:·-:¦:-·: Flame Talk:·-:¦:-·:

A Season Of Thanks

2008-12-08T21:18:00.003-06:00

With the holiday season here once again, I was anxious to post an update because I know it has been so long since I was able to do so. As I reflect back on the year, this Thanksgiving I thought about all the changes the year has brought and how much
I have to be thankful for. I have a list and they are all Big changes…well, Big to me! LOL

First and most importantly I must share this awesome news! My two friends who had been undergoing treatment for Cancer have received a clean bill of health from their doctors and are both, as of today, considered cancer FREE!!! Congrats to them both!! I am very grateful for my answered prayers and I have to say thanks to my prayer warrior friends who have been so steadfast and true in their prayers for my friends!! Big Thanks to you ladies! I love you!

If you remember a while back Josh had started working at the local Wells Fargo, well he was offered a much better job so he left the bank and now works for BlaserUSA, which he is very happy with. He also moved out and has his own place now! Ok, that was Big! LoL He comes by on the weekends now and its so great to get to see him and visit….a new season for us since now we get to be real friends and I am loving it! Children: Teach them to fly and then give them their wings! We are so proud of him!! <3
Onto the next Biggie that really isn’t “here” yet: DH’s business is exploding. His reputation has reached far and wide and it became obvious he can not continue to do it on his own. He is only 1 man with 2 hands and were it not for me, I think he would try and work 24 hours a day 7 days a week and NO holidays.
While “changes” are in the workings, and changes *are* coming, I have decided to take a hiatus with my glasswork and become his workmate. We just celebrated our 24th anniversary and its what I thought I should do. I am now the full time phone girl! While I am happy to help him, there are some who are not so happy with having to talk to me rather that him. I try not to take it personally but its hard sometimes…like when I get hung up on….it doesn’t happen often but it still stings. LOL
All in all, it doesn’t matter. The upside is: things change, seasons pass but family is first.
This hiatus won’t last forever. I look to the weekends and upcoming holidays to maybe get to the torch. I still have a few pieces for sale in my shop and hope to make some for the next upcoming holiday for the girls: Valentines!! <3

I have put together a slide show of some of the pieces I have created over the past year or so, its hard to believe I have made all those! LOL I am glad I have pics to look at though, I really enjoyed making them and its nice knowing they have a good home.

I hope you enjoy it and I look forward to getting back to making beads as soon as I can!

I wish you and yours many blessings and a Very Merry Christmas!!! <3

Remember the reason for the SeaSon and Keep Looking Up!!!

Dona
XXX

~Happy Independence Day!!~

2008-07-22T08:39:00.004-06:00

It was a great day in so many ways for me and I hope so for you too!

We are under a burn ban here due to the lack of rain so there were no fireworks but we went and had a good time visiting with friends near the lake. Good food and good company! Thank goodness it is raining today, we need it so badly. The deer are hungry and thirsty, so we decided to put water for them in the backyard.
We have seen momma does with their fawns running around here so now they will have some water and hopefully the rain will perk up the grass so they have more to eat.

I had a bunch of orders I had to get done and I made it! I felt so relieved to get them done and shipped off to their new owners so I could focus on other projects still needing to be completed.

I did get another order a few days ago. A friend is going on a mission trip to Africa and I am making simple necklaces for her to give to the translators and people who help her along the way.

I enjoyed making them since I used a new glass I had not yet melted and it turned out to be the prettiest glass for them. The green is Kiwi and the blue is Blue Lagoon and it looks like cool, clear water while I am melting it. Here is a pic of the first few I made to see how my idea would look: (click to enlarge)

And after I had made all the beads I found out the people of Africa love the colors of their animals so I made big hole beads that will actually go to the back of the necklace but I slid them to the front to take a pic. I wanted them all to be a little different - one of a kinds, of course! (click to enlarge)

I also made a pastel bracelet for a dear friend. This was new glass too and I just can’t do the softness of the colors justice. The pastel glass really turned out pretty! (click to enlarge)

I am way behind since I had been sick a couple of weeks but now I am hoping to get back on track and get back to the torch. We now have a tropical depression heading to the south of us so hopefully we will get some rain…..for the flowers and animals!

