Julie Nordine | Credit River Art Glass

TWIN CITIES BEAD BAZAAR this weekend....

2011-10-19T06:56:00.001-05:00

Come see me @ the Twin Cities Bead Bazaar this weekend in Hopkins, Minnesota. I'll have lots of great items, including this beauty....

....of course lots of acorns & copper oak leaves, fabulous beads, jewelry, kaleidoscopes & even some Christmas ornaments! Here's a coupon for 20% off one item of your choice at my booth.

I've moved into a full size booth for this show.... 2nd aisle from the front doors. Hope to see you there!

Till then...

BEAD SOUP BLOG PARTY...soup is on!

2011-09-17T01:00:00.000-05:00

Soup is on!! Are you ready??? Today is the day that all 362 of the Bead Soup Blog Party participants reveal what they created w/ the bead soup that their party partner sent them. The requirements were that we were to send our partners:

...a focal piece

...a special clasp

...some coordinating beads &/or spacers.

We were only required to use the focal & the clasp... the extras we could use or not, completely up to us. This is what Lesley Watt sent me. THANK YOU, Lesley!!

When I received Lesley's soup mix, I was thrilled, of course.... the bronze focal is really beautiful... substantial & I loved it. I knew I wanted to do something significant w/ it, I just didn't have a clue what! My biggest desire was to make some sort of a collar... but how?? My jewelry style is rather simple & my knowledge of technique isn't very extensive, so I thought about it & thought about it... made some pieces & parts that I thought would work, but it was beyond me. I needed 5 hands. :o) So...I chickened out & decided that I could get a collar look from just wrapping it the heck around my neck, LOL. So, here you go.... 90 inches of beads... lariat style. ( click images to enlarge)

This took care of the focal, but I still needed to use the clasp... so I made a wrap bracelet... which also doubles as a necklace...24 inches long.

& then, of course, I needed to just finish out the whole set w/ some earrings. :o)

Here's the whole set.....

It was fun to do... looks fabulous on.... hope you like it.

Thanks for stopping by!!

Now go check out what my partner Lesley did w/ the soup I sent her!!

Here's the list of Bead Soup Blog Party participants... hope you get a chance to check them all out!

The Hostess, Lori Anderson and her partner, Manuela Wutschke

1. Aimee Wheaton and Barbara York

2. Alice Craddick and Sandra Richardson

3. Alison Sachs and Amy Severino

4. Allison Scott and Cynthia Abner

5. Amanda Cargill Austin and Charlene Sevier

6. Amanda Davie and Patsy Evins

7. Amber Dawn and Kim Ballor

8. Ambra Gostoli and Christine Hansen

9. Amy Freeland and Christine Altmiller

10. Ana Krepel-Novak and Eleanor Snare

11. Andrea Morici and Hope Smitherman

12. Andrea Trank and Jayne Capps

13. Andrea Turini and Charlene Jacka

14. Angela May and Emanda Johnson

15. Anitra Gordy and Elizabeth Owens Dwy

16. Ann Rishell and Debbie Price

17. Ann Sherwood and Lynne Bowland

18. Anna Lear and Barbe Saint John

19. Anna Sabina and Erin Siegel

19. Nan Emmett and Erin Siegel

20. Astrid Boyce and Birgitta Lejonklou

21. B.R. Kuhlman and Deanna Chase

22. Barbara Bechtel and Bryna Lumb

23. Barbara Blaszczyk and DaviniaDesign

24. Barbara Judy and Holly Westfall

25. Barbara Lewis and Cathie Carroll

26. Barrie Edwards and Lyn Foley

27. Becky Fairclough and Jana Tarhala

28. Bella Borgouise and Gillian Lehman

29. Beth and Evie McCord and Erin Prais-Hintz

30. Beth Bricker and Heather Pyle

31. Beth Emery and Cassie Donlen

32. Bobbie Rafferty and Cindy Cima Edwards

33. Candice McGinnis and Sally Anderson

34. Carol Bradley and Cece Cormier

35. Cathy Khoury and Molly Alexander

36. Carol Tannahill and Hilary Frye

37. Carrie Tahquechi and Cris Peacock

38. Cat Pruitt and Cindy Gimbrone

39. Charlene Gary and Doris Stumpf

40. Charlotte Pevny and Kate Gardenghi

41. Cherrie Fick and Cathie Carroll

41. Claire Maunsell and Cherrie Fick

42. Cheryl Roe and Jenny Vidberg

43. Chris White and Norma Turvey

44. Christa Murphy and Kathy Alderfer

45. Christie Murrow and Dana James

46. Christina Miles and Collette Collins

47. Christine Brandel and Elizabeth Woodford

48. Christine Damm and Cynthia Deis

49. Christine Hendrickson and Debbie Goering

50. Christine Stonefield and Dee Wingrove-Smith

51. Cilla Watkins and Johanna Rhodes

52. Cindy Wimmer and Riki Schumacher

53. CJ Baushka and Cory Celaya

54. Courtney Breul and Joanna Matuszczyk

55. Cristi Clothier and Kathleen Robinson Young

56. Cryss Thain and Serena Trent

57. Cynthia Tucker and Kitty Durmaj

58. Dana Johnson Jones and Eva Sherman

59. Davinia Algeri and Janet McDonald

60. Deci Worland and Lara Lutrick

61. Diana Ptaszynski and Kristy Abner

62. Diane Cook and Kerry Bogert

63. Diane Hawkey and Jen Judd Velasquez

64. Dorcas Midkiff and Jill Harris

65. Doris Radlicki and Heather Goldsmith

66. Dot Lewallen and Gaea Cannaday

67. Elisabeth Auld and Jennifer Justman

68. Erin Fickert-Rowland and Geanina Grigore

69. Erin Grant and Julie Jones

70. Eszter Czibulyas and Helena Fritz

71. Fiona Christie and Michelle Heim

72. Gail Zwang and Genea Crivello-Knable

73. Geneva Collins and Jana Haag

74. Gretchen Nation and Heidi Post

75. Heather DeSimone and Karin Slaton

76. Heather Marley and Terry Carter

77. Ingrid McCue and Jennifer Pride

78. Jackie Ryan and Nicole Keller

79. Janna Harttgen and Joanne Tinley

80. Jean Yates and Lori Anderson

81. Jelveh Jaferian and Jenny Davies-Reazor

82. Jenni Connolly and Jennifer Heynen

83. Jennifer Cameron and Kristi Bowman

84. Jennifer Geldard and Lisa Liddy

85. Jennifer VanBenschoten and Kim Hora

86. Jess Italia Lincoln and Lori Greenberg

87. Jill MacKay and Lori Bergmann

88. JJ Jacobs and Karen Tremblay

89. Joyce Becker and Kathy Welsh

90. Judy Glende and Karen Sinkowski

91. Judy Riley and Kelly Morgan

92. JuLee Wolfe and Julie Bean

93. Julianna Cannon and Julianna Kis

You are here....94. Julie Nordine and Lesley Watt

95. K. Hutchinson and Shea Zukowski

96. Karen Firnberg and Karyn Bonfiglio

97. Karen Williams and Kimberly Roberts

98. Karen Zanco and Polly Barker

99. Kari Carrigan and Laura Twiford

100. Karin von Hoeren and Laura Blanck

101. Kate Richbourg and Lorelei Eurto

102. Kathleen Lange Klik and Maria Clark

103. Kathy Engstrom and Keri Lee Sereika

104. Kay Thomerson and Loretta Carstensen

105. Kelley Fogle and Laurel Bielec

106. Kelly Ramstack and Sally Anderson

107. Kim Stevens and Tiffany Long

108. Kristi Harrison and Mandy Williamson

109. Kristi Kyle and Lana Kinney

110. Kristina Johansson and Sue Hodgkinson

111. Kym Hunter and Laura Sanger

112. Laura Zeiner and Susan Kennedy

113. Laurel Steven and Mary McGraw

114. Laurie Hanna and Lisa Boucher

115. Lesley Weir and Liz DeLuca

116. Linda Djokic and Tracey Weiser

117. Linda Inhelder and Pam Brisse

118. Linda Landig and Lori Dorrington

119. Linda Murphy and Lisa Hamilton

119. Line Labrecque and Marianne Baxter

120. Lisa Lodge and Monica Johnson

121. Lois Moon and Melissa Muir

122. Lola Surwillo and Therese Frank

123. Lori Bowring Michaud and Marci Brooks

124. Lupe Meter and Norma Agron

125. Maggie Towne and Marge Beebe

126. Malin de Koning and Susie Hibdon

127. Mallory Hoffman and Shirley Moore

128. Marcie Abney and Patty Miller

129. Marcy Lamberson and Melissa Clarke

130. Margot Potter and Suzann Sladcik Wilson

131. Maria Grimes and Wendy Blum

132. Maria Horvath and Melinda Orr

133. Maria Rosa Sharrow and Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp

134. Marian Hertzog and Melissa Mesara

135. Marianna Boylan and Sandi Lee James

136. Marina Dobrynina and Michaela Pabeschitz

137. Marsha Neal and Miri Agassi

138. Mary Ellen Parker and Melissa Meman

139. Mary Elliott and Tamara Soper

140. Mary McGraw and Laurel Steven

141. Melissa Pynn and Michelle Buettner

142. Michelle Hardy and Niki Meiners

143. Michelle Mach and Moira McEvoy

144. Missy Rappaport and Mags Sarri

145. Molly Alexander and Poranna

146. Mylene Hillam and Nicole Rennell

147. Nadezhda Parfyonova and Stacey Curry

148. Nan Emmett and Nancy Peterson

149. Nancy Boylan and Natalie McKenna

150. Natalie Monkivitch and Niky Sayers

151. Natasha Lutes and Pam Ferrari

152. Noemi Baena and Penny Ilagan

153. Pamela Petry and Rebecca Sirevaag

154. Pat Haight and Mary Shannon Hicks

155. Patty Gasparino and Vonna Maslanka

156. Penny Neville and Sandi Volpe

157. Pepita Bos and Wendy Chamberlain

158. Raida Disbrow and Rebecca Watkins

159. Rebecca Anderson and Sabrina Staub

160. Regina Santerre and Rose Binoya

161. Rhea Freitag and Tari Kahrs

162. Rochelle Brisson and Teri Baskett

163. Sally Russick and Tracy Bell

164. Sandra McGriff and Shay Williams

165. Sandra Wolberg and Sara Hardin

166. Sarah Elder and Salla Small

167. Saskia Kaffenberger and Sharon Gardner

168. Sharon Palac and Shannon Chomanczuk

169. Shay Stone and Suzette Bentley

170. Shiraz Biggie and Tammy Powley

171. Staci Smith and Tracy Stillman

172. Stacie Stamper and Tracy Martin

173. Stefanie Teufel and Vicky Taylor

174. Stephanie Dixon and Stephanie LaRosa

175. Stephanie Haussler and Valerie Norton

176. Suzanne Tate and Terri Wlaschin

177. Sweet Freedom Designs and Tammy Jones

178. Tania Spivey and Tari Sasser

179. Tara Plote and Terry Matuszyk

180. Terri Gauthier and Deana Hager

181. Theresa Fosdick and Tracey Nanstad

BEAD SOUP PARTY...reveal happens tomorrow!

