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Today: Friday 10:00 am 8-13-10
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New auctions on their way - I swear!!! Click here to go to my ebay seller's list.
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Hi everyone! Yeah, it's been a long time since I've checked in here, but I am alive. This summer has been crazy - I've been taking classes at the University of Washington (trying to get competitive for grad school), and it's really been my focus this summer.
I am still doing custom bead orders, but just haven't had the time to put anything up for auction. I do have a couple of pieces to put up, and I will try to get those posted as soon as possible. Next week is finals the UW, so wish me luck (it has been so much fun)!!!
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Happy Easter! Steve and I have been out of town (went to Spokane for a few days), so I sort of forgot to put up a picture of my new auction. Whoops! Anyway, I really like this one - there are lots of layers in this one and the
colors turned out perfect (what I was shooting for). I hope you like it! I have to run - I have way too much laundry to do and spring break ends today - back to work tomorrow! Hope you've all had a great weekend, and here's the new bead (auction ending Wednesday):
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I have a new petal auction all scheduled to start this Friday. It's a lovely color combination, and is super-saturated with color. Come back to see it (and bid on it if so inclined) this Friday!
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On a totally random note, my brother came over the other night and we watched "The World's Fastest Indian" with Anthony Hopkins. If you haven't seen it, you should - it was fantastic! It takes place in Invercargill, New Zealand, and ironically, just a couple of weeks ago I sent some beads to that very town. Small world!
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Anyway, have a great week (hope it's warmer where you're at than it is here in the Seattle area), and come back this Friday to see the new little treasure!
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The two new auctions are up and running. I was so happy with how these two little guys turned out - I hope they do well! I hate to post and run, but I haven't even started dinner yet, and Steve's getting hungry! Hope you all had a great weekend, and here are the beads (if you click on them, it will take you directly to their respective auctions):
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Today's been a fun-filled day so far. Steve and I have the USA vs. Canada hockey match going while we're trying to photograph the two beads that start on ebay tonight. I took pictures yesterday and thought they would be "okay", but these two beads are beautiful, and "okay" photography isn't cutting it.
So, Steve's been helping me. He has a new Nikon and has been taking classes - getting really good at portraits in particular. But today, it's all about the beads. So we've been doing a lot of experimenting, hoping to have some pictures that are much more worthy of these two
glass treasures. I hope we succeed. So I'm just getting ready to see what we've got from this morning and change the pics on the auctions (which are scheduled to start tonight).
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Please come back later tonight to check out the beads! :)
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Hi there! Well, I just finished a day at the torch. I had some custom orders that I needed to finish, and made a couple of beads for auction this coming week. They're a tad different, but I think they're going to be pretty darned cool. You never know
until they're out of the kiln, but I was pretty happy with them as I was working with them. Stay tuned to see..... :)
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Just a quick pop-in to say that the auctions are up and running - Have a great night! Here they are:
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Wow, I can't believe it's been almost two months since I've checked in here - I'm so sorry that I've been MIA for a while. Things have been pretty busy. Well, we had the holidays of course, but the big news is that a couple of weeks ago, Steve had surgery on his clavicle to repair it after he had a bad bike accident this past June. Anyway, he survived the surgery just fine, but... He woke up too early. He was all sewed up and the actual surgery was finished, but they weren't ready for him to wake up. He sat straight up in bed, ripped out his breathing tube, started ripping out his IVs, and started fighting with the surgery staff. It took five nurses/people to hold him down and get him back to sleep. He doesn't remember it at all (thank goodness), but it is quite the story. Anyway, now we're focused on getting him better. Not being able to bike has been hard for him - he's not they type to just sit around and do nothing.
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So, beads.... I do have three new auctions starting tonight, and hope they do well. It's been so long since I've had anything up for sale there. Hope I haven't been forgotten.
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Also, some news: I'm working on a tutorial of sorts. Steve will be helping me with it (now that he has some free time on his hands), and I'll be sure to post the news here when it's ready for purchase.
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Thanks so much for checking in here, and hope to hear from you soon!
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Thursday 7:30 pm 12-17-09
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The Rainbow beads are officially ready to go to a new home! The bead at Etsy is a smaller size (about 14 x 14mm), and is up for grabs for $70. The bead at Ebay is much larger (one of the largest rainbow petals that I've made at about 21 x 21mm) and the starting bid is $55. I thought it would be a fun experiment to see how the two would sell at the different sites. I have to admit - I had a hard time
pricing these two beads. I didn't want to set the prices too high, but at the same time, they take a very long time to make, and are tricky to get them "just right". Anyway, it'll be fun to see how they do!
