enabling me to step up to small borosilicate beads with no problem. I can't wait to try it out.

If you've had any experiece with a cricket, please leave a comment!

Bead and Jewelry Month at ArtWorks Gallery

2009-05-03T08:07:00.000-07:00

During the month of May I am a featured guest artist at ArtWorks, a lovely gallery in Muncie, IN. Some of my very best beads and jewelry pieces are already there. On Thursday, May 7, I will be there at 5:00 PM for a reception as part of Muncie's "First Tursdays Art Walk."

I'm very proud to be associated with the artist-owned ArtWorks Gallery of Indiana Artists. There are some very talented Hoosier artists represented there, so check it out!

ArtWorks
301 S. Walnut St. Suite 101
Muncie IN 47305
765-288-2221
artworksartgallery@gmail.com

Meet Izzie!

2009-04-30T08:15:00.000-07:00

Hello all! Say hello to little 6-week old Isabel (Izzie). My dad named her on the day we went to pick her up. The closest and earliest correct name submitted was from Jana! Jana, please contact me to claim your beads!

While we were at the breeders' we met a couple of her sisters and her mom, Mindy.

Owls Against the Moon

2009-04-22T17:26:00.000-07:00

I've been planning these forever. I finally got everything together in one spot and assembled them. Ribbons by Jamn!, fine silver fused rings by Cahootz, darling polymer clay owl beads by Humble Beads.

Come Visit Me at the Brown County Spring Blossom Arts Festival! May 8-10

2009-04-14T09:31:00.000-07:00

Treat Mom to a special weekend during the 2nd annual Spring Blossom Arts Festival featuring over 100 area and regional artists, live entertainment, beer & wine gardens, shopping, and dining throughout the quaint town of Nashville, IN.

I will update this post as soon as I find out my location and the times.

Phone: 800.753.3255.
Admission: FREE

Look What the Easter Bunny is Bringing! Name Her for Free Beads!

2009-04-09T13:58:00.000-07:00

Awwww...Say hello to the newest member of the family! Isn't she a doll? She's a Miniature Schnauzer. She was born on St. Patrick's Day, and I think we get to pick her up on April 28th or 29th. What a devilish little glint in her eye!

I want to name her Olive after the Abigail Breslin in "Little Miss Sunshine," but Mom and Dad don't like it so let's make it a contest!

If you are the first to respond to this post with the name we choose - or we choose your suggestion, I'll send you free beads! Woo hoooooo!

Happy Easter!

Booth Shots, Part Deux

2009-03-29T13:50:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my first show in about two years. It was down at the Eiteljorg museum in Indianapolis. Originally, I was stuck down in some off-hallway classroom. That's where Dad and I set everything up on Friday. However, on Saturday morning, several scheduled artists didn't show, so I was allowed to move up to the main hall and next to my ISLAGA pals Chiq Elbert-Velazco and Fran Carrico. Not surprisingly, it was a bit of a slow because of the economy and as compared to the annual Bead Bonanza they normally hold.

On the bright side, I got my first indoor booth shot, so now I have an outdoor and an indoor shot to use for applying to future shows. There are a few things wrong with the shot. For one, I did not use my table skirt because of the way I configured the tables; therefore some of my "rough edges" are showing. Also, one of my light bar zip ties came loose while we were moving my booth from the basement to the hall. Otherwise, I think it turned out really well and I was proud of my booth. Yay!

Booth Shots

2009-03-26T14:21:00.000-07:00

Today, my dad and I setup my booth in the back yard for the sole purpose of taking a picture. (It was hard work and I couldn't have done it without him, so thanks Dad!)

Most arts and craft shows have an image to maintain and frequently request a picture of your booth along with images of your work in order to decide whether or not you meet their standards. To them, your presentation is almost as important as the originality and quality of your work, and it can be the deciding factor between you and another artist.

As I researched good booth shots, I was surprised to find that a "booth shot" is a picture of your "in-person" sales space that represents your ability to display your wares. In other words, it doesn't have to be an actual set up of your booth in action, or the way you would set it up for a particular show.