Hope you are staying cool in this heat and always remember to Keep Looking Up!

xxx

~~Butterflies~~

2008-06-14T10:12:00.013-06:00

Hello Again!

I don't know of one person who doesn't love them!

A few weeks ago I was asked to recreate a bead I had made a year or so ago. The original bead was a butterfly on a white background and the owner decided she wanted a Monarch type butterfly on a black background. So while I thought out how I was going to accomplish her request, I played a bit with the Monarch colors and came up with a small set of rounds I named MonarchY. I didn’t have any frit in the Monarch
colors so I had to crush the glass and make my own and it was while making the frit
that I actually came up with the correct hues of the oranges and yellows.
I did know the yellow needed to have a goldish tint to it as per my customer’s request but she wanted me to go easy on the oranges and end up with mostly the golden yellows and black for the wings

Here is a pic of the original pnk and white butterfly bead and then the 2 butterfly beads I made for her request and the MonarchY set.
(click to enlarge)

I was very pleased how the butterfly wings turned out. I had to make and then pull the stringers to make the wings. I draw stripes of black, orange and white on the yellow glass rod and then melt and twist. I’ll try and get a pick to show what I am referring to but I have to make them every time I make the butterflies and a batch of stringers usually makes about 3-4 butterflly wings.
I am not sure how many butterflies I’ll make, she said she wanted every one I make so I guess I had better get to work!

I know the kiddoes and out of school now so I hope everyone has a safe and fun filled
summer!

I'll also add an update on my son who had applied with the Air Force.
Due to pulmonary concerns (by the AF) he had to undergo additional tests and was waiting on their reply which has had him waiting for months and still no word..
He decided to move forward with his life and he got a job at the local bank here and starts work on Monday!
We are all very positive about this and have come to understand that maybe the AF is not where he is supposed to be. We all know his path is guided by a higher power and He has different plans for our Josh so we are all pleased and excited for Josh to start his new journey in a new direction. :)

Try to stay Cool and as always, Keep Looking Up!!

xxx

I got the blues, Canyon Blues that is!

2008-05-23T22:08:00.009-06:00

Hello!

Summer is here! I hope today finds you happy and cool!
Its heating up around here, it was 99 today! WheW!

I haven’t been able to torch very much these last few weeks but I did find time to sit down and play with some new glass. When I saw Bluestone I knew I had to have some. Finding a nice deep denim is hard to do and this glass fit the bill, I love it!
This is a different glass than I am used to working with called Bullseye and although it is a bit stiffer to melt its worth it and it will also will let me expand my color pallette a bit. There are some wonderful colors in this glass line and Bluestone is my favorite and unfortunately an odd lot which means when what was made is gone, its gone. Why do I alaways love the odd lots? I don't know but as soon it arrived, I sat down at the torch with some Raku frit and this is the set I made.
I called it "Canyon Blues"
(click to enlarge)

The Raku frit turned a rich, rusty red and was not what I was anticipating but I fell in love just the same. That is one thing about Raku, I never quite know what I will get and I have never had these rusty red colors come out like this before.

Frit is small glass pieces and comes in a variety of color mixes. After I melt the base color I dip the bead in the frit and then melt again and use a tool to rake (move)the glass. Here is a pic of some of the frit I have:
(click to enlarge)

And here is a pic of some of my frit test beads AKA “fritters”. My friend Ann calls them that and it stuck with me as well. lol
(click to enlarge)

I hope that gives you an idea of how my beads are made.
As you can see the possibilities are endless!

Until next time, remember to Keep Looking Up!!!

xxx

~ Growing Isn't Easy ~

2008-04-09T14:32:00.004-06:00

Hello,

I hope today finds you well.

I have been going through challenges and am once again reminded life is full of them, and they are a necessary part of growth. The difference is sometimes we don’t get to choose whether we want to grow or not, life chooses for us and we seem to be thrust in directions we aren’t ready for.

