Artistic Glass Impressions By Yvonne

Meet Rachel From Flyingcheesetoastie on Etsy

2011-02-12T12:44:00.000-08:00

Meet Rachel From Flyingcheesetoastie on Etsy
You can visit her shop here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/flyingcheesetoastie?ref=pr_shop

How many years have you worked with glass?

I have been working with glass in some form or other for about 10 years now. I have a degree in Architectural Glass from Edinburgh College of Art where I graduated in 2007 and I built and opened my own studio in the city in 2009.

What triggers ideas for new projects?

Inspiration for new work broadly falls into two categories; I’ve seen a exhibition or residency or funding call for submission and want to respond directly to that or I have work in mind, whether that’s sculptural or gift related that I simply want to and will make regardless of a destination.

When do ideas come to you? How often?

Ideas come to me all the time, I’ve never not got at least 3 or 4 new concepts I’m thinking about and wanting the time to realise them. I’ve never and hope I never suffer with lack of ideas or artist’s block.

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?

I’m a full time glass artist and this really means 110% of the time. If I’m not in the studio, then I’m working on new designs, ordering materials for new designs, or asleep and dreaming about making new work or flying in the clouds!

Do you create daily?

I try to make daily, this isn’t always the case though, pesky administration takes up far too much time and it necessary evil. I also teach glassmaking in the studio, so sometimes I’m there helping others to create pieces rather than my own. Some days I’m manning a craft fair or other event, trying to sell my wares, which again prevents me from physically making.

How important is it for you to create art?

It’s my life, it’s my outlet, it’s my profession and source of income, it’s what keeps me sane and it’s what feeds the cat (and me on a good day!)

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?

It think sacrifice is really the wrong word to use, I’ve always had the determination and drive to achieve what I want, even if that’s meant waiting or putting other things on hold. I have chosen the life I lead and I could very easily stop, get a regular 9-5 office job with a regular salary and regular tasks, if I felt that would make me happy, but I doubt it. I’m fortunate that at this present moment I only have myself and my cat to support, with no desire for a family of my own just yet. If circumstances change them I and my routine would evolve with it.

Describe your studio:

I have a 200 square ft room in an old secondary school building built in the 1930’s just outside Edinburgh. I make it sound glamorous, it isn’t and it’s why there is only photographs of the interior of my room on my Facebook page. When I first took the space, it was an empty room and over 3 months I purpose built it into a kiln and flameworking studio. I have three glass kilns in there, the biggest is a 2mx1m flat bed and the smallest is the beadkiln. Much of what I undertake is kiln work, including screen-printing with enamels and lost wax casting so the three main workbenches reflect those activities. One bench is a 5ft lightbox, steam bed, mold mixing & storage unit, another is a duel size cutting table with a flip down top and the last is a dedicated cold working area with flat disc grinder, ringsaw, pillar drill and other hand tools. Every possible bit of space is used and serves usually more than once function. I think the only space that isn’t used is the ceiling!

Tell me something about you:

There’s really not much to tell, I’m quite boring in that my entire existence revolves around my glass and occasionally my cat. In my mind, I still have another year or so before I hit 30 and then I might have to be more sensible but till then, I’m living my dream and taking all the opportunities I can to enjoy my work! But if you really want to get some more information about me, my past adventures, or even how I ended up naked in Trafalgar Square in the name of art, them please feel free to contact me via my website, Facebook, Twitter or Etsy!

Meet Jen of foolishthings

2010-08-10T18:09:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to introduce you to Jen of foolishthings
You can visit her shop here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/foolishthings

What triggers ideas for new projects?
I dont think anyone ever really knows whats going to trigger a new idea. Sometimes they just drop out of the sky out of nowhere, all ready to go. Other times its like watching a person on a bicycle slowly riding towards you. You have an idea, and it slowly gets closer and closer, from a black speck in distance to right in front of you, ready to attempt- fleshed out enough to try. I got an idea at the tire store the other day, waiting for a rotation. Who knows. . . I get ideas throughout the week (maybe on average 6-8) typically though, these ideas are in other mediums (metalwork, glassblowing, paper), but exploring these other ideas beyond a general sketch isnt typically feasible, afterall, the tools required, and materials neccessary, not to mention my possible lack of any execution skills, prevent me (currently) from trying out.

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?
Living An artists life isnt a sacrifice, its a risk. The true sacifice is when you dont pursue the ideas, dont try out the direction. A career is a plane ride. When you become an accountant or a dentist, you exit the plane when you land at your destination, its safe. You know where youre going to land, what time, how much yearly salary, so on. Go artisitic, same airplane, but you sky dive mid-flight, jumping right out the bay door, hoping your passion and/or talent open your parachute. You dont kmow where youre going to land, or even if you'll survive the jump. So you may not survive the leap, but the view is so much sweeter.

Describe your work area/studio:
My current workspace is in my dining room. I keep telling myself thats how Martha Stewart started out. And if its not, well I dont wanna know. I'm looking for a more appropriate location, because a minimum distance of 1 mile may be required for me to no longer find glitter specs housewide.

Tell me something about you:
The best thing to know about me is I'm happy. I just turned 40 this year, been married for 13 years, I'm a cancer, hate sour patch kids candy, have never been able to do a cartwheel, not a real drinker, and smoke about 4 cigarettes a day. But I'm trying to quit. Really. But probably not today. I'm not an heiress or independently wealthy, which I'm okay with that. I live in a small beach/surf community surrounded by locals that are too fantastic for words. My kids dont lack for love or life, but I wish our schools were better. I feel good about trying something bigger or different to show them I'm not afraid to try and fail. I've succeeded at plenty, so a little failure isnt going to kill me. I get to talk to great people worldwide, like you, who have their own pocket of the world I get to chat with. I like the community idea.

Meet Yafit Haba of Yafit Glass

2010-06-16T10:08:00.000-07:00

Meet Yafit Haba of Yafit Glass

You can visit her shop here:

http://YafitGlassJewelry.etsy.com

How many years have you worked with glass?
I have been working with glass for the last 15 years. I started with stained glass projects and then learned the glass fusing technique. I'm mostly making fused glass projects but I also enjoy doing stained glass projects combining wires, beads, and metal pieces.

What triggers ideas for new projects?
Most of my items are functional pieces. First I think of the functionality of the piece, how it should look, will it be convenient to use? Then I think about the shape of the piece, I make the mold if needed and then create the glass piece. When I think of the design of my piece I sometimes look at some pictures and clip arts and get ideas for elements that I can include.
For some of the projects I got the idea by looking at the pattern of the glass, the transparency and flowing lines. If for example the glass has the colors and flowing patterns of sky or water I’ll use it to combine those elements in my project.

When do ideas come to you? How often?
Ideas come all the time, some fade away very quickly but some become realized. I get ideas from nature, pictures, ceramic and metal sculpting, talking with friends and even from my students. I try to get out of the limitations of the glass fusing process and think of three dimensional projects, I find it more interesting and challenging.

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?
I think that all of us as artists live our art, we think about it as we open our eyes in the morning till we fall asleep. When I cook I think about glassware because how the meal is served is part of the desire to eat. When I work in my garden I enjoy the flowers and leaves, I think about garden decorations and how to capture the beauty of nature in glass. I don’t have to be working in my studio to think about my art, it’s happening all the time as art is a process.

Do you create daily?
I try to create daily, although in some days the time flies by and I’m still busy with my family and household duties.

How important is it for you to create art?
The art is part of me, it's a way of expressing myself and a very good way to relax. When I don't create for few days I feel that something is missing. I’ve always enjoyed creating, over the years I learned many techniques with different materials: sawing, crochet, wood working, ceramics, mosaics, painting, glass fusing and stained glass. It’s a pleasure when many things around me and in my house are my creations.

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?
I’m a chemical engineer, I was working with plastic materials for years and gained my PhD in this discipline. I don’t work in my profession and I chose the artist life to be able to spend more time with my family and work flexible hours. I could make much more money if I had been working in my profession and as you all know it’s not easy to make a living as an artist. I think the real question is what your priorities in life are and for me my kids and family are first priority. I’m lucky to have my three wonderful kids and lucky to have my husband who support me in this decision. I strongly believe that if I hadn’t been exposed to materials science my art would have been different so there is nothing to regret.

Describe your studio:
My humble studio is located in the garage. I have two kilns, one for big projects and the other is a 'baby' kiln for jewelry and small projects. I have all the basic tools needed for cutting and grinding. I also have ring saw which my dad bought me as a present recently and I just love it! Since I'm also teaching kids and adult workshops I have shelves loaded with glass sheets, glass beads, stringers and frits so people can choose what they need for their project. I decorated my studio with projects I created or were made by my kids in children workshops. Two big tables located in the middle of the room and I tend to keep it busy and messy when I'm not teaching .
I have a big cupboard where I keep all of my pieces ready for sale before I deliver it to local shops that carry my items. It’s definitely not a fancy studio but I love it, this is my place to experiment and create and it’s only mine.

Tell me something about you:
I was born and raised in Israel with a Jewish identity. The art I make is actually who I am and that is why I do a lot of Judaica. There’s a very wide variety of items that can be included under this category: pictures, mezuzahs, holiday plates, candle holders, menorahs, jewelry, home blessings and more. Some of my pieces are two dimensional and some are three dimensional. I enjoy designing new products with new shapes, for example if I make a menorah, it could be either flat or standing. Flat menorahs can have different shapes and designs but even more challenging are the standing menorahs where you have to think how to make it stand stable and long lasting.

To learn more about my art please visit http://www.yafitglass.com/

Meet Linda of Stained Glass by Nonnie

2010-05-27T10:40:00.000-07:00

Meet Linda of Stained Glass by Nonnie
You can visit her shop here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/nonnie62

How many years have you worked with glass?
I have worked with glass for 5 years.

What triggers ideas for new projects?
Ideas come from nature, a song, a painting, especially the great masters. My favorite thing to do is find a portrait by the great masters and execute it in stained glass. My first glass portrait was "Girl with a Pearl Earrings" (Vermeer, Dutch 16th century), which I did for my daughter for Christmas. It's an 20" x 26" panel, which hangs from a custom-made stand, similar in design to a quilt rack.

When do ideas come to you? How often?
Ideas come to me all hours of the day, several times a week. Most of the time I'm at work and can't do anything about it, so I keep a journal where I write down the idea/thought and later go back and elaborate.

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?
I obsess about my art, and I think of it about 75% of the day. I even dream about it.

Do you create daily?
I create daily. I'm either thinking about a design, drafting a design, refining a design, making a pattern, or executing the design in stained glass.

How important is it for you to create art?
It is absolutely essential for me to create art. It's like breathing. It's necessary for me to live. when I'm not creating, I'm out of sorts, grumpy, and just generally miserable.

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?
Choosing the artist's life has been a blessing, a calming influence, a stabilizing, energizing force. NOT a sacrifice.

Describe your studio:
My studio is two parts -- the creating part is my office, a big art table, good light, lots of pencils, pens, watercolors, chalk, sewing supplies, ribbon, craft supplies. My workshop is the physical place where I transform my ideas into stained glass. Here I have lots of glass stored in racks so I can just go to the inventory and pick something. I have my grinder, my polisher, my power tools (chop saw, mitre saw, router, sander), hand tools, glass-making supplies.

Tell me something about you:
I am a married mother of two grown children. I work full-time in the field of science, so my right/left brain conflicts all the time. I am a dreamer. I love challenges, and there isn't one challenge so far in my life I haven't met and exceeded. I plan to retire in a few months and do stained glass all the time as well as manage my two etsy shops. I live in central PA, but grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia.

Meet Joe of Jwinterbowerglassart

2010-05-09T07:30:00.000-07:00

Meet Joe of Jwinterbowerglassart

You can visit his shop here:
http://www.jwinterbowerglassart.etsy.com/

How many years have you worked with glass?
About five years, many of them full time.

What triggers ideas for new projects?
I like the peacefulness of nature and would like to someday be able to sit down to my torch and recreate the beauty I see there.

When do ideas come to you? How often?
What if I mix this with that? What if I apply it like this, instead of the usual way. The ideas come through experimenting. I don't have a big think tank, lol.

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?
Probably about 60% between taking care of my family and the stresses of everyday life. But there is a corner of my mind that is always rolling ideas around.

