I just returned from a last minute trip to Kwajalein! I know, sounds kind of crazy, but I went with Roger so I could see where he is working on launching a rocket! Pretty exciting! Kwajalein is a small island in the Marshall Islands, about 2600 miles SW of Hawaii. It is beautiful, tropical and HOT! And I mean hot in the true meaning of HOT! and very HUMID!
So aside from my bad hair week, I had a really great time there. Much more to do than one would think, wonderful people, new friends, a fun hobby shop, beaches, SCUBA, snorkeling....just to name a few things that kept me busy. One day I spent a couple of hours picking up beach glass, another day snorkeling on Omelek, a small near by island where the rocket will launch from. We went diving one day on the most pristine reef, saw an eagle ray, a white tip shark and giant clams in the largest variety of colors I've ever seen. Another day, my new friend Melissa helped me make a ceramic bowl in the hobby shop. It really was a treat to be able to visit this island since not a lot of people can go there. It is by the US military and you have to have permission to be there, so I felt very privileged. Of course, I couldn't make beads while I was there, but I did take a project and managed to get this new, bundle of beads bracelet made. It is called the "South Pacific" bracelet. (click on the pic for more info).


I will be at Dreamstone Bead Co this Saturday and Sunday in Rancho Cucamonga. Please click HERE for hours, address and directions. I hope to see you there!

Thank you to everyone who came to see me at the Long Beach SCUBA show 2009! It was great to see my SCUBA friends, both old and new! I also want to thank my friends Margaret and Lori for helping me over the weekend, as well as my hubby Roger too. Another huge thank you to Rickie Voges who worked with me for the second year in a row, designing beautiful creations with my beads! This collaboration has proved success once again! I designed a new Garibaldi necklace this year....kind of brightened up the kelp forest necklace. I made a few for the show and they all sold. I can re-create the necklace...just send me an email! (click on pic for more info)

Next up....my trunk show at Dreamstone Bead Co. on June 27th and 28th. Thank you to everyone who has ordered the Kissy Fish from the summer issue of Bead Unique magazine. between that and my shows, I am keeping very busy and I am thankful for the business! If you are in the area, I hope to see you at Dreamstone!

What is usually a holiday weekend for most, I am still busily stringing, wrapping, pricing and designing new goodies for the Long Beach SCUBA Show next weekend. Once again, I have collaborated with Rickie Voges who helped contribute to this years line. You can get a sneak peak of Rickie's designs HERE. If you have any questions, you can email me OR come see me at the SCUBA show!

I did manage to put this cute pair of 4th of July Fish Earrings on to my Etsy store this morning. I have a couple more pairs that I will be taking to the show this weekend. But if you want 'em, speak now....they go fast!

Looking ahead, on June 27th & 28th I will be having a trunk show at the Dreamstone Bead Co. in Rancho Cucamonga. This is my first trunk show at Dreamstone Bead Co. and I am very excited. I met the owner, Melissa, last year at The Gathering and I am looking forward to this opportunity. If you are in the area, please stop by and say hello. Click HERE for current newsletter.

I am very honored to be the Featured Artist on the Beading Times website. How did I get into lampworking? What is my inspiration? Who are my favorite glass artsits? More info than you ever wanted to know about me! Thanks again Carolyn!

Welcome to my busiest time of the year! The Long Beach SCUBA show is coming up quick! It's early this year, May 30th & 31st so time is not on my side! I am keeping very busy making and stringing up beads. I will have my new SCUBA frogs available AND my newest creation, "Pirate Frog of the Caribbean"! This little fellow has already gone to his new home in New Orleans, but I will make at least one, maybe two more before the show. I glued a little tiny feather (from my parakeet) into his hat for the final touch.

At this time, it is going to be tough to take orders. If there is something you are interested in, please email me and we can start the process. But please understand I may not be able to fill the orders until 2nd week of June.

And speaking of June, I will be having a trunk show at the Dreamstone Bead Co. on June 27th & 28th in Rancho Cucamonga. My friend Bindy (The MadBeader) recently had a trunk show there and said it was great! Wonderful people and a fun bead shop. So if you are in the area, please stop by and say hello. Click HERE for current newsletter.

We have an orange tree just outside of my studio and it is filled with new blossoms. Lately, every time the breeze comes up, the scent of orange blossoms fills my studio!. It smells so sweet and it reminds me what time of year it is. Unlike others that have begun tending to their gardens...I have entered my busy season with lots of shows. The Las Vegas Glass Expo was wonderful! Both old and new faces visited through out the weekend which kept me very busy! Thank you to all of my customers! I entered a new project of mine called POPPY REEF into the "Gallery of Excellence" and was awarded with the "People's Choice" award in that category! What a thrill! (click on the pic for more info and photos) The first annual hot glass flame off took place which was amazing to watch. I also had family visiting from MD, AZ and Ca, so it was great reunion weekend as well.

