The Flaming Bacon Tiara Quandry

The Flaming Bacon Tiara Quandry... the other day on facebook, I posted a photo of a Flame Tiara that I had made. I had used a filter (Oh I felt so artistic) and many of the folks who saw the post thought I had made a bacon tiara. Which made me laugh, because that is not beyond something I'd do. Honestly, I love bacon almost as much as i love a good flame. (that's what we use to melt our glass- 2,000 degrees of flame) So I took a non filtered photo of the flames in the sunlight. See the third photo and folks agreed, that does look a lot more like a flame.

So I cooked up some bacon and made a bacon tiara. (see left photo) I learned a few things... 1. just cooked bacon can not be held together by packing tape. It doesn't stick. 2. I can not ignore bacon or the scent of it 3. T pins work great for holding your bacon together for the quick photo 4. a little bit of saran wrap will protect both the bacon and your hair from each other.

In conclusion, artistic filters don't always achieve their goals when used, bacon is tasty any time of the day and I will make a glass bacon tiara one of these days. Because it would be fun!

If you are looking for either a flame or a bacon tiara - made on a metal base, please message me.

You can find me on Facebook by searching StudioMarcy or Marcy Lamberson, or join my private group "Glass Art & Beads by Marcy Lamberson".  You can also find me on Instagram @MarcyLamberson or on Pinterest too.    Catch you later!

Now You See Me, Or Maybe You Won't!

I have decided to change my blog for the next couple of weeks, while I am on the West Coast.

Instead of regularly scheduled daily blogs, I will shoot a quick photo of something going on, and post it with a short blurb.  Please do not expect it early in the morning as usual.  And perhaps you won't see one every day. (I always take Saturdays off anyhow.)  So let's give this a try and I think if you still like creativity and what's going on the glass world, this could be a lot of fun.

Tomorrow, my Pets Class begins.  Hopefully I can show you something going on that's fun.  And wish me luck.  Tonight my Gathering Presentation is filmed.  Send me good wishes because this dog bead is pretty big and and has some rather interesting appendages that can get chilly quickly.  No explosions, please!

And Happy Birthday to my super duper Mom.  I think you're the very best!  Lots of Love!

Catch you tomorrow from the classroom, (or bar, who knows?)

ISGB Members...Need Your Dog Photos Please!

I am working on my presentation for the ISGB Gathering this year.  I'm demonstrating how to make a sculptural dog.  So perhaps you can be part of this too.  I would love to have members of the ISGB send me your photo of your dog (and you in the photo too, if you'd like.)

I need your name, your dog's name and breed and as large a photo as possible because you'll be on the big screen!  Can you send it by Saturday please?  I will try to get as many photos into the presentation as possible. I hope you will be there for this fun.

Here is my email:  StudioMarcy@gmail.com.  Thanks for joining in on this project.  Your furry friend could become famous, who knows??

From Flower to Jewelry

I just recently found out that I was accepted to the ISGB's 3 x 2 Exhibit.  The premise is that the glass artist submits a bead to a jury.  If accepted, then the beadmaker makes a total of three similar ones that get sent on to a Washington state metal jewelry artist  who will then make each of the three beads into jewelry.  One will go on exhibit for our Gathering in Bellevue WA this summer, and then each of the artists receive one of the final design.

I love this type of collaboration.  Usually I am making custom pieces or for myself, so I don't have to give up all control of the final item.  But you know, sometimes you find such wonderful combinations that you wouldn't have thought of otherwise.

I tried to pick colors that would go well with a variety of metals.  I know that some are so expensive, so I wanted colors that could look luscious with ...oh maybe copper or something else.  The affordable kind.  And although the bee is sculptural (and yes, he does have two wings, but a funny angle of the photo makes it look otherwise.), he is protected with the petals that I made a little thicker than usual.

