Work and family has been a bit busy this week. Had some pictures to post but could not. stay. awake. Friday night, and today I spent all day doing something totally awesome (more on that in a moment).
First...I made some progress on a necklace that has been mentally designed and needed to be for real. You know what I mean, don't you? You see something so clearly you have to make it. Now. Good thing wire and beads travel well to basketball practice:
I had an all day database class on Thursday so you know this wasn't the only idea I doodled in my notebook. Oh if the Air Force only knew how many jewelry doodles are happening while I am taking "notes" at a meeting. This is laid out but not strung/wire wrapped:
Will the large dangles be cool or annoying to wear? We'll see. But enough about that - the best part of my weekend was that I spent the day MAKING LAMPWORK BEADS!!!
My awesomely awesome husband gave me an "everything you need to do lampwork" gift certificate for our anniversary. He even almost bought a kiln and then realized that he was getting into a bit more than he was ready for. I immediately asked Lori and Kerry what to do and they both said take a class first, and then decide what equipment you want/need after getting your feet wet.
I did a little google research and found Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Virginia, just south of DC and about 30 minutes from my house. It just so happened that they had a two day class this weekend and there were open seats. Kind of last minute but it actually fit with our weekend schedule, and unlike other glass classes I found, this one specifically was oriented towards making beads.
Turns out when I got there that there were really only 2 other students, and the teacher was Lisa St Martin. She's been working in glass since she apprenticed in Corning, New York in the 70s. She's been making beads since the 80s. She's a founding member of the International Society of Glass Beadmakers. She's the 2010 recipient of their Hall of Flame award. Wow. I could not have asked for a better introduction to lamp working. Here is what I made today - and I get to go back tomorrow and learn more - yippeee!
Sounds like you had a dream weekend, can't wait to see the results of your class. Love the necklace you made on the 'fly'!
ReplyDeleteYou lucky girl!!! Tell your husband to call my husband and talk him into giving me a lampwork making anniversary present! How fun! It was nice you were in a small class...more one-on-one attention I bet.
ReplyDeleteGreen with envy! Your beads look amazing.,
ReplyDeleteI'm jealous--I wanna take a bead lampworking class...one of these days! I'm glad to know I'm not the only who lays out my pieces before I begin. I can't draw worth diddly, but I know what you mean by the vision is so clear, you can feel the weight already around your neck!
ReplyDeleteWhat a heavenly weekend! I wish they had lampworking classes in my hometown.
ReplyDeleteYou DO have an awesomely awesome husband. What a great gift! And your first beads are gorgeous. Going to see what you posted on Sunday now.
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