Showing posts with label flamework. Show all posts
Showing posts with label flamework. Show all posts
Bawk Bawk!
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
Carb Loading
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
Free Hugs
Things a bit hectic around the Holidays? Need a hug? Well here you go! Always looking to give a comforting squeeze, the facehugger is happy to accommodate all of your hugging needs.
Clowning Around
The little clown fish is hanging out in coral created from new CiM Wisteria and a light dusting of enamels. He seems right at home swimming in the ocean of color. Enjoy!
Nautilus
Grateful for the daily gift of eyesight and hands which allow me to sculpt glass. Not many people are aware, but I experienced a horrible eye injury this
past year. Everything is good now, however a few millimeters and things
would have been very different. What are you thankful for?
Out of My Gourd - The Perfect Pout
Pouty McPlumperson's bottom lip is on display 24-7. He adamantly refuses to wear dentures. Instead, the stubborn pumpkin enjoys gumming saltwater taffy while sharing old-timey stories of
growing up in the Ozarks, listening to dueling banjos and reminiscing of days long past when he still had a
full set of chompers.
The ornery coot is available through the pumpkin relocation
program (dentures included). Full disclosure, that is
not the trill wind you hear blowing through the trees... he speaks with a pronounced whistle. Also note, due to a narrowed airway, Pouty requires a CPAP
machine for sleeping. If considering adoption, please be prepared for a shrill *whistle---hum---whistle---hum* to
gently lull you to sleep at night. Some say the sound is more soothing than nails down a chalkboard or the yowl of a cat in heat.
Out of My Gourd - Ankle Biters
Big Fluffy Buns
*spoiler alert*
(((now would be a good time to send small children out of the room)))
... it's fresh raisins and NOT the California kind.
Finnegan
Finnegan is a silly little parakeet who loves listening to music and chirping along. His favorite phrase is "Shut the front door!" A stickler for conserving A/C and not letting flies in the house, the energy whistleblower is rewarded with his fill of bird seed.
Out of My Gourd - Homely Hubbard
Update: Dance of the Butterflies
An array of butterfly slider beads are in the kiln.
Looking forward to seeing their final colors in the morning.
Update: a few beads from last night are pictured below. Happy with how they turned out.
Hornswaggle
Don’t let his sweet cheeks and soft fluff fool you, Hornswaggle can be a real dungbie. That’s pirate speak for rear end. Argh! Aside from constantly instructing the crew to “walk the plank *brawk* Captain’s orders ye scurvy seadogs,” the scallywag has been known to pillage the ship’s rum supply. After which, he engages in pirate karaoke until 1am. Blimey! His favorite tune is Stayin Alive by the Bee Gees. The noise disturbance is unbelievably epic and results in the Hyannis Port Harbor Patrol receiving multiple noise complaints... I’m talking earplugs required to get any shut eye. Sadly, drunk Hornswaggle is better behaved than the sober version. Yikes!
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