My Favorite Christmas Tree

 Sitting here in the quiet tonight and letting my thoughts ramble.There are a few memories that keep cropping up,some not so good and others that bring a warmth;to my heart.One such memory, is about thirty years old.It's not exciting and has no great ahah moment,but I think it's one that will last all my life;at least I hope so.I have had the great good fortune to have three  sons that I love with every fibre of my being.They have not been perfect,nor have I ;but we have a connection nothing could seperate. Any how ,that Christmas their father and I had not purchased the tree yet and the boys were chomping at the bit to do so.We knew they were busy at school making those gifts we put away at the first opportunity.We weren't concerned as we caught them huddled together scheming, part of our surprise!! A few days before school was to be let out for the holiday;I see my lads lugging a tree down the Avenue,about 6 ft long.I was a little concerned as to how they had aquired it.I found out someone in the area had just had his spruce tree topped and before he could dispose of it;my wheeler dealers had purchased the family tree for 10 cents.He had offered it for free but they would have none of that.I will never forget the pride and pleasure on those faces.That tree was trimmed and decorated and thoroughly enjoyed.We had nicer looking trees through out the years,but that tree will be the one etched into my heart all the days of my life.The year my boys were 6,8 and 10.

Necklace shard sculpture in blues accented with dichroic and black : MoltonGlass - ArtFire Jewelry

Necklace shard sculpture in blues accented with dichroic and black : MoltonGlass - ArtFire Jewelry

MoltonGlass's Blog • ArtFire Blogs

MoltonGlass's Blog • ArtFire Blogs

Handmade, multi-tiered round drawer pull : Decor8 - ArtFire Housewares

Handmade, multi-tiered round drawer pull : Decor8 - ArtFire Housewares

New Sites

There are many new sites to view on Artfire,partly because of their offer of 5.95 a month and partly because many artisans are increasingly dissastisfied with another popular selling venue.Whatever the reason,it's goods to have as many creators of handmade goods as possible.We opened a new studio too,that will have home decor items.We started with our line of custom made fused glass cabinet handles and pulls.If you have decided to build or renovate,you all to quickly discover that about 1/3 of your kitchen costs is the cabinets.We encourage you to refinish where possible or just replace doors.Much more green effect on the environment.Get that WOW factor by ordering custom made handles and pulls;maybe even incorporate a few matching tiles in your backsplash.One thing for sure you will save a bunch of money.

Frazzled or Bedazzled

It is fast approaching one of the busiest seasons of the year.Fall, the days are shorter and so is your time to complete all the many items on your to do list.With the Thanksgiving holiday going off like a starters pistol,we all swing into high gear.The yards must be raked,mowed,furniture put away;before we glimpse that first beautiful and dreaded snowflake.If you've had a garden,now comes the canning and preserving of all your produce you can possibly muster.No rest for the farmers as harvest goes from daybreak till long after sunset.Atrists and crafters also work 26 hours in a 24 hour day.Desperatly trying to have enough product for the upcoming Christmas sales,,and praying it's the right product to get a sale.Any wonder we are all frazzled.Ok lets get bedazzled.Pick a time out of every day to give yourself and your signifigant other a "whew" time.If it's just sitting quietly with your feet up and a beverage in hand;Great.No money for a night on the town without offspring;no problem.If you got em put them to bed!Get a movie make somme popcorn,get into your jammies (both of you)Curl up with each other on the couch and unplug the phone.Relax,and enjoy the moment, for you will only get a moment.No discussing kids,money,appointments etc; in fact no talking would be better.soak in the quiet and love of each other and be grateful for this one precious moment shared.Wishing you all at least one bedazzling evening

 

Just for Fun

I have almost always had a pet,and Im sure I,m not alone in this practise.I just have to tell you all about the kids next door.This year two little girls were allowed to have a kitten,they were so excited.One problem developed,they couldn't agree on a name.One insisted on Precious and the other adamantly wanted Pebbles.I have been able to hear a few conversations regarding this extremely serious dilemma.Apparently the parents have stepped in and told the girls to pick an abbreviation of both names and that will be that!I don;t think this is what they had in mind;as I heard the girls out calling for their cat tonight and the name change is pp.I got such a chuckle out if it and hope you do to.

Something pretty

Running on empty

Lately I sometimes feel like I'm running on empty and could use a dose of high octane ?something.Seems like the faster I go the behinder I get and the harder I try the less results achieved.Now,I know I have not been singled out for this honor and everyone has the same problem at sometime;so for those of you sailing blissfully at present,take over it's your turn.HA HA!!.Woudn't that be grand to just take turns when you feel like it.You know,don't think I want to deal with problems this week so the neighbour can do it;or the bills are getting out of hand so I'll wait for $ from heaven to take care of it.Oh,don't we wish.There is always a new and improved version of anything and everything daily now;to improve our lives.The only real things that improve our lives is love of others,respect for individuals,faith in ourselves and those we are lucky enough to know and cherise.None of these will solve all our dilemma's but they might help us to get a firm stance so life can't knock us over easily.Well my feet are again firmly planted and I invite you do the same;for there will be a next round and we'll have to duke it out.Maybe we'll win,maybe not;but the doldrums are going to know they've been in a battle.Off to make something pretty,cause I can!! So can you.

