tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14486973289257217822023-11-15T05:42:51.176-08:00Glass Creek StudioEleniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14892836952253986926noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448697328925721782.post-25096981797001345652014-02-27T17:15:00.002-08:002014-02-27T17:15:47.505-08:00In Old Familiar Places that this Heart of Mine Embraces<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Once again I find myself sitting at the computer in my old room on Marsh Road. I am back in Carson City for a week to visit with my folks and get my head adjusted a bit better, although spending time with my parents is like dancing with a three headed dragon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Today is Thursday and the weather outside is windy, cloudy and cold. I just finished a short walk to the river where in the past, I have found secret moments of tranquility and peace. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">The park was almost deserted, with no one in site, just the occasional honking of one or two Canadian geese passing over head. There was that quiet thrill of having the place all to myself and I took the familiar dirt road that meanders easily to the Carson River. A cold wind tugged at my uncapped head and I was glad I had layered before leaving the house. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">The footprints of dog and humans imprinted into the sandy path lead me further along and I felt the exhilaration of being back in familiar surroundings. How many times I had walked this same deserted path, seeking some solace, answers to questions that always seemed to repeat themselves over and over again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">There is such a starkness to winter. It's timely appearance always leaves a breathless image across the colorless landscape.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">A thick layer of whipped white clouds sat perched along the powerful profile of the great Sierra's, just waiting. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I embraced it all. The deep blue in the pockets of sky that were half hidden behind the turbulence of the ensuing storm, the soft green of sage against fallen brush and desert shrubs, even the subtle beauty of the Pine Nut mountains on one side and Prison Hill on the other, both racing across the horizon to meet the other like two unabashed lovers. I drank it all in as if to quench a nagging thirst. I left the park quietly content, mindful that I would return. This place is like an artist's painting that never disappoints no matter how many times you cast your eye upon it's beauty. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-63kAoD1TriU/Uw_iyZHK2LI/AAAAAAAAAH8/5p7fEs94Cmw/s1600/P1040778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-63kAoD1TriU/Uw_iyZHK2LI/AAAAAAAAAH8/5p7fEs94Cmw/s1600/P1040778.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"> </span>Eleniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14892836952253986926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448697328925721782.post-81525271806679283692013-05-17T21:50:00.001-07:002013-05-17T21:50:55.786-07:00<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">It's been some since I have visited my blog and actually put any words in order. I have spent plenty of time on Facebook and now Twitter, but coming back to my blog is like visiting an old friend I haven't seen in a while. There have been lots of changes in my life, but my career in glass and wire has pretty much stayed the same. Well, not really! At this point, I am not traveling as much as I use to and I am not a slave to festivals and craft fairs. At one time it was a steady part of my life, weekend after weekend and it seemed I never ran out of energy, but always needed to work on my inventory of pendants and earrings. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">But life has it's way of always presenting the unexpected and so I now call the California Delta my home where my days are spent discovering the pleasures of living amidst green fields of corn and watching the vaqueros exercise their horses in the open space across the way. Mount Diablo greets me each morning and the yard outside our bedroom window is filled with colorful flowers and vines that seem a drastic change from the sage and rabbit brush that were constant companions in the Great Basin of Nevada. Much of my days are filled with working on my Etsy sites. I haven't given up my passion for vintage clothing, so I sell what I can through my store online and through my small space in a co-op not to far from my home. This was also the year I dropped my website and moved my handcrafted jewelry to Etsy as well. It's been a slow start, but I am reaching new customers and have taken to selling a little bit of supplies also. