glassymom to you!

A little taste of some new work

2011-11-12T18:56:00.000-08:00

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?

2011-09-30T12:25:00.000-07:00

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

August HOT Fest BLOG GIVEAWAY

2011-08-14T19:10:00.000-07:00

Links: Giveaway Page http://etsyfest.blogspot.com/2011/08/august-hot-fest-blog-giveaway.html

Mad's Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/MadScientistsDesigns?ref=pr_shop_more

Our FEST Blog Giveaway for August is a sensational Lily Inspired Dragonfly Hug Ring by MadScientistsDesigns . Mad uses beautiful antique copper to fashion her whimsical jewelry masterpieces. Her creative and lifelike representations are fanciful and exotic and this wonderful Dragonfly Ring is no exception. It conforms to your finger, is adjustable and comfortable with wings that hug your finger and a tail with a fanciful curl.

Mad loves designing jewelry to match steam punk and goth fashion and also is committed to rescuing cats and giving them a good home. She initially started selling on Etsy to help pay for their food and care and this charitable endeavor has blossomed into her wonderful Etsy Shop with so many fabulous offerings such as the Vacuum Tube Necklace pictured below.

HOW TO ENTER: Enter to win by visiting Mad at MadScientistDesigns or any of the FEST Team members in the Member Section. Find your favorite item, share it with us and tell us why you love it. Remember to add your email address so we can contact you if you are the Winner! Winner picked on 09/05/11. Simple and Easy! Open to EVERYONE!

Made in Slovenia

2011-07-26T19:51:00.000-07:00

Every now and again I get to chatting with a new customer. Most I will never meet but chatting over the internet you still get to feel you know them. On occasion one of those customers will share their work too! In this case I had the opportunity to chat with a woman from Slovenia and had the pleasure of seeing her work. Milojka sent me pictures of a few pieces she made with some of my spacers she purchased and also some work without. Her work is beautiful! She doesn't sell on line yet but if you are interested in her work you can reach her here:studiomkl16@gmail.com and she now has a facebook page for you to check out!! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Studio-mkl/211453558902794
Here are a few of her pieces............

This last one is definetly my favorite, I love the purple!
Till next time,
Sue aka glassymom

July Sizzling Summer FEST GIVEAWAY

2011-07-13T20:33:00.000-07:00

Summer is sizzling and so is our FEST Blog Giveaway for July from GardenWhimsiesByMary . Mary has combined her love of gardening with decorating and producing gorgeous unexpected treasures to add whimsy to your garden. Her pieces are one of a kind garden art and so colorful and fun as seen in this month’s Giveaway - a Sapphire Blue Petite Plate Flower.
Mary stacks plates for “flower” garden stakes and fits them with a holder on the back so they can be set on a copper pipe and placed anywhere. Her amazing talent for combing colors and textures is evident in all of her works of art. An added benefit is her love for bringing new life to objects that might otherwise find themselves in a landfill. Treat your garden to a touch of Whimsy!

HOW TO ENTER: Visit the Team FEST blog and Enter to win by visiting Mary at GardenWhimsiesByMary or any of the FEST Team members listed in the Member Section. Find your favorite item, share it with us and tell us why you love it. Remember to add your email address so we can contact you if you are the Winner! Winner picked on 08/07/11. Simple and Easy!

The giveaway is open to everyone!!

Blog Link to Giveaway: http://etsyfest.blogspot.com/2011/07/july-sizzling-summer-fest-giveaway.html
GardenWhimsiesByMary shop link: http://www.etsy.com/shop/GardenWhimsiesByMary?ref=pr_shop

team FEST June Blog Giveaway!!

2011-06-05T09:32:00.000-07:00

http://etsyfest.blogspot.com/2011/06/get-ready-for-june-fest-blog-giveaway.html

Our lucky June Winner will have an opportunity to select one item from either of Carrie's Shops - HappyLittleMonkey or MonkeySeeMonkeyDo. Carrie is a Florida native now living in Tallahassee. She creates wonderful products for kids with practicality, utility and parents in mind.

HappyLittleMonkey specializes in great baby gifts and you can choose a Premium Swaddling Blanket and Burp Cloth Set from this Shop similar to this lovely blue, aqua and white blanket combo as your Giveaway.
MonkeySeeMonkeyDo features items for bigger kids, from age 1 to around kindergarten and growing. Or select as your Giveaway, an Appliqued Shirt from this Shop. Here's an example of Carrie's special designs.

Carrie spends hours searching for just the perfect materials and fabrics for her fabulous creations and, in addition to the Giveaway, if Team FEST members purchase a Swaddling Blanket Set by July 4th, Carrie will monogram the blanket or burp cloth FREE when FEST members use the code GOTEAMFEST in the comments.

HOW TO ENTER: Enter to win by visiting Carrie at either or both of her Shops HappyLittleMonkey or MonkeySeeMonkeyDo or any of the FEST Team members listed in the Member Section. Find your favorite item, share it with us and tell us why you love it. Remember to add your email address so we can contact you if you are the Winner! Winner picked on 07/04/11. Simple and Easy!

About the Artist:
Carrie is a stay-at-home mommy of two little ones and loves the opportunity to create great things! Her product inspiration comes from her kids, and then she create things that Moms will love too.
Carrie learned how to sew as a little girl, along-side her mother who gave Carrie her very own machine at a very young age!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/HappyLittleMonkey?ref=pr_shop_more

http://www.etsy.com/shop/MonkeySeeMonkeyDoHLM?ref=pr_shop_more

A little new and whats keeping me so busy!

