Kissy Face

Miss Kiki P. Oodle sends you a big wet one.

Ice Balls Rolling Along

It's time to share some photographs of the progress I've made on the 'ice balls" bracelet.

All the headpins that I've made for it, so far, have been shaped and hammered into a chain.

Like I've said before: I like my jewelry to look like something that just fell off a plant.

I thought I had fabricated enough for a bracelet. Not even close. Gotta go bang up a couple dozen more spiral tip wires and make some headpins at the torch.

Ice Balls

Still working on this project.

This little pile of headpins will be wound and shaped into links, hammered, and then made into a chain - that will become a bracelet.

It seems the crappier the clear glass, the more bubbles form on the encased brass spirals.
Which is good! I am using up all the clear short rods in my stash and most of them are not "super clear."
I know, finally a use for that nasty Moretti clear.

Hello Torch

Big, big sigh.
I am back in my studio and making glass.

Some weird mist swirling around outside my studio window - not unlike the nebulous, big ideas I have for new glass pieces.

I should apologize for the bloggy absence. The holiday sales completely fried me this year. I very much needed the time I took off once the making and selling madness was over. Thanks to all of you who made it far and away my best jewelry year ever, especially the last minute shoppers who begged me until I raided my own personal collection to find them some trinkets to buy. Your procrastination was rewarded with some of my most favorite things. Cripe, I need to make myself some baubles - I have almost nothing left to adorn myself with. Not an option for this old magpie.

Yesterday I swept, dusted and tidied up my 300 square foot studio/nest. Getting it ready for 2012. I also spent some time today getting my glass sketchbooks in order and they're bursting with new ideas. It's time to take a deep breath and jump back into the fiery pool. The next few days should be a wonderful, wild ride on my torch!

Holiday Cheer #2

 

Watch this, with holiday cheer in hand.

Holiday Cheer #1

Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixon, Comet, Q-Tip, Donner & Nixon

Whipping up some funky cookies to take to a party.

Chocolate cookies with dark chocolate chips, bacon and a pinch of chipotle powder.

I winged it - but now I need to go back and write down what I did because they were freakin' delicious.

They're Back

Everything old is new again...

I hadn't made any of my "Mexican Voodoo" pendants in ages.

I've reworked the design. The links are now heavier and nicely hammered with some fancy coils. The skulls are bone, the glass beads are mine and the charms are the best part. A little blue plastic ray-gun, a copper scottie dog, a battered, old sterling ring with a purple glass gem and a religious medal. Alas, these four little boogers are sold, but there will be more soon.

Headpin Chain

Here's an idea for you - making a chain out of headpins.

Little tiny sterling headpins, with glass berries and leaves, chained together to make a pair of dangle earrings.

Here's a close-up to help you see what I did. They were a snap to put together.
I am doing all kinds of interesting things by chaining headpins together.

In case you're wondering what glass I used - the glass berries are Cim's Lapis and the attached leaves are plain old medium blue transparent.

It's Liberace Season!

It's just not Christmas until the Liberace records are playing.

Dogwood Necklace

A big, luscious necklace.

Lots and lots of glass headpins and pearls wired onto a heavy brass chain.

It was delivered it today to the gift shop of the local museum.

This last picture (below) is for you bead-makers out there.
It's the backside of one of the big focal headpins, it's like giving you a peek at their undies.
The biggest flowers were formed on 16 gauge brass wires, the smaller buds and berries on 20gauge wires.

Stocking the Shelves

I usually don't list jewelry in my Etsy shop - but it's the holidays and I thought I would give it a try.

I love wearing these pendants - each one has a huge round bead that hangs at the perfect length to fidget with it. Your body heat warms up the glass, so when ever you touch it - it's hot.

The bead caps I hammered myself, so each one is one of a kind.

And some love charms - who couldn't use a bit of holiday romance?

The amulet below is called "Baby Love."
It has a vintage bootie charm and would be perfect for that someone who is expecting.

Leaves & Berries Necklace

A big, over the top necklace of leaves and berries.

A riot of glass headpins - some leaves, some berries. Lots of small wooden beads, pearls and black metal.

It sold almost immediately at More Fire Glass' holiday open house and sale.

Mysterious Goings On

Doing more experimental headpins - can't wait to get to the kiln and see what comes out.