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Today: Tuesday 6:30 am 11-11-08
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New auction! Click
here to go to my ebay seller's list
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Just a quick "drop-in" to say that the auction is up and running! And, what would be more perfect to auction off right now than one of my "Rainbow Petal Beads"? This will be the last rainbow-colored petal bead for a while. It's going to be interesting to see what
kind of interpretations different artists will put on the design after purchasing my tutorial. Should be fun to see! Anyway, here's a pic of the bead that's up for bidding now:
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Happy Veteran's Day (especially to my Dad)! He served in the Marines during the Korean War, and I swear - he just celebrated his 81st birthday yesterday, and he's still a Marine through-and-through!
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Now, as for the mayhem that has been my tutorial (live and learn, I guess)... It's done very well so far (thank you very much), but as luck would have it, I had problems sending e-mails yesterday, creating a "snafu" which has since been fixed (my apologies to those who had to wait to receive their link to the tutorial).
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Also, some folks are wondering if there's a way to save it so that you don't have to go to a link every time you want to use it. There are a couple of solutions. First, you can...
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- Open the tutorial
- Right-click somehwere on the tutorial that isn't on a picture (jpeg or gif)
- Select "create shortcut", which will place an icon on your desktop that will go directly to the tutorial
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Or...
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If you'd like the tutorial in pdf format, one of my wonderful Lampwork Etc friends (Squid) put it into pdf format for me - I'll be happy to send that to you!
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Finally!!! The tutorial for my "Rainbow Petal Bead" is available for purchase!!! Click here to go to my "Rainbow Petal Tutorial" page where you can find directions to easily purchase it!
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Other cool news: I just got back from a weekend in New York! Lauren ran the New York Marathon, and while we were there, we went to see "Wicked" which was awesome!!! Anyway, I have lots of cool pictures and stuff to talk about, but I'm just getting ready to head out the door, so I'll have to catch up with all of that exciting stuff later today! Have a great day and I'll be back soon!
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Saturday 10:00 am 10-18-08
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Today's going to be very busy with making custom orders. I have a ton to do, so I better get started soon! I want to make another auction or two, but right now, my priority is to those who have placed orders, so as soon as I finish them, I'll have something for ebay!
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This is totally un-bead-related, but Lauren's dog Sadie comes and stays with us often (mostly just because we love her), and recently she was over when a wild bunny passed through our front yard. Usually, Sadie would f-r-e-a-k out, but the bunny stayed so long, Sadie calmed down and found pleasure in just watching the cute little thing. Inside, I know she was dying to pseudo-attack it, but if given the chance, she'd probably just play with it to death. Anyway, if I had to caption this picture, it'd be " So near, yet so far"...
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| The new auction's up and running! It's a classic fall color combo, but also neutral enough to wear every season. Hope you like it!
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| I'm still here, still making lots of beads, still alive. :) Boy, time goes by fast. One minute I'm just one week into August and the next thing you know, fall's started. Things have been very busy around here lately, so forgive me for not checking in here sooner. I've been working on lots of custom orders, and school/work started up again, so I'm running around like a chicken with its head cut off (I know, nice visual). Anyway, like I mentioned above, I will be working on some new auctions this weekend, so stay tuned!
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| The big question I'm getting though is, "Where's that 'Petal Bead' tutorial you said you were going to write?" Well, the content is finished (and has been for about a month). I'm just waiting for Steve to help me with some of the technical stuff. He's been working hard on it, so it should be ready soon! Thanks so much for your patience!!!
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| Anyway, that's all I have time for now - gotta go get ready for another day of working with my awesome students! I'll check back soon.
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| Yes, my auction is finishing tonight, but have no fear - I'm at the torch today. I actually just finished making a "Rainbow Petal Bead", and am planning a tutorial on how to make that style. I get a lot of e-mails from lampworkers asking how it's done, and I think a tutorial (which will be available for purchase) is the best way to go. I'm not sure when I'll have it ready, but I'm shooting for this week. If you're asking yourself, "What the heck is a 'Petal Bead'?" It's often a focal bead (but doesn't have to be), that has layers and layers of glass that look like petals. The petals have a very distinctive 3-D appeal, and when made with the right color combination - hoo-boy! It's gorgeous. I'll post a pic below:
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| So anyway, I'm heading back to the torch to start a new auction. Have a great weekend, and I'll be back here soon!
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| The new auction is a "go", and features a very cool orchid color that is just for ebay. It's a beautiful color that looks fantastic with the blues and aquas that accompany it. Anyway, not much else going on here - just trying to survive a summer where the neighbors behind us leveled their house, and the construction noise from the rebuild is driving us insane. :) Other than that - all's staus quo.
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| I'm not sure when I'll have another set on ebay - there's going to be a warming trend here, so I'll probably stay away from the torch for a few days. Until then, this brand-new auction (which I love), will have to do...
