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I have been approached to offer an advanced/intermediate class on raised floral focal designs. How exciting is that??!!

I am very flattered that I have been asked and hope that we will be able to work out the details and make it official.

Unfortunatly, the proposed date of this class isn't until October 2011!  Wow these folks certainly plan ahead!

 

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A new catagory in the Gallery offered for a Limited Time:

MINI FOCALS

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This is a pile of bracelet sized beads...actually only a small part of the hoard of beads I have on my work table. I have to sit down this week and make bracelets to get ready for our next show in Estero Florida. This will teach me to wait till the last second!

Anyone want to come over and help?

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As a survey my dead garden, I am itching to start planting again. Our recent freezing weather, which lasted an uncommon 2 weeks, turned our grass brown, the evergreen hedges toasty with brown tips and the horror of my shade garden. Nearly everything in the shade garden died back. Oh sure it will come back sooner or later, but I am here now.... and I am looking at a dead garden.

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Art Show Oddities

You really do meet some strange people are art shows. In all honesty, I meet and talk to thousands of people every weekend I do an Art Festival, and 95% of them all delightfull, considerate and a joy to talk to. There is however, that last couple of percentage that are a horror.

Last weekend we were showing in the Delray Beach Area at a old and well know show. Now, for those who don't know the area, it is a wealthy and  up scale area full of nice shops and beautiful old Florida homes. Its charming in every way. 

While I was out of the booth walking Sadie (the dog) a woman came into the booth and talked with Joe. She explained that she had bought a pair of earrings from us at another show and she'd lost one. Could we do anything for her? Joe explained that we'd have to see the earing to know if I could remake the exact one again, but likely I'd have to remake the whole set and we'd be happy to do that for half price. She agreed to bring the earing to the next show and show us, and she left.  

Later in the day, she came back and talked with me while Joe was busy with other customers. She was irrate and gave me a completely different story. She said she'd bought the earrings at another show and that she was charged $35. and why was she charged so much when my earrings cost $26. She accused me of ripping her off and was loud about it. We had a full booth of customers and now people were tuning in to the discussion. She had no receipt to show me and was demanding that I give her her money back. Now, I  didn't know this woman....and the thougt of just handing a stranger cash didn't sit right with me. Finally after much back and forth, her getting louder with every indignant and accusitory sentence she let slip something interesting. "Yes, it is your work, it was the same booth, I remember your earring cards, the booth and you. I have a friend who will say the same thing, for she was with me at the show a couple of weeks ago" Ah ha......"Could you tell me at what show you bought these at?" "I bought them at the Los Olas show!"

Los Olas was the last show that the promoter of this show did in the area. Allot of people think we just follow the shows around...ya know, pack up our tents and move down the road as a pack of crazed artists...or gypsies.

However, we did not do the Los Olas show. "Lady, we were not at the Los Olas show...so either someone is selling my work and has my same booth,  or you are just trying to steal from me"  She walked off in a huff and hopefully embarrassed. 

You meet all kinds, thank goodness the vast majority are wonderful lovely people and make selling the art I work so hard at a pleasant experience.

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I finally got around to updating my Art Festival Show Schedule, you can find it under the Events tab.

 

We are getting ready to head out tomorrow for the Delray Beach Art Festival in downtown Delray. Great show...hope to see you there if you are in town!

I spent around 6 hours today in a cold studio putting together all the work I've done in the last month. 16 new bracelets, 4 Flinstone bracelets, 3 Flinstone necklaces, a dozen pendants and 2 dozen earrings...!whew!  I shouldn't wait till the last second to do this part of the work....but frankly I'd rather be a the torch!

Made some really cute beads this week....but I've run out of time to list them this week. You'll have to wait till Monday to see my new spring babies. Thats a literal description actually.....baby Tucans and Baby Parots and Blue Birds!  Too funny!

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Near the entrance to my rural neighborhood is this telephone pole. Someone has added a couple of signs to the pole "I MISS YOU" and then a week later a smaller sign was added "Just U"

  It really sparks the imagination  with romantic notions or sad tales of sorrow.   I can't help but wonder what the story is behind these sincere little signs. I hope they continue to add signs to fill us in on the saga.

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It has turned cold cold COLD! We had our first freeze last night....yes, in Florida. Northern Florida is a world apart from the usual image of sunny Florida. We had to cover my garden with sheets and now the yard looks like a bad Halloween theme park. 

I am ready to give up on gardening here....too frustrating!

 

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While we were in the Caribbean Joe treated me to a real Pandora bracelet.  I make pandorasorta beads to sell at the art shows and never actually had a bracelet myself. So...it was a nice present.

Once I was back in the States I was looking around on Ebay for Pandora silver charms. THere are thousands of them. Most say " pandora fit" meaning of course they are knock offs or for one of the other similiar jewelry lines. I found many listings for "Pandora 925 silver necklaces and bracelets" On a whim I bid on and won a set for 1 cent.  I  had searched the listing for any hint of it being silver plated but found nothing. Perhaps they were 2nd's or maybe they were going out the back door of the factory, maybe they were hot........so what the heck...I bid.  Of course they were comming from China....and didn't really think they were actual Pandora jewlery...but still it said 925 which I'd always thought meant legally that it was at least sterling silver.

  In A week or so I received my package, and before I could even put the necklace on it broke. Big surprise...the inside of the chain was copper.  It was an interesting experiment.....and I was curious.....

You never get something for nothing, and a sucker is born everyday.

 

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    Our First Chow down on the Ship! (I'm in the Middle)

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I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving this year. Joe and I decided to lay low this season and save our pennies. We did a mini feast, just the two of us...and I went right to making my favorite Turkey Sandwich instead of the traditional fare.

We are going on a 7 day cruise to the Caribbean with friends starting in the morning! What fun! We rarely take any time off work, and when we do....we usually just stay home and relax. When you travel as much as we do for a living the last thing we want to do is drive anywhere! However....our artist friends talked us into it...without much effort I might say. I will take lots of pictures, so check back in a week to see what mischief we have gotten into!

Take Care,

Any Bead orders this week will be sent priority mail on Monday Dec. 7th. Don't forget to use your email list only super secret code to get your discount!

Susan

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I am having an email list subscriber only sale this week, so if you haven't signed up yet....its just a shame........

Actually, if you ask nice and sign up this week, I might be persauded to give you the super secret email list only code to get your discount.

Have fun!

susan

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We went to a different kind of auction last night, an exotic animal auction. Thats what they call it, but its not all that exotic....mostly chickens, bunnies and goats. They also have a plant auction ahead of the livestock and thats what we go for. I generally have to leave as soon as the animal part starts....I can't handle those sad and frightened farm critters on the auction block.

We also go to see our friends Jim and Julie. They are so busy with there business's that we don't get to see them as often as we'd like.

Now, there is a couple to admire and respect. They used to do the art shows and did incredibly well  at them. They went from making a consistant 5-7 grand at every show for many many years, to not making enough to to cover expenses practically overnight.

They sold there nice big home and moved to northern Florida and bought an old trailer well beneath what they were used to. Never whined, cried or carried on about what the fates had done to them.

Jim now runs a very successfull lawn care business and Julie raises chickens and rabbits in their expansive back yard. I'm not talking a couple of bunnies in a hutch....I'm talking full production rabbit farm. She sells to 4 H groups, the auction, through Craigs list and at rabbit shows. She shows her bunnies to win ribbons that increase their value and introduces her to other rabbit enthusiasts.

