Lisa Atchison - Touch of Glass Designs

Soft, Subtle "Emergence" Focal

2012-02-04T18:58:00.000-08:00

SOLD

Above is a very soft, subtle focal done in ivory and pink...it really glows. Many have commented that this style looks like butterfly wings emerging from a cacoon or chrysallis.

I've also been working on small silver glass bead sets to match focals to take to Bead and Button this year.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend! Thanks for looking!!

Etched Copper Electroformed Focal Bead

2012-01-20T14:51:00.000-08:00

I have had this on my list to try for quite a while now, and will be added to the March Electroforming class.

This is the test bead and I still have a little tweaking to do. Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!!

Having Fun with Lapping and Electroforming

2012-01-11T17:34:00.001-08:00

NFS

I'm really enjoying the restored health and energy! I have been busy the past two weeks working on the flat lap machine, different electroforming designs and organizing the home studio space

As always, thanks for looking!

Fresh Out Of The Cooker!

2012-01-09T18:35:00.000-08:00

Here are a few beads from the weekend fresh out of the cooker.

I hope you have a great week, and thanks for looking!

Lampworking and Electroforming Class - 3/21 & 3/22

2012-01-08T06:20:00.000-08:00

Lampworking and Electroforming Class
Wednesday & Thursday, March 21st & 22nd

Please see the CLASS PAGE for more information. I hope you can join us!

Happy Weekend!

2012-01-06T16:28:00.000-08:00

SOLD
Just a quick post of a focal just listed in the Etsy store. Have a great weekend!!

A Little on the Softer Side...

2012-01-03T18:42:00.000-08:00

(SOLD)
Just a quick post and run! Here is a focal of the same style, but done in very, very subtle pastels.

Today's Kiln Harvest

2012-01-02T17:31:00.000-08:00

(SOLD)
I'm feeling better and better everyday! The house is clean, the car is clean, bills are paid, laundry is done, beads in the kiln, beads electroforming...I can't remember when I've had this much energy, or accomplished so much! This year has definately started on a good note, and I feel so blessed. I'm finally feeling the torch again, and happy with the results. Here are a few from the weekend. The electroformed bead is for my beady friend, Ofilia. The bead came out of the patina screaming magentas and golds! The colors have calmed down a bit, but they are still pretty vibrant.

I hope you have a great week, and thanks for looking!

First Beads of 2012 ~ Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T18:34:00.000-08:00

(SOLD)

Wishing everyone much love, many blessings and great health in 2012! Here are the first beads of 2012. Thanks for looking!

A New Lease On Life!

2011-12-27T02:35:00.000-08:00

I've Got A New Lease on Life!

I’ve been MIA for a while. I've been on the mend, I’m finally back on the torch, and it sure feels good! (Here is a picture of one of the latest beads)

I am posting this for awareness purposes:

After almost seven years of a “mystery” illness, I was finally diagnosed with Primary Hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). I traveled almost 1,000 miles to The Norman Parathyroid Center in Tampa, Florida for surgery. They are the experts with the most experience, and since this is not very common, I wanted to go to the best! They removed a tumor and one of my parathyroid glands, and the restoration of my health has been remarkable! I am so grateful to Dr. Politz and Dr. Norman for giving me a new lease on life. I feel AMAZING!

Best Source of Information: http://www.parathyroid.com/

Parathyroids have nothing to do with the thyroid. Hyperparathyroidism is not very common, and therefore, often goes undiagnosed and/or misdiagnosed. Most doctors know about HPT, but do not know it well.

From the Norman Website: The ONLY purpose of the parathyroid glands is to regulate the calcium level in our bodies within a very narrow range so that the nervous and muscular systems can function properly. This is all they do. They measure the amount of calcium in the blood every minute of every day... and if the calcium levels go down a little bit, the parathyroid glands recognize it and make parathyroid hormone (PTH) which goes to the bones and takes some calcium out (makes a withdrawal from the calcium vault) and puts it into the blood. When the calcium in the blood is high enough, then the parathyroids shut down and stop making PTH.

Hyperparathyroidism occurs when one (or more) of the four parathyroid glands grows into a tumor and behaves inappropriately by constantly making excess parathyroid hormone regardless of the level of calcium. In other words, one of the parathyroid glands has lost its control mechanism and continues to make large amounts of parathyroid hormone without paying attention to how high the blood calcium is. Thus, even when the calcium level is high--when the parathyroids should not be making any hormone at all--one of the glands keeps making hormone. Why? Because one of the parathyroid glands developed a benign tumor and lost its inhibitions and controls.

Inappropriate blood calcium levels can make you sick and very symptomatic. For the past six years (especially the last two), I had many of the symptoms. In October, my body lost the ability to regulate my blood pressure. My BP was very erratic, spiking to 222/116 and dropping to 95/55. These swings often made me feel like I was going to pass out. This is what took me back to the doctor.

Once the lab results were in, I again heard high calcium, and again it was dismissed. I did some research on my own, and found Dr. Norman’s website. It is so informative, and I became educated. I could not believe what I was reading… only EVERYTHING I had been telling my doctor for years! I emailed my labs to Dr. Norman, and they confirmed that my numbers warranted pursuing PHPT as a possible diagnosis. I then did a self referral, had a consultation with Dr. Politz and surgery was scheduled.

Again, I am sharing this for awareness purposes. It is a shame that this went undiagnosed for so many years. Not only does this disease make you feel sick, it MAKES you sick. It causes kidney stones (which I had almost two weeks after surgery), will cause osteoperosis 100% of the time as it leaches the calcium from your bones, has been linked to breast and prostrate cancer, decreases your life expectancy by years, and many other things...

A bit of advice: If you are having ongoing, unresolved issues, do your own research! You need to take an active part, along with your doctor, in your healthcare.

Anne, This One Is For You!

2011-10-28T16:20:00.000-07:00

Here is a special order...Anne, I hope you like it!

Winter Whites

2011-09-16T21:28:00.000-07:00

Sold

Here are a few Winter Whites fresh out of the kiln.

Today's Kiln Harvest

2011-09-06T18:28:00.000-07:00

Two views of the same bead

NFS - In line to be electroformed

Here are a few beads from this weekend's torch session. Thanks for looking!

Gearing Up For Fall

2011-08-28T18:03:00.000-07:00

Sold

I am so ready for Fall...my favorite time of the year! I torched this weekend, and am prepping more leaf beads, like pictured above.

I hope you have a great weekend! Thanks for looking!