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Wednesday 6:30 pm 7-30-08
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| The new auction is up a running! It's a preview of my fall colors - one of my favorite all-time color combos: purple and amber. Hope you like it, and have a great night!
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| I've gotten a bit busier than I had planned over the past few days (and it was Steve's and my wedding anniversary), so I haven't gotten around to the auctions yet. But, today is supposed to be cool with rain showers = perfect torching weather! So look for some new auctions soon!!!
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| Also, just a short note to say that one of my perfume bottles was featured in the new issue of Bead Unique magazine, in the gallery section. Here's the cover of the new issue:
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| Just a quick pop-in here. Yesterday, I mentioned that Steve went on an overnight bike trip through the Iron Horse Trail. Well, he made a really cool website that chronicles his trip. If you're a cyclist, know a cyclist, or just like outdoor activities, you might find it a fun read (with some great pictures of Washington)! Here's a link to it:
http://bike.smxus.com/ironhorse.asp
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| I've been away for a little bit, so it's been a while since I've checked in here. Steve rode his bike from North Bend to Ellensburg (a little over a hundred miles), and then we went on to Spokane to visit his family for a while. I love it there - it's absolutely gorgeous, and his family couldn't be nicer. We went strawberry and cherry picking, spent sometime at his aunt and uncle's place, and enjoyed the wonderful dry heat (so much better than muggy Seattle heat) at his parents' house. Their backyard is like Eden, so we had just a superbly relaxing visit. Plus, his family (between all of his aunts and uncles) owns quite a bit of land east of Spokane, so it's always a treat to go out there and enjoy the peace, quiet, and beauty of the Pallouse. Maybe I'll add a couple of pics below.
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| Anyway, since I've been away, I haven't had any beads up for auction, but that will hopefully be changing soon! Look for some more beads by Monday!
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This is a picture that Steve took when he was on his bike ride. He went on the Iron Horse Trail (also known as the "John Wayne Trail"). Look how steep that bridge is - those are the tops of giant evergreen trees next to the bridge! There are points along the trail where they don't have railings too - can you imagine???
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Steve had to take a picture of this. This is at Steve's Uncle Albert's house/farm. Albert is going to be 86 next month, and that is his wood pile that he chopped to get ready for winter. Isn't that awesome?
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Steve took this picture too, of Albert's farm - his house is off to the right, and if you look closely, you might be able to see a cow or two. It's gorgeous out there!
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| So that's about it for now - we're settling back into the chaotic life of the Seattle area. :) Beads coming soon!
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| I wasn't kidding when I said I've been at the torch a lot lately, and it's fun to be back in the swing of ebay again. This week, there will be lots of beads to choose from.
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| Today, though was a great summer day. went for a long run, then Steve and I went to Costco. It's gorgeous here, and we bought enough food so I won't have to think too hard or be too creative when dinner time comes around. I love to cook, but in the summer it's hard because of the heat (not complaining, I'm just sayin').. Anyway, speaking of food, I'm out of here to make some dinner! Take care, and here's the new auction (super-summery):
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| Well it's 8:15, and I realized I hadn't updated my website to show my new auction (got a little wrapped up in the track and field Olympic trials). Anyway, here's the new auction, with another on the way tomorrow evening.
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| Hope you like it!
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| Two things - One, my new auction has started! And two, my step-daughter Lauren just got her wedding pictures back, and they turned out AWESOME!!!!! So, below you'll find a picture of my new auction and then one of my favorite pictures from Lauren and Garth's wedding:
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| Here's Lauren and Garth - Isn't she gorgeous???
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Wednesday 12:15 pm 7-2-08
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| So it went from unusally cold to outrageously hot here lately (which is why I have no beads on ebay right now - but there are some coming)! I'm not kidding - the local tv news folks were calling June, "June-uary", and the past few days have reached the 90s. Today it should just hit 80, so I made sure I spent some time at the torch this morning. It was waaaaay too hot to torch the past few days. It's like some sort of "Murphy's-Law-Phenomemon", that in the winter, the heat of the kiln makes little to no difference at all, concerning heating the studio. But in the summer, when you don't need the heat - holy cow it's hot. Anyway, there is a set in the kiln right now, so I'll be giving it my college try to get it ready for ebay tomorrow. Please come back to see it!
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| Since it's been so hot here lately, I've been able to sit outside and do some light reading. I found this cartoon in &Chicken Soup for the Cat & Dog Lover's Soul" (yes, it's very light reading, but a wonderful book). It really hit my funnybone:
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You can find my glass work in the following publications, etc. :
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| Click on the pics for more info
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***There is a new publication in the works that I was fortunate to be selected for - It's scheduled for release in the spring of '09. More details later!***
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Bead Unique - Fall '08
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Glass Art 2007
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That's Clever
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1000 Glass Beads
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"Gallery"
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16-Month Calender
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Episode #HCLVR-1A40
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Pgs. 68, 179
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pg. 109
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Click here for more info or to order
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Click here the show's schedule
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Beadwork- April/May 2004
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Aurora- Issue 58, April-May 2006
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Bead Unique - Winter '05-'06
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"Triple-Drop Necklace" by Janet Crosby, pg. 69
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"The Secret Life of Beads" By Tracey Edstein, New South Wales, Australia
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"Generations of Creativity", pgs. 28, 29, 30, 98
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King County Journal
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Bead Unique - Fall 2004
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"Craft Lessons for the Masses", Women's Journal, January 23, 2005.
