Color Mixing Glass

Perhaps it's my old watercolor painting influence, but I love custom mixing colors in glass.  Whether it's actually mixing the two together, or layering transparents over opaques, it's always fun to see if I can get an exact shade that I am seeking.  

I mingle Vetrofond, Effetre, CiM and even some Devardi into my mixes.  Some play together better than others.  It doesn't seem to depend on the brand, but more the actual specific glass color.

And since I do this so freely, I also am teaching a class on color mixing.  My first class was in Austin at Blue Moon.  It was designed for non torch users- like mosaicists and fusers who could translate it into use for their specific projects.  But I was surprised at the number of flameworkers who signed up too.

Just wanted to show you a few and ask you, if you mix glass colors or layer, what are some of your favorite combinations?  

Magical Christmas Ornaments and Holiday Bead Class at Blue Moon Glassworks

Come join me for a really fun 2 day Christmas bead and ornament class in sunny Austin, Texas at Blue Moon Glassworks November 19 & 20th.   We'll be shaking things up a bit and making some traditional and as you can see, some rather non traditional holiday beads and ornaments.  All of them designed to bring a smile to your face and to anyone who you chose as the recipients of your new talents.  (or you can keep them as your own private keepsakes!)  And please note:  if you have taken one of my previous  classes, these are all new beads- no repeats.

I hope you'll come join in on the merriment, new skills and techniques.  You know how Jim and Rose Berry are such awesome hosts.  Please contact them to sign up, by CLICKING HERE.  Ho, ho, ho!

Class at the Gathering

Today is my last day of Robert Dancik's class here at the Gathering.  I'm sad it's almost over.  We're doing a variety of things in a "cold connections" concept.  From riveting, to using Robert's "Faux Bone" material, as pictured above in one of the cuffs he uses as an example.  (Mine is nowhere as cool, but I did understand the technique and really enjoyed it.

So today we'll be looking at paper mache and concrete for holding or connecting other materials.  I'm looking forward to that too.  

I highly recommend class with Robert.  He's a delightful teacher who really works hard to give you everything he can.  And oh so patient...I know that from experience as I put my saw blade in backwards first time....it's all new to me, and what a great place to learn so many new techniques and skills.

See you tomorrow!

Come To Austin With Me for Class!

I'll be teaching "Take a Walk on the Wild Side" at Austin's Blue Moon Glassworks June 25 & 26th  and I'd love for you to join me.  (just scroll down the link- lots of classes listed on that page)

We'll complete a full garden necklace before you leave which features a variety of imaginative sculptural flowers, a lampwork and wire clasp and of course a little creature with wings- (maybe bird, butterfly or bee) to hover over your flowers.  You'll have it done to wear home.  AND we'll also make a tree branch bail that teaches you the technique to apply to other sculptural items to make into bails.

Of course we'll have fun and it sure will be nice to have something totally completed to take home with you too.  And as many of you know, Jim and Rose Berry treat their students so well, you can't help but smile while you're there.  (And Austin is such a cool city!)

Autumn Leaves, Acorns & Pine Cones Class-Saturday at Flametree

Ah the joys of autumn. I honestly can't wait for the cooler temperatures and leaves changing. So when Maureen and Lance asked me to design a half day class for their FlameTree Glass Studio in Roswell, GA, I jumped at the chance.

I hadn't really made a lot of any fall items other than pumpkin and Halloween related beads, so this was a treat getting to play at my torch and decide what I thought would be fun.

And I think acorns ARE fun. Their shape reminds me of a spinning top and although they are normally rather sweetly muted in color, I thought they are the perfect bead to have a little fun with. So once the shape is learned, it will be great to see how the students can come up with their own ideas. I have all kinds of ideas in my sample box as well. (I just finished making two with glow glass rod and powder for our friend Joe of Glow Glass. That was a kick!)

So if you're in the area and have time, we're going from 12-4. The price is so reasonable too. Just $75. I think that is very fair and I promise, you'll learn a lot too. We'll even work on multiple styles of loops for the leaf beads and get a little glass cutting action with shears as well. Hope to see you...there are only a few spots left in the class, so hurry!

Leaf, Acorn & Pine Cone Class

Oh how I like leaves....almost as much as birds. I tend to often make them off mandrel and in pendant form.

Towards the end of August, I'll be teaching a class on leaves, pinecones, and acorns for FlameTree Glass. I know folks like to start making their autumn inventory before the season, so the jewelry makers can buy them before their shows.