She raises chickens and incubates eggs by the hundreds. Selling at the auction, fertilized eggs, chicks and full grown breeders.

They also side line with selling worm castings and manure. They clean houses and offices on occassion as well.

These two are hard working people who have carved out a new life when the old one stumbled. And you know what, they are happy as clams! I'm sure they would say they love this new life much more then the old one. They should be an inspiration to us all.

Oh and the ol'trailer they bought? It is slowly becoming a show place. They renovate when they have the actual money to do it, they do it themselves and buy materials at auctions and sales .

I'm a little sick of all the people who over bought, bought beyond their means and now because of the economy are whining that they can't afford to keep it. I say tough! Do something else, try something else....do something to change your situation. Look to  my friends Jim and Julie for inspiration, they deserve our respect and admiration.

s

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Hello everyone,

There really isn't much new here...

First it was hot when we got to Florida, then cold, then hot and now cool again. Its dang hard to figure out what to put on in the morning without stepping outside for a minute. Do I put away my summer clothes?

I am excited! I ordered a new batch of Raku and its glorious! I've got my raku mojo back! That glass is a real fickle friend, sometimes its wonderful, but most times it just isn't. Could it be the weather? Its a mystery.

I have been happily going to the garage sales, estate sales and auctions in the area. This morning I got up early to trek through the wilds of Dunnellon back roads to go to an estate sale. Not worth the effort though. Two little old ladies had passed and their relatives were selling off everything. Too bad the sisters, may they rest in peace, didn't have allot of taste.  But, I contributed to the cause and spent a little. I know what that is like to have to sell off family heirlooms.

Hope all is well with you too,

Susan

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We've made the mad dash home from Indiana to Florida again without any problems . I've moved all my glass and supplies back into my southern studio up a flight of stairs.....and yep...I hurt my back and was  walking like an old woman for a week.

We've even had our first Florida show in our own town.

Next is Deland Art Festival, also a show that is fairly close. We did this one last year and it was such a nice  and pleasant show to do....and we made allot of sales to boot.

In the meantime, I am steadily reducing the pile of box's in my studio (and in the way) of my Mom's estate. I'm still selling on Ebay these little goodies with some success. I have had to learn the hard way to list this odd ball things, and shipping antiques is allot harder  and more expensive then shipping beads! KInd of a headache, but I promised my sisters long ago that I would take care of it. Hopefully by Christmas I will beable to send both my sisters a little check from Mom one more time. I'm sure they could both use a little extra this season.

 

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Heading to Carmel, pronounced like the nugget, in Indiana for the "Carmel International Art Festival" this weekend Sept. 26-27

 

Carmel International Art Festival Review:

Its a cold and windy Monday and we are back from our show in Carmel. The weather threatened rain, but didn't...A hideous construction pit was right behind us with the monster generator that continued to belch its noxious fumes all weekend was directly behind our booth. It made for a noisey weekend and a few headaches even though we kept up our side and back panels on to cut down on the fumes and noise. Despite all that, it was a decent show. We were down just a little from last year...which these days is saying allot! Some artists did very poorly and others did okay. There was too much buy/sell and stringer jewelry for our taste, but we do consider ourselves lucky to have made what we did. I would not reccommend this show unless you are local, it was surely easy for us to do and now adays for us....thats a plus.

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Some of you might remember that I used to sell my beads on Ebay. It really was a wonderfull way to show people my work and still is. However, since I am having a hard time keeping up with the website alone, I'm giving my bead presense on Ebay a break for awhile.

Every week, my friends and I enjoy going to the Antique auction in Shipshewanna, Indiana. I have bought some things that I thought were great vintage 20's through 50's items. If you've gone to my ebay name and found wierd old cool stuff for sale instead of my beads ...this is the reason why!

When I get back to Florida in October, I am going to start selling the hundreds of box's of my Mothers antiques on Ebay too. I have been procrastinating for...has it been three years? I has having some problem mentally getting up the nerve to sell them. I think thats natural to wait till the time is right to share my Mothers things. Its still hard even now to realize she is gone....I miss her allot.

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Well, we lucked out with the weather this last weekend. Although it was overcast all day it only rained for a half and hour on Saturday.

Maybe because we didn't show on Friday this year, sales were down a bit. It may take a couple of years for the patrons to realize it is only a two day show now. Our best sales were always on Friday, perhaps because there are more people downtown or maybe its because the serious art buyers know to come on the first day to get the best possible selection.

So, now I'm working on beads again for the website, and getting ready for the next show in Indianapolis.  Stay tuned....new work comming!

 

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I'm heading out tomorrow for the annual "Shadyside Art Festival in Pittsburgh Pa.

For once the promoter and the city council that organize this show has taken pity on us artists. This used to be a three day show in early August. Now with the new dates and fewer days it is a pleasure to do. Always well attended in the lovely Shadyside area, this show is well worth doing and visiting.

It is reportedly going to be a rainy weekend however, but as professionals we will be there rain or shine. So bring your umbrella and have fun despite the weather!

 Weather is always a factor in the Art Show world. I have shown in my outdoor canopy in 100 degree heat, 45 mile a hour winds, near tornados and even snow and sleet! You gotta be tough to survive in this business!

Most patrons don't know the rigors of an artist. For instance, did you know that we sign contracts (once excepted) to participate in these shows?  We sign in blood that we will be there when they say and stay open until they say. So.....no matter what the weather....we will be there.

Heres wishing for a less wet weekend...otherwise we will just be soggy.

I will start working for the website again next week, and possibly have another email subscriber list special....you never know! 

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This is a preview of some of my latest finished work,These are pieces that I have completed to show at my last summer art festivals. The Events tab with tell you where I will be.

 This type of necklace I call a Flinstone. Remember Wilma Flinstone and her big rock necklace? Well, these are big, hollow, beautiful and make a statement!

  This necklace is a "silvered ivory" flinstone, hollow bead. Silvered ivory is when I take an ivory rod, melt it into a ball, roll and burnish sterling silver leaf on to it, then pull long thread like stringers (tiny rods). I can design with these stringers making lines and scrolls etc. The silvered ivory reacts with the black and creates a wonderful ancient look.

You can see more of my finished work in the gallery under Necklaces or Bracelets.

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The art show business has changed so much since my first show so many many years ago. In the early years you could show up with home made displays, no tent and appling for shows was almost a joke, it was so easy.

Now it is a real "profession"....a real business....a hard business and unless you are really professional in every thing you do....its nearly impossible to get into the better shows .....meaning in the shows you actually can make a living at.

I just applied for a show....a chore we all hate... but this one was especially insane. This show, which remain nameless, wanted a disk with images of our work...with specific sizes  and formats,  a print out sheet of our work with the usual sizes, title, name, and other information. A completed lengthy application, the money (of course) jury and booth fees. All sent in a special envelope and sent by the due date. This is all time consuming and expensive for the artist. Oh and by the way....we don't get the disk back.  This is all done with the hopes of getting accepted into the show....and believe me...its a crap shoot.....

With the invention of "zapplication" an online jurying service that also costs us allot more money to apply, it is a blessing and a curse. Why is a curse? Well....its so easy to apply to shows that many more artists apply , allot of them don't even want to do the show.....Oh, the show  promoters make tons more money with jury fees with all these extra applications, but the serious applicant suffers because the competition was increased ten fold.  The shows also suffer (although they don't seem to mind) because there are so many "no shows"and cancellations  at the actual events that the promoters have to start calling in the "wait listed artists"....