2011-09-16T16:26:00.000-05:00

Just a quick reminder that tomorrow is the day that all of us Bead Soup Party participants will be revealing what we created from the bead soup that we received from our party partners!

Lori Anderson, our fabulous party hostess, will have the participants listed on a new post tomorrow... check it out & be sure to visit all of the websites & see all of the pieces that were created. I can't wait to see my party partner, Lesley's reveal!

Here's a teeny tiny little tease for you from me.....

I FOUND THEM.....

2011-08-29T09:56:00.002-05:00

I'm in the process of reworking my studio, setting up a 2nd workspace for teaching.... what a job! :o) But as I was clearing things out, I finally came across these.....

My very first electroformed acorns!! (Actually, my very first electroformed anything.) I've been looking for them for a long time now... they were buried deep in the bottom of a box.

I made these in May 2007. My local ISGB chapter was getting together to make beads for the upcoming ISGB Gathering in Minneapolis.... the hosting chapter provides beads that are tied to each & every goodie bag that is handed out @ the Gathering. We were going to get together @ Julia Lund's studio & she was also going to show us how to electroform, so we were supposed to bring something that could be electroformed. I thought & thought about it & came up w/ these acorns. Not knowing how electroforming worked, I figured I could just make the "nut" & we could electroform the cap on. Julia explained to me how electroforming doesn't actually "stick" to the glass.... it needed to be done in such a way that it caged the nuts, so I needed to bring the electroforming all the way down the curve of the nut until it started to get smaller. Made sense to me. This is what we ended up w/.... baby nuts. :o)

We rigged up a piece of copper wire to just stick snuggly in the hole (didn't know about epoxy & such!) & Julia electroformed them for me. The stem was pretty thick, so Julia just cut them short. Aren't they cute? I was really excited about them... excited to see this fabulous texture & I knew I wanted to make more!

I bought my electroforming kit just after The Gathering that year.... it took me a while to get started, but once I figured it out, I was off! & the rest is history.

They've evolved quite a bit, don't you think? :o)

Here's a picture of a heart that I did that day, too...

Anyway... I'm thrilled to have finally found them. They're such an early part of my lampworking history. I've also found so many beads from my first few years, it's been a treat seeing the progression.

Later...

ONE OF THOSE DAYS....

2011-08-24T22:38:00.000-05:00

I've been having one of those days. You know, those days where you're feeling insecure about where you are & where you're going. I don't get it, life is good.

I'm thinking alot about teaching... I'm dying to teach, but I question WHAT I have to offer that all of these fantastic instructors don't? Who am I? Am I different enough that others will want what I'm offering? Am I good enough? I've been told that I'm a fantastic teacher... but...

BUT. Stupid word.

It's been a pity party kind of day. Can't believe I'm writing about it.

I guess it's on my mind because I'm [supposed to be] in the process of getting my studio cleaned up & set up for teaching one on one. I've been talking about doing it for a long while now... it's just time to DO IT!! I get asked often enough if I teach... I'd love to say YES.

Hey! How about a picture of some sweet acorns??? :o)

Time to kick the pity party to the curb & actually do something that's going to move me forward, right?

Just do it....

RECEIVED MY INGREDIENTS....

2011-08-24T17:55:00.001-05:00

What a crazy day! My bead soup partner eMailed me this morning, bummed that the package she sent me & was tracking somehow wound up in Ireland! She was hopping mad about it & very apologetic, too... but I assured her that I wasn't worried, it wasn't her fault & that I work well under pressure. :o) So, Lesley was putting together another batch of soup ingredients when I arrived home to find a package from her!! LOL. Seriously. Thank goodness one of my kids was home to sign for it! Anyway, whew. :o)

I was so excited to get this package open, especially since neither of us was expecting it!! This is what I found...

How sweet are those handmade boxes??? I just love them.

Lesley included a nice note that pointed out a few of the ingredients that were handmade, but not by her, including their website & such. I think that was an awesome touch! Check out the beautiful ribbon from www.sowzeredesigns.com and the awesome textile beads from www.etsy.com/shop/cornishpebbles! These textile beads are just yummy... they will be fun to work with. Look @ the rest of the blue ingredients... seed beads, ceramic spacers, leather cording & those fabulous gemstones!

In the 2nd box, I found these treasures. Wood, ceramic, glass, stone beads..... oh so yummy. These are just gorgeous together. FABULOUS, Lesley!!

Here's my 3rd box of ingredients.... all bronze, all incredible! Lesley made the focal & toggle clasp w/ BronzClay & the other clasp w/ bronze wire. What a beautiful focal, Lesley... it's just lovely & no, it's not too large! Just right. :o) TWO handmade clasps... both so unique on their own... nice. Some bronze jump rings & some bronze chain. Oh, this is going to be fun!!!

Here's the whole mix of ingredients together.... don't they make just a lovely soup?? Perfect, Lesley... you did an amazing job, I can't wait to see what fabulous piece(s) I create.

Needless to say, I want to use it all because it all works so well together... it's all a little daunting... doing this soup justice... me, a beadmaker.... but that's what this Bead Soup Blog Party is all about, right?? Knocking us out of our comfort zones, challenging us.

Okay... I'm up for the challenge! It's going to be fun... right?? ;o)

Till then....

BEAD SOUP PARTY IS ON.....

2011-08-19T20:50:00.000-05:00

I decided to join in on Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Blog Party again this fall & was partnered up w/ a very talented Lesley Watt of the UK!! Lesley is a jewelry designer who loves to work w/ great lampwork bead artists.... check out a few of her pieces below...

She has a great organic style about her designs that I really enjoy & I'm really hoping that she's going to be completely tickled w/ what I sent for her to work w/!!

Check out her blog: The Gossiping Goddess
& her Etsy shop, too.

As for what I've sent..... here's a little tease for you, Lesley.....

..................hope you like it! :o)

And a huge THANK YOU to Lori Anderson for taking on another ever popular Bead Soup Party... over 300 participants this time around... unreal! We all appreciate what you put into the party.... you're an awesome hostess!! Thank you!! ♥

Till next time....

SUMMER...

2011-07-15T20:07:00.001-05:00

I hope this post finds you enjoying your summer.

After getting beyond the Bead & Button Show, I've spent the past month listing lots of acorns, hearts, keys & beads in my Etsy shop. I've just finished posting the last of my copper & glass acorns until the fall.

I'm spending the rest of my summer getting my studio ready for teaching & doing a little bit of vacationing before the kids go back to school! This next week, however, I'm going to be busy preparing for a big 50th birthday bash for my sweet hubby! Fifty... hard to believe. :o) It's going to be fun...

Till next time...

KALEIDOSCOPES....

2011-06-30T23:32:00.001-05:00

I've been having fun making kaleidoscopes the past few months & I'm getting pictures ready for listing them on Etsy. Just finished these pictures...... I thought this was a pretty cool looking kaleidoscope & these pictures really made me fall for it all over again.

Am I allowed to tell you that I messed up when I was making it.... notice that the dots are a different color than the scrollwork? I grabbed the wrong glass... they looked the same in stringer form, for some reason, but obviously they're different. I really like it, though...... a true one-of-a-kind collectors item, I'm sure. :o)

Check it out. (click on images to enlarge)

.....it'll be listed on Etsy tomorrow.

Till then.....

BEAD & BUTTON & BEYOND....

2011-06-29T14:31:00.002-05:00

Well.... The Bead & Button Show was a great success.... always a great time, I love to interact w/ customers & I especially love catching up w/ friends.

I really went crazy getting inventory ready for the show, so I came home w/ plenty of product to stock my Etsy shop w/... so that's what I've been doing since I've been home.
Plenty of acorns....

some fabulous large hole beads....

some gorgeous heart beads....

heart bead keys....

....& several kaleidoscoopes....

I have more to list over the next several days.... so much work!

Next on the agenda.... cleaning out my studio & adding a 2nd torch for teaching!! I bought a new torch @ the show, so excited about hooking it up!

Till next time....

THE BEAD & BUTTON SHOW...

2011-06-06T00:55:00.000-05:00

...it's coming up quickly!! I'm ready, are you?

Heart beads, heart beads & more heart beads....

European-Style Charm Beads & bigger beads, perfect for necklaces

& my new Duel-Length Stacking Charm-Bead Necklaces (bracelets, too!)

Plenty of cute earrings & jewelry

Glass & Copper Acorns (& acorns & more acorns!!)

Even a new size....MICRO...so cute!

Etched & enameled copper oak leaves & my sterling silver twig changeable bead holders, too! So much more!

Hope you'll stop by to check everything out.... booth 1136!

Here's a coupon for you, too... for 20% off one item at my booth....

& Click here for coupon for $2 off admission &/or Sunday's 2 for $10 special

COMING UP NEXT WEEKEND...

2011-05-14T22:10:00.003-05:00

I'm getting ready for the Bead & Button Show that's coming up rather quickly (June 10-12)... but next on my agenda is Art-a-Whirl next weekend!!

May 20th-22nd, Friday-Sunday

Northeast Minneapolis Art-a-Whirl Open Studio & Gallery Tour. Over 500 artists open their studios & galleries to the public for the largest tour in the US!

Click here to print out the Art-a-Whirl map.

I will be showcasing my work as well as demonstrating glass beadmaking along with my local ISGB chapter, Star of the North Glassworkers, at:

FOCI / Minnesota Center for Glass Arts (click link for more info)

Glassblowing demonstrations all weekend, FOOD, live music & entertainment & an open gallery full of new glass art from a variety of local glass artists.

2010 E. Hennepin Ave.

Building #10
Minneapolis, MN 55413
(watch for sign on right, turn in @ sign & drive all the way behind the buildings on your left...FOCI is on the back side of the building)

Friday: 5-10pm

Saturday: noon-8pm

Sunday: noon-5pm

There will be nonstop glass beadmaking demos from the group.

I will demo, tentatively:

Friday: 5:15, 7:15, 9:00

Saturday: 1:15, 2:45, 4:45, 6:45, 7:45

Sunday: 1:15, 2:45, 4:15

I hope you will stop by to see me in action!

