Journal

6.26.07 Tuesday

We just said goodbye to Kristina Logan.  What an awesome person and teacher. We all learned so much. I can not wait till the ISGB Gathering to see everyone again.

There are new classes starting at the studio on July 10th...the schedule will be out at the 2 open studio dates, June 30th and July 7th. Classes will include PMC, Lampworking and Visual Journaling. Call for more information. 231-342-1520

3.14.07 Wednesday

The doors will be open for the 6:30pm Glass Roots Gathering this Thursday, March 15th....Come to visit and share.

Bring a snack if you want. Catch up on news... Share your greatest beads or your mystery (problem) beads. Latest designs...and happenings....

Rebecca's Studio 10381-A Cherrybend Road Traverse City

I have 4 spaces in each Guest Teacher class and time is short to confirm with Jennifer and buy her plane ticket. Both instructors are good with all levels of lampworkers...

I will be having a special refresher classes on demand. A 4 hour class with me also entitles you to 4 hours of free torch time. Each link below will take you to more information...Please pass on to anyone you think would be interested.

Jennifer Geldard May 4-5, 2007 $425.00 Beyond the round bead... Finding your voice and other mistakes of beadmaking. Pushing the boundaries in shape and surface design Exploring surface techniques with metals and enamels, and disaster recovery as a means to self expression. www.glassgirl.com

2.21.07 Wednesday

I have classes though the Art Center starting next week. These classes are listed through the "Art Center" in Traverse City, MI.... Tuesdays are for Lampwork and Wednesdays are for PMC you may also come for studio time and use the kilns etc...call for more information at 231-342-1520.

2.11.07 Sunday

February 3-4 I met the Southeastern Michigan Glass Beadmakers Guild in Frankenmuth for a Winter Retreat. I learned how to make a woven silver cord and also chain maile. I love both bracelets and am very glad that I braved the roads!

Now to catch up...Glass Roots meets at the studio on Thursday t 6:30pm and I need to get the word out for the guest Lampwork teachers coming in May and June to Rebecca's Studio LLC.

1.13.07 Saturday

What an amazing week with Loren Stump here for Monday-Wednesday teaching a Murrini class, and Saturday with a group of 6 making PMC bracelets. I am thrilled to start the year with such a busy schedule and will be making goals to improve class options and guest teachers.

Starting Tuesday, January 16th I will be having lampwork classes/torch-time from 12-3 pm or 6-9pm for 4 weeks.

Starting Wednesday, January 17th I will be having PMC classes from 12-3pm or 6-9pm for four weeks.

These classes are listed through the "Art Center" in Traverse City, MI....

12.23.06 Saturday

Wishing you and yours a very happy holiday and prosperous new year!

12.8.06 Friday

Saturday's show is at the Preferred Mall, formerly know as the 'Horizon Outlet Mall' south of Meijers. They are sponsoring a group of artists in one of the empty store spaces. We will be set up from 10-5. I hope to see you there.

11.25.06 Saturday

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. We went to my sisters at the Vander Sys Farm and set up the jewelry case in the shop with the Christmas tree wreaths and roping. What a mild weekend we had.

Next weekend is the 'Merry Marketplace' at The Old Art Building in Leland. December 2 from 10-4pm.

11.14.06 Tuesday

I have been doing shows like crazy...last week I did two! One at the Haggerty Center and one at the Park Place here in Traverse City. I am so excited to say that Loren Stump will teach at my studio in January 2007. More on this tomorrow with links, price and contact information.

This next weekend is the Montessori show at the school on, The Children's House,  North Long Lake Rd... Friday 3-7 and Saturday 9-1.

9.18.06 Monday

Now Amanda and Steve have gone back to Sri Lanka and I have been working on the schedule for the next flier. The classes will be posted on Rebecca's Studio L.L.C.

The next show is with the Rock and Mineral Club at the Heritage Center. That is the 'Old Library' for those of us who have lived in TC for a long time! We will have many demo's. Stone cutting and Lampwork for sure and lots for the kids to see.

The Art Works Alliance is planning a studio crawl for October 21..still time to be included. call: 231-342.1520

8.21.06 Monday

We did the Saginaw "Bead Street" show and next will be the...