The best information I found about booth shots was written by Larry Berman at www.bermangraphics.com. I think the most helpful part was his article entitled "Improving Your Art Show Booth Slide" (before the Internet age, most juries required actual physical slides - some still do!).

I took many pictures throughout the day and finally settled on the one below. I don't really like how the sun crept in on the far left side, but it was the best shot of the best arrangement all day, so I went for it.

Several shows I am applying for use a site called Zapplication.org. The web application automates the entire jury process, including judging. It has specific requirements for photos, which is why you see those black spaces in the image below. When my booth shot comes up on a juror's black screen, the black spaces will blend into the background. (For non-Zapplicaiton.org shows, I'll submit a booth shot without black spaces.)

Now, on to the bead photos! Wish me luck!

Studio Tour - Torch & Ventilation

2009-03-13T06:25:00.000-07:00

A while back I abandoned my old website in favor of the blog format. A few days later, one of my friends told me how much she liked that I told about how lampwork beads were made on my site. Well, that page no longer exists, so I thought I'd do a series of posts on my studio, then a series on how I make my lampwork beads.

In this post, I will introduce you to the basics of my own studio setup.

First, I have a torch. It is a special flameworking torch. It is called a Mini CC, is solid brass, and is made by Carlisle Machine Works. There are several torch manufacturers for flameworking and the price of a surface mix torch can run from under $200 to $2,000 and beyond.

Most flameworking torches require two things to run.. gas and oxygen. These two chemicals ignite and burn at the tip of the torch, which is why they are called surface mix torches. For natural gas, any plumber can pipe a gas terminal close to the torch setup. For propane, the tank must remain outside the house and run to the torch using a hose. I use natural gas because it is cleaner and I never have to worry about running out.

For oxygen, many lampworkers use recycled and/or "boosted" medical-type oxygen concentrators. Some use oxygen generators, tanked oxygen, or even liquid oxygen. Generally, the more pure the oxygen, the better the result. However, I use one (sometimes two) very powerful oxygen concentrators that cost approximately $500 each. For me, oxygen concentrators provide an unlimited and safe supply of oxygen, although the purity is not quite as high as I would like.

When the gas and oxygen combust they create carbon dioxide, and since all of the gas may not completely burn at the torch, every flameworker must have some type of ventilation and replacement air solution. Good ventilation is also important to remove harmful elements, such as heavy metals that are sent into the air when burning different types of glass, or using different techniques. I spent a lot of time researching my requirements and hired sheet metal workers to construct and install a safe workstation including an intake air vent and a squirrel cage fan to suck the air in my workstation away from me. By enclosing my workstation I am "trapping" the toxins the best I can for extraction. The sides of the workstation also help to prevent "exploding" hot bits of glass rods from traveling all over my torch room. (The tip of a glass rod may explode if there is air trapped in it when you introduce it into the flame.)

Lampwork by Lori - The Early Days

2009-03-04T19:09:00.000-08:00

This is a little embarassing, but it's kinda fun to look back.

November 15, 2003 was the day I made my very first bead. I had traveled to my first ISLAGA meeting in northern Indiana. Up to that point, I had read TONS of information about lampworking, and I knew how everything worked in theory, but I hadn't yet had the opportunity to sit down and do the deed.

I was pretty nervous. Those big flames can be intimidating in real life. But, my new friends coached me through it and I made a great bead! (I still have it!)

I was delighted, so I signed up for a beginning lampworking class the next month with Jari at Boca Loca Beads. After five years at the torch, I can still say that Jari is one of the most talented beadmakers I've ever met. Here are some of her beautiful glass buttons:

Here is a necklace I made with some of my first beads. (I still have it, too!) And a picture of my first studio in the garage.

New Listings on Artfire and 1000 Markets

2009-03-02T15:55:00.001-08:00

Today was a really good day. "My Jakester" (my nephew, Jake) came over and helped me put together some light stands for the track lighting I plan to use over my display tables at my upcoming shows. (Muchos gracias to my bead bud Lisa A for coaching me on the plans.) I can't wait until my booth setup is finished and I can post some pictures. There's much more work involved than meets the eye!

I also wanted to let you know that I have listed many new beads on ArtFire so click the link and check them out! Even if you don't purchase, I'd be very interested in your feedback and any constructive criticism you can offer.