Do you create daily?
I do try to get out there and make something every day. There is an irresistible pull that propels me towards it. I continue to take classes to learn new techniques and that helps keep my creative juices going.

How important is it for you to create art?
I believe we are made in God's image, and he is the "Creator", and therefore has given us the same enjoyment in creating. I do think it's important.

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?
Well, I'd love to make a living doing it, lol, but my priority isn't money. It's the joy of the chase, like a hound dog on the trail of a rabbit. I don't consider it a sacrifice.

Describe your studio:
I sit at a desk in my garage, not fancy at all. I can look out and see our back yard with it's birds and squirrels and our two Collie dogs playing and it's peaceful and I'm in my "happy" place.

Tell me something about you: I love my wife, she's put up with me for 26 years, you know, and the best is yet to come!

Meet Melissa of Millcreekglass

2010-04-30T16:25:00.001-07:00

You can visit her shop here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/millcreekglass and

http://www.millcreekglass.com/home

How many years have you worked with glass?

I have been working with glass since 1985 when I took my first stained glass class. I completed four or five projects a year and have two large stained glass windows in my home from that period. In 2005 I took a fused glass class and became so enthralled I cut my hours at work so I could spend a whole day each week doing glass. Then in Fall 2009, when my job was eliminated, I decided it was time to jump into glass as my full-time job.

What triggers ideas for new projects?

Almost all of my work now is inspired by nature, so I come up with new designs based on walks outdoors, looking through field guides, and getting suggestions from friends

When do ideas come to you? How often?

It seems totally random when ideas come to me, and is usually when I am not trying to think of something. I keep a little notebook with me in my purse so I can jot down ideas whenever they come to me or else I am sure to forget about them! I’d say I get one or two good new ideas a week.

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?

Some days it is almost 100%, but it is never less that 50%. Recently, a local store finally took my glass on consignment after many months of back-and-forth communications. The surprise to me was that they wanted all of my inventory. I had to work round-the-clock to have enough for a show 2 weeks later. Usually my kiln is not running every single day.

Do you create daily?

Some weeks yes, others no - but right now this is my full-time job so I am always working on the business one way or the other. When I am not creating, I am working on my web site, thinking about marketing, etc.

How important is it for you to create art?

It is an integral part of me that has always been a part of my life since I was a little girl. My mother is an artist so I was brought up encouraged to express myself artistically through all kinds of different mediums. I can’t not create art - it is like breathing.

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?

Four months ago I made the decision to try and make a go of Mill Creek Glass as a viable business and I’m still waiting to see if my gamble is going to pay off. I’ve had a fulfilling career and was ready for the change so it is different than someone who is spending their whole career as an artist. I’d say right now it is not a sacrifice, it is a joy.

Describe your studio:

Ooooooh, I love my studio!! It is in the bottom room of my house that has a big sliding glass door looking out on my garden. My kiln is in one corner, with my glass cutting and grinding station next to that. I have two 4 x 8 foot tables in the middle of the room to work on. On another wall are long shelves with all of my frit, stringers, etc. as well as reference books. My glass is stored in a cart that my husband made for me with areas for large sheets, quarter sheets and then bins for little pieces. I hate throwing anything away. I have dragonfly ornaments hanging from the ceiling and on the walls because I love dragonflies, as well as lots of other artwork by me and others. And then I have a radio and a place to plug in my iPod so I can have music while I work! It is my little piece of heaven!

Tell me something about you:

I have a Master’s degree in Zoology and worked for 25 years in Natural History museums in Education and Administration. I was always looking for ways to use my creativity in my job and found it in doing exhibits, planning crafts for classes, creating costumes and designing graphics. I hope to continue nature education through my glass work and am planning on creating interpretive information to accompany each of my pieces that tells a little bit about the animal or plant in the design.

Meet Jessie of Wirewrappeddesigns

2010-04-18T19:18:00.000-07:00

Meet Jessie of Wirewrappeddesigns
You can visit her shop here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/wirewrappeddesigns

How many years have you worked with glass?
I have been working with glass for three years, I started making jewelry 7 years ago with wire. I took classes at Diablo Glass Studios in Roxbury, MA in fused glass and flamework.

What triggers ideas for new projects?
The world around me, I am also trained and pratice as a landscape designer so I am very influenced by the beauty of nature especially plants which are my passion in my landscape work. I also love the simplicty of geometery and color so I experiment with new paints and glass colors as they become available. I find that both my glass work and landscape work influence one another.

When do ideas come to you? How often?
I sketch a lot to develop new ideas but I also just go into my studio somtimes and start cutting glass and painting. The paint is really easy to wipe off until it is fired so that allows me to repaint a piece as many times as needed. I develop new designs two to three times per week.

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?
I think and work on my art a few hours each day, sometimes I get in a really good groove and its easy to spend five hours in my studio before I realize what time it is.Do you create daily? Absolutely!

How important is it for you to create art?
Creating art is an important part of my life because it is the aspect of my life that allows me to freely express myself. There are not a lot of things in your life where you are given that luxury.

Do you feel that choosing the artist's life has been a sacrifice?
No, I have two professions that are both artistic in nature and I can't imagine doing something that wasn't. I think people consider an artistic life a sacrifice because of money but happiness is worth more then any paycheck!

Describe your studio:
My studio is in our half finished basement. I have a desk where I cut and paint all my glass. Then off to the side is my kiln and an old bureau that holds all my supplies. On top of the bureau is an old desk top that had lots of comparments that are perfect for holding all the different sheets of glass. To finish off my studio I added a bright green shag rug!

Tell me something about you:
I live in the Boston area and I'm a wife as well as a Mom of a three month old so I balance a pretty carzy schedule but creating art is my passion and dream, it was something that I didn't believe you could make a living of when I was younger. But now I'm in my 30's and I'm making a go at it!

Meet Jaime of Ajjewelry

2010-03-28T12:50:00.000-07:00

Meet Jaime of Ajjewelry

You can visit her shop here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Ajjewelry

How many years have you worked with glass?

I have worked with glass for 5 years. When I finally figured out how to light my torch (I was terrified of it!!) and get the glass onto the mandrel, I was hooked after my first bead. Within 2 months I could make simple animals.

What triggers ideas for new projects?

Everything and anything. I love to shop...I don't normally buy, but I see everything as new ideas to include in my work.

When do ideas come to you? How often?

Everyday and even in my dreams! I often wake up knowing what I have to create. When this happens, everything else tends to be set aside until I have complete it.

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?

All the time. I see everything as a possible new color scheme,texture, new ideas for jewelry that I just have to somehow work my beads into..... What inspires me is nature, messy kids rooms (funny how many colors there are), fabrics, magazines (clothing ones are the best for color combos), sunsets, foods and I think you get the idea now.

Do you create daily?

I am always creating, it is who I am. There are very few days that I am not creating something.

How important is it for you to create art?

Art is just a part of me, it always has been. For me it is like breathing, it is completely natural and not really even thought about. I never even really thought of me as an "Artist" until one day someone introduced me as one! I was stunned. I had never thought of my self as as artist.

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?

Yes and no. When I am in my mode of creating....happens often!...I tend to forget time. I am lucky, I have a wonderful husband and children who support me in my art. However they do have their limits

Describe your studio:

My glass studio is also known as my garage. My dream is to add a sun room/studio to our home. This way I can create beads year around! The creating of my jewelry is done in my home, generally at the kitchen table.

Tell me something about you:

I am a wife. I am a mother of 4 beautiful children. We have 2 crazy cats. I have 3 Etsy shops. When I am not creating glass items, I am making soaps, crocheting bath items (puffs, washcloths, etc), sewing purses, hair bows (4 yr old must haves and of course I make too many for our own use!), painting furniture for reselling in local boutiques. or for personal use. And these are just some of the things I do. One day I would love to teach my community my knowledge of all the arts I do. But first I need to get through my first phase of life....kids.

Meet Debi of a1debsglass

2010-02-22T14:13:00.000-08:00

Meet Debi of a1debsglass

You can visit her shop here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/a1debsglass

How many years have you worked with glass?
This year will be 30 years that I have been working with stained glass.
My work is done using the Tiffany Method.

What triggers ideas for new projects?
Most of my ideas come from shapes and color of everyday life. I started out with geometric designs (quilt designs were easy with straight lines) and I love art nouveau designs.

When do ideas come to you? How often?
Ideas come to me anytime. Stained glass is a visual art, so ideas can be triggered by shapes or colors in everyday life. I have spacial thinking so I can envision what something will look like after completed, which helps in creating. When I see something that sparks a design, I make a small drawing of the design while it is fresh.

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?
I might have several ideas in a day, or might not have one for a week, they just happen.

Do you create daily?
I think about art more than I work on it. It is never enough either way.
I feel that I should create everyday, but it just doesn't appen that way for me.

How important is it for you to create art?
Creating art is a way of life for me, but sometimes I have so many different projects going at one time, that I can't finish what I started before I start something new. I guess I like certain processes of creating better than others.

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?
An artist's life has been a sacrifice to me in several ways. Mostly in monetary terms.

Describe your studio:
I opened a stained glass studio about 4 years ago, but being single and supporting myself could not stay open long enough to acquire a following. I could not afford paying for 2 places. I went back to work in the real world. I have a studio in my apartment now as I have for years.

Tell me something about you
I have a son, 26 years old, who after being in the Navy for 4 years, is finishing school at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. He is my biggest inspiration. I work full time outside my home, and hope to retire in 5 years. If I am still physically able, would like to travel doing show, or open another studio, art gallery, and provide other artists a place to create. I have acquired a desire to make jewelry and would like to become a silversmith, already having some of the skills of soldering and working with metals.

Meet Lisa of Artdefleur

2010-02-12T07:45:00.000-08:00

Meet Lisa of Artdefleur.

You can visit her shop here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Artdefleur

How many years have you worked with glass?
I started working with stained glass in 1997, my glass work as evolved over the years from mosaics to kiln work. Before glass I worked mostly in pastel and oil paint.

What triggers ideas for new projects?
I am inspired by nature, flowers fish, the color of the sky. I just love color.

When do ideas come to you? How often?
Ideas can come to me at anytime, even dreams. I love color. I think about my work daily.

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?
I would like to say 100% but I have a family, a job and pets (2 dogs and 2 cats) I do dedicate some time each day to my work.

Do you create daily?
Yes, even if it's just a quick sketch.

How important is it for you to create art?
Very important, It's how I communicate.

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?
No, art is a pleasure I can't imagine my life without art.

Describe your studio:
I have a room in my house that is dedicated to my glass work. I like working at home because I can work any time I have a free moment. I have a talented woodworker husband who has built me a fantastic work table. I have a couple of kilns, a torch, and lots of glass. I like to turn on some music and just relax and explore. That doesn't mean everything turns out perfect but we learn a lot from our mistakes.

Tell me something about you:
I have always loved art, I think it started with my first box of 72 crayons, so many lovely colors. I paint, draw, mosaic, and work with the kiln. I enjoy creating art and am very happy that I can share my work with others.

Meet Maxine Of Girlfriday1962

2010-01-21T16:19:00.000-08:00

Meet Maxine Of girlfriday1962

You can visit her shop here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/girlfriday1962?ga_search_query=girlfriday1962&ga_search_type=seller_usernames

How many years have you worked with glass?
Since beginning of 2006 - with a gap in between to have kids. So let's call it 4 years. I had discovered lampwork probably about 6 months prior though, but it took me that long to find out about info and classes and forums and terminology etc... only to discover the workshop across the road from my husband's business stocks glass and has courses... talk about a small world!

What triggers ideas for new projects?
I love cartoons and I always wanted to be a cartoonist when I was little. I have always doodled and drawn cartoons, but took a very particular liking to the far out bent cartoons of the 1930's as well as the old Looney Tunes of the 1950's and 60's. 3 Little Bops would have to be my all time favourite.

When do ideas come to you? How often?
I am a wee bit of a nerd like this... someone will say something to me and I (for a joke) say "Yeah let's turn that into a bead...". I should keep quiet sometimes! I have a warped sense of humour, and ideas come to me any time of the day or night. If I were any more organised, I would have a notepad to jot them down on. At the moment I have a list of shopping dockets with bead ideas scrawled on the back of them.