2011-05-13T10:29:00.000-07:00

SO, I've been working on some new things. I love bright colors and I love making fish so I've been making some brightly colored fish.......and beads too :) But other things have been keeping me busy too. We started a garden since moving to a new house with a huge yard! I've always wanted chickens too so we got 3. Yea, not too many and actually today i'm going to go get a few more babies. The three we started with were chicks when we got them and now they are huge. They follow me around and our 2yo daughter and almost 2yo grand daughter enjoy petting them. I usually find them in their pen! LOL We don't know wether they are roosters or hens yet but hopefully all three will be hens. I'm sure my neighbors would appreciate them being all hens too! LOL

SO some pictures to share!
Beau the fish, Sabrinas cousin. He is a colorful fish, trying to attract the ladies. Quite handsome I think!

There are two others in my Etsy Shop, shelly and sabrina (beaus cousin)

These beads I LOVE, colorful, fun, bright!! My kind of beads......I hope you like them too! There are several different sets in my Etsy Shop too!

A pic of my garden, it doesn't look very big but it is and I've cleared out alot more space. Now I have alot planted and we are really enjoying the fresh veggies! Just wish I had a tiller because by hand is SOOOO hard!!

Lastly, our baby chicks. We got them April 19 and they are huge already. Here they are sleeping in their food dish, so cute!

I hope you are having a great summer and thanks for stopping by!!
Till next time,
Sue aka glassymom

Art to Heart, an Artfire Collection featuring my copper pendant!

2011-04-25T07:53:00.000-07:00

Art to Heart

Curated By: juliannesofca...

ArtFire.com

Craft Supplies

How cute is this!

2011-03-12T10:36:00.000-08:00

Fishbonesilver, what a great name and a great shop! A fellow Fest Team member on Etsy, I love so many things in her shop!!
Just in time for spring, I noticed this cute little bunny! He is adorable!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/41695120/a-cute-bunny-rabbit

Go take a peek at her shop, you will find some really beautiful jewelry there!!

later,
sue aka glassymom

I just LOVE chocolate and this is such a yummy treasury!

2011-02-06T07:11:00.000-08:00

Calorie Free Chocolate!

Curated By: dentedhalo

ArtFire.com

Unique Gifts

A Beautiful Collection on Artfire

2011-01-06T12:34:00.000-08:00

My Periwinkle Swirl Disk pair was included in this beautiful treasury. I love the colors AND the items!! (specially the scarf!)

Spring, Spring oh where are you?

Curated By: EntwinedVines

ArtFire.com

Handmade Jewelry

The making of a ring!

2010-12-26T19:38:00.000-08:00

A pretty little silver ring with a pretty pink stone. It didn't start out that way, infact it started out as a glass rod, piece of silver wire and bezel cup. Looking like this........

The glass rod was cut into a small piece and with a whole bunch of others it went in to the kiln to slump. After a whole night in the kiln it came out looking quite different from the rod. Its a very dark almost maroon looking color. I then cleaned it and set aside. The wire was the most fun, hammering all the frustrations of the day into it. I love that part!! LOL After hammering, I sanded a bit of what would be the inside, its easier then doing it after its round. I shaped it, hammered on it more, shaped it more, filed the ends to get a good match. Then I soldered it together with silver solder. Once together I gave it a light sanding again...still need to do more as you can see in the picture but I was just so excited to show it! Its actually the second one I've made but the first one was with a twisted wire and I didn't get to do any hammering, also the cab was made different. The first cab was made in the torch and then put into the kiln while this one was made from a cutting off a rod and then slumped in the kiln, same ending result tho.

Heres a picture of the one with the twisted wire and the torch made cab just as comparison

I really like the start to finish made from scratch feeling! Its like making a cake or pie from scratch......a good feeling when your done. Even better when the person your making it for really loves it. Sure hope my daughter loves it, she hasn't seen it as of yet....but maybe she'll read this and see its finished! LOL As for the other one, well as soon as I get around to it I'm going to list it in my Etsy shop. If its something you'd like me to get right on then drop me an email and tell me to get right on it!! LOL
SO, what do you think? Please tell...........
Sue

.

What to do with all those Christmas cards!!

2010-12-25T19:12:00.000-08:00

Before you throw all those beautiful Christmas cards away please consider recycling them. I myself am one that saves all my cards, I just can never bring myself to throw them away.....I guess it runs in the family because after my mom passed away 13 years ago my sister handed me a stack of birthday cards, some from as early as age 1 for me! LOL
So, declutter and help kids!! I'm going to dig mine all out!!
Sue

http://www.stjudesranch.org/help_card.php

"Recycled Card Program History

Over thirty years ago, wishing to show our donors appreciation for making St. Jude’s Ranch for Children possible, the idea was conceived for turning the previous year’s Christmas cards into "new" cards for the coming season. The recipients were so delighted with their unique "thank you," they requested the children sell them the special cards. And so, the St. Jude’s Ranch Recycled Card Program was born.

Since then, the program expanded to include all occasion greeting cards…just about anything that starts with a used greeting card. People from all over the world have sent us their used cards!

Operated by Kids, Corp., a program for the children at St. Jude’s Ranc to learn entrepreneurship skills, the children participate in making the new cards by removing the front and attaching a new back. The result is a beautiful new card made by the children and volunteers. The benefits are two-fold: customers receive "green" holiday cards for use and the children receive payment for their work and learn the benefits and importance of "going green".

The ongoing support for the Recycled Card Program has been overwhelming! The Program grew and soon we were receiving over one million cards. We have since redesigned the process to more efficiently manage the increased production from the increased volume and we welcome your submissions! "

NOTE: We currently have an increased need for both Birthday and Thank You card submissions.

Sooooo, if you're looking for a way to recycle those cards and help someone else in the process, this might be for you. Please send your card fronts to:

St. Jude's Ranch for Children
100 St. Jude's Street
Boulder City NV 80005-1681

I want to learn to knit!