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I'd like to say I will try and post on a regular basis, but like I said, keeping up with Facebook, Twitter and Pinerest has my head spinning and I marvel that at this point in my life, I am still keeping up with the younger generation. If you haven't already been there, take a look at my sites. If its vintage, jewelry and old stuff you like then www.etsy.com/shop/glasscreekstudio is what you want to check out. My fused glass and wire art is now at www.etsy.com/shop/Revrags2 and you can find a small grouping of jewelry supplies there as well. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Life really is a box of chocolates! www.etsy.com/shop/Revrags2 or www.etsy.com/shop/glasscreekstudio</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LubJOeVw-sE/UZcH0FlLkII/AAAAAAAAAGo/ogAltjfuPT0/s1600/IMG_0508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LubJOeVw-sE/UZcH0FlLkII/AAAAAAAAAGo/ogAltjfuPT0/s320/IMG_0508.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"> </span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />Eleniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14892836952253986926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448697328925721782.post-48247285958734902042012-07-04T12:33:00.000-07:002012-07-04T12:33:18.702-07:00<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">It's Fourth of July and the sun is warm and bright in the afternoon sky. I spent some time this morning pulling weeds from our veggie garden until I couldn't quite take the heat any longer. We just spent a week at a time share in Cabo where every day was virtually warmer than the next and Baja breezes were little relief. So I am back at home and feeling more than blessed that I live in a country that is democratic, free and for the most part, friendly. Even though I spent years hocking my wares at Arts and Crafts shows, I never once felt the need to force my product or myself on the public. And as far as taking advantage of my customers, I wouldn't have even given it a thought. Cabo was wonderful and the accommodations stellar, but I couldn't help but think that there really is "no place like home". </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New;">So its another 4th and a time to reflect on family, friends and the country we call home. We are all lucky enough no matter how tough times get, to be able to express our opinions, choose our friends and lovers, love or hate our politicians and be who we want to be. We are still a strong country with folks that are willing to lend a helping hand to others when help is needed, without hesitation. In a sense, we are all brothers and sisters with a common goal of making our lives better and having the freedom to actually achieve the ultimate prize, whether its a home, the perfect job, an education or whatever we choose to pursue.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zuTvuX5EULw/T_SZ7gYSGsI/AAAAAAAAAEg/-b4HCTC1E5s/s1600/IMG_0426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zuTvuX5EULw/T_SZ7gYSGsI/AAAAAAAAAEg/-b4HCTC1E5s/s320/IMG_0426.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New;">So Happy Fourth to all on this sunny day in 2012!</span>Eleniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14892836952253986926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448697328925721782.post-72733971607484445762012-06-20T08:33:00.000-07:002012-06-20T08:33:14.967-07:00Revisiting Some Old Friends<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Its early morning and I am sitting here drinking coffee and going through my library of pictures. My library is quite full since I am working with several sites right now, going from vintage to my wire art. The abundance of pictures are from jewelry I have made over the years. I had forgotten how special a lot of those pieces were and how much of it I actually produced. They bring to mind the hours that went into learning my craft and the excitement of creating those first little works of art that motivated me to generate more. I remember at the start the frustration I felt working with the wire and thinking how difficult it was and of course, it was, considering the wire and the tools I was using to begin with. But after some time, I was sitting down each day and greeting my work as if I was having coffee with old friends. There was a comfort and peacefulness that came from working with my hands, sitting in solitude and listening to the quiet, seeing the direction my mind would take and following that path to it's final destination.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O3jvhfw2O1g/T-HqbKcVORI/AAAAAAAAAEM/U7KQ1WtHMoo/s1600/DSCF0199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O3jvhfw2O1g/T-HqbKcVORI/AAAAAAAAAEM/U7KQ1WtHMoo/s320/DSCF0199.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sngGkNH4e9A/T-HqfS3cORI/AAAAAAAAAEU/k2pPlRoPVRk/s1600/DSCF0203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sngGkNH4e9A/T-HqfS3cORI/AAAAAAAAAEU/k2pPlRoPVRk/s320/DSCF0203.