So, I pulled out the beautiful slag glass that Don and I bought when we went to Austin a few months back.  And since slag glass is considered recycled glass (see definition all the way at the bottom), I wanted to make something with predominately “green” items this time.  I had some huge (nearly as large as my hand), old chandelier glass which as been tucked away for years.  I couldn’t use it in my new pieces because most the chandelier glass wasn’t in perfect condition.  That made them perfect for catching the sun outdoors.  Of course I added all kinds of beads, because I just have to, and in some cases I used Don beads that have flaws which prevent them from being sold in our store.  They now have new life!

For the hangers, I stuck to my recycle theme.  Sometimes when Don is making beads in the hot torch, a bead will come loose from the bead release and adhere permanently to the mandrel (metal rod).  I’ve been collecting them for years now, making a bead bouquet in a vase on my work table.  At Don’s suggestion, I bent them into hooks that can easily hold a heavy slag glass hanging.

Aqua & Teal:  I love the hour-glass effect of this piece.  Besides the thickest piece of chandelier glass I have, there are other pieces of chandelier glass (see that large clear octagon on the upper left), along with aqua and teal glass beads.  I even found a teal bead on a mandrel to make the perfect hanger.

I have six to show you here but there are a few more down at the store.  You can see them all at the store this Friday.  Don will be taking them to Craftacular Second Saturday “the rain check” on Saturday March 17 from noon-4pm, 1025 Studewood Street, Houston, Texas 77008  http://www.hello-lucky.com.  .  The hangings will be back in the store on Sunday.  So, if you want first dibs, come visit on Friday.  They are all about 14″ long.  Price:  $28.00 each.

Blue Tip:  The upper part of the slag glass is clearer than it appears here (not so much blue in it).  The lower tip of the slag is a brilliant blue, which reflects into the top half when light hits it.  The color is imbedded in the glass.  It’s not a separate piece.  And it’s really spectacular.  The huge chandelier glass pendant is accompanied by another long piece, the icicle.  The Don bead hook, which you can’t see in this picture, has a cobalt blue bead.

Peach and Topaz:  There are three topaz Don beads above the peachy slag glass.  The huge chandelier glass pendant has a very slightly smoky hue to it that goes perfectly with the topaz and peach beads.

Red Fish:  Red slag glass is rare.  Red and nice yellow seem to be the hardest colors to find.  This piece of red has a mostly opaque center with brilliant red transparent edges all the way around.  It is spectacular when the sun hits it.  I used the large smokey chandelier glass on this one.  The stars of the show are two diachroic fish that Don made.  One of them no longer has a bead hole and the other has a minor fin flaw.  Still, they are great looking fish and I wired them to hang around the red glass.  I decorated the rest with red, amethyst and clear glass beads.

Blue Trade Beads:  The slag glass is a beautiful aqua blue and I decorated the whole piece with sapphire and aqua blue beads.  The large chandelier glass pendant is thick and clear.  And see how perfect the sapphire blue bead hanger goes with the rest of this “water” hanging.

Red Inside Clear:  You have to see this piece of slag glass to really appreciate how distinctive it is.  It’s a big clear piece with red and green and other dark colors inside.  Predominately red, I didn’t even know about the green until I was trying to take a picture of it with the sun coming through.  It was just impossible to shoot so I settled for using the flash on my camera.  It gives you a better feel for how it looks in the sun.  I used the smokey chandelier glass to complement some of the darker colors in the slag.  And you can see that nice long icicle chandelier glass.  The bead hanger is one of my favorites and it also has red with other dark colors running through it.

We have two cobalt and sapphire blue hangings at the store, and a beautiful pink one too.  I also have two smaller pieces (one pink, one topaz) with a slightly different twist.  The two smaller ones are $18.00 each.

For those of you who know about my sister, Susan Pickering Rothamel, and her wonderful art creation kits, you will want to tune into HSN this March 20th.  Susan will be premiering her newest art kits at 9:20 am and 2:00 pm.  She would love your support, and besides having the most wonderful art creations, she has a way of pulling the creative juices out of every would-be artist.  You should visit her website for more information: http://www.usartquest.com.  She has terrific 2-minute videos on practically every item she offers.  Susan started her business almost 20 years ago with her own artist glue, Perfect Paper Adhesive.  Today, she has followers all around the world.  A harder worker you will never ever see.  If you love art, watch HSN this Tuesday.