Lapidary Class - September 24th & 25th

2011-08-21T05:47:00.000-07:00

LAMPWORKING AND LAPIDARY
September 24th & 25th (Saturday and Sunday)
from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
at Indy Flame Art
$275.00

Sold

Day One: We will make beads suitable for the lapidary process on day two. We will concentrate on design, shaping, floral cane, using silver glass, goldstone and encasing.

Day Two: We will review equipment, lap beads from day one, and I will do a demo taking the bead back in the flame for surface decoration.

I hope you can join us!

2011-08-21T05:40:00.000-07:00

Sold

Life has been a bit crazy lately, with little time to torch. We are working on getting information together and exploring the possibility of adding on to the back of the house. It has taken most of my spare time and energy. I did get a few in the kiln yesterday, one of which is pictured above.

We are also busy at the studio planning for the upcoming classes: Dan Grumbling, Nancy Tobey and Claudia Pagel. Visit Indy Flame Art and check out the guest instructor page for more details.

Also, I have a Lapidary class scheduled for September 24th & 25th. Let me know if you would like to join us!

A Few For The Gathering

2011-07-18T17:50:00.001-07:00

soldnfs sold
Here are a few beads I made this weekend to go to The Gathering. I will be torching like crazy the new few weeks to make inventory. I will be listing some in the Etsy store.

I hope you have a great week, and thanks for looking!

New Beads For The Etsy Store

2011-07-10T17:51:00.000-07:00

soldsoldsoldsoldsold sold

Above are a few beads that will be listed over the next week. Have a great week, and thanks for looking!

New Colorful Focal

2011-07-04T15:34:00.000-07:00

sold

Here is a new focal from this weekend. I mixed two silver glasses together and got some really pretty colors, from bold blues to pastels. The rest of the beads are in line to be electroformed. I had a lot of fun torching with my buddy Samma! I hope everyone has enjoyed the weekend!

Indy Flame Art Wall by the Fab Crew

2011-07-01T03:54:00.001-07:00

Here is a good shot of the Indy Flame Art mural wall, compliments of the artists, the Fab Crew.

Playing Catch Up

2011-06-16T18:21:00.000-07:00

sold
soldsold

soldsold
sold
Bead and Button was a lot of fun, a lot of work and a great show! Thanks to everyone who helped make it a success! I quickly snapped pictures of some of the beads that made the trip with me, and have just now had time to post them. I spent a lot of time making electroformed leaf beads, my favorite design to create. I really like how different and unique each one turns out...Mother Nature planned it that way! I have played with the patina process long enough that I can now get the desired colors. Above are a few examples of color range with just LOS. As always, I really appreciate you visiting my blog!

Bead and Button ~ Booth 1222

2011-05-22T18:03:00.001-07:00

sold

I will be sharing a booth at Bead and Button with my buddy Samma Parcels, and I have been working like crazy on inventory for the show. Here are just a few that I finished up this weekend. So far, I have 105 focals and a few bead sets ready to go, and will be posting more pictures over the next few weeks.If you make the show, please be sure to stop by booth 1222 and say hi! We would love to meet you! Have a great week, and as always, thanks for peeking!

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T18:00:00.001-07:00

sold

It has been a wonderful Mother's Day! The day started with Brittney showing up this morning with trays of beautiful shade-loving flowers that she planted in the front yard and at the back door. What a wonderful gift, and one I will enjoy all summer long! Thanks Brittney, being your Mom has been the most rewarding role in my life.

While out in the yard "helping", the Fed Ex man delivered a box of roses and chocolates...and a very special card that warmed my heart so much. They were from a young man that I worked with years ago, and we kind of adopted each other....he called me his Indy-Mom. He is now serving our great country in Afghanistan. Thanks Dan, your kindness means so much, and you will never know how proud I am of you!

Steve bought dinner tonight, a perfect finish to a perfect day. I feel blessed beyond belief, and thankful for all the love in my life.

While trying to get over this flu-bug the past two weeks, I have managed to torch a bit. I'm trying to get enough inventory for Bead and Button (Booth 1222). This is my first year to do this show, so I have no idea what to expect. So far, I have about ninety focals, and a few bead sets. With only four more weeks to torch, I need to get it in gear! Above is a focal from this weekend.

Happy Mother's Day!!! I wish you all a great week, and thanks for peeking!

A Few New Beads

2011-04-30T20:06:00.000-07:00

sold
I've been a bit under the weather, but working on inventory for Bead and Button as much as possible. I hope you are enjoying your weekend, and thanks for peeking!

First Friday Art Walk at Indy Flame Art

2011-04-24T16:58:00.000-07:00

I hope you will join us for First Friday at Indy Flame Art next Friday, May 6th from 6 - 9 PM.
Indy Flame Art has a new entrance. You will need to use the red double doors just to the right of the original single door entrance. You can't miss it....just follow the flames of the torch on our new mural!

We are so fortunate that the FAB Crew agreed to paint a mural for us on the outside wall of the studio. FAB stands for Fabulous Aeresol Brothers, and they are absolutely just that! These two artists have some amazing skills, and are talented beyond compare!

I have long admired street art and graffiti art. When we decided to paint our wall, we all agreed that a graffiti style wall would be perfect. We then met the FAB Crew, and after seeing their work, hoped they would agree to do their magic for us. And, it was magical!! Watching them work was priceless, and nothing less than amazing. I will let the pictures above speak for themselves.

THANKS to the FAB Crew for sharing your art with us!! You and your talents are so respected and appreciated! Check out their website and blog to see more of their work.

First Friday Focals

2011-04-02T20:05:00.000-07:00

Above are a few demo focals from First Friday. We had a really great turn out! Thanks to everyone who braved the rainy weather to attend. It was great to see old friends, and meet new friends! (Great to see you Miss Marty - the middle bead is the one you watched me make)

I hope you are not tired of seeing the lapped butterfly focals, as I'm still having a lot of fun making them. I am trying to build inventory for the Bead and Button show.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!