Potters Guild in Leland at the Old Art building for September 2-3 and then the Rock and Mineral Club at the Heritage Center (Old Library) on September 23-24.

I have classes listed at the Art Center for PMC and soon will add the lampwork classes.

Kid update...Amanda will visit for a week in September from Sri Lanka, Jessica leaves for New York "Wagoner" on Wednesday and Benjamin started back at Western Colorado today.

Check out www.rebeccas-studio.com for the class list so far...and to check out the studio set up.

7.24.06 Monday

We met some awesome people at the Twisted Fish Gallery in Elk Rapids while doing lampwork demos. It was hot and sticky but the torch made the time fly for me.

Today I am planning ahead. Ideas for 5-6 week classes through the Art Center, art shows, Open Studio/Art shows.... Check out www.rebeccas-studio.com for the class list so far...and check out the studio.

6.29.06 Thursday

Well, we are back from an amazing Bead and Button conference and have been busy in the studio.  I have been teaching beginning silver clay and lampwork. My daughter is helping me get ready for an art show/demo at the Twisted Fish Gallery in Elk Rapids. I sure hope the weather is good that weekend because I am hauling the lampwork torch and kiln for the demo on July 15th and 16th....

6.6.06 Tuesday

The pictures of the studio are at www.rebeccas-studio.com and I am very happy with how it looks. No links yet, but I love to be able to show off the space. Now to find guest teachers and really use the studio!

5.16.06 Monday

Beginning PMC classes are scheduled for May 27 and June 10th both at 12:30 advertised through Osiris bead store, but taught in my studio. Four hours for $65.00

Beginning Lampwork scheduled for May 20th at 12:30. Four hours for $75.00

I will be scheduling more dates but could work around you also.. No supplies needed for the beginning classes. These prices are low for the new studio and will not hold indefinitely. Hope to talk soon.

Rebecca 231-342-1520

4.24.06 Monday

I am back! Call for studio time or a class. There will be a calender coming soon.

I was asked about a art show here in Traverse City so here is the link for more information if you are interested...Art Works Alliance...show in May..

4.17.06 Monday

Well, tomorrow I am off to Durango to see Amanda and Steve and Benjamin and Amanda. That looks like a typo but it isn't! Have a good week.

4.15.06 Saturday

Pat and I made beads today side by side and yesterday I taught a lampworking class! This week the bead guild met at the studio for an overview of silver clay. Hopefully I inspired someone!

The beaded bras are open for bidding at the 'For Womens Hands' site. This is a fund raiser for the Cancer Society. Mine, Mother Earth, is in the window of Osiris downtown.

I will be in Durango next week for 5 days (Tuesday-Saturday)and then will start with more class times when I return. It has been fun to have glass and tools available for friends and to be able to do more networking.

4.9.06 Sunday

The Fire and Ice Bead show in Traverse was great yesterday and I ran out of fliers for the new studio. Here is a copy of the flier. I am expecting 3 kilns to arrive this week. I am there in the morning from 10-12 for the UPS delivery but call, if you want to meet me. Hours will be evolving ....

Rebecca’s Studio LLC

Silver and Glass Inspiration

Classes

Beginning Lampwork $75

Beginning PMC $65

Studio Time

Torch Time $20/hr

PMC Work Time $10/hr

Fire/Polish PMC $10/hr

You can find us at… 10381 E. Cherrybend Rd. Suite A (Blue building behind Cherrybend Animal Hospital)

rebecca@rebeccas-beads.com

231-342-1520

3.25.06 Saturday

I am offering to teach this class after the Fire and Ice show especially for those of you who are visiting Traverse City. We can begin by 11am so you can start home by 3pm. I am open to changing the times if everyone wants to...

Clay to Silver: PMC (Precious Metal Clay) Pendant

PMC clay can be molded, stamped, and shaped into a wide variety of items including pendants, charms, rings, beads and anything else you can dream up. In this 4 hour class, you will experience the magic of PMC (precious metal clay) while making a pendant. You will texture silver clay, form, fire, burnish and patina your pendant. Beads will be provided for the wire wrapped dangle. Ages 14 – adult; all levels, 8 students maximum.

Class Cost: $65.00 (includes materials)

Time: 11-3pm

Location: Rebecca's Studio L.L.C. - 10381 E. Cherrybend Rd, behind the Cherrybend Animal Hospital on the west side of town.