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?
Gosh... my family think I am a wee bit obsessed, so probably 70 to 80% - not all in one hit mind you! it's normally like a few seconds grab here and there... "Oh I like the colour of that fabric, wonder how I can translate that in glass?"

Do you create daily?
Pretty much. I torch when my kids go to bed... it's like my wind down time. And I am a morning person, so if I get up really early I might light up... until I hear the rumble of little feet coming towards the studio... then it's time to put on my parent hat!How important is it for you to create art?It is an outlet to me... I don't think about anything else when I torch... I don't think about if I have had a bad day or not. I have been looking for a creative outlet for years and I am certainly glad glass found me.

Do you feel that choosing the artist's life has been a sacrifice?
No... because I absolutely LOVE working with glass... so any 'pitfalls' are just something I look at, think about for 5 minutes then move on.

Describe your studio:
Messy and waaaay too small... it is in our garage at the moment and I really need a "Chick Shed" of my own.

Tell me something about you:
I have a warped sense of humour - it sometimes gets me in trouble! I love seeing the funny side of things. Erm... what else? I love retro stuff... anything pre 1962 - which is the year of my vintage Triumph motorbike. I drive an old car and am currently restoring a 1946 Chev. I also love sewing, and collect vintage fabrics and sewing patterns.

Meet Donna of Mylingy's Purr-fect Candles.

2009-11-22T19:06:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to introduce you to Donna of Mylingy's Purr-fect Candles.
She has a wonderful selection of candles!
You can visit her shop here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Mylingy

When did you start making candles?
March 2003

Where do you make your candles?
What inspired you?
I make my candles in my kitchen. I have always loved candles and have spent a small fortune buying them. One day, I was entering a sweepstakes online and clicked on a link offering "homemade" candles. The lady said she did not have a storefront store and that she made them in her kitchen. Those were the best candles that I have ever bought!! I went back to her website and found a link to "candlemaking 101". I decided to try making my own candles. I used a "Michaels" 50% off coupon and bought a votive making kit. They came out ok but I wanted something much better so I went to Amazon.com and bought all the "used" candlemaking books I could find. I studied the books and learned a lot but it was still confusing so I went to Candlemaking101 online and found links to candlemking groups and joined as many as I could. I "lurked" most of the time but what I learned from these groups was priceless. I started applying what I had learned and through trial and error and a lot of time and patience, I had found a hobby that fed my passion for candles. I could now create my own. I made so many that I started giving them away to family and friends. Next thing I know, someone wanted to buy a dozen votives. I was told that my candles were the best that these people had ever smelled. This was the beginning of my little company and (to my amazement) it has mushroomed into a website (www.MylingysPurrfectCandles.com ), 2 shops; Etsy and Artfire, and numerous craftshows and festivals. I also sell to church groups.

What is YOUR favorite scent?
Hot Buttered Vanilla.
I now have over 700 fragrances and my little business is continually growing. I make candles in my kitchen but I will soon be moving into one of my bedrooms that my husband is helping me convert into a "shop". This is more than a business to me and I put a little bit of myself into my candles and now I feel that my candles are the best that I have ever tried.

Tell me something about you:
I am a Medical Technologist (20 years). I was in the Air Force for 10 years. I am married and have 2 sons. I love cats, I have 9. I love making candles. It was a hobby that blossomed into a small business. My candles are unique. I blend my own combination of soy and waxes to create a product that I feel is superior to anything I could buy. I even have a "secret ingredient" and the only thing I will say about it other than it improves my candles is that it greatly slows down the burn time so my candles last much longer than other candles. My candles are my "passion". If they brighten another person's day, then I am so happy.

Meet Gisellery

2009-09-20T10:46:00.000-07:00

Meet Gisellery
You can visit her shop here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5165797

How many years have you been an artist?

I first started making things when my sons were young (in the 80s). I made them a 3 1/2 foot high Santa with a red velvet suit. I also made miniture framed paintings for the period dolls houses that my father-in-law made. A few years ago I started making semi-precious jewellery, which I still do when time allows.

How many years have you worked with glass?

I've only worked with glass for 3 years. Initially I tried lampworking, but the rest of my family did not take kindly to all the doors and windows being open in the winter due to the fumes from the torch. As I had already bought a kiln, a Paragon SC2, I decided to try fusing instead which soon became an obsession.

What triggers ideas for new projects?

People tell me that I have an eye for colour, so I suppose I think about colours first and then think of designing the piece to fit in with that. I seem to spend more time thinking than actually doing. Suddenly something quite random can trigger an idea even though the final result may be completely different to the inital spark. But yes, first I think of the colour I'd like to work with.

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?

I have a day job as well, although due to my creations, I've been lucky enough to have been able to reduce my hours. I'm usually home by 2:00 pm, so I spend a large part of each day thinking about what I want to make next. I do tend to go off at tangents though, and want ot start new projects before completing whatever I'm already working on.

Do you create daily?

I make something most days - I can't just sit and do nothing. I've just bought another kiln, a Paragon Fusion 7, so now also make little dishes as well as pendants.

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?

Have you given up certain luxuries?

My other half has some health problems, so we rarely go out. I wanted something that I could do from home that would keep me occupied so that I wouldn't miss not socialising much. So working with glass has not been a sacrifice at all. My husband does often comment though that I'm "not there" because I'm creating things in my head. I suppose I've given up exercise and eating healthily. I used to work out every day, but now glass comes first. It's often 8:00 pm and I haven't started dinner, so grab chocolate or cake!! - No sacrifice there then.

Describe your studio.

My studio is mainly our conservatory, with windows on three sides which was intended to be a lovely light dining room. I prepare the glass there, but the kiln is in the spare room. I can create chaos in there within 5 minutes - even in the day job I have to have two desks for my clutter. I'm a sagitarrian rooster, so it's not my fault, I just can't help it.

Tell me something about you:

I'm 51, 5 feet tall. I've been married for 33 years to David but prefer to use my maiden name, it's who I am after all. We have 2 sons, Sean is 28 and Alex is 26 - both still at home. We also have a white German Shepherd called Meg and a stray cat called Kitty the cat. Sometimes I seem aloof when I first meet someone, but only while I'm sizing them up. I have a wicked and somewhat warped sense of humour and tend to show my emotions on my face. I'll often say the most outrageous things to make people laugh, but then life's too short to be miserable.

Meet Mouchette

2009-09-03T09:47:00.000-07:00

Meet Mouchette

You can visit her store here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5584336

How many years have you been an artist?
I knew I wanted to be an artist by the first grade. I originally thought I'd be a book illustrator, but eventually found out there were a zillion more talented illustrators than I, and I had way more natural talent with glass.

How many years have you worked with glass?
I started working in glass about 22 years ago. Professionally about 20 years ago.

What triggers ideas for new projects?
I am often really motivated by the materials I work with. I'll find some beautiful piece of glass or a wonderful vintage ornament and start designing around it.

When do ideas come to you? How often?
My ideas seem to come sporadically. I tend to have creative burst for a month or two then a lag time.

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?
I'm working on art at least a little bit every day. Sometimes producing stock, sometimes restoring old windows, and sometimes I'll put aside blocks of time to create new work. I feel a bit lazy sometimes too, but but when I do get down to creating- I don't stop till it's done and a lot of pieces will get made.

Do you create daily?
If I'm not out rock climbing or dealing with my internet shops, I'm usually in the studio. I don't create daily, but I do tend to do a lot of prep work for when I am going to be working. I'll pre-cut glass, pre-make tons of curled wire hangers, etc. Pre-pick the glass sheets for a particular art-piece for when I'm ready to start it etc.

How important is it for you to create art?
It is immensely important for me to fill my life with beauty. I'll never stop being an artist, but I find as I get older, I need to balance it out with other hobbies that are not art related. It's easy to get burned out and it actually really helps my creative process if I break it up with other activities.

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?
Have you given up certain luxuries?
I have been immensely lucky in my chosen profession. I have actually been able to make a moderately good living at it. I had almost 18 years of full-time work making windows and teaching classes up until the recent recession. I actually own my house. The main luxury I miss is having time and money for more traveling.

Describe your studio:
For the last 12 years I have worked out of corner of the retail store I managed. As of this year I got laid off and I've finally converted my garage into a full blown stained glass studio. Glass storage shelves. Sink, tables, etc. I still have to run my kiln at the old studio. The 1945 electrical in my house can't handle a kiln without constantly blowing fuses, but my old boss is cool with it.

Tell me something about you:
About me? Well... other than being a glass artist, I mentioned I'm a rock climber. My boyfriend and I are quite serious about it and climb several times a week. My boyfriend describes me as "A forward-thinking Renaissance woman". (when I'm not being "scatterer-brained"). I have a big sense of humor and can be irreverent at times.

Meet Natasha Of ArtsDesireGlass

2009-05-08T16:29:00.000-07:00

Meet Natasha Of ArtsDesireGlass
You can visit her shop here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5856708

How many years have you been an artist?
It's hard to say. I've been making and selling fused glass jewelry for about a year now. But I was an art major in college and worked in painting, drawing and glass casting and blowing. Even in grade school and high school I took private art lessons and loaded up on the art offerings at school. I went to the Kentucky Governor's School for the Arts - an auditioned summer program for high school artists of all kinds - and I think I knew then that I would always have art in my life.

How many years have you worked with glass?
Since 1998. I was lucky enough to go to Centre College in Danville, KY where Stephen Rolfe Powell is a professor. He's a world-renowned glassblower and many of the students in the art program switch their concentration - in my case painting and drawing - to glass. It's hard to resist the pull when you've got someone so inspiring to work with. Centre also has great abroad programs and I got to visit Murano, Italy while I was living in France for a semester in 1997. After that, I knew I had to try glass when I came home.

What triggers ideas for new projects?
A lot of times my ideas are triggered by thinking about the artistic process - like layering colors in a painting, elements of composition, or looking at the process of artist I admire.

When do ideas come to you? How often?
About once a month I have one of those 'A-Ha!' moments when I think "Ooooh, I've got to try this". Then I usually let it roll around in my mind for a week or so while I gather the right materials.

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?
Usually it's probably about 1/4 to 1/2 depending on other household chores. Since I'm self employed I can keep whatever hours I like and my husband works full time so I try and keep things running smoothly around the house. But lately the house is a mess because I've been spending my whole day preparing for spring and summer shows! I finally went to the grocery store yesterday since we had nothing to eat or drink!

Do you create daily?
I try to, but some days get absorbed with paperwork and promotion

How important is it for you to create art?
Even when I'm not actively 'arting' I'm always looking for ways to be creative. There's an art to everything, you just have to find it. I guess that's my roundabout way of saying that creating art is very important to me - even if you're not making artwork. Did that make any sense? :)

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?
Have you given up certain luxuries?
No matter what career path you choose, there are sacrifices involved. When I sold furniture I gave up weekends and when I when I was a membership director there was a lot of travel. I love being around other people and as an artist that is the biggest sacrifice for me. Studio time can be lonely and I'm always happy when it's show time and I can talk to people face-to-face. However, I have found wonderful and supportive friends here in the CGGE who keep me entertained when I'm feeling like a one woman sweat shop.

Describe your studio.
My studio is a spare bedroom which contains my work table where I cut glass, another table for paperwork, and a computer desk with my beloved Mac. The other half of the studio is in the kitchen where I've got a rolling cart with my kiln and a grinder that I put on the counter top to grind. I also take all of my photos by the sliding glass door in the kitchen. I try to keep it pretty minimal since we don't have a very large apartment.

Tell me something about you:
Oh gosh, I never know what to say with these kinds of questions. How about this? In my family my name is 'normal'. My Granny is Ruthalea, Great Grandmother was Leora, she was married to Rufus and my Great Aunts and Uncles were Commodore, Red, Lawrence, Cordia, Rithie and Leota. Genealogy is my hobby and I love learning more about these people and the lives they lived.

Meet Sherri of Intuibead

2009-05-01T14:17:00.000-07:00

Meet Sherri of Intuibead

You can visit her shop here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5219395

How many years have you been an artist?
I have actually been an artist all of my life: sporadically. I started out drawing horses at the age of 6 and wore out a ton of pencils and paper doing so. I dreamed of being an artist when I grew up so when the Art Linklater Art Talent Test was advertised on TV, I sent away for it. However my parents said that my drawings were not good enough for the Talent Test so I let that idea rest. Years later I discovered that my actual artistic medium is glass and have followed my heart.