Growth isn’t always easy because it brings questions and uncertainty. The unknown, no sure path of which to follow, the uncertainty of it all in our humanness . I tend to be a creature of habit so change can be really hard for me. I always try and look for the good in all that changes, it’s the only way for me to make sense out of some of the challenges and struggles I have in my life and those I see in other’s lives as well. I have never really realized how much the struggles of others can affect me, but I liken it to throwing a rock in the pond and watching the water ripple all the way to the bank. The closer I am to those who are struggling, the bigger the ripple.

While thinking about “life” I remembered what Doc said about it in Tombstone. He said: “There is no normal life, there is just life and you live it”. How right that statement is and to me its not really about any specific change, or the “WHY” if it, but rather the important thing is ‘how’ you get through it and who you are *after* you get through it. My faith and hope are the most important weapons I have to sheild me against the uncertainess of change. I know change brings growth and growth shapes and molds our character but its not always easy nor something I look forward to.

I am happy to say I finally got this necklace finished. I had it in mind for weeks and every time I would sit down to make it I would hit a creative wall. The worst was I wanted to send it quick because its for someone very special and now that it is done I hope it brings a smile her way. She is loved.
(click to enlarge)

So I am relieved to have it done and it gives me great pleasure to send a smile to someone that I can’t hug.

Remember, the best thing you can do when you want to sigh and look down is:

Keep Looking Up!

xxx

~ Resurrection Of The Vine~

2008-03-22T10:29:00.004-06:00

Hello!

Spring is here and it is a Very Special weekend!
A weekend that brings hope and love to the forefront.

In the last couple of weeks I was drawn to greens and purples, it seems I still had Tuscany Italy on my mind. The green hillsides and the vast areas of the landscape owned by the wineries brought visions in my mind's eye of sprinkles of the purple grapes growing here and there among the deep green leaves. Such a beautiful sight.

What I came up with below is rich in the different hues of both colors and to me just belongs in a Tuscan winery.

This one is for sale. I have grown fond of it and there are many memories wrapped up in this piece for sure but I have to admit that every piece I sell is loved by the new owner and knowing they love it as much as I do is very comforting and makes it easier to let go. One aspect of the "artist" title I can say I identify with. ;)
(click to enlarge)

As the seasons change this weekend is a sign of rebirth and resurrection. Signs of hope and wonder in nature as the old is replaced with the new. As the trees start putting on their leaves the flowers will be blooming bringing color back to the landscape that was color barren for the hibernation season. The warmth of the Son brings love, life and color back to us to enjoy. How blessed we are!

I hope this weekend is special for you, it will be for me in so many ways.

Have a great Easter weekend!

~ Keep Looking Up ~

xxx

~ Fruit From The Vine ~

2008-02-28T20:00:00.006-06:00

Good Evening!

I got busy working on the Italy piece this morning my mind wandered to thinking about the country itself. Although I’ve never been there I would love to go and see the scenery. I was reminded of the movie “Under the Tuscan Sun” and how much I related to that story in my own life. I have much to be thankful for and as in the movie, if one thing were changed the outcome would have been different and everything happens for a reason. I have such peace with that and am enjoying life’s journey. I would not change one thing in my life, its an amazing journey and I again realize how blessed I truly have been.

I am always wondering if I am being selfish in stealing time to do something I love so much and this requested piece brought affirmation that yes, thus far it is ordained. Surprisingly (or not), everything fell into place in such a short amount of time and I was really pleased to have it turn out like it did.

I truly hope it brings its new owner April joy, and wish her safety in her travels to new places. I am so blessed to have been a small part of her journey and her life touched mine in such a special way.
We learn and grow from each other…sometimes touching those we don’t even know.
So here, as promised, is the finished “Italy” piece.
(click to enlarge)

So that is all from the torch today, although I do have a peach and blue set I am working on for someone special. I hope to get back to it tomorrow and finish the set I have in mind. I think it will be another simple but sweet piece like Italy.
We will see!