Here's a coupon for 20% off any ONE item at Art-a-Whirl.

Hope to see you there!!

IS IT REALLY MAY???....

2011-05-07T15:16:00.002-05:00

Just thought I'd take a minute to check in... finally! :o)

The Art Glass & Bead Show in Madison was FANTASTIC!! I was blown away w/ how well it went. Yay. I'm sure the fact that I did the Challenge bead helped! It was so much fun seeing what the challengers created... wonderful works of art!! There were 2 winners.... the Popular Vote & the Technical Vote. The Popular winner, a hat, was picked by the shoppers, the Technical winner, a necklace, was picked by the vendors. To see the winners & all of the participants creations, you can go to the show's website... here are a few pictures of the winners... (click for enlarged view)

Fabulous, huh??

I've been busy getting things together for The Bead & Button Show, coming up in early June. I've been having fun making some new bead styles that have large holes to be worn on European style necklaces (which I happen to make, too!)...

Fabulous, huh?? Such a fun picture.

Been busy making tons of acorns, too, of course. Don't know if I've shown you my new MICRO size... they're pretty tiny. Here's a few...

There's a big possibility that I'll be partaking in a huge Minneapolis art crawl, called Art-a-Whirl. My lampworking group, Star of the North Glassworkers, are going to be selling & demonstrating @ FOCI, Minnesota Center for Glass Arts the entire weekend of May 20-22... 5pm-10pm on Friday, noon-8pm on Saturday & noon-5pm on Sunday. I'll definitely be there... not sure if I'll be selling (so much to do for B&B!), but I'll be there helping out & demonstrating. Hope those of you in the area will come by to see what's happening. There will be glassblowing demos going on all weekend, too!! It'll be a HOT time! :o)

Something else to show you. I just did a wedding cake serving set for a customer...LOVE how they turned out...

So.... that's it for now! I'm busy making a bracelet for my sweet niece's first communion.

Till next time....

ART GLASS & BEAD SHOW, MADISON.....

2011-03-23T20:33:00.001-05:00

The Twin Cities Bead Bazaar is behind me.... THANK YOU, SO MUCH, Wendy Mosman, for helping me out! Next up is the Art Glass & Bead Show in Madison, Wisconsin... I leave tomorrow afternoon & am really excited about the show. This is such a great one. Really looking forward to seeing return customers & Make-n-Take students from the past 2 years. I'm not doing the Make-n-Take this year since I did the Challenge Bead. Just too much on my plate.

I'm so excited about seeing what the challengers created w/ my heart bead! Have to make sure I don't forget my camera!!

If you're coming to the show, don't forget to print up a 20% off coupon for my booth....

I DON'T THINK I'D MIND SHAVING....

2011-03-18T08:46:00.000-05:00

Something new..... don't think I'd mind shaving w/ a razor like this.....

Pretty cool, huh? I love it.

BEAD SHOWS & SUCH...

2011-03-15T08:17:00.002-05:00

I hope this post finds you as anxiously anticipating the first days of Spring as I am! I'm ready for this Minnesota snow to start melting & for the early Spring bulbs to start coming up!

Along w/ Spring comes my first bead shows of the year. I'm busy getting ready for my 2 March shows coming up these next 2 weekends! It's going to be a little nuts.... my work will be @ the Twin Cities Bead Bazaar the whole show, but I'll only be there on Saturday morning until noon or so & then will leave my good friend, Wendy Mosman, to man my table for the full weekend (she'll have some of her amazing work there as well!). I'll be heading to Omaha, Nebraska for a class w/ Melanie Moertel, from Germany!

I'm so excited to be taking this class... & as much as I know my sales would be much better w/ me there, I couldn't pass this rare opportunity up! I'm so excited to be taking this class w/ 3 girlfriends... all of whom took Andrea Guarino's class w/ me in Austin, Texas in 2009. It'll be a blast... we'll be staying in a comfy house where we can just hang out & talk about glass all weekend! :o)

I'll get home from Omaha on Tuesday afternoon & then will head back out on Thursday to my next show in Madison, Wisconsin! The Art Glass & Bead Show is such a fun show, I'm really looking forward to seeing returning customers & other artists & vendors. Sad to not be doing the Make & Take this year, but my commitment to doing the Challenge Bead kept me busy & gave me a later start on getting it together for these shows. Next year, hopefully. So much fun... especially when students come back for more.

I've begun making MICRO acorns now.... so cute!

Anyway... here are a couple of coupons for both shows. Print one (or both if you're following me. LOL) & bring it to my booth for 20% OFF any single item of your choice!

Hope to see you this Saturday morning @ the Twin Cities Bead Bazaar or next weekend @ the Madison Art Glass & Bead Show! Lots of fantastic glass for you to check out!

Until then...

3rd BEAD SOUP PARTY...soup is on!

2011-02-26T00:32:00.004-06:00

Soup is on!! Are you ready??? Today is the day that all 210 (yes, I said two hundred & ten!) of the Bead Soup Party participants reveal what they created w/ the bead soup that their party partner sent them. The requirements were that we were to send our partners:
...a focal piece
...a special clasp
...some coordinating beads &/or spacers &.
We were only required to use the focal & the clasp... the extras we could use or not, completely up to us. This is what Jess sent me. THANK YOU, Jess!!

I was so excited when Lori Anderson, the Bead Soup Blog Party hostess, sent me the name of my party partner, Jess Italia Lincoln. I only knew her as "Jess" from Vintaj. You guys know I love Vintaj... have been working their findings in w/ my lampwork jewelry designs for a few years now. Needless to say, I was a little intimidated. Why?? Because Jess makes awesome jewelry everyday... she knows design & knows what she's doing. My jewelry style is fairly simple. I knew I needed to send her something fantastic, knowing she would be doing the same.

Like I said, my jewelry style is fairly simple & when I saw the focal piece that Jess sent me, I knew I needed to create something that brings it front & center. I loved the idea of a really beautifully simple choker... if I thought I could get away w/ it, LOL, I think I might've taken this beautiful focal & just mounted it on a wide piece of leather w/ a simple clasp in the back & call it a day. It really is that pretty & can definitely stand on its own. But, I wanted to work w/ some of what Jess sent me & what I already had on hand. I have tons of Vintaj findings & one of my favorite pieces is an oak leaf & acorn component that I've had for a while now & haven't used much of... it seemed like a perfect fit w/ this lovely bird. I also used the beautiful faceted Labrodorite & cute little scalloped bead caps on the drops w/ the silver.

Anyway... check it out for yourself... hope you like it, Jess!
(click on images to enlarge)

Faceted Labrodorite... so beautiful in person!

I hated putting this great clasp that Jess altered in the back... it really deserves to be the front & center of its own creation, but w/ as simple as I was going, it wanted to fight w/ the focal if I had it up front. I know, you're thinking "a clasp & a ribbon??" One thing I love about using ribbons is that you can tie them long or short & the beautiful hand-dyed ribbon from Heidi of JamnGlass worked just wonderfully w/ the whole piece... pulling out the colors in both the clasp & the bird focal.

I was asked to model the necklace, so here's an additional picture...

As I write this, I haven't seen what Jess has done yet, but I'm about to pee my pants in anticipation. Once you read this, you'll be able to jump to her blog to see what she created. This is what I sent her...

Now go check out what the rest of the partiers created! Each blog post should include this list of participants. I'm number 175!