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Here they are (Etsy bead on the left, larger Ebay bead on the right):
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I have been a very busy bee lately! I'm working like a madman on custom orders that people need for the holidays, and have some beads that I've been meaning to list on etsy and ebay. I think I might do something a little "experimental". I have a couple of rainbow petal beads (one huge and one on the smaller size),
and I might just list one on ebay and the other on etsy (respectively) and just see what happens. I also have a couple of really small sets (really small = really affordable) that I'd like to offer on etsy. I just need to get all of the photos ready, and it'll all be good! I love being busy too, so no complaining here! I'd say, give me till tomorrow to get them all going,
and then they'll all be up for grabs!
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So anyway, if you're up for checking out some new beads, please come back tomorrow to see them, there'll be lots to see - have a great night!
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Hello strangers!!! I'm happy to be back here with some good news - I have beads that are sitting in the kiln, just waiting for a new home. They'll be up for grabs Tuesday, so come back to check them out!
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| If you're wondering where I've been, I've been working diligently on custom orders. I'm finally caught up which has allowed me to spend a few minutes here to say "hello". Steve's been well (still recovering from his bike accident back in June), and he's been busying himself with a new camera.
I think he has a fantastic eye for photography, and he just broke down and bought a decent digital camera (Nikon d300S). There's going to be a lot of learning involved, but that's good for him. I think he needs to start selling some of his photos (especially to help pay for the new cam)! As long as I'm bragging about his photography, how about a sample of one of my favorites?
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| This picture was taken in Fairfield, Washington (east of Spokane). While it looks photoshopped (especially the freaky-sized moon), it is not. The colors are god-given, and the moon was showing off that night. Here it is:
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Wednesday 9:35 pm 10-21-09
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I have something new to add to my "Objects" section: Bookmarks! Just in time for the holiday season! These will make perfect gifts too. I mean - who doesn't read, right? They'll be selling for $34, since it will include two "small" beads. I'll be taking custom orders for these, so just let me know what colors and bead designs that you'd like,
and we're in business! Anyway, here's a pic of one (I LOVE these)!!!
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| The new auctions are up and running! I decided to go with a "vintage-inspired" color combination that I'm crazy about. I love how the cool and warm tones compliment each other in an airy, ethereal way. These beads are just slightly larger than my normal. The round beads are about 12 x 13mm, and the lentils are the medium size (15 x 15mm). I decided to go a bit larger thanks in part to the trend I've noticed lately towards more "statement" jewelry. These beads aren't a whole lot larger than my usual, just a tad - but enough I think, to qualify for the push towards larger jewelry pieces (yum).
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| So anyway, here they are, and I'll be back here soon. I have a few more custom orders to fill, but hope to have some more auctions starting within the next few days. Thanks a bunch!
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| Hi all! Well, it's taken a while longer than I'd expected to get another auction ready. I was bombarded with custom orders (which is a very good thing, so thank you to all my great clients)! Anyway, I do have a couple of auctions finished and will be getting them ready to start Tuesday evening at 6:30 pm Pacific time. Thanks so much for stopping by, and hope you've had a great weekend!
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| Hi everyone. It's been a very, very sad past couple of days. One of my good friends passed away from an evil form of cancer with which she had been fighting for about the past ten years. Beth was really special too. I know everyone says that about everybody, but
in this case, it's true. She was something. One of the kindest women I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. I met her when I worked part-time at the Aveda store here in Bellevue back in 1996. Among a gaggle of women, she was
always the voice of reason, and had a wicked sense of humor. Us Aveda girls have remained friends years after leaving there, and the four of us took lots of pleasure in shopping trips up to Vancouver, meeting for lunch, getting together with our spouses for dinner, etc. We will all really miss her, and man, was she a fighter. I could go one forever about Beth, but maybe I'll post a picture and say a prayer. Beth's on the far left, then Melinda, Linne, and me. All four of us in the picture are the "Aveda girls". This was taken this past November at Beth's house.
