tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73758511269743213952024-02-20T09:09:31.537-08:00The Daily LampworkerThis blog will be dedicated to my daily (or almost daily) activities of my triumphs and struggles of being a self-employed glass artist.
I have been working with soft glass (mostly beads, but some marbles and small sculptures) since May of 2007. I have been fascinated with the craft of melting glass in a torch since childhood.
I have since retired from my corporate management position and am dedicated to make a success of my passion.Jeannie Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047436668972348576noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7375851126974321395.post-41233896935915350592017-10-26T04:03:00.000-07:002017-10-26T04:05:19.524-07:00Crikey!! It's been ages since I've posted here! I have been quite busy with family and work, but I'm sure that's still no excuse. I must be more diligent about posting here, altho I keep up to date for the most part through my FB page (facebook.com/JeansBeads) - - so if anyone is ever looking for me, I am usually there.<br />
I have also been creating a lot of Youtube how-to videos and currently have videos scheduled to be released every few days to a week apart thru the end of November. And I am currently working on more - - please check out my channel <span style="background-color: white; color: #006621; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;"> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/jeannie291">https://www.youtube.com/user/jeannie291</a>.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;">If you are at all curious on how these lovely beads and glass creations are created or if you are a current</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;">lampworker/glass blower, you might find some of my how-to videos interesting and inspiring - - that is my goal </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;">at least! 😊</span>Jeannie Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047436668972348576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7375851126974321395.post-51828966976155653622015-12-07T11:48:00.002-08:002015-12-07T11:48:41.391-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBFnTPT6c3exaqP5fwiNRYEgh3DyFuhi3LUk36dhPfhWrxfUFZbQvNgqhzBs5lmkxrNaTR8BGYpmq4k9eGcqXzMnudRA1VWN4sp4FZG_7iVMBzt6c-x38CDJ-tYQdnUE7Fq_nW76Vl/s1600/aaaaaPokeballsANDminions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBFnTPT6c3exaqP5fwiNRYEgh3DyFuhi3LUk36dhPfhWrxfUFZbQvNgqhzBs5lmkxrNaTR8BGYpmq4k9eGcqXzMnudRA1VWN4sp4FZG_7iVMBzt6c-x38CDJ-tYQdnUE7Fq_nW76Vl/s320/aaaaaPokeballsANDminions.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
These guys are available through my FB page, Jean's Beads. https://www.facebook.com/Jeans-Beads-143968095775/<br />Jeannie Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047436668972348576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7375851126974321395.post-14679539275299306652014-03-17T17:31:00.002-07:002014-03-17T17:34:32.571-07:00Getting ready for Vegas!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I can't believe it's less than 2 weeks away already! Been working away, but also experimenting (mostly unsuccessfully) with new glass, techniques and styles. Needless to say, I have plenty of stock for Vegas, a bunch of new Dragon Eyes, vessels, hearts, etc., but there's still so much to do (isn't there always??) Can't wait!<br />
If you are in the area or planning to go already, please come by and say "Hi!". March 26th - 30th - - Glass Craft & Bead Expo, South Point Hotel in Vegas (I will be at table D11 in the Bead Bazaar area, like usual - the exhibition floor is open Fri - Sunday, March 28th-30th). It's a great venue for everything glass - - stained glass, mosaic glass, blown glass, lampwork glass, fused glass, cold-worked glass. They have daily glass demos going on and there are classes available in all areas of glass as well as jewelry making, finishing, etc. There are many glass suppliers there selling glass, equipment, tools, etc., and of course - - the amazing artists that sell ALL types of glassy things! Come on by - it's a blast!Jeannie Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047436668972348576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7375851126974321395.post-16587094182578889262013-12-15T13:26:00.000-08:002013-12-15T13:26:18.569-08:00Keeping Busy . . . I have been torching every day recently, keeping myself busy and doing what I love to do. I have been working on inventory for my shows starting in early January and of course, I started with the hardest and most time-consuming pieces that I make (just to get them out of the way!). These are my Dragon Eye pendants and they take several stages to make as well as 2-3 hours for each one. Needless to say, I usually cannot make more than 2 per day, but sometimes I am extremely productive and make 3 or 4 (those are looooong torching days!).<br />I am running out of the clear and black I use for the bases of these guys, so I might have to move onto other things, at least for now - - but I have quite a few done, so I am happy (I have a few more that are not in this picture, too!) :)<br />
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Jeannie Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047436668972348576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7375851126974321395.post-53134587675388432062013-12-10T03:17:00.000-08:002013-12-10T03:17:08.686-08:00Tis the Season . . . <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCBVIV33ka2dGgo6nNG3OWl-32KHMeLCusdXsNsnMIMlypMrdV0ZsMMb54oHt3vZ8GNRdUogUo-1Mggag1Ngkaz60oDWUJB802uT4M-1Q77rVlKsL7-nE6PPAXl9KkjcfGPmBqkbU3/s1600/Ornaments.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCBVIV33ka2dGgo6nNG3OWl-32KHMeLCusdXsNsnMIMlypMrdV0ZsMMb54oHt3vZ8GNRdUogUo-1Mggag1Ngkaz60oDWUJB802uT4M-1Q77rVlKsL7-nE6PPAXl9KkjcfGPmBqkbU3/s320/Ornaments.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