I've also listed several pieces of finished jewelry on 1000 Markets.

Blog Marketing Using Entrecard

2009-03-01T10:41:00.000-08:00

Have you noticed the "E" widget in the right column? It's called an Entrecard. It's a fun way to advertise on other people's blogs and to discover new blogs.

How does it work? In a nutshell, you go to the Entrecard site, sign up and add their code to your blog.

Then, Entrecard users will request to put their card on your blog. If you accept, it's automatically placed on your widget for 24 hours (one ad at a time). If you don't wish to advertise their blog on yours, you can decline the request. If you like an ad you come across, simply click and visit the blog.

The owners earn 'credits' for each ad you accept. You can earn credits for yourself by clicking the Entrecard ads on blogs you visit. This is called "dropping" your card. You use credits to pay for the ads you'd like to place on other people's blogs.

How do you know where to advertise? If you click "campaign" on the Entrecard site, you can browse Entrecards, click links to view associated blogs, and if you like what you see, you can request to advertise. Since I'm new and have few credits, I look for newer, inexpensive blogs related to jewelry makers because that is my target audience. I can check out a blog to see if I think it would be a good fit for my ad and try to avoid blogs whose works are similar to mine.

Entrecard is a fun marketing tool, and non-commercial blogs are on Entrecard, too. It's for anyone who'd like to drive more traffic to their blog.

My Entrecard looks like this:

What are you waiting for? Sign up and schmooze with me!

New Beads on Ebay

2009-02-25T10:25:00.001-08:00

"We don’t see things as they are; We see them as we are." ~ Anais Nin

I've been in a funk lately so I'm clearing out some of my FAGs (Failed Attempts at Greatness) focals in groups of five starting at $9.99.

I've also added lots of new focals.

Goodbye, Zoe

2009-02-23T14:21:00.000-08:00

I was with her when she passed on peacefully. I held her and told her what a good girl she had been and how I hoped I took good care of her while she was mine.

Here are the things I want to remember about her:

Picking her out of the litter. I thought I was going to get her brother, but picked her at the last minute.

Driving back from her birthplace in Odin, IN and she layed down and fell asleep every time I set her down.

Going for a week without a name. I finally named her after Cybil Shepherd's daughter on her TV show.

Her loooong tongue when she was just a pup.

Catching her pulling a roll of toilet paper all the way down the hall.

Watching her play in the sprinkler.

How she loved to be outside and hunt for chipmunks outside my window.

When the little kids next door would cal her "Toto."

How she would try to protect me from anybody who came to the door until she knew I accepted them (and how I almost turned her loose one time!)

The anxiety of leaving for North Carolina, knowing that someone would be coming to pick her up and put her in a crate on a plane, and the elation of picking her up in our new home.

Knowing that she slept on the back of the sofa and looked out the window at the golf course (and squirrels) all day while I was at work.

The hilarious red blinking collar she wore on our night walks.

Talking (yes, talking) to her on the phone while I was living in Florida for 6 months.

Joking with Dad about winding up her little nubbin and sending her into space (a la Astro from "The Jetsons."

The summer evenings when Dad would water all the plants and she would run after the hose and try to bite the water - getting totally sopping wet.

Immediately pooping in the basement for some reason when we moved into our new house.

When she climbed up on the kitchen table and ate a whole plate of fresh brownies, and a few days later, got sweet corn out of a paper grocery bag, shucked it, and ate the kernels.

How she "smiled" when she was cranky.

What an intense beggar!

How she couldn't stand to let her papaw out of her sight and how they napped together on the blue recliner at morning and night.

The look in her eyes when she told me she was ready to leave this world.

How it was so much harder to let her go than I thought it would be.

____________

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. - John 14:1-3

I believe my room will have all the things from my life that made me wonderfully happy. I'll see you soon, my little Zoe. Thank you for loving us. I love you.