And I was careful to make a very flat bottom for this as well.  I am not experienced in setting beads, but I thought that between having a 1/16 hole as well as a flat bottom, the metal crafter had more options for attaching them.

If you make beads for bezels, what are some tricks that you don't mind passing along?  I just shared my thinking, but I bet there are more angles for attacking this than what I thought of.  Let us all know.  And hope you had a nice weekend...

Convergence III Book Is Available and Guess What?

The International Society of Glass Beadmakers' Convergence III show's book is now available.  I was so excited to see my necklace in the center spot of the cover!

Convergence III is a juried traveling show of glass art jewelry that was designed with the theme of interpreting a piece of art.  If you have seen Magritte's "Son of Man" - you know, the man with the apple covering his face- and a cloudy serene background, you will recognize my inspiration.

But to be honest, I am just as in love with other artists' work in this book.  There is so much eye candy, they will gain 20 lbs just by looking at it.  (not really.... but you know...I'm trying to make a point!)

You can buy a copy of this and the Convergence II book (not on the cover, but I'm in it as well) by going here and here.  I'm ordering one of each today

Indelible Moments Show... Call for Artists

Have you seen this call for artists from the International Society of Glass Beadmakers?  It looks like a fun show. And the theme, really makes me excited about it.  Creating wearable glass art that means something important to the artist.   It makes me think about those "indelible moments" in my life.  Of course marriage, births, deaths, and so many other moments. So how would you express one of your Indelible Moments?  I'd love to hear. See you tomorrow....wwwl/studiomarcy.blogspot.com A Collection of Personal Narratives Expressed in Art Glass Beads   In everyone's lives are moments that stand out, moments that we remember more clearly than others. We can call these certain memories to mind as if they happened just yesterday, no matter how much time passes. What makes these moments unforgettable may vary greatly. Maybe it was doing something for the first time or for the last time. Perhaps it was an entirely commonplace occurrence but one day, that one day in particular, something different happened. These are the moments that become etched in our memory permanently. Sometimes, all it can take to transport us back to that moment is a smell, a word, or a sound, and we can play that memory over and over again in our mind's eye.   Reach back into your memory. Pluck out the details from one of your most memorable or special experiences. Take those sights and sounds and translate them into glass! Paint a picture of that memory using glass beads as your brushstrokes and jewelry as your canvas. Turn that special memory into a wearable work of art.   This is an opportunity for ISGB members to participate in a special exhibition that will open in conjunction with our twentieth anniversary Gathering in Bellevue/Seattle, Washington. Jewelry can include but is not limited to components such as seed beads, fine metal, PMC, fibers, etc. Multiple mediums are encouraged; however the main focus of your piece should be hand-crafted glass bead(s). Members may choose to work solo or with partners of their choice.

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!

ISGB - Call For Artists - "Surface"

The ISGB sent out the following information for a member show.  If you want to join the ISGB, it's easy.  http://www.isgb.org.  Belonging and entering this show, is one of their  wonderful member benefits.

_______________________________________

ISGB invites its members to create a bead that answers one of two questions: What lies beneath? When is it actually what is on the outside that counts?



Surface is a juried exhibit that will open at the 2011 Bead&Button Show in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Designed especially for the Show, it is another part of the continuing relationship between Bead&Button, ISGB, artists, students, collectors, exhibitors and writers who come together for this amazing annual event in celebration of the many facets of art that unite us all. Surface represents the ISGB's fifth year of presenting extraordinary glass exhibitions with the Bead&Button Show.


The deadline is March 1. To apply, artists should send a completed application, entry fee, and digital image of their bead. Artists may submit as many beads as they like for the competition, however a maximum of one bead per artist will be selected for the final exhibit. Artists will be notified of acceptance by March 30 and winning entries need to be received no later than April 13. Please email Sarah Riggle, ISGB Administrator or call 614-222-2243.


Click here for the Application Form and additional details.

International Society of Glass Beadmakers Needs Donations and Bidders!

