A mother and glass artist, trying to balance life...


Wednesday, December 30, 2009

I Couldn't Sleep at All...


Well, I did have trouble sleeping, but that's actually the name of Treasury that I found my Black and White Candle Holder in this morning. "I Couldn't Sleep at All..." was curated by rojagatodesigns. Her bracelets are beautiful! She included one, "Night's End," in the Treasury. Enjoy!

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Aqua and Cream


Here is a lovely treasury, titled "Aqua and Cream." I'm seeing a lot of these two colors. I think we'll see this combination continuing into Spring. This treasury was curated by casebycase. She makes beautiful handbags. I like the Ranger Tote. Cool and functional!

This treasury included my Harlequin Lantern.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Front Page!


Botanical Porcupine made the Front Page! Congratulations and many thanks to terraworks. This is a wonderful Treasury! Congratulations also to all of the fabulous artists included! Shown is my Faux Bois Light Catcher, which was featured.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Botanical Porcupine


Botanical Porcupine is a treasury curated by terraworks. The tagline is "lighten up your spirit." I was trying to nail down the feeling that this collection evokes. The tagline gets it pretty well. I had this feeling while watching my son play while the sun streamed in on a Sunday morning. I felt serene and happy, but utterly relaxed. It's like that...


Please check out terraworks ceramics. I like her Rustic Owl Duet Ornaments.


Saturday, December 19, 2009

Another snow pic


This snow makes me want to photograph everything. I, of course, took many pictures of my son. I don't put those on the internet for obvious reasons. This struck me today, though, and I just had to photograph it. This is a ceramic face done by Mao Creations. I've had it for many years. It just looked so wonderful with snow on it. Please visit his MySpace page. I hope he revisits his Etsy shop!

Dude, where's my car?


Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...







It's just not stopping! Here's what I woke up to this morning. Will we ever get to leave the house?

Friday, December 18, 2009

Looks like my Holiday Season ends a day early...


I took my last packages of the Holiday Season to the Post Office at noon today. Boy, am I glad I went when I did. We're supposed to get a foot of snow. I don't know how much we have now, but I know I won't be driving anywhere tomorrow. My son is so excited. He's been playing on his sled (in the house) all night. Tomorrow we'll play in the snow as much as we can! I remember snowy days as almost magical as a child. I'm so happy for him when I see him enjoy it.

My first Holiday on Etsy was more successful than I ever could have imagined. I did more than 200 sales in 2 months. Many of the sales were for multiple items. I started selling in January of this year. When I add up the individual items, I'm right on for my goal of averaging an item sold each day. Now I need to crunch numbers to come up with 2010's goal...

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Warm Amber Dreams


Warm Amber Dreams is a a lovely treasury curated by TheBuzz, who specializes in marketing guides for Etsy sellers. Included in her treasury is her Etsy Complete, which features her best selling business guides. My Amber Lantern was included in this treasury. Enjoy!

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Front Page!


I had a feeling about this treasury! Strawberries and Ice, which I blogged about yesterday, made Etsy's Front Page! It was at 3 am, so of course I slept through it. Congratulations to outofthepinksky, who curated this collection and to all of the other artists who were featured! The picture is of my Harlequin Lantern, which was featured.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Swirling Snow


Another great Treasury today! I had a bit of a dry spell and then bam, 2 in a row. Enjoy the captivating swirling colors in Swirling Snow! This one included my Swirl Light Catcher and was curated by WickedlyGood, who does some great swirls of her own! Check out her Rainbow Swirlz Heart Pendant.

Strawberries and Ice


Strawberries and Ice is IMO one of the best Treasuries I've been in. It is definitely worthy of the Front Page and very timely. I'll keep my fingers crossed! Red and aqua are the colors that I chose to "decorate" my shop with the Holidays, so of course I love it! It includes my Harlequin Lantern. Please enjoy the collection and check out outofthepinksky's (curator) fabulous jewelry, especially the clever Nesting Earrings!

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Suckered In


Here's a fun new Treasury that includes my Octopus Light catcher. "Suckered In" was curated by missmatching. missmatching makes really cool printed leather jewelry. I'm really into peacock feathers now, so I love these earrings!

Sunday, November 22, 2009

New Christmas Ornaments!


I have been busy, busy, busy! Here are my new Christmas Ornaments! I had the idea in my head, then a customer requested an ornament and it gave me the impetus to work out the design. I love them. I hope you will as well!

A Swirly...Freshtopia


Here's a refreshing new Treasury, "A Swirly...Freshtopia," curated by PasqualiRumpus. It really makes me want to go on vacation! (I need one...) PasqualiRumpus does really fun tie dyes, like the one in the Treasury! This collection includes my Octopus Necklace.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

2 New Treasuries!



Two of my Light Catchers are in Treasuries today:

Enjoy!