1. Lori Anderson, Pretty Things

2. Kitty Durmaj, Perles and Life

3. Michelle Heim, Life In the Bead Lane

4. Lisa Petrillo, Lucid Moon Studio

5. Anitra Gordy, Leelu Creations

6. Paige Maxim, Paige Maxim Designs

7. Marianna Boylan, Pretty Shiny Things

8. Cheryl Roe, BeadRoe

9. Heidi Post, Ex Post Facto

10. Cindy Wimmer, Sweet Bead Studio

11. Terri Gauthier, Blooming Ideas

12. Rachel Walsh, Balanced Crafts

13. Marian Hertzog, M's Place

14. Mary McGraw, MK's Musings

15. Sarabeth Burke, Chronicles of Sarita

16. Deci Worland, Gem Trails

17. Erin Prais-Hintz, Treasures Found

18. Laura Zeiner, Stick Lizard Designs

19. Kristin Latimer, MJM Jewelry Designs

20. Cathryn Brooks-Williams, Chile Cats

21. Holly Westfall, Silver Rose Designs

22. Janna Harttgen, Palima-Lim

23. Libby Leuchtman, Libby Leu

24. Rebecca Anderson, Songbeads

25. Deb Hunter, Living On Air

26. Diana Ptaszynski, Suburban Girl Studio

27. Jennifer VanBenschoten, VanBeads

28. Margot Potter, The Impatient Crafter

29. Cyndi Lavin, Beading Arts

30. Courtney Breul, Beads by Breul

31. Stefanie Teufel, Stefanie's Sammelsurium

32. Patricia Gasparino, My Life Under the Bus

33. Tari Khars, Pearl and Pebble

34. Kristi Bowman-Gruel, Kristi Bowman Design

35. Jayne Capps, Mama's Got to Doodle

36. Becky Fairclough, Chameleons Designs

37. Evie and Beth McCord, EB Bead & Metal Works

38. Lynne Bowland, Islandgirl's Insights

39. Barbara Lewis, Painting With Fire

40. Lorelei Eurto, Inside the Studio

41. Stacy Hartis, Sissy & Jack's

42. Jennifer Cameron, Glass Addictions

43. Marcie Abney, La Bella Joya

44. Johanna Rhodes, Fire Phoenix Creations

45. Nan Emmett, Spirit Rattles

46. Melissa Mesara, One Eared Pig

47. Amanda Davie, Articulations

48. Cherin Poovey, Lanyard Lady

49. Virginia Joste, ViviBijoux

50. Andrew Thornton, The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton

51. Lori Dorrington, Lori's Glassworks

52. Melanie Brooks, Earthenwood Studio Chronicles

53. Kate Gardenghi, Tropical Blonde

54. Serena Trent, PinkIce Jewel's Blog

55. Malin de Koning, Beading by Malin de Koning

56. Shai Williams, Shaiha's Ramblings

57. Francy Inman, 8 Second Studio

58. Amy Freeland, Copper Diem

59. Lisa Liddy, Joolz By Lisa

60. Sandi Lee James, Do Be Do Bead Do

61. Mary Harding, Mary Harding Bead Blog

62. Stacey Curry, Star Hitched Wagon

63. Leslie Gidden, Mad Maggie Designs

64. Elisabeth Auld, Beads For Busy Gals

65. Niky Sayers, Silver Nik Nats

66. Linda Djokic, Lutka and Co.

67. Tracy Bell, Copper, Glass, and Recycled Trash

68. Laurel Steven, Rue's Daftique

69. Ingrid McCue, Wrapped In Silver

70. Birgitta Lejonklou, Create With Spirit

71. Diana Hawkey, Diana Hawkey

72. Norma Turvey, Moonlit Fantaseas

73. Jeanette Ryan, Jeanette Blix

74. Jackie Ryan, Silver Lodge Gems

75. Jean Yates, Snap Out of it Jean, There's Beading to Be Done!

76. Debbie Goering, Prairie Emporium

77. Valerie Norton, Hot Art

78. Jana Trupovniece, Stories of the Secret Garden

79. Amy Severino, Amy Beads

80. Emma Thomas, Fred Beans Nook

81. Karen Zanco, Everyday Gypsy

82. Suzann Sladcik Wilson, Beadphoria

83. Janet McDonald, Singing Woods

84. Dana James, Dana's Jewelry Designs

85. Kristina Johansson, Wild Roses and Blackberries

86. CJ Bauschka, CJ Bauschka

87. Angela Barribea, Re: Angela Rae

88. Marcy Lamberson, Studio Marcy

89. Tanya Floyd, Glass Migrations

90. Lisa Kavanaugh, Beading Bliss

91. Sue Hodgkinson, Hello Gorgeous

92. Jenni Connolly, Jenni's Bead

93. Nally Parfyonova, Nally's Creations

94. Karyn White, Releases By Rufydoof

95. Emanda Johnson, Artemisia Studio

96. Sandy Richardson, Sandy's Coloring Box

97. Cindy Dolezal, Cindy Dolezal Designs

98. Stacie Stamper, Park Avenue

99. Mallory Hoffman, For the Love of Beads

100. Linda Landig, Linda's Bead Blog and Meanderings

101. Nicole Valentine-Rimmer, N. Valentine Studio

102. Jacinta Meyers, Jamberrysong's Creations

103. Charlene Gary, Gray Girl Studios

104. Rubiee Hayes, Glitter and Keys Galore

105. Marge Beebe, Rock Creek Creations

106. Elizabeth Freeman, Turquoise Sky

107. Shelby Foxwell, Sundown Bead Designs Rhetoric

108. Lynda Moseley, Diva Designs

109. Grace Danel, Grace Beading

110. Lois Moon, Que Onda Quitman

111. Agnes Shapiro, Beader Bubbe

112. Terry Carter, Tapping Flamingo

113. Judy Glende, Judith B. Designs

114. Mary Ellen Parker, Bee Tree By Me

115. Barbara Bechtel, Second Surf

116. Charlene Sevier, The Bead Dreamer

117. Alice Craddick, Alice's Beads and Baubles

118. Cory Celaya, Art With Moxie

119. Ronda Adams, The Ravished Heart

120. Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe Designs

121. Anna Lear, The Laughing Raven

122. Susie Hibdon, Vintagesusie & Wings

123. Amanda Austin, Sea Shore Glass

124. Jennifer Velasquez, Jen Judd Rocks

125. Hazel Ward, All Those Things

126. Brenda Salzano, Salzanos

127. Dee Gordon, Runako Designs by Dee

128. Anna Denisova, Anita-M

129. Margaret Saari, Mags-Jewelry

130. Genea Crivello-Knable, Genea Beads

131. Penny Neville, Copper Penny

132. Angela Blasingame, Hopemore

133. Helena Fritz, Beadwork by H's Blog

134. Stephanie LaRose, Confessions of a Bead Hoarder

135. Stephanie Haussler, PixyBug Designs

136. Diane Cook, Rosa & Josies

137. Maryse Thillens, Glass Bead Art

138. Jennifer Pride, Jewelry by J.P.

139. Shannon Chomanczuk, For My Sweet Daughter

140. Lisa Godfrey, Bead Happy

141. Heather Pyle, Welcome to My Muse

142. Regina Santerre, Regina's Writings

143. Liz DeLuca, Creative Arty Facts

144. Sig Wynne-Evans, Beaded Bear's Nonsense

145. Loretta Carstensen, Loretta's Boutique

146. Raida Disbrow, Havana Beads

147. Amber Dawn, Inventive Soul

148. Shelly Graves, Stars Dance With Me

149. Jess Italia Lincoln, Vintaj Blog

150. JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions

151. Carrie Tahquechi, Carrie T

152. Staci Smith, Staci Louise Originals

153. Katarzyna Kwiatkowska, Quiet Area

154. Ema Kilroy, Ema K Designs

155. Magdalena Sikora, Poranna Gazeta

156. Nicole Keller, Nicki's Reef

157. Ann Rishell, My Critical Eye

158. Noemi Baena, Fire, Metal, and Color

159. Christa Murphy, Adventures of One Beady Woman

160. Barbara Blaszczyk, Labotorium Flory

161. Collette Collins, Firefly Myst

162. Carola Greiser, Polymer Clay Shed

163. Joanna Kopijczuk, Bizuteria z Filcu

164. LeAnn Weih, Summers Studio

165. Cassandra Watsham, Design by Cassandra

166. Anna Motz, Stunning

167. Shea Zukowski, Gr8findings

168. Susan Kennedy, Sue Beads

169. Lisa Boucher, Lisa's Clay Happenings

170. Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope

171. Alison Crenshaw, Beads by Earth Tones

172. Dorcas Midkiff, Wondrous Strange Designs

173. Melissa Rediger, Sea of Glass

174. Marina Dobrynina, Savon Feutre

YOU ARE HERE...175. Julie Nordine, Julie Nordine | Credit River Art Glass

176. Menka Gupta, Menka's Blog

177. Patsy Evins, Patsy Evins Studio

178. Cherrie Fick, En La Lumie're

179. Suzette Bentley, Ellie's Bijoux

180. Molly Alexander, Beautifully Broken Me

181. Lyn Foley, Lyn Foley Wearable Art

182. Tara Plote, The Newbie Beader's Blog

183. Natalie Schuetz, Natalie S Perlen

184. Kim Hutchinson, Running on Ink

185. Haley Frank, Wide Eyed Smilin

186. Grace Caputo, Suddenly Last Summer

187. Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp, Skye Jewels

188. Erin Siegel, Erin Siegel Jewelry

189. Janea McDonald, Organized Chaos

190. Kristi Evenson, Colie Bug & Co.

191. Linda Inhelder, Must Haves Jewelry

192. Hilary Frye, FryeStyle

193. Whitney Lassini, Whitney Lassini

194. Nancy Schindler, The Rabbit Muse

195. Pam Brisse, The Blue Between

196. Beth Bricker, Vintage Sweets

197. Ruthie Stickney, Rose Works Jewelry and Gifts

198. Rose Noble, Lady Noble Designs

199. Karen Williams, Baublicious

200. Claire Maunsell, The Next Bend

201. Christine Damm, Stories They Tell

202. Kerry Bogert, Kab's Creative Concepts

203. Wendy Blum, Sand & Sea Designs

204. Juli Cannon, Julsbeads

205. Jenny Robledo, La Dona Boutique

206. Krista French, French Elegant Jewelry

207. Pam Krinski, Ewa Beads

208. Melissa Meman, Melissa Meman, Art, Life, Love

209. Dana Jones, Dana's Jewelry

210. Shirley Moore, Beads and Bread

A BIG THANK YOU to Lori Anderson for being the ultimate party hostess! I know it was a TON of work & everyone absolutely appreciates what you put into this!!

The next party's sign ups begin August 1-3, 2011. Don't miss it!

Till then...

BUSY GIRL....

2011-02-25T23:59:00.000-06:00

I'm back in show mode w/ 2 shows coming up in the later part of March & I just realized that I haven't shared much of anything w/ you lately! I post pictures of things I've made or am working on on Facebook, so if you're not already "liking" me over there, go do it! :o)

Just thought I'd show you what I've been up to....

miniature kaleidoscope

As you can see... I've been focusing on hearts & large hole beads. The beads are made to fit european style charm bead bracelets. I debuted my new big hole bracelet & necklace in my Etsy shop @ the beginning of February. The necklace is pretty slick, as it can be worn long or choker length... looks great w/ a stack of big hole beads. Check them out!

Till next time...

BEAD SOUP PARTY...Reveal happens tomorrow, Feb. 26th

2011-02-25T19:08:00.006-06:00

Just a quick reminder that tomorrow is the day that all of us Bead Soup Party participants will be revealing what we created from the bead soup that we received from our party partners!

Here's a teeny tiny little tease for you from me.....

Check back tomorrow for the big reveal!

Till then...

BEAD SOUP UPDATE...

2011-02-05T22:39:00.000-06:00

I've been so busy this past week that I haven't taken the time to sit down & write about what I received from Jess Italia Lincoln!! Look how pretty the packaging is. Beautiful dyed fabric strips tying the package together...

...sweet green organza pouches...

it was a joy just opening each pouch & exploring what goodies were inside!

She sent a beautiful pendant that she made & a toggle made up of a few of Vintaj's new Arte Metal components that she altered...she even stamped "REFLECT" on the toggle's key/bar! Just sweet.

She also included a bunch of Vintaj findings... bead caps & beads from both of their lines, chains, too... as well as pearls, sweet little chrysoprase rondelles, some czech glass flowers & leaves, faceted stones, a beautiful silk ribbon, the list goes on.

The colors are absolutely beautiful...earthy, I'm really looking forward to working w/ it all.

Thank you, Jess! I just love it all!!

~ Julie

BEAD SOUP PARTY...she LOVES it!!

2011-01-27T00:37:00.005-06:00

I haven't blogged yet about what's going on w/ the Bead Soup Party that I'm participating in! We were partnered up last week & I was so excited to find out that my partner is Jess Italia Lincoln from Vintaj! I LOVE Vintaj...have been using it for a few years now & shared w/ Jess that her style... Vintaj's style, is what helped me the most when I was trying to form my own personal jewelry style when I needed to start making jewelry w/ my own beads. I knew that I didn't want to do just your standard lampwork dangle earrings or strung lampwork necklace, etc... the layering & such that they do just gave me such a wonderful direction to head towards, I'm really grateful.

I'm sure Jess has mundane tasks to do @ Vintaj :o) ...but she also gets to design jewelry & blog daily. Here's a little of what wonderful pieces Jess makes...

Look @ this beautiful piece below!

Focal by Barbara Fajardo, Glass leaves by Lisa Kan

Anyway... I was going to post a teaser picture for Jess before she got the package, but I've been so busy that I forgot all about posting it on time & she received her soup today, so I can show the teaser...

