Gearing up for Grandview Show

I just got done with a batch of ceramic pendants for my upcoming show on Saturday. I like to step away from the glass and go back to my roots (ceramics) every so often. I also don't post my jewelry enough. The majority of my jewelry is taken to my art shows and not sold in my Etsy shop.




Also, some of my best sellers are my photo image glass pendants. But, the most popular of these pendants, of course, is my Twilight pendant. I took the cover of all 4 books and combined them into one picture. If you're a fan, you'll like this!



























I also started selling these Twilight metal bookmarks that have a tiny framed picture dangling from the metal bookmark. I like these because I have a front and back to them. And of course, I have a swarovski crystal heart hanging from the bottom of the framed picture.

Here's the front and back (the back is my little spin on the Twilight series):




So, want to come and see my things in person? Here's the low-down about the show this weekend.

Lazy Daze of Summer Festival
Lawn and streets surrounding the Granview Library
1685 W. First Ave
Grandview, Ohio
Sat. July 18th (11:00am - 6pm)

There's No Place Like Home

While watching The Wizard of Oz on TV last week with my son, I was inspired to create this fused glass piece.





LOVE the Dorothy shoes - so sparkly - every girl should have a pair! And here are some fun facts about these famous ruby slippers:

* In L. Frank Baum's original story, Dorothy's slippers are silver-not ruby as they are in the 1939 MGM film. This is one big difference between the books and MGM's movie. In the movie the slippers are ruby red. In the book they are silver.

* As with all films, major characters have stand-ins, and so did Dorothy's shoes. As many as seven pairs were manufactured, with at least four surviving the 1934 classic film's wardrobe department.

*The most expensive "ruby slippers" however, were not actually slippers but stiletto high heels, designed by Stuart Weitzman as a tribute to the Wizard of Oz. The pair of high stepping shoes were made from spun platinum thread, and used nearly 700 round and oval rubies on the network of elegant straps. The total weight of the gems was 100 carats, hiking the shoes estimated value to $1.6 million dollars. It took over 700 hours to produce the shoe. In 2003, the shoes went on display briefly at Harrod's Department store in London, England, before being whisked off to a vault with round the clock guards, as they awaited a buyer.

*In anticipation of the 70th anniversary DVD release of "The Wizard of Oz" on Sept. 29, Warner Bros. Consumer Products in partnership with Crystallized-Swarovski Elements, have invited the world's top shoe designers to reinterpret Dorothy's iconic ruby slippers for modern times. Contemporary works of art from the likes of fashion masterminds A. Testoni, Abaete, Alberta Ferretti Betsey Johnson, Botkier, Christian Louboutin, Diane von Furstenberg, Giuseppe Zanotti, Jimmy Choo, L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani, Lisa Pliner, Manolo Blahnik, Moschino, Oscar de la Renta, Roger Vivier, Sergio Rossi, Stuart Weitzman, Tibi, and Tuleh will compose The Wizard of Oz Ruby Slipper Collection.




For more info on my fused glass piece, it is listed in my etsy shop - click here.

Made the Front Page of Etsy!

A Tribute

I have created a special one-of-a-kind fused glass art piece in memory of Michael Jackson, detailing his jacket in sequins and listing his albums and songs in the background. (click on picture for more detail)



We have lost a true icon. No matter what your stance on Michael Jackson as a person or his personal choices, there is no denying his impact on music and pop culture. He redefined Pop Music forever and brought people and cultures together that others have tried to do for centuries.


I'll never forget in 7th grade sitting in my basement with the headphones on and listening to his album "Thriller" over and over again trying to memorize each and every word of his songs. (Oh.....and of course drooling over the album cover!)













Whats your favorite Michael memory?

R.I.P. MJ (1958-2009)



For more info on this fused glass piece, click here.

New City Scene

One of my favorite pieces I created was my very first city scene. I used an array of vibrant colored glass to create the buildings. This piece was made in 3 parts, over the course of 2 weeks, and then put together to be framed. I love the abstract look - just simple and colorful:



After I made this, I decided to get more intricate and re-create some famous city scenes:



Well, I decided this time it was back to the basics and made another abstract city scene - this one is done in with cool autumn colors. I love the way it turned out and if you'd like more information on this piece, please check it out in my etsy shop.




Cheers!

Pizza Clock Update

Back in February of this year, I had a custom request from a gal in Atlanta, Georgia, who requested a custom ceramic "pizza" clock for a new restaurant that her and her husband were opening up. It was to be called Mia's Pizza and Eats, after their 8-month-old daughter. I ended up blogging about the entire process of making the clock and felt like I really got to know them as I kept in close touch throughout the process and as they embarked on their journey of opening this restaurant.





Now, let me back up a little. The original request was sent with this picture of a clock that she saw and wanted one to be made similar, but with a few variations.










With her instructions, I set out to come up with the perfect pizza clock for her. A basic recap of the entire process I blogged about can be found here.