2010-12-20T18:39:00.000-08:00

So, for a long time I have wanted to learn to knit. I have asked friends, relatives but no one knew to teach me. I tried to learn on the internet and still no luck. Until one day I found a series of videos on youtube and it was like a light going off. Now I'm not quite a pro at it...LOL Not even close. I've learned to cast on, knit, pearl and one other thing that I can't remember LOL The last few nights I've sat in front of the computer with my yarn and needles, following the steps over and over. The yarn and needles were given to me via freecycle. (not famiular with freecycle, check it out at freecycle.org) So, here is one of my little swatches. The first one is misshapen and I think I dropped a few stitches but I haven't learned to pick those up yet....maybe tonight. LOL
So what do you think? Am I ready for a scarf? LOL Na, not quite yet but soon I hope. Maybe by next Christmas I will be giving all the females in my family scarfs!!

Red for the Holidays, Artfire Collection

2010-11-23T17:10:00.000-08:00

Ok, So I'm feeling a little festive and decided to go through artfire shops and make a collection with things that were Red! I love red for the holidays and I'm looking forward to them! My oldest son is a soldier and has been gone overseas for almost a year. He did get to come home on leave for 2 wonderful weeks and he MAY,and thats a big MAY be home for Christmas! SO, lets celebrate and get festive!!

Red for the Holidays

Curated By: glassymom

ArtFire.com

Handmade Jewelry

Making Earrings........hmmmmm

2010-11-18T16:52:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I love earrings but I'm not sure how I feel about making them. I have a bunch I've made for myself and I wear them all the time. Crazy color beads and ear wires I've made for what I feel comfortable with. I used to wear gold hoops, years ago before I started lampworking. Always the same, plain old boring hoops. Now I have COLOR! Lots of it too!! Making for myself, easy. I make a quick little ear wire from a tutorial I found several years back, for making the ear wires. It consists of a piece of wood, a dowel and I have a bunch of nails sticking out of it, depending on the size I want. Its hideous looking! I actually caught my husband trying to throw it away once cause he thought our 8 year old made it. How bad is that??? LOL
Any hoo, I have a couple listed in my shops that I've made and actually sold a few. Last night tho, I decided that I wanted to put more of an effort. Why? Well at some point I'd like to do a few shows......and since I don't think most people will buy just beads at a show I need to learn to make jewelry more. SO, I made these, and really I think they came out cool. I was very tempted to keep them myself, really. I love the color, and well since I stink at the whole loop/wire wrap thing these are perfect. The silver with the blue looks great too, and I'm not really a blue girl....more of a pink person but thats another story. LOL Ok, the earrings.

I've been trying to learn a bit of metalsmithing too. I bought the book "The complete Metalsmith" By Time McCreight. Carry it around with me and read read read.
SO, I've made a few things.....made a spinner ring, tried some viking knit (didnt' like that at all)made a simple sterling band and this. I made the cab with a red I really love to use, then purchased the bezel cup (I'm not that ready to try that yet)
and the wire came from a trade so long ago and I've finally found a sweet use for it! want to see?
So, what do you think? Any hints, ideas, tips?
I bet your still thinking of my earring thingy aren't you? Well, if you are, comment here and I'll try to find where I got it from and if I can't do that then I will post a pic. Its really horrible looking tho so hopefully I can find the site I got it from LOL
Later,
Sue aka glassymom

Copper Tones

2010-11-14T08:54:00.000-08:00

Copper, I love the look! My bangle was picked for this Copper Collection and I love everything in it!!

COPPER TONES

Curated By: sandeeknits

ArtFire.com

Handmade Soap

Rainbows Collection

2010-11-03T08:25:00.001-07:00

I just LOVE Rainbows and my Rainbow Ribbon Bead has been included in a beautiful Rainbow Collection!!

Rainbows make everything Better....

Curated By: lunamoonshadow

ArtFire.com

Craft Tutorials

Polka Dot Collection on Artfire!

2010-10-23T06:20:00.001-07:00

This one is so cute and it includes my little polka dot fish!!

Its all in the wrist!

2010-10-01T20:33:00.000-07:00

I just love seeing all the jewelry on artfire! Look at these bracelets, so different and each so beautiful!!
A small sampling for your viewing pleasure!

Its all in the wrist!

Curated By: glassymom

ArtFire.com

Handmade Gifts

Artfire Collections, I love them!!

2010-09-27T16:22:00.001-07:00

I recently was notified that I was in an Artfire Collection. What? I hadn't heard of this....HOW COOL! They are like Etsys Treasuries! I've created 2 now and have been featured in several. There are so many wonderful things on Artfire and I'm really enjoying searching around to find them! So, what do you think of this new one?
Its finally Fall......... I LOVE Fall! Growing up in Massachusetts I have such fond memories of the smell of pine needles, fires burning, the crisp air and don't even get me started on the beautiful leaves, pumpkins, hay rides and all the wonderful things that go with this time of year. Living in Central Florida its pretty much always hot! Well, of course we do get about a week or two of cold in Dec/Jan but sadly, no fall. Don't get me wrong, I love living here and the thought of winter, well lets just say brrrrrrrrr!!! LOL SO, if your somewhere enjoying fall, have a warm cup of cocoa for me, sit back and enjoy the beautiful items I've found over on Artfire! SO, here it is........ what do you think?

Its finally Fall..........

Curated By: glassymom

ArtFire.com

Craft Tutorials

2010-09-20T22:11:00.001-07:00

Home coming

Curated By: glassymom

ArtFire.com

Fine Art Photography

2010-09-16T15:25:00.000-07:00

The Time to Hesitate is Through

Curated By: HoneyFromTheBee

ArtFire.com

Handmade Gifts

A little break ~ Sea World

2010-09-10T08:30:00.000-07:00

So, we decided to head to sea world. Our daughter, her husband and our grand daughter, and the four of us all headed to Sea World. Of course the day we go the weather is great......with the exception of the huge rain storm we got. But, if we hadn't gotten stuck in the rain storm we wouldn't have had a Sea World employee let us into the Aquarium, which we hadn't even noticed was there!! The girls loved the fish tank as you can see, it was so cool with this little "pocket" that you could climb up into! They didn't even want to get out.