How many years have you worked with glass?
I took a 5-day intensive lampworking class in 2005 at a nearby college so that would make my years of glass as being 4 years part time. Before the intensive class I took a couple of beginner classes to see what this lampworking thing was all about and to see if I liked it. The answer was enough of a yes to take an intensive class to see if lampworking was something that I wanted to sink my teeth into. Obviously it was and it is.

What triggers ideas for new projects?
It's hard to say what triggers my creative ideas as I have ideas come to me as ideas, some come in a "I want to try that" and the best ones come in the form of a challenge either issued by someone or by a piece telling me to remake it. The woodworking catalogs also give me ideas as well. Of course the glass itself "talks to me".

When do ideas come to you? How often?
Ideas come to me when they come to me. Specific times are when I get my woodworking catalogs (I don't woodwork, by the way). New woodturning projects get my spidey senses tingling. When I am in the "zone" while torching, ideas show up and when they do, I act on them. I always say that the glass has a way of speaking to me and letting me know what it wants to be made up as.My work time goes in ebbs and flows right now vs a portion each day. It's not an ideal setup for me right now and I'm in motion to balance that out. Even when I am not glass working, I am still listening for the small still voice to whisper something to me.

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?
When I am in glass work mode I usually spend a few hours at a time focused on what I am doing.I create pretty much every day and what I am creating may not have anything to do with glass. I'm also an avid knitter, especially socks and I also create in the kitchen as well. I don't fight where my creative urge travels to.I think that it's extremely important to create, not only me but everyone. Left-brain dominant people also need the creative right brain in action to allow for a more balanced lifestyle. It's much easier to deal with life's issues when the creative side of the brain is also very active.

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?
Have you given up certain luxuries?
When I create, I am gifting myself with taking care of me and that idea alone is paramount.What has actually been sacrificed in my life thus far is my artist's life. I have been working way too many hours and spending way too much time and energy at a job. Now that I am fully aware of that aspect I have currently implemented a change process that will allow me to live the life of an artist without having to give up the "luxuries". I don't buy into the "starving artist" concept as there are options, but one has to be open to receiving and acting upon the options.

Describe your studio.
I actually have 2 rooms of my house that are studios. One of the room is my photography/assembly studio and the other room is my glass/torch studio. My photography/assembly studio is well let with natural light and also houses my office as well as a kitchen table that boasts of bead store mayhem (yes I do know where everything is). When I am in assembly mode I want to see all of my options as I don't want to miss out on an idea. Of course my slinky is readily available for thought diversion. Now for my glass studio. I need to be surrounded by nature when I work so on the desert orange walls I have my owl,3 fish, and a bird clock that sounds bird calls on the hour. My torch table is made of grey marble tile and my husband built a fumehood with plexiglass walls so that I can look out the large windows into the pasture when I am torching. That way I can watch the dogs, birds, horses, cattle, and clouds. In front of the window is a live 6-foot tall cactus. Besides tools and glass rods on my torch table, I also have a Shire horse and rooster and chicken figurines to gaze at. Now for my glass: all of my glass is organized into their specific types on a black tile coffee table and a steel storage rack. The specific type organization is very important because the different glass types (COE's) cannot be mixed. To house all gazillion colors of glass rods that I have, I use glass vases from the thrift store. I think that my rods are pretty and I want to see them especially when one calls me to work with it. I also have a whiteboard in my studio to write down ideas, order and items that I need to purchase.

Tell me something about you.
Something about me: I'm multi-faceted and I enjoy the simple life. I thrive on challenges and am always looking for ways to improve myself. I'm big on personal development, especially Bob Proctor. When am I most comfortable? Wearing my jeans and cowboy boots.

Meet Debbie of grapeislandglass

2009-04-24T13:36:00.000-07:00

Meet Debbie of grapeislandglass

You can visit her shop here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5079983

How many years have you been an artist?
I’ve only just become comfortable calling myself a Glass Artist.

How many years have you worked with glass?
About 4 years.What triggers ideas for new projects?
I’m not sure! Ideas just pop into my head. I’ve taken to trying to always have paper with me so I can write them down.

When do ideas come to you? How often?
Anytime, anywhere.

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?
Its there all the time.

How important is it for you to create art?
It keeps me sane, I think!

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?

Have you given up certain luxuries?
Creating with glass has been a blessing for me. No sacrifices, no loss of luxuries – just don’t touch the chocolate.

Describe your studio.
Like my art, my studio is ever evolving. Or is that ever growing? J My studio is akin to lava, it keeps flowing outward. Right now its in our basement but I’ve been seriously eyeing the barn.

Tell me something about you.
I started with glass because I fell in love with a fused glass coaster. Right around that time my therapist was urging me to find a creative outlet for my grief. So I found a glass studio nearby, The Glass Source, and a fabulous, true Glass Artist, Michael Skrtic, who was happy to teach me. I still try to get to his studio every time I’m in Connecticut.
I live on a small lake in Maine with a great guy who spoils and indulges me. We have 2 dogs, 3 cats, 4 children, 1 son-in-law, and 2 daughters-in-law between us. Life is good!

Meet Marcia of Sierra Creations

2009-04-17T12:12:00.000-07:00

Meet Marcia of Sierra Creations

You can visit her shop here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5669767

How many years have you been an artist?

I started building my own designs 15 years ago.

How many years have you worked with glass?

34 years.

What triggers ideas for new projects?

Magazines and books, ideas from friends and my husband, photos that I've taken, I even wake up in the middle of the night with an idea and have to draw it as soon as I get up.

When do ideas come to you? How often?

Ideas come to me all the time, in the middle of the night, while watching TV, while driving, while hiking and fishing. Stained glass in on my mind at all times. It's a passion

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?

About 85% of the day.

Do you create daily?

Yes

How important is it for you to create art?

Very important! It's my passion and I would be lost if I couldn't create my art.

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?

Have you given up certain luxuries?

I don't feel that an artist's life has been a sacrifice, it's a way of life. I have not had to give up any luxuries. I feel the the opportunity to create has helped my way of life.

Describe your studio.

We converted one our bedrooms into a studio. It's a bit small and hope some day to build my dream studio. My husband is a woodworker and has built all my tables and racks to hold my glass sheets. I have all the great tools and equipment that a stained glass artist needs except for running water. I have to wash all my pieces in the kitchen sink. I've even taken larger pieces out onto the lawn with a hose and cleaned them there.

Tell me something about you.

Around 1975, after running out of ideas of what to make for Christmas presents, I found a picture of a very simple stained glass piece and decided "I can make that". I went into the local stained glass supply store and got a 20-minute lesson from the owner. He then sent me home with some cheap tools, a how-to book and some free scrap glass and a life long passion for stained glass had begun.I've always had a dream to live in the mountains and dreams can come true. With a long time desire to leave the San Francisco bay area, where I worked for years in the electronics industry, and to get into a slower pace of life, my husband and I moved to the small mountain community of Pioneer, CA, located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, in 2001 where I have enjoyed my art more than ever. We live a great life in the mountains with our two cats and can't see living in any other way.My husband joined me as a partner and we formed a small business named Sierra Creations. My work includes a variety of pieces ranging from smaller items such as suncatchers, candle holders, night lights, to larger framed windows, and custom orders. My husband is the woodworker in the business and creates all my frames, display stands for shows, as well as some of his own designs.

Meet Leigh of Flowingglass

2009-04-10T09:49:00.000-07:00

Meet Leigh of Flowingglass

You can visit her shop here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5878274

How many years have you been an artist?
I don't know that I consider myself an "artist", but I've always had a yen for the aesthetic. When I was young, I thought I would grow up to be a writer. Words on paper are my friends in ways that words out loud either in front of or in exchange with other people will never be. (Who knows, maybe someday I will write a successfully published book!) But for now, I'm drawn to many things creative. I like to quilt, particularly picking the pattern and the fabrics; I love making photos of outdoor scenery with our digital camera; I enjoy beading and making jewelry and am just learning a bit about wireworking; "doing glass" in my little made-over studio has been a wonderful journey so far, too, and it's fun to think about where it will eventually go...but an "artist"? I don't know.

How many years have you worked with glass?
I took my first glass bead-making class almost two years ago in May. It's something I'd wanted to do for a long time and finally came across a class within a reasonable driving distance. Bead-making led to a class in fusing the following fall and I've been primarily doing that ever since.

What triggers ideas for new projects?
It's hard to define where ideas come from. Sometimes it's a question someone asks...like "can you do this?", sometimes it's an article in a magazine, sometimes it's something you see somewhere that gets you thinking "I wonder if I could make something like that in glass?", sometimes it pops into your head out of nowhere when you're asleep or doing something totally unrelated or when you're staring at all the bits and pieces of glass lying on the work area. The trick for me is keeping the idea in my head until I have the chance to try it out!

When do ideas come to you? How often?
I get ideas at all different times, really. It's unpredictable. Often many many days will go by when I don't have time to work on or even think about glass (or anything else creative) and then, suddenly, I'll have a little mental down time and the ideas will just come. I try not to analyze it too much or get too worried when there's a lull. Things have a way of working themselves out in the end.

When do ideas come to you? How often?
Since I have to work full-time outside of my home studio, I don't work on glass every day. I'd like to, of course, but during the school year (I work in a public school), most of my studio time has to be on the weekends.

When do ideas come to you? How often?
Well, as I explained above, I don't have the time and opportunity to actually create something every day...but I believe the subconscious mind is always working, even when you're physically doing something else. I like to think it's what triggers those "eurekas!" in the middle of the night. :-)

When do ideas come to you? How often?
Having the opportunity to get into the studio and set the outside world aside for a while is really a sanity-saver for me. My day-job work environment can be very stressful and mentally demanding. Working in the studio is like walking through a "stargate" into a separate reality--one where those aspects of yourself that you aren't able to bring out in the minute-to-minute interactions of daily life are able to be expressed. It reminds me that there is more to life than my day job, something that it's easy to lose sight of during a really bad week.

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?
Have you given up certain luxuries?
I don't know that I can say I've officially chosen the "artist's" life, since I do have to work full time at another job. I can say that there are certainly a lot of things I choose not to buy because I'd rather spend my available dollars on glass or other glass/jewelry-related items. In that regard, I can honestly state that I've given up some things in favor of others, but so far I don't really see it as making a sacrifice.

Describe your studio:
My studio is located in our basement, in what used to be my daughter's bedroom. It wasn't a large bedroom, so it isn't a large studio, either. (It would be great if it worked like the tents in the Harry Potter series, where it looked small on the outside but was as big as you needed it on the inside!) My husband built some terrific, sturdy counters and lots and lots of shelves for me, all of which are stacked with glass and jewelry supplies and components. Once in a while, when I have a craft show coming up, I drag a lot of it upstairs and spread it out all over the kitchen, dining room, and living room to take advantage of a bunch of south-facing windows and an abundance of sunlight. (I don't like clutter, even my own, so this never lasts long.) A bigger space would definitely be one of the first things on my "wish list."

Tell me something about you:
About me...I grew up in rural northeren Minnesota, one of a family of six children. I met my husband at the tender age of 14 and we've been together ever since---we'll celebrate our 33rd wedding anniversary this spring. We have three children, all grown and managing their own families within an hour's drive of where we live. As I mentioned above, I work full-time in a public school as a school librarian. One of our district librarian's retired three years ago and was not replaced, so I now run both a K-8 library and a 9-12 library...traveling to alternate buildings on alternate days and teaching elementary resource time on top of it. It's an exhausting schedule that begins at the end of August and ends in early June, often leaving me little energy for anything else at all. My goal is to one day open a combination studio/gallery/shop for glass and other art that will enable me to leave my day job behind and dictate my own schedule. I have no illusions that it will be any less work, but satisfying work? Definitely!

Meet Lloyd of BurningScentsations

2009-04-03T08:53:00.000-07:00

Meet Lloyd of BurningScentsations

You can visit his shop here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5206177

How many years have you been an artist?