to get busy!! YAY!<br />Been working on production pieces for my upcoming shows starting in early January, but got sidetracked with some orders (always welcome, especially this time of year!) and also was playing around with some boro tubing and making some ornaments for the holiday.<br />I have been taking a boro class at the Mesa Art Center here trying to learn a few things, mostly about tubing and blowing, which I don't have a lot of experience with (yet!), altho I do know the basic concepts. It's nice to be able to work on tanked oxygen and really rage my torch. I am limited at home by the oxy-con's pressure so I cannot go as big or as fast as the tanked oxygen. It was still much fun making these ornaments at home, tho, and gave me a lot of experience with tubing, blowing and shaping. These above are just a few of the many (probably over 30) ornaments I made.<br /><br />Now, back to my production . . .<br />Jeannie Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047436668972348576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7375851126974321395.post-47440966703839605202013-11-11T01:26:00.000-08:002013-11-11T01:26:32.759-08:00Not the Greatest Day . . . {{sigh}}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVOrNeVed8yiWVcmjNAHJxYGoTJgoObGk4istFbsblyX3n4qqHK3N8x9duyrGr7qSn-2H6fKtWhLu6YDw-U_gL10em-alvve-bpkrM_Du-1md1FVVVRFaHVRUNHSzr0FspsQHUNvE/s1600/DE1ofSeason.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVOrNeVed8yiWVcmjNAHJxYGoTJgoObGk4istFbsblyX3n4qqHK3N8x9duyrGr7qSn-2H6fKtWhLu6YDw-U_gL10em-alvve-bpkrM_Du-1md1FVVVRFaHVRUNHSzr0FspsQHUNvE/s320/DE1ofSeason.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Well, yep - - at my title explains, I didn't have the greatest day today. Tried doing a special, custom Dragon Eye for someone and it didn't quite work out.<br />I had high hopes, too, since the first eye I created for this year's shows turned out pretty dang good . . . (above picture).<br />So . . . I was confident and ready to go. But, alas, the universe didn't feel the way I did. My first DE cracked right at the end of an excruciating 2 hours at the torch. Not to be deterred, I took a break and then tried again. The second one came out alright, it's a keeper, but it didn't look "superb", which is what I really wanted the eye to be. Oh well. There is always tomorrow. . .<br /><br />Jeannie Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047436668972348576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7375851126974321395.post-6912248937261489712013-11-06T23:18:00.001-08:002013-11-06T23:18:39.418-08:00Production Season Begins . . . <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Woohoo! It's finally getting a little cooler here in AZ, so now is the time I start working my butt off in production for upcoming shows.<br />But, I haven't been just slacking here. I have been torching almost daily, but not for full production days and not for specific pieces, mostly just making whatever comes to mind at the time, which is nice.<br />I have also updated my webpage with upcoming shows for 2014, and I also added a tutorial page which lists all my current YouTube tutorials with links to each one. Here's a link to that specific page . . .<br /><a href="http://www.jeansbeads.com/tipstutorials.htm">http://www.jeansbeads.com/tipstutorials.htm</a><br /><br />I have started production for the 2014 year already, and decided to start with my most time-consuming and challenging pieces, my Dragon Eye pendants. These are what the final pendants look like, in case you haven't seen them before. They are large pendants, averaging about 2.5" long.<br />
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I make these pendants in a variety of background colors and with various eye colors, too. I have been working on the eyes recently, which are made first and then later embedded in the pendants. I am trying some new swirled and varied color backgrounds in some of them this year, so hopefully I will get some really unique-looking and enviable eyes this year. Here are the eyes I have made so far . . .<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDrc88pbanRrDwusFlH_6iG6XkSLHAUjZJfR9Wm_p7uuyQNl70JQpicATxBU3KSbcnvVi8siC5rrls7NMXMoioHxLTSJQgw_lQ7vCXRYRFimdfVpVIo_6teA10-aOW1UDOuOfdAmsx/s1600/Eyes2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDrc88pbanRrDwusFlH_6iG6XkSLHAUjZJfR9Wm_p7uuyQNl70JQpicATxBU3KSbcnvVi8siC5rrls7NMXMoioHxLTSJQgw_lQ7vCXRYRFimdfVpVIo_6teA10-aOW1UDOuOfdAmsx/s320/Eyes2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Hopefully all, or at least most, of my pendants will come out well, and I hope to be posting some of the finished pendants in the coming days and weeks. Right now, I am still focusing on the eye parts, but am hoping to start work on the pendants by this weekend. Like I stated previously, these are very challenging and time consuming to make, so most days I can only complete one or two of these pendants, but hopefully they will be worth the wait!Jeannie Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047436668972348576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7375851126974321395.post-70414495596692730402013-10-04T18:45:00.001-07:002013-10-04T18:45:20.050-07:00Almost time for high gear . . . waiting . . . It's almost time for me to get into my high-production gear again. Well, actually, it's past time, but I am still waiting for this Arizona heat to calm down a bit. Pretty soon the temperatures will plunge, like they seem to do each year here in October, but so far, it's still been in the 90s during the day.<br />I have been torching in the evenings/late night/overnight here when it's cooler, but just can't get many production hours in yet. But soon, really soon!<br />I have several shows coming up early next year and am running a little low on stock - particularly Dragon Eyes, Dragon and other heart pendants and marbles -- some of my best sellers. Need fresh new batches to handle next year's shows and maybe even try to develop some new designs, too.<br />Here are a few of my butterfly implosion pendants I was playing with the other day - hope you enjoy!<br />These may go up on my site soon, but wanted to make a few more, first -- <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/JeansBeads?ref=seller_info">http</a><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/JeansBeads?ref=seller_info">://www.etsy.com/shop/JeansBeads?ref=seller_info</a><br />