If you're a member of the International Society of Glass Beadmakers, (ISGB), you should have received an email asking for help.
Jeesh, we all know what the economy is doing and I'm really proud of my organization trying to find a way to continue on with their mission to educate about our industry. So now they're taking it to the street- or should I say, eBay, to fund the outreach programs. Very cool!

For me, the ISGB has done a lot. I've mad great friends through the Gathering- their annual international conference as well as had the wonderful opportunity to present and teach there for the membership. Each year, I sell at the bazaar as well. So in my mind, it's time to reciprocate.

They are asking for bead/ lampwork functional item or jewelry piece donations to be auctioned on eBay through the non profit missionfish arm of it. (we're a 501(c) 3 non profit and that keeps everything straight).

If you'd like to donate (or bid) and want more details, you can email the auction committee ... isgbebay@gmail.com

I'll update you with what I choose to donate and hopefully I'll be able to tell you when it will be posted. If you have a suggestion for what you'd like me to make for it, (go crazy, it's okay), please post in the comment section. And any other comments are always appreciated as well.

Convergence II - Adorning the Past, Present & Pretend

This past weekend, ISGB members (International Society for Glass Beadmakers) received their notice of the next Call to Artists from the organization.

I love the creativity that is built into the theme. Here are the rules below and please note, you need to be a member of the ISGB (that's easy, just go to www.isgb.org to join)


CONVERGENCE II: ADORNING THE PAST, PRESENT, AND PRETEND

JEWELRY DESIGN WITH ART GLASS BEADS INSPIRED BY PERSONAS OF FACT AND FICTION

The International Society of Glass Beadmakers invites you to participate in our 2010 exhibition!Due to the incredible response we received for our 2009 project, Convergence, and with the depth of work that was submitted, we have decided to revisit the concept for a second year with a few updates. Convergence II is a juried show that will feature functional, wearable jewelry showcasing the use of handmade glass beads designed for an imaginary or historic figure.


EXAMPLES

What jewelry might Amelia Earhart have worn - a compass necklace or a pendant of a bird in flight?

What type of cufflinks would the Phantom of the Opera wear?

If Madeleine Albright was speaking to the General Assembly of the United Nations, what brooch would she wear?

What considerations would you make when designing a necklace for Marie Antoinette- would you make a heavily fortified choker?

Would you make an Art Nouveau style hair comb for Rapunzel?


GET CREATIVE
The possibilities and interpretations are endless and the stories of inspiration, we think, will be amazing to share!

Here is your chance, either as a solo artist or with a partner or partners of your choice, to participate in this one-of-a-kind exhibition. Jewelry can include, but is not limited to, components such as seed beads, fine metal, PMC, fibers, etc. We encourage you to use multiple mediums for your work. The main focus of the piece, of course, must be the glass bead(s).

Our mission is to once again showcase how handmade glass beads are incorporated into exhibition-quality jewelry, to develop a purchase-on-demand ISGB catalog of the exhibition pieces, and to publish selected jewelry with tutorials in various glass-related publications. We will also produce and make available a wonderful art card of the exhibition!

The exhibition will open in Rochester, NY at the 18th Annual Gathering. From there, Convergence II will travel to several different locations over the next twelve (12) months. In June 2011, Convergence II will be on display at the Bead&Button Show in Milwaukee and it will close in Ohio in July 2011.

To participate, complete and submit the online entry form at http://www.isgb.org/info/uploads/convergence_II_application.pdf

MORE DETAILS

· The entry deadline will be February 24, 2010. The entry fee is $35 for your 1st submission; additional entries are $20 each. This fee is due, along with the photographs of your piece by the deadline date. No exceptions, please.

· Should you decide to participate with a partner or partners, you will be responsible for contacting, confirming, and collaborating directly with your partner(s). You will need to meet all deadlines and participate in the project directly with your partner(s). If you participated in the Convergence I project, you may partner with the same person again; this is your own choice.