New Focals and Class Pictures

2011-03-27T18:18:00.000-07:00

sold

The weekends sure go fast! Friday I did some cleaning and torching at the studio, Saturday cleaned the house and did laundry, and today I taught a class at Indy Flame Art. I'm one tired girl! I hope you all had a great and productive weekend, and have a wonderful upcoming week! (Above are pictures of a few focals from Friday and the beginners class today)

IGAA Hot Glass Infusion Weekend - Indianapolis

2011-03-24T13:25:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars for the IGAA Hot Glass Infusion Weekend!
Saturday, April 2nd from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Sunday, April 3rd from 12:00 Noon to 5:00 PM

at GRT Glass Studios
6400 Brookville Road
Indianapolis, Indiana 46219
317-357-9006
Directions

FREE ADMISSION
SATURDAY ARTISTS SCHEDULE
Hot Shop
11am -1pm David Lotton
1pm - 3pm Lisa Pelo
3pm - 5pm Arlon Bayliss Live Auction starts at 4pm
5pm - 7pm Matt Kenyon Live Auction starts at 6pm
6pm - 8pm Yuri Okamoto Live Auction start at 7pm

Flameworking Station
11am -1pm Sharon Owens
1pm - 2:30pm Lisa Atchison
2:30pm - 4pm Sama Parcels
4pm - 6pm Steve Sizelove Live Auction start at 5pm6pm - 8pm TBD

SUNDAY ARTISTS SCHEDULE
Hot Shop
12pm -1:30pm Mark Oberting
1:30 pm - 3pm Jon Zimmerman Creates a Kid's Glass Idea!
3pm - 5pm Mike Hernandez Creates a Kid's Glass Idea!

Flameworking Station
12pm -2:30pm Chicquila Elbert-Velazoo
2:30pm - 5:00pm Sallie Gurth

We hope to see you there!

Works from the Weekend

2011-03-20T19:19:00.000-07:00

sold

sold sold

sold

Wow, what a great weekend, but it sure went fast. I'm working on inventory for Bead and Button, so Friday and Saturday were spent at the Indy Flame Art studio, torching with Sallie and Samma. This will be my first year to sell at B&B, and I will be sharing a booth with Samma Parcels. I love spending time in my home studio, but the creative energy at IFA is wonderful, especially when torching with friends! I leave my Hellcat torch at IFA, and that combined with liquid oxygen, makes it my favorite place to torch.

I spent today at the home studio, torching and lapping the beads from yesterday, of which a few are pictured above.

I'm certainly having fun with the lapped florals, as each one is so different. You really never know exactly what you will get after grinding away the surface.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend, and as always, thanks for visiting!

First Friday Focal

2011-03-06T14:05:00.001-08:00

sold

Above are a few beads from the weekend. This first is a demo bead from our First Friday Art Walk. The second is an electroformed floral bead, done a little differently than the normal process. I still have a few things to work out. The window is three sided, and shaped like a bay window. It was made with Helios, and it is a very hard glass to photograph.

New Class Dates Posted

2011-03-04T08:31:00.000-08:00

I have posted new dates for the Lapidary Class and Techniques Class. See the class page for details!

Lapidary Class at Indy Flame Art

2011-03-01T19:11:00.000-08:00

sold

sold sold sold

Above are the demo beads, and pictures, from the lapidary class this past weekend at Indy Flame Art. It was the first time for me to teach this class, so I kept enrollment to five. We had so much fun, and everyone made great beads. I plan to schedule another class very soon!

I hope you are having a great week, and as always, thanks for peeking!

Lapped Butterfly Focal

2011-02-22T18:06:00.000-08:00

sold

I've been working on the sample beads for a lapidary class this weekend at Indy Flame Art. Here is the finished butterfly focal that we will make.

I hope you are having a great start to the week ~ Thanks for looking!

....And The One World One Heart Winner Is.......

2011-02-17T16:41:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Nicole Campaella of Beadwright! She is the winner of this year's One World One Heart giveaway. Nicole, I will mail your gift out this weekend. Thank you so much for taking the time to visit and leave a message. I have to say I was so excited when I drew your number, as I know your love and appreciation for beads.

I have had the best time this year visiting blogs and participating in OWOH! I really appreciate all that stopped by my blog to say hello, and all of the very nice comments. It was so great to meet everyone!

A Lot of Sparkle

2011-02-16T17:33:00.000-08:00

Here is one from the weekend kiln harvest. It is one that will be made in a private class this weekend. It was really hard to photograph and impossible to capture the depth. It has a lot of sparkle from the core of the bead.

I hope you are having a great week, and thanks for looking :)

Some Weekend Beads

2011-02-13T11:22:00.001-08:00

Dark silver plum and amber focal with electroformed leaf from my yard

Copper leaf lapped focal bead, encased in a copper shell with matching leaf accents. Three views of the same bead.

Electrofromed maple leaf tree focal bead

It's the big melt down here in Indianapolis! It is finally warm enough to melt some of the ice and snow. Spring is just around the corner, and I couldn't be more ready for it's arrival and the new life it brings with it!

I'm excited for the new leaves to harvest. Fresh leaves provide a very smooth finish on my electroformed leaf beads, and they are much easier to work with. I made a few leaf beads this weekend, using leaves from last fall, which are shown above.

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend, and thanks for stopping by!

One World One Heart IS CLOSED

2011-01-28T19:44:00.000-08:00

You Could Win This Bead on a Sterling Silver Pendant Post - Drawing is February 17th

Hello, and welcome! I glad that you have decided to take the One World One Heart tour around the world! I am a glass bead artist from Indianapolis, Indiana, and I'm very excited to once again participate in One World One Heart journey! This is a great way to unite bloggers from all over the world, and meet fellow artists. For more information on how to participate, click on the OWOH picture on the sidebar to the right.

I have been lampworking for seven years. I am a co-owner of a ten torch lampworking studio, Indy Flame Art, located in the art district of Indianapolis, Indiana. I also work out of my home studio. Lampworking has brought me so much joy over the past seven years, and I cherish the life long friendships that I have made along the way. Planet glass is a beautiful place to be, and I'm glad that you have landed here!

For a chance to win the above pictured glass bead, along with a sterling silver change a bead pendant post, HERE ARE THE GUIDELINES:

* You must have an active blog.

* Leave a comment and your name will be entered in the random drawing to be held on February 17, 2011. Please feel free to tell us a little about yourself.

* Leave your contact information so you can be contacted if you are the lucky winner!

Thanks for stopping by, and good luck!!

Autumn Winds Electroformed Lapidary Focal

2011-01-27T19:17:00.000-08:00

sold

Here is a focal that I finished today. It has copper leaves blowing in the winds of subtle dichro, copper electroforming that is accented with tiny oak leaves, and finished off with a beautiful magenta patina.

Thanks for looking!

Electroformed/Lapidary Leaf Tree Focal Bead

2011-01-23T16:00:00.001-08:00

sold

Here is the focal below after being electroformed. The tree goes up the side and the branches come around the front. It patina matches the copper leaves perfectly as it is a burgundy red/brown...I got lucky on that one. I'm not sure which way I prefer it, with or without the electroformed tree.