I decided that I wanted to include one leaf using one of the handheld presses, that FlameTree sells. Because sometimes those presses, just make the process easier. (we'll do the other styles too).

So today, when I went by the shop, Maureen handed me 3 different styles of presses. Size, bent or flat seem to be the biggest differences. So my question to you is..which one appeals the most to you? Large- flat or bent?... or small-bent? And why?

I'll be making other leaves off mandrel, and wait until you see the pinecones and the acorns...really fun. But for now ~ just the leaf questions.

See you tomorrow. Don't forget to weigh in with your opinion please.

Teaching Beginning Jewelry Making

Recently a family friend, home from college came over to learn some basic jewelry making. (Isn't she a cutie?) I asked on my Facebook page, what would others suggest that I teach her? (btw, please friend me, if you haven't...Marcy Lamberson). The response was wonderful and although we didn't have time to do enough, it sure gave me an idea of what folks thought is important. And I can't help but agree.

We only had time for tool & supply info, wire wrapping, crimping, jump ring operation and we made some earrings, necklaces and how to make pendants.

But I'm posting some of the responses on my query. Please feel free to comment and add more of your thoughts. I found them all so valuable. My thanks to Lauren, Ilse, Patrick, Moon, Ann, Nell, Andrea, Heidi, Mona, Jessica, Susan, Debra, Cindy and Arlene for posting on that thread.

Here is what my Facebook "Think Tank" said.....

• Basic tools and where to find them...how to find tutorials online...how to measure for necklaces and bracelets so that they fit. :-)

•Don't forget about the nylon pliers, for no mar work.

•Definitely nylon pliers. After wire work I would start with cold connections, if the student wants to go to metalsmithing, or maybe chain maille. What about teaching Viking knit, now that you know how?

•I'd go copper over sterling or fine silver then...maybe working with found objects? Or upscale/recycle materials?

•Hammering and riviting and soldering fine silver would be cool! :)

•I think besides these fine suggestions, i'ed add doming and how to use the flex shaft to make a hole and polish and how to ball up the end of wire..oh and the ever important how to properly open and close a jumpring!!

•OK, saving money tips- use silver plate for headpins (you don't see most of the pin anyway) from FMG (OMG are they cheap) and join an online bulk buying group like Beads and More on Yahoo or Bulk Bead Buys (BAM is more active...). those groups allow you to buy a lot of things through wholesalers in smaller quantities.

Back the the headpins- I do recommend sterling earwires, but use the SP for earrings..... FP crystals are a lot less than Swarovskis. College girls will go wild for all the earring possibilities!!!
Creating patinas on metals.

•How to finish of necklaces with crimps and stuff so it looks professional I always feel like my necklaces are cheap looking due to the 'finishing" touches..

FP is probably Fire Polished and usually refers to crystals.

•Oh the other thing I have a a hard time with is multi strands and how to do them so they hang right and are of course finished right.. LOL
_____________________
I'm sure more of you have ideas that weren't mentioned. Please feel free to chime in and add to the list. We'd all benefit from it.

I'll see you on Sunday right here. Taking tomorrow off for a little catch up time. Bye!

Space Left for Andrea's Class in Austin

Hey gang-
My buddy at Blue Moon Glassworks in Austin, TX - Jim Berry told me that he still has two spaces left in Andrea's revealing the unexpected lampwork class November 5th & 6th.

Here's the link to the class

Andrea Guarino @ Blue Moon Glassworks

If you haven't taken a class from her, you're in for a real treat. Not only do her beads rock, but she's a delightful teacher as well. Students love their high success rate in her class.

Fuming with gold and silver, dichro, complex twisted canes and all kinds of fun stuff is planned for the class.

And, there are some cool bed & breakfasts as well as great restaurants near the facility. What a fun location to hold a class!

Wish it were me heading down there for the class. But I think with those two spaces, what a great way for you and a friend to pop down to that funky Texas city and have a great time.

ps when you sign up, tell them Marcy sent you!

See you tomorrow, http://wwwstudiomarcy.blogspot.com

Space in Heather Trimlett's Class in Atlanta

October 22 & 23th (2009), Heather will be here in Atlanta teaching her Marble Beadmaking class for Southern Flames.

We're excited to have her back again. She's an excellent teacher.