Cell: 231-342-1520

Email: rebecca@rebeccas-beads.com- Please put April 9th class in the subject line.

3.24.06 Friday

Now the vent hood is up and all the torches have been test run....so cool...more news to come.

Other big news is that I will have glass and some tools at the Fire and Ice show on April 8th. I am so excited...

3.17.06 Friday

I am amazed that 3 weeks have passed. Here is a list of cool things that have happened.

I showed lampworking to students at Suttons Bay school and the Leland art students came to my studio for a demo. There are 3 windows in the big garage type door. Jessica painted the workbench purple and cleaned. The oxygen came. Today I have a natural gas hookup and the torches are hooked up! The kilns won't arrive for a couple of weeks but I will bring mine to the studio. We bought some paint for a cool wall idea. (we hope)

Now to rest up for my silver clay class at Osiris tomorrow at noon. I will be hauling the kiln and everything to the store.

We need to get the TC group together for a visit and revive 'Glass Roots'... our lampwork group.

2.25.06 Saturday

So much has happened here. Jessica made it home from visiting Amanda in Sri Lanka. Of course it took another week to really sign the lease, but the space is all painted and the workbenches are fixed. Now for moving and making it look more like a place for ..ART.. and not a construction office.

I need to get classes posted next week for PMC. I do have a class at Osiris on March 18th. The torches and glass should come in two weeks and the kilns in 4-6 weeks so lampworking will be a bit later. I am waiting on a vent hood estimate that will be so cool...  So 'Rebecca's Studio L.L.C.' is getting closer to being real....

2.8.06 Wednesday

Lots happening here.... I just heard that I can have the rental by the end of the week. Last night I thought I would have to start over with the search..... Then the zoning board said, ''it is a go...'' without any more anything .... that is a story... Jessica is coming home for a bit and will be my business assistant so I guess I will not have to be cloned! My head is spinning but it's all good.

2.5.06 Sunday

I am looking at my planner with a sense of expectation. My L.L.C. forms should come this week, rental should be ready, township meeting for zoning change....lots of things like that. I am thinking this is a test of patience and perseverance.

1.28.06 Saturday

Three weeks till my PMC class at Osiris Time to get my handouts ready and order the silver clay. This is the beginning of the 'Rebecca's Studio'. I should be signing the lease mid-month. I can't wait to get in there and make it cool!

1.17.06 Tuesday

I was told by a ceramic teacher more than 15 years ago that I should stick with one medium, but that is so hard to do. I thought I had found my medium with glass beads. I love the torch and the mystery of melting glass. It has a Tao-ist quality that welcomes giving up control and going with the flow. Now as I try to differentiate myself from other lampworkers I have been adding silver to my work with Precious Metal Clay. PMC is pure silver suspended in an organic binder that is fired in a kiln to create a fine silver shape. Magical!

My new goal this year is to open a teaching studio for lampworking, PMC and guest teachers. I am hoping that people think of me as a place to teach a class and to work with others in a studio space. As many of us know, trying to make time for our art has to be a firm and driving force or a host of chores will take over. I am thinking that I also need some interaction with other creative people. I will teach a class at Osiris (bead store in TC) once a month for 3 months till all is set up. Classes will be posted in the journal area of my website.

What are your 2006 goals?

News- My beaded bra will be auctioned off at the 'For Women's Hands' cancer fund raiser with 12 others from the bead guild.

1.16.06 Monday

Well the insurance quote came and now I want the larger space on the other end of the building. More adjustments. Still need the blessing of the township and the fire marshal for the teaching space.

My sister and I went to Gail Leone's studio to watch her make ornaments today and it was soooo cool.

1.11.06 Wednesday

Well I guess waiting is part of the game. I am waiting for the quote for insurance, the answer from the township and the LLC papers. It makes me feel stalled but really I have a ton to do. Lesson plans, examples, and 3 orders.

My kids will all be in Sri Lanka at the end of the month. How amazing is that? I am so glad that they will be together and wish I could see them together as adults. I think they will make it home this year so that is good.

