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
Monday, December 8, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
~*Happy Independence Day!!*~
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
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
Saturday, June 14, 2008
~*~*Butterflies*~*~
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 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
Friday, May 23, 2008
I got the blues, Canyon Blues that is!
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
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
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
~ Growing Isn't Easy ~
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
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
Saturday, March 22, 2008
~ *Resurrection Of The Vine*~
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
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
Thursday, February 28, 2008
~ Fruit From The Vine ~
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
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
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