Discouraged

All of us hit a wall and get discouraged once in a while.We begin to doubt our creative ability or even if we ever had one.This can be caused by so many outside sources;one of the worst is when we feel no one shows any interest in our products let alone in purchasing one.While we continue to strive to put forth unique and lovely pieces that we litterally pray someone will buy.Have faith in yourself and the thing you love to do;it's much easier to have faith in others.We are seldom as as accepting of ourselves as we are to other people.No one has a pat answer to help the doubt go away.Lord knows I wish I did, keep creating,using your imagination and the skill in your hands;and believe the best is yet to come.

Free Samples

In a discussion earlier tonight with a few other artisans the topic of how frequently we may be ask to provide free samples to various outlets came up.No one has a problem giving occassionally to a favorite charity or for a good cause.There may also be times when we would like an expert opinion to boost the image of our products;but no one should be offended if we have to decline.We are after all just artisans,an occupational choice that has made very few well off and we too have to survive in this downtrodden economy.Large corporations set aside a specific amount of free product for a fiscal year.When that amount has been reached, to bad; they may put you on a list for next year, or not.Fall is a difficult time for many,there are school costs recurring,craftsmen are trying to increase thier inventory for the christmas season and all your other expenses start to rise as winter slowly descends.Many craftpersons depend on christmas to keep thier small mom and pop shops going,it becomes our internet tourist season and we all keep our fingers crossed that our studios will be found,enjoyed and utilized.Being approached is anticipated by every business but do so with respect,be glad if you're offered a gift certificate,or discount ;and if you repetativly ask over and over again frequently,expect the same courtesy you are extending.I personally set aside a specific amount of product and funds in the way of discounts in my studios,and when that amount is utilized,I'm afraid you might have to be put on list for next year.

SHARD SCUPTURE

I love to dig in the bits and pieces of left over glass,or the tiny shards that we all have.Once I've retrieved a multitude of bits the fun begins.I will twist it,turn it,manipulate and move it around;not having a clue what I'm going to put together.Sooner or later an image forms in my strange little mind and I can start.I will fit ,layer,add accents,take a deep breath and attempt to take the image out of my head and create a tangible work.Very time consuming and would never be able to produce a second piece,but it gives me great joy when I open the kiln and it's worked.The unique idea now has form and substance;my work of art.It will never be duplicated,and hopefully others will like and appreciate it.Although the cost is reflected in the amount of time to create it,it never exceeds acceptable market value.All that is left is for someone to see and cherish it as thier own. Please look at picture below to see for yourself.

SHARD SCULPTURE

Collections,collections

Recently on artfire they have given members the ability to create collections of artisans products within a specific theme.The activity this has initiated is tremendous.There are so many collections already pink ones,cold ones, bold ones,serene oes.The possibilities are endless and so is the creativity of the members.This could be because all the members are very creative to begin with or it could be a new toy syndrome.Whatever the reason the collections are beautiful and I strongly suggest you look them over.The Firestalkers guild collection is GREAT!!Check it out.

Pricing your creations

I have been actively following artisans for a while,as they wrestle with what is a fair price to charge customers.They really do have a hard time coming to terms with a suitable figure.There are after all many things to consider.There is the length of time to produce item,the cost of materials for the item,the time involved to promote your wares and that is only for on line shopping.If you have a brick and mortar location you now have a multitude of other expenses to consider and if you go to craft shows there are other expenses.The one thing that always comes up is their desire to give the customer a fair price while maintaining sales.Dilemma,dilemma and you could say that again.Possibly one of the statements I read,was that to consider a friend made it for you and determine how much you would pay a friend for their time and expertise.Maybe buyers could look at a purchase the same way,would you expect to have a friend make you something and then undervalue it ,because it was a friend?Odd expectation of friends wouldn't you think.We know this will be an ongoing deliberation.I have a more matter of fact approach.Most of my wares cannot be duplicated and are expected to last and give the reciever many years of pleasure;compare that to one stop at a burger place that will cost me $20.00 or more for a quick fix,and we all know where that will be the next day!Some questions will never have a specific answer for everyone,oh well.Onward and upward.If you have the answer please let all of us know.

New creation

Again I have taken many smaller pieces and created a flower.These pieces are never cut,I rummage around in the scraps and shards to find what I hope will be enought to work with.Then they are placed together like a puzzle and fired.I'm never sure exactly how the finished work will look.So far so good.The large pendant piece is 3 in long x 2in wide,and because of glass overlap has slight texture.Earrings are about 1 in long and 3/4 in wide.As of yet no finding are in place as I wished to see what the purchaser preferred.Always an original creation

Firing Decals

I have tried something different from what I usually do.All the info I have ever been given for firing decals is to put them on a completed piece and fire again.I"m not only a curious soul,I'm a frugal so and so.I decided to try to cut out a firing,placed unfired decals between unfired glass and fired as usual.It worked,and if anything the decals have more depth.I would show you if I knew how to put a picture in!Hey!! I just figured it out, theres hope for me yet.I'm not saying it's foolproof but try it on scrap and see your results.

Idea Search

I am looking for ideas...although I love to make jewelry,I want some imput from anyone reading this.I would like you to give me an idea of a piece you would like made.Describe the shape, the size, the color,intensity etc etc.If you were able to have a custom made piece what would you order.REMEMBER! by sending your comments you are not ordering a piece and if I design something from your comments,the design will be mine;to do with as I choose.Thanks for any input you may wish to give.

Newbie on the loose.

There is nothing quite so absurd as watching someone fumble through a project ;they are unfamiliar with.That is the torture I inflict tonight.I am so new to blogging,I couldn't keep up with a fifth grader.I shall persever and hopefull anyone who travels this journey with me will at the least get a few chuckles .I appeal to those of you that follow for patience and any advice you feel I could benefit from.