Saturday, November 7, 2009

My Choice for Teacher Gifts


Pick your Color Stained Glass Light Catcher by wishartglass

Affordable , colorful, and beautiful! These are the perfect gifts for the teachers on your list this year. Pick a different color to match each teacher's personality. Each comes in a gift box, with a suction cup, and instructions for use. Only $5 plus shipping!

Friday, October 30, 2009

Blue Lagoon


Etsy :: Treasury West List

lavenders included my Fused Glass Lantern in Blues for her treasury titled, "Blue Lagoon." It is a beautiful collection of blues with both vibrance and depth. Well done! Please check out her handmade wire jewelry. I love her Petite Hoops with Pearls.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Two New Treasuries!







Etsy :: Treasury List
Etsy :: Treasury List

Here are the latest:

A qua. B eige. C rimson ABC, 123... , curated by maxireichel. It includes my brand new Harlequin Lantern.

Pewter and Butternut sooo Earthy!!! , curated by littleblueegg (check out her fun vintage finds!) . It includes my Autumn Tree Fused Light Catcher.

Short and sweet today because I have a cold, 2 wholesale orders to finish, and a little boy who needs my love!

Monday, October 19, 2009

Only Two?

Trying to work at home has been a challenge. I have a very spirited and imaginative 4 year old son. Today was a great example of what I deal with. I do my cutting and soldering when he is at preschool. I wait until he is home, though, to run the kiln. (I'm afraid I might burn down the neighborhood if I left the kiln unattended.) Today I ran out to to turn on the kiln. He was, I thought, engaged in his pipe cleaner craft he so diligently works on. I came back in from the studio (2 minutes?) and he had that look on his face. I know that look. So I said, "What are you up to?" He calmly replied, "I only threw two eggs out the front door."


((Only two???)) :/

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Aqua Treasury and New Banner


Etsy :: Treasury West List

I was in another lovely Treasury today. seragun included me in her first, title,"Aqua." This is a fabulous collection, especially for a first. She chose my Luna Candle Holder. Luna has been my muse as of late. In fact, I chose this piece to picture on my web and blog banners, business cards, and tags. I think she really sums up the feeling of my store as well as the techniques I'm currently using. (If you like my banner, please visit whimsygraphicdesigns. Rebecca did a fabulous job with the designs.) Don't forget to check out seragun's beautiful fiber accessories. I love her floral weave necklace!

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Etsy Finds Decor: In Praise of the Hunt




It is so exciting to visit CraftCult and find that the views on one of my items is greatly elevated. It happened today! I found that Christine (iheartmoustaches) listed my Amber Lantern as a Related Item in her article "Etsy Finds Decor: In Praise of the Hunt." The article features items inspired by the home of Etsy vintage seller blogbloglog (Alexander Salvage is the company name). This is truly an eclectic collection, illustrating how a trained eye can successfully mix different styles and eras in home decor.

Thanks, Christine! I needed a lift today!

Orange Juice and Oatmeal


Started my day off right! I woke to find that I was in a fun Treasury called "Orange Juice and Oatmeal." What a great theme! gubfactory picked a wonderful collection all in those colors, kncluding my new Autumn Tree Fused Light Catcher. Please visit gubfactory's shop to view her quirky, loveable plush animals (the coffee cozy above is hers, as well).

I need water in my life.




I've always longed for water in my life. I think that it is an instinctual need to be near something so basic to our survival. I love oceans, rivers, and creeks. I find it profoundly relaxing. This weekend my little gang took a day trip to Sandstone Falls near Hinton, WV. How did I not know about this place earlier? We'd gone on hikes all over the area, but this gem eluded us until now! Utterly beautiful. The New River is wide and shallow. It is an ancient river, the oldest in the U.S. We climbed out onto huge rocks and watched and listened to the falls. My son collected giant crawdad (crayfish) claws and clamshells. The sound and smell actually reminded me of the ocean. There was a shell "island" and even sea (or waterfall) glass. This place was also full of rich textures: pebbles, weathered trees, currents. Next time I'll bring the good camera. I would go there everyday if I didn't have to drive an hour to get there!

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Wow Busy Day!







Etsy :: Treasury List

Etsy :: Treasury List

Wow, it has been a busy morning. I found that I was featured on a blog and in 2 treasuries!

First, Ms.Modern , a blog geared toward modern women, featured my Beige Dots Fused Glass Pendant in an article titled, "Autumnize Your Wardrobe for $21 or Less!". Much thanks to Nikki for that! I'm considering doing a Giveaway there. I'd love to hear some feedback on that. Please visit their blog and let me know what you think!