I've always been frustrated with the application  process, but now.....its just getting stupid, unfair and expensive.

Do I want to go back to the "old days" ....well no. I like the professional look of the shows. I'm proud to get into some of the best shows in the country and yes...it is possible to make a living doing something I love.

 

So there!

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Thanks again for participating in my my "Email List Subscriber Only Sale"

If you aren't a subscriber....you missed out! sign up!

I am now again in "production mode" I have 4 more shows this summer and I am making bracelet sized beads by the bucket load trying to get perpared! We sold so many bracelets at the last two shows that I really need to restock.

We head to Pittsburgh next for the Shadyside Show, then Carmel Indiana and Indianapolis Indiana, our last show will be in Louisville for the St James Court Show.

On to other life stuff:  It has finally turned hot here in Indiana...after such a lovely cool summer. I can barely stand it....I guess I've lost my South Florida tolerance. However, maybe my tomatos will finally ripen!

I have been playing around with some of the new silver glass's.....again.....(when will I ever learn?!) Let me tell you....it is outrageously frustrating! One will turn out great and when I try to reproduce it....its just yuck. It is incredibly expensive glass not to get perfection everytime.   An average glass price is around $8-10 a pound....this stuff is $80-100. per pound.....see what I mean?

I've also been playing with some new glass colors...a whole array of browns, corals and beiges...getting ready for those fall colors! I may even try a halloween set just for fun.

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AND LOTS MORE! Listing will be Sunday night July 26th!

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Just a quick one to say that I am hard at work getting ready for a big sale, and a big listing of new beads. I am not sure exactly when I will be ready, but expect something this weekend.....I'm thinking Sunday ....stay tuned!

Sign up for my email list if you haven't already...the sale will be for my email list subscribers only.

So sign up already! I really don't hound you with a flood of useless emails. I only send one out a couple times a month...they are quick and painless notifications of new listings.

Also.....if you are looking for something special...let me know! I am always interested in your ideas.

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Whew! What a long and exhausting 9 days of shows!

First three days in Chicago  for the Howard Allen Events (artfestival.com) at the NBC Plaza downtown. We did very well and had very comfortable weather for the event.

One year I did that show and it was at least 100 degrees with the radio and tv reports saying there was an ozone elert and no one should go outside if that didn't need to! Really great advertising when you are doing a show outside! Artists and patrons were passing on from the heat...it was miserable! So when we get a weekend in Chicago in JULY...and its beautiful out....how could you go wrong?

Ann Arbor State Street Show:

Again....incredible weather! By Saturday we were all wearing sweaters! In JULY!!! more global wierdness I guess.

The show was really good for us. Dispite the horrible economy in the Detroit area we actually did better this year then last! How could that be? We do have allot of repeat customers that help allot...so thank you to all that came by! Every year that customer list gets a little longer and in a good economy.......wow.

I do know that allot of other artists, mostly 2-D work, were very unhappy with their sales. There were allot of empty spaces as well. I am guessing some artists just didn't want to risk the expense, which is immense, and canceled this year. However when a show is this large...with 1500 exhibitors between 4 shows....50 less didn't hurt the look of the shows.

I was especially happy that one of my website customers and bead pal showed up to introduce herself. It was so nice to meet her in person! Thanks again Marta for stopping by.

I will be completing all the custom work I took in at the Chicago and Ann Arbor shows this week. So next week look for some new beads on the website again! finally!

Take care, be safe and enjoy life

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I have finally gotten around to posting my schedule of Art Shows and Festivals for the summer of '09.

We are leaving in a couple of days for our Chicago show that is held downtown at the NBC Plaza. Its a really great show, and I've been preparing like crazy!

After Chicago we have the big Ann Arbor art fair. These two shows nearly kill us, as they are practically back to back. We get home from Chicago on Sunday night, have Monday at home and then leave again for Ann ARbor which starts on Wednesday. Ann Arbor is a 4 day show that starts at 10 in the morning and closes at 9pm.

Sadie the pooch will have to go to the kennel, as grass is hard to find in Chicago, and Ann Arbor is just to crazy long to try and keep her with us. I actually think she likes going...she doesn't get enough "dog" time, and she loves being able to romp around with the other inmates during play time. I swear the goofy things you can pay for at the kennels these days is outrageous. I could pay extra for aroma therapy, movie night, nature walks, private suites....the list goes on and on! I think they are using our guilt for leaving our beloved behind to make some extra bucks. It's working.

 Anyhoo.....I will be out of touch during the shows and not listing anything new until after I get done with them. After they are over I hope to be listing allot of new beads!  I will notify everyone on my email list when I am back at the torch....so sign up if you haven't already!

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The top photo are some of the mermaids that didn't work out that well. Two boo boos and and winner.

I tried to do one that was more ethnic...or non-racial, neutral...but as you can see it turned out like a Bahamian mermaid with blond dredlocks!  Pretty funny, but not appropriate for the website. The one with the dark hair I liked allot, unfortunately the bottom right edge of the bead there is seaweed that broke off during annealing. Each one of these beads took quite a while to build so having only one out of three was a major disappointment.

I hope this helps to understand the joys and frustrations of lampworking.

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My dear dork. er...dog! Joe got busy this last week and built a new arch for me. The top piece was actually part of a store display we scooped out of a dumpster. Talk about recyling!

Today I worked on mostly earring pairs for my up comming show in South Bend Indiana. I spent most of my time this week trying to get a good inventory ready for this show and for the big Chicago and Arbor Shows in July.

I did however carve out some time to work on some new mermaid beads....they sure felt right while I was doing them but you just never now if they really did until I get them out of the kiln tomorrow. So....if the glass gods were smiling on me today, I will list some tomorrow night!

 

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Northern Indiana is like heaven to me. I adore working in the garden, watching each new bud, branch and seedling come to life...it is truely a miracle.

All our veggies are in their prospective earth boxes now. We use earth boxes because of  soil problems and I have to say they are fantastic! Last year we had a wonderful crop of tomatos and cukes. This year we have egg plants, peppers and squash besides.

I think we've finally have given up on our raspberries...there are wild berries all around us and I guess they are cross pollinating, because our harvest is pitiful. They have one more season to shape up or next year  they are toast!

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We are heading to Louisville, Ky for our first summer show this weekend. We participated in this show last year and it was great so we are looking forward to another wonderful event. You can find all the information you need at ArtFestival.com which is the promoter of the show.

I have been happily gardening again in Indiana which is such a joy after the wierd gardening conditions of north Florida. I'll try and upload some photos later...outside of Lampwork Bead making playing in the garden and digging in the dirt is my favorite activity.

 If you haven't already signed up for my email list you should! This last week I offered to my email list subscribers some special prices on my focals. Don't worry, I will do it again soon! So sign up and get in on the good deals!

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It has been a hectic month to say the least.

We have moved back to our summer cottage in Angola Indiana for the summer, and we're getting ready for our summer schedule of shows.

Actually, I've been digging out my gardens up here, raking piles and mountains of leaves...oh my aching back!

I hope to be back at the torch tomorrow....even though the garden is still calling me, I can't goof off any longer!

 

 

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For those I haven't spoken to this last week....

 

OI! what a week I've had. First my kiln dies...so I take a 4 hour roundtrip drive to go get a new one. The next day my oxygen concentrator starts acting up....and on its last leg of life. I had to order a new one and then wait for it to arrive!

So you've been wondering why I haven't been listing, thats why!

I now have all my new equipment  and I'm back at the torch working like mad to catch up. I hope to have a large new listing by Wednesday April 22.