Thanks for stopping by and

~ Keep Looking UP ~
xxx

Branching Out!

2008-02-27T20:35:00.005-06:00

Hello Again!

Well the cold weather is still around but I was inspired last week to melt some
bright summer glass. Lemon yellow and lime green appealed to me so I had a good time making this little flower bead and a few spacers. My torch time was limited but I made good use of the time that I had.
The necklace came out really pretty, simple but sweet.
(you can click to enlarge the pictures)

I also just got done with another necklace and earring set for a friend who likes blue and lime green.
I was really pleased with the heart that made an unexpected appearance. :)

And last but NOT least I got an email from a friend today. Her missionary group needed a gift for another young lady who was about to embark on a missionary journey to Italy. My friend requested that the colors be red, green and white, the colors of the Italian flag and she needed it.....tomorrow! EEK! LOL
I immediately thought of my Citrus neckalce above and decided to go with that simple style and see what I could come up with.
Below is a picture of what I accomplished. The necklace is planned out, the beads are in the kiln baking and tomorrow morning I will put it all together.
I was blessed to be able to sit down and make a flower bead...perfectly at the first try. Pressure usually hampers me a bit but not today!

I'll be sure to post pics of the finished piece after its on its way to its new owner. I am honored to have been thought of to provide such a special gift that will travel a world away and be a part of spreading the word.

Yes, I am blessed and I wish many blessings for you too!
Until next time....

~ Keep Looking UP ~
xxx

Changes Bring Growth!

2008-02-13T12:10:00.003-06:00

Hello!

Its the HEART month! <3

I love February! I always think of Pink and Red this month but more importantly, its one of the "LOVE" months to me because it brings our love for one another to the fore front and it is also the very beginning of spring signaling new growth is on its way for the year.

Growth is so very important for us all and as we grow in our knowledge and spirit we help others grow as well. Exploring, learning and even taking risks can be such a wonderous thing and are important for growth so I encourage everyone this month to tell someone close to you how much they mean to you and if you don't normally express yourself so openly I can assure you the look on their face will make your heart grow so full it might feel like its going to break! A GOOD break!

Here are a couple of pieces inspired by this month's colors:

Yummy Calliente (Hot) Pink I adore this color of glass!

And Pink Dahlia...I am in love with how this one turned out!

Remember, taking the time to appreciate those who have blessed our lives is also growth so tell them you LOVE them, after all this IS a LOVE month!!!

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone, and keep looking UP!!! <3

The New Year Brings Changes!!

2008-01-07T19:19:00.000-06:00

Hello and Happy New Year!!!

It has been So long since I updated. Sorry!

I fell ill again which knocked my bead production and creating jewelry back several weeks then the holidays started coming and you know how it is after Thanksgiving...
Christmas is right around the corner and it got here for me so quickly! *L*
I do hope you and your family had wonderful holidays, we all did.

I had an extra show in Dripping Springs with the BG's (my Bead Girls friends)in mid December and it was a good show for us...not to mention a fun day of us catching up. We plan on doing it again next year!!

Also right before Christmas my DS found out he was acceped into the Air Force...that boy is stoked! Its still such fun to see him so excited. I am so proud!

I am very excited to tell you that I had submitted pictures of some of my jewelry pieces created with my beads back in October and they were published!!!
The Flow is a magazine for glass artists and the pink and brown necklace in the pic below is the piece that was chosen to be included in their magazine.
I am very honored to be included in such a magazine, there are so many talented glass artists out there!!!

What a way to start the New year!!!

I want to thank all my family (especially my DH and DS), friends and wonderful customers for their encouragement and support, without it I don't think I would have even thought to submit my work. I have so many things to be thankful for...I am very blessed to have you all in my life!! Thank you!!!

Well that is the news for now. I hope to get back to the torch soon, its been too long and I am itching to play with fire and melt some glass!!

More creations and pics coming soon and if you see something you like just contact me!!!

Oh and always remember.......Keep Looking UP!!!

xxx

Time Flies!

2007-10-11T11:52:00.000-06:00

Hello!