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<br />Jeannie Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047436668972348576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7375851126974321395.post-33597741142400386602013-08-30T04:27:00.001-07:002013-08-30T04:27:42.277-07:00Oh boy, haven't posted in a while again. Mostly, that is because I haven't been up to much lately. In Arizona, it's too dang hot in the summer to really do anything, let alone working less than a foot behind a 2000 degree torch while there's a 1000 degree kiln also spewing heat about 3 feet behind you.<br />I finally started up again just recently despite the heat. One, because I have had a few orders (YAY!) and two, at least the daily temperature dropped to around 100 degrees versus the 110-115 degrees it was just a short time ago.<br />Been also thinking about Halloween and trying to come up with a new design to kick-start my muse back at the torch. Came up with this design - - the bloody heart, bleeding heart? Not sure, I might just call them dripping hearts since I have made several more with other colors besides red. Those are in the kiln annealing right now, so I only have the red one at this time - enjoy!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5qWZzh1aGegnjsJLYzxDw-_QVJ3oQjNa3psK6R-6b51chTBkr0pTp4cXr2q06TFvgKlRSBf-51FNfuoVUL3pRXq6dpLX6G_IYm66F57BXOlwxe7bAvEwGFeXEQ_R07bXYzxYk1Hd/s1600/bloodyheart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5qWZzh1aGegnjsJLYzxDw-_QVJ3oQjNa3psK6R-6b51chTBkr0pTp4cXr2q06TFvgKlRSBf-51FNfuoVUL3pRXq6dpLX6G_IYm66F57BXOlwxe7bAvEwGFeXEQ_R07bXYzxYk1Hd/s320/bloodyheart.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Jeannie Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047436668972348576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7375851126974321395.post-5603533187673386692013-07-19T00:44:00.002-07:002013-07-19T00:44:45.264-07:00Hot, Hot Summer!!!Yep, it's hot! Especially in Arizona! We are now entering monsoon season, so it's getting humid, too. My worst time of the year here, but luckily it only lasts a couple/few months. The rest of the year in AZ is just beautiful, sunny and warm (well, in winter it can get quite chilly!).<br />Since it's so hot here, I haven't been torching. I am getting that bad itch to torch often but it's just not viable right now. I am hoping some good rains might come through and cool it off for a while so I can jump back on the torch - - there's still so much I want to do and learn - even after 7 years!<br />Here is some eye candy (literally, haha!) of a pendant I have up for auction now. The auction will end Saturday at midnight. If it's not sold, it will be heading up on Etsy, probably with a few more items.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfDFnWW_fZDJv2WXOwd-N5ScbzaQMCwG_qfNHUlohrnEp1OK81ntWrIsFUq-aAPIwLncoisW06dn4lQYrsH3bfY37QHiWrHiw2d3UxoXmTMJZFQmlyTZUKNXpsDZCwicpy1F2Qy7AZ/s1600/DEauction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfDFnWW_fZDJv2WXOwd-N5ScbzaQMCwG_qfNHUlohrnEp1OK81ntWrIsFUq-aAPIwLncoisW06dn4lQYrsH3bfY37QHiWrHiw2d3UxoXmTMJZFQmlyTZUKNXpsDZCwicpy1F2Qy7AZ/s320/DEauction.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Happy Summer Everyone!<br />Jeannie Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047436668972348576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7375851126974321395.post-60567656179075370312013-06-18T04:33:00.000-07:002013-06-18T04:33:55.449-07:00Wasted Torch TimeIt happens to all of us sometimes, but man, it can be so frustrating - - wasted torch time.<br />
This happened to me last night. I was going to work on more turtle beads (which I must post later, they're so darn cute!) for Beads of Courage, but I decided to make another complex flower murrini instead (big mistake!).<br />
Everything was going fine until my last petal layer when I heard the distinct sound of glass cracking. You other glass artists out there know what I mean - - that high-pitched, make-you-cringe, tinking sound. Ugh! Yep, my huge (about 3" round) murrini cracked in an underlayer.<br />
I proceeded to heat the begeezus out of it and was hoping it would heal. If anyone out there has made murrini before, they know the whole mass of glass needs to be heated to pull out into a usable rod size anyway, so it was heated thru-and-thru for that part also.<br />
I pulled it into a 4-foot long rod of about 8-10mm thick, and everything seemed fine, until it cooled. Then the cracking began - - little tinks here and there. I was working on a turtle bead then, looked over, and half my murrini rod split in 2, lengthwise. Oh boy.<br />
I decided to test the remaining, un-cracked rod, and proceeded to make one test murrini bead which seemed fine. I went to test a second bead and the rod just kept exploding in my flame, pieces of pretty pink and yellow flower murrini glass all over my workbench.<br />
So much for 3 or so hours at a hot torch, what a waste of time, glass and electricity. But, it happens sometimes, to all of us.<br />
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Here's a picture of the little glass chunks all around my torch and 3 pieces of split-in half murrini - ugh!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4A3ptD4N13YRpNvSbBKASFdFwadYnN2fRKOFz-Am4JoCY1MIRVlS2GtAiJtX05EM3vLu6IZp1za1CxT5aRF31cPpbtOYiEzTiTRmH7NyqYX2GtNYxpg42d35hnG-_tIsmwHBe7NA/s1600/BrokenMurriniUGH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4A3ptD4N13YRpNvSbBKASFdFwadYnN2fRKOFz-Am4JoCY1MIRVlS2GtAiJtX05EM3vLu6IZp1za1CxT5aRF31cPpbtOYiEzTiTRmH7NyqYX2GtNYxpg42d35hnG-_tIsmwHBe7NA/s400/BrokenMurriniUGH.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Jeannie Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047436668972348576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7375851126974321395.post-39947216236271201272013-03-03T16:45:00.001-08:002013-03-03T16:45:59.078-08:00Working Diligently . . . <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglWxoPdcA7XRZlnb99tva6hO87vuoQlwgViydli_RVBxrvLAiUBwxH_m79wUk05L7tJPXcW5GBx8LICydiNtAP1-IMt8lKLCAiU29UgGUhyphenhyphendwHKPcW-z3kx4Mt81GapYEwSE8tumOW/s1600/Hearts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglWxoPdcA7XRZlnb99tva6hO87vuoQlwgViydli_RVBxrvLAiUBwxH_m79wUk05L7tJPXcW5GBx8LICydiNtAP1-IMt8lKLCAiU29UgGUhyphenhyphendwHKPcW-z3kx4Mt81GapYEwSE8tumOW/s320/Hearts.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Been working hard lately, getting ready for the Glass Craft and Bead Expo, in Vegas, which is only in a month's time. <br />
I have produced many Dragon Hearts and my new wig-wag hearts for this year's event, along with many blown vessels. <br />
