~Studio Marcy ~ Marcy Lamberson

Glass Weekend at Wheaton

2009-07-18T05:50:00.000-04:00

I wish I lived closer to south Jersey. I received this email about Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center's GlassWeekend- today, July 18th & 19th. It's billed as an International Symposium and Exhibition of Contemporary Glass and it sure looks like a great time.

It will have guest artists Kari Russell-Pool and Marc Petrovic and Sybille Peretti and Stephen Paul Day. There will be Glass Studio demonstrations too. And all this for Adults $10, Seniors $9 and Students $7. Wow! There is an additional $6 charge per person to visit the Galleries in the Event Center as well. Talk about a bargain.

If you'd like more information, click here.

And if you attend, please drop me an email and tell me all about it. It sounds fantastic!

Interweave's Sale Ends Today

2009-07-17T05:45:00.000-04:00

Today is the last day to save at Interweave's "Hurt Book & Overstock Sale". Looks like some great prices on a variety of books that could interest many of us. I chose two here, that look fun to me. The first one, Color Color I wouldn't buy for stitching, but for bead colors and patterns. The cover photo looks like stacked dots with perhaps a cute murrini in the center to me.

The second one hearkens back to my childhood, perhaps. I used to love to braid fibers, my long hair or anything that I could- (even bread dough). Perhaps it's time to try that again as a way to incorporate some of my lampwork beads and form some funky necklaces.

So just a quick heads up to you. Hope you find a book at the right price and that is just what you wanted for your own personal Christmas in July.

See you tomorrow.

From Purse to Bead?

2009-07-16T05:33:00.000-04:00

I like looking all over for inspiration. I recently saw this handbag, and I swear, it looks like a bead with a handle to me.

So I thought I'd go over my thought process and how I would approach changing this purse into a bead.

I'd start with a chubby barrel shape in Moretti's dark gray. Next I'd add a swipe of dark ivory for the face and chest, not worrying too much on shape, because I will be adding wings.

I'd add the face next starting with the eyes working from the outside of them towards the center stacking dots and melting them in.

Next, I'd add the eyebrows after warming up the eye area and pushing it into the diagonal shape, then dotting on the beak & chin.

The wings with the original dark gray could be added next and I'd probably use the sharp end of my stump shaper to form the texture. There's probably a tail on the back side, which is an important feature for any bird- probably 2-3 swooshes of glass for that. I'd also add texture to the front body section with a piece of round brass tube or something like that.

Finally, I'd add some large dots for ears and pull them into shape. A final adjustment on the features and bada bing, I'm done.

Now that I've provided a blueprint for you- let's see some owls out there. Different colors, shapes and faces will all be enjoyed. Here's a little lampwork bead that I made before I saw this handbag.

See you tomorrow.

Grape-licious Glass from Etsy Glass Artists

2009-07-15T05:36:00.000-04:00

I belong to a group called Etsy Glass Artists. We're a diverse street team with members who work in various areas of glass. Fellow member, Rhonda Willis made this Etsy Treasury featuring some of our members.

It does make me think of those grape popsicles that I used to love in summer.

You can find our group in different places on the web.
Our main website is http://www.etsyglass.com which includes a blog, and there's also Etsy's profile.

Today is the last day of the Christmas in July sale. Check out the participating members here.

And of course, our group is tweeting too. Follow Etsy Glass on Twitter.

Whew, there's even more, but I'll save it for another day. Sometimes it's just fun to look at the pretty glass items and dream about all of the ones I'd love to own.

My Favorite Tools

2009-07-14T06:18:00.002-04:00

I thought I'd show you some of my favorite tools that I use in today's StudioMarcy blog post. I think we all have some trusty stand bys and it always interests me what appeals to different people.

And of course I'm wondering which tools do you use all the time? Please post and let us know.

Left to Right:

A.Pliers- these are kind of an all around type tool- for mashing, pulling and poking

B. Ruffling Pliers for wire wrapping-called concave. Ah, great for animal ears, tutus, flower petals and other small curvy stuff. (Thanks to Jen Geldard for introducing me to them.)

C. tweezer mashers or equivalent are helpful. Why work with the larger ones, when these will do? Their small size can angle in to mash small areas too.

D. slotted paddle- this is hard to find, but I love mine. I can level animal legs in one movement.

E. Stump Shaper- probably my favorite tool of all. It does so much and I use all sides and angles on it.

F. Razor blade - thin creases for sculptures

G. imprinter or equivalent- small presses that add texture or design to my beads

Not pictured- barbecue mashers, "poke small holes" tools like the Whimsicalities brand, glass or kitchen shears and my trusty torch mounted marver that I use all the time.