...AND a picture of the actual Bead Soup I sent her. :o)

The heart focal, ivory spacer/accent beads & toggle were made by me, of course. I struggled w/ the clasp... I couldn't just send her a sterling one, even a fancy one... too easy & she works for VINTAJ, she sees clasps & findings & components all day long, so I knew it had to be something different. I started the toggle bar out of thick gauge copper wire, hammered it flat & shaped it... then hammered a copper washer so I could have a nice spot to put a hole in it, then I torch enameled them!! I just learned how to do that & it was a bit tricky, especially the bar, tough to balance on a little metal tripod!! LOL. They're not perfecd, but I love how they turned out!

Jess eMailed me today when she got the package & said WOW, she LOVED it!! I'm so glad! I didn't think about the fact that I mailed it to her work... so I'm getting all warm & fuzzy thinking about her running around showing everyone what I sent. LOL. :o)

Anyway... can't wait to see what Jess sends me! I'm ready for a challenge! Will post a picture of what I receive when it arrives!

Till then....

Julie

BTW.... 210 Bead Soup Party participants!!! I hope I have the time to do some major blog hopping on reveal day!!

HAPPY 4TH ANNIVERSARY TO ME....

2011-01-22T22:22:00.018-06:00

I realized a few days ago that my 4 year lampworking anniversary had passed on the 18th! I still totally remember that first day in class w/ Connie... I couldn't wait to light my little HotHead torch & get melting glass! I had an idea that I was jumping into something that was going to become trouble, it excited me so much. I was right, it changed my life!

It's been such an awesome year. So many wonderful & exciting things have happened... my feature article in BEADWORK Magazine is definitely @ the top of that list.

Can't wait to see what's going to happen next...

Till then...

~ Julie

THIS WEEK'S BOOTY....

2011-01-12T23:52:00.001-06:00

I love taking pictures like this.... beads soaking in water. :o)

This is what I've been up to the last few days.... making hearts, hearts & more hearts. See the big beautiful round bead (marble w/ a hole, actually! LOL!) up there around 10 o'clock? Love it... took me too long to make & it's cracked. :o( Hate it when that happens. The rest is FABULOUS, though.

YOU'VE BEEN INVITED TO A PARTY...

2011-01-12T02:03:00.001-06:00

but you have to hurry...

...& there are guidelines, too....

...........(someone's got to keep us in line!)

Lori Anderson of Pretty Things is hosting another virtual BEAD SOUP PARTY.... I participated for the first time last year this time & it was a BLAST...so I decided to join her again!

You need to have a blog to participate.... so if that's YOU, hurry yourself over to Lori's blog & get all of the details. You have until January 14th to sign up!

Check it out... who knows, you may end up w/ something from ME! :o)

Can't wait!!

I'VE BEEN CHALLENGED...

2011-01-11T16:17:00.002-06:00

I've been asked to do the Challenge Bead for the upcoming Madison Art Glass & Bead Show (AGBS) in March! How exciting! I've decided to do a heart bead design that represents the newer work that I'm doing these days. They will range in size from 1 1/2" - 1 3/4" long.

Registration for the show, classes & challenge will begin this coming Saturday, January 15th. The Challenge Bead will be unveiled on their website on the 15th as well, so you're getting a sneak peek!

There will be 25 beads available to purchase for the challenge, with delivery in early February. If you simply want to purchase a challenge bead for your collection, there will be an additional limited number of beads available for purchase @ the same reduced rate, just choose this option when ordering w/out the obligation to participate in the challenge. Between now & the show @ the end of March, these heart beads will ONLY be available for purchase through the AGBS website.

HOW DOES THE ART GLASS AND BEAD CHALLENGE WORK?

Purchase the Challenge Bead from the Madison Art Glass & Bead Show Website (at a discounted rate!).
If you accept the Art Glass and Bead Challenge, you will create a wearable piece of artwork using the Challenge Bead and any other materials of your choice.
All entries need to be received on or before Friday, March 25th, 2011, the eve of the show. (Participants do not have to attend the show to be eligible.)
Your entry will be displayed and judged by your peers and participating vendors on Saturday during the show.
Winners will be announced on Sunday. There will be 2 winners... POPULAR VOTE (peers) & HONORABLE MENTION (vendors)
See AGBS website for complete info & rules.

NEW BEADS...

2011-01-07T23:58:00.004-06:00

I shared these beads on Facebook a few weeks ago, but I never posted a picture of them here. I love these.... organic & contemporary all @ the same time.
(click image to enlarge)

I made them for a customer to check out & pick a few & the rest will go up on Etsy soon. She loved them. They have larger, Pandora size holes... copper caps & sterling silver lining. They're not petite bracelet size, more necklace focal size... so I've designed a necklace that these will fit perfectly on.... just ordered the chain & findings to make them. Will be debuting that sometime in the near future.

Till then....

Julie

2011...HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2011-01-02T11:30:00.000-06:00

...recycling last year's New Year's post...

My wish for you

is a new year full of

blessings

good health

wise choices

& much much happiness.

For myself, I wish the same.

Still looking for that balance that I've mentioned the past three January 1sts, but life IS so good.

2010 was another fantastic year of growth & exposure... many firsts w/ much excitement & emotion. Great times w/ friends & family... travel, tattoos, celebrations, etc.

2011 is going to be another year w/ many possibilities... my resolution, again, is to take full advantage of these possibilities & make great things happen!!

Happy New Year, all!

Till next time...

~ Julie

SOMEONE'S IN THE STUDIO W/ JULIE NORDINE...Lisa Kennedy - Part 2

2010-12-14T13:45:00.002-06:00

Here is the PART 2 to my first SOMEONE'S IN THE STUDIO W/ JULIE video that I posted back in August. Now it's my sister's turn to give it a try @ the torch. She did a great job & was even initiated, too, into my world w/ her first burn! Don't worry, it's not graphic & I give you a little countdown to when she does it.

That was just her 2nd bead. If she were a real student, we wouldn't be jumping in like that... she didn't learn anything about making a bead round, how gravity works or really how to hold things correctly, etc. She definitely jumped in w/ both feet & did great, though!!

Later...

~ Julie

I WISH...

2010-11-29T15:36:00.005-06:00

I wish I had enough to say daily to keep you guys entertained, but I'm so busy keeping all of my balls up in the air that I'm not even coming up w/ things to say on FACEBOOK! How crazy is that?? :o)

Things are going GREAT... I'm enjoying keeping my Etsy shop stocked... although it's ALOT of work & life tends to keep me from listing as often as I would like to, but it's really satisfying to have my work on the internet instead of just @ shows, where only a small amount of people have access to my pieces. I'm focusing on acorns these days, I just can't make enough... can't complain, but they're the most labor intensive of any of the work I do, so I have to do them in batches, which makes each step, including photo taking & listing, a process. I do enjoy it, though. I've just listed 30 new acorns in my Etsy shop, they're already being plucked up, which makes me very happy... but there you go, I have to get busy making more!! :o)

Anyway... here's a few more acorns that I listed.....
(clicking images will bring you to their listings)

& a FABULOUS skeleton key heart that I just love!

Off to make some more acorns!!

~ Julie

CONTINUING TO GROW & EVOLVE....

2010-11-09T08:42:00.003-06:00

It was a year ago this month that I took a fantastic class w/ Andrea Guarino @ Blue Moon Glassworks in Austin, Texas. One of the big things that I took away from her class was how to properly clear (I mean CLEAR) encase. I had given up on making clear encased beads just a few months into beadmaking because #1, I couldn't find a really clear clear glass, it was always so mucked up... not pretty..... & #2, I didn't understand how not to completely smear what I was trying to encase... again, not pretty. So I just went on w/out it. I grew into a glass bead artist who worked pretty much exclusively in opaques. I figured out how to get depth through texture & a variety of opaque & metallic finishes, rather than beautiful transparent beads that have internal layers that give the bead depth. What I learned in Andrea's class is that I was working WAY too close to the torch-head...I was frying my clear. So I learned to back off a bit & just take my time... also learned how to keep what's going on inside firm while applying the molten clear. Yay.

I've spent the last year trying to figure out how to incorporate transparents & the beautiful silver glasses that are so beautiful under a layer of clear into my strong opaque / organic style! I've been having a good time seeing what I can come up with. Just thought I'd show you a few...
(click images to enlarge)
Of course there are these beautiful blue & ivory acorns...

These three beads I'm in love with... especially the big one in the center... it's a bit more organic than the other two.

This piece was made on a vintage steel sewing cabinet key. Such a beautiful shape.

Can't wait to get back to my torch!!

Till then...

~ Julie

TEXAS...

2010-11-06T10:58:00.010-05:00

I had such a blast on my trip to Texas last month.... stopped in Kansas City for dinner w/ a bunch of my favorite Missouri friends & stayed @ my friend Stacy & Jerry's place overnight. THANK YOU! It was a long drive to Dallas/Ft.Worth on my own, but no problem. Just one quick stop in Wichita to check out a warning light on the truck, didn't want to end up in the middle of nowhere, did I?

I picked up Mom @ DFW... I think I know that place like the back of my hand now... spent enough time driving around in circles looking for her!!! Not fun. Enjoyed spending time w/ her & meeting up w/ a few of her friends. THANK YOU, Bobby Jo (& Mom!) for all of your help!!

BeadFest Texas was FANTASTIC for its first year... I had so much fun, especially w/ my Mom being there w/ me... the first time she's ever been to a show w/ me. I think she was impressed. :o) I definitely plan on doing it again next year. So much fun to meet such wonderful customers, meet new vendors & see many friends, too... I really enjoy shows, although they kick my butt.

Here are some pictures that my Mom took of my display, etc...

(click images to enlarge)

I met up w/ a sweet group of ladies who took me out to breakfast & talked to me about coming to Waco to teach a class in the spring! They were awesome, Lisa, Jenna & Jill... I had such a great time getting to know them... & I can't wait till next April!! It was also great to be able to meet a few Facebook friends in person... Gwen & Debbie. I just love meeting online friends in person... being able to hear their voices & see their mannerisms, etc.... makes the online experience that much more personal.

Spent a few more days w/ my Mom... drove down to Temple, TX for a quick visit w/ my cousin, Eric, & his sweet wife, Kim... so wonderful to see them. Took Mom by Blue Moon Glassworks in Austin on our way to San Antonio & spent the evening w/ my Uncle (Mom's brother), Aunt & cousin. It was good to see everyone!