Now it's onto my Dragon Eye pendants since I just received my new order of glass. I just hope I have enough time to get everything done!Jeannie Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047436668972348576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7375851126974321395.post-85845758451498651482013-01-09T14:47:00.000-08:002013-01-09T14:47:15.015-08:00I finally have gotten a new YouTube tutorial out there for soft glass lampworking. <br />
It is a mini tutorial on Intense Black/Webbing effect which you can achieve with certain colors and a dense black, not the regular transparent black.<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=af74Z8P4NWY&list=UU8zvS8p4-IXYroHAf9Wc7kA&index=1">Intense Black/Webbing Effect</a><br />
<br />
This is a really neat effect I learned when just starting out with bead making, and I still use it often today. It can supply a unique background to decorated beads and also makes cool, organic-looking beads which looked laced like natural stones/rock.<br />
<br />
In the video, I use dark ivory and Hades black from CiM. You can also use Intense Black from Effetre (altho it might also be called Dense Black). This also works on a variety of different color bases besides ivory. You can try it with periwinkle blue, Canyon de Chelly (CiM), medium or dark gray, Stone Ground (CiM), and some opaque greens and purples will allow the effect, too.<br />
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I hope you enjoy!Jeannie Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047436668972348576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7375851126974321395.post-15792991785856755852012-09-28T18:55:00.000-07:002012-09-28T18:55:07.275-07:00Re-Vamp Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKWhcYsCn7cauIms-0QqBgH6DLY2iSF2YASng7gXZRdOs8gbyiWR9NB7ykMCP1cTjJPLqoAPCeo73vdQ6TnpoRCN_M-TQ3xTZ-WqWwEs1_uNjmPktPNo4M2dpm-tPjLNGrWgifo3S/s1600/StudioNew.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKWhcYsCn7cauIms-0QqBgH6DLY2iSF2YASng7gXZRdOs8gbyiWR9NB7ykMCP1cTjJPLqoAPCeo73vdQ6TnpoRCN_M-TQ3xTZ-WqWwEs1_uNjmPktPNo4M2dpm-tPjLNGrWgifo3S/s320/StudioNew.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I am currently re-vamping the studio set-up to give more space to the room (which is also our dining area) and to have easier access to my glass rack and tools/storage rack.<br />I think this new set-up will be much easier and with less cords and hoses in the way, too. Still have quite a bit to do, but I am getting close to finishing and will finally be able to get back on the torch!Jeannie Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047436668972348576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7375851126974321395.post-32983857868984715942012-08-29T01:59:00.000-07:002012-08-29T01:59:29.833-07:00For-Ever!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqIdMO0gHCDcPLpwo6o4AKgPFU_rnAsN9t4kXLBNU8LWqxZAMm9nIHtcHUSEyydAMF5_j1If5Ev62pZB50qD1TQzOGKPyNku9f9GegiM7EzXLtdTw5k7TSADhfgH6E-uBeZV0196u/s1600/MultiV3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqIdMO0gHCDcPLpwo6o4AKgPFU_rnAsN9t4kXLBNU8LWqxZAMm9nIHtcHUSEyydAMF5_j1If5Ev62pZB50qD1TQzOGKPyNku9f9GegiM7EzXLtdTw5k7TSADhfgH6E-uBeZV0196u/s320/MultiV3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Boy, it seems forever since I have blogged. Well, almost forever, I think it was early this year the last time I sat down to write anything.<br />But, in the meantime, I have been keeping up with Facebook posts, did some YouTube videos and still listing on Etsy.<br /><br />My recent works have been some blown vessels. Been making some simple (altho still very shapely and elegant) vessels in mostly clear or transparent glass so that you can see what's inside. I have some with mini marbles inside (shown above) some with sand and mini seashells, some with mini hearts and some with micro beads. I have made all the marbles and hearts myself also. These are very cute and the glass topper with cork can be removed so you can add your own items if you wish. They will also hold perfume or essential oil if you would like.<br /><br />I do have some available now at my Etsy shop - - - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/JeansBeads?ref=seller_info">http://www.etsy.com/shop/JeansBeads?ref=seller_info</a><br />
And I will also have some available at Coppper Con this coming weekend in Avondale, AZ. For more info on the 32nd annual Copper Con Sci-Fi convention, look here - - <a href="http://www.azcentral.com/thingstodo/events/articles/20120822coppercon-32-convention-avondale.html">http://www.azcentral.com/thingstodo/events/articles/20120822coppercon-32-convention-avondale.html</a><br />They also have a FB page. These conventions are so much fun with different panels and discussions to attend, presentations, readings from authors, activities, gaming - and Filk music (can't forget that!). If you like to read, write, game or watch anything Sci-Fi, this is a fun weekend!Jeannie Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047436668972348576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7375851126974321395.post-71019459890093570122012-01-23T22:36:00.000-08:002012-01-23T22:36:22.892-08:00Keepin' it on Track<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHX4h51sBYuBl1zpQvoNNQvYdJt65rZ3biO36Kv8WdVeyUkCFWwOicPABqAIILuqLdXIfccNHETafazVckHrb90BP9MPWaY7TM740yfF_I4OWHTA3nRxS0I3EE98YXIxlZ0OaQl1gP/s1600/DEblackSilver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHX4h51sBYuBl1zpQvoNNQvYdJt65rZ3biO36Kv8WdVeyUkCFWwOicPABqAIILuqLdXIfccNHETafazVckHrb90BP9MPWaY7TM740yfF_I4OWHTA3nRxS0I3EE98YXIxlZ0OaQl1gP/s320/DEblackSilver.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dragon Eye Pendant made with black and pure silver - now for sale on my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/jeansbeads">Etsy</a> (will come to Vegas if still around).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It's already almost a month into the new year - time seems to just fly by sometimes. There are so many things with my glass art that I want to practice with, new things I want to try, and even new glass I want to experiment with, but I have to remember to keep myself on track.<br />