But we have a couple of spaces in her class to fill and I'm hoping some of you can come and join us. The class is held at Beads by Design. (just 15 minutes from my house) and about 25 minutes from FlameTree Glass in Roswell. Come and visit, and you can hit the Glass Bonanza!

Speaking of Bonanza, stick around on Saturday evening and join us for the Southern Flames monthly meeting (same location as the class). You get an extra demo by Heather AND you can meet our really fun local members.

So here's the scoop. CLICK HERE for information. And if you are coming, please email me so I can come meet you for sure! (StudioMarcy@gmail.com)

Join Us for Heather Trimlett's Class

Southern Flames, (the Atlanta chapter of the International Society of Glass Beadmakers) has a few openings in upcoming instructor, Heather Trimlett's Marble Beadmaking class on October 22 & 23, 2009..

So here's the low down from my perspective. Heather is a fabulous teacher and although her style, is definitely not what I do, I'm taking her class. If you follow my blog, you know how I feel about learning from teachers who do things very differently than you do. I think it leads you to more interesting options in your glass adventures and opens your mind to new possibilities. And for me, Heather's wonderful deliberate technique provide a counterpoint to my whimsical sculptural style. Besides, I always feel like I "get it", when she's teaching.

So I'm hoping you can join us. If you can come, please contact our class coordinator Margo Knight, margo.knight@alston.com.. And visit our website for more details Southern Flames
And let me know you're coming. The Thursday/Friday class has openings.

I'm in the weekend one, but I'd love to pop by and say hi, if you're in town. We also have a reasonably priced hotel nearby, where everyone stays. If you stick around Atlanta for the weekend, our Southern Flames group has its meeting on Saturday night and we'd love to have you join us.

Hope you can make it. It's a first come, first served, so contact Margo right away for more information.

See you tomorrow for more fun and glass chat at http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com

While I'm Teaching At The Gathering...

Greetings from my beadmaking class at the Miami Gathering...

I thought I'd give you some of the same advice that I am giving my sculptural glass students today...

Graphite smooths, Brass moves.

I use my brass Stump Shaper to move my glass around. The brass grabs it and helps it go where it needs to be. If I just want to gently marver something, my graphite tools work perfectly well. And in my case, it's generally my torch mounted marver that is a part of my daily torching routine.

I'll see you tomorrow. Hasta la vista, baby.

Need More Smiling Faces for My Gathering Class

Here are my most recent (2) sets of two- day class students. See their smiling faces? They had a good time and so did I.

I need everyone's help to get the word out. As you know, the Gathering's attendance is down a bit this year and I'm a little bummed that my class isn't 100% full. It's not in jeopardy of being canceled, but I'd sure love to fill it up. There are just a couple of spaces left.

I don't just teach sculptural beadmaking. Oh really you ask? Well, there are so many techniques that relate to other styles of beadmaking too. Yes, the beads are sculptural and you learn lots of techniques that relate to being able to make lots of sculptural beads, but it's much more. We work on heat control, shaping, resources, creativity, how to think like me (a bit scary, isn't it?), inspiration, learning how to look at 3-D items and 2-D pictures and interpret them into beads, canes, surface decoration, using tools in non-traditional ways and my favorite part- fun. I'm a big fan of fun for everyone.

And there's more. You see, I don't usually tell you until after you sign up for my class, but I have a special private blog just for my students. It includes photos and step by step tutorials of each of the beads we've made (plus additional info), so that you don't need to take as detailed notes. You can focus on watching the demos so you don't miss a thing, then you can go to the blog and copy or just review the steps. Easy peasy. You can also ask questions on that blog that don't relate to the beads you learned. You see, once my student- always my student. Star treatment for all.

Here's where to find my Gathering class, If you have further questions, please email me at StudioMarcy@gmail.com. Thanks so much. I've got my fingers crossed that you can help me fill it up. I really want to teach more smiling faces.

p.s. If you're already one of my registered students, thank you so very much.

Silver Glass Class 2

I've got so much to tell you from my glass class by Julie Ferguson. I can't tell you exactly what she teaches, but there sure are some basic tips, that seem fair to share.

My first one is to make some sample beads or in Julie's case, leaves of the different types of glass. I photographed these in some pretty poor light, (that's aluminum underneath them, so you know the color is off), but you get the idea.

I loved being able to see one variation of the glass that I was going to try. It seems like it changes pretty easily, depending on what the conditions are, how you treat it and what glass it is next to, but this is it in its pure form. And you know, a tiny spacer, (trying to be cost effective) wouldn't do it for me. I'd definitely go a little larger.