1.1.06 Sunday

Happy New Year! I am off to torch for a few hours...still working hard on all the studio plans. I had no idea that all the legal 'stuff' would be so time consuming. We have a legal appointment on Wednesday. Best wishes

12.28.05 Wednesday

We had a wet and foggy trip to Flint to see David's parents and then a similar trip to Weidman the next day. It was so worth it though to see everyone. I am back at the research for the studio...and will keep you posted.

12.15.05 Thursday

The net working continues...where to teach with the least amount of hauling kilns and supplies. Kate can not join me with the rent but I am still trying to think of a way. What to offer so I can pay the rent?

I know of a nice clean place on Cherrybend Road that I can walk to. That is one of the reasons I can not stop thinking about it. Still close enough to town for classes I think.

12.12.05 Monday

I am possessed. I can't seem to stop thinking of a teaching studio. I am going though a small business book gathering information and writing lists. It is a big step to commit to a lease and paying rent. Both exciting and scary. I am very open to advice or lease partners if you want to share.

12.10.05 Saturday

My sister at the 'Vander Sys Tree Farm' thought it was too sad not to have a tree so we met in Cadillac and now I have 2 tiny ones. I put one up in the window in the kitchen that you can see far away down the street and the other one will only have glass ornaments. That's a challenge. I should have more than ten I guess!

I have been preoccupied with the thought of having a studio that I can teach from. I am hoping my friend Kate can join me or that I can find someone who would share the rent. For those of you wanting to learn PMC, I want you to know that I am working on lesson plans and may start at Osiris (a bead store in Traverse City Michigan.

12.5.05 Monday

Time is flying as it always does just before the holidays. Christina said that Jessica's warm clothes made it to Sweden. So now I know that it takes 2 weeks.  I still have time to send a fun package if I hurry.

It was so good to know my girls met in Bangkok for Amanda's birthday. It's been years since Amanda has been with family on her birthday. Jessica sure is getting around since she got out of the Peace Corps.

After I regroup and send a few packages, I will be planning my PMC/jewelry classes...new goal for 2006. This will be a completely different kind of teaching than public schools. More to come.

11.27.05 Sunday

We had a good Thanksgiving at the farm. The jewelry case in the shop is set up. (see links for a map) We set around and 'fluffed' bows, for wreaths while the turkey cooked. Now to check the inventory for the Pathfinder show on December 3rd. Best wishes for your holiday.

11.19.05 Saturday

Last Thursday Traverse City Michigan got 11+ inches of snow and about 3-4 more on Friday. Everyone was talking about how winter had started so suddenly. We usually get a light snow that melts a few times before we get dumped on. Well today it is above 40 degrees and so we have lost alot of snow. Crazy weather.

The past couple of days I have almost finished the beaded bra for the spring 'For Womens Hands" cancer fund raiser. I will post a picture if I can get a good one. As you can tell from my site...David is good at taking photos of my art.

This next week is busy with company, a trip to Weidman for Thanksgiving and setting up the Christmas store at the Vander Sys tree farm and a show on December 3rd at Pathfinder school...see map links on the events page. Have a good weekend.

11.15.05 Tuesday

Finally I had a torch day. It's good medicine as many of you know. The Montessori show was great and I have some requests for pens for the Pathfinder show on December 3rd. (see events link) Also I need to finish the 'beaded bra' for the big deadline of December first. More on that to come...

11.10.05 Thursday

Madly trying to get things together for a show tomorrow and Saturday here in Traverse City. Feeling a bit swamped. I keep reminding myself that the trip to Durango was so very worth it. We made lasagna, quiche and pie, hiked and talked. Ten months was too long not to see Benjamin. Now back to work.

10.30.05 Sunday

Mom and I did the gallery hopping day yesterday, which we so love. Such a beautiful sunny fall day.

Now to figure out what to take to Durango to work on, for the Montessori show on November 11-12(see events page for times). Ben works from 6-3 most days so I will work too and then we will cook and hike and hang out. I can hardly wait-except for the packing.

10.24.05 Monday

What was I thinking? I have 7 days at home and 7 days in Durango before the next show. I may have left too much at the gallery in Petoskey so I better get to work. I surely don't regret time visiting Ben in Durango. Ten months is too long to be away from family, though I have gone 2 years separated from my girls. I was so proud to have raised them to be independent but now I have to go though a time when they are too far away.