I don't use all of these tools every time I torch. Feel free to check out my lampwork beads in my Etsy shop and see whether you can figure out where I used them. I don't always use them, but a lot of times, there's that extra little bit that uses one or more of them.

So let us know what tools you love. Who knows, it might become someone else's new favorite too.

See you tomorrow!

Portraits from Africa

2009-07-13T05:50:00.000-04:00

A while back I found a lovely slide show with these artistic African portraits on the internet. Unfortunately, I can't find the name of the photographer and the details of these beautiful people who were the subjects.

I saved the photos, because they spoke to me as an artist. I know that someday, I would like to do a series of glass beads that are based on these photos and the others from this series that I have stored.

These are in my "inspiration" file. I keep a folder on my computer's desktop filled with photos, drawings and other sources that speak to me in different ways. It could be colors, the shapes, nature, faces or so many other aspects of things I've found while poking around the internet.

I haven't figured out yet, how best to express the various natural textures combined with these serene faces and do it the justice it deserves, but I'll keep mulling it over until I take time to try it.

Until then, I'll keep leafing through my inspiration file- picking out a photo or two that will be the day's new bead to attempt. I have quite an eclectic mix, so there's a source for every mood and whim.

Hope you have some place to keep your tidbits of what speaks to you. And watch for a short series based on these photos sometime in the future.

See you tomorrow...

Torch Collection

2009-07-12T07:41:00.003-04:00

I'll be writing more about my week's class at the Appalachian Center for Craft in Tennessee this past week, but I wanted to share a quick snapshot of one of our instructor's torch collection.

Fred Birkhill was kind enough to bring some of his torches to the Center to show us and I snapped a quick shot of them. Unfortunately, I don't remember their names or manufacturers. So if you know, please help identify them. Fred also offered to hook them up for us to try, but we had so much we were already doing, we didn't take him up on his generous offer.

But seeing these tools of our trade made me realize that I could use more experience on other torches. I think I'll be checking out all kinds at the Gathering this year. I've been so careful sticking with my smaller ones, because that's all I feel I need. Perhaps it was my two teachers, but now I wonder if I'm missing out by not being more knowledgeable about what's on the market and their features. I'm not envious, (I think), but I definitely could be better informed. I'll let you know after I try out the others later this month.

See you tomorrow.

An Object of My Affection

2009-07-11T06:12:00.000-04:00

I suppose I've wanted an aqua colored Vespa for quite a few years now. I'm not sure, in a city of 5 million, exactly where I would drive it, as the traffic can be ridiculous here. But still, I've always thought that was just what I wanted.

Until I found this little beauty made by Italian artist Carlos Alberto. Apparently his use of old world techniques and amazing attention to detail to construct it makes it one of my current objects of affection. *sigh* It is an outstanding functional piece of art, in my mind.

Fire Beckons

2009-07-10T05:15:00.002-04:00

Fire beckons.
Sounds almost poetic, doesn't it? Well, if you haven't seen these gorgeous firepits made out of recycled steel, you might be missing out.

As a glass worker, you know how we work with flames all the time. Yes, I used to be scared of fire before learning how to make my lampwork beads, but you get over it after you've been burned a few times and realized that you'll be okay.

So of course, this fire pit has been beckoning to me. We already have a small outdoor fire bowl which is seldom used, but the combination of the design, plus flames plus the photo with the water is very enticing to me. It looks like a place I want to visit.

I found it in John T Unger's etsy shop. He is a full time artist using primarily recycled materials. Pretty cool. Here is an entire section with his artistic fire bowls.

I wanted to show you that I don't just live, breathe and think glass- I have a few flames on my mind too. And besides, I'm a pretty good outdoor cook who thinks those enticing swirly flames would be perfect rests for marshmallows, skewers and other flame cooked delicacy implements.

See you tomorrow!

Companion Beads... Why Not?

2009-07-09T05:59:00.000-04:00

I had a custom order for the mermaid pictured below. I really loved the requested red and white polka dot bikini top and the red barrette, instead of my typical wreath for her hair. She was supposed to be a little more "vintage" looking than traditional.

But as the customer and I were exchanging emails, it sounded like a seashell might be kind of fun to go along with the mermaid. Similar genre, but compatible.

Which made me ponder...how often do we ask our customers whether they need something else to go with their purchase?

I know some jewelry makers find their spacer beads from different sellers than where they get their focals.

I'm just wondering whether increasing our "customer service" whether we can connect better with our customers and provide them that little bit extra.