I can't believe its been so long since I updated!

I have been very busy at the torch and creating jewelry. I had several special orders I had to get out and then the flower beads I had made needed to be used.
There was a bead show 2 weeks ago and the BG's were there! Beads galore - what fun!

Here are some of the blooms I had made now ready for sale:

The pink and brown neckalce is absolutely yummy! I was really pleased with how it turned out! The turquoise flower dangle has a real southwest flair and was fun to make.

Well I am ooff to get back out to my studion and make more jewelry. I have 2 shows coming upp and hope to have planty of inventory.

I hope you are well, thanks for stopping by and remember - Keep Looking Up!

Moving Right Along!

2007-08-28T13:15:00.000-06:00

Good Afternoon!

Well as with the changes and the seasons things just keep moving along. As I get one project done, another emerges.....YEA! More glass to melt! ;)

First off the proposal anklet along with a requested pair of earrings to match are on their way home. Here they are and remember pics are clickable now too ;)

I have new pendants coming out!
There are only a few I have ready for show but here is a peek:

Two of the pendants are made with a glass called Terra and its beautiful! I never know what colors I will get from it but they range from blues to greens, fuschia pink and purple. This glass also has a lustre and sheen to it I can't capture with the camera as much as I try to.

Here are some upcomgin blooms that haven't been baked yet ~ more Terra ~ Love that glass!

Well the B G's got together again this weekend! FUN, fun, fun!
Melting and chatting....methinks more chatting than melting but who cares, we were chatting about glass! lol

I am back to the studio.....another Lapis Flower necklace is being created, its gonna look cool with jeans and I am adding a bit of CZ sparkle to it too.
A little Bling is always good ;)

Hope all is well in your world and remember ~
Keep Looking UP!

Changes!

2007-08-18T12:17:00.000-06:00

Hello!

Well only 4 days later and I am back!

This past week has shown me changes in several ways.
As with the changing of the seasons there are changes in life as well.

The first happy change I can reveal now is that the gentleman who contacted me for a piece to propose with, came by today with his now finace'!

My last update was a sneak peek, remember?

It was very exciting to sneak him the box with her pretty in it and then I had to conceal my joy and wait to see if he would indeed propose to her here. He did!
As she and I visited, she is a sweetie, and we passed the time talking as the guys took care of their business and then "the opportunity".
DH needed a phone number and as we headed to the house to get he number.....they went out in my studio.
It was an perfect opportunity for him to have a private moment with her and he took it and as he put the anklet on her popped the question! She said YES!
So now I can say congratulations to them and we wish them every happiness and reveal her finished anklet!

Here is her finished anklet and you can click to get a larger image:

I will need to make a few changes to it and she also wanted a pair of earrings to match so I will be once again at the torch (yea!) and get her pieces done because all us girls know how fun it is to be able to wear our presents so I have to get them back to her ASAP!!

The other change is hurricane Dean approaching the gulfcoast.
Storms are a part of life for so many along the coast and a definite concern for all.
I will be watching where Dean goes and its always hard for me since there is no good place for me to wish it to, it will affect many no matter where it goes.

Please keep all who are in Dean's path in your thoughts and prayers.
I surely will as I continue to Look Up!

Swinging Summer!

2007-08-14T10:21:00.000-06:00

Hello!

Whoa! Its been 4-ever since I updated! I am have a million things going on ~ all good ~ but busy as a beaver! I kept thinking I HAD to get here and update but then then night would come and I would think the usual "tomorrow" and on and on.

Summer is here and in full swing! HOT!HOT!HOT! We are expecting rain in a day ot two so that will be good. We actually have grass! lol I know its not a big thing to most people but when you see everything turn brown and crispy due to the lack of rain... well its nice to see green this year and all the little animals have plenty to eat.
Last night I tried to get a pic of the baby skunk that has been visiting every night, he digs up and eats bugs. Grub worms I think, not sure but he is SO cute with his big, fluffy tail! If you are wondering has he sprayed? Nope - not yet and lets hope he doesn't! lol

I had the neatest thing happen!
As I mentioned in an earlier post I had sold a necklace all the way from California. The sale was generated by the way of a forum my DH visits. Well, another gentleman emailed me and asked for a piece of mine and he was going to use it to propose!
So I have been diligently at the torch creating a pretty set for him! That is about all I can say since she may have access to my blog and I would never want to give the surprise away!