I'm also in 2 Etsy Treasuries right now. First, "Clearly...Beautiful" featues selections in black, white, and clear curated by paperdollsjewelry. (Currently her shop is empty or I would link to it.) Very striking.
Second, " Monday Morning Blues" features some nice soft blues. LamaWorks picked my brand new Modern Flower Fused Light Catcher for this collection. Check out LamaWorks fun snuggly hand-knit socks!

I'd write some more , but I've got to get in the studio!

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Faces


Etsy :: Treasury List

TheFamiLeeJewels included my Luna Candle Holder in her treasury titled, "Faces that grab your attention!" The baby pic is too cute! Check out TheFamiLeeJewels handcrafted jewelry. I especially like "Tropical Dreams," which is a necklace which the artist classifies as "Salvaged Style." Very cool.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Red Hot Fire!


Etsy :: Treasury List

lulieyal included my Lava Rocket Candle Holder in her Treasury titled, "Red Hot Fire!." This is a stunning collection bursting with fiery autumn reds and oranges. Please check out lulieyal's lovely handcrafted jewelry in her shop!

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Clever Kitty!

PinkKittyCrafts came up with a really great idea. She picks 2 artists each week and then post s links to their shops in her Etsy shop announcement. Then she goes to the forums to promote it. Brilliant! People visit her shop and the 2 featured artists. Well, this week she picked my shop as one of the features. Wow, tons of hits and hearts! The other featured artist was AmongTheZinnias. Really cool things! I had already admired her bowls made out of small plastic toys, very kitschy and postmodern. I'll check PinkKitty's shop next week to see who the new featured artists are. Psst... check out her fun zipper pulls made from children's wooden puzzles!

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Autumn Amber


Etsy :: Treasury List

I just found (via Craftopolis) my Earth-Toned Candle Holder in a beautiful Treasury by clodaghmolloy. The amber tones are so cozy and rich. Such a great Autumn collection. The curator included her own Amber Resin and Silver Bracelet, which is gorgeous. Her silver jewelry is really noteable. Please visit her shop!

Monday, September 7, 2009

Front Page!


What a pleasant surprise! I checked CraftCult this morning and my Amethyst Streak Lantern had been featured on the Front Page of Etsy! Of course I was lost in dreamy slumber. Slept right through it! Craft Cult is great. I saw that the views and hearts were really elevated on this piece. Then I checked the featured tab that they have. It showed me that I had been on the Front Page. Wish I'd seen it! I think iheartmoustaches may be the Admin member who put this together. If so, a big THANKS to her!

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Geometrically


Etsy :: Treasury List

I want to thank therainbowgirl for appreciating the simple geometry in my Cobalt Triangle Lantern. She included this piece in a Treasury titled "Geometrically." Are we seeing a new trend toward Geometry in Fall home decor? I hope so! Visit therainbowgirl's shop to view her beautiful hand-dyed textiles!

Monday, August 31, 2009

Green Glass and High Times


Etsy :: Treasury West List

highwaterstudios created a Treasury of really gorgeous glass items, "Green Glass and High Times." in lucious shades of late summer green. My Aqua Fused Candle Lantern was included. If you're into glass, then you'll enjoy this collection. Don't forget to check out highwater's beautiful lampworked jewelry and beads!

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Amber Lights


Etsy :: Treasury List

simplydoodles included my Amber Candle Holder in her Etsy Treasury, " Amber Lights." This is a really beautiful collection. It is perfect for the warm days leading into Fall. If you need a new banner for your Etsy shop or blog, please visit simplydoodles for some great designs!

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Triangulation




Etsy :: Treasury List

beadorigami included my Cobalt Triangle Lantern in her clever Treasury titled, "Triangulation." Check out beadorigami's Etsy shop, where she sells her beautiful "geometric beadwork." She also offers tutorials for the crafty ones out there!

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Red Eft








We had a visitor to our backyard today. A Red Eft. It is the juvenile stage of the Red Spotted Newt. Apparently they're very common. I've never seen one, though, and Nathan (our 4 year old) was enthralled. How can I work with so many cool things to share with my son? I guess some of the tadpoles we saw earlier this year were newt tadpoles.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Etsy Finds Decor: Soothing Suite




Iheartmoustaches (Etsy Admin.) wrote a fabulous article in Etsy's Storque, "Soothing Suite." Inspired by an Etsian's penthouse apartment in Germany, the article showcases Modern Home Decor with a grounded, earthy touch. I'm really thrilled that she chose my White Confetti Lantern as an example of that look! See, something can be white and warm! I'm really into Danish Modern right now, so this was not only flattering, but inspirational for me. I hope you enjoy the article and my lantern, as well as the other fabulous handmade and vintage examples!

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Light Reading


QuiltingFrenzy has included my Amethyst Streak Lantern in her Etsy treasury "Light Reading." It really reflects her love of color and texture, which is evident in her shop. I really like her totes, especially this Handy Retro Tote. Enjoy!