Art in the Vineyards

We had a wonderful time at this one day event held at Cedar Creek Vineyards. Here are some pictures from our day. We had glorious weather.We had three different musical groups for entertainment. The wine tasting seemed to be a big hit also. Looking forward to next year.

Art in the Vineyards

I am so excited about being a vendor at this 2nd annual event. Last year by all accounts was a big success. I was so lucky to get one of the last spots. There is several jewelry vendors participating but not any glass bead artists. There is several musicians that are scheduled to participate during the day. The event is free. There will be art, music, food and of course wine. I have made some wine glass charms just for this event. I have never participated in an outside event, and it is rain or shine. Right now weather looks good, we will see.

It is being held at Cedar Creek Vineyards off of Hwy 80 between Somerset and London, KY. It is located back in the woods with a lovely view. Danny and I are looking forward to a fun day.

Unfortunately I have no pictures to show of the new work, due to rain all week and overcast skies.

Giveaway Bounty

I have been so busy that I have neglected to post about my recent good fortune. I read a lot of blogs and comment occasionally. Well some of my comments paid off. I have been the lucky recipient of the following items:

This is a pair of dandelion domed copper disks.
The came in this wonderful package from Cindy Gimbrone at Lampworkdiva.I also won these polymer clay beads. They were from Sandi at Do be do bead do.
And last but certainly not least, I received this wonderful giveaway from Sweden. The wonderful Helena Fritz was so generous. Can't wait to use these great components in my designs.

Bead Soup Fall Version

I debated whether to participate in this Bead Soup event. It is a very busy time for me, school starting, friend's son's wedding preparations, an art show, etc. But I really enjoyed the last one and decided, what the heck.

When you sign up for the event, Lori Anderson asks if you are willing to have an international partner. I have said yes both times. I was a little disappointed in the spring that I did not get a international partner, but New York is so much different from Kentucky, it was ok, and I loved my partner Amber Dawn. We are so different, it was a wonderful experience.
Well this time I did get a international partner, Sweden, in fact. She is Jenny Vidberg of Shyme Designs. The funny thing is we sent very similar color palette soup. She sent the most awesome focal, a ceramic piece. She also sent crystals, which I love, and amazonite beads which I have admired many times but would not buy because I knew I would not part with them. The clasp is copper, just as I sent her a copper toggle. I visited her blog and loved her style of design.

Just as in the first Bead Soup I participated in, I plan on making something for myself, and not selling it. I make very little for myself and just could not sell something that is given to me from another designer's heart. Lots of participants either give the items away or sell them. Lucky people that end up with them, is all I have to say.

We both received our items within days of each other. Her packaging was over the top pretty. I really need to get a consistent and protective packaging strategy. Even the tissue paper was a pretty design white on white.

What was inside was even better.
Click on the picture to enlarge, it really doesn't do the items justice. I hope I can design something that will. I am looking forward to seeing what she will do with the beads I sent her.
I had in my head that I would send a color combination that went with copper findings and beads but when I sat down at the torch I made several things in a blue palette and made one set of aqua teal beads and a focal to match. I ended up sending the items that I just did as a whim. I liked them much better than the ones that I had in mind from the beginning. Go figure.
I always agonize about what to send. Am I sending enough? Am I sending to much? Last time I sent a lot of different choices and Amber Dawn used the focal, the clasp and maybe a couple of the other beads and that is all. This time I decided to send a more concise group and let Jenny's imagination run.

Funny thing also she is a teacher, and I work for a school in the office. So we are both very busy at this time of year. Did you catch the similar colors?

I will have to hustle as I am attending a big wedding out of state (Florida Beach) on the day of the reveal. I will post on time from afar. Maybe train Danny to do it.