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New;">Looking back now, I think of the time I invested. There is satisfaction in knowing that others appreciated my efforts and expressed it not only in words but by taking a small part of me along with them, those many friends I made along the way. </span><br />Eleniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14892836952253986926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448697328925721782.post-6946330392995542862012-06-18T20:23:00.000-07:002012-06-18T20:23:11.693-07:00Hot Summer Winds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tQAdXNy86tM/T9_G-UN8tXI/AAAAAAAAAEA/pe2nMMNHXbM/s1600/IMG_0310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tQAdXNy86tM/T9_G-UN8tXI/AAAAAAAAAEA/pe2nMMNHXbM/s320/IMG_0310.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<em><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Summer on the Delta and the winds are constant as they stir up dust from the vacant fields that are waiting for their seasonal crop to be planted. It has been unusually warm the last few days, but today's temps settled into the reasonable 80's and outside work was back to being almost pleasant. Other than the daily winds that sweep off the Sacramento River, life in Calif. has no resemblance to my time in Nevada and the longer I am away from the high desert, the more I find myself settling into a comfortable routine and enjoying the vast amount of farmland that surrounds us. The color green permeates throughout the area as cherry trees and corn stalks rejoice at the chance to spread their leaves and bare their abundant crops. There is activity everywhere as workers tend the fields and prepare for the harvest. Flowers bloom in a showcase of colors and I find a trip to the nursery as delightful as a trip to the local ice cream parlor. I do miss the birds though and the abundance of activity and song in the air as flocks of geese and meadow larks would go about their daily routine among the reeds and canals of the wetlands right outside my parents door. As I am writing this, I do hear a chirping melody in the not so far distance and as the sun goes down over the fields, the golden light at end of day washes over the walnut trees outside my bedroom window. Life has returned to my doorstep and I am content.</span></em>Eleniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14892836952253986926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448697328925721782.post-82950688728859626752012-04-01T12:37:00.000-07:002012-04-01T12:37:03.053-07:00<em>Its April 1st and I promise you this is no joke, but for some odd reason I have lost all of my pictures that were included with my old posts. So, it looks as if I will be starting fresh which is funny because that is exactly what I am doing with my life at the present time. I am taking some time to pick and choose the direction I wish to take which will still include my jewelry making. Along with that, I am going back to some of my earlier roots which include china and glass painting as well as collecting and selling vintage clothing and accessories. I still get that thrill of finding those treasures from the past which speak to me loud and clear and take me back to the days when I had my shop, Revelations! What started out as a hobby, soon turned into a full time adventure into textiles and history. Every item that entered through my door came in with a new story to tell and I was an eager listener. The escapades</em><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6iYGn9LGazo/T3it73gD2jI/AAAAAAAAAC8/-5f4b1OE2dQ/s1600/DSCF4613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6iYGn9LGazo/T3it73gD2jI/AAAAAAAAAC8/-5f4b1OE2dQ/s320/DSCF4613.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<em>were plentiful and the storytellers would create pictures for my mind that were happy and sometimes sad, but always infused with the same fire that fueled the imagination and left me wanting more. One of the most memorable fables was that of a shirt that read "Seabiscut". It was brought into the shop by a sweet little lady that related to me vivid depictions of a young man named Earl who went to work for Charles S. Howard in the early 1930's. Earl was her husband's brother and unfortunately died long before his story could be expanded on. And so, the shirt was passed on until it reached my threshold and to</em><em> this day, remains in my possession. I have held onto it, searching for answers or some ending to the rest of the story that needs to be told. I will be there to listen to what it has to say with the same breathless enthusiasm that delights, like a child listening to some whimsical tale before bedtime. Pictures in my mind!</em>Eleniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14892836952253986926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448697328925721782.post-51869064230715306672012-01-15T22:03:00.000-08:002012-04-02T11:42:32.331-07:00Its a New Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Its a brand new year and I am sitting in my room listening to the cold evening winds kicking up their heals as our first winter storm is knocking at the door. I am excited about the New Year and all the possiblilites it presents. I will continue to work at my craft of wire art and glass fusing, but am still challenged by some of the newer fields I 've been playing with like chain maille and beadwork. I continue to add crytal beading to my pendants and was pleased to see the response I received this past christmas season with my booth set up at the local mall. The presentation turned out better than I expected and it was great to see lots of my old customers return for another year of purchasing glass and wire art from me. The greatest compliment of all! <br />