Second Annual Women in Art Market - Saturday, February 28, 2009

2009-02-22T16:40:00.000-08:00

I'm proud to announce that I have been accepted into the Eiteljorg's Women in Art Market. This is my first show in quite a while, so I'm really fired up! The Eiteljorg is a lovely place on the inside and out:

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art (Indianapolis, IN) will host its second annual Women in Art Market. Guests to the museum can view and purchase basketry, fiber arts, ceramics, painting and other work by 40 regional female artists. The Women in Art Market is a celebration of creativity from a woman's perspective, held in honor of Women's History Month.

The museum will offer artist sales and demonstrations throughout the day. At 1 p.m., There will be a special tour of the museum entitled "Women in the West."

Free with general museum admission ($7).

This is my first show in quite a while, so I'm really fired up! I've prepared an inventory of at least 20 silk ribbon necklaces, 10 coat/shawl/lapel pins, 10 silver/copper wire brangles, 20 loose focals, and some bead sets. This will also be the debut for some beautiful new bracelets I'm working on.

Don't miss it! ...and stay tuned to this blog for other opportunities for me to meet you!

Copying - My Thoughts on the Dreaded "C" Word

2009-02-16T18:40:00.000-08:00

"Copying" is often a hotly debated topic in the lampworking community. Forget the adage: "Copying is the sincerest form of flattery." These discussions can get downright ugly.

I've steered clear of sharing my philosophy on copying in the open forums, but since this blog is my personal forum, I will attempt to explain my feelings on the subject.

Types of Copying

Usually, you can find three types of copying being addressed:

1. Copying an image of a bead that has been posted to the web.

2. Infiltration of sub-standard imitations from overseas environments, especially
where the working conditions are hazardous.

3. Copying a bead itself.

The third issue is what I will attempt to address in this post.

History of Copying Art

I never formally studied Art History, but I know that as far back as the Renaissance, the artistic masters took on apprentices not only as workshop employees, but as students, exchanging their services for training. Consider the following excerpt from Master and Mentor; an Introduction to the Artist-Pupil Relationship in Art History by Sarah Jarvis, 2007:

"The popularity of large fresco commissions by all manner of patrons led Renaissance artists to be in high demand. The commissioned artist would therefore attain the help of assistants and apprentices to help in the process, in exchange for an introduction to the exhaustive methods and tools of the trade. Here, the principal artist would act as workshop master directing a team of workers, who, through continued effort in their employer's projects, would gradually progress in their own artistic training."

Copying Instructors and Tutorial Techniques

In today's lampworking community, expensive workshops with widely admired artists have been extremely popular. Recently, other lampworkers have sold their techniques via downloadable .pdf tutorials. In most cases, permission is explicitly granted for the student to copy what is covered in class or in the tutorial (although the documents themselves are usually copyrighted). However, there are some artists who request that students NOT reproduce (copy) what they have learned. I suspect this breaks down into copying a techique vs. copying the class bead. Regardless, if an instructor does not want his or her demonstration techniques or beads copied, he or she should simply not demostrate them.

I have taken classes with some of today's best known and popular artists and from my experience the best classes are the ones that may teach you how to make several specific types of beads that incorporate techniques that are adaptable to my own beads and spark experimentation and new ideas - techniques that enable me to progress in my own artistic development, just like an apprentice from the Renaissance.

Copying "Bead Porn"

"Bead porn" is the affectionate term some of us use for bead photos in books or images posted in the forum show-and-tells (the "tell" part is almost always missing). In spirit, these pictures are shown for enjoyment, inspiration, edification, and the sharing of knowledge among lampworkers. In actuality, their purpose is frequently less obvious.

I keep statistics on the blog you are reading. I can tell how many "hits" I receive each day and what site each visitor has come from. Since I have a link to my blog in the signature line of my forum posts, I can tell that most of my hits come from visitors who have seen one of my beads in a show-and-tell thread then clicked to see my blog. To the right of this post I have links to my listings on Ebay, Etsy, and Artfire. Hence, if I post good beads in a show-and-tell thread, theoretically that will drive more traffic to my markets and create more sales.

When I look at bead porn, I am primarily checking out the competition, and I usually have one of the following reactions:

1. No desire to try.

2. I tried that and failed - no desire to try again.

3. I tried that and failed - inspired to try again!

4. I never tried that - let's see if I can do it!

5. I never tried that - WOW! I wouldn't even know where to
begin!

Why I Think Copying is Okay... for Me

Ultimately, I use copying as a way to become a better artist and beadmaker. I use it as a springboard to new ideas and challenges. Any aspect of a bead may inspire me to "copy" it. It could be the colors, the shape, the size, a particular technique, or everything about it.