Whew!

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My Florida garden is....green. No flowers to speak of...just green. It has been an adjustment for me to seek out evergreens rather then glorious blooms. There are a few plants budding up to bloom...but by the time they do, we will be in Indiana again. I'll miss the whole show!  I have just got to be content with my beautifull northern perennial borders.

Yes, time is ticking away and our departure for Indiana is comming soon. We will be leaving around the 1st of May. I have got to go to a wholesale silver show in Orlando that weekend, otherwise we might be leaving sooner!  ALthough,....I did hear there was still snow.....so...this southern gal couldn't handle it, its better we wait!

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March 24 2009

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I took a rare day off and away from the torch yesterday and went to the local Botanical Garden for their annual Spring sale. I got to meet a couple of plant interested art show pals there, and we had a marvelous time checking out all the booths. I went into most booths with the same request, "I need Shade plants that will not freeze, and look good during the winter" Its actually a tall order I found. I did manage to find some unusual ferns and some interesting native bushes.  It was a good day.

I am back in Art show mode again. One more week! Next weekend is our last show for the season. Naples Florida, 6th avenue, downtown, killer show....if you're in the area....come on down!

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 This bead was made on white rolled on Lt. Spring Green Thompsons Enamal.

  This bead was made on a turquoise base  rolled in Lt. Spring Green Thomson Enamal.

 This one was made on a light odd ball blue from Lausha (sorry don't have the name) then rolled in Lt. Spring Green enamal.

 This one on periwinkle rolled in Lt Spring Green enamal.

 And this one was built on a wedgewood blue from Lausha, with Lt. Spring Green Enamal.

This was an experiment for me to see how the same color enamal would be effected by the base color bead. It certainly allows us a much larger palette of colors when using enamals, and I suppose the choices we have are endless!   Hummmmm...I wonder what  would happen if I.............

Lampwork is such a blast for those who love experimentation and exploration into the creative world.

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I am in "Art Show Mode" right now. I have two biggish shows comming up. One is in Jupiter/Juno, Florida and the other is in Naples Florida. These are both really good show for me so I need to be well prepared.

Listings will be limited this week, but I will try and put a few new ones on each day.

After the Jupiter show I have off two weeks, so I will beable to list more at that time.....assuming I don't sell out at the show and have to work like a lunatic!

I am taking the day off today to visit with some art show pals that are in town for the day. We are heading over to "Rainbow Springs" to see the Azaela bloom. Afterward we are going to do something really kooky. There is a wierd farm/exotic animal auction in a nearby town. Its mostly bunnies, chickens and 4-H type critters. I actually have a hard time watching that part of the auction...being a animal lover, it worries me a bit. I  know most of the animals are for the children of the 4-H to care for and show...but ....some of those chickens will be dinner...and thats hard for me to watch. I am not a vegetarian...but I do prefer to think that my meat/food is from the grocery store and not the farm....ignorance is bliss.

We go to this auction mainly for the plant sale that goes on just prior to the animal auction. You can get great bargains on landscape plants, and I am always dragging home some new tree or bush.

The auction is one of those wierd experiences, with the local characters, the cowboys, the rednecks and farm folk that is most interesting to see. Its a world I know nothing about, but who doesn't like new experiences?

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It is still cold here in N. Florida...in fact it got down to the freezing point again! Who knew it would be so incredibly different at this end of the state!

Found this in the garden....a bulb I ordered, but now can't remember what it is!    Anyone have an idea?

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It was my birthday on Friday, and Joe and I went down to the Disney park  "Animal Kingdom" Because it was my birthday I got a free admission into the park, with the requirement that I wear a big goofy button that said "Happy Birthday Susan". So, you can imagine every park employee was required to say it to me all day long! It was kinda wierd, kinda funny, kinda annoying...but it was a hoot for sure.

We had a great time, did all the rides, show all the shows and walked our butts off.

 

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I was finishing setting up our booth in Estero, FLorida last weekend. It was 10am and the crowds were filing in. I looked up and took in the view of one of my artist neighbors display. A sculpter, sitting in his chair, the promotor of the show standing next to him and an elderly and chubby man holding a hand painted sign on a long stick......

" This artist discriminates against the Elderly!"

 After some discussion between the trio the elderly man fnally left. What we found out had happened was that the artist had advertised on Craigs List for a young strong man, able to lift and assist in the arrangement of large bronze sculptures to help out the artist. Apparently this elderly gentleman showed up in the morning looking to fill the position. The artist explained that the work was hard back breaking work and that he didn't think the man was up to it.  The man left and returned with the sign and threatened to sue. After much discussion, the man agreed to "Go away" for $60.00

Just goes to say.......there are allot of nuts out there!

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We are headed to Sarasota Florida this weekend for the downtown art festival.

Last weekend we were in Estero Florida doing the "Coconut Point Art Festival" I am so pleased to say that sales were terrific !  After doing the Ft. Myers show the weekend before, I was afraid that with our inventory being so depleted sales wouldn't be that good. But I was wrong, we sold and sold and sold.

I am still feeling bad though, this cold is just hanging on. I keep waiting for the day I wake up and say...Finally! I feel good!

E

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Last weekend Joe wasn't feeling well so he missed the intense selling at at show, as he was sleeping in the trailer the whole time. I started to use Zicam right away, but I got it anyway. Now we are both sick. On Tuesday I slept 14 hours, with naps during the day! We are both dragging, coughing, sniffling and feverish.

I was barely able to make a few things I desperately needed for our next show....this weekend! THat is one of the draw backs of Art Show Life, there are no sick days. I could cancel, and loose my money for the show, and annoy the promoter....but we will go, suck it up, and suffer through.

This is a long way of explaining why nothing new is appearing on the website.  Hopefully, I will be back on my feet and ready to work again next week.

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Wow! I am so happy to report that there is no recession in Ft. Myers, Florida, at least in my book, and by the sales I made at the ArtFest.   It was just like ol'times...lots and lots of people...happy people looking to support the arts...and in particular, this artist!

Thank you Ft. Myers for putting such an effort into the show and having such a great event.

Yippee!

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This weekend I will be showing at the Art Fest Ft. Myers, FLorida. This will be our 2nd year there...last year the weather was iffy on Sunday, but this year I think it will be lovely....cool, but perfect to view the lovely art that is shown at this fine arts festival.

I have allot of new individual beads to sell this weekend.  This new practice of selling single beads at the shows has turned out to be a great way to meet other jewelry designers and stringers. Its always fun to chat, exchange ideas and information. Come by and see whats new at the Peck & Elliot booth featuring Doodletart Glass Beads.

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I was just searching through facebook and I gotta say its really a hoot. I did a search on my old high school, my old elementary school name and lost old friends.  If   you have some spare time, and need some cheering up...I highly recommend you forage through Facebook. Its a great way to kill time and get a chuckle. Joe and I both sent silly notes to old almost forgotten friends from the dark ages. I would adore it if they actually wrote back.

I have been searching for two old pals on the net off  and on for the last decade. I am hopefull that they will both show up sometime, sign in somewhere, open an account....show their faces on the web.  But Jay Baumann and Joannie Kendall Morris...if you are out there....get in touch!

 

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I have added a new catagory to the gallery. Bracelet Sets!

