Adventures in Lampwork - Day 1

Two weeks ago I started my lampwork course.  I am in love with it.  It has been so much fun, and I can hardly wait for the next lesson.  On Friday, the instructor taught how to make dots.  My beads are in the kiln waiting for me for the coming class.  My last two beads that day turned out really nice.  I hope they survived the kiln and I will be able to wear them.
This has really been an awesome journey so far.  I was worried that I might not enjoy it, or that I would completely suck at making glass beads.  I didn't think it would be a good idea to invest in anything until I knew where I stood with the medium.  Right now, things are looking promising.  If they continue in the same direction I could see myself trying to concoct a studio fit for lampworking.  :)

Speaking of new and exciting things, I have two other little updates to share. 
I have a sale running to show some love to all my customers in honor of Valentines Day.  :)  All you have to do to get 15% OFF in the shop is use this coupon code during check out:  LOVEYOU.  Because without my customers I am lost.  So Thank-you all of you for your continued support and business.  :)  Happy Valentines Day <3
My other little exciting update, which really might only be exciting to me, is that soon, I will be able to take credit as a form of payment at any of my shows to come!  :D  Isn't that awesome?!  I think so.  :)  In the past it was hard for a small business artist to get ahead, and had to limit accepted payments to cash or checks, and really these days, how many people pay in cash, and how many people carry their checkbooks?  We live in a digital age where plastic rules the land.  So if you are backed by Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express, I can finally welcome you to come and check out my booth with open arms.  :)  Heehee :D

More to come on shows and such later :)
For now, here's a picture of my beads from my first class!

Blue and black beads!

Halloween Charms

Here are the new charms (and some that have been revisited) for Halloween!  Some have sold, and some have almost sold out, but I plan on making more.  :) 

Lets start with the revisited charms!

Pumpkins are watching you!

Close up

Skulls

Hobgoblins

Frankies

Close up

Batty Bats

Puff Cats with glow in the dark eyes

Side view

Close up

And now for the new designs!

Pumpkin Skulls!

Close up

Ghosties!

Close up

Lurking!

Glow in the dark Ghosties

Close up

Tiny Candy Corns

All lined up

Grimacing Candy Corns

Dracula!

Bloody teeth!

Spiders!!!

Close up on the eight eyes watching you

The new designs were a big hit at the craft show.  I'm looking into doing a couple more shows this month.  If all goes as planned I'll have some charms in the shop too.  If you don't see them listed and are interested in something, send me a message at bluedesertrose1(at)yahoo(dot)com.  I can let you know whats still available.

Thanks for reading :)

Charm Progress

Here are some sneak peeks of me working on Frankies and Pumpkins.

Some naked Franks waiting in the workspace.

Blank Franks waiting to be completed.

Since these pictures the Frankies have been finished up and are drying.  Hobgoblins are waiting for a baking.  Cats are being assembled. 

Haven't been super focused lately.  I was distracted by a photography challenge.  I wasted spent a lot of time going around and shooting random photos and playing with my camera.  Then there was this local butterfly gathering at the park that I went to.  That was pretty nifty though.  I've got big plans for next spring. :)  I took my very awesome film SLR camera with me and shot some close ups of butterflies and caterpillars.  It was a lot of fun :)  I learned a lot and it rekindled my old ideas and plans.  So not entirely unproductive.

I need to get rolling though.  These charms aren't going to make themselves, and the fairs are approaching.  After today I should have lots of time to just get working.  Lately its just always been something hindering my work.  Hopefully the added pressure will help me whip up some stuff.  I did manage to get my show book started for custom orders of my birthstone bracelets.  Its almost done.  :)

Time to get to work!