I know, not every artist enjoys custom orders. And perhaps this extra service might feel more like it. But I guess one of the things I like the most about my repeat customers, is that many become friends and I get to know them. To me, that's a major perk of selling my beads.

And I thought I'd just throw the idea out there to all of you. If you're in the market to increase your sales, perhaps this is one of the ways. And it might make your customers really happy.

It's kind of like when you're at a restaurant and pretty full. But the waiter tells you about this super fantastic chocolate fudge dessert and you think it's the perfect way to end your evening with your friends. You didn't plan on getting it, but it's oh, so satisfying.

So how about offering dessert, or at least a small side dish to your customers next time and see if it fills a wish for your customer and also helps you at the same time?
See you tomorrow.

Teachers Seminar at The Gathering, Signed Up?

2009-07-08T05:25:00.002-04:00

If you are attending this year's Gathering - the International Society of Glass Beadmakers' (ISGB) annual conference, I'm thinking that you might want to know a little more about the two teachers' seminars that are being offered.

You see, there is a stellar trio of instructors, who make up the panel this year. The esteemed group is made up of Heather Trimlett, Kristina Logan and Leah Fairbanks. I don't know about you, but I think this is an awesome line up. I've taken classes from two out of the three members and they were wonderful. I'm looking forward to hearing what they have to say, as I know they are smart cookies.

Two sessions are offered. The first one is for new instructors or folks who are considering it. I'm thinking that it could be a great refresher course too. And the second one is for experienced teachers and will get into even more topics. They are one after the other, so folks can attend both, if they wish.

You can find the Gathering booklet online here, which gives you time, date and price for the sessions.

I hope to see you there. I'll be assisting the lovely and delightful Katy Abbott, VP of Education for the ISGB at both seminars. If I haven't met you, or seem like I'm in my perpetual daze, please stop by and introduce yourself to me. I'd really love it.

Guard Your Memories

2009-07-07T06:06:00.002-04:00

You know, you get your inspiration in funny places.

Recently, I was leafing through a fashion magazine and saw an advertisement of a British Guard with a model trying to make him smile.

It reminded me of a wonderful trip I took and spent a little time remembering it. Well, it must have stayed on my mind, because a little bit later the red, ivory, black, pink and goldstone all were chosen for my next bead.

I know that his simplified uniform is not the original, but I bet, because of his hat and the colors, that most people recognize this cute little bead's inspiration. When making sculptural beads, your "canvas" is so small, that you have to boil down to the essentials to get your artistic point of view across.

Do you have some happy memories that would make a fun focal bead? Feel free to contact me and let's chat. I love making custom orders and it's so much fun to have a token of what's special to you. I make sculptural beads for large hole bracelets like Pandoras too.

See you tomorrow.

Choose The Look You Love

2009-07-06T05:56:00.001-04:00

Living in Atlanta, GA is synonymous with Land of Coca-Cola, so I tend to pay attention to what's going on with this brand. Moving to the South, I learned that down here, any soft drink is called a "Coke", whatever flavor or brand it actually is.

So I was intrigued when I read about Coke's multi-year experiment with can design in Northern Ireland.

Their advertising agency wrote, "simplicity is the heart of a great can design that can should louder than its competitors in the cooler cabinet."

As a beadmaker, those words stuck in my head. How do they relate to our industry? (the cans do look a little like beads, don't they?) The agency also said that the consumers each had their favorite designs and would not only have a great deal of loyalty to their preferred designs, but also actively seek them out.

Perhaps that's just the human way of it. I certainly have singled out which ones I would choose. And after reading the articles, I know which two were the most popular. So let's see if our readers agree with the consumers. Choose the two looks you love. Traditional Stars, Hawaiian, Dots, Zebra, Checks or Paisley? And my other question is, if you work with design, do these choices reflect any of your work? I'll give you a clue to one of my faves. Look here.

See you tomorrow!

The Paper Dress

2009-07-05T05:24:00.001-04:00

You know that I'm always looking for new ways to use existing things- whether it's tools, an everyday item, or something not related to the use that I've found. It's my own twist on the Reduce, Reuse & Recycle way of living.

I'm particularly impressed with this gorgeous paper dress made by Jolis Paons out of telephone book paper.

Yes, you read this correctly.

She pleated, sewed and glued everything by hand for her creative processes class. Isn't it a lovely visual reminder not just to throw away the book, but to use it creatively instead ?

You Don't Need To Be An Einstein To Know...

2009-07-04T08:03:00.003-04:00

You don't need to be a genius to figure out, I'm taking a day off from writing my Studio Marcy glass blog today.