10.22.05 Saturday

Yesterday Pat and I drove up to Petoskey to replenish my work at the Northern Michigan Artist Market. I took some of the PMC and glass pendents, earrings and pens. They have a website that lists the artists that are involved and price ranges. What a beautiful day for a drive. We had fun poking around a few little shops.

10.18.05 Tuesday

Regrouping again from a busy weekend. After the Grand Rapids show my sister Laura and I took a class at 'Kollectibles by Kathleen' in Berkly MI. We learned how to make vessels like Tink. Well, we saw her do it but it will take practice to really make them like hers! She is an awesome teacher and we hope she can come teach in Traverse City someday.

David just updated my Events Page. Now the shows are before the links to the stores. I think that is better. Thank you David.

10.11.05 Tuesday

It's David's birthday!

I am trying to have alot of 'just beads' ready for Saturday... I will be at the Devos Center in Grand Rapids on Saturday October 15th. We promised to have 70% beads... The next 2 shows will be more finished work. Back to work!

10.7.05 Friday

I have been struggling with orders. One order is on page 3 of the the 'bead sets' page.(#342) This order is made with stringer that is pulled with 2 colors. So the outside color is a transparent. Every color on the bead is made with two colors of glass. I like the look and there are more colors if you are mixing colors...the problem is when you try to reproduce the image. I have tried for weeks and have many versions. The Glass Roots lampworking group picked the one to send. Whew.

Another issue is keeping track of an order. I started a new system with an 'order form'. This is not a new idea of course, but I guess you have to have a problem to start a form and a way to remember and find the information in your own studio. So mine now has all the questions I should have asked and maybe this will help.

On reflection I have another problem. I can create freely when I am creating for myself. It gets complicated when I am trying to guess what someone really wanted. I find myself wanting to make a 'pile' or alot of variations so they can pick. This is a time and space problem since it takes longer and they live far away. I know there are many more pressing problems in the world so I am not complaining but I do need to figure this out for me. This issue fits with the age old art issue of creating for yourself or for the customer and graphic artists deal with this every day. I know someone to brainstorm with....will check back if I get any good ideas. Have a creative day.

9.29.05 Thursday

Finally 'home sweet home'-I slept in 6 beds last week! The allergy doc gave me the right stuff I think and I can see the 'get well' light at the end of the tunnel.

The PMC certification class with Barbara Becker Simon was a real challenge. The Rio Grande information said you should have previous experience and it was really needed. But I passed and am 'certified' to teach now. Will have to think about that.

Oh, PMC stands for Precious Metal Clay. It is 99.9 fine silver when fired. There so many paths to choose from, and for me silver is what I want to combine with my lampwork. Now to get some good pictures for the web.

9.17.05 Saturday

Amanda was home from Sri Lanka for 2 weeks and we watched Katrina on CNN. It brought back many emotions from last December.

Now I am off to Chicago to the 'Gathering Place' for a class with Barbara Becker Simon. It is a 3 day certification class for PMC. Precious Metal Clay is 99.9% silver when fired in a kiln. I am impressed with Barbara's work and feel lucky to be able to take a class with her. She uses silver clay and lampwork together and I love that combination.

8.30.05 Tuesday

I am happy to pass on that Jill Elkins is ok. I had been so worried about her and her children. Her mother-in-law called to tell me that they were at a base inland during the storm and now are back home safely.

My Amanda is coming to TC as I write this and CNN looks too much like the Sri Lanka after the Tsunami. Brings back many bad memories...so now I will have Amanda for 2 weeks and know Jill is Ok! Yea.

8.16.05 Tuesday

Time is flying as usual. I just did 'Bead Street' in Freeland and am catching up. I am thinking of... some orders to fill and prep for the next show in Leland (Leelanau county)

7.26.05 Tuesday

I just signed up for 'Bead Street',a bead show in Freeland near Saginaw, on August 14th. (8390 Freeland Rd) It is sponsored by the Saginaw Bead Society. Lots of beads for your inspired designs!!

7.20.05 Wednesday

So busy here...Great show in Elk Rapids at the 'Twisted Fish' and a good interview with Christi at 'Gallery 50' here in Traverse City.

6.30.05 Thursday

Yesterday I was so happy that a local artist, Julie Pearson, liked my clear and white hollow beads and purchased some for her work. This is a dream of mine...to make 'components' for designers. Yea!

