Give-aways cancelled.

I am sorry to tell you the next two drawings will be cancelled due to lack of participants. I have not kept my blog current so I am sure many of my followers have not visited of late. We will plan something again in the near future.

And The Winner Is !!!!!

Congratulations to Joanne of PurpleLily Designs.
Thanks everyone for leaving a comment. Don't forget there will be another drawing next week.
Colleen

Life Gets In The Way

I am so sorry I have not posted in so long.  Some times "life just gets in the way".   The issues that have kept me from posting are all resolved so I promise to do a better job and post here at least once a week.  Many things have happened since my lasting posting. Fortunately all are good! 

My current web site will be eliminated some time in the next month or two.  I am working on a new site that will offer lots of new and exciting things for those of you who design and make jewelry or simply like to collect hand crafted beads.  

The new site is a combined effort with my daughter (Tammy).  It will be known as "Flame Kissed Art Glass II".  She makes scrumptious hand dyed/painted silk ribbons of superior quality.   Our new site will offer ribbons, lampwork beads and hand made sterling silver findings. 

For the time being you can view her ribbons here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/dfer7666

To introduce you to our new endeavors we are offering a give-away.  Actually will be three give-a-ways.  To be eligible all you have to do is become a follower and leave a comment. If you are already a follower please post a comment and request to be included in the drawing. Winners will be chosen by a random generator. 

Our first give-away will take place Sept. 19th, the second on Sept. 26th and the third Oct. 3th. 

Sept. 19th. drawing:
This fabulous silk ribbon called "Chameleon.  Ribbons are 3/8" wide x 42" long.

Sterling Cored/Copper Capped Focal Bead.

Measures 23.50mm x 14.85mm

My Name is.....and I am a glassaholic

Yes, I am an addict.  But you understand it is not my fault.  I can take responsibility for my actions in most cases but not this one. LOL.  It is Jed's fault.  Jed is the owner of  Double Helix Glass.

He produces a fabulous line of reduction and striking glass.  For those of you who don't know what this means I will try to explain.  The glass has a high silver content making some wonderful things happen when you strike or reduce it. 

Glass is melted using a torch as you all know.  The torch is powered by gas (usually propane but natural gas is often used too)  and oxygen. 
Below the spacer beads have been struck in the flame to acquire the mirror like finish.  Striking is done by turning up your propane flow and flashing the bead in and out of the flame until you arrive at the desired results. 

Then we have reducing....cool reducing is turning down your oxygen.  Hot reducing is turning up your propane.  Some glass requires hot and some require cool reduction.  The bead below was done with cool reduction.

Lamp Working has certainly come a long way from it's crude beginnings. If you would like to know more about it's history this is a great article: http://www.theglassmuseum.com/lampwork.html

Please come back soon.  At some point next week I will be posting a "give away".  I think you will like the gift.
Have a great weekend everyone.