I’ve also been making new ribbon bookmarks like mad this week.  I love telling people that it takes three artists to make one bookmark.  My girlfriend, Ruth Brown, who lives in Colorado, beads the ribbons and sends them to me.  Then I use beads that Don makes, and other cool do-dads to make the dangly at the bottom of the bookmarks.  Three artists for a really great $8.00 bookmark.  And they come with a pretty card too.  You can’t ask for more than that!

Come see us at the store, or visit Don at Craftacular this weekend!

There is a man who sits under the huge dinosaurs at the Museum of Natural Science, and makes hearts from dinosaur bones.  No kidding.  He cuts and polishes dinosaur bones, creating the most beautiful heart pendants.  His name is Pat Napolio and he will be one of our visiting artists at our 3rd Annual Valentine Bead & Jewelry Show.  Pat will have his whole set up and will be demonstrating and making his hearts all weekend.
 

Make a Magpie Bracelet

 Instructor:  Joanne Mann, Jewelry Designer
Saturday & Sunday, February 11 – 12, 2012, 11:00 am to Noon
A contemporary version of the traditional charm bracelet, this fun bracelet is uniquely you.  Using beads and charms, create a one-of-a-kind statement bracelet.  The cost includes the bracelet, your choice of 4 beads (more available for purchase), and headpins.  Students are encouraged to bring their own beads and charms to add to the bracelet.  Joanne will have some tools, but students are asked to bring round nose and chain nose pliers, if they have them.  Class cost:  $25.00

Make your own Ear Wires and Clasps

 Instructor:  Rikki Mitman, Jewelry Designer & Mixed Media Artist
Saturday and Sunday, February 11 – 12, 2012, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
What better way to finish your unique handmade jewelry than with ear wires or clasps that match perfectly?  If you can use pliers and hammers, you can do this too – and your work will say “professional designer” from start to finish.  You will learn to make three clasps: Simple, Latching, and Folded; a Figure 8 clasp loop; three ear wires: Secure Kidney (these are the ones that hook closed), French Hook, and Spiral Front; and Coiled Earring Studs.  Students should bring round-nose pliers, chain-nose pliers, a ball-peen hammer, and steel bench block or small anvil.  Some tools/anvils will also be available to share for those who don’t have them.  Class will be taught using copper wire.  Cost is $35.00.

Make a Lampwork Heart Bead Necklace

 Instructor: Liz Bunn, Lampwork Bead Artist
Saturday and Sunday, February 11 – 12, 2011, 1:00 – 2:00 pm
And where would Valentine Day be without a beautiful handmade heart necklace?  Liz Bunn, famous for her stunning lampwork beads, is teaching a basic necklace beading class, featuring her lampwork heart pendants.  You’ll learn how to make a necklace similar to the ones above. 
Cost:  $30.00.

Introduction to Wire Work Jewelry

 Instructor: Jeanne Lyons, Wire Jewelry Designer
Saturday & Sunday, February 11-12, 2012 – 11:00 and 3:30 daily
These classes are for those desiring to try a new craft or who just want to see what it’s all about. Learn two techniques that can get you off and running with ideas to create your own jewelry. First, experience the most commonly used wire jewelry enhancement, the spiral, and create your own copper coil ring.  Then learn how to make wire wrapped loops, and make a glass pearl drop pendant with a Swarovski crystal. With these two techniques and a little of your own creativity you can make pendants, necklaces, bracelets, earrings.

If you have a special bead (with a hole) you would like to become a pendant bring it along.  If you have any of these tools, bring them along: round nose pliers, chain nose pliers, flat nose pliers, flush wire cutters, nail file/board.
Class Size – 3, 4 max. Please be aware I will be monitoring my booth during classes.  Anyone interested in Friday afternoon classes? I’ll be available from 2:00pm – 5:00pm. Please contact me to schedule and tell me what you’re interested in doing. lyonsjeanne@gmail.com.  Fee of $25 includes all supplies and materials.  

Lampwork Bead Demonstrations

 Rikki Mitman & Liz Bunn, Lampwork Bead Artists
Saturday & Sunday, February 11 – 12, 2012, Ongoing demonstrations
Our Valentine show wouldn’t be complete without our artists demonstrating how they make lampwork glass beads.  It’s fascinating to watch them work in the torch flame, and see how they create their unique beads.

