Necklace, bracelets,  and earrings....oh my! Weekend fair just around the corner. See the side bar to the left for details.  As much as a person may prepare....the week before a show is always a little busy.  I am trying to put a few finishing touches on things and even make it out to the torch for some extra special beads for this weekend.   Keeps me busy...that's for sure!
Hope everyone is having a great week and that I see you at the show this weekend!

 The body of these beads are a light transparent orange glass.  I roll  glass in a mixed frit to created the speckled look on the surface of the bead.  The series of beads are hung on dark leather lace cord with antiqued copper findings. 

 I have been pretty slow at the torch but I am making a bunch of pieces during this wonderful winter break.  I love having a show coming up because it motivates me to make and create new designs.  The bead above has been sitting around for awhile..now it has a place.  It was layered with different patterns and glasses and then held upright while molten.  Gravity created a pear like shape and pulled the stripes down.     The earrings below are so simple. It is a small green bead I made on small mandrels hung with a wooden bead and antiqued copper findings. 

 Happy much needed wonderful winter break!!!! Bring on the beads, glass and metal! I have to complete the 'every so often duty' of refilling my oxygen tank...but soon I will be back on track.  I will also be refilling my energy and excitement to get stuff done tanks as well....not to mention getting the rest of the Christmas goodies correctly put away..Yes, I said it and I confess- still a few Christmas things hanging around.  

Very special piece ...

 I love to make custom work.  I get a little nervous because you want it to be perfect and fitting for the occasion or person. Yet, it is fulfilling and thrilling to make a piece and know who will receive it or the circumstances in which they will receive it as a gift.  It is always an honor to be a part of that process. 

Red...on deck.

 So I am working on a couple of pieces right now as the week goes on.  Here are few red highlights waiting in the wings.  Different shapes and sizes...so fun, so beautiful...so red.  

 Zip, Zip goes the week and tomorrow is Thursday.  It is strangely warm in western NY. I don't quite feel like complaining about one way or the other...would love the snow to ski and be out in it but the mild temps make things pretty easy going.  Hope  your weather and everything in between is working well for you this week.