And viola......the custom ceramic pizza clock:























Mia's Pizza and Eats officially opened its doors on April 8th and I was truly amazed at all the hard work they put into this restaurant. For more detailed info about their journey, check out Mia's Pizza and Eats blog.





























And lookie.....here's the clock!




























So...if you are in the Atlanta, Georgia area - you MUST, must, must stop in and get some pizza!









Oh, and of course we can't forget little Mia!

Granville Art Show

The Granville Art Affair was quite a success. It was their first year doing a fine arts show on the Great Lawn of the Bryn Du Mansion. First year shows are always up in the air - you never know quite what the outcome will be - it could be really good or bomb. Well, with the great turn-out and feedback by the public they received during the show, they plan on making it a 2-day show next year and are planning on adding wine tasting. Yum!









The grounds of this historic mansion are breath-taking. A little history:

The Bryn Du Mansion and grounds comprise a fifty-two acre estate in Granville, Ohio. The property is managed by a commission established by the Village of Granville with a mission of historic preservation and to provide program and event facilities for the benefit of the community.

Along with the art show, a polo match took place. I had never seen one in person and it was actually quite cool! The picture of the polo players below was not taken by me - this was a previous year's picture of a match there. Unfortunately, since I was by myself at this show (no booth-mate) I couldn't leave my booth and take lots of pictures. Hopefully from the couple I did take, you can get the idea of how beautiful it is there. For more info and pictures of the mansion, click here for their website.

Theater Gal

A gift I made for a gal who just graduated from high school, is college-bound and will be minoring in theater. Did I mention that I used to babysit her when she was in 2nd grade??? God, I'm starting to feel old!

....on Broadway

I've come up with a couple Broadway fused glass pieces. I plan on taking these to my next show in Granville, OH. Its a fine arts show and I'm making some new pieces just for it. Here are my first two:

The Lion King











Wicked

Featured

I'm proud to announce that I am the featured artisan in Handmade News, published by Artfire.com. Please check it out here. A special thanks to Angelica Schaaf, editor, for featuring me.

Dogs and their owners!

I had a great time at the rescue run on Saturday. It was quite crowded and of course, TONS of dogs. Whenever I'm at a show I love to "people watch", and for this show I got to "dog watch".

Now remember, this is coming from someone who does not own a dog!





Here's one of the first things I noticed - a dog stroller - really? I saw so many of these! Aren't dogs supposed to walk?














Next, all the dogs that were dressed up. From tu-tu's to cute little jackets and here - a crazed Ohio State fan with his hairless(?) dogs. One was a cheerleader and one was a football player! Check out the football player's mohawk! Now, it was over 80 degrees that day - why would you put a jacket on your dog? Poor things! And why would you make your dog get a mohawk??

















Now....on to the contests. Here is the winner of the largest dog contest:



I wonder how long it takes to brush his hair? That is a beautiful dog, though.




And the smallest dog contest (now we're talking!) Awwwww....look how cute! The winner was the daschund puppy on the left (Cooper) with the runner-up on the right (her name was Paris and she came with her owner in a purse, for god's sake!) Just look at Paris trying to suck face with Cooper - I guess the name's appropriate!!! All I know is I wanted to take that little daschund home for myself. Well...maybe I'd just like to take him for a few hours to play!!




All in all, it was a beautiful day (a bit hot, but I'm not complaining). The park where the event was held was located in the arena district of dowtown Columbus - a truly gorgeous spot with its lush green grass and beautiful buildings. Oh, and LOTS and LOTS of dogs with their crazy owners!

Gearing up for Rescue Run

I was asked to show my art at the upcoming rescue run for homeless pets hosted by PetPromise this Saturday. They are having a vendor fair, food court, live music, pet contests and much more along with the rescue run/walk. If you are in the Columbus area and are interested in participating or coming out for the festivities, please check out their info by clicking here.

So, of course I'm getting ready for all the fun and have created some pet related items to go along with my other art.






First off, using precious metal clay, (which works as a clay and when you fire it turns into pure silver) I give you my pet earrings:


Using my crinkleized dichroic glass, a paw print pendant:


And 2 pet themed framed fused glass pieces. I simply adore the poodle - tres chic, no?

(you can click on any of the pictures to see a close-up)

Heart Art

My newest creation using my crinkleized dichroic glass. I LOVE this glass and the results it produces. It is totally smooth before the firing, at which time I hand-etched the design on the dichroic glass. During the firing, the dichroic surface crinkles, sending thousands of miniature crystalline-like mirrors upwards and creating very cool shapes throughout the glass. So, if you love art, this one-of-a-kind pendant is for you! You can view it in my etsy shop here.

Good Times at OddMall

OddMall was a success and I had loads of fun there. It was definitely my type of show - from plush monsters to thigh-high painted stiletto boots to day of the dead nesting dolls to felted sushi and wacked out t-shirts......yeah, I LOVED IT!!!! Definitely not your crocheted, needlepoint granny show.












Here are some of the things that were sold by FABulous vendors at the show (btw- the guitar necklace and ninja bookmark are mine!). Click on any picture to see the larger version.