Here is what he specifically asked for. I made several focals for him to choose from and the heart focal was just a "wonder if I can do it"! It came out great!
Hand shaped - thankyouverymuch! ;) I am SO happy with the way they turned out.
Somebody likes green! lol After everything is said and done, I'll post the pics...

Also NEW FRit Alert!!!
The second pic is of a new frit blend I got called GreenWood! I LOVE it!
After a session at the torch to see how it would look I happened upon some beads that match perfectly. Also there is a new Pumpkin color I will be adding to the set and some transparent amber as well. I'll get a finished pic of that set up soon.

I am trying to use clickable thumbnails this time to see if they will save space.
I am hoping to be able to use larger pics so we will see how it works out.

Well I am off and back to the torch!

I hope you are having a great summer..school is just around the corner ya know and it is going to be strange for me not to have to do the usual pre school prep stuff, and a relief too....DS is now looking into the Air Force...and still growing up!

Stay tuned and keep Looking UP!

Summer Fun!

2007-07-16T15:48:00.000-06:00

Hello!

Well summer is officially here! Since the rains have gone its heating up and feeling like summer. EEP! Its okay though, I have good ole AC in my shop so time at the torch is cool and add some great music and it makes for a great time for the girls ;)

Yesterday 2 torch buddies came and we played all day. Did more talking than melting but it was a blast. We are "The Bead Girls" AKA: BG, BGtoo, and BG3 ~respectively~. We share frit (glass bits), new colored rods, tools and anything else one of us has discovered in the world of glass. FUN!FUN!FUN!

OKay, Camo here (my newest design) just came up for sale and another one very similar to it recently found a home in California. She ships off in a day or so, I hope her new owner is pleased. Camo is one of my favorites and I have one of mine own quite similar. I always change something about each piece I make so as to keep the One Of A Kind (OOAK) style intact.

This one includes Tiger Eye, Black Onyx and some pretty beads I found called Snakeskin Jasper along with my Camo patterned beads and all SS components.
I have never seen anyone else make this type of bead. Original Indeed! HA! LOL

Keep watching, I am currently trying to get my picture taking skills and editing perfected. Its harder than it looks I promise! I have more sets I will be showing in the next day or so. The orders are coming in quite nicely ~ thank you ~ so I am busy as a beaver with all the glass projects! Thank You :)

I hope all is well with you, stay tuned and remember to keep Looking Up!
Dona

Rays Of Hope in Stormy Weather

2007-07-02T09:35:00.000-06:00

Good morning!

It has been a while since my last update.

The stormy weather is back in more ways than one but there are rays of happy sunshine in my midst as well. We have had a lot of company come in town for summer visits so my beading time has been very limited. While it is always fun and entertaining to see old friends, I have moments of yearning for the torch but that makes it all the more special when I finally DO get to sit down and melt some glass!

As with the storms moving in the last few days, I got another call yesterday that hurt my heart. Yet another dear friend who is in the midst of a serious illness. It pains my heart so to see so many friends going through the trials if an illness and I always feel completely helpless in what I can really DO for them other than Look Up and while that is mighty powerful as a human I feel the need to DO more. So I melt and Look Up hoping there will be an idea of what I can do to help make things better for those who are going through so much. Many beads have been born from my thoughts wandering to those I love and care about.

I did finish the Coffee & Cream set and I really like how it turned out. I should have used a darker background but the rock matched the set perfectly and I was out of time since the sun was going down.

It is currently for sale in my shop and I will miss it when it sells.
The Golden Shadow Swarovski crystals, Eggshell Charlotte and Mother of Pearl beads really set the colors of my glass beads off. The sparkles are always hard to catch but it does sparkle!

