Something new......Kumihimo

Yes, thats right, I've been working on something new! Kumihimo! Its Japanese Braiding and I've been learning to do it with beads. My first finished one already listed in my Etsy Shop

The next one is done in lampwork spacers but I haven't finished it yet. I just need to do the caps and clasp. Here is what I'm working on now........yea I know its not a whole lot of info but its what I'm starting with and hopefully the design I've drawn out will be easily transferred to a finished design!

I've made the focal bead and last night I made the closure beads. I just need to finish the braid and put it all together! This is such a fun thing to keep busy. There are lots of times I want to get out to the torch but its not possible and i'm a person that can not just sit still and watch TV or read. I've got to be doing more than one thing, multitasking. My computer sits in our living room so that I can see the TV and work on the computer or do a bit of beading. I take it everywhere with me. It drives my husband nuts! LOL So what do you think? Do you like it? You can learn more about it on the internet of course and there are lots of good books too! I choose to watch Youtube videos and also learn more reading about it on a glass forum I'm a member of. www.lampworketc.com check it out! And, if you decide you'd like to give it a try you can always email me too, I'd love to help you get started!! Till next time, Sue

July Mystery........ Code that is!! I've started something new and fun! Its a mystery code for my Etsy shop. Once a month on a random day I will post a Mystery Code good for one week only. It may be for free shipping or a percentage off. It may be 5%, 10% , 20% or even more! Each month will be different. The code will be posted on my facebook fan page and here on my blog so you will want to become a fan of Fragiacomoglassart or follow here. This is only for my Etsy shop. The first code has been posted on my Fan page already and then I decided to include my blog so here is the Mystery Code. I'll keep it up longer than a week because I decided to post it here after it had already been done on my fan page. July Mystery Code is JULYMSTRY Just use that when checking out from my Etsy Shop. If you'd like an email reminder when I post then just email me at glassymom43@aol.com and I will put you on the list.

Thanks so much. Hope you are having a wonderful summer!! Sue

Bodacious Pens!

Yes, that's her business name and that definitely describes her pens! So many pens, so many choices! I love when I get an email from Gail that says "I have a challenge for you" She has such great ideas! Heres a shot of the last pen she made with dalmatians and a fire hydrant........CUTE!

Gail Clark does have a website http://www.bodaciouspens.com/ Gail also does shows so if your looking for something special or just want a closer look join her mailing list, you can get updates on the shows she is doing in the Florida/Georgia area. So, if your looking for a really unique gift for yourself or someone else check out her site, I am positive you can find something for everyone!! Till next time, sue aka glassymom

Mothers Day Auction with Handmadeology

So, I got this in my email, to submit items for a Mothers day auction on a site called Tophatter. Its a Mothers day auction by handmadeology and they will pick 40 items from shops submitted. I submitted my shop but who knows. It would be nice to be picked but I'm certainly going to check out this site and might even try a few things. I've been slowly hearing more and more mentioned about it. SO, have you tried the site? Do you like it? I will post back at a later time and let you know how it went for me. If you happen to stop over there, look for me and perhaps you might even find something to bid on...who knows! If you are looking for a unique one of a kind Mother's day gift for mom this year, be sure to check out our live Mother's Day Auction on May 5th. Join us during this live and exciting auction event where you will discover 40 handcrafted items that moms will love!

Been that long already?

Wow, its hard to believe its been 5 months since I last posted here! Time flies when your having fun.....at least that is what they say. LOL I'm still here doing the same things, working around the house, making beads, tending to the chickens and garden, home schooling our 9 year old, and so much else that comes with being a mom. We did get to the Glass Crafters show in Las Vegas the beginning of April. It was really great, a well needed vacation and an opportunity to buy some needed supplies and cool stuff! I got some "new to me" glass, some tools and the most awesome button mold! I wanted a button mold, it was on my list of things to buy but this one......this is awesome! I've been using it to make headpins! LOL Headpins you say? Yes, it has the coolest shapes or should I say cavities. A total of 8 of them, with 4 on each side. I love to make glass headpins and this makes them a little different and really cool. Want to see a picture? ok......

Cute aren't they! They are much larger than I usually make and it gives more room to play! They are fairly easy to make. I cut my copper (my fave to use) or brass, clip in a hemostat, heat up the tip. Careful on brass cause it sparks if you heat too much. I just give it enough heat for the glass to stick. Copper, well I melt the tip a tiny bit, it will start to ball and then I add the glass. add glass, shape,more glass,shape to desired and give a good heat again and pop in kiln. Try not to heat too much at the base so you don't melt the headpin. Also, make sure you have enough glass between the tip and the tip of the metal. The first time I made them I had copper showing oops!! Well, I will definitely work on being more regular here and maybe next time I will snap a few pics of the progress of our yard. We have been here almost 2 years now and it really feels like home now! Got the kids a swimming pool, its a 12 x 30 but it is perfect for the little ones....and even our new baby chihuahua zoe likes it. Till next time, sue

A little taste of some new work

I just purchased a tutorial, now I'm not one to do this normally but it was such a great price and the shop is filled with wonderful tutorials and goodies! I now have 3 of their tutorials and have tried 2 so far.......what fun! They are also very clear on what you need and what you need to do. Awesome results for such a great price.......SO, have I peaked your curosity? want to see the beads I've done?

These are from the Modern Milan tutorial. I have more but showing the Rustic Onyx tutorial but I can't get the pictures to load so just the two for now but if you want to see more you can always head over to my etsy shop for a peek!
Now I bet you are wondering what etsy shop? Well, here is a link........go have a look, but please, dont buy them all, there are still some I want!! :) Lampwork Tutorial Glass Bead TUSCAN SUMMER Button by radiantmind http://etsy.me/uGu0N7
Till later,
Sue

Almost October, really?

Wow, I can't believe its October tomorrow! I've been so busy and time has just flown right by. We put in a koi pond and I've been working in the garden, veggies and flowers. We also have 3 new chickens, olive eggers. They came to stay with us on my
birthday in August. They are just getting to the point where they will follow me if they are hungry for something other than bugs. They free range all day but seem to enjoy their food at breakfast, lunch and dinner time LOL
They have also influenced my work a bit lately. I've made a few chicken pendants and chicken sets. I love how the pendants came out. Here, have a look

and another

And a few sets

Most are listed in my etsy shop already, with exception to the black with ochre dotted pendant, that hasn't been listed yet.
So, now you know a little of what i've been up to. You can see some flowers and new headpins listed also. I've been working on sunflowers and chili's for custom orders lately so keep an eye out and you may see the extras listed soon....I always over make to be sure there is plenty of choices with a custom order :)
Thanks for stopping by,
Sue
aka glassymom