I had been asked my a few of my art festival customers to get to work making them available. I have been getting ready for my next show in Ft. Myers (Fl) in two more weeks. I'm terribly low in my inventory of regular bracelets so this was a good time for me to work in that direction. When I work on small beads I do enough beads for three bracelets each day. I decided that one set will be for the website, one for showing, and one for back up. Normally I would have all three made up into bracelets ready to sell at the Art Festivals.  However, I have to say that if I sell out of a color combo at a show, before I sell them on the website,....I'm going to yank it off again and use it myself! Fair warning!

 

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After the cold bitter weather we have had in N. Florida, I've been watching my garden, seeing which plants survived and which did not. Among the wilted, withered plants that were hurt in the freeze there was a surprise. Amazing....beauty in the midst of destruction.

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Hard to believe but I am freezing here in Florida. The sunny warm beaches on South Florida are a world apart from my north Florida home. It got down to about 18 degrees last night!

Joe and I hit all the thrift shops in town to get sheets and blankets by the ton load. Last night I covered everything I could, but I don't think it really did any good.  I love to garden, and I gotta say this is down right frustrating!

I have been trying to get up the nerve to go up to the studio...but even with the heater the DH got me, its still cold cold cold! Yesterday I was wearing about 10 layers of clothes...but you can't were gloves at the torch!

Despite the miserable conditions yesterday...it was a good good day! Some days are like that, I could feel it in my bones that each bead was turning out the way I wanted. Unfortunately I have to wait till the evening when the kiln firing is done and the beads are cool  for me to get a good look at them. For those who don't know about lampworking, the colors look very different when the bead is still hot...for instance Red will look Black.
So, its a big surprise for me at the end of the day to see if I nailed the look I was after.

The colors I got yesterday are incredible! I have been experimenting with my Thompson Enamals and how they differ when layered over different colored glass bases.  I did one bead yesterday that is so stunning I hope I can recreate it...unfortunately, I am not one to take notes, and now can't quite remember which base color I used!  Back to experimenting!

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We are off to the "Delray Beach Art Festival" tomarrow. It will be nice to get away from the cool temps up here in Northern Florida. Oh I know...this is nothing compared to some of the rest of the US...but to a southern gal, its COLD!

So, today I am running around like a crazy woman trying to get everything done to leave. Finish up some jewelry I've been working on. Shipping beads and the custom pieces from the Los Olas Art Festival, laundry, packing...listing beads etc etc etc.  I am always near frantic the day before a show. Its not like I haven't had two weeks to prepare, but somehow certain things do get put off till the last chance.

Gotta go!!!

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It has been suggested to me that my prices are too low..and that I should raise them....now! This is mostly because when I do wholesale to bigger shops  I can't really discount all that much....even with a huge order...they get only a tiny fraction off.  I think they are very right, and my prices should start going up.

However, with these economic times....(aren't you sick of hearing that phrase) I think I'd rather stay low in my prices, offer the best work I can...  and give you presents besides. Life can be tough...and making something beautiful with your own two hands shouldn't be something that is taken away from you just because of these  e c o n o m i c   t i m e s....

Don't you feel that creating something lovely is theraputic? It makes you feel good, and to share it with someone else.....is precious.

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I just finished up a show in Naples Florida. It was held at a rather ackward time I think...2 days after Christmas. I was worried that the timeing might effect sales, but it turned out to be a great show.

I am now selling my individual beads, besides my finished jewelry, at the shows. Joe built me a lovely wooden display rack that sits on a lazy susan. Its huge....and I haven't quite filled it yet...but in time I think it will be a really fun addition to our display. We sold allot of beads in Naples!

This weekend we head off to Los Olas Art Festival in Fort Lauderdale. This is also usually a great show. With the economy being what it is, its hard to say how it will be. I have found so far that jewelry is still selling well, and our sales are hardly slowing down at all.  How about you? If you are selling your jewelry, have you seen any slow down?  If you keep at least part of your inventory in the lower range...I have earring for $26. and pendants for $45. most art show patrons can afford that, and having a new pretty thing is good for the spirit and soul.  Its good for your health purchase jewelry......yea....ah  hah....thats the ticket!

Luckily our higher end work is also selling well!

 

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Some one the west coast saw one of my beads on ebay, found my website and contacted me to see if I was interested in having a Rep. They are a small company selling artisan beads at some of the Gem and Jewelry shows out there. After some investigation on my part, I have decided to particapate on a limited basis for now.  How I intend to keep up with my shows, ebay and the website....will be challenging to say the least, but I think the opportunity is interesting.  Ya never know, someday I could be famous! and you can say you knew me when!

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I  have been working on a new style of bead and it occured to me that you might like to see what steps have to be taken before I have a bead ready to list. The photo above shows 4 beads that will not be posted. Why? One is off center, one I wasn't crazy about design, one had a wierd glass reaction which fogged the glass...one was devine...except for the crack on the back.  I was interested in the cameo  or vignette approach to these beads, so all was not lost...It was just the beginning of a new idea.

I spent the day today working in that style...hopefully I will have something perfect to show you tomorrow.  It was a good day at the torch.     

I wish I could say that I sit down at the torch each day and produced buckets of beautiful beads every time. It is not that easy, some days I make absolutely nothing I like....some days are golden.   I do know that when I sit down first thing in the morning, if my first bead has promise...its likely that it will be a good day. If my first attempt is a mess....I should just give it up for the day, because I usually just end up wasteing glass.  Perhaps its that dang moon again messing with my head. 

 

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This is bead I made this week....and love it so much I thought I would keep it awhile. Sorry! I don't keep much of my own work, but I need some beads I especially like to enter conpetitions and contests this year. It is my early New Years Resolution to get my name out there and get some regonition for my work.  So if you hear of anything I should know about in that venue...let me know!

 

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   I am still having a blast with my newThompson enamals. This one was made with many different powdered enamals sifted onto the hot bead then some scroll work in varigated green was melted in and then the dragonfly on top. 

I love this bead! This one is not for sale, but I hope to have some similar ones available soon.

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I have finished up the only two fall art shows I scheduled now, and will not be showing again until right after Christmas in Naples Florida. Although weather effected one show...in all, I am pleased with our sales.

 Its a Good time to catch up on my website! Yesterday I worked on some more Frog beads .I have to admit, they are really fun to do! Today I thought I'd give dragonflies a try. I have had a few requests for them and although I have attempted them before, I never liked the results much. If you want to see some really lovely dragon fly beads go to Kerribeads.com....she does such incredible work...

I received a new batch of Thompson enamels yesterday and am anxious to get started  playing with them. There is a really pretty violet that looks heavenly...! Also some browns that is so needed in the glass palette. FInding a decent brown that isn't too red or too dark is impossible!

How is everyone doing? Drop me  a line once in awhile and let me know how sales are going, what life is like for you in this new era. Doesn't it feel like a new page has turned for us in History?  I have such hope for the future now...   If you are out of the U.S. I'd love to hear how you feel about us now. When I was in London...when the OJ Simpson trail was going on, I was horrified and embarrassed at the attitude towards the Americans. Oh yea, I agreed with what I heard....I mean really....how idiotic that all was. Now with the economic situation going on...I wonder if we are being blamed for it. Are we to blame?  It worries me allot. 

Okay, not the place for Politics I guess....It is just that it is on my mind allot....

Off to the torch!!

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This set is ending Suday Nov. 9

Ebay is a great place to find a bargain these days!

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I'm heading out tomorrow going to Atlanta for a class with Kate Fowle Meleney at Flame Tree Glass. Kate does work that is totally different then my own....which is of course the point of me taking it!  It should be allot of fun. I don't think any of us Lampworkers can sit back one day and say...."There, I know all there is about glass"  I learn new things all the time through blogs, websites, glass organizations , trial and error...and classes.   It just never ends.