Gathering

I absolutely had a wonderful 4 days in Louisville at the ISGB annual meeting The Gathering. I attended the business meeting and was one of many that won some much needed clear glass. Some of my favorite vendors were present, Zoozii, and Arrow Springs. There were lots of other vendors also and they, I am sure, will become favorites in time. I had earned some extra money sewing and it flew out of my purse. I bought some cab mandrels that I have wanted for some time. They have a bit of a learning curve to them, but Amy, the owner of Zooziis, was at open torch and demonstrated using them. I have made one attempt but need more practice.

Open torch was just awesome, some of the icons of the glass bead world were there in a casual atmosphere making beads and sculpture. There are no words to describe it. Danny kind of poked his head in for a couple of minutes and even he was in awe.

The Bead Bazaar was awesome. Danny lasted two rows and there were 5, I think. Everyone's work was awesome. I bought a few beads but mostly was just overwhelmed.

The speakers were wonderful and the people in general were very friendly and helpful. I enjoyed every minute. I had so much fun that I was utterly exhausted when I got home. I took my camera but did not take one single picture. I wish I had now of course.

When I decided to go to the Gathering, finances were not in the best shape. I am glad I managed to swing it. I thought it might be the only chance I got. Now I am wondering how I can finagle to get to go next year in Seattle. Like I said it was wonderful

Upcoming Events

I am so excited next week is the International Society of Glass Beadmakers annual event called the Gathering. This event is being held in Louisville, KY this year. Even though it is a pricey event, at least I will not have to have the expense of airfare. I am not a big fan of going to such a event alone but I really feel this is worth it. I reviewed the schedule of events yesterday, and it really looks like I can keep really busy. Most of my exposure to others who make glass beads has been through the internet, I really am looking forward to meeting and seeing other beadmaker's work in person. I am sure it will be very humbling. This event spans several days, but on Saturday they have a Bead Bazaar open to the public. I hope lots of people who don't make glass beads take advantage of seeing all of the beautiful beads available.

And right after I get back the sign up begins for the Bead Soup Blog Party hosted by the energetic Lori Anderson. I am really looking forward to the 2nd party that I will have participated in. Lori pairs you up with a partner that has different strengths than you do. The purpose of this is to stretch your creative juices. You send a focal, a clasp and some coordinating components to your partner and they create from those items and put their own spin on it. My partner last time was Amber Dawn, she is an amazing polymer clay artist. Her creation with my beads was just fabulous. I never dreamed my beads could grace such an artistic piece.

I have not been on the torch much lately. I drove to see Maggie in NC, just so we could see the movie Harry Potter together. We have seen all of them together and it was well worth it. Now I am busy trying to finish some projects prior to school starting. The worst times of the school year for the Attendance Clerk is the start of the school year and the end of the year. It is mind boggling how crazy it gets. It will be here before I know it.

Thanks for visiting.

Great Tool Giveaway

During the summer and snow days I usually spend my coffee time reading blogs, forums, email, and facebook. Sometimes I feel a little guilty, but on the other hand I think in order to grow in the world of beads and handmade jewelry you have to keep abreast of what is new and upcoming. I guess that is the same reason I post pictures of new work to hear feedback so that I can process new directions in which to explore.

Today with my coffee I read a blog post that introduced a new tool (at least to me) of a double flush cutter from Swanstrom giveaway. I had no idea that there was a tool that could even do that, let alone have a chance to win one. What a dream giveaway. This generous giveaway is being hosted by Laura Twiford of Souvenirs From Life. Since occasionally I fuse my own components from fine silver wire, one of the issues is that the wire has a flush cut on both ends. It would help with jump ring making and a boatload of other creative endeavors. If I don't win this tool I am definitely going to have to look at trying to find a way to purchase this item.

The private show that I did on Monday went very well. I really enjoyed the employees of Jones Family and Cosmetic Dentistry of Berea, KY. The ladies were very positive about my designs and very easy to work with. A big thank you to Linda Wilson and Dr. Melissa J. Jones. Hope everyone enjoys their new purchases. This is such a nice group of women, such a nice office and I have heard very good things about their professional work that I would recommend their services to anybody that lives near the office. A good dentist is worth their weight in gold, believe me, I have had my share of issues in that department.








a