Jul 26th, 2010 by Nichole
Tuition is almost due, so I need to move beads out of my inventory! This is just a quick note to let you know that I’ve put almost thirty sets of beads on clearance sale, in my Etsy store. Check them out!
Jul 21st, 2010 by Nichole
I had a great day at the torch yesterday, ending up with over 50 encased beads (no spacers or other simple little accents). I was amazed it was such a productive day, as I spent much of the evening watching “Deadliest Catch”, and getting all teary over the loss of Captain Phil Harris. Those Discovery Channel producers are great at picking out the poignant moments and making me cry. Of course, I am a bit more sensitive this week, emotionally speaking – as I lost my cat Kitty last Thursday, and I am guilt-ridden because it was completely preventable (really bad UTI – bladder size of a softball, and I didn’t even notice that he wasn’t feeling well until the evening before). So, each night when I go to bed, my little companion is no longer with me, pushing open the bedroom door because I creak it open too slow, and waiting for me to lay down on my side so he can cuddle right on top of my hip. I’ll miss my little guy, who loved to sit next to me as I worked at the torch, either sleeping, or reaching up to grab my shoulder with one sharp claw to pull my face down to his for a little kiss. And what’s really funny is that I’m a dog person. I’m allergic to cats and don’t really admit that I like them.
Jul 19th, 2010 by Nichole
This is my final post for today. Just a quick announcement that I’ve listed several new lampwork sets and focals. Check them out!
Jul 19th, 2010 by Nichole
I don’t make focal beads very often, but I’m very proud of this trio. I’m not sure why I love western/desert style colors and designs – I’m a Midwestern girl who has only been out West twice in my lifetime: a Colorado dude ranch in my Senior year of high school, and a wire class with Connie Fox in San Diego just a few years ago.
But deep inside is this little wildflower who doesn’t mind getting a little dusty and would love to have a cute pair of cowboy boots and a cute cowgirl shirt from the Sundance catalog to wear with my jeans. So, from the little wildflower part of my soul comes these warm, earthy focal beads – perfect strung on leather or with little turquoise dangles. Some day I’ll make my own jewelry again, but until then, I offer up these focals to someone who, like me, holds a little piece of the West in her heart.
Jul 19th, 2010 by Nichole
Christmas Holiday Lampwork Beads
Jul 8th, 2010 by Nichole
I was very productive this week with regards to my to-do list – which wasn’t long, but the tasks were rather large and time-consuming. Although I haven’t had time in the studio yet this week (I ran out of propane), I am planning a full day at the torch tomorrow in order to have some new beads ready to post on Etsy over the weekend. If you have any color requests, feel free to post a comment below (I am planning to start on Christmas-themed sets in addition to what you normally see from me).
On another note, I’ve been using my newer camera (after my old one gave up the ghost), and the results of my photos seem to be hit-or-miss. The newer camera is supposed to be an upgraded version of my old one (a Canon PowerShot), but it seems to have less settings and a lot of my photos are looking grainy. One of these days I’ll take a digital photography class. Or just go to a camera store to have them show me what I’m doing wrong. Regardless, please accept my apologies for photos that just haven’t been all that great. I guess it’s too much to ask for me to both rock at melting glass AND taking photos. I’ll keep trying to figure it out, though. Let me know if you have any tips.
Jul 1st, 2010 by Nichole
Jun 29th, 2010 by Nichole
I am currently working on listing new beads – remaining sets from the Preview Sale, as well as a few more brand new sets that are practically fresh from the kiln! Stay tuned as I get them posted. As of the time of this post, I have about 28 sets left to list!
Jun 22nd, 2010 by Nichole
Snickers thinks that beads are fun to play with. He got mad when I took a small string of spacers away (it had a couple of seed beads that I was afraid that he’d break and ingest).
Jun 22nd, 2010 by Nichole
The newsletter will be sent tomorrow (Wednesday), at approximately 9 a.m. CST. Sign up if you’d like to get the memo!