And another tip is to label them carefully. I learned that some glass companies change the formula and so knowing the name of the glass and the date can be important. If you're a newbie like me, keep careful records. I had no idea.

As a total newbie, I was a little wary about silver glass. Not that I thought it would hurt me, but I didn't want to waste any financial investment that I made to try it. I am a hands on type learner. There are some great tutorials and information on the internet- but for me, there's nothing like actually trying it and seeing what it does in person. If you buy a tutorial, I own the one that was compiled from the LE group. It has a lot of resources and information that is quite handy.

I found that I had some personal favorites. I'll talk about them later and a few more little bits that I learned from my hands-on experience. But for now, it's your turn to dig out your hoarded silver glass that you haven't tried and at least make a paddle of the type of glass and label it. I know that's what I'm going to do.

See you tomorrow with more glass chat,
Marcy

Still Blog Slacking

I'm still teaching class in Atlanta and having a great time. My class was a delight.  It was so much fun watching the gang be so successful.  And concentrate!  Wow, it got really quiet in there.  But I couldn't have asked for a nicer group.  Today my next set of students arrive and I also demo for the Southern Flames' monthly meeting.  I want to show everyone how to make butterflies for our local Beads of Courage Program.

One of the beads that we make in the sculptural class is a simple self portrait bead.  And I also show my students how to make easy bead stands.  So when I was recording the earlier message from a few days ago, I found this box and the whole thing reminded me of a talking self portrait bead on a bead stand.  I guess I cracked myself up, because I wasn't able to record the message about it.  Here are a few seconds of what I would define as me cracking myself up.

So I'm blog slacking for a few more days and will be back on Monday to fill you in on my Atlanta Sculptural Glass Classes and Southern Flames demo.  See you then!  

Fusing Glass in the Microwave

Yesterday, I took a microwave fusing class from Sylvanye "Sam" Roh, who is quite an artist in her own right. I had bought one of these micro kilns on a whim and totally messed up when I tried it. Even to slightly mar the inside of the kiln by melting glass against it. Doh!

So when I saw the ad for Sam's class, I decided to chance it, and I am so glad I did. It was a blast. Sam
is a delightful and enthusiastic teacher who wants to
share her knowledge. Those are my favorite kind.

I have never been comfortable cutting glass, so Sam showed me her system and I felt good about it. She explained about her firing schedule for microwaves and what to do, (which is where I messed up before) And she gave us all kinds of hints, tips and tricks. So not only did I learn a quick and fun little thing to do, but I found someone who is as passionate about teaching well as I am.

So here's my take on microwave fusing. First of all, I wouldn't use the same microwave as the one that you use for cooking food. We discussed it and Sam is concerned about kiln paper particles getting into food.

I think this is really fun, if it's just a once in a while type thing to do for an afternoon. With the microkiln that Sam sells, you can fit up to seven 1" pendants. But I would recommend buying it from someone who really knows how to use them and gives out the full necessary information with the kiln including the safety information. Sam suggests wearing a mask. And be warned, the new kilns have an odor for the first few firings. And although Sam says the glass is annealed at the end of the cycle, if you follow her directions, I'm still a little concerned. I plan to batch anneal my creations after they're done.

So now I'm in business. I'm going to have fun dinking around with this and messing with little designs. I'm still sticking to lampwork, but at least I know how to use this funny little invention and have made a new friend.

My Class In Atlanta Is Now Taking Lottery Sign Ups

My two 2-day February classes in Atlanta, Georgia for Southern Flames is now accepting Lottery sign ups until December 16th. If you aren't a member, you can join for an additional $25 and get in on the lottery. The class is only $135 for TWO DAYS! You supply your own tools and glass, while Southern Flames supplies the torch.

In order to be fair, Southern Flames runs each class as a lottery for every member who has submitted their form and pending check, (checks are returned if you do not make the class). More lottery info and details are here. Then publicly, the names are drawn during the December meeting, and class participants are notified. Lottery form is here.

I'm teaching sculptural beadmaking for two days in a fun and simplified way. You'll learn how to make sculptural beads from simple shapes, make advanced sculptures - like character beads, and how to translate 2-D and 3-D photos and items into beads. (and lots of other tips, tricks, heat control, techniques and other fun stuff too!)

