Glass Creek Studio

Its a New Year

2012-01-15T22:03:00.000-08:00

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!
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.
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.

Copper is Queen

2010-11-29T21:00:00.000-08:00

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.
We will be set up right through Christmas so be sure to come by and take a look!

Giving Thanks

2010-11-25T21:44:00.000-08:00

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.
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.
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.

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!

Falling for Fall!

2010-10-13T09:54:00.000-07:00

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!

Obsidian Obsession

2010-09-25T23:31:00.000-07:00

Its 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.

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.

Labradoite and Moss Glass Beads

2010-08-23T16:12:00.000-07:00

Another Custom Set

2010-08-23T16:09:00.000-07:00

Vanilla Creme Sighs

2010-08-23T15:50:00.000-07:00

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.
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!

Will this be the last Snow of the Season

2010-03-10T09:16:00.000-08:00

I 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.

The Snow is Falling Sideways

2010-01-18T18:16:00.000-08:00

Happy 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.

Back on Track

2009-09-14T20:33:00.000-07:00

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.
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.
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.

A Mellow Monday Afternoon

2008-10-27T13:22:00.000-07:00

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.
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.
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.

Fall in the Arizonan Desert

2008-10-15T11:39:00.000-07:00

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.

Who could forget Princess "Gracie?"

2008-08-26T18:57:00.000-07:00

These days, Gracie is enjoying the summer by going to the park, chasing bunnies and just being her darling doggie self! Say Goodnight Gracie!

2008-08-26T18:44:00.000-07:00

I'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.
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!
Happy Trails!

Blue Lake Mermaid

2008-08-26T18:43:00.000-07:00

Lizzy's Beaded Goddess

2008-08-26T18:31:00.000-07:00

Summer's End

2008-08-26T18:03:00.000-07:00

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.

Some like it Hot!

2008-04-15T21:08:00.000-07:00

This has been quite the week with temps close to 100 degrees..........and just when we are getting ready to head north.
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!
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.

The Desert in Bloom

2008-03-27T08:05:00.000-07:00

Its been glorious here in the Sonoran desert! A kaleidoscope of light and color that feeds the soul.
In a place where brown and green are the norm, spring has given us the joy of rainbows in every little corner of this enchanting desert mural. It never ceases to please and amaze me.
I am getting ready for our show in Tucson this weekend at the Pima Community Northwest College. Last week we were in Sedona. Another feast for the eyes if you can see beyond the traffic and ciaos of crowds.
I have finally got my website up and running thanks to John Charnley at Clickartists. He's done a real nice job and hopefully I can step in and add to it as we go along. Check it out at Glasscreekstudio.com. Thanks John for all your patience and hard work!
My husband and I have several more shows in Arizona before we head home to Carson City, Nevada, but I am already adding to a very busy schedule. You can keep track of those on my website under Event Schedule.
Our stay here this season has been great! We're settling right in and this year I finally got a chance to join the Lapidary club. It's a small start, but I am getting the chance to cut and polish my own stones and it's amazing what comes out of a simple rock. The transformation is always a surprise and I reflect on the gifts the earth has to offer us. That's it for now and remember to always listen to the song of life!

Monday in the Desert!

2008-01-28T14:04:00.000-08:00

We are back in Arizona where is has been unseasonably rainy so far with temperatures lower than usual,
but what a lovely winter in the Sonoran Desert. If fact, it will probably be an incredible spring, one worth waiting for. Today is crisp and breezy with stark white clouds moving idly across the Arizona sky.
We just finished our first show of the season in Gold Canyon, Arizona. Not too far from our QV home.
Saturday was beautiful and the crowd was very enthusiastic, but by Sunday afternoon, the rain had us packing up and heading for dryer ground. I awoke early this morning to find a multitude of noisy finches clinging to the tree branches across the street and waiting for me to fill the feeders so they could breakfast and be on their way. How I love this spot and all the delights it has to offer!

2008-01-28T14:03:00.000-08:00

I just finished this set as a custom order. I call it my Candy Apple line and I 've wrapped these pieces in sterling silver
and embellished them with black Swaraski crystals. The customer already has the bracelet to
match.

My lovely sister and one of my very best friends, Katie!

2008-01-28T13:54:00.000-08:00

A Nevada Turquoise wrapped in silver with silver embellishments & crystals

2007-12-31T19:51:00.000-08:00

Garden Party Pendant- 14KTGF

2007-12-31T19:24:00.000-08:00

Fire & Ice Pendant with Silver Wire

2007-12-31T19:16:00.000-08:00

My friend Kim & I

2007-12-31T19:15:00.000-08:00

From childhood to adulthood-my bud Den!

2007-12-31T19:13:00.000-08:00

A Wish for A Happy New Year!

2007-12-31T17:18:00.000-08:00

The sun has just set behind the Sierras and evening is settling in over the valley. It was a beautiful winter day, cold and crisp.
The forcasters have said there is a big storm coming in at the end of the week and I looking forward to just staying home, making product and watching the weather perform for its public! I wanted to add some pictures to my site of two very important friends in my life. They have been a source of strength and support for me and I love them both. I wish them a very happy and healthy New Year. I am excited about my new website and can't wait to get that up and running and am looking forward to a bright and happy New Year with my husband and scottie, Gracie!
Happy New Year and peace on earth!

Christmas on the Mall

2007-12-26T19:17:00.000-08:00

Well, my husband John and I just finished a long 45 days on our local mall selling our glassworks as well as a few others work. It was a good season, but we found there was less traffic than years past. Still, we had good sales and many of our return customers from our old shop days stopped by to say hello and buy a gift or two. To all of them, we extend our appreciation and a wish for a very Happy New Year!
I am looking forward to the New Year and a new website, which is currently up and running, but awaiting merchandise and a little fluffing. Look for Glass Creek Studio at www.glasscreekstudio.com.
As for Christmas Day, it was a quiet one with family, but always like coming home. I am posting several pictures of our booth and will update soon. Happy New Year!

Hot Pink & Amber Pendant

2007-12-02T11:42:00.000-08:00

This was a piece I did in 14 KtGF wire. The glass was layers of dichroic pinks and ambers and really had some flash to it!
This piece was sold in Arizona in October.

Gracie

2007-12-02T11:32:00.000-08:00

I couldn't forget to include a photo of my sidekick and favorite scottie dog, Gracie. She is one of the loves of my life and always manages to brighten my day!

Sierra Shadows Pendant & Chandalier Earrings

2007-12-02T11:26:00.000-08:00

This is the same pendant of fused glass from my Sierra Shadows line along with a matching pair of chandalier earrings all done in sterling silver, swaraski crystals, black correl beads
and silver findings.

Sierra Shadows

2007-12-02T11:05:00.000-08:00

This cabachon is wrapped in sterling siver with a handmade coiled bead and comes from my Sierra Shadows line.
The line is always in black and silver dichroic glass. Other variations in this line are my turgoise and silver cabs- Desert Shadows and my red and silver line-Ruby Shadows.

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-22T18:04:00.000-08:00

It's late afternoon and we have just finished our Thanksgiving meal. I have just found this site and am doing something I would never have thought I would do and that is to put myself out there and express myself to others.
This will be my first post and hopefully I will get the chance to add to my blog. As I get pictures of my work and the world I live in as well as the world that lives in me, I will post them on my site. For now, I am taking my tiny steps in a whole new direction. Happy Thanksgiving to all and may there be peace for all mankind!