And of course I'll include a family shot. I'm not in here, always the photographer, I'm taking the pic!

We had a great day and of course its always nice to spend a day with the family!!

New disk beads

2010-09-05T16:27:00.000-07:00

So, I have some new disks I've been working on. The first ones I was really thinking fall / halloween.

I just LOVE how these look. The orange is so wonderful and yummy! I have a bunch in the kiln and a bunch just waiting to be listed in my Etsy. I work in spurts so I get a little listed and then have to keep the little ones occupied, a bit of cleaning and during the week we home school so I'm busy with that. So, I'll be getting them listed slowly, and if you find a color combo you'd like just convo me and I'll make you a set up! For now, heres my first set...................

Back on Justbeads!

2010-08-07T11:33:00.000-07:00

So I'm back listing on Justbeads. Figured I'd list some spacers there! I just love this coral color.

http://www.justbeads.com/listings/details/index.cfm?itemnum=965766445

I've been making tons of spacers lately, they really are relaxing to make. Its cleaning them that takes time! Their so small that I get a cramp in my thumb holding them as I clean. Anyone want to come clean spacers for me in exchange for spacers??? LOL

Spacers, Spacers and MORE Spacers!!

2010-05-14T07:04:00.000-07:00

Spacers! I like making spacers and I work tiny so my spacers are tiny. When I go out to my studio and I have no idea what to start with I make spacers. Normally when I have an idea I draw it out in my sketch book, then I look through my book, make a list of things I want to try. When I head out to the studio I grab the list. But there are some days that I just don't feel it. So, I sit and make spacers. I was just including them with some of my sets but one day for the heck of it I decided to make a few listings with them. Well lets just say they took off. I have been making spacers every time at the torch now. And its fun to choose colors groups but also to use glass that I hadn't been using, glass that just sat there like my lemongrass, jupiter and lavender! I really love to etch the transparent beads, they look so pretty all together and the little bouquet coming out of the kiln with all the beads on mandrels is just so sweet! Right now I'm working on a custom order for spacers......I'm almost at the 300 mark! Only another 500 more to go.......LOL Heres a few group shots of them. Some are etched, some are left shiny. Either way they are all so pretty. Looking for spacers, check out my Etsy shop www.fragiacomoglassart.etsy.com I can also make custom amount/colors for you too!! I know some don't like making spacers but I really enjoy working with glass regardless of whether its spacers, cabochons or bright colorful beads, its all good!!

A Spotlight on Mark from Milwaukee

2010-03-12T10:44:00.000-08:00

A while back Mark purchased some custom made beads from my etsy shop. He liked a design I had but wanted it a bit different for his designs. I was happy to make up what he wanted and sent them off. The other day Mark wrote to me and sent pictures of his design. WOW!! I absolutely love seeing what designers have done with the beads I make!

Mark said "I used the basic design from Beadstyle magazine, Sept. 2004, called Make Waves."

Now Mark doesn't have a website but if you'd like to contact him you can email him at

fabmark@gmail.com

Now, drum roll please.............................

So, what do you think? Beautiful, I just love it!!

Till next time,

Sue aka glassymom

So, why do I live in Florida again?

2010-02-20T20:41:00.000-08:00

Why its the warm sunshine of course! Lately the sun has deserted us and left us feeling cold and blah! At least that's how I feel. Heck, I cant torch.........well I could but shivering while sitting with a hot mandrel and molten glass in front of a big flame is not such a good idea. My husband tries to get me out there.....he lures me out their with the promise of heat.......yea, enough to keep SOME of my toes warm!! You would think in a studio that is 6 ft by 9ft with a kiln at nine hundred and some degrees and fire blazing right there in front of me I'd be warm right? NOT, that little fan of mine, the one to keep me safe just SUCKS all the warm air right out!!!

Gees, I need to get out there.......WHERE is the sun??? My sketch pads are getting full, my desk has little piles of drawings, my check book is full of sketches, heck who writes checks these days anyway?? LOL

So, I started on florals just before all this cold hit. I was reading everything I could about making them, every tutorial on www.lampworketc.com and subscribing to the threads so as to not miss anything and ordered a better clear and practiced till that got here, which was very quick from Frantzartglass.com I might add......... I got 2 nights with the new glass!!! That's it! after all that practicing, ordering......stamen making, stringer pulling...........2 DARN NIGHTS!!! Then the cold hit. BOY I am really ready to get out there and get making more florals. I like doing the copper etching its lots of fun but I usually save that for the weekends when dh is working and I cant get out to the torch....... oh yea, it is the weekend isn't it?! So, one more weekend day and then Monday. WILL IT BE WARM???? Gosh lets hope so! In the mean time, I'll leave you with a couple pics of my new florals! The first one, pink and my favorite, I wire wrapped with sterling and swarovski's in a pretty pink! That one is in my etsy shop. The next one, in red! For red, I love this one......red roses are not always my favorite but this one is pretty but its not listed anywhere, it sits on my desk, just waiting for me to do something with it or list it or or or.......

Till next time, enjoy the pics and I hope you are staying warm!!

Smiles,

sue

aka glassymom

Wow, has it been that long?

2010-02-09T20:51:00.000-08:00

Since september, really? What a slacker! So, life gets hectic and busy, what can ya do. We took our 7 year old out of public school to home school again. He was only in public school for 4 months. I'm suprised it lasted that long but anyways along with home schooling every weekday we also had our oldest son get married, and not only got a new daughter in law but also two lovely grand daughters! Our son was married November 6th and then deployed January 6th to Ft Hood where he awaits Deployment to Kuwait at the end of the month.
We are totally enjoying our first grandbaby girl Bella, who is now 8 months old. It is amazing to watch her and and our youngest (lela 15 months) together!
And yes, I have been making beads and a bit more copper etchings. I have been struggling to make florals since I first started lampworking. After almost 5 years of trying here and there I finally have florals I'm happy with. Of course a new brand of clear glass has really helped too!
So, hopefully tomorrow I can get a few pictures of my new beads but until then I'll leave you with a picture of my new copper etching and lampwork pendant I have made. Its simple, colorful and fun. It isnt listed for sale yet, hopefully tomorrow.
Until then, I'm off to bed. Hopefully it wont be another 5 months before I post here again!