The price is so inexpensive, because I don't need to travel, have hotels or meals bought for me. Although I suggested a 5 star hotel would be great appreciated, I don't think it's happening, but I do believe that they'll buy my coffee in the morning. ;) It will be so much fun teaching my friends here in town.
For more information, visit http://www.SouthernFlames.org, and to see more of my beads, either click on the photos to the right of my blog, or visit my etsy shop, http://www.StudioMarcy.etsy.com

And by the way, if you can't make Atlanta, I will be teaching for the International Society of Glass Beadmakers (ISGB) at the Miami Gathering this year. The class will be similar in content, but priced at typical class pricing.

Meet Marabelle the Seahorse

Meet Marabelle the Seahorse.  She's a feminine seahorse who has all her curves and maybe a few extra details.

Brad Pearson taught seashorses in his class last week.  His was quite different, and of course, each time we learn something, we need to change it and make it our own. 

So his "boy" seahorse example, which had a black body with white enamel over the stomach and red details, morphed into my girly one with two toned transparent fins and pink lips & cheeks by me.  She also is a bit curvier and was built differently  on the mandrel.  I made her go straight up with the hole going through her head.

What is interesting to me, is that each one fits with each of our personal beadmaking styles.  I would have loved to see his include a little of his masking technique that is so beautifully done.

For another view of her, visit Marabelle and her other friends in my Etsy shop .

Vacationing In Style at Bead Camp

I'm at Bead Camp two hours away from my house and loving every minute of it. A couple times a year, one of my friends, Marjorie Langston hosts instructors and torch time. In her own right, she's a wonderful teacher and I will post another day about her teaching gig (along with Terry Hale) in Ireland this summer.

Her garage seats 12 comfortably and then some of us sleep upstairs in her above the garage studio on air mattresses and sleeping bags. Of course we chat until too late and have a great time.

Thursday and Friday I took a fantastic class from Brad Pearson. He's a not only a wonderful teacher, but so very talented. I like taking his class because he works so precisely and uses techniques that are very different from what I normally do. If you are a regular reader, you'll know that I believe strongly in taking classes that are different from your style. They'll stretch your abilities and you'll find ways to incorporate those techniques into your work.

So greetings from Chattanooga, TN, and I'll be back Monday with lots of info and tips from this weekend.

Join Me! : Two 2-Day Southern Flames Classes In Atlanta

I'm excited to announce that I'll be teaching two 2-day sculptural bead making classes for Southern Flames in Atlanta, Georgia - February 19-20 & 21-22 2009.

Easy Peasy Sculptural Beadmaking #1

Day 1 - We will make sculptural beads based on shapes you already know.  Tabs, barrels, bicones etc., get transformed into sculptural beads. You'll learn how easy  it really is and it's so much fun.

Day 2 - We will focus on simple faces and basic figures.  After learning the components, you'll make a face bead and then later on, make a full figurine.

Now here's the great part.... for Southern Flames members, the class is only $135!  If you're  a non-member, then it's $160.  Both prices are so LOW!

But anyone can join Southern Flames and it's a good idea to do so, if you want to take the class.

To be fair and because they fill up, Southern Flames runs a lottery to get into their classes.  Members get first chance at the initial lottery, and then non members get a chance at any leftover seats.  I'm just not sure whether there will be extra seats available at this price.  As a non-profit, Southern Flames works hard to keep class prices low, and because I don't have any travel, hotel or food costs involved, this is rock bottom.

So this is what you need to do.  Click here to become a member and you can pay your $25 dues by Paypal.

Watch on the website for updates about the lottery for my class. (Coming soon!) The lottery will be held at the December 10th meeting.  If you join, you'll need to have your lottery form in by then.  Then one of the Board members will let you know if you've gotten in.  But you need to move on it, if you're interested, because you'll need to mail in your form and check for class in advance. (and don't worry, they don't cash checks until you're actually on the list as a class member.)

If you can't join me in February, I'll be teaching at The Gathering this year in Miami also.  The price will be higher, but it will be right before The Gathering begins in July, so you can combine travel and hotel for that trip.

And if you prefer a more personalized one on one time, I do enjoy teaching private lessons in my studio.  It's just you and me and lots of fun and information.  Email me through my website, StudioMarcy.com to ask for details, or if you have questions about class.

If you'd like to see more of my work, visit my Studio Marcy etsy shop.  Hope to meet you, one of these ways.

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