Happy 4th of July to my American readers, and wishing everyone a sunny and gorgeous Saturday. Hope you are spending the day with family and friends.

ps Please become a fan of my Studio Marcy facebook page. And if you aren't on facebook, join up. It's a lot of fun, friends and lots of photos. Just lovely.

See you tomorrow.

LoriandKim's Murrini

2009-07-03T05:31:00.003-04:00

Have you seen LoriandKim on Etsy?

It's the brainchild of Lori Peterson and good friend Kimberly Lynn who get together to make beads periodically. (really cool ones at that!)

Now, they're making murrini and have gone into business on Etsy. I found out about it last night and bought some. What a great idea.

They are all 104 COE and come in six different color paths. Lots include some sparkle in them . This one is Ocean Treasures, but the one I bought is Glamour Girl in pinks and peaches.

I can't wait to try them and will let you know. But I anticipate only a lot of fun with some of the different patterns and colors.

If you haven't used murrini before, this is how I do it.

I spot heat the place on the bead where the murrini is going to go. That means I change my flame to be pointed so it doesn't melt other parts of the bead.

I pick up my murrini chip with my tweezers and flash it in the flame a few times. Kind of like when you're introducing your rod to the heat.

I place the end of the warm (not melted) murrini onto the heated area of the glass and gently push it partially in. Then I heat it just a little and gently tap it in a little more. (I use my brass Stump Shaper, but a lot of tools would work just fine)

I keep going until it is where I want it. Careful not to heat up the murrini too much and to aim my heat on the edge of the receiving bead as well. Whether you case over it or not, that's your choice. Your murrini will probably spread a little too. As you're tapping it, remember to do it squarely on the top, so it doesn't distort the chip.

That's it! Hope you get a chance to stop by LoriandKim's etsy shop and check them out. I can't wait to see what else they offer and am so excited for some really nice fellow glass beadmakers.

A Mermaids Harvest ~ Seashells For Your Hair

2009-07-02T05:43:00.004-04:00

When Lisa, of A Mermaid's Harvest on Etsy bought this shell from me, I had no idea how she was going to be using it. About a week ago, she contacted me for more seashells and explained about her hair sticks.

I think they look so pretty this way and would look gorgeous in someone's hair.

Lisa told me how excited she is about hammering and twisting metal. I could relate, because I feel the same passion about glass.

Our combined efforts make a great collaboration. I love the peachy pink variegation of my lampwork bead with Lisa's copper hair stick too.

If you're a glass beadmaker, that's Effetre's Carnelian Opalino that I used for the shell.

See you tomorrow!

Social Designer ~ Goods for the Greater Good

2009-07-01T06:11:00.005-04:00

There are just 5 more days to enter the "Think Color" contest and design a tote bag for Social Designer. The winner receives $2000, and the design will be made and sold on Social Designer to benefit Global Green USA.

The competition description is HERE.

Social Designer is a website that "curates and creates smart products that tune into the greater good."

They have design competitions and then offer the winning designs for sale on their website. The funds go to the good causes that they identify. How very cool is that? And all of you artistic types have an opportunity to flex your creative muscles and possible win some dollars while helping others.

I really like this concept. To find cool T's and tote bags for sale, visit the site: http://www.socialdesigner.com. And no, I didn't enter (wish I had more time, because this will be fun), but there will be more contests too. If you enter, please let us know because voting starts July 8th and ends July 15th. I know we all would love to support our friends in their endeavors.

See you tomorrow. It's a glass day- and fun.

Heads Up! Planning Another Trip- Glass Camp

2009-06-30T05:27:00.001-04:00

I am so excited to be attending the Appalachian Center For Crafts' glass flameworking class with Fred Birkhill and Shane Fero. (woo hoo!)

I leave on Sunday and will return Friday night. Both teachers are highly esteemed in the glass world and my friends and I have been guessing that there will be minimal beadmaking and more lessons that will take us out of our usual way of working with glass. (she reports with glee!) Rumor has it that possibly we might get a chance to pull our own rods using the hot shop! Sounds rather toasty, but fun.

I am happy to tell you that next summer, I will be teaching a week long class for the Appalachian Center for Craft in July, so this year will give me a little experience to see how classes are set up in advance. (email me studiomarcy@gmail.com for more info about my class)

I will not be blogging about this class as it's happening, because I am not sure of the internet connections there, but I will continue to post daily on my blog. I've been writing in advance, so you'll still get the good stuff. When I return, I'll tell you about class and what I learned.

So, I need to mention, that if you were planning on purchasing something from my Studio Marcy etsy shop in the near future, it's a good idea to do it soon. My last trip to the Post Office will be Friday, as it is closed on Saturday for the holiday. After that, I will be mailing any purchases the following Monday after I've returned.