I've always been very much into creating and making things ever since I was a little kid. When it comes to arts and crafts, I've just about done it all including knitting, crocheting, latch hook rugs, beaded hotpads, beaded bell ornaments, candles, decopauge, electronics, painting by numbers, macrame, cartooning, animation, model airplanes. That's not all of them, but it's all I can think of at the moment.

How many years have you worked with glass?

I've worked in glass for over 5 years now--which it makes it my longest running endeavor, and my most satisfying. I've just made the switch over to Boro from the soft glass, and that has really ignited my imagination since there is so much more than can be done with it due to its unique properties.

What triggers ideas for new projects?

Everyday life, nature, and just experimentation to see what happens when I combine glass colors together. I'm also often inspired by the other great artists on Etsy and Lampwork Etc. Their wonderful designs push me to learn more and become a better glass artist.

When do ideas come to you? How often?

Often when I'm on the torch, a new idea or design will come to me which I'll then try out. I have a new design that I haven't published yet that was inspired by the hearts I've been making. I need to perfect it a bit more and then I'll be opening a new Etsy shop for it since it's not something I'll sell along with my other glass items.

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?

I think about it quite a bit, probably 25% or more. I'm always trying to come up with ways to take what I've learned a take it to another place or develop something no one else has done yet. That's a huge challenge since so many things have been done in one form or another. Work and life tend to take up the rest of my thought processes along with just trying to relax once in a while.

Do you create daily?

No, I don't have time to create daily, work full time and get the photography, listings, blogging and promotion on-line all done in the same day.I do, however, work on some aspect of my art every day whether it's taking pictures, adding Etsy listings, chatting/posting on Facebook, updating my blog, etc.

How important is it for you to create art?

It's very important. I'm always striving to create beautiful pieces that people will treasure for a very long time; while I'm inspired by other artists, I certainly do not want to just copy what has already been done. I want to create original pieces and new designs.That being said, I've just made the switch to Boro and am in a process of learning and experimenting with it to see what I can make it do. There's bound to be some similiarities between my work as I'm learning and other's creations because that's how everyone learns new techniques and skills. I'll be able to put my own spin on things as I get more experience with the new glass.

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?

Have you given up certain luxuries?

I suppose if I did only my art full-time, yes I would have to give up certain luxuries like eating, paying bills, living in a home. You know, the niceties. :) I work full-time in computers in addition to doing my glass work, so no I wouldn't say I've given up any luxuries. I do, however, use a lot of time that I would normally have free, but I don't think that's a sacrifice since I'm using it more constructively than I probably would if I didn't pursue my art.I have to say that I really admire those who can do their art full-time, and I hope to one day get there myself. It would certainly be more satisfying than a the corporate grind, but that's going to be a bit down the road yet for me.

Describe your studio.

No-Frills. I work on a Carlisle Mini-CC torch with two Oxy concentrators in my basement. I've set up my venting out the one window in the basement and that seems to work pretty well. I've got two kilns, but only one is set up at the moment, a Blue-Bird bead kiln which works great since it such a large one. I can get a lot of pendants into it when I'm working.

Tell me something about you.

Well, I'm a California native and have lived in Chicago for almost 14 years ( it will be 14 years this May). That's pretty dry stuff.I do live with my partner of 12+ years, Robert, in Roselle with our two dogs. Riley is a Boston Terrier and a retired show dog. Trance a Shepherd mix with bright blue eyes and a great smile! I'm kind of toying with an idea I have for a comic strip that features them as the main characters. The initial character designs are quite fun and challenging. We also have a cat, Lucy, who rules the dogs with an iron claw. They jump when she tells them to, that's for sure.

Meet Mollie of Etherealgirls

2009-03-27T06:57:00.000-07:00

Meet Mollie of Etherealgirls

You can visit her shop here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5102410

♥ How many years have you been an artist?

I am not sure that I can define how long I have been an artist. I have ALWAYS made things; yep, I cannot remember a time when I was not creating something. From mud pies to magic, I like to make things!

♥ How many years have you worked with glass?

This is an easier question. I began working with glass on February 25th,1977--Yikes, that is 32 years ago! I would like to say I was born with a glass cutter in my hand, but really I was a teen when I signed up for a stained glass class at the local community art school and LOVED it--I have made glass my material of choice ever since.

♥ What triggers ideas for new projects?

The possibility of perfection. Lately I feel like I am caught in the Etsy world of supply and demand. I work a full-time day job aside from making glass, so most of my glass time is spent staying on top of making and listing pendants/necklaces. It really has become just a production, and much less artistically creative and passionate than I would like. Once in a while though I make something that is nearly perfect--the perfect color choice, design, and execution; that keeps me going and inspired.

♥ When do ideas come to you? How often?

Via materials and always. I am always making things--with a long list of "if-I-only-had-more-time" ideas looming. Along with glass fusing, I am currently playing avidly on my torch; experimenting with metal etching, and longing for a long weekend to open the package of BronzClay that has been stored in my refrigerator since September.

♥ What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?

All my waking hours and a few of the subconscious ones too! I am not sure it is work though--it feels more like play.

♥ Do you create daily?

Without a doubt; though sometimes it is just the perfect cup of coffee I am making! But that is the catalyst for all good things.

♥ How important is it for you to create art?

The process of making things is important to me; whether the finished product is defined as "art" is not. I take great joy in the transformation of materials; sometimes good, sometimes bad--but always interesting.

♥ Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?

Have you given up certain luxuries?

Could I have chosen to do something more profitable--yes! Did I? Nope. Despite making material items and selling them, I am not into owning things. Once you own a kiln and a torch and a computer, what else do you need? I actually feel pretty blessed to live my simple life.

♥ Describe your studio.

"To the bat cave!" Enough said.

♥ Tell me something about you.

My husband is my best friend; we have been together for 27 years (and yes the glass came before him and he knows it). He is very supportive of all things creative and spends his free time building Greenland kayaks (his tools and kayaks take up even more space than my glass stuff). Add in a few remarkable kids and a couple of equally remarkable dogs and you have the makings of a life worth living. My day job is working for Rings & Things, Wholesale; a small, hometown business that got big without losing its small business values. I dreamed of working for R&T as a teen, and eventually my dreams came true. It is a great place to work and I could not be happier; I get to play with the coolest jewelry stuff and make things for the online store, catalogs, and magazine ads. Pretty cool.

Meet Shelly of Hana Sakura Designs

2009-03-20T09:56:00.000-07:00

Meet Shelly of Hana Sakura Designs

You can visit her shop here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5246940

How many years have you been an artist?

I've been an artist all my life. There hasn't been a single moment where I haven't felt the need to be creative in some way. When I was only 5 years old, I was already drawing my little heart out. All the other little kids would be outside playing on the monkey-bars or playing on the swings. I would be the one who would be inside just drawing away! :o) I think my first picture was a horse with saddle & bridle. (My Mum still has it in my baby book). So the answer to the question, is, I've been an artist for over 30 years now!

How many years have you worked with glass?

My fascination with glass started in 1991, a year out of high school. I got a job at a "The Stained Glass Cabinet Co." in Traverse City, Michigan. I don't know how I lucked out getting a job there, but I did. They taught me EVERYTHING about making stained glass. I've made cabinets, church window panels, suncatchers, kitchen/bathroom cupboards, breadboxes, lamps...You name it, I've done it. (And I have lovely glass-scars to prove it!) I just fell in absolute LOVE with glass from that point on. They did fuse glass there, but, I was more into the stained glass at the time. Only recently did I get hooked into fusing. Dichroic glass is just so incredible to look at and play with. I bought a little bit just "to try" and the rest is history! Now, I'm a full-blown Dichroic addict! (And I don't need any help, thank you very much. I'm happy being addicted!) ;o)

What triggers ideas for new projects?

Oh, everything and anything triggers ideas for me. Most of the time, it's something I see in nature that inspires me (like the colors of some pretty flowers or a butterfly). I could just be talking to someone...Having a "normal" conversation and I'll either hear or see something. Or, I'll be outside playing in one of my flower beds or rose gardens. An idea just "Pops" into my head! It's really weird! There's been times where I'm fast asleep, dreaming away.....Then I'll wake up with an idea for a pair of earrings or a certain color combination for a new floral pendant. I have to write/draw it immediately or I'll forget it by morning! When we were back in Hawai'i two years ago, the gorgeous blue water around Punalu'u Beach on Big Island inspired me to make bright-bright blue jewelry. You just never know where an idea is going to come from.

When do ideas come to you? How often?

They come to me all the time! I think I eat and sleep dichroic glass, I really do! I'd say I get a new idea probably 5-6 times a day, it just depends. We were watching a movie on TV the other night and during a really exciting part, something triggered an idea, so I had to pause the movie (DVR) and go run into the other room to draw it! I think the only time ideas don't come to me is if I'm sick with a cold. I'm especially creative with the ideas if I'm listening to some nice relaxing music.

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?

Thinking about my art is probably 24 hours of my day! Even when I'm at work, supposed to be "working", I'm daydreaming about my jewelry! (Shhh...Don't tell my boss. Although, I think she already knows). She's always catching me staring off into space! ;o)I probably work on my jewelry about 2-4 hours every night after I get home (from the real job). Unless, of course, it's TV night Thursday and I sit in front of the TV all night long. Most of my jewelry making time is during the weekends. I love it and never get tired of it!

Do you create daily?

I go in "spurts" with the creating. I did create daily when I first started, but not so much now. I have a good supply of jewelry on-hand at any one time, so I don't need to create constantly. I sell my jewelry at two different art galleries here, and I need back-up supplies at all times. The only hard part of having a "cushion" of jewelry is I either want to keep it all for myself, or list it all on Etsy! And I have to hold myself back a lot of the time. When it's slow (like right now) I do make up a lot of things at once. Last night, for example, I made 50 new pendants. That way, when it's finally nice outside, I can use what I made up already so I can go out and Play! ;o)

How important is it for you to create art?

It's a BIG stress-reliever for me. I feel it's very important. It's my way to unwind from the day. Most people eat or shop when they're stressed, I create dichroic jewelry! It's just amazing how relaxed I get while making this stuff. And when I cut myself, it doesn't even bother me. I just keep on going! I love being creative! And it doesn't have to be with just jewelry making, either. Creating anything makes me happy. (Painting, gardening, drawing, etc.). Making art with my own two hands is just so cool and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world!

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?

Have you given up certain luxuries?

No, I wouldn't say a sacrifice at all. It's not a sacrifice if you're doing something you love and it makes you happy! :o) There isn't a single luxury that I've given up or even need. I'm very fortunate to have a hubby who helps me out and lets me live my dream. He's very good to me and I'm thankful for the life we have and the ability we have for me to do this. (dichroic glass isn't exactly a cheap medium.) The only thing I'm sacrificing is I have to work a "normal" job instead of doing this full-time. Our goal is to allow me to do this as a real job. Maybe someday, that dream will come true! In the meantime, I'm just having FUN right now!! :o)

Describe your studio.

Well, it's a total disaster right now. I wouldn't want anyone to see it (so please call me first before coming over!). We have an "extra" bedroom in the basement that we use as my art/glass room. I have glass everywhere! Oh, it's so bad right now, I really need to clean and organize! I have two pretty good sized windows so I can look outside at the birds and the neighbors (need to keep my eye on those folks, you know). I have two large stainless steel tables that I use for stained glass and fusing. My kiln is on the end of one of the tables along with my light box for taking photos of the jewels. My other table has pieces of dichro scattered everywhere! Ugh. I have my glass grinder on another table over there....My "Bobcat" torch and Oxygen Concentrator over there....Oh! It's just a mess! But you know what....I don't know of ANY artist who is truly organized! Most artists are messy-messy! And I'm definitely one of them! If I actually clean stuff and put them where they need to go, I'll never find anything! It's organized chaos! Yeah! That's it! That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!! ;o)

Tell me something about you.