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| Thanks for stopping by. :)
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| Just stopping in to say "hello" and let you know that the new auction has started. It's my take on a Halloween set, and here it is:
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| Well, I'm back to work after a nice long summer vacation. Tomorrow is the first day back for students, so that means things are going to get crazy around here
for awhile. I love having summers off, but I also really look forward to seeing my students. Since I travel throughout the district, I'm going to do my best to make
it to as many schools as my car can take me to tomorrow.
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| As for beads, I do have a new "Halloweenie" set that will start tomorrow night. This year (unlike last year when I waited till the very end of October) I made sure my Halloween set is available with plenty of time before the holiday!
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| Anyway, I'm off like a herd of turtles, but will be back tomorrow evening with the new auction. Have a great night!
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| Here are the new auctions (off to finish eating dinner)! :)
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| Yup, the auctions are scheduled and ready to go in about an hour and fiteen minutes. I was surprised I actually had time to finish the auction since Chewy was here. He is so much fun to puppy-sit.
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| Today was my last "official" day of summer vacation, and I have to get ready tonight for my first day back to work. Students don't come until next week (after Labor Day), so at least I have a chance to mentally prepare myself. :)
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| Anyway, I better run - I can hear the rice boiling! I'll be back soon with the new auctions!
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| Hey there all - Happy Sunday! Well, it's a slow start back to ebay, but it's a good start! The auctions did well - better than I thought, since it had been so long since I'd had anything there. I'm still on a mission to offer sets and pieces there more
regularly, and I have half of anoter set completed already. My plan is to finish it today and have it ready for tomorrow evening. I can tell you right now that I love the colors (there's one good thing about summer turning into fall - the warm, toasty colors). I'm going to try my bestest to have it ready. The only thing that would keep
me from completeing it, is today I get to babysit Geoff (my step-son) and Terry's (Geoff's fiancée) puppy Chewy. He should be here any minute, and Steve and I will be watching him till tomorrow. If you scroll down a touch, you'll see a picture of Chewy and you'll fully understand how he could keep me away from torching. But... Steve and I have an agreement that he'll watch him while I finish the set, so please come back tomorrow to see the beads!!!
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| Hey there! Just a quick pop-in to say that the other new auction is up and going. I have to run - dinner's finished and I need to pull it out of the oven (it's coconut chicken tonight)!
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| Finally , just when you were beginning do doubt that I'd ever come back to ebay, I have two auctions starting tonight with another starting tomorrow! Both set are very different from each other, but they are both geared for the upcoming seasons (I hate to admit that
the summer season is coming to an end). At least there are dark, rich beads to look forward to! Anyway, here's the new set with the focal (sold seperately):
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Saturday 10:30 am 8-22-09
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| Well, this summer has not gone as I'd planned. "The Plan" was to make beads at least three days a week, but as you can see... It just has not been able to happen. I've kept very busy with custom orders, but my commitment to ebay as not been what I'd hoped. What can I say? There are two weeks left of vacation before I head back to work (with the school district), so I'm going to see what I can get done in those two weeks. I'll be at the torch today working on my first fall auction, and hope to get a new tutorial finished as well. The tutorial will be a very beginning, basics class, and I hope to have a casing tutorial finished as well.
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| Last week Steve and I were able to go to our family reunion ( my mom's side) in Estes Park, Colorado. I had never been there, but boy... Talk about a fun reunion in a gorgeous part of the USA! Steve and I loved it there - we'd love to go back someday. While we were there, we toured the Stanley Hotel. It's where Stepen King (one of my favorite authors) stayed when he was inspired to write The Shining (one of my favorite books). The history of that hotel is really something. Anyway, my cousin Donna took a pic of Steve and I in the back courtyard just after the tour:
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| I Also have to mention the new addition to our family! Steve's son Geoff and his fiancée got the cutest little puppy I think I've ever seen in my life. He's a Yorkie-Poo (Yorkshire Terrier/Poodle blend), and we've been lucky enough to "baby-sit" him a couple of days a week. His name's Chewy (yup - Geoff's a Star Wars fan), and he's about two pounds of nothin' but love. I'm absolutely compelled to post a picture:
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| Is that the cutest face you've ever seen or what? Anyway, about beads... Please come back to see my first fall set - I'll have it ready for ebay by either Sunday or Monday evening. Thanks for sticking with me in my absence!!!!