Autumn Winds Lapidary Focal

2011-01-23T06:17:00.000-08:00

sold

Here is a new focal that I have been thinking about for a while. I painted a tree on it last night, to be electroformed today. I will post after pictures tomorrow.

I hope you are enjoying your weekend!

First 2011 Terrarium Bead

2011-01-10T17:09:00.000-08:00

sold

Well, it was actually made in 2010, and I finished polishing it in 2011. These beads remind me of the terrarium my Grandma use to have when I was a little girl. The glass globe was full of a variety of plants and moss, and it even had a butterfly in it! Just one of the things I loved about Gram's house...good memories :)

Have a wonderful week, and thanks for looking!

Happy New Year!!

2011-01-02T11:10:00.001-08:00

sold
Samma and I torched yesterday at the Indy Flame Art studio. Here is a focal from the first torch session of the New Year. Wishing everyone much happiness and success in 2011!

First Friday Focals

2010-12-06T03:37:00.000-08:00

sold

I think torching with friends is one of my favorite things to do. My schedule has not allowed for many play days this past year. First Friday at the studio affords me that fix at least once a month. Last First Friday gave me the opportunity to torch with Katherine, Samma, Sallie and Mike Deering. Next FF is January 7, 2011 from 6 - 9 pm. If you are local, or will be in the area, stop by! We always have such a great time!

Above are a few focals that I made last FF. Katherine Shelby shared her shards. I had not used shards in forever.

Thanks for stopping by, and have a great week!

First Friday Art Walk

2010-12-02T13:34:00.000-08:00

First Friday Art Walk is tomorrow night

December 3rd, from 6:00 - 9:00

at the Circle Center Industrial Complex

1125 Brookside, Suite C15

Indianapolis, Indiana 46202

We would love to see you there!

A Little On The Sparkly Side...

2010-11-26T18:52:00.000-08:00

sold

I spent a few hours today hanging out at the studio with Samma. I put a few focals in the kiln, but mostly worked on small donut beads for bracelet orders. It's been a while since I've worked on smaller beads, and really enjoyed it! These are really on the sparkly side! I think I will make these in different colors with matching focals to take to the Eiteljorg Museum show.

I hope you are having a great holiday weekend!

Almost a Water Baby

2010-11-22T18:45:00.001-08:00

About a year ago, I was presented with a challenge by a few of my lampwork buddies...NO water babies, meaning that no bead gets dunked. (You know who you are!) Well, I was sure tempted on this one. I wish I had taken a before picture. It was one ugly bead! It was wrong from the beginning, so I put a layer of color over it, razor cut, added a layer of dichro, added some silver glass, razor cut again...and then I over fumed it to the point of not being able to clean it off. Staying with the challenge, into the kiln it went.

Tonight I decided to lap it and see what was beneath. It's not the greatest bead, but it is certainly improved, and kind of cool. I'm really enjoying the lapidary process.

Pelican Nebula Inspired Bead

2010-11-21T18:43:00.001-08:00

I had the pleasure this weekend to meet Heather Sellers of Dragonfly Lampworks. She came to Indy to take a private class on organic techniques, which honored me very much. She is a very talented lampworker, and makes the most adorable glass creations.

Above is one of the demo class beads. The colors on this one turned out so vibrant! These beads are inspired by Pelican Nebulas, which is also pictured.

Thanks for peeking, and be sure to stop by Heather's blog!

Eiteljorg Museum Winter Market ~ December 4th

2010-11-18T03:46:00.000-08:00

I will be doing the Winter Market Show at the Eiteljorg Museum with Julie Miller on December 4th, and will not be listing much for sale while trying to prepare inventory. I will post pictures of beads going to the show. If you see something you like and are interested in, please send me an email, and I will happily reserve list it for you!

If you are local or will be in the area, we would love for you to come see us. The Eiteljorg Museum is beautiful and full of wonderful exhibits. Click here for directions.

We hope to see you there!!

Fresh From the Kiln

2010-11-15T17:38:00.000-08:00

sold
sold

Just a few focals from yesterday that I lapped this evening:)

This Morning's Kiln Harvest

2010-11-13T12:01:00.000-08:00

sold sold

sold

Here are a few new focals that I made yesterday. The first two I lapped this morning. It is hard to tell that the butterfly focal is lapped as the window is not obvious. However, it really shows off the butterfly.

I hope you are having a great weekend, and as always, thanks for looking!

New Abyss Focal Beads

2010-10-31T06:52:00.000-07:00

sold
sold

Here are a few focals from yesterday. They are heavily encased and have so much depth! Goldstone frit sparkles up through the ghostly silver glass that seems to float on the surface. They remind me of the deep ocean floors.

It feels so good to finally get some torch time!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend, and thanks for looking!

Kalypso Focal Bead

2010-10-30T06:28:00.000-07:00

sold

Here is a quick post of a bead I made last night using only Kalypso and Dark Ivory. I love the range of colors this silver glass yields!

Have a great weekend!

What a Way FUN Class!!

2010-10-25T15:40:00.000-07:00

Paula, Carol, Julie (holding Zing-Zang the studio mascot and entertainment), Gabby, Beth,
Lisa (with the moth on my shoulder) and Sharon

You can always count on a beautiful smile from Gabby!

Julie and Paula hard at work!

Paula and Sharon

Carol and Beth

Beth, the birthday-girl! It was so sweet of Sharon to bring her a cake!

There is always inspiration around every corner. Here is a Pandora Sphinx moth that Samma discovered on the front of the building. His olive green colors are going to make a great bead! He rode around on my shoulder for about thirty minutes, and then I put him back outside to fly away. He is on my shoulder in the class picture above!

Above are a few pictures from the class I taught last weekend at Inspired Fire in Lafayette, Indiana. It was such a great group, and I enjoyed seeing old friends and making new ones! Inspired Fire is a wonderful studio, and Sharon Owens (Owner), was so welcoming and the best hostess! Thanks to Sharon for the invitation, and a perfect class experience!

Thanks for looking, and have a great week!

Bracelet with Electroformed Acorn Caps

2010-10-04T18:25:00.000-07:00

sold

We had a class this weekend at the studio, and since I could not torch, I put together a bracelet with beads I made a few days ago. The beads were made with Triton, and frit that I made out of goldstone. The bead caps are electroformed acorn caps from my back yard, and the rings and clasp I made from copper wire. Wow, it had been a long time since I'd made jewelry....or small beads :)

First Friday Art Walk at the Studio

2010-09-30T17:41:00.000-07:00

sold

It's been a while since I've posted. I've been so busy with working the j.o.b., and working at the studio. We are making progress, and have had a blast!!