6.22.05 Tuesday

I am now planning to attend the Northern Michigan Potters and Sculptors Guild at the Twisted Fish Gallery, 10443 S. Bayshore Drive in Elk Rapids on July 15 (6-9) and Saturday July 16 (9-6)...and.... I am on stand-by for the Lansing 'Bead Mercantile Show" on July 9-10.

I have been saying that the shows are hard for me, but now I have decided that I should at least try to get more practice and try an attitude adjustment. Also, because I have new things I want to try. I signed up for the PMC certification class in Chicago at Portia's 'Gathering Place" for example! It really helps that my sister, Laura Jean, is willing to help me at the shows. I need to find a way to make it up to her. ;-)

Maybe this busier schedule will solve the "structure" problem I was having. I will have to check back in to let you know.

6.20.05 Monday

I just realized that The Traverse City Record Eagle now has my article from Memorial Day on the web. I was checking what would happen if I google my name or Rebeccas Beads.  What a nice surprise.

6.12.05 Monday

We went to Hanna and Kira's graduation and had company 'a fortnight ago'. So much to do on some weekends and not enough on some others.

I called Amanda in Sri Lanka and now feel somewhat better connected. The questions I get asked the most are "How are the people doing and if the the kids are ok. So the answers are.... The people are dealing with the struggles of having all paperwork, deeds and such washed away. Plus a decision about how far back buildings should be from the ocean. So of course that means there are displaced people and.. where exactly was the house before? The good thing is that everyone has a temporary home and food... The kids are being taken care of by extended family and are more than likely being 'competed for' rather than left with out. That is good, but the relief money went to the coastal areas and there are kids whose family income was influenced but there is no money for those inland. There are always equality issues...everywhere. Amanda said the kid issue was different in Indonesia where whole villages were washed away.

5.31.05 Tuesday

Another beautiful day here in Traverse City. It feels like summer and weekends are becoming more planned. We just received 2 wedding announcements and with the graduation parties...well, that is more than we have had on the books for a while. All this action and nothing with my kids. For all of you with the summer worries about 'glass time' and kids, remember to enjoy them for now. Time flies.

Time, that is a constant topic for me. Now that I have more of it, I am even more troubled by it. This sounds so strange but without a structure I seem to be lost. You have to plan around kids and jobs but when those constraints are gone, what do you do? I seem to have fallen back on the training I had as a kid and feeling like I need to do chores (shoulds) first, since the glass is 'fun'. David and I discussed this and I have a new sign to post..."Every minute I spend making art makes the world a better place" I think of the times people have said they love something I made, to make it stick in my head. Actually this phrase is based on what he says as he leaves for work..."I am off to save the world with weather instruments."

5.30.05 Monday

Hope you all had a great Memorial Day. Today I was on page 2 of the Traverse City Record Eagle! Color would have been great for the glass but I am thankful for the unexpected opportunity. It made me feel more excited as I planted my flowers!

5.10.05 Tuesday

It's so cool to run into 'old' friends. I had not seen my teaching partner and mentor in over a year and we just connected today by chance. Brings back memories from the teaching chapter of my life. So fun to catch up with all the news about our kids.

I think I will go for a walk even though my eyes are already itching...ah spring.

5.6.05 Friday

I thought I would share the assignment from my coach with you...

Write 10 things you like about your.... art work...lampworking...

1. Lampworking gives me a chance to play with color in a zen like zone. 2. I like how lampworking is part choice and part going with the flow. 3. I like the truth that it happened in a space of time and you can't go back and change it. 4. Good Medicine...If I do not do something creative I get cranky and frustrated. 5. Creating and Making = a good day. 6. The Christmas feeling when I open the kiln in the morning. 7. I love to see and hear how others enjoy my work. 8. Love to create a new designs. 9. Like to find color combos in nature, ads, and everywhere to translate into glass. 10. Figuring out how to create different effects in glass. 11. Love to continue to develop my skills with heat control and design. 12. I like that each of the beads are unique. 13. I like that I'm improving my skills.

5.5.05 Thursday

I met my sister Laura halfway, in Cadillac and we sat in a cafe and made jewelry for her girl's prom night. We couldn't believe 6 hours had passed!