I have an ongoing project that I am working on which will keep me busy working on beads thru June and I also have the big Glass Expo in Vegas coming up at the end of March, so I need to make sure I keep up with my production and don't stray too much from what I need to get done.<br />
I usually make a list for each week, noting the stuff that needs to be done and also the stuff I want to get done for upcoming shows. This helps a lot to keep me on track, but also allows some lee-way in case I get bored doing the same thing over and over and over. I keep this list on my workbench as a reminder of my "plans" and it also reminds me of upcoming projects which might of slipped my mind. That helps me stay motivated and always looking toward the future. I think writing out your plans or dreams is always a great motivator and sometimes can break down huge projects (or obstacles) into smaller, more bite-size pieces.Jeannie Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047436668972348576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7375851126974321395.post-85063933730369218902012-01-18T00:36:00.000-08:002012-01-18T00:36:21.693-08:00Wow, January 2012 already!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKKyDy5fqmEgxzNUYHdFjI7kxLmPg3jKOiCrGZz6BLKl3o5C-UQOfpLx-AkX_qpH1xWjT6dZZpvH1Z9XERhJQHPqkqTe4mRb9VsdRrXBI3IUKpWqwIqSqQt-o9ovzIcEhvZnT5kKn/s1600/TealGun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKKyDy5fqmEgxzNUYHdFjI7kxLmPg3jKOiCrGZz6BLKl3o5C-UQOfpLx-AkX_qpH1xWjT6dZZpvH1Z9XERhJQHPqkqTe4mRb9VsdRrXBI3IUKpWqwIqSqQt-o9ovzIcEhvZnT5kKn/s200/TealGun.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigpu5K1EncLN2N7JWwd9b0WldL-6cG-swRoRLrX1uhwXKa4PkDiTajrsrdqyEVQ2tCDPzDHkbWJV0ebCQQ-oBM1Sb5JpTJneDtYsMkTNGekLf-KaZWLlOtooYv2W2xWZGUKdwPf3jD/s1600/2012JanMermaid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigpu5K1EncLN2N7JWwd9b0WldL-6cG-swRoRLrX1uhwXKa4PkDiTajrsrdqyEVQ2tCDPzDHkbWJV0ebCQQ-oBM1Sb5JpTJneDtYsMkTNGekLf-KaZWLlOtooYv2W2xWZGUKdwPf3jD/s200/2012JanMermaid.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUhoKOQowS9Gom_pMgNLn56Js__xJW7q3l1zcN_P0ITe5IqXEY7bGjUCqUibohF10sA0W3JXdnK6A7Mpfk5taJ39oaHIA78Cl5JIrS2-a2jIbSKlxiRGYpYKn08y-_jgXPOzoZt8u/s1600/2012JanOceans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUhoKOQowS9Gom_pMgNLn56Js__xJW7q3l1zcN_P0ITe5IqXEY7bGjUCqUibohF10sA0W3JXdnK6A7Mpfk5taJ39oaHIA78Cl5JIrS2-a2jIbSKlxiRGYpYKn08y-_jgXPOzoZt8u/s200/2012JanOceans.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
Amazing! I can't believe it's already 2012. What happens to the time? Sometimes it just seems to fly by. Most of November and December flew by like a whirlwind to me, and now the New Year has already crept in.<br />
I have been busy working away lately. I have a special project for the Beads of Courage charity that I am working on now - - and I must say I am humbly honored to be asked to participate. This project will last for a 4-5 months and will keep me busy at the torch.<br />
Besides that, I have the annual Glass Craft Expo in Vegas at the end of March. So looking forward to that show, which is basically the only big show I have done the last few years. It is so much fun and I get to meet so many great and talented glass artists.<br />
So . . . I will be very busy working on stock for the Vegas show as well as the BOC project, which is a very good thing.<br />
Been working on a few new designs lately - - some Retro Ray Guns for mainly the Sci-Fi conventions I go to (but will bring them to Vegas, too), mermaids and various ocean themed beads.Jeannie Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047436668972348576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7375851126974321395.post-69876216495497344762011-10-27T19:25:00.000-07:002011-10-27T19:25:39.135-07:00Keeping Busy<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
I have been keeping busy lately, filling some orders and making how-to lampworking videos for YouTube. I have several new videos online now and more to come soon. Most of my recent videos are more intermediate/advanced techniques which might take a little practice for beginners. But, I am also going to add more technique/color-reaction videos that will be more simple so that anybody should be able to use immediately. I hope that I will be able to give some viewers and aspiring glass artists some tips and tricks to help with their creative processes to make their own cool beads!</div><br />
Here are links to my last couple videos posted .. . .<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxmhHpBee39gYxBf2T1XuJ_NpxDpQhUpac1V9pD0-DYWy2sc6o2E4mjFr2fKTDfGpy2kzy8oeTBWYKKn9QU9MCzoVp8ZXDtSKRAmV6ALpgRnfcguoct6KcKt4d71IyMt1w4F0ngDZ/s1600/aaaaaaPostRainbow1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxmhHpBee39gYxBf2T1XuJ_NpxDpQhUpac1V9pD0-DYWy2sc6o2E4mjFr2fKTDfGpy2kzy8oeTBWYKKn9QU9MCzoVp8ZXDtSKRAmV6ALpgRnfcguoct6KcKt4d71IyMt1w4F0ngDZ/s320/aaaaaaPostRainbow1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This is the bead made in my Feathered Rainbow Tutorial on YouTube at <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h00_ntA8G7Y">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h00_ntA8G7Y</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGzrRXNGjtKKYshFPZAJ_lJsc5IvT-oA8gRre8mPnSgtwN0We4zlWOG5BqEIt5wJY4W9f6iwl8m21A24gis8KpbHmdGy9v8V84d6D8vobwNfFzDMsqvlYjJrWFYUMbmITmShOLj_wS/s1600/aaaaaaflowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGzrRXNGjtKKYshFPZAJ_lJsc5IvT-oA8gRre8mPnSgtwN0We4zlWOG5BqEIt5wJY4W9f6iwl8m21A24gis8KpbHmdGy9v8V84d6D8vobwNfFzDMsqvlYjJrWFYUMbmITmShOLj_wS/s320/aaaaaaflowers.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Here is another tutorial on YouTube of on-mandrel implosion flowers. The bead actually made in the video is the yellow one <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_WvTs4Z6CY">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_WvTs4Z6CY</a><br />
<br />