I have only made one bead in three weeks, and I am jonesing!! (Do people still say that?) Tomorrow is a much needed play day at the studio.

Tomorrow night is also First Friday Art Walk!! We would love to see you there!

Butterfly Secret Garden Focal Bead

2010-09-08T16:36:00.000-07:00

sold

Here is a lapped bead that I just finished. They ivory encasement is thinner and less distracting. I think this is my favorite one yet. Everytime I make one, I learn something new. I have had the most fun this past year playing and experimenting!!

Have a great week, and thanks for looking!

Class Scheduled at Inspired Fire

2010-09-03T12:14:00.001-07:00

Class Notice: I am scheduled to teach a class at Inspired Fire Studio in Lafayette, Indiana on October 23 & 24, 2010. Please check out the "Classes" page for details. Thank you.

Introducing Indy Flame Art Glass Studio

2010-09-01T17:52:00.000-07:00

Indy Flame Art Glass Studio (formerly Fuego Loco)

Hi All!! I'm very excited to introduce Indy Flame Art Glass Studio (formerly Fuego Loco)! It has not been easy keeping this news under wraps, and I'm happy to finally SHOUT IT OUT!

NEW Glass Studio Collaboration in Indianapolis, located in the Circle City Center in the Arts District of Indianapolis. Indy Flame Art is a collaboration formed by Jari Sheese, Lisa Atchison and Samma Parcels. Stay tuned for announcements, schedule of classes and more!

We are excited, proud and can't wait to share this fun glass adventure with our friends, fellow artists and students!

New Lapped Focals

2010-08-31T19:29:00.000-07:00

sold

I have been working on lapidary beads the past month, and above are three of the latest. I learn something new each time I do one!

I hope everyone is having a great week!! Thanks for looking!

What a Great Weekend!

2010-08-29T18:16:00.000-07:00

sold

What a whirl-wind-of-a-weekend! It started with the open house at Inspired Fire. It was a great turn out, with standing room only at times! A good time was had by all. Thanks again to Sharon Owens for the invitation, and to those who spent the evening with us!

A good friend, Dee Sipe, came for a weekend visit. We had a blast torching and lapping, wining and dining, and watching movies Saturday night. It was such an enjoyable visit!

Today I lapped a few more beads, did a little laundry and getting ready for the work week.

Above are a few beads from Saturday. The floral made it's way home with Dee.

I hope everyone had a great weekend, and has a very blessed upcoming week!

Be well, and thanks for peeking!

New Focal Beads

2010-08-23T16:55:00.000-07:00

sold

Just a quick post and run. Here are a few new focals from the weekend that I will be taking to the Inspired Fire Open House.

I would love to see you there. Have a great week!!

Butterfly Secret Garden Lapped Focal Bead

2010-08-20T17:10:00.001-07:00

Here is another lapped bead from today. I plan to add a very small rasied floral at the bottom of each side. I will post after pictures when finished. (SOLD)

Tomorrow will be spent working on beads for the Inspired Fire Open House. I hope to see you there!

Have a GREAT weekend!!

Featured Artist at Inspired Fire Annual Open House

2010-08-15T12:40:00.000-07:00

I am very honored to have been asked to be the featured artist, along with Julie Miller, at the annual Inspired Fire Open House on Friday evening, August 27th from 6:00 to 9:00. Please join us for refreshments, demonstrations and a lot of FUN!

Directions and Contact Information for Inspired Fire

Above are a few of the beads that I will be bringing with me. I will have loose focal beads, change-a-bead posts and some finished jewelry.

Last week was a FUN bead week. On Thursday, Lish Diffendarfer and Dawn Fillmore joined me for the day. We torched and went to lunch. It was so great to see Lish, as it had been over three years...much too long!

On Friday, Samma and Sally came over for a day of glass goodiness! I so enjoy buddy torch time...the sharing is priceless!

Thanks for looking and I hope you have a blessed week!

A Few Before Focals

2010-08-09T17:05:00.000-07:00

I made a trip to Missouri this past weekend to visit my father. It is always so good to see him! Above are two beads that I lapped this weekend, that I will add raised florals to tomorrow. I hope to have after pictures this week.

I'm on vacation this week, and have a lot "beady" fun planned!!

Thanks for peeking!!

Raised Florals Added

2010-08-02T14:30:00.001-07:00

So, here is the bead pictured below, with raised floral accents added. I'm not sure if I like it better with, or without. I would love to know your opinion! This is my first attemp at "lapping" a bead, and it's really only the second encased floral focal I have done. I'm sure there will be much improvement as I practice in the weeks to come!

Lapidary FUN!

2010-07-31T13:35:00.000-07:00

I bought a lapidary machine at Bead and Button this past June, and have not had time to play, until this weekend. Torch buddy Samma Parcels and I got together Friday and made test beads to lap. We got together this morning and had a blast grinding and polishing :) (Check out Samma's bead too)

I decided to do florals and encased them in dark fumed ivory. I was so happy with how the floral beads turned out, it was hard to cover them up with the ivory! The roses in the first bead are made from rose cane that Dee Sipe and I made over a year ago using the tutorial from the Tonbo-Dama book. (It is always an adventure when torching with a friend!)

These are not finished. I am going to add surface decorations this evening, and will post after pictures tomorrow.

As always, thanks for peeking!

Flowers, Flowers, Flowers

2010-07-24T14:09:00.000-07:00

State Fair Entry

SOLD

I've been working on a few special orders, and here are a few from the kiln this morning.

Secret Garden Focal Beads

2010-07-20T19:13:00.000-07:00

sold

Above are two beads from this weekend. The colors are very vibrant!

Thanks for looking!

New Electroformed Focals

2010-07-18T19:20:00.001-07:00

sold

Above are three beads that I just finished this evening. I spent some time Saturday sandblasting and painting the star focals, and put them in the solutions early this morning.

I hope you had a great weekend, and thanks for looking!

Blue Flowers and Morning Glories

2010-07-18T05:50:00.001-07:00

sold

Just a quick pic of one from yesterday :)

Raised Floral From Yesterday

2010-07-17T05:44:00.000-07:00

sold

Here is a raised floral from yesterday done in yellows, pink, lavender and green. I added dichro stripes to the floral cane, so it sparkles. I also used a core of dark red on the cane, which makes the petals verigated and added depth.