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Wednesday 10:00 pm 7-1-09
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| Well... While things are slowly getting back to "normal" (or at least a "new normal") around here (see my post below if you're confused), I did finally get around to listing a bracelet on Etsy! It's my first actual product listing on Etsy. I do have my Rainbow Petal Bead Tutorial there for sale, but this is my first physical "item" for sale. It's a gorgeous bracelet, and I don't feel at all guilty for saying that because Vicki Walker is the one who took my beads and really made them shine.
I am a huge fan of Vicki's - everything she creates is a work of art in my book. In the future on Etsy, I plan to sell some beads, but probably won't be selling a lot of finished jewelry. So if you love the bracelet, I'd grab it while it's there. If you click on the picture below, it'll take you directly to the bracelet on Etsy:
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| As for more beads (auctions) - They are on the way! I have a few custom orders I'm working on, but will be doing my best to fit in some beads for ebay soon! Thanks a bunch!
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| Holy cow - it's been almost two months since I've checked in here. That is waaaay too long. An unfortunate record. What can I say except that yes, I am still making lots of glass beads (obviously custom orders), and yes, my life outside of the glass world has been
extremely busy. The past three weeks have been absolutely unbelievable (and not in a good way). Steve ended up in the ER which turned out to be a kidney stone. That was the first time I've ever seen someone deal with a kidney stone, and let me tell you for those who have not had the pleasure - it ain't pretty. I thought for sure at one point
Steve's head was going to completely spin around. After a few days of hell on earth, he was fine (thank goodness). Anyway, one short week later, Steve had an awful bicycle accident (collided with another cyclist due to some miscommunication), and ended up bloodied, bruised, and a broken left collarbone. And I'm not talking when you look at the x-ray you say, "Oh yeah, I see it - that crack along that bone there." Uh-uh. His left collarbone is now his left four collarbones - four completely seperate pieces. Poor
guy - it has not been his best spring. He's recouperating (and in some nasty pain), but it's a whole lifestyle change for him. He was used to riding between 100-200 miles a week on his bike. Now... Goose egg. So as you can see between our household becoming a temporary hospice center and my custom orders, it's just been hard to get here. Oh! If you're interested in reading about Steve's bike accident, click here or on his x-ray below.
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| As far as glass goes, I will start having auctions more regularly again starting in July. School's almost out, which will free me up for more torch time! Also, I have a very cool bracelet that Vicki Walker and I made together (I did the beads, she did the wirework) which I will have for sale on Etsy soon. I should have it up within te next day or two. It was made with that goregous fuchsia color that I picked up a while ago (and that I'm holding onto like it's plutonium). Anyway, check back soon - I'll have a picture of it here when I list it.
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| For those who were wondering about our robins, they made it out of the nest safely. It was so exciting to watch. Steve was finally able to rig up a webcam while their mom was away, so we watched their every move till they took their first flight. That was really special.
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| Well, I better run - I have to check my beads that are sitting in the kiln. I have an order that needs to go out to Australia asap, and I'm hoping they're ready to clean! Please check back soon - I promise I'll be back shortly! :)
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I guess it's that time of year - I'm getting obsessive about my yard/garden. I love it this time of year. Everything looks so beautiful, and it makes me feel so
"homey". But hey, I guess I'm not the only one. Steve and I noticed a robin building a nest right above out back door last week, but we scared it off when we tried to install a webcam (while it was away from the nest) to watch its every move. Well, that was a bad idea on our part - we really spooked it. Anyway, I took Max out this morning
and as I was heading in, there it was, sitting in its nest! It's so cute, and I have to wonder if there are eggs in there. I don't dare look though - we'll find out soon enough. I just hope we don't scare it again - we use that
door (and so does our corgi Max) a lot. So I guess we'll have to wait and see. Steve took this picture of it today with his zoom lens, of course. We know we'll need to keep our distance this time. :)
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As for beads, I have an auction ending tomorrow, and hope to have more up on ebay soon. I'm getting lots of custom orders, so I'll try to squeeze one in there. :)
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Anyway, here's our beautiful little squatter:
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Rats! Once again - I miffed on the start time for the new auction, so it will start in just a couple of minutes - at 6:45!
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I'm so glad it's Friday. It's been a long week, and I haven't felt my bst the past couple of days. It will be nice to have the weekend to relax and get myself back together. And as a bonus, it looks like we're going to be blessed with beautiful weather! So now the big question is... Enjoy the weather
or spend time atthe torch??? Hmmm... I honestly don't know what I'll do. I'll have to make that decision tomorrow (a difficult decision, but one I'm so happy to "have" to make - finally after months of cold)! :)
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Here's the new auction that just started (below). Have a great Friday night, and I'll be back soon with more beads!