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"The Secret Language of Braille Beads", pg. 129
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"Me and my two favorite guys"
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Me, my husband Steve and our floppy-eared Corgi "Max", relaxing at our favorite place in the world, Cannon Beach, Oregon
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I was born and raised in Bellevue, Washington, and earned my degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Washington State University in 1991. Ever since, I have enjoyed working in the Seattle School District's Speech Pathology department specializing in non-verbal students.
Although I've had a love affair with glass art since I was a youngster, it wasn't until my husband (fiancé at the time) helped me set up my own studio in 1998 that I began to produce lampwork beads (and am completely hooked). While my lampworking keeps me very busy, I've continued to work with the school district, teaching non-speaking children to communicate using technology.
My latest series, "Braille Beads" (click here for more info) seemed like a natural fusion of my two worlds, and I hope with some perseverence and steady hands I'll do the Braille alphabet justice.
The past couple of years have been especially exciting as I have had the opportunity to be published as well as appear on the Home and Garden Channel's "That's Clever" and "Crafters Coast to Coast". More opportunities (including another upcoming publication) are just around the corner as well,
so please check back. When the projects are finished and ready for the public, I'll be sure to post more information here in my "fun stuff" area of the website.
I look forward to expanding my designs, creating different styles, and acquiring new skills as I move forward with my lampworking. I am always available by e-mail, and love to hear from my clients. Please enjoy your beads - no one has any that are exactly the same!
Take care all, and keep in touch! - Amy
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I thought it would be fun to put a page together with some of my very favorite pictures of my family, friends, and myself. It's that old sentimental kind of feeling. :) Click on the button below if you're interested!
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What are "lampworked" beads?
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They are glass beads that are "handmade". That is, each bead is made one at a time by an artist who uses a stationary torch to melt the glass and form it into the shape
of a bead. They are not machine made, so each is individual and very unique.
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Why is it called lampworking?
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Back in the seventeenth century, oil lamps were used to melt the glass. Now, a variety of torches can be used for the process.
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Do you make your own beads?
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From start to finish! I am the only artist in my studio, and I make each bead as the order comes in, with
the exception of my auctions. Most of my clients request custom orders, and I'm happy to do them!
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Why are U.S. lampworked beads so expensive?
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It can really be summed up in one word...Quality. But more specifically, they take a darn long time to make (although I love every minute of it)! Also,
most lampworkers consider each bead a piece of art - they are made with the best materials available and require many, many hours (months, years, etc)
of practice and study.
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Since the beads are glass, do they break easily?
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All of my beads have been "annealed" in a kiln for extra durabilty. That means
after I have finished designing them, they are placed in a kiln that removes much of
the stress in the glass that would cause it to break easily. Yes, they are still glass, but are
stronger than one would think!
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What kind of glass do you use?
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There are several types of glass that can be used in lampworking, but for now I am using Effetre and Lauscha, which are brands of "soft" glass.
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How long does it take?
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It really depends on the complexity of the design, but some of the larger beads can take up to 45 minutes!
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What kind of torch do you use?
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Right now, I'm using a minor burner (oxygen/propane set-up), but am hoping to upgrade to a larger torch soon, so that
I can start working on larger objects such as goblets, vessels, etc.!
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Do the beads look just like their pictures?
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I really don't think pictures do glass justice, and I'm talking about all glass art. The beads
are actually much prettier in "real life". One thing to keep in mind when buying handmade glass beads...They are
individual pieces of art and no two will be exactly the same. That's part of the beauty of having something made for you
by human hands!
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Where can your work be found?
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I have had clients from all over the world! All of my work
is sold through my website and through Ebay. The internet has given me the opportunity to send my beads to clients in some of the most interesting and unusual places
in the world.
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Is there any benefit to buying something through ebay rather than a custom order?
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There are several reasons one may want to buy through ebay rather than a special order...
- It is much faster to get your beads if you buy them through ebay - custom orders can take about 3-4 weeks (depending on the time of year).
- My ebay sets contain styles of beads that I don't offer on my website
- The set will never be exactly the same
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Do you give lessons?
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I love to give private lessons, but lately, I just haven't been able to. When things calm down again, I hope to start up again!
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Do you do wholesale?
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No, I really enjoy selling directly from my website. I always keep my prices firm so that I can be fair to all of my clients. I do sell on ebay - that is
the closest avenue I'll walk to "wholesaling" for now.
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This area will be growing over time. For now, I hope you find these tutorials helpful. Click on the title of the tutorial to take you to the page.
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