Dropped Mom off @ the San Antonio airport (SO MUCH EASIER than picking her up @ the DFW airport!!) & picked up my friend Sue! (more below about Sue)

We had such a blast in Austin for a class w/ JC Herrell @ Blue Moon Glassworks! JC is a phenomenal teacher... not just because her beads are fantastic & fun to do, but she's so knowledgeable about glass & enamels & what she does... the hows & whys enamels work specific ways, etc. AND, she couldn't stress enough about enamel safety... putting just enough fear in us so that we, as adults, can make an informed decision as to how much protection to use & what kinds of conditions we should work in. (proper ventilation, cleanliness, etc...) It was just plain wonderful to get to spend some time w/ her, too. She's one sweet lady.

& of course Jim & Rose Berry were, once again, the ultimate hosts! Love them. Blue Moon Glassworks is such a wonderful place to take classes... sure wish they were closer!!! :o) It was wonderful to have some time getting to know them a little bit better after class @ dinner a few nights. Good times. Can't wait to get down there again!

We had a great time running around Austin w/ Donna Mehnert looking for the fantastic mosaic murals by Aly Winningham of Terra Firma Studios. Here, we found the mosaic bench surrounding the fire pit @ The Domain (phase 2), called "Texas Hill Country Birds". It's fantastic.

& spending some time w/ Lisa Reid (who I met last November when I was in Austin for Andrea Guarino's class).... & was so happy to have a little time w/ Anne Ricketts our last night in town. It was also wonderful meeting Martha Brogdon in class... we're friends on Facebook... always nice to meet people in person. Funny, too, a woman that I met @ BeadFest was in my JC class, too!! How fun is that?

It was awesome to have my new great friend Sue Peoples fly down there to take the class & then drive all the way back to Minnesota w/ me!! We have met just a few times & are friends on Facebook, but had never spent any time together. It was wonderful. She's such a sweetie... fun & a talker, just like ME... we were never short on words, LOL, it made the ride home a breeze. Can't wait to spend some more time w/ her.

Anyway... what an adventure!! Can't wait for the next one!!

Till then...

~ Julie

TWIN CITIES BEAD BAZAAR...

2010-10-22T09:15:00.004-05:00

The Twin Cities Bead Bazaar is coming up this weekend & I'll be there!! It's a great show w/ vendors from all over the US. Lots of great art glass bead artisans!!

Here's a coupon for 20% off any one item @ my table... print it out & come see me!

See you there!!

~ Julie

THANK YOU NOTES...

2010-09-25T22:30:00.000-05:00

I got the best note on my Facebook wall today from someone who purchased a large amount of product over the past week & had received her package this morning. I must share, it made me smile...

Cake Serving Set... my first set of these.

"I never understood how one could fall in love with someone they've never met. And furthermore, how it could be a woman if I wasn't gay. But, I think you've managed. LOL! I got my package today, can you tell? Everything is STUNNING, and the red heart key is MIME MINE MINE!!!! Thank you, Julie ♥"

It was such a pleasure to work w/ someone who knows & appreciates art glass pieces. It makes her funny little note that much more meaningful.

YOU CAN DO IT!!

2010-09-23T14:47:00.003-05:00

I just received a wonderful letter from an interior designer I used to work with. She just saw my website & just had to send me a note. I had to share, it really touched me.

JULIE.. I JUST MET YOUR BEAD FRIEND WENDY FROM STEVENS CABINETS.. WE ARE WORKING ON A KITCHEN PROJECT FOR HILARY SANTONI. SHE SHOWED ME YOU WEB-SITE AND I WAS BLOWN AWAY… GORGEOUS!!! INTRICATE AND THE COLORS, FAB. I WILL PICK UP THE MAGIZINE THAT YOU ARE FEATURED IN.. ANXIOUS TO SEE IT. JUST WANTED TO TOUCH BASE TO TELL YOU HOW HAPPY I AM FOR YOU AND YOUR SUCCESS. YOU MUST FEEL FULFILLED... DOING WHAT YOU LOVE AND BEING REWARDED. YOUR WORK IS EXQUISITE. IT ALWAYS WAS. I ENJOYED WENDY. SHE WILL BE A HUGE ASSET TO THIS PROJECT. SHE IS VERY DETAILED. I THINK ABOUT YOU, MISS YOUR BEAUTIFUL WORK AND WISH YOU THE BEST .. CONTINUED JOY.. SANDY

Sweet note... it was good to hear from her. The reason it touched me so was that I have so much respect for Sandy & for her to get a chance to see how I'm doing & how far I've come means alot to me. THANK YOU, WENDY!!

The one thing that really hit me was that it had been a good 2 1/2 years since she had seen my work.... my very early work. And I remember how much she gushed over my little black beads in the very beginning. I remember back then, I would go out to LampworkEtc & see the work of the BIG KIDS & would feel really intimidated & frustrated that I would never be that good. Over time, I got up the nerve to start posting pictures of my work & had a few specific BIG KIDS message me w/ really encouraging words. That meant oh so much to me. I can see how far I've come in those 3 1/2 short years... I'm a BIG KID now & I just want you, the newer kids, to know that you just need to be patient, it'll happen. Focus on what you enjoy & just play. Don't push yourself to just make SOMETHING so you can start selling your work... take your time, search for your voice & strive to stand out. Be different. You can do it. Ask me how I know. :o)

These thoughts probably came on because I'm feeling a little intimidated today. I just found out that along w/ me teaching @ the Midwest Glass Experience @ Third Degree Glass Factory in St. Louis in February, Brent Graber (Mr. Smiley) & Jennifer Geldard have both been asked to teach. I.N.T.I.M.I.D.A.T.I.N.G... seriously. I'm suddenly that little kid again... questioning my abilities & experience. But I'll be okay. I can do it. Ask me how I know. ;o)

BEAD FEST TEXAS REMINDER...

2010-09-21T17:56:00.000-05:00

Just a quick reminder that I'm going to be @ Bead Fest Texas?? (I'm still not on their list online!) Booth 423, come find me! Should be a great show!! Here's a coupon for 20% off any 1 item @ my booth, I'll have an ad in the program worth 10% off any 1 item, too. You can use both coupons, but only 1 per item.

I'll tease you a bit w/ what I might be bringing..... ACORNS, of course... & etched copper leaves & washers

And handmade findings, like my twig & other changeable findings

changeable bead pendant

this was my Bead & Button tease, but these are representative of some of my pieces...

I'll have beautiful hand dyed ribbons & both sterling & Vintaj brass chains (that go perfectly w/ my acorns!)

& plenty more.

Hope to see you there!!

BEADWORK MAGAZINE... IN MY HANDS! (FINALLY!)

2010-09-21T17:38:00.002-05:00

I couldn't wait for Barnes & Noble or even Target to open this morning, so I ran to our 24 hour WalMart as soon as I delivered The Teenager to school to see if the Oct/Nov issue of BEADWORK Magazine was on the shelves yet.... IT WAS!!! How exciting it was to see my name in the TITLE on a magazine page! (my very first!) Of course I had to check it out as soon as I picked it up. Ever fallen apart [just a little bit] in the magazine aisle @ WalMart? ;o)

A portion of my Bead Artist feature in BEADWORK...

If you found your way to my blog via BEADWORK, Welcome!! You'll find me not only creative & artistic... but sometimes quite a rambler & a bit of a goofball. I hope you take a bit of time & enjoy getting to know me. Then come find me on FACEBOOK. I tend to update & post pictures of current pieces more often there than anywhere else. You'll also find me quite busy @ the moment, getting ready for BeadFest Texas, which I'm leaving for a week from today! (w/ a 3-day Kristina Logan class thrown in this weekend!) I have some items on Etsy, but have had a really busy few weeks of sales, sales, sales & because I'm in show mode at the moment, I won't have a chance to add new items until mid October. If you'd like me to let you know when I've posted new items, head to my website's CONTACT page & sign up for my newsletter. I'll be sure to send out a message when I start adding more items to my shop. Feel free to contact me, as well, if you're looking for something specific or just want to get in touch!

Thanks all!

~ Julie

ART BEAD SCENE INTERVIEW...

2010-09-18T12:50:00.001-05:00

Just thought I'd post a link to an interview I did w/ Erin Prais-Hintz of the Art Bead Scene blog. It was fun to do. I met Heather Powers & Erin @ Bead & Button this summer, Heather mentioned an interest in doing an artist interview w/ me for the Art Bead Scene blog. Erin sent me the questions & did some super fine editing (because you know how I tend to ramble on & on! LOL!) & they posted it earlier this week. Great job, Erin! THANK YOU!!

http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2010/09/opportunities-knocking-credit-river-art.html

PAST FEW DAYS' BOOTY...

2010-09-17T11:57:00.000-05:00

I'm busy getting pieces made for BeadFest Texas... it starts 2 weeks from today! I'm leaving Tuesday, the 28th AND I have a 3 day Kristina Logan class next weekend, so not alot of time to get ready!! I only decided to do BeadFest a few weeks ago, which I know is crazy, but I'll be ready. It'll be a great show! Hope you're coming!!

(click image for a larger detailed shot)

Just thought I'd do another "beads soaking in water" shot for you... I love these. This is what I've been doing for the last few days...

I've been having fun w/ skeleton key beads. Some of my favorite are actually not skeleton keys, but are sewing machine keys... even clock keys... they don't have the typical "key part", they look like this instead...

...kind of pointed (or square) on the end so I can just make an end-of-the-mandrel bead [like I typically do these days] on the end of the key & it looks great! It allows me to get a really good shape on the bottom. I love doing it... it ends up being just a really beautiful bail to hang from a ribbon or cord. The ivory heart and the piece @ the top of the picture by the big heart are made like this. So glad I found these keys!

Anyway... busy, busy, busy. So excited about Kristina's class, but need to focus on getting tons of things done this coming week!

Till then....

~ Julie

TOGGLE BEADS (aka Bead-on-a-Bead)...

2010-09-13T10:50:00.001-05:00

I've been so interested in toggle beads (aka Bead-on-a-Bead) since I read about them in Cindy Jenkins' book Making Glass Beads when I first started making beads. I've seen other artists make these, Jill Symons for one, they're so interesting... playful. I've wanted to try my hand @ it, so I made a bunch of big hole beads one day, cleaned them the next, put them back into my cold kiln & let them heat up as my kiln ramped up. After an hour or so, I made my base bead, got the disc wall up on one side & then tried to put the beads on, but my base was too thick. So I tried it again, thinner base... & went to put the beads on & just wasn't coordinated enough to get them on quickly enough. I lost the base (crack) & one of the beads cracked in half, so I gave it up for the day @ that point. I needed to figure out how in the world I was going to do it. A friend gave me some instructions & it was really obvious, I was making my beads too small. I was barely giving them much room to slip on. They needed to be much much larger than the base. It made sense. I still haven't gotten back to try it again, but in the meantime, I've been playing w/ the idea of making FAKE toggle beads. I had already made several different batches of big hole beads in preparation for making real ones, so I made long tube beads & then some separate disc beads to match. Last night I started playing around, figuring out how I wanted to put them together... this is what I came up w/.