See you soon,

Sue aka glassymom

Whats New!

2009-09-12T17:47:00.000-07:00

Boy am I slacking here lately. I've been busy with some custom orders, shops and also my facebook fan page and I get so side tracked. I get SO side tracked it isn't funny! LOL I have found myself mid listing an item on etsy and gotten up to get one of the kids a drink and started dinner, totally forgetting what I was doing! Any hoo, I wanted to let you know that I am having a small contest/drawing on my fan page. I have posted a picture of an item. I want you to tell me what you think it is! If you are wrong thats ok! I'm going to put you in a drawing to win. If you are right thats ok too, I'm going to give you two entrys!! Its that simple. Oh, and it started yesterday, Sept 11th. You have a week until Sept 18th. Thats it! More details are on my fan page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fragiacomo-Glass-Art/44067793484?ref=ts So pop on over and join my fan page and then enter my little contest!!

Till later,
Sue aka glassymom!

New work for September

2009-09-05T08:19:00.001-07:00

So, I have some new sets that I'm really liking! I've made 2 sets already but havne't listed them anywhere yet. I like them so much I keep thinking I'd like to make something for myself LOL

Look, arent they bright and colorful?! I love them!! The set on the left looks washed out but they are just as bright as the ones on the right........my picture taking skills stink some days! LOL

They are fun to make and they are the bright colors I just LOVE to use!!

So, what do you think? Make more? Keep some? LOL decisions decisions!! LOL

Serving you!

2009-08-21T06:43:00.000-07:00

I just love when I get the opportunity to see the beautiful designs created with beads I have made! Joan Baker of Baker Designs sent me a picture of the serving fork and knife that she has made with some of my beads. Wow, how bright and fun these are!!

Joan also makes really great bracelets that are bright, bold and fun!! I just love what she can do with my beads. Joan has just opened an etsy shop and has some really great bracelets in her shop, stop by and take a look!! http://joanlbaker.etsy.com/

Thanks for stopping by,

Till next time

Sue aka glassymom

August Already?

2009-08-01T07:12:00.000-07:00

Wow, did July fly by or what?! I can't believe today is August 1st. Soon the kids will be going back to school. I have been so busy that I hadn't even noticed how quick the month was going by. We have Busch Gardens passes so we go almost each week. We have also been doing a bit of work around our house, and in between I have been working on the torch and also playing with copper. Trying new things is fun. I've been drawing on copper to be etched. I had lots of little copper drawings just sitting on my desk waiting to be etched. Last night was the night. A few came out great, one definetly not so great. Either way it was fun! Now over the next few weeks I will turn them into jewelry. I've also tried fusing copper. I like it! I soldered a piece for a pendant I made, YUCK! SO I started wondering what to do to cover that icky silver look and came up on a thread on Lampworketc.com about fusing copper. COOL. No icky lines, easy to do and came out great.......want to see? Ok! So what do you think?
Pretty cool, can't even tell can ya? Its down there at the pointed end. Hanging on there is a shell with little barnicles, a beach glass bead and a swarovski crystal. It all hangs by the copper ring.
Its not listed anywhere, I haven't finished enjoying it yet. LOL
So, this is what I've done with most of my summer, how about you? Are you ready for back to school? Did your summer just fly by? Did you get everything you wanted done? We still have a bit of time left and I think I have a few more things I want to try, we'll see. Right now I think I'm just going to go sit outside and enjoy all the flowers blooming in my yard and watch the squirels pick the heads off whats left of my sunflowers! LOL
Till later,
Sue aka glassymom

New work, new ideas!

2009-07-09T18:45:00.000-07:00

New work, lots of it. It just piles up on my desk waiting for photos and listings! That stuff takes so much time and I'd SO rather be creating! LOL Seems everytime I go to use my camera the batteries are dead and once they are done charging the good light is gone. So the new work sits here waiting!

Lately I have lots of new ideas! My sketch book is smoking hot with all the little sketches! Not all I can imagine can I acomplish at the torch, unfortunately. Sometimes I just can't do it. I would imagine that some is my level of skills and some I just haven't figured out the correct way to start. It will come to me tho, usually at like 2am when I dont have my sketchbook by my bed or someone ran off with my pen! I'll scurry to the living room where my chihuahuas are sleeping and the'll think its morning and I'll have to take them out quick. Hopefully not waking anyone in the process.

I've had the urge for buttons lately. They are fun to make and I have been getting carried away with them. They are getting bigger each time. I keep trying to think of a way to use them other than the usual way to use a button, nothing good yet tho!

SO, this is some of what I took out of my kiln this am! I just love how they all look together, all the bright colors!! YUM

The ones on the bottom right, new idea.......not what I'm wanting to do but I'm practicing before I get there. Some earing pairs, 3 buttons, a big hole star type bead, a heart oh and 2 cabachons!They are so much fun to make!! The top one on the left has a pretty pink flower made with a CIM glass! YUM, what a pretty pink that is!!

So, I guess i've rambled enough. Most of these will be listed in my Etsy shop or Artfire shop with in the next few days since I was able to photo them tonight. A couple are already listed just before writing this. So I hope you like them, all bright and colorful. Have a great weekend.

Till later,

Sue aka glassymom

FEST July Team Give away!!!

2009-07-03T16:36:00.001-07:00

So, this month is my beads up for give away!! http://etsyfest.blogspot.com/2009/07/july-fest-team-giveaway.html Go here and take a look, enter and maybe you'll win them!!