There have been so many changes this last year and so many blessings that have touched my life. I am thankful for all of them and that I can continue to do what I love. Most of all, I am thankful for those that have touched my life and been there for me when I really needed the support. My heart holds them close and dear. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9UIEyAX9gw/T3OSS-5-e8I/AAAAAAAAABk/-tRXpHFRt6I/s1600/DSCF8667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9UIEyAX9gw/T3OSS-5-e8I/AAAAAAAAABk/-tRXpHFRt6I/s320/DSCF8667.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7h6yYfgne18/T3icsx4rfwI/AAAAAAAAAC0/v5qXn8D-TnQ/s1600/DSCF4672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7h6yYfgne18/T3icsx4rfwI/AAAAAAAAAC0/v5qXn8D-TnQ/s320/DSCF4672.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Evening has closed in and there is nothing but blackness outside my bedroom window. The wind continues to speak in loud whispers, warning of changes in store.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448697328925721782.post-4678944297098065792010-11-29T21:00:00.000-08:002012-04-02T11:44:21.396-07:00Copper is Queen<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Spent the day fluffing the Christmas kiosk at our local mall here in Carson City where I am set up for the holiday season. This is just one of the many fused glass pieces that I wire wrapped in a non tarnish copper wire. I have always loved copper, especially vintage copper jewelry and as prices have risen on gold and silver, I thought I would start introducing a new look with the rich rose tone of copper wire. For those of you that are in the Carson City area, be sure to drop by and take a look at all the new goodies I am putting out. I have also added a lot of crystal jewelry including lariats that are great for layering. I have even included some beaded bracelets in seed beads . And as always, I have a small case with vintage items such as jewelry and smaller treasures and I am selling vintage on my Etsy site as well. Hopefully I will get some pics of the booth and more of my current jewelry pieces and will be posting as we get closer to Christmas.<br />
We will be set up right through Christmas so be sure to come by and take a look!<a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: 0% 50%; border: 0px currentColor; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448697328925721782.post-86256983553830535652010-11-25T21:44:00.000-08:002012-04-02T11:46:41.111-07:00Giving Thanks<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I hadn't intended on taking my usual walk to the river this morning, but somehow the crispness in the air and the sharp contrast of white against landscape urged me on until I found myself bundling up and hurrying out the door. There was a quiet stillness on the marsh and everything seemed frozen in time as I ascended down onto the path leading to the meadow. I was quite alone and almost giddy at the idea of having this icy wonderland to myself and as I proceeded on, I started to take in the sites around me. Trees and bushes glistened with ice crystals as the sun reached out to embrace their leafless limbs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New;">I was glad I had dressed in layers and felt comfortable even though it was still below freezing. The river waters were moving along serenely on the far side of the bank and there were pockets of newly formed ice drifts that didn't seem to bother the mallards that swam easily amongst them. I started to think about the day and the thanks I wanted to give and it was such a perfect place to be in that moment of gratitude. I thought of my brother Greg and was thankful for him opening my eyes to the world of nature, for exciting my senses and giving me the gift to appreciate the beauty that lies outside my door each day. I thought of my sister Katie and was thankful for her sensitivity to the written word and all the wonderful affirmations she's given me over the years that have touched my soul and stayed close to my heart just as she has. And of course, I thought of my parents and the lessons I have learned from them. They gave me the gift of life and what a life I have had so far. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New;">My footsteps continued to take me further along the path and I could feel the morning air start to warm as I moved on out into the sunlight and away from the enchanted forest and the river's edge. I was still alone and still giving thanks for the newness of this day and fact that I'm alive and doing well. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New;">Thanksgiving.............and so many people, places and things to be thankful for and just remembering that its something to live by and not just one day a year!</span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448697328925721782.post-33589604403784983112010-10-13T09:54:00.000-07:002010-10-13T09:54:56.482-07:00Falling for Fall!