· ISGB and independent representatives will jury the exhibit. ISGB will notify you regarding acceptance.

· You are responsible for the cost of all materials.

· Design your glass beads and jewelry knowing that you may be asked to share instructions for them in print. Keep detailed notes about all materials (including specific quantities and sources), techniques, etc. in case your design is selected for publication. Artists retain all rights to original designs and instructions*.

You must be a member of ISGB in good standing to participate in Convergence II. Your partner, however, is not required to be a member.

We hope you decide to take part in this exciting event!

*You are not required to share your instructions in order to participate.

Questions? Contact Sarah Riggle at isgb.convergence@gmail.com or 1-866-473-4742.

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.

Arrrrgh, Act Like a Pirate

Arrrgh, so you like buried treasure, eh matey? How about being the one hiding it?

Please join me for the ISGB's Release A Bead program, either in your area, or perhaps, you could consider sending in a few spare lampwork beads to be released in Miami, FL prior to the Gathering. (These are due by June 30th)

I'm thinking this could be a lot of fun, don't you? I've got a few spare beads that folks might just enjoy receiving. I've included a snapshot of the card that you're welcome to download here to use. (don't forget to sign your name.) And you can go to the website to leave clues too. Just think if each of us released 5 beads. It could be our own way of our industry stimulating the economy...new people learning about what we do and forming connections- no harm trying it.

Anyone game to join me in this adventure? You can click on the link above for complete details and the address where to send them, if you want yours to be found in Miami. (not a bad idea, because there will be more PR down there about the ISGB). I'm now deciding what I want to release- probably a few seashells- and what do you think about some bacon and eggs? Margarita drink beads? Help me out here. Visit my lampwork glass etsy shop and let me know what you think. I'll be grabbing some beads from there.

Saved By Deb Dunk

Do you sometimes get a bit frazzled when under a quick time crunch? I do. And during one of my more recent ones, artist Deb Dunk of Dunk Designs pulled me out of it.

I received the ISGB's email with the deadlines, and realized that I hadn't printed this year's postcard and it's due by June 30th.

Drat. I knew I had to get going on this project right away. I'll be out of town for a lot of June.

I am not a graphic artist. I barely squeak by on the most minor things. And with my typical adventurous spirit, I chose to try a different online printer, who I had not worked with before. Double drat. I thought all online companies had an easy to use program that allowed the person to add copy over a photo after it was uploaded. I found out otherwise AFTER I had already paid for the postcards. I could handle the front of the postcard with my single photo, but I needed help for the back side. I hear hard lessons learned are the best. Well, this was a good one. Not sure how many new gray hairs and extra consumed calories over this one.

So I went to my favorite resource, Etsy.com and did a search for "custom postcard graphics" and scanned through the results. I immediately was drawn to "DunkDesigns" and her style.

I messaged her and it was so very lucky that Deb had some time available to help me. What a find! She's a delight and came up with this design for the back of my postcard, which was just what I was imagining- but much better.

Deb is an artist. So if you need some illustrations, invitations or other art related help, she seems to do it all.

This blog post has been brought to you as a public service. If you are submitting postcards for the Gathering, get them done now. If you are adventurous and just charge into something without reading carefully first, slow down. Luckily for me, it all turned out just fine. Only three more gray hairs out of it.

See you tomorrow!

Dali Joins The Perspectives Corning Exhibit

I'm so very happy to announce that my Salvador Dali glass bobblehead was juried in to the Perspectives exhibit to be shown in Corning, NY this summer.

It will showcase ISGB (International Society of Glass Beadmakers) members' work. We were asked to submit a bead that best captured our "inspiration, innovation and our personal voice."

The Perspectives' participant slideshow on the ISGB website is filled with amazing beads. You can find it here.

I found creating the famous, not so famous and the infamous as bobblehead subjects was quite fun and rather unique. So that was where I turned when I read about this call for artists.