This is a 2-part video, so be sure to tune into the second half, too.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFY3aNfwTTKhqg5Z5xmyy0vnZqs45rYUrXrX20cV9c1VtaXd4mJDPwFARhPuHwk0U9jwf4BYGoA_wK9R1zXQMvaeVBQ-n3BTJD1SO2TMCW2pGeCH3M3fhbz1aeqJ2bsxfZeVDGoLE/s1600/aaaaaaabunny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFY3aNfwTTKhqg5Z5xmyy0vnZqs45rYUrXrX20cV9c1VtaXd4mJDPwFARhPuHwk0U9jwf4BYGoA_wK9R1zXQMvaeVBQ-n3BTJD1SO2TMCW2pGeCH3M3fhbz1aeqJ2bsxfZeVDGoLE/s320/aaaaaaabunny.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">And this is a little bunny bead which will be yet another tutorial coming up on YouTube within the next few days!</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: right;"></div>Jeannie Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047436668972348576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7375851126974321395.post-76742800305478207032011-10-13T11:49:00.000-07:002011-10-13T11:49:36.916-07:00The Scars of a Lampworker<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, being a lampworker can be exhilerating, exciting, fun and even exotic to some, but it also has it's risks. Working with an open flame has it's dangers, but for me, all the cuts and burn scars are well worth it. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Every scar tells a story, and I am glad to say that I am proud of my scars and that the more scars I build up, the more experience I gain at the torch.</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOsvlrh1zAoH4lc2xxpFnPOqy36XGVPi0chO3Csf7COz6i0NYUhzRO4zuwbxKhjsWHuL6n6B0j0vYShXpKwUMpuSLXlj7pjVmfHnavO5YZnbNKJJVMtZE-cmsVMVjGzZ51LY4IE7Py/s1600/aaaScar1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOsvlrh1zAoH4lc2xxpFnPOqy36XGVPi0chO3Csf7COz6i0NYUhzRO4zuwbxKhjsWHuL6n6B0j0vYShXpKwUMpuSLXlj7pjVmfHnavO5YZnbNKJJVMtZE-cmsVMVjGzZ51LY4IE7Py/s200/aaaScar1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This first scar was my worst burn ever. It's hard to see, so I have highlighted the area. The whole side of my hand was burnt from the first knuckle down to my thumb. I was distracted by my son who came into the studio and ended up putting my hand right in the flame - - duh! A fresh little burn is right above it and to the left, from a piece of flying glass. I am surprised this scar is so small since such a large area was burned, but probably just the worst of it scarred up. I now have a small lighter area there with a dark spot at the bottom. And, of course, even after being badly burned, I had to finish the bead I was working on!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03MQ9XgPnx-XqbnaaBHgLpniH_8ks7TJsajeq5taVJe-6SYWA_bwcZHuqS76czN27E681utqoh4qgE15D5E3OS7PeP5o6FoCwasobGwHw8gHu_ln3OoNpYQ3HI-jTywGjsQepTJPk/s1600/aaaScar2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03MQ9XgPnx-XqbnaaBHgLpniH_8ks7TJsajeq5taVJe-6SYWA_bwcZHuqS76czN27E681utqoh4qgE15D5E3OS7PeP5o6FoCwasobGwHw8gHu_ln3OoNpYQ3HI-jTywGjsQepTJPk/s200/aaaScar2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">These are a bunch of little scars I have gotten over the years from little shards of flying glass when rods have shocked when first putting them into the flame. These are no big deal, some hurt a little, but I just brush them off and keep on torching.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLepYlGEhggqgw_LPj8VB_Nb4buOID6WFl-TkRSFA4djuedI8GqLLV4mD9Sy8cBLjFflyKo4bXj8e4w0Wcba37nUc4pkdJcdlH5eI3pklx0vF1gIZHFB28-3HNx-mAVS1NERdiT7H/s1600/aaaScar3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLepYlGEhggqgw_LPj8VB_Nb4buOID6WFl-TkRSFA4djuedI8GqLLV4mD9Sy8cBLjFflyKo4bXj8e4w0Wcba37nUc4pkdJcdlH5eI3pklx0vF1gIZHFB28-3HNx-mAVS1NERdiT7H/s200/aaaScar3.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Here's a nice one. This was a larger piece of shocked glass that flew right into my elbow area. The piece of glass was triangle shaped so I have a nice triangle scar there now - - pretty cool! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYCY82wIjREbJSYu0ymR_AlF55YbNnY28Kd65F12iFm_5a-tJIhp7J_DCLqgqFyWr9_INwZV0LXJ7-EzEwn2I12dk2Y0e8XPgt2y2txh_VUaGvFgFMqsuQe2qkZxVdx_1jWhOK2wb/s1600/aaaScar4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYCY82wIjREbJSYu0ymR_AlF55YbNnY28Kd65F12iFm_5a-tJIhp7J_DCLqgqFyWr9_INwZV0LXJ7-EzEwn2I12dk2Y0e8XPgt2y2txh_VUaGvFgFMqsuQe2qkZxVdx_1jWhOK2wb/s200/aaaScar4.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This is one I got just last week and it's healing up pretty well now. A hot mandrel fell right between my fingers and both my ring finger and my middle finger were burned, but my ring finger got the worst of it.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-O1yjWufjMZ8qxYiaUieFio-yc65S1-X6bstvlS0lkoQqtOsy1vOZjzfq38FrhGvSwbx8RXk7b_giqGoT2UBB92CzQqhrh3C3SsCmgQGfsETIcJ1M6O8qT1YuT5wV-vW9m1EzYqwZ/s1600/aaaScar5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-O1yjWufjMZ8qxYiaUieFio-yc65S1-X6bstvlS0lkoQqtOsy1vOZjzfq38FrhGvSwbx8RXk7b_giqGoT2UBB92CzQqhrh3C3SsCmgQGfsETIcJ1M6O8qT1YuT5wV-vW9m1EzYqwZ/s200/aaaScar5.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And here is my newest wound. Not from a burn, though. I was playing with a little boro the other day and have a coffee can of rods I was using. Now that I am back to soft glass, I had the can of rods on the floor by my shelving unit. Duh! I walked right into a rod that was sticking out and got a nice gouge on my shin.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I believe scars have a big influence on who we are, whether those scars are visible or not. And whether you have physical scars or scars of the heart, I hope you are as proud of them as I am. We all make mistakes, we all slip up sometimes, but the most important thing to do is lift yourself back up and keep on going. Jeannie Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047436668972348576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7375851126974321395.post-11132520640907511312011-10-13T01:09:00.000-07:002011-10-13T01:09:29.949-07:00Flowers For Fall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2ndBzV_R9QdXjvWcOZeuBKNrJkxSd1k3Ri4xhe8MAqE2cCa3uMF7kGELZUvqxyAVbp3Fs0AgTmf8FjGvpIusFNe22ybETbhVv8rPYSyv-nPfELwNpsvXboTVDXiWsSxRqEK4KgU2/s1600/BlueYellowFlower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2ndBzV_R9QdXjvWcOZeuBKNrJkxSd1k3Ri4xhe8MAqE2cCa3uMF7kGELZUvqxyAVbp3Fs0AgTmf8FjGvpIusFNe22ybETbhVv8rPYSyv-nPfELwNpsvXboTVDXiWsSxRqEK4KgU2/s200/BlueYellowFlower.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Been experimenting a little as I am trying to get back into a regular torch routine. The weather is cooler now here in AZ (as least at night) and whether I have neck pain or not, I have to get back on the torch.<br />