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Wednesday 6:30 pm 4-15-09
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Hi there! Steve and I just had my folks over for ham dinner (I was supposed to fix it for Easter, but we had so much food, I actually forgot to put it in the oven)... So, I'm just popping in to say that the two new auctions are up and running (with two ending tomorrow as well). Hope you like them, and here they are:
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Hey there! I just wanted to stop by here really quick to say "hello" and hope those who celebrate, had a lovely Easter yesterday. My folks came over, and we had a really nice time. I made a French pastry dessert that I still have sugar rush from!
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Anyway, I'm off to work, but will be back soon with a couple more auctions (petals, next time)! :)
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Oh! And also... I think I'm going to be offering smaller sets for a while on ebay. I think during this time when we're all watching where we spend our money, I'd like to offer smaller sets so that they're more affordable for everyone.
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So here's the new auction below and have a great Monday...
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Wow, it's been over a month since I've checked in here. Things have been very busy, and I guess something had to give - the website. At least it's not - the beads. :) I have been working on beads, just aven't
had much time for auctions. But that's about to change! I'll be posting a couple of auctions in the next couple days, so please come back to see them. :) Also, I'm working
on a new tutorial, so that will hopefully be finished soon as well (I'm going to need a couple of weeks though, to finish it). I'll be back with more details soon!
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Thanks for checking in with me - even though I've been missing in action the past several weeks. I'll be back here soon with some new auctions!
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I just got back from my folks' house, but before I left this afternoon, I had time to get another auction ready - and it's a petal bead! Done in spring-ish, yummy colors, similar to that
of the new "Sugar High" set - I love it... I have to run, but here are the two new auctions - boy, I can't wait for spring!!!
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Hello! Well, as promised, a new auction has just started - a nice set of sparkly, glassy beads in seasonless neutrals. I love 'em! Hope you do too. Here they are...
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Well, Steve and I just got back from several days down in Long Beach, Washington. We had a great time (I think we may have decided that we will eventually end up living there). But, I'm actually a little under the weather. So I just wanted to come here, say a quick "hello" and let you know that I will have a new auction starting tomorrow.
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Oh! One more thing... I have a new addition to my jewelry page. Vicki Walker and I have been teaming up over the years to make some custom pieces for a variety of clients, and I thought
it would be a good idea to advertise that we do that on my jewelry page. I'll post a couple of pics below of some finished pieces - I absolutely love what Vicki can do with sterling!!!
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Click on the pics for more info (pricing, sizing, etc.):
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Hi all! Just a quick "hello" to let you know the new auction is up and running! Speaking of running, I have a bunch of dishes I need to get to, so I'll pop in again later. Here's the new auction:
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Happy Valentine's Day! I have to run to the store (last-minute Valentine's dinner "stuff", but I wanted to stop in here to let you all know that I do have an auction starting Monday. It's almost ready to go -
I just have to list it, so it'll be there on Presidents' Day. Thanks a bunch - hope you have a great weekend and a great Valentine's Day!
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Wednesday 7:30 pm 2-11-09
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Whoops! I have a "new" auction that's been going for a few days now, and forgot to put a picture of it here. My mind's been a little pre-occupied lately. :) Anyway,
I was dying to do something new and different, so I came up with the beads below. They're very modern - very "glassy" if that makes sense. They're all
encased in clear, so they almost have a "liquidy" appearance to them. Anyway, hope you like them, and I hope to be back within the next few days with a new set!!!
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Just a quick "hello" to say all of my auctions are up and running - including a Rainbow Petal Bead! I'm off to finish up dinner, but will be back soon. Thanks so much for stopping by! Here are some pics of the new auctions...
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The new auctions have started, and as you might be able to tell, there's a bit of a theme... Rainbows! So like it says above, three more auctions will be starting the same time tomorrow evening with more rainbow-inspired designs. And who knows,
maybe a Rainbow Petal Bead will show up for the party! :) Thanks for checking in - hope you like the new auctions, and hope you'll come back tomorrow to see the rest of the "Rainbow" auction series! Here are the two new auctions that just started...