Dali's unique mustache and dapper way of dressing was unique and easily recognizable. I had wanted to make his mustache 3-D, so that it stuck out, but being so thin and delicate, I worried that it would not survive being shipped across the country twice. So it became surface decoration.

And finally, I wanted him to have a cool beadstand that didn't compete with the form, but complemented it. So I looked to his artwork and chose a color he used often and added a simplified version of the dripping clock that is one of his noteworthy details. Uncomplicated, but you know whose stand it is.

I just had to share my excitement with you and the fabulous slideshow. Have a happy weekend.

Key West Vacation and Inspiration

I had made this bead quite a while ago and named it, "Vacation Wishes". As I was going through my vacation photos, I realized that this bead must have been lucky, because mine had come true.

My friend's husband had won a house for a week in Key West with with a $25 raffle ticket and they generously invited us and another couple to join them in their bounty.

The weather was gorgeous, the tropical plants were plentiful and you couldn't beat all the fresh fish right from the day's catch. I can see why people go down there and return often. There were a lot of characters living down there and they seemed to pride themselves in it.


We stayed in Jimmy Buffet's previous home and the most recent guest had just been Hulk Hogan. That sure made us laugh.

It was a very nice, but definitely not over the top place with three bedrooms and two baths, but the best part, was that it was right on the canal, so a boat could motor right up to the back. I spent a lot of my time on that back dock near the water. A resident blue crab, lots of little brown and white jelly fish and other fish seemed to be the major inhabitants among the coral. I really enjoyed watching them, checking out how the current was and that red kayak that you see in the photo got plenty of use too. We'd kayak around the neighborhood and get a great view of what houses and boats were nearby.

For those of you familiar with Key West, it's not all lazy days. The nightlife is quite active too. We did our share, but tended to gravitate to the outdoor local hangouts in the harbors where people and sunset watching is at its best. There are plenty of characters down there for sure. We did a bit of the tourist stuff and I noticed they could use a few lampworkers down there. The cruise ships come in and the town is packed.

But for me, I'm okay returning home. Yes, my friends continued sending me photos of their fun filled days as they stayed for the entire week and I was sorry to miss the rest of the explorations. But I'm anxious now to incorporate some of my photos and sketches that I made down there into some tropical beads. Our International Society of Glass Beadmakers' annual Gathering will be in Miami this summer, so I'd like to have a small line of beads that are in tune with the locale. This short vacation was perfect for the inspiration and photos to get me started.

Hidden Tutorial and Tips Resource- Mid Atlantic Chapter ISGB

I know many of us check out the main forums for hints, tips, tricks and tutorials. But do you know that a lot of the ISGB Chapters have websites that have this info too?

One of my favorite places to visit is the Mid-Atlantic Society of Glass Beadmakers' website. Lots and lots of wonderful beadmakers in that area and many have generously written out tutorials, tips and all kinds of goodies related to it.

One of their members is my friend, Alice St. Germain whose Patty Pan bead I am featuring here. Alice and I co-hosted a fun garage sale when she lived here. As things wound down, we had cocktails in the shady driveway and I taught her the joy of playing Yahtzee while waiting for customers. I miss her.

I digressed, sorry. Anyhow, here's a link to Mid-Atlantic's home page. The top left area of the homepage has the link for tutorials, classes and archives. That's the area that has the really juicy resources, but poke around the rest of it. And don't forget to look at the bottom left section of the home page that has links to other Mid-Atlantic Beadmaking Groups. There's tons more info there too. Enjoy!

Annealing Your Food- Or How My Friend Won the Southern Flames Appetizer Contest

Our ISGB (International Society of Glass Beadmakers) Chapter, Southern Flames enjoyed our December holiday meeting at Beads by Design with an Appetizer & Dessert Challenge and a raffle for a small Christmas Tree decorated with members' lampwork bead ornaments last Wednesday evening.

