Calla Lilly Blooms
Calla Lillies are one of my favorite flowers. Watch this bead “bloom” with Calla Lillies. It is a fun and simple tutorial.
Posts Tagged ‘torch’
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My Lampworking “Desk”
my glass torch desk
Last week, Michael C. Wagner wanted to see fellow serial entrepreneur’s desks. I have multiple desks and I wondered, hey Mike, would you like to see an artist’s desk? Well here it is. It is where I go deep with my creative juices. Look close and see if you find anything significant. Happy hunting!
What does your desk look like? What place inspires you to go deep with your creative side?
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This spider Won’t Hurt You
I found this YouTube video today that I thought you would enjoy. This guy in Romania makes these imploded spider pendants that are so cool. I think you will enjoy his very nice tutorial on how to make these unique beads. Enjoy!
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Back to Basics: 12 Colors You Must Have
Lt to Rt-Ivory, White, Black, Clear, Yellow, Turquoise, Orange, Red, Green, Trans. Lime, Blue, Trans. Blue,
There are so many types of glass for lampworking to choose from out there. How does a new lampworker decide what to buy? Sitting at the torch last night, I started thinking; “If I was just beginning in lampworking, what 12 rods of glass would I be sure to stock?” Sure, I could get fancy and pick tricky, reactive glass, or striking glass, but I thought I should go back to the basics, pick just 12 basic colors that every new artist starting out should keep on hand and play with.
I won’t complicate your color choices with brands and COE, I will save that for another blog post. I will say that Moretti or CIM Messy brand glass are probably my first picks as far as brand goes. They are relatively easy to use, fuss free, soft glass. Now, on to twelve must stock colors:
- Dark Ivory – I picked this color because of it’s versatility. It is a richer color than light ivory and reacts well with a variety of colors and also has a whole different look when combined with silver foil.
- White – I picked white because it can be mixed with other colors to make a new color. It is a great base color to decorate over.
- Black – I don’t think I have to convince anyone that they need black in their must have pile.
- Clear – Again, this is a must have for every artist. It is great for both a base bead and to encase over other beads.
- Yellow – As a primary color, I think it’s important to stock yellow. It can be mixed with another color to make a new color.
- Turquoise – I like using turquoise and think everyone should have this color. It’s a great color to use with every one of the 11 other colors in this collection.
- Orange – I like the way orange will compliment all the other colors on this list.
- Red – Another primary color, red is a must have for this collection. It is also a year round favorite.
- Green – Green is a great color to have. When used with Dark Ivory, it creates a dark line between the green and ivory making it look like it was outlined.
- Transparent Lime Green – Lime is just a fun color to use. You can encase over opaque colors to change the hue. For example: lime over blue will make purple.
- Blue – The 3rd primary color, blue is another good color to have. If you mix silvered ivory, green, and blue together, you will get great, fun colors.
- Transparent Blue – Layering this clear blue over green or red will give you a new color.
If you would like specific color numbers, message me and I’d be happy to share.
What are your favorite 12 basic colors? Are they the same? Or, are they different? Tell me.
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Remember Your Roots
Ed Sharr making marbles
I recently went to the Atherton House in Adel, IA. A mentor of mine, Ed Sharr, was doing his glass marble demonstration for the public. I was warmly greeted by his wife, Nancy, who I also respect for her own lampworking skills. Ed and Nancy Sharr are the couple who originally taught me how to lampwork. I sat there, watching Ed demo his marble making talents to the crowd, who oohed and aahed with every marble. I watched Nancy so proudly showing off his collection of marbles displayed for sale to all who were interested.
The day I spent with them in their glass studio about 10 years ago changed the course of my life forever. I was absolutely mesmerized from the moment I saw Ed and Nancy working the hot glass at their torches and knew I had to do this. The three of us spent a whole day together way back then, them teaching me the basics of bead making and then showing me a few advanced techniques as a bonus:
- round beads with nice tucked ends
- flowers
- plunging stringers
- simple encasing
Ed even showed me some of his early marble skills which he has honed quite well in the last 10 years. I went home at the end of that long day not tired, but hungry to learn everything I could about lampworking and melting glass.
I loved chatting and catching up with the Sharrs because they love glass like I do. Nancy has moved on now and has a very successful quilting business. She admits she doesn’t get much time for lampworking anymore like she’d like to, she’s quilting 7 days a week. Ed also has multiple talents but does have time to still play with his “marbles”. They are an inspiring couple with many talents and I thank them because, I wouldn’t be doing what I love if they hadn’t taken the time to teach me and light my fire to learn more about melting glass.
Who were the mentors in your early career? I would love to hear your story.
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