I especially like this set because it's a bit more random than the next one, feels really good in my hand & has a really great sound

But I wasn't really sure about the wiring. I love the silver spacer beads, but the holes aren't big enough for me to put a piece of silver tubing through & line the beads together, so this one got wired up.

I think I'm going to completely finish this piece unless someone jumps me & says NO!!! :o)

LOVE the colors in this piece... the beads are cool, but not quite as fun as the other, more random sized ones. They're thinner, too, so they don't sound as cool as the other. This one has a piece of sterling tubing that lines the entire length & holds it all together...

including a couple of etched copper bead caps. I love the look & it leaves a hole all the way through, still, so someone can easily integrate it into a piece of jewelry, using it just like any other bead.

They're pretty good size, as you can see... I like them!!

How about you? Am I onto something that I should pursue further?? Should I sell them completely made up into a piece of jewelry... or do I sell them as-is so you can do your own thing w/ it? Or do I leave everything loose in pieces & let you REALLY do your own thing w/ it? What would you pay for such a thing? My beads don't tend to be really inexpensive, but I want to hear from you...

Until then...

~ Julie

BEAD FEST TEXAS...

2010-09-11T10:27:00.000-05:00

Have I mentioned that I've decided to do Bead Fest Texas?? Booth 423, come find me! Should be a great show!! Here's a coupon for 20% off any 1 item @ my booth, I'll have an ad in the program worth 10% off any 1 item, too. You can use both coupons, but only 1 per item.

I'll tease you a bit w/ what I might be bringing..... ACORNS, of course... & etched copper leaves & washers

And handmade findings, like my twig & other changeable findings

changeable bead pendant

this was my Bead & Button tease, but these are representative of some of my pieces...

I'll have beautiful hand dyed ribbons & both sterling & Vintaj brass chains (that go perfectly w/ my acorns!)

& plenty more.

Hope to see you there!!

BEADWORK BEAD ARTIST & ETSY...

2010-09-10T17:23:00.005-05:00

My Etsy Shop's Grand Re-Opening day yesterday was hugely successful... THANKS SO MUCH to all that stopped by, whether you purchased something or not, I really appreciate the support! I have been packaging items up today & will be making a trek to the post office tomorrow.

I'm continuing to work on getting more pieces listed... I have so much to share w/ you all!

Miniature Kaleidoscope... so cute.

If you've found your way here from my spotlight as Bead Artist in BEADWORK magazine's October/November issue, I can't tell you how excited that you're here! I hope you enjoyed learning about me. (If you don't have a subscription, you should be able to find it on the newsstands around the 21st of the month. I know I've seen it @ Barnes & Noble, Target & Walmart) I was so honored when Tina Koyama eMailed me back in May to ask if I was interested in being interviewed for the column... um, YEAH!! It was wonderful talking to her on the phone for close to an hour & ever more exciting to get her proof article for me to check out & offer any changes or additions to. Mailing a gazillion glass pieces for them to photograph... I had such a hard time picking a few, I decided just to give them too many & make them pick whatever worked for them. Getting them back after a month & a 1/2 was like Christmas morning! I don't know if I should say this, but opening each little bubble wrapped piece just gave me such a thrill, they were all just so beautiful. :o)

Go ahead & check out my Etsy shop, I've been busy getting it ready just for you! I still have quite a few things left to list. Typically, I'm getting ready for shows & don't have a whole lot of extra time to photograph & list items online, but it's definitely a goal of mine to keep items in my Etsy shop and also in my online store from here on out because I'm getting quite a following all over the world & most can't make it to shows to select items in person! I definitely want my pieces to be available to you.

If you saw one of my pieces in the article that you don't see in my shop, feel free to contact me, like I said, I still have items that I'm trying to list. I'm happy to send you a quick & dirty picture of anything you're interested in.

Thanks again for checking me out! I hope you liked what you found!

Be sure to join me on Facebook, I have a page that I began a few weeks ago & I'm more than likely to post pictures & write updates there than anywhere else.

Until then... take care,

Julie

ps.... message me before paying for your Etsy order (DO check out) & mention that you read about this in my blog & I'll give you 20% off the most expensive item in your order!!!

ARE YOU READY FOR TOMORROW??

2010-09-08T16:23:00.000-05:00

I'm getting there!

I didn't do very well w/ a countdown, did I?? :o) 5,4,3,2,1....

Here's a quickie....
I've been making a bunch of pendant beads that only have one hole... it lets me make really nice tips to hearts & such, they come to a nice point or spiral, etc. Only problem is that I always glue them up the way I want them to be, where someone else might've done something completely different. SO... I've decided to offer these one-hole pieces as-is & then will offer BAIL PLUGS as an add-on. See what I mean below. I use 2-part epoxy to glue them up.

One-hole pendant bead & "bail plug"

complete piece ...plug isn't glued in yet, it's just modeling for you...

Here's a heart that I'm offering the same way... 1 hole heart bead only, Bail Plug is an add-on.

Heart w/ Bail Plug in place

What do you think? I hope people "get it"...

See you in my Etsy shop tomorrow morning!!

Till then...

~ Julie

GRAND RE-OPENING COUNTDOWN... PLUS 1

2010-09-07T13:19:00.048-05:00

Well... I've got to give myself another day to get my Etsy Shop open... hoping nobody gets their BEADWORK magazine a day early. :o) I know, you guys are out there waiting patiently, but I've been killing myself to get this stuff together, can't believe how much work it is!! Once I get this all up, I'm posting pieces at least weekly, if not daily. I was told the magazine starts hitting mailboxes on the 9th, so I'm pushing to get it up & running by midnight (or the middle of the night) before the mailman comes! :o) I still have so much to do. You'd think I'd just start adding one item, then another, etc. It's empty... I'm trying to hold it all off for a grand entrance, LOL... working up the anticipation, you know?? :o)

Here....I'll give you a little tease, though..... enjoy!

Such a beautiful acorn!

Comparison of standard & mini acorns... next to a penny, a Cheez-It & an 11 year old's hand. :o)
(these specific acorns are no longer available)

I'm getting items listed on my website store... for the first time since I started up my site! I've decided that it will mostly be items that are stocked, like findings (my Changeable Twig Bead Pendant! See below), bead alignment tubing, & such, as well as made-to-order pieces, such as my utensils, kaleidoscopes & such.

I have a wonderful new batch of sterling silver Changeable Twig Bead Pendants... they're so beautiful & make such a statement. They'll regularly be for sale on my website & will be on Etsy, too. Click on the picture to take you to my website & all of the details. (bead & ribbon is not included, of course)

I'll also have some simpler changeable bead holders on my website & Etsy in the next few days... they're $15-$25 & I've done them in both sterling & gold filled/vermeil.

This next piece is going to be a deal for someone... I'd prefer if it was someone who will remember it came from me, just in case. It's beautiful (& is pictured in my BEADWORK Bead Artist article!), 40mm diameter.

I made the mistake of thinking that it needed to be lined w/ some sterling tubing the other day. See the little raised dots there around the center,? I ended up knocking tiny little pieces of 2 neighboring dots off as I hammered, trying to get the lining down tight in front! SO, I'm including the ribbon... it hides the owies :o) ...but they're still there. I was dremeling the hole on the back, too, & put a little scratch on the back surface, arg! Luckily it's under the ribbon, too!! I'd keep it for myself, but I thought someone might want a deal. Normally, I'd sell the disc for $50 lined w/ the silver & the ribbon would be an extra $8... so $58. I'll give it up for $38, including shipping to wherever you are. So that's $20 plus whatever the shipping charges will be. It's still a solid piece... not about to fall apart on you, I just can't sell it as perfect.

See the white spots on the 2 raised dots in the center, that's where the top of the glass was chipped off

I'm offering it right here for sale on my blog. First come first serve...eMail me your PayPal address & I'll send you an invoice, to be paid w/in 24 hours, otherwise I go on to the next in line. Thanks!!

Enough teasing. I'll see you guys on Etsy in a few days!!!

Till then....

~ Julie

COUNTDOWN TO ETSY SHOP REOPENING...5 DAYS...

2010-09-03T11:29:00.003-05:00

(click images to enlarge)

I've been working my butt off (I wish) to get a gazillion pieces photographed & listed in my Etsy shop & get it opened by September 8th. Shall we have a Grand Re-Opening celebration?? :o) Maybe we will. Maybe there will be a shop discount. Maybe there will be a shop discount to anyone who mentions my blog, or the BEADWORK Glass Artist article about me in their upcoming October/November issue!!!

Thought I'd put out a little teaser... a few pictures. You know how much I love to tease.

I've been having a blast making my first skeleton keys. Yes, this is a key. It was a teeny-tiny key that was calling for a heart... but not just ANY heart... THIS heart. :o) It was made directly onto the key

These are my first 5 keys EVER. I love them. :o) They've been so much fun to do & I really love making them MINE...

Okay, not MINE, for me, but MINE, as in JULIE STYLE. You can tell that I made them, right? I'll probably lightly embellish them (or some of them), but hmmmmmmm... they're so beautifully simple just hanging from a long ribbon. Maybe I WON'T lightly embellish them. What do you think???

From here on out, other than when I'm REALLY on vacation, my Etsy store will be stocked daily w/ new items. I'm also going to be working on setting up a shop on my website. Stay tuned for that one.

Till then...

~ Julie

TEACHING... & HERE WE GO!...

2010-09-03T11:09:00.000-05:00

Well... things are moving forward on the teaching front! I'm just thrilled. I can't believe I didn't blog about the Missouri Bead Retreat in May! It was so much fun... but oh-so exhausting!! I ended up teaching 2 copper etching classes, showed people how to electroform & did a quick Electric Mandrel Spinner demo on the last night, after a shower, around 11pm. :o)

Here I am, passing out copper & ink kits that everyone ordered... on top of my stash of rubber stamps (& my faithful companion, my water bottle!)

Copper squares & washers getting ready to be etched! So many wonderful people helped me out, as it's a 4-hand job!

Melissa's before. Everyone's kits had 3 squares of copper & 6 washers Students stacked their stamped pieces on paper towels w/ their name so that I could keep track of whose is whose! What a job!

I made sure I was completely organized for the class. I wrote up instructions & found different etching ideas online, so I printed them up & put them all together in a little binder for everyone to take home w/ them. Even included a NOTES page @ the back! The copper was all individually packaged per order, as well as optional ink kits that everyone could purchase so they could continue etching when they got home!