I had to show you my friend Linda's very creative (WINNING) entry in the Appetizer competition.  

Who says presentation isn't important?  Linda converted her warming tray to make a faux annealer complete with a bead door to house her kabob appetizers on sticks.  Of course to a beadmaker, they absolutely looked like lentils, barrels and other typical bead shapes on   mandrels.  They were mini hotdogs and hamburgers with the sauce and trimmings.    

That's Linda (our Southern Flames "Web Mama") on the left in the top photo waving her winning appetizer and our friend Kim watching.  The bottom photo is a closer photo of Linda's creativity. To see their beads and others in Southern Flames, visit our member pages.

We had so much going on that night, that there will be a few blog posts showing photos of some of our members and the fabulous raffled Christmas tree and its lampwork ornaments. 

If you don't have a chapter or a local club, I highly recommend starting one.  You can do that with the help of your ISGB Regional Director. Canadians and other International peeps, you have a Director too!  That link is for all chapters and contacting your RD.

The camaraderie, hints, collaborations and sharing really can bond you together and provide some wonderful times.  I treasure our local group.  We're all different personalities coming together through friendship and and the love of glass.

See you tomorrow with another post and more glass peeps.

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.

Leopold and Rudolph Blaschka- Glass Artists

Rudolph and Leopold Blaschka were a German father and son team of glass artists who were hired by Harvard University to make glass flowers for their botany department in the late 1800's. They also were known for their representations of invertabrate sea life.

You can see their story on the Corning Museum's video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHOx5H5vNx4

Or you can read about them here: http://www.journalofantiques.com/Feb04/featurefeb04.htm

I saw their Harvard exhibit while attending the International Society of Glass Beadmaker's (ISGB) Gathering in Lowell, MA a few years ago. Their work was magnificent. And thinking back to the exhibit, and now to the changes that have been made in the glass world- tools, equipment, types and colors of glass, it makes their artistry even more astounding.

Often times, lampworkers discuss whether glass is "art" or "craft". This topic will continue to be argued long after I'm gone. To me, I don't know how you can call their glass botany and sea life anything but "Art".

Elvis Has Entered the Building?

Elvis has entered the building? Well, this Elvis impersonator has entered my Etsy shop at least. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14606866

His real name is Erwin Fescue and he plays the small clubs and lounges, but he's always aspired to be an Elvis impersonator in Vegas.

I demonstrated a similar Elvis Bobblehead for our International Society of Glass Beadmakers recently in California at our annual conference. Elvis is actually two beads connected with a spring, so he can bobble or even be worn on an interchangeable pendant.

And here's the rest of the story.
Needless to say, I was a bit nervous about being filmed making these two beads. I had not only had to make the two beads in under an hour, but I had to make him with expertise and not flub anything. I had prepared pretty carefully, by practicing at home. Well the morning of the taping, I thought about those close ups of my hands being filmed and how dry they looked. I didn't want lizard skin on film, so I used some of the hotel hand lotion in my room. Big mistake! Oh the lotion worked well, but perhaps a little too much. My hands were really slippery.

For those of you who aren't beadmakers reading this blog, we make our beads on steel mandrels which are about the thickness of those bamboo skewers that you use for making fruit shish kabobs. My beads are sculptural and not symmetrical like most beads, so the heavy part always "pulls" a bit as we continuously rotate them in circles to keep the molten glass in place. (your basic centrifugal force). Dang, I wasn't sure what to do about my uber-slippery hands.

So I started washing them... a lot. I would have been diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive behavior, if you didn't know me. They were still slippery. After more scrubbing with hot water, I finally knew what to do. I took my nail polish remover and wiped them down to get any remaining lotion off of them. It dried them out. I was prepared to use our bead release, which is really drying if that other option hadn't worked.

Luckily, my hands looked okay after all I put them through, I didn't flub the filming and I learned a lesson, which I'm passing on to you.