If I print a picture of a bead and try to recreate it at my torch, 99% of the time I never even finish. But, on rare occasions I end up with a great bead that I like and all is right with the world... EXCEPT it so closely resembles the original that anybody who travels in my circles would instantly recognize it was not "mine."

If I like the bead enough and I enjoyed making it I usually work with the design, keeping the things I really like about it and changing the things I like less, until:

1. I'm equally, if not more satisfied. Pushing beyond the original to a better bead can be very gratifying.

2. I'm convinced that very few, if any, beadmakers will recognize my inspiration, particularly the original artist.

Now, there is one looming question: What am I going to do with that lovely copy I made? In my opinion, selling it publicly on the international market is out of the question. My reasons are as follows:

1. My copied beads never really measure up to the artist's original. To me, this would be like selling somebody’s "seconds."

2. I feel it would be insulting to the original artist. It’s a tough market and my copy may be seen as an effort to steal sales.

3. Part of the joy of art is taking an idea and interpreting it in your own way. I would be "selling out" by denying myself that challenge and pleasure.

4. I don't want to get stuck with orders making somebody else's bead. How deflating?

Occasionally, my copied beads end up at a local show, but I usually give them to friends or family who will enjoy the bead just because it was made by me.

An Example of What I Mean

Here is an image of a primitive-style heart by Teresa Laliberte’ of Lavender Creek Glass (used by permission).

When I saw Teresa's heart bead I was passively looking for a different take on heart beads for a challenge sponsored by ISLAGA. I went to the torch and made this:

I was very pleased with the bead and enjoyed making it. It was not tedious or frustrating or too simple to be interesting. So, I worked on another bead the next day and came up with this:

This is the bead I entered in the challenge. (It didn't win, but I voted for my own bead for the first time ever!) Now, I've got all kinds of color schemes and shapes and jewelry designs flashing through my brain. I've started writing them down to make sure I remember them. Oh, and I still have my original copy. I like it too much to give it away!

I honestly don't know how most lampworkers really feel about the whole copy issue, but I know that I am always honored if someone copies my work (which is rare). They become "kindrid spirits."

Conclusion

Granted, there will be those who maintain that copying is wrong under any circumstances, but that position is unrealistic based on history, common sense, and my personal experience. It perpetuates the craft, and who can stand against that?

Creatively Challenged in an Artistic World

2009-02-13T16:49:00.000-08:00

I know that I am talented and creative in many ways, but I am often creatively challenged when it comes to making beads and jewelry... well, perhaps more than often. Being frustrated by "bead block" is NOT the best feeling in the world, especially when you're under pressure to produce.

Some artists are able to use nature, fine art, mood, etc. to create art. Some are able to reach down into their own soul and express their personality and feelings in terms of art. To me, that is the holy grail of what I do... the ability to show you a little bit of who I am by showing you something I made with my own hands, and ultimately, have you admire it, piece by piece, until you can understand a little more about who I am.

Admittidly, I spend at least half of my time in an effort to create something that says "me." First, I had to find me. I have gone through some tough times lately, so I had to really dig to rediscover myself. Second, the art. Even in lampwork there's nothing new under the sun, but I was determined to find something - some style, some technique, some color that really hit home for me.

In the past 5 years, lightning has only struck once. Just this year I was inspired by a beautiful, wispy bead I saw on a show and tell thread of www.Lampworketc.com. I worked with that technique to come up with my own spin. After making a few of those beads I cannot tell you how satisfying it felt.

It was very profound to me when my friend Dee "got it." She actually talked about how my Wispy Twistie beads reflected the part of the essence of who I am... understated, unstructured, unpredictable, and sometimes elusive.

I love making my Wispy Twistie beads more than any other type of bead. When the glass gods are frowning, it's my go-to bead. I could make 20 in a row and still not be tired of them.

What do you create that expresses who you are? What is your go-to bead or design techique?