Well, I'm a big goof-ball, in case you couldn't tell! I love making people laugh. Putting a smile on someone else's face is one of the best things in the whole world! Spreading happiness to people makes me happy! :o)But, if you must know....I'm married to my hubby, Dan. We met in college. I was going for Graphic Design & he was in Plastics Engineering. (my nerd-boy). We got married in Maui in 1997 on a lava cliff overlooking the black sand beach. "Ah...". We just love Hawai'i. Anything & everything to do with Hawai'i. We love going on little adventures. Like sailing off the coast of Lana'i, boating around the Great Lakes (we live in Michigan), hiking the lava flows at Kileaua volcano, hiking Mt. Rushmore & the Badlands. We just love being together! He's the best thing that's ever happened to me. ("Aw"). We have three "fur-kids" that we love more than anything. "Hana" our golden retriever (the biggest 85 lb. BABY you'll ever meet!), "Kali" the little buff tiger kitty and "Jack" our orange tiger kitty. Those guys sure keep us on our toes, let me tell ya! :o)I love gardening and have several flower gardens around my yard. (You'll notice a lot of my flowers in the picture-backgrounds of my pendants). Recently, I've gotten addicted to rose gardening. Love the flowers, hate the thorns! (although, I have outsmarted the things....I now have 4 rose bushes that don't have any thorns! Ha! Take that!) My rose gardening addiction started when we had a drugged-up neighbor kid climb my 6 ft. fence and try to get into my house. A couple weeks later, I planted a VERY thorny climbing rose bush where he climbed the fence. I pity the poor fool who tries to climb my fence NOW! That rose is gorgeous, but nasty!! Woah, buddy! I hope you've learned a little bit more about me. I'm surprised I didn't write a novel. I tend to talk a lot! So you all got off pretty easy, I'd say! :o) You all take care!

Meet Cher of Talentedlady

2009-03-13T10:07:00.000-07:00

Meet Of Cher of Talentedlady.

You can visit her shop here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=74612

-How many years have you been an artist?

Since 2000 (maybe even as a child)

-How many years have you worked with glass?

Since late 2006

-What triggers ideas for new projects?

I look at the glass and decide what I'd like to create. I've started getting into larger pieces which are more challenging than the jewelry peices.

-When do ideas come to you? How often?

I try to work on glass a couple of times a week. Other times I work on painting porcelain and at other times it's marketing.

-What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?

40-50%

-Do you create daily?

No, about 4-5 days a week.

-How important is it for you to create art?

It's very important. If I'd realized how much I love art and had created it for a living years ago I would have been much happier.

-Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice? Have you given up certain luxuries?

I think it's a luxury to be an artist.

-Describe your studio.

I have converted a bedroom into my work space. I also spill over into the kitchen. I've always been a space hog.

-Tell me something about you.

When I was young I felt I hadn't found my niche in the workworld. I didn't realize I could be a working artist. Also, my mother was quite a gifted artist and I felt I never quite measured up. She was very encouraging of my artistic talent though and what I lacked in self confidence I made up for in tenacity. I could and still can work at something for hours trying to get it right. I trully didn't realize that I could make money with my creativity. Granted I haven't made it to "the big time" yet but that still could happen!

Meet Shannon Of Pigatopia

2009-03-07T19:19:00.000-08:00

Meet Shannon Of Pigatopia

You can visit her shop here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5264850

How many years have you been an artist?

I have been doing art my whole life. I only started making art to sell to help noah's ark pot bellied pig rescue in new port richey florida about 5 years ago. Since then I have donated art to not only Noah's Ark pbp rescue but many other like: Pig Placement Network, Noah's Wish, Farm Sancturary, Awbar, EFA, CAR. In January I started a blog www.pigatopia.blogspot.com which allowed me to help many, many more rescues and sanctuary's.

How many years have you worked with glass?

I started painting glass first about 3 years ago. I wanted to start etching glass so I bought a drimmel with some diamond tip bits about 2 years ago. I love free handing portraits on glass and I am very fast at it.What triggers ideas for new projects? My mind never stops. One must come up with new stuff or your art will become stail and boring. most of what I have done so far has been portriats but more recent I have been getting request for logos and tattoo designs.

When do ideas come to you? How often?

The ideas never stop I am always working on 2 or 3 projects at a time. It helps keep me motivated and prevents me from getting bored with my own art.

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?

during the week I spend 2-3 hours a day working on art but I spend 8 hours a day on my projects on the weekend. I make art 7 days a week. even when I am on vacation I take my art with me.

How important is it for you to create art?

I have to create art to help me cope with stresses from every day life. I also have to keep making art to help animals The more art I make the more aniamls I can help.

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?

Have you given up certain luxuries?

I do not feel that I have given up anything in my life, if anything I have gained. I have meet many wonderful people, Made many, many awesome friends. along the way I got to see the faces of some of the animals I have helped. If you have ever helped an animal in need then you know the look I am talking about. It makes it all worth while.

Describe your studio:

My art studio is wall to wall projects. I find something I want to make then bring it down stairs and sit on the couch. at times I hog up the whole coffee table with my projects. I sit and work while listening to the TV. I love making art I try and keep challengeing myself to do better.

Meet Sheryl Of Quotentials

2009-03-06T11:59:00.000-08:00

Meet Sheryl Of Quotentials

You can visit her shop here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5107405

How many years have you been an artist?

I'm only recently becoming a little more comfortable with calling myself an artist, but I have always been creative. As a small child, I remember collecting shells from my neighbor's driveway, making something of them, and selling them back to her. I guess that makes me an entrepreneur, too!

How many years have you worked with glass?

When I retired after 29 years of teaching six years ago, I began a small decorative and mural painting business. I only began working with fused glass less than 2 years ago after taking a 2 hour seminar on what it was. The lady who taught the seminar was actually just trying to sell kilns, and it worked. I was hooked!

What triggers ideas for new projects?

So many things trigger ideas. Sometimes, a color combination I see in a store window or in a magazine will do it. Often a phrase or quotation will trigger something. That's actually how my business name came about. Quotentials is a combination of the words "quotation" and "potential."

When do ideas come to you? How often?

As I'm sure it is with most creative people, the ideas come faster than I can put them in motion. Because I am so affected by words, my ideas often come when I am reading. I collect quotation books, and can read them for hours. At other times, an idea may come to me when I am looking at beautiful fabrics or photographs. I'd say they come all the time. Right now I am working on an idea that came to me in the middle of a dance lesson, a set of sushi plates that interpret 4 ballroom dances: waltz, rumba, tango, and cha-cha.

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?

I spend most of my day thinking about it. I think it drives my family crazy. I try to sit down and relax, and the first thing you know, I'm up and at it again.

Do you create daily?

Unless I am engaged in something that keeps me from it, I have to create something everyday, or at least experiment with a new technique. Even on the experimenting days, I create. Unfortunately, often what I create is a MESS! But, that's what makes the successes so rewarding. What could be better than finishing a day having created something fantastic?!

How important is it for you to create art?

This is a topic one of my good friends and I have talked about. She is ultra organized and efficient. I admire her structure and efficiency, and I hope she admires my ability to live in a chaotic environment. Today was a day for cleaning up my "studio." I told her I was going to do it her way...take everything out, get rid of everything I didn't need, and put everything away in just the right place. Of course, you know what happened! I took it all out, and the ideas started coming...Now the mess is bigger than it was. Obviously, it's REAL important to me!

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice? Have you given up certain luxuries?

As a teacher, I could be creative and encourage creativity in others in a fairly comfortable career. I didn't have to sacrifice much except time. And, now that I am retired, I have the opportunity to indulge my creative urges without having to worry about putting food on the table. From watching my 2 sons, who are also creative, try to make a living in creative fields, I see that my life has been blessed. I have had the best of both worlds.

Describe your studio.

My studio is spread out all over the place. The kiln and wet tools are in the garage, my cutting and assembly area is the breakfast room, and my Etsy stock is spread out all over the dining room. Thank goodness, my husband doesn't mind eating on TV trays.

Tell me something about you.

In addition to glasswork, I have a passion for ballroom dancing and for spending time at the beach. My husband and I began ballroom dancing not long after I began fusing glass. We are both trained musicians, and that work and practice ethic has followed us into dance. We have learned enough now that we no longer have room to practice here at home, so we get up really early every morning and go to the local mall to practice. At first the mall walkers were a bit confused. For music, we take an IPod. He wears the attached headphones, and I wear the bluetooth ones. We do look pretty funny. But, I'm a brave soul. As for the beach, we recently lost our perfect little beach cottage to Hurricane Ike, so I can't indulge that one as much right now, but I eagerly look forward to the day we can begin rebuilding and creating new memories.

Meet Celyn of GazedUponGlass

2009-02-27T12:06:00.000-08:00

Meet Celyn of GazedUponGlass
You can visit her etsy shop here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5139399

How many years have you been an artist?

I've been creating things since I was two years old. So many, many years. ;)

How many years have you worked with glass?

I believe I've been working with glass for about 8 years. Could be more but I'm bad with dates.

What triggers ideas for new projects?

Colors, things I see everyday, shapes... sometimes the I let the glass tell me what it wants to be. A lot of my work is people asking for specific things which sparks creativity.

When do ideas come to you? How often?

I get ideas all the time. I get the best ones right before I fall asleep or when I'm dreaming. I try to write them down as soon as I remember.

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?

Right now I'm concentrating mostly on two of my greatest creations, my toddlers. LOL!(This is a 24 hour job.) I try to work on my glass in the evening or the weekend. Right now I'm making glass pieces for a glass exchange that will be held next month. I also have some new things for my shop done but I can't seem to find the time to photograph and list them.

Do you create daily?

I create something everyday. If it's not glass, it's something I've crocheted or soap I've made for my other Etsy shop. I also just got a brand new sewing machine so I've been playing with that also.

How important is it for you to create art?

Very. I feel wonderful after I've completed something. It makes me so happy when someone else is made happy by something I've made. It also makes me feel good to know my art will still be here even after I am gone.

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?
Have you given up certain luxuries?

I couldn't be happier. I'm doing what I love. The only thing I have given up is space to house all my tools and supplies.

Describe your studio.

I work all over the house. I do my cutting and creating in a sunny office type space that has two work tables, rolling bins, a desk and pegboards on the walls to hold my tools and some of my work. My kiln is downstairs where I also a small room that holds all of my glass. There are also two workbenches that hold various tools and supplies. This is also where I do my grinding.

Tell me something about you.

I'm married and am very fortunate to have a loving and supportive husband that believes in me and what I love to do. I have four fabulous kids ranging in age from 2-21. I love to play card games, read and garden. I wish I had glass friends that lived close by so we could have coffee, talk about glass and create together. :)

Meet Hope of glasshousejewelry

2009-02-19T17:49:00.000-08:00

Meet Hope of glasshousejewelry

You can visit her shop here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=82394

How many years have you been an artist?

most of my life

How many years have you worked with glass?

about 8 years now

What triggers ideas for new projects?

sometimes the most random things like a pattern. very often it is an experiment that gets me moving in a different direction.

When do ideas come to you? How often?

in spurts and often late at night.

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?

it varies. there are times when it is all I can think about and times where I have to step away from it for clarity.

Do you create daily?

no. I definitely have times when I am more prolific than others. If I did it every day then it wouldn't be as "fresh". I do work every day though.

How important is it for you to create art?

It is critical for my piece of mind.

Do you feel that choosing the artists life has been a sacrifice?

Have you given up certain luxuries?

not really. I love what I do and consider myself to be very fortunate to be able to say that.

Describe your studio.

I have my own studio with a very messy work area, tools, shelves filled with glass, etc. Best of all...my desk faces the window with an incredible view out onto a natural pond and wooded area....very serene.

Tell me something about you.

My daughter and I are very close. One of my favorite things to do is to walk with her and the dog down to the beach nearby in search of sea glass and other "treasures".

Meet Carrie of Calyxann

2009-02-13T10:29:00.000-08:00

Meet Carrie of Calyxann

You can visit her shop here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=80737

How many years have you been an artist?

I have always wanted to be an artist. When I was very young, my favorite activities were drawing, singing, dancing and composing music. I grew up with a quilter, which means that I learned a lot about color and composition. My mom taught me how to sew and quilt. I saved magazines for potential collage material. While everyone was downstairs watching TV, I would be in my room creating with my colored pencils and writing poetry. I used to keep a journal next to my bed, because right before I fell into sleep was the time when I would get inspired and write entire poems all at once. I finally started to pursue art in a more "formal" manner after I obtained a BS degree in Horticulture. I moved to California to enter the wine industry, but ended up taking art classes at the junior college in Napa. A few years later, I found some introductory classes in hot glass paperweights and glass fusing. From that moment, I was hooked! I took beginning stained glass and beadmaking, and between classes, I dropped into the studio anytime I could to see if I could help out in any way possible. Now, I work in two glass studios in Napa and St. Helena.