<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">What a glorious morning! I think fall has been my favorite season for as far back as I can remember. The distant tease of morning light got me out of bed early. I hadn't taken my usual walk in weeks and a voice in my ear was telling me to get going before the sun could top the Pine Nut Mountains. I bundled up and headed down the path that skirts the old Mexican Dam canal and arrived at the top of the trail that overlooks the marshs and meadows of Eagle Valley. Patches of morning mist were drifting over the ponds and the moisture of dew still clung to the grasses and trees that filled the marsh in abundance. Signs of fall were everywhere and as I started my decent into the meadow, I made one last stop to take it all in. I could make out the distant images of cattle grazing in the meadow to the south. My feet carried me along the path through Russian Olive trees and down into the blessed mists of morning light. The sun was just starting to peak the mountain top as I arrived at the river and I didn't hesitate long before making my way into the enchanted forest of cottonwoods that line the river bank. No one had passed me and the solitude was welcoming. The Sierras were now wearing their lavender cloak of color against a clear blue sky and the promise of another beautiful fall day. I proceeded on and as my walk was coming its end, I stopped along the path between a grassy marsh to one side and a canal on the other. Ducks were gliding along the ponds and everywhere I looked was the stark golden glow of light against the amber trees and bushes. I understood then why I had fallen in love with fall and why it would always be my most ardent lover! </span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448697328925721782.post-29988238034899239542010-09-25T23:31:00.000-07:002012-04-02T11:43:21.867-07:00Obsidian ObsessionIts a warm evening for late September and I am listening to the crickets sing outside my bedroom window along with the distant crys of restless coyotes in the valley below. Gracie is curled up at the end of my bed and I am enjoying the peace and solitude within the four walls of my humble living quarters. Today was a Friday for me and the time passed relatively fast considering the slow pace of traffic on the mall where my place of work is. I've settled in nicely at The Funky Parrot and find it hard to believe that it was only seven months ago that I went back to working for someone else instead of the usual routine of weekend arts and crafts shows that had become my lifestyle. The time for change had finally pushed me to the edge and I needed a different venue. I am lucky enough now to still have my custom work and even though its not the same pace, I am able to pursue some other avenues in my jewelry making. The piece pictured here is a beautiful Mahogany Obsidian cabochon that a friend of mine custom made for me. I actually wrapped this for one of my regular customers and delighted in the way it finally came out. I don't work as much in stones as I do glass and the change is always a welcome one for me.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Gracie is looking at me and I know she would rather be sleeping with my folks on their king sized bed tonight. She'll just have to get use to the new sleeping arrangements for now and accept the change just like I have learned to do.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448697328925721782.post-78016847809344755462010-08-23T16:12:00.000-07:002012-04-02T11:43:39.415-07:00Labradoite and Moss Glass Beads<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: 0% 50%; border: 0px currentColor; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448697328925721782.post-77417577649810189572010-08-23T16:09:00.000-07:002012-04-02T11:44:01.913-07:00Another Custom Set<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: 0% 50%; border: 0px currentColor; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448697328925721782.post-82915126177417283392010-08-23T15:50:00.000-07:002010-08-23T15:50:13.753-07:00Vanilla Creme Sighs<a href='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-q5nlWyaorU/THL7JPnWBGI/AAAAAAAAAks/8Ji6ANB-FdY/s1600/DSCF6827.JPG'><img src='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-q5nlWyaorU/THL7JPnWBGI/AAAAAAAAAks/8Ji6ANB-FdY/s320/DSCF6827.JPG' border='0' alt=''style='clear:both;float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;' /></a> <br />Its been a while, but I am back and hoping to get more postings up and running. I actually have been inspired by my brother Greg's blog, Red Mesa Cafe and hope if you get a chance you will check it out as well. I am still working on my jewelry and headed in lots of new directions, all of which excite and inspire. Along with my fused glass pieces, I am still wire wrapping, but have taken on beadwork and chain maille as well. Its always the creative mind at work or should I say, creative mind at play. I have also started to sell some of my over stock on Etsy and you can find some of those goodies at http://Glasscreekstudio.etsy.com, so be sure to stop