It was so much work, but so much fun & so satisfying! Such a great experience as far as teaching & feedback goes!! it just verified, for me, that when I know what I'm talking about, I have no problems teaching others. I was even told that I was being talked about.... one of the ladies who is an art teacher @ a college was really impressed w/ me. Wow. (Yay!) There were wonderful messages all over Facebook about me & my classes afterwards... I can't tell you what a thrill that was for me!

About a month later, I got a message from Karen Leonardo, who is a well known lampworker, tool maker & author... she was in my Copper Etching class & I was beside myself when I recieved this message from her:

Hi Julie,

I know it is almost a month since MBR but I just wanted to let you know you are greatly appreciated for all the classes you did. You are honestly the best teacher I ever had in any class. So thorough. I wish I was as organized as you....incredible work! I missed the electroforming....there was so much going on My brain couldn't keep up.

I really want to start with the etching and am slowly adding stuff for my collection with metals. I don't have everything I need yet but it will happen.

Will you be at the Gathering? If so say hello.

My best,

Karen

Karen Leonardo

http://www.LeonardoLampwork.com

In another message, she added,

The notes and folder is what brought your level of teaching up. I always appreciate and am a bit jealous of those who are so prepared.

Keep doing the classes because you are very thorough and did a really good job. If I would add anything it would be to write out a step by step plan for your self and follow that. Don't let people get ahead of you until all the steps are done and all the info is out there and then have them ask questions because with that many people it can get confusing and maybe have an assistant which knows the process and can help. It will make it easier and smoother for you.

Could you imagine my response??? Karen is an established glass beadmaker who makes incredible pieces & has developed not only fantastic lampworking tools & written books, but has also developed a wonderful reputation throughout the lampworking community in general. She's a wonderful lady & it was my pleasure to be able to spend some time w/ her at the bead retreat & definitely my pleasure to teach her how to etch copper!

About the same time, I got a message from Libby Leuchtman, from Third Degree Glassworks in Saint Louis, Missouri, asking if I was interested in teaching at their Midwest Glass Experience next February!! How exciting is that?? I said YES, of course, I know Libby & probably the majority of the students down there, so what a comfy situation to be teaching in!! So exciting.

AND... I was just contacted by another glass friend (who is an amazing glass bead artist) & owns a lampworking teaching studio... she said that she'd really like for me to come teach early next year, too! Woo-hoo!!!

So... here we go!

Till then...

~ Julie

SO EXCITED!!....

2010-08-27T03:20:00.001-05:00

I'm so thriled w/ the beads I made today... especially the 2 skeleton key beads. They're FABULOUS!! I'll post pictures of them in the morning when they emerge from the kiln. These are #4 & #5 skeleton keys... I should show you my other ones!! :o) I have yet to be able to get any of them to move freely, although the 2nd & 3rd ones had bead release. I figure that I didn't have enough, so I have a few keys ready to go that have an obnoxious amount of release on them, so we'll see! The two I did tonight were done w/out release, so they're on there for good. So pretty.

I also made a heart that I think will be fabulous. Not absolutely sure, but it looked great going into the kiln. (colors always change from when it's hot to when it's room temp.) I started out w/ Moretti Purple Red Special (my only red!) & ended up adding some powders to it... not what I planned (not a surprise!) ....& then I added some Andrea details to it & it looked fantastic (& big!) Just not sure how it's all going to look w/ the red base. Probably wonderful. I put the powders on pretty thick in most places... but that was before I pulled it into a heart shape, so I have no clue what it's going to look like w/ the powders thinned out like that. We'll see in the morning, won't we?? :o)

Having a great time... feeling really good. I need a shower like nobody's business, though. Think I'm heading there now... who needs to sleep? ;o)

Later...

FACEBOOK PAGE...

2010-08-26T10:34:00.074-05:00

I have started up a page on Facebook for my business... it's pretty exciting, watching all of those people find me & choose to follow (like) me. And I can see that I will be using it much more frequently & thoroughly than I will updating my website or even this blog. I'm wondering, however, if I should ONLY post new pictures & links to items for sale on Etsy, etc., like I see alot of pages doing (only promoting sales), or should I interact?? Post status updates, etc... ONLY promotion seems so impersonal to me... I want to interact... let my followers get to know ME, too. (not everyone is a FB friend, so they don't know me from my personal profile) What do you think??

You can click the logo above to find my page... or just click below & LIKE me. ;o)

Julie Nordine | Credit River Art Glass: Handmade Art Glass Beads

Have I posted this bead before?

I made it for our Beads of Courage flame-a-thon earlier this year. I still oogle the picture all the time, it was a technique that I hadn't used before... w/ powders & the copper mesh butterfly, then encasing it in a thin layer of clear & swirling through the clear, then adding the raku vine on the exterior down the side. I completely love the effect & will definitely be doing more. (quite van Gogh Starry Night looking, don't you think?) This one went to Beads of Courage. The butterfly bead is given to parents whos child loses their battle with cancer. Very sad. I hope my bead brings a bit of a connection to their child. So glad that my sweet friend, Julia Longtin, took a picture of it & posted it to Facebook!!

Till next time, come find me on Facebook!

~ Julie

SOMEONE'S IN THE STUDIO W/ JULIE NORDINE...Lisa Kennedy

2010-08-21T20:09:00.037-05:00

APRIL 2010

My sister, Lisa, & I went on a roadtrip to Colorado in April... she flew from North Carolina to me in Minnesota & we drove together... what a blast!! It was a great visit... all of us girls (4 sisters) got heart tattoos on our wrists...

YEOUCH!!!! I'm the one @ 9 o'clock... w/out any thorns. (he was going to add the specific thorns I wanted @ the end... I was just DONE @ that point, LOL!) Would've preferred it to be turned around facing our hands, it's upside-down like this, but majority ruled that they'd rather be able to look @ it themselves.

When we got back to Minnesota, Lisa & I headed to my studio & I showed her how beads are made. Very basic stuff... just showed her some basic techniques, so don't expect alot... other than alot of video. :o) I put this up on YouTube today... (I hate seeing myself on video, can't believe I put this out there!) ...my family has been wanting to see me do my thing, too, so there you go. There are bead pictures @ the end of the video... tell me what you think of my editing, LOL, it's my first time editing a video.

Did you notice the new tattoo?? (left wrist)

Back to work! :o)

~ Later!!

THINGS ARE HAPPENING.....

2010-08-20T04:15:00.010-05:00

Some really amazing things are happening these days... things that I've been keeping quiet about until I knew for a fact that they were really truly going to happen. I didn't want to jinx it... it's kind of one of those things that if you talk about it & it doesn't happen, it'll really stink! :o)

It's still a little early...but I can tell you about it now that I've just seen a copy of it. Might not be a big deal for my many well published friends (although I know you'll be proud of me still!).... but this is HUGE for me... my very first... & they came to me.

I got an eMail in May from a woman who said she was a freelance writer for BEADWORK magazine & wrote their regular Bead Artist column. She asked if I'd like to be featured in the next column... that my glasswork was fantastic & that she was particularly taken w/ my acorns & birdhouse beads. She said that she'd like to interview me over the phone (an hour to an hour & a half) & that they'd want me to send them some of my pieces to photograph. I have to say that my initial reaction was to be skeptical, I've heard of scams out there where people want you to send them your pieces for one thing or another... but once I did a little research & found out that the woman, Tina Koyama, is INDEED a writer for BEADWORK & does write the Bead Artist column (& is also a very talented beadweaver & artist! I realized @ that point that I knew her work!). I was beside myself & of course said YES!

I think I only told my husband & a couple of friends @ first (a few family members, too)... I was nervous & really unsure that this was really really going to happen. I didn't want to blab it to the world & then have it somehow fall through (or get put on the back burner for a long time or something) ...that would be awful. So as much as I wanted to shout it to the world, I kept it quiet.

On the day of the phone interview I thought I was going to hurl!! So nervous about how I was going to come across... if I was going to find enough to say, explain myself well, etc. (A.D.D. = not always the best @ descriptions, directions, etc.) Tina made it all really really easy. She had spent some time on my website & blog... was familiar w/ my style, background & such and had some really great questions plotted out. What a relief! (I am finding more & more that when I'm talking about stuff like this... subjects that I'm really passionate about & really know inside & out, I need to chill out & have confidence that I know what I'm talking about & will come across just fine.)

After the interview, Tina eMailed me & said (I have to quote her), "Julie, thanks so much for the delightful interview! It's always a joy to interview someone who is articulate because it makes my job of writing so much easier. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing about your process and amazing work, and I'm looking forward to seeing where your work goes in the future!"

Articulate.... she called me articulate! :o) That really tickled me... & truly made my day! (Thank you, Tina!)

She let me know that the interview would be in the October/November issue..... wow, really?? It really truly was going to happen. Really. Truly. OMG.

I still kept it to myself.... sent off way too many pieces to give them plenty to choose from & just prayed that the photographer & editor(s) would love my work, too & enjoy choosing the pieces for the layout.

I got to see a pdf copy of the actual page a few days ago... it really choked me up. Tina did a fantastic job w/ the interview (if I may say so!) & they edited it just perfectly. It has 7 of my pieces pictured, including 4 electroformed pieces...an acorn, birdhouse, heart, & tribal spike (aka. man bone). After the editor saw my pieces in person, they had me write a little paragraph about the electroforming process. (can you imagine ME writing a "little paragraph" about anything?? It was truly painful, LOL.)

The issue will be hitting mailboxes around September 9th & will be @ newsstands on September 21st.

Other than advertising (which I don't think counts!), this is my first time being published in a magazine! Unreal.

Gave me goosebumps. Can't imagine how I'd feel if I ever wrote a book, or was even included in one! (oh yeah, LOL, a few of my beads are used in my sweet friend's, Rona Horn, new book "Take the Next Step" http://tinyurl.com/take-next-step! Woo-hooo!!!)

Now I gotta get busy & get pieces listed online!!!

If you want me to let you know when pieces have been listed in my Etsy shop (before September 9th!), head to the CONTACT page on my website & sign up for my newsletter. I think it's about time I actually wrote a newsletter. :o) You can also follow me here on my blog, I'll be sure to blog as I get things online... & I'm also setting up a Facebook fan page (Julie Nordine | Credit River Art Glass: Handmade Art Glass Beads... not public yet) where I'll have info about listings, post photos of current work, & will have things like events, classes, etc listed.

This is long enough... I still have more news... I'll share that later. :o)

Thanks for all of your support! I'm really excited about whatever comes along next!!

Till then...

~ Julie

ps...BTW... the Bead Artist column is the very last page of the magazine! You don't even have to go searching to find me. :o)