How many years have you worked with glass?

Since my beginning glass days in the winter of 2006.

What triggers ideas for new projects?

Everything! Especially when I'm on vacation and away from the studio...I keep a journal specifically for new ideas. I love looking at magazines, shops, stores, quilts, flowers, and more for patterns/colors/shapes/inspiration. When I go to friend's house and I have my camera, I snap pictures of fabrics/rugs/ceramics. There's inspiration everywhere!

When do ideas come to you? How often?

Constantly. Like I said, magazines provide a huge source of inspiration...from actual projects, to graphics in ads, and color combinations. I like to tear out bits that I am attracted to and add them to my inspiration journal. I also drag images from my browser to my desktop when I see something that I really like, or a new technique that I'd like to try out and add it to my inspiration folder.

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?

It really depends on the day...sometimes I spend the majority of my day working on projects, but I work on several different projects. I guess I think about art constantly, in color combinations, etc.

How important is it to create?

I am bombarded with new ideas constantly. For me to be able to surround myself with artwork and one of a kind pieces is such a luxury that I can't imagine not creating!

Do you create daily?

Unfortunately, no...well, kind of...I work with glass daily, but a lot of times, it's not my work specifically. I change out the kilns, clean the studio and assemble studio projects, teach others how to create with glass, and I assist with hot glass projects. Not so glamorous, but the payoff is the chance to learn new techniques constantly!

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?
Have you given up certain luxuries?

I am blessed to have a "real job" that pays the bills, three days a week. It allows me plenty of time to learn new techniques and create, without having to mass produce and mass market. I love my lifestyle!

Describe your studio.

My garage studio is a huge workbench that my husband and father built for me, along with massive steel shelves that keep each discipline separate and organized. I've also got reclaimed Bullseye Glass pallets for sheet glass storage, and then multiple smaller boxes for smaller pieces and scrap glass. My living room "studio" consists of several bead boxes and tools that I arrange on the coffee table when the mood strikes.My personal studios are not nearly as well organized as the studios I "work" in. I assist in two glass studios in Napa Valley. The fused and stained glass studio, M. Mitcavish Glass Studio, is conveniently located just 5 blocks from my house! There's a small retail shop in front that sells glass, supplies, and finished goods. The rest of the studio is dedicated to three large work benches, a sand-blasting booth, a grinding and cutting station, a plethora of fusing molds, and mama, papa and baby kilns. The other studio that I assist in is a hot glass

Tell me something about you.

I still love sewing and quilting, but find little time to pull out my sewing machine and set up my cutting table. However, I was inspired to combine quilting with glass in 2007. My mother died of ovarian cancer, and had a great support network in her quilting friends. Both as a tribute to her and as thanks to her friends, I made my very first fused glass quilt plates as gifts. The plates weren't planned, and just happened as I was teaching myself to use my cutting board. The colors weren't even chosen consciously, but just happened to be my mom's favorite colors, as well. That was my 'Aha!' moment, when I made a decision to incorporate the ideas of quilting with glass. Since then, I've done fused glass plates, stained glass windows, and even a mosaic tabletop in the images of quilts. My next big project will be a fused glass window tribute piece, incorporating elements of both my mother's love of quilting with my husband's father's paintings. I'm excited to take on the challenge of transcription of painted art pieces into glass!

Meet Mauri Of Dichroicdazzle

2009-02-06T08:50:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to introduce to you Mauri of Dichroicdazzle!

You can visit her shop here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5054829

How many years have you been an artist?

My whole life has revolved around creating as far back as I can remember. I won a drawing competition when I was 8 years old to commemorate the marriage of Prince Charles to Diana Spencer. I have done the usual painting - watercolour acrylic oils, drawing –pencils pastels ink conté sticks charcoal etc... Also silk painting, batik, and a little pottery at school. I went to the School of Jewellery and Silversmithing in Birmingham UK, where I trained to become a goldsmith and attended night school to learn gem setting. I have also attended some life drawing classes at a local college.

How many years have you worked with glass?

My love for working with glass started with an enamel class in Lichfield which my family sent me to as a birthday present 5 years ago. (I had always wanted to have a go at enamelling but the courses available while I was at jewellery school would have involved me moving to London or Kent. This wasn’t an option at the time as I was working for a great employer who I didn’t want to leave, and I had recently bought a house with the man I was to marry). I took to enamel Iike I had worked with it forever, and the metalworking skills came in very handy. My sister had told me of dichroic glass and its beauty, when I saw it for the first time I was hooked. The dichroic glass fusing I learned to do from books and experimenting. I already had a basic understanding of glass from working enamel. What triggers ideas for new projects?Anything and everything, colour combinations and patterns in nature (a sunset or autumn trees etc), doodles I do without thinking while on the phone can turn into ideas for jewellery, geometric shapes, my daughter’s drawings have been made into pieces. My friends and family make suggestions of things they would like. I have made some of my better pieces with the starting point of a word or colour combination from someone else. Even the materials themselves can be a source of inspiration, sometimes I just play with the glass layering it until I find a combination I like. I rarely take design seriously I am quite free and flowing.

When do ideas come to you?

How often?I always have a head full of ideas and sketch books overflowing so I don’t really notice how often ideas come. Most of what I make has been waiting to be created for a while. I only worry I will not have enough time to make everything I want to make.

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?

All day, and at night I dream about it - how obsessive is that! I get some of my best ideas while I am relaxed in bed.

Do you create daily?

I work on something every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

How important is it for you to create art?

I don’t think I could function without creating. It’s a drive. Even when I was stuck in a chair with a broken leg I knitted jumpers hats scarves and gloves for my children. It really pained me to be unable to enter my workshop for so many months.

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?
Have you given up certain luxuries?

I should have been in my final year of a Radiography Degree by now but art is not the reason I gave that up. It was a nasty leg injury I got 2 years ago that took so long for me to recover from (in fact I’m not 100% yet) I had to give in for a while. I could say it’s a poorer life financially, but I am rich in the extra time I have with my two lovely children and the freedom I have to do what I really love. I only wish I could sell more to be able to buy more materials to make more. In the end money is not the most important thing and you don’t need it to have fun. I know it’s a cliché but it’s so true. The best things in life are free and my children are the outdoor type, happy to run about and play in the park. I live in such a beautiful place; it’s a joy to look out of my bedroom window each morning. I’m lucky to own a mobile home in Avoca, Wicklow ‘the garden of Ireland’ so my family and I can have holidays when we like and we can visit our relatives in England. I regret nothing. Maybe one day when the children are old I’ll get back to my degree and earn good money to save for my retirement at the moment I am contented with my lot.

Describe your studio.

It’s a large galvanised shed in the back yard. I like it that way because it’s separate from the house and safer for the children that way. Its messy most of the time, but when it’s tidy I can never find anything, so I guess its organised chaos.I have a jewellers set up with the traditional bench, cut out with a semicircle, and a jewellers peg and skin (to catch the silver and gold dust), an array of hand tools, a micro flame for soldering, a pendant drill (flexi shaft) a pickle pot, a polishing lathe and Elma ultrasonic cleaner. Then there’s the glass working set up, enamelling and fusing kilns, grinder, hand tools and lots of glass. I am saving for a lampworking set up at the moment. I have wanted to have a go for a long time, and now I have a local beading artist who wants buy my beads once I start. She prefers to source locally and no one else in Ireland is lampworking yet.

Tell me something about you.

I have two gorgeous kids and one husband (which is enough for anyone) I live the beautiful and rural old Cathedral town of in Elphin in Ireland. It has its own 18th Century restored windmill. We moved there a few months ago and I have never been happier. We decided it would be a better place for the kids to grow up with the freedom I we had as children which is impossible to have in the busy cities of today. I have a 16 year old cat called Smudge who I adore. My children have two rabbits and a guinea pig which I look after. I love to walk in the county side because it makes me feel good to be alive and I value now more than ever the ability to walk.

Meet Michelle of ArtisticAnimal

2009-02-02T07:53:00.000-08:00

Brandy

As you know, we lost a beloved family member on January 19th. A fellow Etsy artist offered to paint a painting of her. I am pleased with the painting and wanted to introduce you to this talented artist.

You can visit her shop here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5606529

How many years have you been an artist?

For as long as I can remember. My mom has a drawing I did of a pink striped elephant when I was two and I have a clear memory of creating a mural on my wall when I was 4 or 5. My dad wasn’t too happy about that!

How many years have you painted animals?

The first painting of an animal that is still around is the previously mentioned elephant with pink stripes. That would make it at least 38 years.

What triggers ideas for new projects?

Life. I’m constantly inspired by the beauty of the earth and the creatures that inhabit her. I’m so grateful to be able to see things this way and find joy and inspiration all around me.

When do ideas come to you? How often?

There’s no set “time” for inspiration. Every bag I have has a small sketchbook in it. I’ve also been known to use napkins, matchbooks, receipts, whatever I can find to track an idea. They come all the time - I just wish I could learn how to not sleep and still function:-)

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?

Always. I adopted the motto “Art is life, Life is art” several years ago. I really believe that. Everything that one does can be done with a sense of artistry. Once you start seeking beauty you realize that it is around you at all times - even in things that many would at first recoil from. That’s why I’m also enthusiastic about painting exotic pets, like snakes and tarantulas too - they have their own unique beauty that I hope my art will help to convey.

Do you create daily?

Yes. I also have a full time job as a garden coordinator/designer, which is creative in its own right, but I’m also constantly making quick sketches and notes for future paintings and art projects.

How important is it for you to create art?

It’s 100% vital to who I am. I honestly don’t think I would survive without it. It’s an integral part of who I am.

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?

Have you given up certain luxuries?

I suppose some could see it that way, but the gift of creating and seeing the world the way I do is something that I would never give up, so I don’t consider it a sacrifice. I feel blessed to be an artist. Even though I have forgone some luxury items, I wouldn’t change the path I have chosen.

Describe your studio.

Right now it’s a corner of our bedroom - a desk, computer and a bazillion art supplies. We’re currently looking for a house though, so soon I’ll hopefully have a real studio.

Tell me something about you.

I’m endlessly fascinated by everything and finding the interconnections is a very important part of who I am. The idea of synchronicity in quantum physics fascinates me and I’ve seen it play out time and again. I believe this is why I’m so adamant about creating art about and for animals. We are inextricably connected to all life on this planet and I hope that my art reflects this.

Meet Pam Of PamelaAngus

2009-01-30T07:40:00.000-08:00

Visit her wonderful shop here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5033262

How many years have you been an artist?
Well I left fulltime employment in 2002 so I could lead a more creative life, so I guess 2002?

How many years have you worked with glass?
I took a course in traditional stained glass 2003 (or was 2004?) just before we moved to France, then I didn't work with it again for about a year or so. It's only in the last couple of years that I've been 'experimenting' with copperfoil technique.

What triggers ideas for new projects?
Beautiful things! If I see something pretty and wonderful and that catches my imagination I wonder if I can make it in stained glass - sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't! I have files full of magazine clippings from about the last 15 years - mostly home interior/life style stuff) I sometimes sit down with paper and a pen and 'doodle' whilst I look through them, usually the paper is just a mass of chaotic nonsense but sometimes, in the corner, there's a shape or an idea I'll try. I never throw my 'ideas' pages away ...even if I don't think there's anything useful there maybe one day I will!!

When do ideas come to you? How often?
Usually when I'm in the middle of another project which is really annoying!!

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?
I thinking about it 99% which isn't healthy! I wish I could forget about it but my mind is always busy (and in chaos!) The amount of time I spend each day actually making pieces varies greatly - there are spells where I can't settle to anything so I just don't force myself and other days where I will work all day and get grumpy because I have to stop for meals!

Do you create daily?
I'll usually try to do something most days, even if that's just putting beads on a garland.