by there on your cyber travels. The last year has been a real transition for me and along with my artwork, I have found the need to start working again. I have a wonderful boss who has also become a close friend and I spend most of my days in a faux tropical setting where I am experimenting with new ideas for jewelry related to sea life and underwater animals. Who would of thought! And I haven't given up my other passion of vintage clothing, jewelry and accessories. My Etsy shop (http://Glasscreestudio.etsy.com) has a wide selection of my collection and I am always on the hunt for more treasures to add to it. As far as my artwork goes, I still feel the joy of creating and there is nothing better than seeing the smiles on my customer's faces when they find that special piece. I am doing a lot more custom work and am lucky to have some dedicated clients who keep me on my toes month after month. To all of them, I am eternally grateful and count my blessings every day. <br />These days are constantly full of constant challenges and I look forward to a year full of positive changes, new friends, new adventures and lots more jewelry making!<div style='clear:both; text-align:RIGHT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448697328925721782.post-69090175620110199872010-03-10T09:16:00.000-08:002012-04-02T11:44:13.211-07:00Will this be the last Snow of the SeasonI have just finished reading my brother Greg's blog from his Red Mesa Cafe site and am so mindful of the pictures and adventures he holds in his mind. He is planning what sounds like a trip to warmer places and sites unseen. There is excitment in his written word. I sit here looking out my window at a sea of white. Snow has fallen once again and I am hoping it is the last snow of the season. Its a beautiful blanket that gently covers the harshness of late winter and dusts the branches of trees and fences. It won't stay long. The sun is already trying to break through the clouds and there is hope of a brighter day. I am looking around my home of 25 years and thinking of my next move. Like so many other Americans, we have put our house on the market and are hoping for some relief from the slow death of a sagging economy that has taken so much from us. The walls are almost empty and as posessions disappear, that warmth of a cozy place we call home fades into a subtle sadness. The wild horses were grazing along the road yesterday and with them was the newest edition to the group. Spring is close as the herd multiplies. I have never looked forward more to an early spring. I continue to work on my jewelry, but not with such urgency as before and the joy of working with my glass and wire has paled some while I go through a transition in my life. So many doors, so many decisions and the sun is breaking through the clouds as I write this blog.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448697328925721782.post-14799358348999160232010-01-18T18:16:00.000-08:002012-04-02T11:44:33.811-07:00The Snow is Falling SidewaysHappy New Year! I am sitting at my dining room window watching the snow falling sideways and trying to keep warm as winter really settles in. Its been some time since I blogged, but I thought this would be a good time to update my status and reflect on the past year. As usual, it was another hectic season and I kept busy making lots of jewelry for a show almost every weekend in 2009. With this down economy, there hasn't been much opportunity to come up for air, so I remained home most of the time, working on stock as John traveled the backroads, setting up the shows and selling my wares. California, Oregon, Montana and back to Nevada, one weekend after another. So many familiar faces and friendly greetings and I truley am blessed to have so much support in such tough times. The dark cape of night has now covered the horizon and all I can see now is blackness and again my thoughts are how quickly Christmas came and went. We set up our usual glass kiosk on the local mall and for several weeks brisk business kept our hopes up for a good season. And again, so many return customers and familiar faces. We were pleased. And then there was New Years, 2009 behind us and only desperate hopes for the economy to strengthen and for people to go back to work. John has gone to Arizona, following the road of sunshine and warmth south. I am home, holding down the homestead along with Gracie and the snowfall. I'll be working on stock and looking for new avenues for income. In my 59th year I am hoping for the best.............for everyone.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448697328925721782.post-68666150295845795762009-09-14T20:33:00.000-07:002009-09-14T21:26:05.229-07:00Back on Track<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-q5nlWyaorU/Sq8VPR9nJjI/AAAAAAAAAXg/XWSy6G_6JrQ/s1600-h/DSCF4826.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-q5nlWyaorU/Sq8VPR9nJjI/AAAAAAAAAXg/XWSy6G_6JrQ/s320/DSCF4826.