A set of 5 lentils, wound on a 1/16 mandrel. Bright and fun, ready for summer!!

So, go ahead, take a peek look around too, there are alot of great artists on the FEST team!!

Till later,

Sue aka glassymom

Earth Tones Large hole lampwork beads : glassymom - ArtFire Glass

2009-06-19T19:50:00.001-07:00

Earth Tones Large hole lampwork beads : glassymom - ArtFire Glass

Shared via AddThis

And the winner is.....................................

2009-06-12T16:46:00.001-07:00

Ok not quite yet! I wanted to show you the pictures, every opportunity for a photo shoot! LOL
The entries, written, folded and then drawn by my now 7 year old Tony on his birthday today!
He wanted to know what he won for doing it!! Kids.............

And the winner..................Allison! So Allison, please contact me at glassymom43@aol.com or comment on here with your email so I can get this Necklace off in the mail to you monday!

Thanks everyone and hopefully we can do this again soon!

Sue aka glassymom

Freebees for you!

2009-06-09T07:19:00.000-07:00

Do you like freebees? I do so while I was getting coupons and signing up for freebees ( a glade gift tin for today) I started thinking that maybe YOU might like some freebees! SO, here is where I go. Today's Free List!To check out Today's List of 100% Real Freebies, just click on the link below, thanks and enjoy! http://www.shop4freebies.com
You can sign up to get on their list and each day they send you an email with freebees and you can check around their site. They have coupons to print, a forum where you can learn about more free things and more! I've gotten tons of free things from travel size items for our vacation to a free metal water bottle for earth day! Go ahead take a look and if you get any really good freebees be sure and let me know!! LOL
Bye till then,
Glassymom

2009-05-30T07:06:00.000-07:00

The rules are:
1. Mention the name of the person who tagged you.
2. Do the lists of 8.
3. Tag 8 bloggers of your choice.
4. Let them know that they have been tagged!

I was tagged by Recreational Art http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6149781

Here we go....This tag is the eights:
Eight things I am looking forward to:

1. getting our shower finished (yea, its all torn appart, it was leaking)
2. getting started on our garden pathway
3. going to the beach this week. I havent seen the ocean in months!
4. getting school finished for the year with both boys
5. seeing a couple movies on my "want to see" list!
6. seeing our babys hard work pay off and her crawling for the first time! LOL
7. More time at the torch!
8. The best for last, seeing our grand daughter for the first time. She is due June 5!

.Eight things I did yesterday:
1. housework
2. played with the little ones
3. etched some beads
4. listed new beads in my etsy shop
5. played with baby girl at nap time and enjoyed a bit of quiet time
6. made dinner
7. visited with oldest son who stopped by (with laundry of course LOL)
8. enjoyed quiet time by myself to watch a show.

Eight things I wish I could do:
1. multitask better! LOL
2. spend more time at the torch!
3. Be more organized with my time!!!
4. Take a vacation without kids this year!
5. Move closer to my daughter
6. declutter, I'm such a pack rat!
7. Learn to make Jewelry
8. Travel more.

Eight Shows I watch:
1. CSI
2. CSI Miami
3. CSI NY
4. Criminal Minds
5. Two and a half men
6. Rules of Engagement
7. Eleventh Hour
8. Fringe

Eight Blogs I'm going to Tag:
1. http://kelleysbeads.blogspot.com/
2. http://debideauxdesigns.blogspot.com/
3. http://laurastaley.blogspot.com/
4. http://angelinabeadalina.blogspot.com/
5. http://ellecustomjewelry.blogspot.com/
6. http://girlfriday1962.blogspot.com/
7.http://fishbonesilver.blogspot.com/
8. http://carlottacreates.blogspot.com/

Creating, a messy studio and drawing for a free bead!

2009-05-20T15:01:00.000-07:00

SO, how do you need to create? Is your studio messy and piled high with supplies or do you need everything in neat and tidy order to get started? Me, I'm messy!! There, I said it. I must have every color I own sitting on my desk. Every tool, there too! I think I need the mess, I think I need that view of all the colors mixed up on my work surface to view different color combos that might catch my creative eye! When I clean up (dust, bead release, or the occasional fried bug) I grab my rods, lift and then sweep the yuck into the trash below. Then I drop my glass, gently back down. There, done, cleaned. I spend more time cleaning the rest of the studio. Mind you I work in a 6' x 9' studio, sure doesn't take much time to clean. Inside our home is where I photograph and store my beads and yes, that work space looks the same. I have loads of beads that I use for photographing there and beads that have not yet been photographed. I also have a dish of beads that I put in a freebee with all my orders and beads awaiting the etching process. Yea, I guess I just need the messy to be creative.......I know where it all is, right here on my desk, atleast it was a moment ago!! LOL

So, what about the free bead you ask? Ok here it is....... Comment on this blog entry = 1 entry, tweet about this drawing and post link here to your tweet = 2 entries, Post on your blog or your facebook about it and post your link here =2 entries.

Drawing will be held June 12th . Which is actually this little guys birthday. Your name/entries will be put on little papers and this little guy will do the drawing, he just loves this kind of stuff!!

And what do you win?

This big hole slider with brass ball chain! Bead is 20mm across and comes on an 18 inch ball chain. If you would like a 20" and you are the winner, no problem, I'll throw in a couple more inches!! LOL

SO, comment, tell me about your messy/clean studio/work area or comment about mine. Tweet, blog or facebook about it and dont' forget to post the link so I can find it and on june 12th I'll tally up all the entries and find us a winner!!

Thanks for reading!

Sue aka glassymom

Gardening and a brown thumb

2009-05-08T11:07:00.000-07:00

Ok thats got you curious has it? Yes, I admit it, I have a brown thumb.....but only when it comes to inside stuff. Well except for that one plant that sits in my bathroom. The more I neglect it the more it grows. Outside its a different story. I can plant and forget.....LOL Dh does the grass cutting and the watering so basically I plant, and oh yea, pull weeds.....what fun!

