Otter Tins

A throw back post to my first otter tins.  <3

Reflections

The Beads of Courage Artist Challenge is always a special day.  Firing up the torch, I found myself surrounded by close friends and talented artists giving so freely of their time and skills.  I deeply admire their selfless gift of service.  Having a son born with a congenital heart defect, Beads of Courage is a cause near and dear to my heart on so many levels.



Courageous children, who have requested special beads, gather around the studio tables as the glass enters the flame.  Skilled artisans steady their hands as they begin to bring Dream Beads to life.  The molten glass starts to flow and a menagerie of one-of-a-kind beads fill the hot kilns.  Happy ladybugs, alien-like monsters, smiling minions, superheroes, monkeys, and waddling ducks form a colorful parade of silliness.  Sounds of laughter echo in the bustling studio as whimsical designs take shape.  These beads will become unique Act of Courage beads, given to children on tough treatment days or to acknowledge milestones. 

Sheer amazement is visible in the children’s inquisitive eyes as they watch the dance of molten glass.  Creativity floods their eager minds as beads take shape.  In this moment, the children forget about their serious illnesses and the daily struggles.  Their thoughts drift away to the endless possibilities of glass.  Parents’ hearts are filled with happiness as they see their child’s wonder.  On this day, I have watched parents hold back tears, while children smile with joy.  This is the reason why so many love the National Bead Challenge Day.  The delightful scene is repeated in glass studios around the world.  Artists as a collective inspire hope, one bead at a time. 

The children are full of questions.  Many are concerned for the artist’s safety and ask, “Have you ever burnt yourself?”  In the child’s eyes, the artists are brave souls who tame fire and molten glass.  In our eyes, the children are the brave ones.  Each bead on their elaborate necklace stands as significant evidence of their courageous spirit, a record of their story.  They are gallant heroes in every sense of the word. 

Frankie

Looking for a longterm relationship: Don't let the rough exterior fool you, Frankie is as huggable as a patchwork quilt... stitched with love. A monster of few words, he enjoys long evening walks through the town square, playing golf during lightening storms, and tinkering in the workshop. Greatest fears: pitchforks, torches, and not finding true love.

Monarchs in the Moonlight

Comes on a 16 inch sterling silver chain.  

Hands down, the best monarch encased bead that has come out of my studio.  

I will be sad to see him go.  Enjoy!

I'm Late

Happy Monday!  Revisiting some previous designs but with a new take on the original idea.  This Alice inspired totem features a topsy-turvy tophat, flamingo, heart, pocket watch and toad stool.  The bright components just make me smile.

Llama Dream Bead

A special little llama dream bead headed to Beads of Courage.

#beadsofcourage #dreambead #beadstrong

Poison Apple Swirls

Finishing off the last few colors for CiM testing. This one is new Poison Apple Transparent. The muted purple stripe is CiM Midnight. Liking the color combination. Enjoy!

Knick Knack Patty Wack

A simple, straight forward tube bead with clean stripes.  The left side is CiM Troi and the right side is CiM Little Boy Blue.  The color bands are separated with crisp white, periwinkle and gray stringer work.  Enjoy!

Maiden of the Mist

Fresh from the kiln!  A lovely long smooth bi-cone featuring new CiM Cerulean.  Enjoy!

Revisiting Boysenberry

This weekend, I revisited Boysenberry Ltd.  The lush journey was a great reminder of how this CiM berry color is incredibly versatile.

The glass holds edges through repeated heating and flame polishing.  The rich, juicy color perfectly sets the stage for vibrant enameling and a glint of 24kt gold.  Definitely on my list of top 10 favorite CiM Purples:

CiM Wisteria

CiM African Violet

CiM Evil Queen

CiM Eggplant 

CiM Aladdin

CiM Boysenberry

CiM Thai Orchid

CiM Enchanted

CiM Heffalump

CiM Your Majesty

Tahitian Pearl

Loving this new color from Creation is Messy, aptly named Tahitian Pearl.

Be Mine!

February is just around the corner, time to think about Valentine's Day!  Yes, maybe I'm a little ahead of myself on this one, but one can never have too many hugs... face hugs that is.  Another way to show that special someone you care.  #alienvspredator #facehugger #freehug

Whoever wins... we lose

For the non AVP fans out there, this guy was inspired by #alienvspredator. The 3 red laser dots indicate a predator has his sights focused on the soon to be terminated alien's skull. Yes, those are droplets of drool on the alien's chin. Really happy with the way he turned out. Totally worth 3 hours at the torch. A video of the detail is available to view on instagram @designsbyheathersellers.

Frankly my Dear...

My favorite quote from the classic movie Gone with the Stream. In which a fiery, spoiled Southern otter is entangled in hopeless love for a roguish river rat. The war over water and irrigation rights will forever change her way of life. A sweeping story of passion and courage with unforgettable characters!

Ladybug Slider Set

 

New Snaps - Ladybug

A ladybug has joined the snap cab family. 

Limited by the size of the cab being approximately 16mm in diameter,

I wasn't sure if the minute detail would fix.  This little guy makes me smile.  Hope he brightens your day!

Ladybird

The Bachelor

Rusty, aka Ironsides, is a prolific "Bachelor" of sorts.  The type of randy pooch who could easily audition for a popular network series, which shall remain unnamed.  Not camera shy in the least, he likes jacuzzi tubs and watching lady drama unfold at the dog park.  Yep, a definite catch if you get my drift. 

Workshop Opportunity

 

Interested in joining me for a class? You're in luck! Mesa Arts Center will be hosting an exclusive ASGB workshop on June 23rd & 24th. The 2 day workshop will cover Wrinkles, Crinkles, & Eye Twinkles AND Lampwork Cabochons (Simple to Advanced). Please contact Diane Sepanski for more information on how to register. Not an ASGB member? No worries, Diane can help you join!

Koi Pond #2

 

Another koi splashing around with some simple round beads.  The lovely blue is a perfect compliment to the fresh CiM Butternut featured in the koi design.