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381543431995074098" /></a><br />After being away for so long, I am finally signing in to update everyone. It's fall of 2009 and its been a very busy spring and summer with shows just about every weekend. I have been lucky enough to have had a lot of repeat business on my fused glass and wire art jewelry and I want to thank all of my wonderful customers who have kept me going. I'd like to see more action on my website, but it is still a work in progress and I have been adding new items all summer long. I updated my site on Etsy this past summer and am now selling all vintage items which fuels my other passion. You can find me as a seller under Glasscreekstudio or go to http://Glasscreekstudio.etsy.com if you love vintage like I do. This time of year I always get a yearning for my old costume shop and all the fall activities that lead up to it here in Carson City, Nevada, especially the Ghost Walk in the old historic district. I love the allure of the old haunted houses and stories of ghosts from the past and I especially miss the feeling of fall and the look that the downtown takes on when the leaves start to leave the trees and fall finally settles in for its short visit before winter arrives. I love this time of year when everything takes on a sharper image and the clouds stand stark against a crisp blue sky. <br />I continue to work at my craft and have started working with semi precious stones and adding beaded necklaces to my line. I have combined some of the fused pieces to these stone necklaces and have added some of these to my website under "Necklaces". I am working on new lines and expanding and fine tuning them with the idea of wholesaling next spring so I can start to slowly phase out as many shows as I have been doing. It would give me a chance to put more creativity into my work. <br />All in all, I am just taking one day at a time and hoping that the economy comes back soon so all of us can breath a little easier.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448697328925721782.post-82843098692994886782008-10-27T13:22:00.000-07:002012-04-02T11:44:52.301-07:00A Mellow Monday Afternoon<br />
Its Monday, Oct. 27th and we are still in Queen Valley, Arizona where gentle breezes and clear skies make for a very quiet and mellow afternoon in such a peaceful place.<br />
We had a show in Suprise this past weekend which is a suburb of Phoenix. Saturday and Sunday were warm but pleasant and the small crowds of people that did attend this event put on by the West Art Museum, were friendly and responsive. In this struggling economy, I felt lucky to have been able to sell my handcrafted products to such receptive folk. Many were considering gifts for the upcoming Christmas season and some expressed concern for the artisans that make their living week to week doing festivals and art events such as this one. I laugh at the idea that politicians can try make a point about someone like "Joe the plumber" as a struggling American in a small business and not even consider the hundreds of artists, musicians, performing artists and micro business people like ourselves who depend on the American buying public to support our work and our way of life. Week after week I watch fellow artists and crafters show up at weekend events, take hours to set up their mini shops in parks, parking lots and other various locations, arrive early each morning to open and do business, stay late to pack up and then do it all again the next day. And this is only after they have worked at their respective art all week long to get ready for the weekend vigil that may or may not be a success. Considering what a "Joe the plummer" makes on an hourly rate, todays artisans have a real upward battle just to make a decent wage for their labors and forget health care and retirement plans. <br />
As for the weekend and the lovely patrons that appreciated my work enough to purchase, I thank each and every one of them. They are the ones that make it all worth while and keep the wind in our sails.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448697328925721782.post-11612036533414556862008-10-15T11:39:00.000-07:002012-04-02T11:45:09.890-07:00Fall in the Arizonan Desert<br />
<span style="font-family: verdana;">John and I have made a short trip to Queen Valley this month to check on things and do a few shows here in Arizona. We've been here for only a few days and have settled back in to the sunny days and gentle fall breezes. Our first show was in Prescott and it was a tough one to get through. The winds were insane and the temps dropped to the mid 50's and it was all we could do to get through the weekend, but we managed as we always do and its onto the next show. I still wonder sometimes about the life of an artist and the inconsistency of any structure or normality. Its not for the faint hearted, especially these days. Many of us in this line of business wonder at the changes we've seen over the years and are saddened by the thoughts of what's happening in the world of arts and crafts fairs. This is our lively hood and what defines us, but its a constant struggle to educate the American public on knowing the difference between those of us that truly make our own products and the ones that don't and wondering if it makes a difference at all. Enough said, we are here until the end of the month and plan to enjoy our time in the Arizonan desert before heading back to Nevada.