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!

Technicolor Quick Challenges

I was torching with a friend one day and we decided to have what we called a "Pier One Quick Challenge".  I had their holiday catalogue in my bag.  So we each picked one item for both of us to interpret in glass.  We just wanted the "theme" and not the specific item. So we had a quick peek and then shut the book.

This is "peacocks off mandrel"  and here is my interpretation.  I made his tail feathers primarily transparent, so he could sit on a window ledge and glow.  It worked.  this will be posted in my Etsy shop later today.  I'm thinking if I were to revisit this one, I'd of course spend more time planning, but also might acid etch the tail for a different look. 

My friend chose a Zen Turtle for the challenge.  I'll find it and post it another day.  It was a funny one too, because my turtle looked like it was part frog.  Amphibian- no need to quibble!  See you tomorrow.

Sixty Ladybugs for Beads of Courage...Done!

It's bug season.  Ladybug Stars for Beads of Courage have been populating my studio recently.  You can see most of the 60 that I completed in this photo.  I have made it as a limited edition 100 beads and all are completed now. (can you see me doing a happy dance over here?)

This bead was designed by a young Pittsburgh patient for Beads of Courage.  I took her drawing, and did my best to interpret it in glass.  We even emailed, so we could come up with a design on the back-  which is the flower that you see.  You can buy these fundraising beads from Beads of Courage here.

And of course, I have to tell you about the BoC book.  My bead is on the cover along with the Jester bead that my friend Stephanie White made.  You can find the $14 book here.  It's a small book that has photos of each of the beads offered.  The different ones were each designed by someone associated with Beads of Courage- patients, medical staff, etc.  And then interpreted by members of the lampwork community.

So I know that this post is kind of a sales pitch, but it's for a great cause and not for me.  I love this organization and have personally seen what a difference it makes in these kids and their family's lives during their illness.  And it makes me see the strength and courage it takes to get through all of it.  I am in awe.

Hope you have a wonderful week.  See you right here tomorrow!

Rings...and More Rings

I have a full tray of handmade flamework glass flowers on adjustable metal rings waiting to be listed in my StudioMarcy.esty.com shop.

Most are "Statement Ring" size.  They really show up on your hands and are lively and fun.  I have some smaller ones as well, which are for the women who also love the handmade artisan style, but prefer to use their "inside voice " as my son says.  Both sizes also have some more geometric and also organic styles along with the whimsical garden flower variety.

The Big Beads of Courage Drawing for My Cricket Torch!

Perhaps you remember that this Cricket Torch raffle has been going on for the entire month of March.   For every 25 beads or $25, the donor receives a raffle chance.  And  wouldn't you know it, there's been an overwhelming response.  Way over 6,000 beads have been sent in to Beads of Courage.   I'm so delighted with our wonderfully generous lampwork community.  And even better, quite a few folks have stepped forward with additional raffle gifts, so there are lots more to give away.

Here are two photos of the many which have been posted on the raffle blog, http://www.givebeadsofcourage.blogspot.com.  Please pop by and see all of the wonderful beads that are going to the kids.  I'll leave the blog online after the raffle is completed for everyone's viewing pleasure.

So before I do the drawing today, I'm going to double check my raffle tickets to the donations and then I'll be using the online number generator.  You can see it here.  And after that- I'll post to the BOC Blog and start contacting both the recipients and the other gift donors as well.  I'm excited for all of it!

And of course, the big winners are the kids.  Having watched them pick beads at one of our local events, I know that they think about it pretty carefully when choosing.  (and like a complete bead dork, I was watching to see if they'd pick one I had donated.) 

Cheers to the lampwork community - you make me so proud to be associated with all of you.

Interweave's Sale Ends Today

Today is the last day to save at Interweave's "Hurt Book & Overstock Sale". Looks like some great prices on a variety of books that could interest many of us. I chose two here, that look fun to me. The first one, Color Color I wouldn't buy for stitching, but for bead colors and patterns. The cover photo looks like stacked dots with perhaps a cute murrini in the center to me.

The second one hearkens back to my childhood, perhaps. I used to love to braid fibers, my long hair or anything that I could- (even bread dough). Perhaps it's time to try that again as a way to incorporate some of my lampwork beads and form some funky necklaces.

So just a quick heads up to you. Hope you find a book at the right price and that is just what you wanted for your own personal Christmas in July.

See you tomorrow.