I've inclueded a few flower pictures from my yard. Now I have no clue what this is, it was in the section for butterflys almost 5 years ago. When we moved in I wanted to put in a butterfly garden so I picked purple, yellow and red plants and after 5 years the purple and red are still here.....the yellow died last winter. Never came back, cant blame that on me!!! SO I just got some impatients and planted those. I know the name of them because my nana has always had impatients around the house and I just love all the colors. And again, if I plant and then let dh take care of them they grow wonderfully!! LOL

Now since I just happened to mention brown...........as in brownies..........Here is a sneek pic of my latest desert. It isnt' listed anywhere yet, I'm still drooling over it! I just love brownies, well, pretty much anything that fits into the desert catagory. Although I'm not too into those little debbie type snacks.........well, except for the boston creme and the strawberry ones.....now those are good with a nice cup of coffee for breakfast! LOL ok, here is the brownie picture, no licking your screen ok!! LOL

New Beads, what do you think?

2009-05-03T18:45:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I'm really liking this style of bead. So much so that this is what I wear. I have a 7 month old and she loves it too. I even made a few black and white ones for mine and she grabs them when ever I have it on. I am nursing so she can reach up and grab it and since it is on such a bulky ball chain she can yank as hard as she wants. The ball chain is actually recycled. When my daughter bought her house it had lots of vertical blinds. As I was helping her take down the living room blinds to replace with curtains I noticed the way you open was with this huge ball chain.....SO, I grabbed those and each time I help her put up curtains in replacement fo the blinds I scoff up the ball chains! Awesome! Just wish I could find more, they are so cool.

SO any hoo, these new beads........a customer convo'd me to ask if I'd make them with big holes for her hair, gladly since I am always up to something new. I sent her hers and since then I've been making them with the large holes too! SO, what do you think? Mine are small, only about 10mm-11mm wide. The new ones I have now on etsy (with brass ball chain) are about 17mm in length give or take a mm or two.

and this one. I still have a cobalt one to list but after a couple hours at the torch tonight working on orders I'm not quite up to listing! sorry, you'll have to wait and see.

So, do you love them? Hate them?? I do have a small set in my Etsy shop if you feel you can't live without them right at this moment. LOL They are a pea green I think.......and like the size I have. Oh, did I tell you that I make the murrini for these? I learned how to make them on Corrinas site. They are WAY cool to make.

Till later,

Sue aka glassymom

I'm thinking desert!

2009-05-01T20:04:00.000-07:00

So, lately I've been thinking deserts! So as not to put on too much weight I've instead been making them out of glass. No, it doesn't quite satisfy my desire for desert but it certainly satisfies my creative side. I love pudding, ice cream, cupcakes, you name it.

Ice cream is my favorite and as a family we seem to eat an aweful lot of it. I try to buy the fat free kind but sometimes they just dont make that flavor in fat free. I have been known to be so mesmerized by the ice cream isle that my husband has had to pull me out of the way of someone wanting to get in the freezer I'm in front of. Sure hope there wasn't too much drool on the door.........good thing it isn't ice cold.......you might find me with my tongue frozen to the door if it was!!

Na, just kidding LOL

mmm, so what next, I'm thinking brownies!!

Till then,

Sue aka glassymom

International Charm Day

2009-04-26T06:39:00.000-07:00

I think this is a really neat idea! International Charm Day, April 28. Interested? you can find out more information here http://www.internationalcharmday.blogspot.com/ If you Follow her blog you may even recieve a charm from her!

How cool to just give out little charms you've made to brighten someones day. A smile goes a long way and I'm sure a charm would too!

So, go head over to her blog and see what its all about, maybe you too will want to celebrate International Charm Day!!

Have a great Sunday!

Sue aka glassymom

Good to be home!

2009-04-13T18:23:00.000-07:00

Well yesterday we returned home from vacation. Five days spent in Las Vegas with 4 of our kids. It was stressful to say the least. I would never recomend taking kids to vegas unless they are ALL older. Our 6 year old was totally bored with most everything. Although we do have the cutest video of him dancing to the live band on Freemont Street. He didn't know I was filming him and he was going to town.....reminded me of the 70's with his funky dancing! It was so funny and I will probably hear myself laughing on the video when I finally upload it. We also have a 6 month old, she was fine. She loved the lights but is not crazy about loud sounds so in the video she has a bit of a fussy face. The two older ones seemed to enjoy themselves so that was good.

SO, now I am glad to be home! We arrived home at 3am sunday, Easter morning. Exhausted we got right to bed. I was definetly needing a creativity fix after a week of nothing but that certainly wasn't happening sunday! Today, finally........I got a 2 hour break and headed out to the torch. Its getting hot here already so dh had my ac cranked up and I was ready to roll.

I worked on another large group for The Hope Bracelet Project and then a few experiments and lastly a set of lentils. It felt SO good to get some of these ideas out of my head. (it gets kind of crouded in there sometimes) I still have other ideas and shame on me but I havne't written them down yet, oops. Hopefully I can get to the torch again tomorrow. Yes, it certainly is good to be home again. Vacation is nice but theres no place like home!

Till later,

Sue aka glassymom

Last night was for HOPE

2009-04-03T08:01:00.000-07:00

HOPE Bracelet Project that is! I have been slowly adding to my box of beads to send. Last night after I finished a couple I needed to finish sets I spent the rest of the time making beads for HOPE. Tonight if my honey isn't too tired from work I will leave him to watch the kiddos and I will work on more. I dont' usually work on the torch on the weekends but maybe this weekend I'll give it a try.