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I have been playing with an old flower design I tried years ago - - think they look pretty cool. I did not invent this design, tho, and I am not sure who did. I have seen a few beads like these floating around from different<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLa_2n5pUYfb7ujOw5scAmzEWSh1eC9JbD9sgv6S77vdbtBkNXb2ak5dQy1dtkCi89q1TjRFr3vPMmEA2r3kYjtR_fjPCnkOAftxNKq6VW3-JkLGveBB4B4rhGvOxjHBrUTf3gXNBn/s1600/FallFlower2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLa_2n5pUYfb7ujOw5scAmzEWSh1eC9JbD9sgv6S77vdbtBkNXb2ak5dQy1dtkCi89q1TjRFr3vPMmEA2r3kYjtR_fjPCnkOAftxNKq6VW3-JkLGveBB4B4rhGvOxjHBrUTf3gXNBn/s200/FallFlower2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>artists. I am not sure if I make these exactly like others do since I figured this out myself, but they look similar to others I have seen out there.<br />
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I am hoping to get some of these online as pendants soon. I will string them on a headpin with small beads and/or crystals and attach a spring ring so that these could be easily strung onto a corded or chain necklace, a key chain, bookmark, chain-pull, sun-catcher hook, etc.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyeQSoJtqlqE4wnE8ABih0cPBi4df_IZCF_ggNm6ll86mAkiWz2_AAEvZHyhi9YqMxquENI0iEmxxHkEaT8McgXatHMdZnOfoj6gSG5r3CYUR2Td7ax-icidEGMND3W9d2MgT7maW/s1600/OrangeBlueFlower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyeQSoJtqlqE4wnE8ABih0cPBi4df_IZCF_ggNm6ll86mAkiWz2_AAEvZHyhi9YqMxquENI0iEmxxHkEaT8McgXatHMdZnOfoj6gSG5r3CYUR2Td7ax-icidEGMND3W9d2MgT7maW/s200/OrangeBlueFlower.jpg" width="200" /></a></div> I am heading to the chiropractor again this Friday and I am hoping my neck issue begins to improve as it has been, altho too slow for my taste. As for now, I can only torch for a few hours before the tingling and pain shooting down my arm from my pinched nerve starts being too much to handle.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2Xd-5xX4yI4Gl-b3jPkyjNpUzhUUeI0kgK-5CSEqouaqG5nPhrobTQSbxmV71uDKbT2jD8KjzZUJvaeyq9lL6qlYwHTWKtbj2oQ7YSmGaAItIsZ3vYR0ykDpPWBOOhUEDwUe4Jzf/s1600/BlueFlower2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2Xd-5xX4yI4Gl-b3jPkyjNpUzhUUeI0kgK-5CSEqouaqG5nPhrobTQSbxmV71uDKbT2jD8KjzZUJvaeyq9lL6qlYwHTWKtbj2oQ7YSmGaAItIsZ3vYR0ykDpPWBOOhUEDwUe4Jzf/s200/BlueFlower2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Wish me luck and I hope you enjoy these floral beads as much as I enjoy making them. I am also planning on making a set of these, but am trying out different color combos to find my favorites (so far, I really like the orange and aqua one).Jeannie Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047436668972348576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7375851126974321395.post-86148270955828648392011-10-02T00:54:00.000-07:002011-10-02T00:54:38.886-07:00Fall Time in Arizona<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK4JJEY0ZqZrHy5v7RKHXlJWi1FXdYlBpdCebsNNcAV3OP-tXqnpvxLiCjC6Ar1Jwj2CpsicwTDlmdridpxk2wY2H0m-UtC-vxAHZRy8hO3Mat-ay3D5b6xzxj6Ba4QiJXXi-vQTh0/s1600/BoroFinger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK4JJEY0ZqZrHy5v7RKHXlJWi1FXdYlBpdCebsNNcAV3OP-tXqnpvxLiCjC6Ar1Jwj2CpsicwTDlmdridpxk2wY2H0m-UtC-vxAHZRy8hO3Mat-ay3D5b6xzxj6Ba4QiJXXi-vQTh0/s320/BoroFinger.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Yep, it is finally fall here in AZ. I can tell because the tree out in my front yard is shedding it's seeds and leaves like crazy - - we will need to get that cleaned up soon before we are fined by the dang HOA. I hate HOAs, can't wait until we can get out of this house and into real private property!<br />
Anyway, the weather has been nicer during the days here, altho it has still been hovering around 100 on some recent days. Since the nicer weather is here, I have been really aching to torch. The only thing holding me up is my darn neck! It's been acting up again, shooting pain and tingles down my right arm which causes a big problem if I try to torch, even for short periods of time. You would think going to the chiropractor for the last 2 years would of helped it by now - it worries me at times.<br />
I did finally get onto the torch last night for an hour or so. I picked up the boro again, trying to get some good color out of it in small experiments. It was hit or miss with getting any color out. I really think I need to set up my old National Blow Pipe for some good heat - my minor just doesn't want to do it, especially on a oxycon.<br />
And wouldn't you know it - a dang hot mandrel slid right between my fingers and gave me a nice little burn and blister. I guess that's what I get for trying to force myself back on the torch. No worries, tho - - I will be back at it soon, pain or not. I can't stand just sitting around all day, pain or no pain. I will be back at it soon and hopefully will make some good stuff to show, especially if I go back to my comfort zone - soft glass.Jeannie Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047436668972348576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7375851126974321395.post-41938670434045316642011-09-14T23:27:00.000-07:002011-09-14T23:27:16.757-07:00Say Hi to My Little Friend, Brainy Bob . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOw6OiyF6KbKTtMPCYn-7aCsdSzp34dCXlTlCnzvtmRo2f_cAPmYhSaD-BWIaUHvu1xCzeaKLv9CoZ5l7qr_5imK2BK8AKGBvck8QxF13_I_eDcUL9OrfizXZEqY-GZTbmlx1TGMhg/s1600/AAbrainyBob1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOw6OiyF6KbKTtMPCYn-7aCsdSzp34dCXlTlCnzvtmRo2f_cAPmYhSaD-BWIaUHvu1xCzeaKLv9CoZ5l7qr_5imK2BK8AKGBvck8QxF13_I_eDcUL9OrfizXZEqY-GZTbmlx1TGMhg/s200/AAbrainyBob1.jpg" width="198" /></a></div> Meet Bob, one of my newest creations which I am going to call The Brainies. Bob is the first of his kind, but hopefully a girl with pony tails will be joining him soon, along with a dog, bird (bird brain - haha!), cat, bunny, and other people and animals, too! In the mist of other projects I am working on, like my Dragon Eyes (haven't forgot you Lynn!), I am hoping to fit a few of these guys in the mix.<br />
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They will all have over-sized heads (to hold their big brains!) and little bodies - - aren't they cute?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2zEBlkFrMpd8ZaAVwM9_c5odDr7q_Hvn3Mp9kBJieScOyiGT_s82OhxVpyM3_tUZTlUIVd3zEyuOM12a8zQquUZp71iMSPUNf9JCNBU8_TsuMZfRBmShIjg9r3wL_JVjKiPaHRXw/s1600/AAbrainyBob2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2zEBlkFrMpd8ZaAVwM9_c5odDr7q_Hvn3Mp9kBJieScOyiGT_s82OhxVpyM3_tUZTlUIVd3zEyuOM12a8zQquUZp71iMSPUNf9JCNBU8_TsuMZfRBmShIjg9r3wL_JVjKiPaHRXw/s200/AAbrainyBob2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I will also be attempting a steampunk-looking guy of some sort, but not sure when I will be fitting him in, but he will have goggles, gears and maybe a top hat, we will see.<br />