Wish me luck...! 

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Oct. 13

We will be leaving our Indiana cottage for the winter this Wednesday, heading home again to Dunnellon Florida. I have packed up all my glass, the torch, kiln and supplies now, but the studio will be up and running again in a week and a half  in my southern studio.

This is a very conflicting time for me, as I hate to leave our little cottage in Indiana...but I'm also looking forward to returning to Florida as well.  We had such a fun summer....worked hard, but also enjoyed the company of our artist community here, we fished, we swam, we antique shopped, made it to the antique auction every Wednesday but two, we played dominos till the wee hours, we BBQ'ed with friends....and of course did allot of  art shows to boot.

If you sign up for me email list, I will let you know when I will be listing again once the studio is up and running again in Florida.

See ya!

Susan

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We have been called in at the last minute to do a show in Louisville Ky. this weekend. We will be in the 4th Street Show. St. James Court Art Festival consists of at least three large shows...I think there actually might be a few more small shows in the area as well. Long long time ago I did the St. James Court Art Festival...and it really was a fine show...and always enjoyed walking through the beautiful neighborhood of majestic old homes and beautiful gardens to visit the various art festivals set up on the streets all through the area.

We are so pleased to be included again this year. Thank you Elaine Steele at the Fourth Street Show for finding room for us this year, and thank you Connie from the Belgravia Street show for helping us out. See you there!

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Maybe you are thinking, "How am I going to afford the gift giving season this year without going over my budget?" With all the fears of our economy and how it will affect each of us, maybe we should go back to an old fashioned way of celebration.

I grew up in an artist family. My mother was a serious professional painter, my two sisters also have great artistic talents in a variety of mediums. So it was only natural that our Holidays gifts always included some "hand made" item. One year I made personalized and illustarted stationary for everyone, another year I made embroidered ornaments, once paper mache dolls....you name it, we all made wierd and wonderful things to give to each other. (they've gotten their share of glass beads too)  I treasure the gifts that were hand made more then any thing else...they took time and thought and have the hand of a loved one stamped into it.

Maybe you think you don't have an artistic family that would appreciate the effort, but I think you'd be surprised at how much your friends and family would treasure it.  Perhaps you don't think you have any talents...poo poo....are you a great cook? know how to sew like a whiz? have a green thumb?  Have a gift for making jewely?  even the gift of time would be fantastic...ie babysitting, cleaning, errand running....put you thinking caps on and I'm sure you could come up with something that would be appreciated....Especially during these hard times.

Just a thought.

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We just finished up the Penrod Art Festival in Indianapolis. Held on the beautiful grounds of the Museum. The weather was glorious, the surrounding gardens breath taking, and the sales were wonderful. I have always been weary of one day shows...it could rain that one day, and then we would be out  of allot of time, effort and money. However, I may be rethinking that idea...it sure was nice to be home again Saturday night....tired but happy!

Now I am trying to complete a rather large wholesale order....I rarely do wholesale...but this gallery is very nice and we like the owners...so Joe gave in. (I was out of the booth) I'm getting ready to list some new beads this week. Hopefully I will have some flower sets to list. I just finished a very pretty purple set...which I should keep for my next show.....which is comming up soon....but...I will list it anyway. What the heck?

Looks like the hurricanes have missed my house in Florida again. We have been very lucky this year. The one year we were hit twice in less then three weeks was not something I want to repeat. We are hoping that now that we are up near Ocala in the middle of the state we will miss most of that tropical weather.

Take care everyone.!

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What with the politican nonsence, frightening hurricanes, the economy and insane gass prices....couldn't we all use a little chuckle?

This bead has got to give even the grumpiest of folks a little smile and is offered on Ebay the week of Aug. 31.

I've also added another similiar bead in my gallery.

Smile everyone.

 

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I recently did an art show in Columbus Ohio. The show was only so so...we didn't get much of a turnout. Thats what happens when you book shows as a last minute idea. The really good shows are of course booked months and months ahead of time.  So...and I know better then this...if you can get into a show at the last minute...chances are there is a good reason!

Columbus, Ohio does have a really quality show that is extremely hard to get into, and it is rated as one of the countries best shows. I haven't applied to it in years....but did it maybe 8 years ago and although it was hot....really hot...and the hours were miserable for the artist...we did extremely well.

One bright spot in the weekend was that a local gallery picked up our work. Apparently this is really a great gallery. I heard from both my customers and other artists that the quality is superb and sales were excellent.  So, check it out if you are in the area....you might just find that  artistic 'to die for' item!

Ursus

The Sciotoview Shopping Centerwww.ursusartspace.com                              2814 Fishinger Road                                               Upper Arlington, Ohio  43221                                   614-459-3327

Also...now that I think about it there is another good show going on this weekend (Labor Day) in Upper Arlington. Our good buddies Mike and Carol Weber will be showing their incredible watercolors there...go say Hi!

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First, I'd like to say how wonderful all my website customers have been. Even How understanding and kind you've all been even when Paypal has confused us with multible orders.

I would love to have your input on a situation that happened with one of my art Festival customers. Heres the story:

This is a returning customer (bought from me before) she buys two pieces of jewelry, nice lady, very kind etc.   Somewhere between my booth and her home she looses the purchase. She emails me after the show and asked if she left it behind. No I tell her, try searching your car, purse or other purchases, and so sorry.

I proceed to get a very long letter about how I should send her new pieces at my cost, because....its good business practice, because its her birthday, because she will refuse to advertise for me by wearing it, because she won't tell her beading buddies about my website site.... because she was a good Christian woman...(!!!??**) In other words, mildly berate me for my hestitance.

Now, you all know I go way out of my way to make your purchases worth the effort...I do everything in my power make you happy.....at least I hope you think so.

I give away free things, fix other peoples jewelry for free in my booth, you name it....I try like heck to help people out.  But....this time.....It didn't even occur to me she would assume it was my responsiblity....I'd like to see someone try that at a department store! An art festival booth is a store...a moveable store but nether the less a store. Its costs me anywhere from $800 to $1500. in expenses before I make a dime at an art show. Its not a hobby, its how I pay my bills.

I did, however, offer to remake the pieces for free. I'm not happy about it...but its good business practices..................I guess.

What do you think?

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Its Sunday, and we are home again, back from our shows in Chicago and of course the big Ann Arbor show. We are completely exhausted after 7 full days of shows and two days of traveling.

I am pleased to say that despite the economy, jewelry is still selling quite well. We all need a new bauble now and again to keep our spirits up you know?! We had two very successful shows, but I am really glad its over now. Ann Arbor is expecially hard to do. The hours are gruesome, 10am to 9pm everyday, the weather is always hellishly hot and the crowds are intense.

Now I can get back to the torch and play! I hope to be listing allot of new things this week, as I will be working only for the website for awhile. I have another show in August but that is blissfully three weeks away. So, if you are on my email list, you will be getting a note from me soon telling you when my next listing will be.

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From July 9 to July 17th I will be at shows in Chicago and then Ann Arbor, Michigan, so I will not beable to list anything during that time.
After all this chaos with my shows is over I will have plenty of time to get back to the torch and work for nothing but the website....yippee!

So, check back the week of  July 19th....I'll be listing all kinds of new beads, from sets to focals, some earring size beads...some fall colored beads, and yummy bright tropicals....    Anything else you want to see...drop me a note and let me know!

Wish us good weather and great sales!

Susan    

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Hey there!