Well thats all for now as I head back to the torch.
I wish you peace, love and health!

Keep Looking Up!

Its Raining Projects!

2007-06-20T14:02:00.000-06:00

Good Afternoon!

Well Father's Day was fun. Good food and good company made for a nice afternoon.

I have been working on several projects that had taken the back burner due to the benefit. I have been making great progress.
These two beadies found homes recently.

And this bead is going to be the center of an upcoming creation. The colors remind me of light carmel and cream. I came across some other beads that match perfectly so this will be a fun project because I get to just create as I go!

Its raining again and the flowers are still blooming away ~ I love it. We are out of the draught we went through last year and its such a blessing.

I have more projects to get to so I will say goodbye for now and head out to my studio.

I wish you many blessings and Keep looking UP!

Creativity & Comfort Bring Showers

2007-06-16T05:32:00.000-06:00

Good Morning!

The showers are back and just in time. The rain always brings me comfort.

Yesterday I was able to get out in my studio again and I made this for my SIL.
She had ordered it a while back and I just never could get it to come together
until yesterday.

The pic just doesn't do it justice since I could not get the true sparkle of the crystals to show. I am very pleased with it! She had picked my handmade glass
beads and the Swarovski crystls and I added the Bali Silver beads as well.

I have several other ordere I hope to get done in the next few days. Now that
the benefit is over I have time to get back to melting glass!

I have taken a bit of a new direction making butterflies since DS's graduation.
I'll have pics soon of my cute little new creations.

The rain is here for a couple of days and I love it!
I wish you rain or shine whichever you prefer.

Until next time ~ keep looking UP!

Benefits Of The Flame!

2007-06-13T09:06:00.000-06:00

Hello!

I finally made it back and I am happy to say the benefit I helped to produce was a HUGE success! The turn out was more than we anticipated but the food held out, the kids had fun and all enjoyed the bands that donated their time and awesome music.
We raised what is being called a record breaking amount of money for the family! What a blessing that is!!

I did manage to find time to create a set to wear from the beads I had made.
In my haste I made a mistake but I wore it anyway and it was a hit!
Here is the set. A necklace, a bracelet and an anklet.

The weather is beautiful, the river is ready for the tubers and it looks like I might be able to get back to my beloved torch soon. I have some new, yummy colors that are tempting me back to make more beadies!

I hope you have had many blessings and they continue to rain down for you.

Until next time!

Keep Looking UP!

Freshly Baked Beads!

2007-06-04T10:32:00.000-06:00

Good Morning!

What a beauty of a day it is!
We had a mean storn blow through last night ~ more rain for the flowers!

Saturday I was at the torch all day and finished my set for the upcoming beneift.
I annealed them in my kiln yesterday and I could not wait to open it up this morning to see how they had turned out.
Here they are:

I am very pleased with them!
The top 2 tiny polka dotted ones will be earrings, the small center set a bracelet and the large set a necklace.

A thought occurred to me - if someone wants them they will come off and I'll let them go - but it better be for a lots of money - its for a great cause anyway!

Well I have lots to do today so I had better get going.

I hope you have a great day and keep looking UP!

Sunshine & Flames

2007-06-02T09:34:00.000-06:00

Good Morning!!

Looks to be a beauty of a day!

I did get to the torch yesterday with new glass colors that arrived!
I was blessed with a new yellow that happened to be the PERFECT color for the Live Strong necklace I want to make for the upcoming benefit! The color name? Sunshine!
Take a look at what I have made so far with Sunshine and black:

I will head back out to the torch shortly to add to my set but so far I am very pleased, and they are small! lol The smallest beads are about 5mm and that is small for me. Guess it will be a petite sized necklace - sometimes the smallest things make the biggest statement eh? ;)

Off to the torch and sending you wishes for a glorious day!

Keep looking UP!

Things Are Heating UP!

2007-06-01T10:40:00.000-06:00

Hello!