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Saturday 11:30 am 1-31-09
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Hello strangers! It's been a month since I've checked in here, and a lot has been happening. After the new year, I just got really busy with custom orders, which really effected my presence at ebay). Not to mention that ebay's been so slow for everyone, I haven't been pressuring myself to get anyting out there. But enough time
has passed so that I'm itching to get back on there. I've also joined Etsy, where currently I just have my tutorial for sale. I may list something there too, we'll see. Anyway, today is all about torch time - and it will all be for sale starting Monday and Tuesday either on ebay or etsy (I'll keep you posted).
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On a personal note, last Friday I had a birthday - a big one... I turned 40! Hard to believe, but I'm officially "over the hill". Funny thing though, I sure don't feel over the hill. I feel better than I did in my 20s and 30s! It was my best birthday ever... I went for a run, and when I got back Steve
had decorated the house for a surprise party later that evening, and had a dozen roses (of the most gorgeous color of lilac) waiting for me. That night, a few of my oldest and dearest friends came over to help
me celebrate (maybe I'll add a few pics). I have to admit, I hadn't been looking forward to turning 40, but Steve made it really, very special.
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Mindy and Liza (on each side of me) have ben my friends for about 34 years - we went through elementary school together, all the way through college!
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My mom and dad put together this huge feast of Chinese food. I was in heaven!!!!
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In my living room, chatting, having a great time.
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Here's a pic of Steve and I by the roses he gave me for my 40th - such a great man.
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Good evening! The new auction has started - it'll be my first "large" set of the new year, and it's one of my very favorite color combinations. I had a ton of fun making these, and I hope it shows.
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This next year should be a good one! I turn the big 4-0 next month, I have a new publication coming out in the spring/summer, a couple 5 and 12Ks to run and a possible family reunion in July. Not a bad plan so far! Anyway, I hope you like the new beads, and hope you have fun bringing the new year!
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I hope you all have had a nice holiday so far. It's been an awfully strange one here in the Seattle area. For almost two weeks we were plagued by snow! At any one time there was about 12" of snow on the ground (which is paralyzing for a region not well-equipped for it). We are still waiting for some of our Christmas gifts to be delivered (from Amazon, 2-day shipping that was purchased a week and a half ago). Garbage hasn't been collected in two weeks - it's been crazy! But, in just the past two days the snow has virtually melted, thank goodness. Things can finally get back to normal. Speaking of getting back to normal, I have a new set of beads (a larger set) that will start Tuesday night, so please come back to see it! :)
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Anyway, I have to head out - finish cleaning up some beads for a custom order, but I'll be back soon with some fresh, new beads ready for ebay! Have a great night.
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Yup - I've got two auctions ending tonight and two more ending tomorrow. Ebay's been so s-l-o-w for everybody, and there are only a couple of bids right now on my beads, so if you're looking for a good deal... Today and tomorrow's the time to get one (it looks like)!
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Other news: We are stupid with snow - about six inches!!! I'm on my third snow day from the school district. This is the heaviest snow we've had in at least 18 years. And the thing is (while we don't get a lot of snow here very often), when we do get it, it usually melts within the day or so. But the temps have been so cold - it's just not budging. So I'll leave you with a pic from our front yard winter wonderland (I tried to let Max out in the back to play in it, but I guess he doesn't like his paws to get cold - diva)...
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You can find my glass work in the following publications, etc. :
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| Click on the pics for more info
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***There is a new publication in the works that I was fortunate to be selected for - It was delayed a bit, but as soon as it's released I'll let you know!***
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Bead Unique - Fall '08
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Glass Art 2007
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That's Clever
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1000 Glass Beads
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"Gallery"
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16-Month Calender
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Episode #HCLVR-1A40
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Pgs. 68, 179
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pg. 109
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Click here for more info or to order
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Click here the show's schedule
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Art Jewelry- November 2006
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Beadwork- April/May 2004
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Aurora- Issue 58, April-May 2006
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Bead Unique - Winter '05-'06
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"Put a Little Spring in Your Links" by Vicki Walker
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"Triple-Drop Necklace" by Janet Crosby, pg. 69
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"The Secret Life of Beads" By Tracey Edstein, New South Wales, Australia
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"Generations of Creativity", pgs. 28, 29, 30, 98
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King County Journal
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Bead Unique - Fall 2004
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"Craft Lessons for the Masses", Women's Journal, January 23, 2005.
