Sue Beads

Now through midnight August 31st, to celebrate my giveaway on Andrew's blog (see below) I am having free shipping in the SueBeads etsy store and my SueBeads web site ! Don't miss out on this great opportunity! Andrew is also having a big sale!

Check out the giveaway on Andrew's blog today - it's a giveaway of my beads! I stole the photo that Andrew took, because I forgot to take my own photo when I sent the beads to him! He took such a fab picture anyways! Please note, today until midnight August 31st, you will receive free shipping in my etsy store! I'm going to change the charges this instant!!!! Just leave a comment on Andrew's blog for a chance to win the beads!

Look what my bud Pam made with some of my enamel beads - I love this bracelet! It's so cheery and fun! Check it out here!!!

I just finished reading this book, The Secret of the Glass, by Donna Russo Morin. This book would be of interest to lampworkers, or people who love glass. It's a historial fiction novel, which means that although there are some historical facts in there, the story itself is not true. It tells of the glassworkers in Murano, how they were treated by Italy (Rome in particular) and what they had to live through. The secret refers to the fact that they were not allowed to leave the country because they were the only people in the world at the time who knew how to make glass! While at some points it reads like a romance novel, which I am personally not into, it is a good book and gives a great historical perspective on glass!

I did make some lampwork beads last night - I have to photo them and list them, probably tomorrow, but I listed some new enamel pieces tonight - take a look in the SueBeads etsy store !

My grandfather sent this photo to my mom, and she received it today. It's the only photo of him in his gunner suit, from WWII. They are going to try and get it enhanced and fixed up! Thought I'd share and say, Thanks Grandpa!

I listed some new enamel pieces in the SueBeads etsy shop this afternoon, and will be listing some more shortly. After I finish an order for buttons, which I will show you, I will be back to making some lampwork beads. Maybe focals?

I have been making some orders this past week, so I haven't done much to show you. Therefore, here's a cute photo of the rat. He is still alive, after 3 years and 3 months. I believe he's dancing his last dance, though, as they are only supposed to live 2-3 years. We must be doing something right here! Edited to add: He's really a gerbil, his name is Flash but I call him Ratboy, and so do my friends! Sometimes ratty, too, when I babytalk him!

Months ago, I took a class at ArtBliss given by Barbara Lewis of Painting with Fire . It involved learning how to make torch-fired enamel beads. I loved it - as you may be able to guess. Barbara did teach us how to fuse items into a flat pendant, but we didn't spend a lot of time on that process, as the day seemed to go so fast! I was making enameled pieces the other night, and due to my own ineptness (remember the big toe burn???) I was able to fuse these two pieces together totally by accident. Now of course, it isn't a usable piece. However, now that I know how to do it, I can see some pieces like this in my future! I can't wait to get more copper cutouts!

I just listed some new enameled items in the SueBeads etsy store - take a look - there are some fun new things for you to try!

As I mentioned before the Art Bead Scene challenge this month is a painting titled Sunrise. Here's some inspirational enameled beads for you to look at!

My son found this at the zoo last night!

I just listed some of these beads in the SueBeads etsy store - I actually have 24 of them, so if you want some, let me know and I'll set you up a custom listing! Thanks for looking!

Have you seen the new challenge from Art Bead Scene? It's Sunrise, 1964 by John “Jack” Savitsky (1910–1991). For sure, a challenge! Going to work? In line for something? Old world? I don't know if I'll be able to come up with something to make to convey this message, but maybe you can? Have fun!

Usually, when I make jewelry, I want to make the beads stand out - after all, I make beads! Of course I want my beads front and center! But sometimes, a clasp needs to be the center of attention and the beads just go with. Recently, I discovered A Grain of Sand , an on-line store owned by Suzanne Branca. She was just featured in this month's BeadStyle Magazine, on page 64. She has a great shop - I love her vintage finds! I especially love the clasps I just bought from her, pictured above! The turquoise one has a plan already - a spectacular bracelet and the clasp is going to be front and center! The other two were "I need them" purchases and will tell me what they want to be later! In the meantime, you should visit A Grain of Sand - you'll love her finds!

Available in the SueBeads etsy store!

A treasury with my terrazzo earring beads in it - yay!

Engineer snapped this while scuba diving, and I just had to show it! Crazy detail!

(My daughter and her friend, at Mt. Etna) Today is my girl's 15th birthday! I can't believe she is that old! Just one year until she's driving! In some ways, I just can't wait!