4.30.05 Saturday

This has been an very insightful week with work from my career coach and it has become even more obvious that I need to balance my life or I get out of wack! I seem to get so focused on the goals and forget about the rest of my life.

The good news is that I have finished more bead sets that now need to be photographed. I now have more than enough for another web page and to change out some from pages 1-3. Makes me feel more ready for the May 21 show, here in Traverse City. Have a good weekend.

4.26.05 Tuesday

Well as Jill has said in her journal...'it made sense to me'... Anyway, I reworded yesterday's entry about mission statements. Yesterday I sorted beads for hours and found more sets than I thought I had. Now to make 1-3 beads of various colors to finish out about 10 more sets. Makes me feel more ready for the Fire and Ice Show May 21. So...a photo day is coming up.

4.25.05 Monday

We had a snowy weekend but today the sun is out. yea!

Also, I talked to Jessica and Ben and they sound good. Amanda though, had been real sick and I hear she is better, but I have not been able to connect with her. "Hospital in Indonesia" just doesn't sound good even if she is better.

I have been working on my mission statement. It is helping me think of my direction. Not figure it out really, but think about it! Really, consider writing a mission statement for your work and personal life. I have always thought a goal was the best way to get what you want. Check 'google' for ideas and examples... I am looking forward to talking to my creative coach on Wednesday and I am sure that will be helpful. Have a creative day!

4.22.05 Friday

The forsythia are out and I see some tiny leaves starting on some trees. We had some warm days but now it is back in the mid forties again. The paper says a chance of snow showers for Saturday.

I am thinking of my far off kids today and missing them. Jessica wrote an awesome letter to me yesterday and I am looking forward to the next phone call. She will try to get a land line this time so there will be less static. I am thankful to be able to hear her voice all the way from Samoa. Ben is in France visiting his girlfriend and I really want to know if all is well. Amanda is back in Sri Lanka from Thailand I think. Need to connect.

I am noticing that I think 'a good art day' is on the torch, but there are so many other things that need to be done to be able to show my work. -clean the beads-sort-price-photo-market some way or make into jewelry-

I am a free client for a creative coach...she is taking a class with Eric Maisel. Her assignment to me- is to write a mission statement for myself and my business. Lots to think about. Probably good for everyone. I mostly thought of this for work or teaching....

4.17.05 Sunday

This week I had a short jury duty, cleaned the house, had 3 sets of company, lampwork meeting, bead guild meeting and actually got on the torch a couple of times.

I received some nice feedback from people I talked to this week and so feel energized to get busy with more jewelry designs. One month till the Fire and Ice Bead show, May 21, at the Haggerty Center in Traverse City. I have to have 70% loose beads so that really is the focus.

I am having fun with silver Art Clay/PMC and have wondered how others figure out the price. I borrowed a sensitive scale and weighed a bunch of tiny findings and charms. So price per gram and time to polish and patina each tiny piece. Then the age old question of what is time worth...especially when we are learning and creating new ideas. Considering all the ideas that come at odd times, in the shower and then the ones that don't really work out.

4.10.05. Saturday

Ok, I did my 2 days of 'art first' with the torch and I also did silver art clay this week. The system needs work though, because when I do not do all the little things first, I skipped this journal. New systems always need adjustment of course.

Todays musings include questions about what is important in the long run. Clean the house for company this next week, sort beads so they eventually see the light, learn how to do Ebay, change pictures on the site, get ready for the May show and write to my kids in far off places. Oh, and I just remembered that I have jury duty this week. This is my first time and I do not know how it works. I will know how long my commitment is on Monday I guess.

My biggest surprise in these past few years is that 'more time' is harder to manage! I really would not have believed this concept at all. I guess that is where they say that busy people get more done. When I had kids to run to sports, had a full time job and was taking classes - it all got done. Maybe I was alot more tired? This is another chapter...

4.2.05. Saturday

We are back from New York and had a great time visiting Erik's family. I think that our visit was the best part of the week. Families are families in every country! I did wish Jessica was here from Samoa though. We enjoyed all the sights, galleries and museums.