If you are interested in attending any of the above classes, please reserve your space by emailing Pam at pam.pickering@comcast.net.  You’ll receive up-to-date information about the classes about a week before the Valentine Show, and you’ll pay the artist directly when you arrive for the class.  The dinosaur bone polishing and the lampwork bead demonstrations will be on-going and don’t need reservations.  If you want to be a vendor at our show, please contact Pam.

Don the traveling bead maker . . .
Don will be showing our art at local shows throughout 2012.  He loves to have customers come and visit with him in his booth.  To talk with Don and see what new and astounding beads he’s come up with next, please visit . . .

1st Saturday Arts Market
Saturday, February 4, 2012, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
548 West 19th Street, Houston, TX 77008 (in the Heights)
This is a wonderful market for artists and patrons alike.  Food, music, art and great people make this a destination on the first Saturday of every month.  Don will be sharing a booth with Steve Sellers, a friend and master silver jewelry designer.

40th Annual St. Francis Art Show
Friday, February 10, 2012,  6:00 – 9:00 pm “Preview Party”
Saturday, February 11, 2012, Noon – 9:00pm
Sunday, February 12, 2012, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
345 Piney Point Rd., Houston, TX 77024
Don will be at this wonderful show, even as we throw our own Valentine Bead & Jewelry Show just across I-10.  Besides seeing our latest art, you can also see what some of our other family members are doing.  Marion Howard (our sister-in-law), will be showing her canvases, and Don’s brother, George Howard, will have his stunning photography.  Don will be at the St. Francis Art Show the same weekend as our Valentine Show, so make a point to visit us both!  We are only about 10 minutes apart.

Because last weekend was so much fun, we’ve invited all the artists and vendors to come again this weekend.  The Market Place management, and especially Chris, very kindly offered the free space in return for all their help in drawing new customers to our eclectic little mall.  We hope that you will come and support them, and all the special stores we have at The Market Place.  And be sure to stop in and see Don and me at Glass Art & Beads.

9th Annual Christmas Extravaganza All Over Again!
at The Market Place, 10910 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77043
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 16-18, 2011, 10 am to 5 pm

Special Christmas Hours at Glass Art & Beads
Thursday & Friday, December 22 & 23, 2011, 10 am to 5 pm
Saturday, Christmas Eve, December 24, 2011, 10 am to 2 pm

If you missed last weekend, here’s a taste of what you missed . . .

 An early Christmas gift for visiting vendors!
For the two years that Don and I have been at The Market Place as Glass Art & Beads, we have had to put our visiting artists down the long hallway during our special events.  But when it’s hot outside, it’s hot by the window.  When it’s cold, it’s cold.  Well, guess what?

We will be putting some visiting artists inside stores for our Christmas event!  Yep, we have had two store owners retire and so The Market Place management (Hail Chris!) has very kindly donated this empty store space to rent to vendors.  Thank you very much!  We want to fill the mall with great Holiday gifts!  And we would love to have artists who can demonstrate how they make what they make.  Don and Rikki will be demonstrating how to make Italian glass lampwork beads.  So, if you can demonstrate your art, let me know, and we’ll make sure you have the space for that.

We are not just inviting artists.  If you have a terrific item that would make a good Christmas gift, we welcome you too!  The more diverse the vendors, the more fun shoppers will have!  Just reply to this email and request more information.  I’ll be sending out more specific information next week.  And flyers, posters and handouts will be coming via email tomorrow for those of you looking to email something more flashy.

This last weekend I just walked around our Glass Art & Beads store and took pictures.  For those of you who haven’t been to see us recently, you may find some really terrific gift ideas.

To request more information on any of the items you like above, just email me at pam.pickering@comcast.net.  Thanks, Pam

I love making ceiling fan pulls with Don’s Italian glass lampwork beads and Swarovski crystal.  His fish and flowers and sea shells and safari beads make fan pulls that are as totally unique as they are beautiful.  The below pictures are are fan pulls we currently have in our store.  You’ll see a few lamp finials too.

We also love custom orders.  A great example of Don matching beads to decor can be seen at the very bottom of this page.  Fan pulls with the round topaz or clear sun disk range from $57 to $65, with most being $57.00.  Other fan pulls with crystals other than the sun disk on the bottom are $47.00 each.  Fan pulls with no crystal on the bottom are $20.00.  Shipping and handling is $5.00 no matter how many items you purchase in a single order.  Each fan pull comes in a gift box with a colorful insert card about the artists and Swarovski crystal.

On Sunday I took pictures of my favorite things around Glass Art & Beads.  Sometimes they were artwork from family, friends, and new artists.  Sometimes my favorite things were displays and cameo’s of art and decor together.  Like this . . .