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"The Secret Language of Braille Beads", pg. 129
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"Me and my two favorite guys"
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Me, my husband Steve and our floppy-eared Corgi "Max", relaxing at our favorite place in the world, Cannon Beach, Oregon
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I was born and raised in Bellevue, Washington, and earned my degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Washington State University in 1993. Ever since, I have enjoyed working in the Seattle School District's Speech Pathology department as an SLPA specializing in non-verbal students.
Although I've had a love affair with glass art since I was a youngster, it wasn't until my husband (fiancé at the time) helped me set up my own studio in 1998 that I began to produce lampwork beads (and am completely hooked). While my lampworking keeps me very busy, I've continued to work with the school district, teaching non-speaking children to communicate using technology.
My latest series, "Braille Beads" (click here for more info) seemed like a natural fusion of my two worlds, and I hope with some perseverence and steady hands I'll do the Braille alphabet justice.
The past couple of years have been especially exciting as I have had the opportunity to be published as well as appear on the Home and Garden Channel's "That's Clever" and "Crafters Coast to Coast". More opportunities (including another upcoming publication) are just around the corner as well,
so please check back. When the projects are finished and ready for the public, I'll be sure to post more information here in my "fun stuff" area of the website.
I look forward to expanding my designs, creating different styles, and acquiring new skills as I move forward with my lampworking. I am always available by e-mail, and love to hear from my clients. Please enjoy your beads - no one has any that are exactly the same!
Take care all, and keep in touch! - Amy
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I thought it would be fun to put a page together with some of my very favorite pictures of my family, friends, and myself. It's that old sentimental kind of feeling. :) Click on the button below if you're interested!
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What are "lampworked" beads?
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They are glass beads that are "handmade". That is, each bead is made one at a time by an artist who uses a stationary torch to melt the glass and form it into the shape
of a bead. They are not machine made, so each is individual and very unique.
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Why is it called lampworking?
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Back in the seventeenth century, oil lamps were used to melt the glass. Now, a variety of torches can be used for the process.
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Do you make your own beads?
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From start to finish! I am the only artist in my studio, and I make each bead as the order comes in, with
the exception of my auctions. Most of my clients request custom orders, and I'm happy to do them!
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Why are U.S. lampworked beads so expensive?
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It can really be summed up in one word...Quality. But more specifically, they take a darn long time to make (although I love every minute of it)! Also,
most lampworkers consider each bead a piece of art - they are made with the best materials available and require many, many hours (months, years, etc)
of practice and study.
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Since the beads are glass, do they break easily?
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All of my beads have been "annealed" in a kiln for extra durabilty. That means
after I have finished designing them, they are placed in a kiln that removes much of
the stress in the glass that would cause it to break easily. Yes, they are still glass, but are
stronger than one would think!
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What kind of glass do you use?
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There are several types of glass that can be used in lampworking, but for now I am using Effetre and Lauscha, which are brands of "soft" glass.
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How long does it take?
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It really depends on the complexity of the design, but some of the larger beads can take up to 45 minutes!
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What kind of torch do you use?
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Right now, I'm using a minor burner (oxygen/propane set-up), but am hoping to upgrade to a larger torch soon, so that
I can start working on larger objects such as goblets, vessels, etc.!
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Do the beads look just like their pictures?
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I really don't think pictures do glass justice, and I'm talking about all glass art. The beads
are actually much prettier in "real life". One thing to keep in mind when buying handmade glass beads...They are
individual pieces of art and no two will be exactly the same. That's part of the beauty of having something made for you
by human hands!
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Where can your work be found?
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I have had clients from all over the world! All of my work
is sold through my website and through Ebay. The internet has given me the opportunity to send my beads to clients in some of the most interesting and unusual places
in the world.
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Is there any benefit to buying something through ebay rather than a custom order?
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There are several reasons one may want to buy through ebay rather than a special order...
- It is much faster to get your beads if you buy them through ebay - custom orders can take about 3-4 weeks (depending on the time of year).
- My ebay sets contain styles of beads that I don't offer on my website
- The set will never be exactly the same
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Do you give lessons?
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I love to give private lessons, but lately, I just haven't been able to. When things calm down again, I hope to start up again!
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Do you do wholesale?
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No, I really enjoy selling directly from my website. I always keep my prices firm so that I can be fair to all of my clients. I do sell on ebay - that is
the closest avenue I'll walk to "wholesaling" for now.
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This area will be growing over time. For now, I hope you find these tutorials helpful. Click on the title of the tutorial to take you to the page.
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