Since returning I have been making some photo transfers with Cherie. Brings back memories from our art masters years on Beaver Island. I am anxious to get back to the glass. On the flight I made a new addition to the goal to do art everyday. Now it is do art every day and 2 days a week you can do art with out doing chores first...I need to overcome years of programming... of 'do your chores first'. I am sure I programed my kids this way, but what do you do if your work is what you want to do for fun? Now lets see if I can make this get to the web...I forgot to save before publishing a few minutes ago!

3.23.05. Wednesday

Last night DH David helped me program my kiln for silver art clay. Today I am polishing the components.  So exciting.. it will take practice to be as smooth as Kate but it fun to have this skill to add to some unique jewelry. Now for some packing. Back with you in a week.

3.21.05. Monday

I made beads to match a dress in an ad today. Two shades of turquoise, white and a light yellow green. I am thinking of N.Y. and visiting Christina. I wonder what inspirations will hit me there. I understand that there is alot to take in. My first trip to the big apple.

3.20.05. Sunday

This is my first attempt at adding to my journal and 'publishing' it all by myself. David will be back in a bit to be sure it worked correctly. He made a list of steps to guide me. I love checking other artist journals because it makes them seem so much more real. It is strange that I can feel like I sort of know them over time. Also for me it will be a tiny bit of connection for my kids. Amanda works in Sri Lanka, Jessica is in the Peace Corps in Western Samoa, and Ben is in Durango CO. Such adventurous kids.

I have so many art ideas in my head right now since my return from CA and Kate's class, but must get ready for the New York trip to meet Jessica's boyfriend and his family from Sweden. Lots of travel in one month for a stay at home girl!

3.16.05. Wednesday

Today is my birthday, and I made beads in spring green as it snowed... I have a new website, daisys on my table and loving cards and calls.

The last 2 days I have been working with art clay and as expected it takes PrActice! Also I am remembering that Kate says ...make components. So I am trying to think that way and it seems freeing for me to work with clay in shapes I like, then do seed bead components in colors that feel right...later to compose the finished work. I like new ways of thinking and doing.

3.13.05. Sunday

Well I am back from the west coast and learned so much from Kate's class. It is fun to see an artist's environment, to see where they get their shapes and colors. I have so many new ideas to try and incorporate into my work. More seed beads, art clay/PMC, and design ideas. Also some aquarium ideas for this Pisces! So good to see family and trade hugs. I am so lucky.

3.1.05. Tuesday

Enough snow here to cancel school and unfortunately our Glass Roots Lampworkers meeting....I am bummed about the meeting...not so much about the snow. Time to focus on packing for the class in California this weekend. I will be spending 2 days with Kate McKinnon at her bed and breakfast. Hope to learn more about design and PMC. Then I will be with my oldest daughter Amanda and my parents for the rest of the week. We are so lucky to still have 'A' since she spends so much time in Sri Lanka. She had a close call when the big wave came. :-) whew....

2.26.05. Saturday

DH David worked all day on the site and I made a bunch of beads trying to use ideas from Corina's stringer video... new styles always take practice....looking forward to opening the kiln and seeing spring plaid.

2.25.05. Friday

Pat Rice, David and I are still doing lighting experiments. I want a lighting set-up that is soft and diffused without waiting for the outside light to be just so. Jill Symon's pictures are great.

2.21.05. Monday

I am so excited about new brooch designs I was working on today... soon I will be able to show you on my site.

2.20.05. Sunday

DH David is working on my website! There will be many improvements including a page of items for sale, a paypal button and of course my new journal...

2.19.05. Saturday

Today is the last photoshop intro class. I will need lots more practice. Ebay is the next goal...

2.18.05. Friday

Fun day with 2 lampworkers and a 2 year old. Lena brings back so many fond memories...and some difficult ones.

2.17.05.Thursday

Today I have a guest coming to see my beads. So I need to slick up the studio. I am also working on my Challenge for the Bead Guild. We were given lampwork in a paper bag and then we are challenged to use the beads for work that will be shown at the local bead store, Osiris. Later I think the work will be in the Womens Resource event next year.

2.16.05.Wednesday

I have been thinking of Corina. I figured out how to use her sparkle mold to make birds and fish. I am thinking of making 'blue bird of happiness' earrings for her and maybe Ebay when I figure Ebay out. I am taking a class but am a bit behind with my homework.

2.14.05.Monday

Hello, today is Valentines and a great day to start my new journal. Today is also my son Benjamin's 21st birthday.