 

I have this weekend off from doing the Art shows and hope to be listing just about everyday. I am getting ready for the State Street show at Ann Arbor and for the Chicago Tribune Show. They run back to back with only one day inbetween...so, as you can imagine it is difficult to prepare for. I will be at the torch from morning to night everyday till we leave.

Today I worked on a really great Retro type necklace in Turquoise, Black and White. It is quite modern with not a flower in sight!  I adore it! They are flat irregular shaped beads with melted in designs in a funky retro style...it lays so nice around the neck. I'm going to do more! Anyone interested in seeing it?

Who's comming to Ann ARbor State Street Show this year!!?? Don't miss it, its an incredible show with more then 1500 exhibitors. Insane, Fun, Amazing!

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Just thought you'd get a kick out of what my studio door looks like.... I'm inspired everyday!

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Our 2nd show of the season was in Cleveland Ohio, in the swanky section of Beechwood.  Another one of those outdoor posh shopping malls with the Starbucks and Crate and Barrel yuppy mentality. It is beautiful of course with lovely, although insanely expensive stores just right for the up and comming. The show was also good, the art work exceptional and the weather cooperated as well. All in all it was a fine show. Our sales on Saturday were stunning! Sunday I think it was just too hot for anyone to think about walking around in the heat! We are so fortunate to have great customers that are friends too, and we were able to catch up with them again after the long winter. So very good to see them all. 

 On to not so good news.

I had to put to sleep another kitty on Friday. Momcat, a dear but terribly old cat is now buried on the hill with Doodle, and Sidney. I've made that trip up the hill with my towel wrapped love too many times in the last few years.  Momcat came to me 17 years ago as a young mother. She deposited her mud incrusted litter on my front stoop. Really, what was I supposed to do? Of course I got them cleaned up, bottle fed them, saw the vet with the whole crew and eventually found homes for them all. Momcat came into my home the weekend of hurricane Andrew...and again...what else could I have done?

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I just finished up my first show of the Season, in Cincinnatti, Ohio. It was a quick add on show and not on the schedule. Kind of a surprise attack!

It was a first year show, with pretty good attendence and even better sales. We were pleased that we took the chance and drove the 5 hours down to the show.

It was a Howard Allen Events show which is a promoter out of Florida whom we know quite well. The venue was a one of those new snazzy, outdoor, upscale mall places that are springing up everywhere.  Beautiful location and the weather was perfect. If you like to visit art festivals or want to participate in one, I would consider this an up and comming area in which  the quality of the work was good and the sales were excellent.

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I just received the new book "Masters" Glass Beads and Major Works by Leading Artists, published by Lark Books with Curated by Larry Scott. It is on par with the beautiful "1000 Glass Beads" also published by Lark Books. It is full of lushious photographs off well known Lampworkers..well worth the price just for the inspiration. Like "1000 Beads" there is little information about how the beads were made, just a short list of materials. I guess its up to us to be inspired and create our own techniques...I think thats fair, although frustrating too.

My only complaint is that I have seen allot of the images reproduced elsewhere. Leah Fairbanks has quite a few images...which are incredible and beautiful...but I've seen them before. Kate Fowle Meleney, known for her sensational electroformed inclusions is another one that just sent in the old photos that have gained her a talented reputation. Same with Kristen Frantzen Orr, Rene Roberts, Kristina Logan (how many times do I have to drool over but can't figure out how she does her "Ivory Totem Beads"?) Diana East..and her sandblasted mosques?, the list goes on. Thats not to say there isn't some new images by the "greats" Sharon Peters has some of the old stuff (great as it is) but has also included new and wonderful work as well. Loren Stump has new items too, along with the tried and true.

As I stumble along the years at the torch, I am forever changing, improving and strengthing my skills. I am sure that these "Masters" are moving along in their skills as well. So I find is annoying that they or maybe the publisher got lazy and just phoned it in so to speak.That we are not allowed to see their "new work", see what they've been up to, to see how they've changed too.

 That is only one of the things that is so exiciting about working in glass...it is a never ending process of learning. There is always new ideas to develope, new materials to master, new tools to try and all the new glass companies that are springing up everywhere providing exciting new colors to experiment with.

There are allot of other Lampwork artists that I am not that familiar with in the book as well....very interesting work showing fantastic skill. I am glad I got the book, and I think you will too if you are an admirer of Lampwork or an artist yourself.

I purchased my copy through Amazon.com

 

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Home again, in Indiana!

We had an uneventful, however mind numbingly dull and long ride from Florida to Indiana. I am happy to report that all the pets, Joe and I survived and landed happily in Angola on Sunday.

We spent the first day....doing....what else? Raking, scooping and dragging the leaves that pile up like snow drifts in our lawn and garden. We pile them up like a mountain in the woods, and then the next year use it as mulch/compost. Handy little system.

I did get the studio up and running today, and after a lovely morning at the Shipshewanna Auction, I got back to work.

I will be listing more beads this week, so keep in touch!

Also, If there are any lampworkers that read this blog, I picked up at the Shipshy flea market a bunch of my favorite glass tools. I use a special dental palette to push and indent my flower petals. I use this high tech tool most often with my Hibiscus flowers, but I always have them on my desk for a variety of uses including shaping the sides of the beads. I would be completely lost without them! If any lampworkers out there can't find this invaluable tool themselves, I have plenty, and would be happy to share them with you. They cost all of $2.25.  Now thats High Tech stuff! This tool was mentioned in the Bead and Button Spotlight page about my beads. Just email me:  Elliotart@aol.com

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Hey there,

We are leaving for Indiana on Friday!

The last chance for shipping this week will be on Thursday, mid morning. I prefer to ship within a day of an order...but we will be on the road! Watch your highways for the Doodletart Caravan!

You can order after Thursday, and your new beads will be shipped from Indiana on Tuesday.

 My studio will be up and running within a day of arriving, and I will be back at the torch ASAP!

See Ya Florida!

 

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I spent the day making Focal beads with matching accent beads... two of the sets are ruined by a crack! Oh, and they were so pretty. Phooey. Now I have some pretty accent beads with no where to go!

I have been asked by quite a few to do some sets....So I will continue. 

One more week before I will have to pack up the studio and head north again. I hope to list allot in the next week to make up for the fact that I will out of hear shot and on the road. Joe, a Van, a Car, A cargo trailer, a travel trailer, two cats , a dog and myself....on the open road....Watch out!

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I spent the last couple of days working on a new flower...the Tiger Lily! or Daylily. In  Indiana the locals call the daylily a ditch lily. Its so common and grows like weeds in the ditches along the country roads. I have huge beds full on lilys at the cottage, and they are glorious! Common or not...they are a delight.

I also spent a few hours trying to do a hummingbird with my florals....oi! not so good...so far. One turned out looking like it was pregnant and the others were okay but I just didn't like the bead...I will keep trying.

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Well, our antique hunting yesterday was a bust...didn't find a thing! Well, actually I saw quite a few things I'd love to have, but not the space or budget to buy them.  We checked out Webbs Antique Mall and Smilieys Antique Mall, both near Gainsville. Also checked out a new one in Ocala...but...that one was more la de da fine antiques and not my style at all! Give me funky and fun collectables from the 50's over what they call "Fine Antiques"  anyday! It was still allot of fun.

Today, after such a nice visit with our artist friends, I got back to work. I spent the entire day working on lampwork beads for the website. We will see after they get out of the kiln whether it was a good day or a bust as well. I have high hopes though! So check back later today or tomarrow and see!

