I've been playing with FIRE!

It has been a while since I've been at the torch.  I definitely have gotten a bit rusty, but, boy is it fun.  I was playing with some reactive glass but it wasn't reacting like it should...most likely because I need practice.  So, I got some boro out and made some swirly beads.  First, I love boro glass.  I use a mid range torch.  I can make boro beads with this torch, but it takes a while.  I just have to be patient.  The swirlys are easier because I don't have to melt it all together.  I do have to try to keep the coils even, though.  And the color that you get from boro is so vivid and deep and awesome!

So, have a great evening...
Take care and Hugs to all!

Cheryl

getting back into the swing of things...

Hey all...Just like falling off a bike...you fall off, scrape your knee and get back on.  And so it goes with blogging...its been a while and I'm a bit rusty, but still kicking!


Here we go---late last fall, I made about 125 fused glass pendants.  I signed up for a craft show and just knew that I was going to sell all of them!  Really?  Not.  There were two other people selling fused glass jewelry, eleven others selling various styles of jewelry and a total of 25 crafters participating.  Okey dokey, then.  I have to say, though, it was fun to get out.  But, I only sold 5 pendants.  BOOOOO!  Ya know, I could have found other venues to sell my pendants or I could have put them in a couple of galleries that I know of, but I chose to put them in my backpack and take them with me everywhere I went.  I gave all of them away.  I probably started the first part of November...it was almost a bit awkward for me.  When you approach stranger to give them a gift, they have a tendency to look at you like you're crazy.  At first, I would watch people to see who was doing what, who maybe seemed like they would appreciate a gift.  I had people look at me and say nothing at all, there were a few that told me they would pass on a random act of kindness, some were totally shocked, I received hugs and there were a couple of tears.  I gave them to teenage girls, mothers, older women and there were some men.  I was asked why I was doing this (giving them away) and one person asked me what was wrong with them.  There were a few people who would not accept them and did not even open the box.  (they were all in boxes, so when I handed one to a person, I would just wish them a Merry Christmas).  I couldn't imagine that it would be as hard as it was to give them away.  But I did.  At the drug store, pet store, book shop, mall, beauty shop, coffee shop and deli...and many more.  I learned a lot about human nature and I know that there are many truly nice and pleasant people still out there.  (insert smile!)

The two on the right are leftovers.  I kept the longer one.  I use dichroic glass when I make the pendants.  It  reflects and transmits colors differently when you change angles.  It's pretty neat!

Here are some other easy peasy memory wire bracelets that I made.  I was focusing more on the color combinations that anything else.  I really like using African trade beads.  They are very organic and earthy.

This bracelet took quite a while to make.  I haven't counted how many wrapped dangles are on this...there's a lot!  It is a late (very) Christmas present for a good friend of mine.  I know she will love it.  These are her colors!  ; }  There are Swarovski pearls, freshwater pearls and tourmaline.  I love tourmaline!

Well, that's all I have right now...I will see y'all later.  

Take Care,

Cheryl

life goes by at the speed of...

Hey all.  It's a new year and I haven't been here for a very long time.  I have no excuses...I don't have a good reason why.  I could always give you a million little reasons, but that would take too much time.  There's been good things and there have been so many bad things.  But, I'm still here and going strong.  Here's to a better, healthier and a more easy going year.


So, I will see you soon and more often.  Get ready...It's going to be a roller coaster of a ride!  Hold on!