Get 'em While They're Hot!

2009-02-11T07:55:00.000-08:00

I spent two days listing beads on Ebay, Etsy, and ArtFire. Whew! Honestly, these are all great beads at CRAZY low prices. Plus, I never charge extra shipping for additional items, so these beads are a steal!

I was recently accepted to the Women in Art Market on March 28, 2009 at the Eiteljorg Museum (wooo hooo!) so I'll be spending most of the next few weeks building inventory for that show.

Follow Me to ArtFire!

2009-02-08T13:42:00.000-08:00

After very limited success on Etsy, I've decided to move my merchandise to ArtFire - a new site for selling handmade items. I'll be able to list as many items as I want for a flat $7 per month fee for life. There are no insertion or seller fees per item. That's really great because you get to choose from ALL of the items I make, not just the ones I think will sell - which are often very different!

Also, according to ArtFire, their marketing team is planning to invest upwards of $7 million dollars to promote the venue and increase consumer traffic.

Please stop by my new shop today! I've just listed over a dozen new beads!

You can also register here to open your own store. Please use the link above to register. Use the link above so I may recieve a free account from your referral!

New Beads..

2009-02-06T17:02:00.000-08:00

Wow. Two posts in one day. This has got to be a first for me. Anyway, here are some new beads I just photographed. Enjoy the eye candy!

Prayers for the little Zo

2009-02-06T13:51:00.001-08:00

Hi all..

My little dog Zo needs some prayers. Zoe is my 12-year old Miniature Schnauzer.

She is running on 1/2 a kidney and we've decided not to go through expensive "heroic" measures to put her into the hospital for fluids/treatment/x-rays, etc. because it would probably add less than a year to her life and she could very well pass anyway. We have, however, switched her to a different food that requires less kidney function (she's eating again!) and keep her on an antibiotic that has helped her during previous bouts with pancreatitis/kidney disease.

I only pray that we have some good days or weeks left with her and that we will know when it is "time" so that she does not suffer. I always swore I wouldn't let her suffer.

So, God please bless my little Zo dog.

Just call me... "Darkroom Dangerous"

2009-02-01T16:47:00.000-08:00

After literally years of experimentation, not to mention hundreds of dollars shelled out for equipment, etc., I am finally moving in a direction that I really like for photographing my beads and jewelry. For me, it has started to come together by using a decent quality tripod, a "frosted" acrylic cutting board, a piece of driftwood, and my camera set on MANUAL.

The pictures below were taken with very little lighting in my basement on a countertop I purchased to use as my jewelry workbench. On the countertop, I put down 4 small wooden blocks, then I put the cutting board on the blocks. That raises the board up and "blurs" the countertop. (I've also seen this done over gradiant paper.) Then I set the drift wood on the acrylic board and placed my beads and jewlery on it using sticky dots if necessary. Finally, I set the I set the camera's aperture manually (although it didn't seem to matter what I set it to) and let the camera do the work. After I imported the images, I did some minor touchup in Photoshop and... Voila! (Thank you Jesus!!)

New Fibula Pins

2009-01-20T17:17:00.001-08:00

I've been hard at work preparing for an upcoming show by incorporating my beads with silk ribbons from www.jamnglass.com and they look great! But first, I wanted to show you a couple of new fibula pins. Please contact me if you are interested in these pins, otherwise, they're off to the show!

New Beads on Etsy

2009-01-07T10:50:00.000-08:00

Hello friends! Just a quick post to let you know I've posted some new beads on Etsy. I'm particularly fond of these:

Boro Bead Bonanza!

2009-01-04T18:06:00.000-08:00

For about two years I've been obtaining the equipment and skills necessary for making boro beads. There's just something magical about borosillicate glass. I particularly like using boro beads in my wire jewelry creations.

Average sized boro beads require a much hotter flame than soft glass. To get a hotter flame, I had to purchase a new torch and two new, powerful (and expensive) oxygen concentrators. Then, I had to build my inventory of boro glass.

I've taken two classes in boro, but there's still a big learning curve when it comes to putting it into practice. This past weekend, I invited an online friend from Ft. Wayne, Karin of IF-Designs, to come and share some of her experience using my personal setup. My buddy, Lisa Atchison of Touch of Glass Designs hosted the mini-class. Of course we had a GREAT time and made dozens of cool experimental beads.