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This weekend some artist friends of ours are visiting, bunking in at our house while they are participating at the Cedar Key Art Festival. Yesterday Joe and I took a day trip to visit the them, the show, and see the area. Its only an hour away from us and well worth the trip. What a lovely little beach side town! Its a very small island on the Gulf in Northern Florida. Famous for the seafood of course...oysters, crab and shrimp. Also famous for making wood pencils in the old days! There are charming cottages for rent and it would be a heavenly vacation for anyone wanting to escape for a while.

 Our friend, Michael Weber and his wife Carol are watercolorists and won a $500. prize this weekend at the Cedar Key show. His work is exquisite, so its no surprise he won a prize. He also won the super grand prize Best of Show at the Gasperilla Show this year...and let me tell you...it was a doozy! Congrats Mikey!

Tomarrow we are off to cruise the antique malls just north us us. Ahhhh....so nice to not have to work!

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Its almost time for us to pack up again and head north to our Indiana cottage for the summer. It is always both a happy and regretful time for us. Its hard to leave our place in the North Florida woods when all my plants are just beginning to flurish...and I do love it here, so peaceful and quiet. (Not like South Florida!) Then again, we adore the cottage as well. Nice life I say....! You may be thinking, Wow, shes doing pretty well having two homes! But the honest truth is that the two homes put together aren't worth in monetary terms more then your average single home! Our cottage in Angola, Indiana is only 750 sq. feet! Of course we have a huge free standing studio for our work....that helps. Its lovely though, our little cottage surrounded with huge perennial beads full of the most incredible flowers! Its a huge inspiration for my lampwork floral beads. And we have so many critters! Deer roam our back fields, and sometimes nibble on the landscape!, muskrats, beaver, squirls, racoons, thousands of birds including tons of buzz bombing humingbirds, swans, ducks and geese.  We have wierd lake turtles that once a year head up the hill to our cottage to lay their eggs....Everyday is an adventure in nature. And of course Fish! We have a small pontoon boat which is great fishing and boating parties. Quite a few other traveling Art Show artists have moved into the area, so we have a great time getting together for pot luck dinners, movies or our famed Domino Nights.

Anyway, We are beginning to make lists of chores  and tasks to complete before we head out. Of course that means moving the studio again...now that is not fun! I have close to 100 pounds of glass to move. I just can't resist getting another pound of some new lovely colored glass rods. 

Have a great week!

Susan Elliot

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Next weekend is my last Florida Show of the season. We are showing in Naples, Florida on 5th Ave, at one of the better art festivals in the area.  If you have not been to Naples, it is a beautiful city with lots of fancy and fun shops and lots of cafes and resturants right along 5th ave. Where we are showing is also only blocks from the Gulf of Mexico. This is a large show stretching over many many blocks, with some incredible artists in every medium showing their work.

After the Festival, its time for me to buckle down and work towards developing my summer inventory of jewelry to participate in the Mid West shows. July is an expecially difficult month for me as we are showing in Chicago, Il one weekend and then the following Wednesday we have to be heading for the big Ann ARbor show. There is hardly any time to breath in between much less recoup any work. So, I have to plan now to have enough work available to last through July. Of course I have other shows as well....8 shows so far for the summer.

Of course, my first love, will be to list more items on Doodletart.com! I wish I could devote all my time to it! I will be listing more items...by lets say Wednesday...Okay?

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I must have spring fever! I've listed quite a few new pastel floral lampwork focals. I have developed a new technique of hand mixing colors right on the mandral. I gather a large blob on white glass on the mandral and start swirling in transparent colors, really digging in with the rod to mix the colors. The end result is a delightful mix of light color. Hope you enjoy.

I'll get back to the darker colors next week, if you are searching for black backgrounds...check back!

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I am trying to keep up with new listings, but they are selling too fast! I also at least try to list new items on Thursdays, so check back each week to see what I'm up to. Now, thats not a promise mind you, its a goal for me!

Today, I think I burned myself 4-5 times. Ouch! Too hot today to wear long sleaves and I always get nailed on my forearm with flying hot glass chips. Oh well, I think it was a good day at the torch, and I'm waiting for them to finish annealing and cool. We shall see...maybe tomarrow I will have some new beads to list.  I have been trying to make a purple silvered bead with an ancient tree...its a fantastic color combination but everytime I try one it ends up cracking. I tried again today, so ....fingers crossed...maybe it will survive.

I was in Jupiter, Florida last weekend doing a show right along the beach road. It was windy and a little nerve racking with everything in the booth shaking and swaying, but the weather was gloriously cool for Florida. We sold 2 of my "Crustacean" necklaces with are huge Flinstone style semi hollow rounds in clear with silvered ivory and hand made canes. They are really elegant and funky at the same time. So I spent so time making more of those beads for my Naples show comming up. Perhaps I will offer some on the site sometime.

Anyway, Thanks for checking on me, and for those who asked....my ears have cleared somewhat now after my flight home for the coast.  I have to say, that it was really annoying to loose most of my hearing for a week.

Thanks also to everyone to wrote to say they saw the "Bead and Button" spotlight page!

 

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Hello Everyone! We just got home from out adventure out west. We went snow sking at Squaw Valley, NV. YES! This tropical gal can ski.....well sorta. It wasn't pretty, but we had a blast. I am more then a little thrilled that no bones were broken...no twisted wrists or banged up knees.  Whew! Of course I caught a cold...wouldn't you know it! and the flight home has nearly deafened me. I still cannot hear out of one ear. It sounds like I am in a tunnel every time I speak.

Luckily it will not keep me from getting behind the torch tomorrow morning....! I have had torch withdrawal and need to get back to work. I promise I will add allot more beads this week. REALLY!!

Hopefully everyone has heard me crow about being in Bead and Button Magazine, April Issue. I just got my copy!  Hey, if I don't crow about it who will?? Anyway, I am so honored and thrilled to be in it. ...can you tell?!

And thank you to all have already seen it and wrote to say how much they liked it...it really means allot to me to hear from you.

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 I've put on ebay one of my new crazy face bead sets.  I sold a necklace made with crazy faces, surrounded by Joe's Sterling Silver Hair to a delightfully nutty woman at the big Ann Arbor Art Festival last summer. She buys from me every year, and its always a hoot. We laugh like crazy and generally have a ball, everytime we see each other. We where kidding around how I should make each face either happy or koo koo looking and call it "On Meds, Off Meds" So, this time I revamped the design so they could be made into a bracelet or necklace without the silver and made sure each bead had a happy face and a nutty face.    It was allot of fun making. I have made smaller ones for earrings for awhile and they have sold out at every  art show so far. Its just a simple way for us to all lighten up a little! Have some fun!

I just recently got myself a new toy. A upgraded my torch a notch. I used to use a GTT Bobcat, and now I am on a Lynx. I liked the Bobcat fine, it was a good torch, but I wanted a little more umph, a tad more power. So far, I am not seeing allot of difference....except it cost allot more! Maybe with time, I'll figure out how to use it properly.

We had a interesting thing happen out in the woods this last week. For about an hour and a half a helicopter circled our neighborhood...police cars went up and down our sand road....it was pretty scarey when the copter shined its search light into our yard every once in awhile. We decided that if you wanted to elude the police helicopter the best thing to do would be stand in a yard and wave at them.   It does make us a little nervous out here, we are so isolated in these country woods....Anyway, we never did find out what was up...but I'm guessing they didn't catch the person they were after.   Just another new adventure in North Florida!

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