New Developments!

Wowsers!

It's been nearly 2 months since I posted a blog entry (not that I am really that regular a poster anyway) and I suppose it goes hand in hand with new developments in my life recently.

"New Life Stage"

That is all I can really describe it as.

 Here it is in a nutshell:

• Glass Candy has been wound back down to a Hobby sized venture.
• I am now working as a contract Bookkeeper a few days a week.
• I can now look forward to my torching sessions with the promise of being able to PLAY!
• I have taken my health on board and am looking forward to a brighter and happier life.
• I have found my life balance.

 And there you have it.

Battling the economy with my desire to run a full time lampwork and jewellery design business for the past 3 years had killed any creative urges I possessed.

I had basically lost the love of being a pyromaniac :o)

Now that I am balancing part time bookkeeping work with beadmaking (yes beadmaking, no jewellery yet) my creative gremlin is slowly coming out of the rehab cupboard!

The Kalamunda Village Market held on the 1st Saturday of each month is currently the ONLY market I am committing myself to.  That and any of the better quality artisan events that occur throughout the year.

I have consolidated my Etsy Stores into one:

Glass Candy's Boutique

and you can currently find just beads there :o), the jewllery is reserved for markets and my current stockists and I am taking my time with getting back into the design and assembly of pieces.

This is where my new LIfe Stage has brought me

And I'm loving it!

I hope to be in touch again soon!

New to the Shop this week

I have a handful of pieces to add to the shop this week, some of the myriad sets of beads I made have not been forthcoming in evolving into pieces, so I'll make do with what is working!

One of my earlier posts relates to my indecision over the finalisation of my new Froggie Pendants.  I am glad to have sorted this design, and have decided to go with simplicity and clean cut fun.  No dangles, just colour and whimsy.

I think the coloured polyester (Rattail) cord finishes these pendants nicely, what fun!

Of course, after yesterday's revelation with my new ribbons, I have two of that series ready to present this weekend, the piece featured in my earlier post is going to be added to my personal collection :o) looks great with jeans!

I've also (finally) finished off the last three bangles that are based on a tutorial from Totally Twisted by Kerry Bogert (one of my most favorite artists).  I just love playing with the colours in these pieces!

It seems I will never be able to cease putting together bright and whimsical pieces, regardless of the season!  I have an addiciton to colour it would seem.....

Some more of my more classic, signature style pieces:

And a little more whimsy :o).....These little piggies will be added to my 'Critter Tree', which houses a variety of cute and funsy pendants ideal for kids or for that quirky gift....

You'll find these pieces and more in the shop tomorrow!

Have a great night!

xo

Tweaking.....

Yet another winter necklace design has be born!

I have long adored these beautiful hand dyed silk ribbons and FINALLY purchased a handful from a very talented artist in the UK.

This style of necklace, the crystal lampwork bead with the chain tassle, was released last year however, I felt it lacking and have been fiddling with the concept of having a BHB (big holed bead) at the top of the bail.  

I had been tossing up over using 2 different types of sterling chain as the neckpiece but when these ribbons arrived, I knew my solution had too.

When my little parcel arrived at the Post Office today I was dumbstruck at the beauty, softness and colours of the ribbons I ordered.  I have them in mind for my Goddess Pendants as the 'Woodland' Series has all those beautiful earthy greens and browns with a hint of pink and blue.

I cannot WAIT to get to the torch and start on more pendants to co-ordinate with these stunning ribbons, even the 'plain' Ivory is rich in romance and so very very soft...... sigh.  I think I'm in love....

Using these as the neckpieces also helps to solve the problem of those people who are sensitive to sterling silver (or the 7.5% copper within the silver).  The ribbons can be fastened using knots and BHB's or very small sterling spacer beads which have a low risk of coming into contact with your skin.

Despite having had a killer physio session with my good friend Jake (who has steel tipped elbows I am sure of it) it's been a super day due to Diane and her beautiful ribbons!

Oh! and the PIGGIES!  I have to leave you with a shot of my wee little piggies!

Have a lovely evening!

xoxo

Windows Estate Margaret River

This week I am sending down new stock to my favorite Stockist, Barbara from the Windows Estate Winery in the Margaret River.

Their Cellar Door is just breathtaking, complete with light open spaces, miniature art gallery with some STUNNING beach scenes, it's something out of your perfect beach home.  And their Wines are divine :)

The Dragon Jewel Series.

Always unique, none of these pendants come out the same, ethereal and mysterious, the depth of the transparent bases I use give them their Jewel Like appearance.

The Jamaica Bracelet

This is quickly becoming a favorite design of mine with its mix n match beads and Balinese silver beads.

There are many more pieces going down this week, if you ever get a chance to visit Barbara, I highly recommend you do, have a bit of a bash on their Giant Chess Set!

xo

The Inner Child......

Decided to experiment a little with my Froggie Pendant designs this week.

In the past I have done what I called a 'Guard Frog' which was one of my cute little googly eyed frogs perched on top of a colourful bauble bead (what I call a large round).  But I've gotten a little bored with those.

I made up some froggies and little daisies and spotty BHB's yesterday in preparation for an assembly session this morning.  I'm a little undecided though.......

 I cant decide which style I like best, I think they're all fun and cutesy (which is the intention).  DH believes the one on the right with the large bauble is too much and the one in the middle with the little glass flower is too little and quite likes the one without a dangle at all..... but he's a MALE, what do they know about cutesy?

Feel like helping me out with a little input?  Hop over to my Facebook Page and vote on the poll I'm running to see which would be the more popular design!

xoxo

The Small Things.......

After a huge days trading at the Kalamunda Markets yesterday, it is wonderful to be back in my little home away from home down in my Boutique in Fremantle.  

During one of my dashes to find food and drink while at Kalamunda, I came across a lovely little stall called Kaye's Crafts which had some gorgous products.

Dainty little birdcages that hold tea lights have become a lovely little feature on my sidetable and go perfectly with my bead charm tray and give a safer option to burning candles in the open.

 and I couldn't bear to leave Teddles sitting there for a moment longer!  He was just too darn cute to leave behind and now sits on one of my shelves to bring a smile to all who clap eyes on him.

I am having a blast finding all of these little treasures to adorn my shop with and really feel that it's the small things that help to create the right atmosphere and feeling of warmth and welcome in my Boutique.

The Art of Lampworking

Lampworking is the art of creating small beads or sculptures using a gas fuelled torch and rods of glass.

This video was taken in April 2011 and gives you a good view of the process of making a single glass bead.

I created this clip and a few others to play on a little TV at my Winter Store at the E Shed Markets in Fremantle so customers could see how I made my pieces, I find the gents are quite content to stand and watch the TV while the ladies are inside browsing :o)

I thought it might be nice to share it with you! 

xo