However, I've come to the conclusion that I'm just going to have to roll up my sleeves and devote some concentrated time to adjusting to boro. Sometimes all the coaching in the world is no substitute for experience.

Here are some pictures from the weekend for your enjoyment.

Go Bead or Go Home!

2008-12-11T08:52:00.000-08:00

That's my new slogan.

I've been praying for direction in my life. I've been a Technical Writer for over 20 years, and I love doing it, but I haven't had a challenging assignment since 2001. In fact, I've been hired for very high-paying contract jobs only to be bored to tears. I'm either just really adept and fast, or my employers didn't need a full-time writer. I tried not to "look a gift horse in the mouth" but I cannot justify spending the rest of my life sitting in a cubicle feeling guilty and trying to look busy. Admittedly, if the right opportunity comes along I'll go back for the benefits, but for now I'm content to explore this new adventure.

My last contract expired in August. Since then I've been laying low to let my leg fracture heal and trying to torch and bead consistently and I think it has taken that much time to start to find my creative self again. Last week I poking around in my studio and I remembered the sports phrase "Go big or go home!" Since then I've been praying and talking to other beaders and friends about growing my business. I feel like it's in a delicate stage right now, but I'm trusting that I'm heading down the right road. It's a gamble, but I think it's also a challenge I need at this point in my life. Art is so personal, and I need to find my way back to the creative child in me, and I need to connect more with others - two areas I've always wanted to work on.

So much for the "deep" stuff! Here are some new beads listed on Etsy:

Seahorse Beads

2008-12-06T07:32:00.000-08:00

Hello again!

I just have to share this little guy. He's the most perfect out of all the seahorses I made yesterday. I gave him a big belly so he can have lots of seahorse babies!

I like making these because each one has its own character and they go pretty quickly. Plus, they open up a great way to use all the different frit mixes that I've been hoarding for some future purpose.

"Frit" is just another name for crushed up glass; however, some people buy furnace glass (which comes in many more colors than the type of glass I use) and blend different colors and sizes together to sell their own particular frit "blends." Check out my friend Robin Koza's website, Glass Diversions, to see some examples of frit. ...And that concludes our lesson for today!

Puppy Love

2008-12-02T10:05:00.000-08:00

Well, yesterday was my birthday. Yep. That's right. Another year older and quite a few pounds heavier, I'm afraid. Oh, well. What 'cha gonna do?

As far as beads go, they're getting better every day. The twisties are twistier and the florals are getting cleaner. I'm waiting on a new bead reamer to clean them, so right now they're just soaking in water. Hopefully I'll get some new pics up soon.

In the meantime, I thought I'd share my favorite YouTube video with you. It's the sweetest thing!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-25T10:46:00.000-08:00

Being a "glass half empty" kind of person, it's so easy for me to loose focus on all the things I am thankful for. I won't bore you with a long list of people (they know who they are), nor will I list all of the wonderful opportunities that have come my way. However, I would like to give a shout out to God. Yes, I'm thankful for God himself. The more I learn about him the more I want to know. He fulfills all the shortcomings in my life that matter. He shows me how small I am in His grand scheme, yet how critically important I am in that I am the only "me" and He would have given His son for me even if I were the only person on Earth - ever. So, here's a shout out to you, God, for all you are.

On a lighter note....

Here's a pic of the little Zo dog in her turkey bandana wishing us a happy Thanksgiving...

And here are some pictures of some bead sets (Yes! Sets!) and a garden floral that are going on Ebay shortly...

New Beads on Ebay!

2008-11-20T18:30:00.000-08:00

Hey all:

I just wanted to do a quick post and let you know that I've just listed most of my inventory on ebay at ridiculously low prices!! Click here to check 'em out!

I plan to make more beads and start some bangles tomorrow. Wooo hooo!

Is It Spring Yet?

2008-11-15T18:56:00.001-08:00

For some strange reason I've been on a spring floral kick today. Have a great week!

I'm Famous!