Have a great weekend!

Fun at the Torch Yesterday

2010-07-04T07:18:00.000-07:00

sold

NFS

Above are the beads from yesterday. I am so enjoying the raised florals, more than I never thought I would. I learned raised florals from Rita Burkholder as a new lampworker, and I never thought it would be a style I would want to further explore. However, taking a recent class with Cynthia Tilker made me want to revisit and reconsider. Cynthia's class was very inspirational for me.

The top bead really glows as shown in the picture, even more. The colors are rich, the dichro very warm and the raised metallic dots actually glow like fire opals.

The second bead is another nebula inspired bead. It is done with new dichro purchased from Arrow Springs at Bead and Button. The gold/red shimmer is a good match to the nebula in the picture.

The third bead is Dark Ivory and Ekho, and is accented with Double Helix murrini, which are metallic and glow when you turn the bead.

The fourth bead is just one of my favorite designs, that I really enjoy making. It offers a lot of techniques, interest and depth.

I hope you are enjoying your holiday weekend!

Just Listed ~ Secret Garden Focal

2010-06-30T15:51:00.000-07:00

Secret Garden Focal ~ Iris and Day Lilies (SOLD)

I was going to keep this one, but have instead decided to list it. I plan to work on more raised florals this weekend.

I hope everyone is having a great week!

Class Demo Beads ~ Day Two

2010-06-27T20:21:00.000-07:00

Day Two Demo Beads - Nebula inspired bead done in blues and greens and Abyss Bead done in Emerald Green and Ink Blue with silver murrini and raised cane.

This weekend was spent resting and cleaning house. Hopefully I will find some torch time this coming week.

If you tried to go to my website, and ended up here on my blog, that is because I have decided to do away with the website. I find I like the blog much better, it is easier to update, and now with ability to have separate pages, there is no need to have both.

Have a great week, and thanks for stopping by!

Class Beads and Pictures

2010-06-23T18:13:00.000-07:00

nfs

Above are Day One Demo Beads

Above are pictures from the class I taught at Fuego Loco Studio this past weekend. What a great group! We melted a lot of glass, making five beads total. Everyone did such a great job, and I hope to have pictures of the class beads to post after this Friday. Thanks to everyone who attended!

Have a great week, and thanks for stopping by!

Fresh Flower.....Beads!

2010-06-07T16:58:00.000-07:00

nfs
nfs nfs
Here are a few new focals that are in line to be electroformed...I will post "after" pictures when they are done.

Today is Steve's birthday, and Brittney and I cooked dinner for him....now for the sponge cake with fresh strawberries!

Thanks for peeking, and I hope you have a great week!!

New Kiln Harvest

2010-06-01T15:04:00.001-07:00

sold sold

sold

Above are three beads from this morning's kiln harvest.

Bead 1: Nebula Inspired Bead ~ A lot of depth and swirls of color and sparkling dichro

Bead 2: Winter White ~ Elegant fumed ivory with shimmers of golds and pink

Bead34: Abyss ~ Greens and amethyst with sparkles from the core

Thanks for looking, and have a great week!

Secret Garden Focal

2010-05-31T06:19:00.000-07:00

sold

Where did the weekend go? Long weekends are never long enough, are they? It has been spent relaxing, grilling, watching the humming birds, catching up with old friends and a little torching. I hope you have enjoyed your holiday weekend.

Above is a Secret Garden focal bead from yesterday. It is done in a shimmery blue-gold dichro on dark fumed ivory, with blue flowers on green vines. It is accented with opal like raised dots and CZ's (of course!) I used an initial cane for the first time, and put it in upside down :) The initial cane was made by DeAnne, the murinni guru! Her murinni creations are amazing, and she does it on a hot head!

Thanks for looking!

Lampworking and Electroforming Class #1

2010-05-24T18:35:00.000-07:00

Bead 1: Electroformed Raised Floral
Bead 2: This was the last bead that we made, and contained several techniques

Above are two of the demo beads from the lampworking and electrforming class I taught this weekend at Feugo Loco Studio here in Indianapolis. This was my first time to teach outside of my in home studio. I have done many one on one classes, but this was my first large class. Thanks to everyone who attended, to Jari for the invitation and Samma for assisting me! I hope you all enjoyed and learned a lot! You sure made wonderful beads!!

A second, two-day class has been scheduled for June 19th and 20th. I think there are three seats left. I would love for you to join us!

http://www.fuegolocostudio.com/guestinst.html

Below are some of the class pictures

DAY ONE - Lampworking

DAY TWO - Electroforming

Thanks for looking!!

New Focal Beads

2010-05-15T08:52:00.000-07:00

sold
sold

sold sold
I have had a blast (no punn intended) with combining the sandblasting and electroforming. I think these are pretty unique, and very much enjoy creating them! The stars are little windows into the core of the beads, which have been heavily encased so there is a lot of depth.

The second bead is accented with simple electroforming, but it is just what the bead needed to lighten it up a bit. I LOVE the murrini, which is from Double Helix, design #6. I was lucky enough to get in on the Double Helix murrini! They did a fabulous job making them.

I hope you are having a great weekend!

Sandblasted and Electroformed Nebula Focal Bead

2010-05-09T15:55:00.000-07:00

nfs

Here is a bead that I just finished up, and I'm really happy how it turned out. There is a lot of work in this one! I heavily sand blasted the star pattern, leaving the stars raised and shiney. A few of the stars are slightly etched, but only enough to get them a soft matte appearance. It was then electroformed. The stars are tiny windows into the depth of the bead. This bead offers a lot of interest, in depth and texture. I plan to make more in this style.

Thanks for looking!

Leaf Beads ~ Fresh Out of the Cooker

2010-05-09T06:10:00.000-07:00

sold
sold sold

(Mothers Day flowers from my daughter - in some of the flower frogs that I collect)

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!! My daughter showed up this morning with breakfast, along with a dozen roses and a very sweet card. We are planning to visit my mother later, plant some flowers and then go to dinner this evening. Life is good, and I feel very blessed today.

Here are a few beads that I finished up this morning. I forgot just how much work goes into the leaf beads. I started the leaf process on Friday, and they are just now finished. I spend a lot of time painting, and cleaning up the edges. I then electroform very slowly, to ensure the finish is smooth to show the viening detail of the leaf. The copper is then finished with a patina finish and polished to a nice shine with a brass brush. The trees were done with a cane striped with amber, black, dark matter and silver plum. It is the best combination I have come up with yet.