If you havent heard or want to help here is the link. http://www.kimmiles.com/hope-bracelet-project.html It is a wonderful feeling to help and this is my second year. There are so many different programs out there and I've found the one that I feel compelled to help with. I did make beads for Beads of Courage (another great way to help) and may soon again but for now I need to finish up my 100+ beads for HOPE! Check them out when you can. There are also some great pics of Kim Miles beads which are absolutly beautiful. Last year I received one of her hearts from the drawing they have after all the beads are sent in. I was SO thrilled to receive it!! So, go take a look and maybe you too will want to help!!

Till later,

Sue aka glassymom

Yum Cupcakes!

2009-03-24T07:44:00.000-07:00

A new picture of my fresh from the oven! Cupcakes, what fun. I like making cupcakes, not the kind that make a mess but taste so yummy but the kind that I make in the torch and then put in the oven (kiln) ! I'm not much of a cook in the kitchen but I can cook in my studio and its so much more fun! Although I do cook a nice batch of peanut butter cookies with my 6yo on occasion. So, here they are, fresh from the oven.........there is also a nice set of "festive rounds" and oh, the cutest little space ship burried under there. That is for a friend and a project of his, which I cant wait to see and I'm thrilled to be a part of! (thanks Terry!)

Thats it for now........got to get the little one going on some more school work.

Till later,

Sue aka glassymom

Morning All

2009-03-14T08:16:00.000-07:00

So, I have finished this order for spacers to match the beads I make
How cool does this look!! I just had to put these here
for a splash of color!! These are for Joan from Baker
Designs (see post below) The match my beads that I make for her perfectly. I just LOVE all the bright colors. I guess because I'm not a very colorful person at home. My home is pretty netural colored, pale green in the living room and kitchen, beige in the bedroom and bathroom and netrual floors. Except for this brightly painted cabnet my dh made for me and I painted all wild. It sticks out like a sore thumb but I just love it. But maybe thats another post. So ENJOY!! Hope you have a very colorful day!!
Sue aka Glassymom

My beads in a bracelet!

2009-03-13T16:14:00.000-07:00

WOW, Its so seldom that I get to see jewelry made with beads I've created. I dont know why that is but it is. Well Joan from Baker's Design sent me several pictures of bracelets she has made. They are beautiful and she really made me happy by sharing a few pictures! Joan doesn't have an Etsy shop yet.........but you can reach her at

Bakergsss1@aol.com if you are interested in finding out where she sells these beautiful bracelets! Thank you Joan!!

I do have 2 other customers that have been kind enough to send me pictures of their work but I lost everything on my computer a couple months ago.....actually the whole computer went kaput, so I dont have the pics they sent me, sadly. I do love to see what is made with the beads I create since I just dont' have that jewelry "eye" !!

Thanks Joan!!

Sue aka glassymom

Check this out and go give it a shot to win!

2009-03-13T14:31:00.000-07:00

I'm a member of the FEST team (Florida Etsy Street Team) Here is their 5 FEST freebees for March. Want to win.........Its simple!!
Some really awesome shops and really neat stuff to win!

5 FEST Freebies - March
Welcome to the first ever 5 FEST Freebies! Each month, 5 talented members of the Florida Etsy Street Team (FEST) will give you the opportunity to win a piece of their handiwork for FREE! If you want to win one of the following 5 items, all you need to do is check out the Etsy shop of the person who made the item and leave a comment on the blog post for the item. Your comment must indicate which item in that shop is your favorite and why. That's it! On March 15th we'll randomly draw a winner from the comments for each item. Good luck!

Busy day!

2009-03-11T17:53:00.000-07:00

Well today I didn't make it to the torch, we had family visit. My sister in law, neice and our son all came to visit today. I did get a little sewing done since I was working on it when they arrived. I'm making pillows for our vacation! LOL
This am I got my goodies out of the kiln, all brights, YUM!!! I have a bunch of spacers the last few days for a custom order, which is coming along nicely! I do have some pics of them fresh out of the kiln so I will post them in place of the "fresh from the oven" pic that I have up already.
I am having so much fun making the off mandrel pendants that joe showed how to make. They are a blast and come out so cool. I keep coming up with new ideas for color combos!
Tomorrow will be another day away from the torch. I'm going to visit my nana who is just diagnosed with Alsheimers. She has moved into an assisted living. We will be gone for the day since it is a 2 hour drive each way. I am hoping to get back on the torch friday, we'll see. In the mean time I'll just jot these little ideas down in my sketch book so I remember them!! In the between time watch for new listings in my Etsy store and my Artfire store....I'm determined to get a few things listed!!
Thanks for stopping by............
Sue aka glassymom

Hello there

2009-03-07T17:49:00.000-08:00

Ok, bear with me.....this is my first time blogging!! I thought it might be nice to give it a try and maybe I might like it. Never know right?! Any hoo, I figure its a good place to get ideas of what others might like with colors I'm working on, bead designs I might have, things like that. Dh usually just nods his head with not a whole lot of input and the 6yo and 5 month old aren't too much help either!
So, I'm a stay at home mom of 5 kids ages 25, 21, 16, 6 and 5 months. I'm going to be a grandma for the first time this june!! I'm also a chihuahua mom of 2, Mr brutus and Mrs Prissy!
I've been lampworking for just over 3 years now and still get so excited like Christmas morning when I head out to the studio to see the goodies in my kiln!! I just LOVE being able to do glass work! Being creative is a nessary for me, absolutly have to do it! When I'm not on the torch I paint, sew, scrapbook, make soap and have been known to struggle with jewelry making!

I like to watch Joe from Avenuebeads.com over at justintv. He works live on a cam torching. Two nights ago I learned his way of off mandrel and I am just totally thankful to him!! His was is SO easy and I made 3 beautiful hearts right away. Thanks Joe!!
Ok, I thought it would be tough to find something to talk about the first time but I guess its not. LOL hopefully I can get some pics posted of my new stuff.......fresh out of the oven!!! YUM
Sue aka glassymom