See you tomorrow.

Mabel Grace- A Sign of Our Time

2009-06-29T05:52:00.001-04:00

I'm not sure why Turkey Buzzards amuse me, but they do. I made this female the other day, when thinking about my view of the economy affecting so many people- including artists. It's a tough one out there.

Her name is Mabel Grace and she's wearing beads made from Italian glass. Who knew that a funny looking bird would have such great taste.

Mabel Grace is currently hanging out in my Etsy shop. She has requested that I make a few roadkill beads, as she's a bit hungry, but I'm resisting. I am watching out for the cute little animals like bunnies and mice.

Come back tomorrow for some more fun. See you then.

AdSense on Blogs?

2009-06-28T06:51:00.001-04:00

Does it make sense to use AdSense?
That's what I want to know.

I've been debating whether I want to have ads on my blog. I'm not sure that I do, but it's probably time to consider it.

So my friends, I'm asking you...do you use it? How do you like it? Are the financial returns worthwhile?

Or do you take advertising on your own? Does it work for you?

I know that usually I'm showing you websites or telling you about tools and other things I've found, but this time I'm asking you for your input. I'm really on the fence about having advertising. And even more so, wondering which kind to have if I do so. Please tell me your opinion on the topic.

See you tomorrow for more glass and creativity fun.

Sally Is Selling Shells...on Etsy

2009-06-27T05:43:00.002-04:00

I've just recently listed a couple more seashells, because we must be in the shell selling season. (Sally says say that three times fast).

They've been my biggest sellers recently and I know I'm ramped up wearing them as the weather has gotten hotter too.

So I wanted to show you two very different but similar shells. The top one was made with Bullseye Glass which has the COE (co-efficiency of expansion) of 90. So what does that mean? It's a little stiffer to work with compared to my usual glass, Effetre or Vetrofond. I love the color of the glass and how well it swirled together. Definitely, I'll make more out of BE.

My handmade bead is wound from my softer glass, Effetre- light ivory. It's gooey fun to wrap around the mandrel and just oozes where you want it to go. For non glass folk, its COE is 104.

I particularly like the look of the carnelian glass for the inside and ruffled lip. You don't always know what shade it will be or whether you'll need to strike it to bring out the color. Don't forget when striking glass, let it cool quite a bit, before reheating it and then repeat if necessary.

I've got a lot more beach, shells, and other aquatic items in my Etsy shop here.

Hope you're staying cool. See you tomorrow!

Hob Knob Glass Now Open!

2009-06-26T05:44:00.001-04:00

My good friend, Rebekah Higgins Husky has just opened her delicious handmade glass drawer pulls shop, Hob Knob Glass on Etsy.

Even if I wasn't already so partial, I would still love these yummy swirly knobs for dressers, chests, decorative boxes or whatever your brain can dream up. What a great way to add a burst of zing to any room.

I like the way they are made, because they install so easily. The knobs come with a screw and that's it! Just like all the others that you've used.

Of course I had to show you my favorite color Tide Pool, but she has so many other colors to choose from too. Stop by, check them out, heart them, and maybe pick up a few.

Bek told me that she will be selling them at The Gathering (International Society of Glass Beadmakers' Annual Conference in Miami) this year too. I know she has more designs that she will be adding as she goes.

See you tomorrow with more fun!

Studio Marcy Hits the Treasuries This Week. Woot!!

2009-06-25T05:25:00.002-04:00

Here are three of the five treasuries that my lampwork beads are currently featured in on Etsy

Isn't it fun seeing the color combinations and the diversity of items being featured? Every time I go check them out, I end up spending lots of time checking out the artists' work. (and sometimes buying an item or two also)

Enjoy these and then stop by http://www.Etsy.com and look on the left side of the page for Treasury button. Click and have a great time. And don't forget you can quickly check your favorite Etsy shop quickly by going to http://www.craftopolis.com and typing in the shop's name in their Treasury Search section.

See you tomorrow for a feature on a new Etsy glass shop.

It's Not An Apple

2009-06-24T05:45:00.001-04:00

I've found the perfect present for my favorite geek.

This is called the Chocolap and it's more affordable than most computers. It's a fake cardboard one, with a chocolate keyboard.

Made by a German company, it retails for about $26. You can find it on Amazon here.

I'm half tempted to buy one to fool my Mom, who has one of those love/hate situations with her computer. She calls her laptop, "That g&#$@#%# machine". It's almost worth it to see her reaction, if she thinks she's receiving another one. This might be the only kind of technology she would enjoy.

See you tomorrow for some more lip-smacking fun!