</span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448697328925721782.post-26609000124949062222008-08-26T18:57:00.000-07:002012-04-02T11:41:17.687-07:00Who could forget Princess "Gracie?"These days, Gracie is enjoying the summer by going to the park, chasing bunnies and just being her darling doggie self! Say Goodnight Gracie!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448697328925721782.post-80353417187880964592008-08-26T18:44:00.000-07:002012-04-02T11:45:21.830-07:00I'm adding some of my latest additions including one that my friend Liz did using some of my fused glass. Her beadwork is some of the best and she always seems to out do herself from one project to another. Below you'll find one of her pieces I call Lizzy's Beaded Goddess. It's a beautiful combination of fused glass, Nevada Turquoise and Liz's incredible beadwork. <br />
Along with her work is a fused glass pendant titled, Blue Glass Mermaid. This is a pendant I finished several weeks ago and its becoming one of my favorites. So enjoy the pictures and stop back by again! <br />
Happy Trails!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448697328925721782.post-91954257992059081372008-08-26T18:43:00.000-07:002008-08-26T18:44:16.647-07:00Blue Lake Mermaid<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-q5nlWyaorU/SLSxVB6ljzI/AAAAAAAAAEE/fvJIAgyozsk/s1600-h/DSCF1930.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-q5nlWyaorU/SLSxVB6ljzI/AAAAAAAAAEE/fvJIAgyozsk/s320/DSCF1930.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239007241388265266" border="0" /></a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448697328925721782.post-35501227994704061322008-08-26T18:31:00.000-07:002008-08-26T18:41:31.217-07:00Lizzy's Beaded Goddess<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-q5nlWyaorU/SLSwlGziJ8I/AAAAAAAAAD8/H71aeO8CF-I/s1600-h/DSCF2424.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-q5nlWyaorU/SLSwlGziJ8I/AAAAAAAAAD8/H71aeO8CF-I/s320/DSCF2424.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239006418067138498" border="0" /></a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448697328925721782.post-71199869826655927872008-08-26T18:03:00.000-07:002008-08-26T18:28:29.447-07:00Summer's End<span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">It's been a while since I have posted anything and it seems even though I spend a lot of time on my computer, I never have time to post to my blog. So, here I am on a Tues. night waiting for the Democratic Convention to start and updating my blog. It's been a busy summer, with a show just about every weekend and I am amazed that I am keeping up with my stock. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to add anything more to my website, but I have listed some items on Esty.com and you can find more of my jewelry there under http://Glasscreekstudio.esty.com. Stop by and take a look! Right now, we are getting ready for Labor Day before summer comes to an end. Fall will be here shortly and I will welcome some cooler weather. Its been beautiful here and the Sierras stand tall and pristine in the fading light of the day and I am thankful the fires and smoke that plagued us earlier this summer have not lingered on as they have in season's past. We haven't decided on when we'll be headed south again, but I know we will be doing shows back in Arizona by January 2009 and I always look forward to returning to the desert. For those of you trying to find us at shows, you can check my Events Section on the website, www.Glasscreekstudio.com where I do try and keep it updated. We are still looking for a location for a Christmas showing and will post that on the website as soon as we know where it will be. Time to run, but hopefully I'll get back to blogging before too much time passes again.</span><br /></span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1448697328925721782.post-88683334628372191952008-04-15T21:08:00.000-07:002012-04-02T11:45:34.486-07:00Some like it Hot!<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: courier new;">This has been quite the week with temps close to 100 degrees..........and just when we are getting ready to head north.<br />Our last show was in Tucson this past weekend and like most of the shows this season, it was fairly average. What's to become of artists trying to sell their wares? So many of us just want to do what is an expression of ourselves and to share with the public that which identifies our very beings and brings others joy. Spring is definitely here in the Sonoran Desert and the wildflowers and cactus compete to show off their colorful blooms. We spent a casual day at Boyce Arboretum where the display of plant life was a feast for one's eyes with bursts of color at every corner of the park. I love this place! <br />It will be harder to leave the desert this year than times past, but I'll hold the memory in my mind like a mother holds her child and rock it ever so gently to sleep until its time to share more moments together.</span></span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0