March Madness Leads to April Gladness

Ok, so that's not how the phrase goes but for those of us who live in the Midwest, Michigan for me, we have had an incredible weather breaking March.  I can't remember a time in my life when it was over 85 degrees in March and we had a full week of those temperature to bask in.  Snow and ice are the norms for this time of year but instead we had to turn the heat off, open the windows and let in the warmth, it really was incredible. 

However, this March Madness has lead to the most beautiful sights, everything is in full bloom including the fruit tress!  Daffodils, hyacinths, cherry trees, fruit trees, you name it, it's blooming.  Now those of you who know anything about blooms and cold weather know that that two don't mix and it's not a good thing.  Our fruit farmers need all the prayers you can send up so their crops will be spared from a hard frost and that the blooms will survive.  That way we will have fruit this fall and they will be able to put food on their table too!  Come this fall we want to see the trees looking like this photo on the right.  Oh, and while your at it, don't forget about our grape vineyards that provide those luscious grapes that make our wonderful Michigan wines!

April Gladness!!!  For our family that means our daughter and her family move home from Korea!!!!!  I'm doing the happy dance, that's cause I can't sing.  In just a few short days they will all be home back in the good 'ole USA!  I can't wait to have them within driving distance!!!!  Kentucky is a hop skip and a jump away after being stationed in Korea. It has been 2 long years without them I can't wait get those much needed and missed hugs and kisses from grandkids.  So, while your praying for those fruit crops please include them in your prayers for safe travel next week.  It is a long flight for a family of 5 and 3 little critters!  It's going to be a grand Easter celebration this year for sure!!!

And last but not least, Happy Birthday Momma!  I sure do miss you and hope your having a wonderful birthday in Heaven.  May the angels carry up a armful of kisses and hugs from me!  And remember....I love you a bushel and a peck and all the way to heaven! 

What's New for 2012

I should be cleaning my studio, I can barely walk in there anymore but I just had to post some pictures to show you what I've been working on the last few weeks.  Besides cleaning is overrated and the huge mess will wait for me till another day, that's for sure.

Well after taking classes with the very talented Tanya Veit this winter I must say it has shaken me up, turned me around and there's been a whole lot a new stuff coming out of my studio.  I have made over 90 new pendants in the last two weeks!  All new glass techniques, new shapes and new bails too!  Here's a sneak peak of what you will see at my upcoming shows this season.

This small oval pendant is about 1 1/2 inches wide and the colors are yummy!  Soft green, blues, white and splashes of mixed spring colors are scattered through the center.

 This pendant just says SPRING!!! Vibrant green, sky blue, turquoise, and white.

This one is just beautiful!  I love how it came out!

White, turquoise, pink, and a river of sparkling dichroic chips are encased in a galaxy of stars.

Can you say Easter!  This is a large pendant and the colors are so cool.

This would look stunning with a white top!

Love this orange sherbert, lime green and

 cream combination.

This is another one of my favorites!  I love the river of multicolored glass chips through the middle.  

This is a larger oval that I have oriented horizontally and it looks great!  

 Last but not least!
Those of you who know me know I don't care to work with red or black all that much.

Well once I starting working with this technique I got to tell you it is becoming 

one of my favorite color combinations.  The red is a transparent cranberry and

is so pretty.  I could see wearing this with a white lacy blouse or a simple

little black dress.

Each piece is one of kind fused glass design and can never be duplicated,
that's because I make the glass from little granules of crushed glass, layer upon layer,
 mixing and twirling each one as I create.

 I haven't touched bronze or silver in months as I'm having so much fun exploring the wonders of glass!  I better get busy working on metals soon as my show season begins next month.
Make sure you check out my show schedule listed on the side bar to see where I'll be next.
 I'm still adding shows so check back often.

Now, I'm off to peak in the kiln as I have some really cool glass pieces in there right now!

New Year - New Adventure!

How can it be March already! I can't believe the months of this new year have slipped away and I haven't found time for blogging!  It may be late but the greeting is still heartfelt – HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I've been busy this winter working on creations and designs for a store in Florida that is now carrying my jewelry!  This is such an exciting adventure for me and I can't thank my cousin Nina enough for the opportunity.  So when she asked if I had anything coastal or palm trees I laughed and said, really, this is Michigan.  Well, it didn't take me long to sharpen up my designing pencil and get to work sketching new designs for their store.  The palm tree presented a problem at first but once I looked through some old vacation photos I was on my way to capturing those large swaying tropical trees.  Here's the result of my labor; this pretty necklace made of .999 fine silver and is sold exclusively at The Gold Store Jewelry and Gifts!  So, if you're in Naples Florida head on over to see my designs in silver, bronze and fused glass.