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As you see here, the hole is in the big head, so he will conveniently hang upright when strung on a necklace cord or thin chain. Hope you like! :0)Jeannie Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047436668972348576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7375851126974321395.post-3588469110674633442011-09-07T12:04:00.000-07:002011-09-07T12:04:56.266-07:00Convention is sadly over . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNFcpjhtdyJFgqJFxI1-GsgUStpFbNfKDNW6Tgb5JWaUzXas1IDtIgZLhxuXxetm-Yl6yp1zqoilcBRZWu1C0bNlYhXl6ybMVNPmjQgKMmumUDvu1GKZzmIIMQ9bJ6-crkjpW7hDN/s1600/CopperCon2011A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNFcpjhtdyJFgqJFxI1-GsgUStpFbNfKDNW6Tgb5JWaUzXas1IDtIgZLhxuXxetm-Yl6yp1zqoilcBRZWu1C0bNlYhXl6ybMVNPmjQgKMmumUDvu1GKZzmIIMQ9bJ6-crkjpW7hDN/s320/CopperCon2011A.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Well, the 31st annual CopperCon Convention is now over. We had a great time this year! My DH won the short story contest and received a nice plaque, a ribbon and $40.00 in certificates for a local bookstore. How nice! <br />
Also, just chatting with all the other vendors and the attendees is always a lot of fun. And they have so many interesting lectures, readings and discussions at these events, there is almost always something for everyone to enjoy. My DH loves to attend all the writing based lectures and I enjoy the more interactive, fun groupings. I attended a really interesting presentation by Debe Branning, an MVD Ghostchaser, about graveyards of Arizona. Very interesting stories were told and also some nice gravestone pictures of many of the famous people who are buried around Arizona. I love the paranormal and just wish they would have more programming of this sort at these conventions. I think it would be cool just to have an open forum Ghost Story hour at the event - - that would be cool, and everyone could participate (who had a nice ghost story to tell!).<br />
As always, there were some really great vendors at the event, too. Lynn and Rich from <a href="http://octoberart.com/">OctoberArt</a> - - they have almost everything - from jewelry to skulls. If you want something strange or whimsical, they probably have it (I am amazed at their display - always!). Then there is Mike from the <a href="http://www.thepeculiarmagpie.com/">Peculiar Magpie</a> - he is an artist who creates steampunk and mythos items for collections and costume wear. He creates cool weapons, masks, watches, goggles, even has an old-time phone that really works, so cool! And Jessica Feinberg from <a href="http://www.artlair.com/">Artlair</a> - she is an amazing artists who sells her prints in all forms - bookmarks, posters, buttons, etc. She draws and paints neat dragons, Dr. Who items, Cthulus, characters, wolves, etc (I got a print of her Steampunk dragon head that's on her webpage - cool!). She even will take on-the-spot orders at conventions. There was also Stacia from Infinite Frequencies had some really nice fused glass pendants and earrings (she is a 5th grade teacher) and then a couple of guys with neat weaponry and chainmail items along with some lovely ladies selling beautiful stone jewelry and neat artwork and of course, books and books and books.<br />
We were also lucky enough to have our booth right next to the author's signing table, so it was nice to interact with some of the wonderful authors that came to the convention. <br />
Next year's theme will be Year of the Dragon - - can't wait!Jeannie Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047436668972348576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7375851126974321395.post-67442329650990044022011-09-01T14:51:00.000-07:002011-09-01T14:51:42.469-07:00Vampires, Werewolves and Demons, Oh My!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1glvoSXU4B_xPfRTqvPLqiennbEdAWA1aXwUazYfY2ceFQGWEA256uvsmJYVqb0VCX6Qx-ppABy5NocHnFIEip3ijnxSzyC-PzKS4FkA76WaqMLxmIo47mOtUgLolBuV6Idal3g3E/s1600/LilDemons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1glvoSXU4B_xPfRTqvPLqiennbEdAWA1aXwUazYfY2ceFQGWEA256uvsmJYVqb0VCX6Qx-ppABy5NocHnFIEip3ijnxSzyC-PzKS4FkA76WaqMLxmIo47mOtUgLolBuV6Idal3g3E/s320/LilDemons.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Getting ready for the CopperCon Sci-Fi Convention this weekend. To go along with my fangs, Chlulu items and space pendants, I made these little demon figurines.<br />
It should be great fun this weekend, can't wait to see what characters stroll by my booth this year. Can't wait to see some old friends and say hi to some new ones!Jeannie Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047436668972348576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7375851126974321395.post-36245180245642893542011-08-30T23:11:00.000-07:002011-08-30T23:11:00.540-07:00I Tawt I Taw a Puddy Tat . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJ0fGKCn56KxUXehAp8mLD68lC25HWjvM5M7GIus-lhTT9TNMzOamvMy6UHz-tT2dYhgNZB1QsgKaaqiPYH6SG0BkFIyqQc961lKIbA9YGjuuJTrAAEYEQFiyIXK7SvomLyFbeLo0/s1600/Tweetie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJ0fGKCn56KxUXehAp8mLD68lC25HWjvM5M7GIus-lhTT9TNMzOamvMy6UHz-tT2dYhgNZB1QsgKaaqiPYH6SG0BkFIyqQc961lKIbA9YGjuuJTrAAEYEQFiyIXK7SvomLyFbeLo0/s320/Tweetie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I never put my mind to ever making a Tweety Bird, but got the opportunity recently when a family member of mine wanted one for their daughter. It was a challenge, but it was a nice challenge. I was worried at first if I could actually get a bead to come out looking enough like the famous canary, but by the time I got the cheeks and beak on, I thought it looked pretty close. Needless to say, I breathed a sigh of relief after the head was complete and only the body and feet had to be added.<br />
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I hope this bead is enjoyed and cherished for years and years!Jeannie Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047436668972348576noreply@blogger.com2