The last bead is fresh out of the kiln this morning, and done in blended colors of ink blue and sage green.

The last picture are Mothers Day flowers from Brittney, arranged in some of the flower frogs that I collect. I also added the last of the back yard lilacs, and the house smells so good with a little bit of the outside in every room!

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend, and thanks for looking!

Happy Spring!

2010-05-07T05:11:00.000-07:00

With coffee cup in hand, I took a walk through my yard this morning. I love early spring morning walks...the crisp cool air makes everything come to life. I have spent a lot of time the past few weeks working in the yard, planting flowers, pulling weeds, and searching for the perfect leaves to electroform.

I thought the leaves were mature enough a week ago, but still found them to be a bit too tender. Last night Steve and I took a drive to my favorite trees, and they are just now ready. I picked and pressed them, and will apply them this morning to the beads I've had made for a while. If you are waiting on a leaf bead, it will not be long now! (Jasmine and Jaimie, yours are first!)

Above are pictures of our humble little home. We have lived here twenty-two years. It is our first and only house, and although we have talked about it, I don't see us moving anytime soon.

See the wheel barrow? That is my herb garden!! LOL We have so much shade, and the sun light changes dramatically throughout the summer, it makes it hard to grow anything that requires a lot of light. So instead of doing a container herb garden, I took an old wheel barrow, put holes in the bottom, lined it with gravel and planted a variety of herbs. That way as the sun changes throughout the season, I can easily move it and follow the sunlight. I think once they start growing good, it will also look pretty cool.

I will be working in the studio the next three days, and hope to have some beads to share soon!

Have a blessed weekend, and thanks of looking!

My Nephew Ethan ~ Four Years Old

2010-05-02T16:45:00.000-07:00

So, you know how I always say that my nephew Ethan makes my heart sing? Well, now you can see why....he is adorable, and he has the cutest personality. I love him BIG!

If you are close to Indianapolis, Indiana, and need a photographer, I highly recommend April Harnish. She has a great eye for composition, and she is very nice to work with!!

Just thought I would share a smile :)

As always, thanks for looking, and have a great week!

Sandblasted Star Focal

2010-04-22T19:05:00.000-07:00

sold

Two posts in one day! What's up with that? I just finished sandblasting this lentil focal. It is the first sand blasted bead that I'm happy with the results. I heavily blasted this one, leaving the stars shiney and raised.

Tomorrow will be spent preparing and setting up for a show this Saturday at the Eitlejorg Museum. I'm looking forward to it, as many of my glass buddies will be there. Please stop by if you are in the area!

Have a great weekend!

Pod Focal Bead

2010-04-22T06:11:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post and run. Here is a Pod focal bead from yesterday. I hope everyone is having a great week!

New Focal Bead

2010-04-20T18:20:00.000-07:00

sold
Just a quick post. I had a chance to torch for a few hours last night, and here is one more Nebula inspired bead. It was really impossible to capture the full depth and sparkle.

Have a great night!

Class and Visit with Cynthia Tilker

2010-04-20T04:51:00.000-07:00

ISLAGA, the wonderful glass group that I belong to, hosted two classes with Cynthia Tilker this past week. Cynthia is a beautiful person who makes beautiful beads, and it was so wonderful to finally meet her in person!

Fran, Chic, Cynthia and myself headed south to ABR Imagery the Wednesday before the start of classes, and did a little shopping. Thanks to ABR for letting us visit...and buy (they are such enablers!) After about two hours of shopping, we picked up lunch and had a picnic at Oliver Winery. After lunch we did some wine tasting. It was a wonderful afternoon, and the weather was perfect!

Oliver Winery front view

Fran, Chic, Cynthia, Me

Fran and Cynthia

Chic, Fran, Cynthia

I took the Saturday/Sunday class. WOW, Cynthia does amazing work, and is a fantastic instructor....not to mention a lot of FUN! She holds nothing back when she teaches, as she is all sharing with her information. This was absolutely one of my all time favorite classes. If you get a chance to study with her, don't pass it up!

Cynthia at the torch

Bette Carson, Katherine Shelby, Jen Cameron, Sue Daniel, Cynthia at the torch

Cynthia, Jen, Dawn

Class photo:
Dawn, Cynthia, Sallie, Me, Barb, Jen Cameron, Carol, Bette, Sue, Cherine, Katherine

Cynthia had some time before her flight on Monday, and she and Dawn decided to spend the night here at the ranch. We had an enjoyable Sunday evening, and spent some time Monday morning torching a bit :)

Cynthia and Dawn

I'm on vacation this week (well, actually a stay-cation) and will be torching for a show this coming weekend at the Eitlejorg Museum. I hope you have a wonderful week, and as always, thanks for looking!

Nebula Inspired Beads

2010-04-10T12:16:00.000-07:00

sold

sold
(Above are pictures of two beads inspired by the middle nebula pictures)

My work is inspired by nature. As an artist, how can you not be inspired by all the life that surrounds you daily? Leaves, acorns, vegitation of all kinds, the ocean and all it's beautiful creatures of many colors surely inspires the artist in all of us.

Lately, space and all the galaxies have my interest. I have been reading and searching out informaiton and pictures of space. Wow, talk about beautiful colors!

Indianapolis is the home of Butler University. Butler offers one of the biggest observatories open to the public in the United States (not to mention the Butler Bull Dogs!!). That is where I will spend quite a few evenings this spring and summer. How exciting!!

I hope you are enjoying your weekend. As always, thanks for looking!

Bead With A Cosmic Feel

2010-04-05T18:04:00.000-07:00

(SOLD)

Here is a bead fresh out of the kiln. It is very cosmic!

Have a great week, and thanks for stopping by!

Playing With Sand Blasting

2010-04-04T09:02:00.000-07:00

sold
sold
sold

Here are first attempts at sand blasting on beads. Samma and I are putting our heads together, playing and experimenting.

The first two photos are "Man In The Moon", front and back. The front has been lightly blasted for a soft etched look. I wish I had not added the star, as I think it takes away from the bead instead of adding something to it. The last two beads were blasted fast and furious for a deeper blast, more like engraving. We have made some progress in figuring out the process, and our next task is to do some blasting in stages for a more dimensional result.

Today will be spent at the torch making leaf/tree beads, and then much of the afternoon spent outside with my lovely daughter preparing the flower gardens for planting.

I hope everyone has a Happy Easter!! Thanks for looking!

What A Beautiful Morning!