2008-11-08T11:44:00.000-08:00

Hello and happy Saturday (my most favorite day of the week). There are just a few new things going on.

First, I'm currently the spotlight artist at ISLAGA.org. ISLAGA stands for Indiana Society of Lampwork and Art Glass Artists. I've been a member of ISLAGA for several years and I can tell you there's no nicer group of lampworkers around. Other lampworkers have read through our forum and said "You guys actually like each other!" I just had to laugh. I think there is a strong sense of humility and genuine respect for each person's dignity and talent no matter what level or how experienced they are. ISLAGA has created a great environment for me and others to grow as a person and an artist and I am very grateful to all who have participated and made it happen. Anyway, click here to check out my spotlight article and the ISLAGA website.

Second, I would like to introduce you to my nephew, Jacob. This is his senior picture. He is currently studying Computer Technology in his first year of college. Jake and his brother Ben are my heart and I'm sure they have no idea how much I love them! I'll introduce you to Ben someday soon. I am so lucky to have two special nephews!

New Beads

2008-11-05T17:24:00.001-08:00

I finally cleaned up my bead room (I'll try to take a picture of that soon) and took some pics of some recent beads. I think I'll put them up on Etsy soon.

New Styles

2008-10-30T18:23:00.000-07:00

I've been working on two new styles of beads. The first I call "Metallics." They were inspired by a glass artist I met in Tuscon last February named Cynthia Liebler-Saari. The blue on the bead below was created by rolling the white glass in white enamel (powdered glass) then applying copper foil and burning it off. It's a neat chemical reaction, don't you think? Then, I added flecks of gold and platinum leaf. I highlighted the bead below with raised black accents. Sometimes these beads look very earthy. Sometimes they look almost Japanese. They look great with Hill Tribes silver.

The next bead is a take off on my bird's nests. It is a basic black bicone with iridescent dark silver plum glass stringers wrapped loosely around the bottom half. I think it looks a bit like a pendulum - a great focal drop for a necklace. I've also made this style in transparent gray and transparent cranberry.

Good News, Bad News

2008-10-22T16:44:00.000-07:00

Well, I went to the hand doctor today and got both good news and bad news. The good news is that the Carpal Tunnel in my left wrist should heal itself while I wear a brace. The bad news is that the pain in my other wrist is being caused by torn or punctured cartilage. So, now it's on to the next specialist for some "scoping."

In the meantime, I thought I'd show you some pictures of my earlier bangles made with silver wire. Enjoy!

Bird's Nest Pendant

2008-10-21T08:11:00.000-07:00

Hello again!

I know it's not spring yet, but I've been wanting to try a bird's nest pendant for a long time. I've seen it done in wire, and thought about trying it in wire, but this is so much easier and cheaper! Plus, the color possibilites are endless.

The example below was made off-mandrel out of dark silver plum glass that has a bit of iridescence. I glued in three freshwater pearls for the eggs. The bail for the chain (which is on order) is on the back of the nest. I'll have to play around with positioning it so the nest lays properly.

So what do you think?

New Copper Bangles

2008-10-16T14:50:00.000-07:00

With silver being so high, many jewelry artists have turned to the warm, rich media of copper. Mom says she dosen't like it, but I'm an earthy kind of girl and I just love it!

I worked on these when I was out with a broken ankle a while back, so they're not new to me, just new to you! The way I photographed them makes them look a bit dark, but I'm working on that. I present "Serindipity," "Ginko," and "Chaos."

Twist and Shout!

2008-10-13T16:43:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to the very first blog post for Lampwork by Lori! I hope to post at least once a week, but you know how it goes.

Lately, I've been working on twisties for a twistie (and twistie bead) exchange on a forum I visit called Lampwork Etc. Here is a picture of several twisties I made for the exchange, and this is how the beads start out.
I call my beads "Wispy Twisty Beads" beads because I use a lot of transparent glass in them and by the time the glass spreads out to the edges of the bead the color can look very delicate and whispy as seen in the beads below. Often, these beads are called "pleated" beads. The technique for making these beads comes from a Japanese beadmaking book called Tonbo-Dama: Japanese Glass Beads.

Check out my Etsy store for my very best "Wispy Twistie" beads!