Earth Day is officially on April 22nd, but many are organizing events this Saturday, April 18th. I will be volunteering at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and helping with their beach clean-up. Be sure to check your local papers for how you can help in your community and learn to be environmentally conscious and GREEN!

I will be at the Orange County Bead Society's annual Art of Adorning Bead Bazaar held at the Bowers Museum on April 25th. Click HERE for address and directions. The show begins at 10 am and ends at 4 pm, which is an hour early, so make your plans to get there early. You don't want to miss that very special bead!

And coming up on May 30th & 31st is the LONG BEACH SCUBA SHOW. My biggest and best show of the year. This is when all the jewelry happens! All year I am thinking about new design for my sea critters and this is when I take the time to put them all together. So after the OC show, it's all about jewelry! I will take orders during this time, but please know that these may not be filled until the 2nd to 3rd week of June. I do pop out to the torch during my "SCUBA" time, but I don't like to make any promises....too much going on! My big premier this year will be my SCUBA frog (scroll down to see)....stay tuned for more goodies!

by the way, the little Springtime Froggie below is now available on my Etsy.com

Well it's no joke that it is April 1st and a big happy birthday to BOB! I have been a very busy beader getting ready for the Las Vegas Glass Craft Expo which runs through this weekend. Not only is the show going to be fun, I'll be spending some time with family as well, so I am looking forward to it! This is one of my latest little "springtime" frogs that will be appearing this weekend. And yes, I know that lady bugs have black spots and not white, but it's all about artists interpretation, right? I have a huge selection of shell sets in both realistic and bright colors, as well as plenty of cute fish and frogs. If you're in Vegas, be sure to stop by and say hello. We'll be in the bead bazaar Friday thru Sunday.

I know I haven't put much up on Etsy lately, but I will try to post a few items when I return next week. Thanks for checking in!

Ya know sometimes it's not all about the beads! Glass makes me happy! My life is consumed with glass, making beads, doing the shows, filling orders, making jewelry....but once in a while I like to stop and "smell the roses". Recently I have reconnected with some old friends (okay, not OLD, but from my past) which has brought back fond memories and smiles. Isn't the internet great! And this photo of one of my best friend' s daughter, Stella with her kitty and new puppy, who seem to be getting along nicely. This photo makes me happy...and smile too. Stella is recouping from a broken wrist, but she doesn't let that stop her from having fun! Kids are amazing! I'm going to remember that next time my knee hurts.

Well, had to add a little bead biz in here. This is a close-up of a collaborative piece that Cynthia Lohry and I have entered for the Bead & Button/ISGB convergence. This is a little tease...more later..........

Recently I have been making some shell sets with white and clear glass that I think would be perfect for a Beach style wedding! Of course, that's my opinion (and my taste in weddings!), but you can check out my latest "Beach Wedding" set now on Etsy. I don't normally etch opaque beads, but I did etch a set of these and they look just like porcelain! These beads go beautifully with pearls and crystals, whether etched or not! I will have more on Etsy later this week, including this Beachy Bright set too!

Now I have to get back to the torch....37 days to Vegas!

I am now in Tucson getting ready for the BEST BEAD SHOW at the Kino Center. The weather is beautiful, high 70's and breezy, perfect for a bead show! The show runs from Wednesday, Feb. 4th thru Sunday, Feb. 8th. I am out in Tent A, first booth as you enter form the parking lot. There is a reason this is called the BEST bead show! There are over 100 lampwork artists, plus tons of glass & tool vendors, beads of all shapes, colors, sizes and materials! If you are in town, or near by, be sure to stop by. Free entry and parking. I hope to see you there!

Upon my return, I will be posting some new shell sets and frogs on Etsy next week. so be sure to check that out! "Prince Charming Delivers a Love Letter" is the biggest frog bead I have made...inspired by Valentine's Day, Prince C will be making his debut this week. If you are interested in this bead, better email quick!
Until next week.......

About time I chimed in and said that! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season! I am excited about the new year...so much going on. And I know some if it is not so great, I am starting my year with a positive outlook on the future. I spent my Christmas in Cape Canaveral, FL along with my husband, Roger, who has been working there for a month now. The photo shows the two of us on Christmas eve, next to the rocket he has been helping assemble. He loves his new job!
Meanwhile, back in the studio, I have been making beads for the Best Bead Show in Tucson next month. I "debuted" my SCUBA frog at the Gathering last year, but have never shown a photo...so here it is, three views. I will have several of these beads available by February.

SCUBA frog is complete with a mask, tank, regulator and a tiny little weight belt. He has just come across a friendly little fish and is swimming among a sea of dicroic and jelly fish in the background. Of course he looked up to "pose" for the picture!

For the next couple of days (jan 8th to 12th), I am teaching at the Craft Guild of Dallas, so that will keep me busy over the weekend. I love teaching here...it's a beautiful facility and the Texas hospitality is warm and friendly! But I am looking forward to getting home...Roger will finally be home, after a month of being away!