It seems the showers have subsided for a bit which brings out the sun in all its glory...and heat! Now I'll have to take over and make sure the flowers are watered! Here is a pic a friend asked me about, its a Thistle bloom and they are really pretty although considered a weed.

A really lovely shade of lavendar, and they are tall plants too.

I'll be heading out to my shop today. I ordered new glass and its here! I hope to make a set of beads to wear for an upcoming benefit I am helping with for a dear friend who was diagnosed with Leukemia. If you are in the Texas area, comment/email me for details. It will be held June the 9th and it is a family event...and its gonna be BIG! ALL proceeds will go to to help with medical bills for his family. They are all a wonderful family and we were blessed to meet them when we moved here.

So off to the torch and remember to keep looking for your gifts!

Wishes to you for an awesome day!

Till next time ~ keep looking UP!

The Sun is Shining!

2007-05-30T17:38:00.000-06:00

Hello!

Hope you have had a great day!
The flowers are watered and the sun has been up all day, such a beautiful day it was

This beauty has been here for several days and I had to capture it.

I did get to melt some glass before DS's graduation and I made this butterfly to match my dress.
I decided to keep it plain since the dress had butterflies all over it. Simple and stunning, well I thought it was.

I am off to get back to melting for a bit before the sun goes down.

I wish you a peaceful evening, keep looking for your gifts.

Till next time ~ keep looking UP!~

Continued Showers Bring Gifts!

2007-05-29T09:21:00.000-06:00

Hi There!

A few days have passed since I was able to visit and update.

The rains continue here and as I look back at the past few days I realize as the showers feed the flowers so do the gifts I have received feed my soul.

I was gifted with a wonderful surprise by a dear friend who appeared at my door the day of my DS's graduation from out of town. I do believe I looked like a child filled with glee as I ran to greet her when I realized who it was out in the yard. What a gift that was! :)

DS's graduation was spectacular. He looked so handsome and walked so proud and although I had previously thought I would not cry, as I watched him walk out on the floor I did shed a tear at the thought of him finally coming into his own and how proud I am of the young man he has become. When the ceremony was over we all came back to our house for refreshments with the grandparents and we all had a good visit. This occasion was another milestone in his life and mine as well, another season has passed; another gift.

Spending the Holiday visiting on the porch with my dear friend was a gift.
Catching up on all life's triumphs and challenges was refreshing and while relaxing we shared memories and had a few good laughs as well.

While we were visiting I happened to notice another gift I was given.
I had seen the coccoon on my "welcome" flag and thought it was lost due to the rain.
Not so, as I looked up I saw I had been blessed with a sight most never get to see.

She was beautiful! I raced for the camera and disturbed her as little as possible. I really wanted this pic and she finally povided me the opportunity by crawling up by her coccoon ~ another gift ;)
Later that night the rains poured down and the next morning I feared she had been washed away, but she was still there hanging on a leaf. The sun rose and as soon as her wings dried out she flew away, headed up into the sky.

Thats a recap of my wonderful gifted weekend - I hope it was the same for you.

Always look for the gifts, for some may pass you by if you aren't looking.
I wish you many gifts and thanks for reading.

Until next time ~ keep looking up ~

Watering the Flowers

2007-05-25T12:44:00.002-06:00

Back today watching it rain, I so love it when it rains - its very relaxing to me.

I hope to get out and melt some glass today. I have a set of beads in mind I want to make to wear with my dress for my son's graduation tomorrow. Its been a week and I am SO ready to melt somethng! I fear withdrawls will come on soon if I don't! ;)

Tomorrow is an exciting day for us all and I also have lotsa goodies ready to surprise my DS with when we get home ~ that should be fun! ~

See ya soon and always look up!

Up in flames!

2007-05-24T14:11:00.000-06:00

Well after some help I am here!
Many thanks to Lavendar and Annie!

I have a long way to go in learning the web thing but its great to be this far along!

I am a self taught lampworker and hope to share my creations here as I grow and learn in the wonderful world of glass.

Stay tuned for more! :)

*:·-:¦:-·:* Flame Talk*:·-:¦:-·:*