I love blue and white, and blue and yellow combinations, and so I always have a small collection of pieces in the store.  When I first saw Melinda Patrick’s watercolors and acrylics I was Immediately drawn to those brilliant colors.  Now they are together in our store, and just looking at that wall makes me smile.  And I want to point out the dark wood (an African hardwood called cocobola), glass-domed display stand in the picture.  It was made by a local artist named Terry Collins, and new to the store.  If you have something special to display, we have five different display stands that might be perfect.  Terry also works one-on-one with customers for special orders.

You know, of course, that we love our Spiders of Good Fortune.  Not long ago we were part of a Harry Potter premiere, so we made Spiders of the Forbidden Forest and displayed them on a piece of wood to give them a more “creepy” look.  There is nothing sweet about Harry Potter spiders.  I took a chance and brought the wood and spider display into the store, knowing that it must might put off some customers.  Well, was I wrong or what!?  Everyone loves the creepy spiders just as much as the sparkly ones.  I took this up-close picture . . .

 See that little plant in the middle of the wood?  Well, the wood has been in our backyard for quite a few years and that bromiliad has been living there a long time.  I couldn’t make myself remove it so I water it every weekend.

We’re always on a search for original note cards.  Three very different artists have their cards in our store now.  You’ve probably seem my mother, Liz Burchill’s, note cards.  We have a great supply of them as they continue to be very popular.  Anne Turner, Frankie Foretti and MaryAnn Lucas’ cards are also very unique and personal.  They make a great compliment to any gift.  And some of them are gifts themselves, with art so stunning you can easily frame and hang it, as I have with a few in my home.  My Auntie Anne’s cards aren’t pictured here, but the others are, and right next to Joanne Mann’s wonderful wire-wrapped pendants.

This was our booth at the Art Walk. We featured Marion’s Abstracts, Rikki’s paper vessels, Linda’s jewelry, and my altered vases. It was a nice looking display.

Below is the art class room we created in our alcove. It worked great. There will be much more room when I take out a lot of stuff this weekend. That stuff will be part of our September 3-weekend Sidewalk Sale.

Below are artists lined up down our hallway.

I’m most sorry that I didn’t get a picture of our singer/song writer Mike Smith, with Don on harmonica.

I’ll get one next time.

Don and I were at the Renaissance Festival in 2000 when I saw a simple string of bells with a touch of turquoise.  My first thought was that it would be fun to make something like that for Christmas gifts.  Our whole family loves bells, probably because we grew up with them.  Mother collected brass bells for decades.  So we bought the string of bells and then went off to ride on the elephant.  Everyone needs to ride an elephant once in their lives.

Back to the bell chimes . . .
The problem with string is that it just hangs there.  It doesn’t go sideways.  I discovered that immediately.  Copper wire, on the other hand, worked perfectly.  I made my first pieces with wood and glass beads.  No Don Beads.  No crystal.  And my centerpieces were always the bells.

 I didn’t know anything about wire wrapping in those days so my first mobiles weren’t much more than danglies hanging off of brass rings and copper tubes.  At Christmas 2001 my brother, mother and big sister got my first mobiles as gifts.  If you look closely at the mobile on the right, you will see two brass elephants.  Most of my early pieces featured elephants and bells.  And for 10 years I’ve treasured my little stash of those brass elephants. 

In 2003 my brother bequeathed his crystal beads to me.  And in 2004 my husband, Don Hohensee, began making glass lampwork beads.  These two events changed the direction and style of my work.

But this week the brass elephants are back as the bell ringers inside 15 wonderful brass bells I discovered last month.  There will be four pieces in this Serenity Series.  The first two mobiles, “Tibetan Bells” and “Kachina Bells” take me all the way back to first days of no Don Beads and no crystal.  I’m working on the third and fourth hanging, which will feature Don’s safari beads.  Here’s a look at the first two.

 The third piece is in the works and will feature Don Beads.  I’m about a third of the way through it, so stay tuned . . .

Both “Kachina Bells” and “Tibetan Bells” will be at our Glass Art and Beads store this weekend and I’d love to show them off so come one by.  I haven’t priced them yet, but I’ll have them by tomorrow morning at the store.

Is it too early to mention Christmas?  And Christmas Spiders?  And Angels?  And fan pulls? And the terrific art of 12 Houston artists.  Yep, two new ones!
Stay tuned . . .