2010-04-03T05:48:00.000-07:00

Here is a Lotus Pod from yesterday. I'm a bit disappointed in the silver glass around the silver mesh, as it "grayed out" a bit. It is still earthy and pretty, just not quite what I was going for!

This bead is in line to be electroformed. I think it will look nice with a copper-topper caps :)

Good morning! Spring has finally arrived here in Indiana, and I woke to the birds singing outside my open window! I love all the seasons, one of the advantages of living here in the Ohio Valley. However, the older I get, it seems the longer Winter becomes! I am more than ready to see the SUN!!!

It is going to be a great day! My good friend Samma is coming over to play for the day. We are going to torch, and work on some new sand blasting designs.

The Butler Bull Dogs play today. I hope the win!! Win or lose, THEY ARE WINNERS! Our city is certainly proud of them :) They are one of the smallest schools to go to the Final Four. GO BULL DOGS!!

Above are a few beads from yesterday. Thanks for looking, and have a great weekend!

What A Kind Gift From a Special, Kind Person

2010-03-31T09:21:00.000-07:00

I was fortunate enough to take the Kim Fields class last October. It was a wonderful class, and Kim is an exceptional artist and instructor! The class was filled with great information, a lot of friends, new aquaintances and a lot of fun!

The first part of November the mailman, whom I stalk on a regular basis, brought me a very special box...that contained a lot of very special surprises...from an especially kind person. In the class I also had the privledge of meeting Mary Beth, who said she was familiar with my electroformed beads. The box was from Mary Beth and was filled, and I do mean FILLED, with Mother Natures finest offerings for anybody who enjoys electroforming. (Above is just half of the contents, as every folded paper contains another sheet of harvest) She enclosed a note explaining that she had spent "some time" in the woods collecting leaves, plants, flowers, anything she thought might be interesting in copper. Everything was pressed and packaged with care.

Mary Beth, I don't know if you ever read my blog, but you have no idea how much that meant to me. It was during a period when I was pretty much under the weather, and not able to work for a few weeks. Now that I am back to electroforming, I broke out the "box of treasures" and think I will finally be putting them to use.

Words cannot express how much I appreciate your kind gesture!! Thank you again!

Todays Kiln Harvest

2010-03-27T07:46:00.000-07:00

sold

Here are a few beads fresh out of the kiln. I have really enjoyed making the lentils again. Back to the torch today...after a trip to the tool store!

Have a great weekend!

Back To Electroforming

2010-03-26T15:35:00.000-07:00

sold

sold

Since I have an electroforming class coming up in May, I figured it was time to break out the equipment and get back at it! I also knocked the dust off the lentil press...it had been a long time!

About the above beads:

The tree bead is my favorite of the batch. Half of the tree is done in glass, the other half in copper. The other side has a maple leaf from my backyard that is electroformed into the design. This is the test bead, and I have a few more in the kiln today.

The second bead looks like a shark! That was totally unplanned, but the purple CZ was even in the right place for the eye. This bead has a lot of depth, and if size matters (2.25"), this bead measures up!

The third bead, as well as the second, offers copper mesh, cane, CZ's, metallic dots and a lot of depth.

My friend Dawn came over today for a day at the torch. We had a lot of FUN, and put a few beads in the kiln. Time spent with friends always makes for a great day!

As always, thanks for looking!

Lampworking and Electroforming Classes - Indianapolis, Indiana

2010-03-20T11:23:00.000-07:00

Edited to say: Lampworking Class is FULL
nfs
sold

CLASSES AT FUEGO LOCO STUDIO, INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA
MAY 22, 2010

TECHNIQUES, TECHNIQUES, TECHNIQUES (Class is FULL)

Using Dichro (fused and sheet), Fuming, Setting CZs, Ribbon Cane, Murrini, Design and More! ($185.00)

Call Sallie at 317-440-0654 for registration information.

ELECTROFORMING, MAY 23, 2010

Equipment set upPainting beadsUsing organicsPatina with Liver of Sulfur ($100.00)

Add texture, dimension and interest to your lampwork beads with electroformed accents. This class will demystify the process, and also cover design. See the process from start to finish. (There is not enough time to process a bead as it takes several hours, but a half processed bead will be finished during class)

Supplies Needed: A kit is not necessary, but if you purchase one, we will do a mach set up of the equipment. Kits can be purchased from Glass Diversions.

Paint and brushes will be supplied. Please bring at least four beads (or more) made on 3/32 mandrel or bigger (flattened tabs work best for leaf beads).

Call Sallie at 317-440-0654 for registration information.

This Weekends Kiln Harvest

2010-03-15T17:35:00.000-07:00

sold

sold
sold
This lentil bead has been electroformed and is shown above.

I had a pretty good torch day yesterday....very productive, and a lot of FUN! I worked on a variety of different styles and used a lot of different colors.

I'm working on inventory for an upcoming show, so will not be listing. If you see something you are interested in, please send me an email. I'm happy to list reserved items for you!

Have a great week, and as always, thanks for looking!!

Yesterdays Blue Bounty

2010-03-13T06:02:00.000-08:00

Here are a few from yesterday. Thanks for looking!

Natures Whispers Beautiful Felted Beads

2010-03-12T02:47:00.000-08:00

This past week I received a wonderful gift in the mail. I was fortunate enough to be the winner of Natures Whispers' One World One Heart giveaway. In addition to the obvious beauty of these soft, wonderful beads handmade by artist Jasmine Hazlehurst, knowing their origin is also very special.

Jasmine explained, "I used a blend (oatmeal) of Blue Faced Leicester wool, White Merino wool, natural white tussah silk and a little Vicuna wool. Vicuna is an animal that is from the same family as Llama and Alpaca and looks like a dainty deer with a long neck. They live in the mountain regions of Peru and are not farmed as they are very good at escaping. Once a year, the villagers of the region form a line with colored ropes and steer the Vicuna into a Coral where they then shear the Vicuna and check their health before releasing them again. Vicuna fibers are thought to be the softest natural fiber on earth and has been called the fiber of the gods. It is said that the ancient Inca's wore garments made with Vicuna."

I feel very blessed to be the recipient of such a special gift. I have a full appreciation of the love and care that goes into creations such as these beads.....art from the heart!!

Jasmine's talent is not limited to these gorgeous felted beads, and also includes scarves, wall art, cards and more.

THANK YOU Jasmine, I truly appreciate your generosity, and will cherish these for many years to come!

Abyss Beads and More

2010-03-08T17:01:00.000-08:00

sold
Not much to report! I had a very productive bead weekend, and above are just a few fresh from the kiln!! Thanks for looking!