How important is it for you to create art?
I like the ideas and I like the finished work but I don't crave the actual 'creating' part of the process. Ideally, I would have the ideas and then little elves would make the pieces :)

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?
Have you given up certain luxuries?
If I was a single person I would'nt be able to live on my income (yet! ) so having a supportive partner has been necessary. I really miss going clothes shopping without feeling guilty!!!!! Every purchase is a consider one now (which really takes the fun out of it ) But I don't have a horrible commute to work anymore, I can take a day off work on a whim and I'm in control of my life :)

Describe your studio
I have 2 rooms. The smaller one is for glass cutting and paperwork etc, and the adjoining room is a large room with a cathedral ceiling (very hard to heat in winter!!) I do my assembling of pieces there and hang my work there too. It's painted white and light grey and has loads of natural light and a warm breeze flows through in the summer and you can hear the mountain stream - I feel very fortunate. The door leads out onto a balcony with a view down the valley and across to the Chartreuse mountains, and steps down to the side of the house. My next door neighbour is a honey producer and my studio used to be his shop and exhibition space.

Tell me something about you.
When I'm in the supermarket I like to find miniature versions of foods (such like half bottles of champagne) I hold them so that just for a fleeting second I can feel like a giant. This week it was baby pineapples :)

Meet Jeannette Of GigisDesigns's

2009-01-23T08:31:00.000-08:00

Meet Jeannette Of GigisDesigns's
You can visit her shop here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5107597

How many years have you been an artist?
I've always enjoyed exploring different mediums of art. I've tried painting, sculpting, fiber art, wood burning, anything that helps me release all the ideas bouncing around in my head.

How many years have you worked with glass?
I have been working with glass for 3 years.

What triggers ideas for new projects?
I think I'm mostly inspired by fabric patterns and colors and I love when something is blooming. Whether it's in my yard or in a photo in a magazine. The colors and shapes get me sketching and planning. I'm a very visual person and everything that I see influences me in some way.

When do ideas come to you? How often?
My ideas come from everywhere. I seldom have to sit down and try to think of a new project. Mostly, ideas come to me when I'm in need of something and I tell myself that I can just make it. Or friends and family will say that they are looking for something in particular and I'll come up with a way to make it for them. I tend to do this often and find myself saying, "No problem, I'll just make it for you."

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?
I'd have to say 85% of the time I'm doing something with glass. Since I'm set up at home, I'm surrounded by it. It doesn't matter if it's during the day when the kids are at school or if it's late at night, I'll squeeze in some glass time.

Do you create daily?
It might not always be with glass, but I do create something daily. If I don't, I get sad or grumpy or both. If it's not glass, then it's photography, sewing, painting, coloring, sketching. Even gluing stuff together makes me happy. Is that too much information?

How important is it for you to create art?
Creating is very important to me. I enjoy making art for my home and to share with people around me. I believe everyone should have art in their lives.

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?
Have you given up certain luxuries?
I don't think that I had to sacrifice anything. The luxuries, I can do without. I love that I'm able to do this. My husband, Jeff is a wonderful, supportive person. He's the one who had to sacrifice the third bay of our garage for my work shop.

Describe your studio.
My studio takes up the 3rd bay of our garage and only sometimes spills over into the kitchen. I have an old school table that I bought for $15 at the ASU Salvage yard. It's the perfect height to sit at and work and it has these very convenient cubbies underneath that hold some molds. I also have a higher table that I made from a wire shelf unit and MDF. I have a Skutt Kiln that is terrific to work with. I think I'll have to give her a name since I spend so much time with her. My studio is insanely hot during the summer months and wonderfully cool the rest of the year. I try to keep it clean, but that doesn't always happen.

Tell me something about you.
I guess I'll start at the beginning... I was born in Ashtabula, OH and moved to Arizona with my parents and sister when I was five. I grew up running around on the hot desert dirt as a kid and now my kids are doing the same. I've been married for 14 years to that wonderful guy who gave up 1/3 of the garage and we have a son, Nate who is 13 and growing out of his clothes as I write this. We also have a 10 year old daughter, Maddie who dances through life with a smile on her face. She inspires me to not sweat the small stuff.I went to school to get a degree in art history, but instead got one in interior design. I'm addicted to home remodeling projects and I love the smell of paint and wood as a saw cuts through it. (I know, sounds weird.) I got interested in fused glass when I took a class one summer and I haven't looked back.I have two dogs, Louis a maltese/poodle mis and Cooper, a maltese/shih tzu mix. They are cute and cuddly and I love their little faces.

Brandy--you will be missed!

2009-01-19T15:33:00.000-08:00

Brandy adopted in 1996

passed away today, January 19, 2009

Gone But Not Forgotten
There’s a hole in my heart

Where Brandy used to be.

No words of condolence

Or kind sympathies

Can quiet the storm

That I feel at my core

Knowing dear Brandy

Won’t be here anymore.
Friends say they’re sorry

Intentions are true.

They can’t understand

What I’m going through;

Grief’s my companion

Since I’m without you

My soul’s filled with sorrow

I walk around blue.
But there’s comfort in knowing

My beloved pet waits.

She’s crossed Rainbow Bridge

And entered the gate

Where all of God’s creatures

Who’ve passed from the Earth

Are happy and healthy A blessed rebirth.
So I thank you my Brandy

For friendship so true

When others deserted

I could count on you

I’ll carry your memory

Forever inside

And patiently wait

‘Til you’re back by my side.
In Loving Memory Of Brandy

Meet Joan of JoanJewels

2009-01-16T07:55:00.000-08:00

Meet Joan of JoanJewels

You can visit her shop here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5019032

How many years have you been an artist?
I have been an artist all of my life. I started creating art or crafting since I was little. I came from a very creative family. I would make things out of found objects from the beach that I loved and grew up close to.

How many years have you worked with glass?
I have worked with glass seriously for two years. Glass is my passion and I always love continuing my education. My 6 year old grandson is very interested and I will pass my knowledge (carefully) down to him.

What triggers ideas for new projects?
Nature triggers ideas for new projects. I am most interested in form, texture, and depth of all items. I sometimes wake up in the middle of the night thinking of new ideas. I have a pad and paper by the side of my bed so I jot them down right away. If I wait until morning, I will surely forget.

When do ideas come to you? How often?
I have new ideas for projects many times in a week. I just don't have enough time to create everything I think about. I have to prioritize my art glass work. My fused glass knobs and pulls, as well as decorative accent glass tiles is my main product. My art glass home decor and jewelry gives me additional joy to make. Like icing on a cake.

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?
I work with glass approximately 32 hours a week. I love every minute of it!

How important is it for you to create art?
Creating art is extremely important to my life. It's my zen time of the day. It's right up there with food, water and family.

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?
Have you given up certain luxuries?
I have not given up anything living the artist life. It has brought me the luxury of meeting new friends, being happier and healthier, and spending more time with my family. I wouldn't trade this time of my life for anything!

Describe your studio.
I'm fortunate my glass studio is in my home. So, I can work in my pajamas in the middle of the night if I want to. I am still working on shelving and organizing, especially during the holidays, but I will complete it in the new year.

Tell me something about you.
I am a mom and proud grandmother of 3 beautiful grandchildren, ages 6, 2, and 7 mos. I was born and raised in San Francisco, CA by the beach. We went to Playland at the Beach everyday after school. Until health problems in 2000, I made a living in the corporate world as an accountant. If I hadn't of been sick, I would of never tried making a living as a glass artist, so I have been blessed.
I started my business as JoanJewels, creating art glass jewelry and then had the idea of making glass knobs, pulls, and tiles. So, I changed the company name to Uneek Glass Fusions and built my website to sell my art glass products. The company has been steadily growing and I couldn't be happier. No, I have not given up anything being a glass artist.

Meet Lisa of LISAHAMMER

2009-01-09T13:23:00.000-08:00

Meet Lisa of LISAHAMMER
You can visit her Esty shop here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=93669

How many years have you been an artist?
I’ve been creating things for as long as I can remember. I can remember accessorizing my bike with leftover paint my parents had and making things from everything that I could get my hands on when I was a kid. In college, I decided to major in graphic design then went on to manage my parents aircraft upholstery business during the day and creating art at night part time. Until a few months ago I had always had a day job and did my art in my spare time. For the last few months I have been creating my fused glass jewelry full time so it’s only recently that I have become a full time artist.
How many years have you worked with glass?
I had been fascinated with glass fusing for a couple of years before working with it. After attending a glass show in Orlando, Florida several years ago, I purchased a kiln and dove right into it. I haven’t looked back yet!
What triggers ideas for new projects?
Everything seems to trigger ideas in me! I love looking through magazine and books for color combinations to use in my glass work. I also try to read up on new techniques and materials that are available to try and think of ways I can incorporate it into my work.
When do ideas come to you? How often?
Usually really great ideas come to me as I’m drifting off to sleep. I also seem to get ideas while having conversations with people or just doing my daily activities.
What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?
Now that I’m creating my jewelry full time, I try to structure my day as if it was a job. I try to work a full day taking photos, creating listings on Etsy, creating new pieces and getting ready for upcoming shows. Of course sometimes I get side tracked with doing household activities like laundry, grocery shopping and house cleaning.
Do you create daily?
Yes, I try to do some thing creative every day. Some days it is fun activities like cutting glass and creating pieces and other days is the background work of photographing and listing on Etsy.
How important is it for you to create art?
Extremely! Thanks to the support of my wonderful husband, it is now my full time job! A dream come true for me!
Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice? Have you given up certain luxuries?
I’ve wanted to create art full time for quite a while now that I’m just happy to be able to do so. The joy of being able to create out weighs the luxuries that I miss….most of the time.
Describe your studio.
My studio is the third bedroom in our house. It’s painted with light blue/green paint and has large window that looks out to the street. My work bench sits in front of the window. We also have two desks (one mine and one my husband’s) for our computers and my kiln in the corner. It’s cozy but works! Luckily there is a LARGE closet that I’m able to store most of my supplies and the overflow is stashed in the garage. Most of the time the closet is organized…I wish I could say the same about my desk and workbench.
Tell me something about you.
I’m a HUGE dog lover and have two Airedales name Oliver and Paige. Oliver is a bit over 5 years old and Paige is less than a year. As a result of my love for dogs, my Mom (who also has an Airedale named Gertrude) just opened a joint Etsy shop to sell handmade dog collars named FabFido.

Meet Cindy of ccvalenzo

2009-01-02T09:53:00.000-08:00

Meet Cindy of ccvalenzo

You can visit her wonderful shop here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5109478

How many years have you been an artist?

I've been working with glass about 20 years. I started out in mosaics as a teen and then stained glass which I occasionally do and now into fused glass.
How many years have you worked with glass?

I've been an artist in one way or another all my life. I have this need to create and have done quite a bit from sewing to painting.
What triggers ideas for new projects?

Just about anything I see may trigger a new idea. It may be a scarf I've seen or a painting sometimes just a couple of colors thrown together.
When do ideas come to you? How often?

I am constantly looking for new ideas. Unfortunately I don't write them down right away and forget a lot of them. Just about every day brings a new approach or design.

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?

I work on the art at least 8 hours a day with another 10 going to assembly, photography and listing.

Do you create daily?

I do create every day because I go into withdrawal when I don't. I have an empty feeling when I haven't done something with my glass for a day.

How important is it for you to create art?

Creating and working with glass is like breathing. Every piece that I do takes on a life of its own and has its own characteristics. Even if it is just a simple piece it still has to be symmetrical or pass my own personal approval which is pretty stringent.

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?

Have you given up certain luxuries?

I have given up quite a few luxuries when I transitioned to the artist life. I came from a management position in corporate America (30 Years) and that regular check afforded my many extras. But the ability to work creatively is so much more gratifying.

Describe your studio.

I have a very large studio with 5 kilns, saws, grinding equipment, sandblasters, torches and assorted smaller equipment. I had a B&M store front studio so I brought the inventory to my home studio and have more glass than some shops have. It is very well equipped mainly because I have always felt that the right tools make work and creating so much easier. It's chaotic though. While I can easily find things when I want them there is glass everywhere and it's not very neat.I am not a very patient person and like things done now. That can be quite frustrating when trying to develop a new design. With glass you don't have a lot of control beyond the layout. No matter how careful you've been once you put it into the kiln it's out of your hands and loosing this control gives me many anxiety ridden moments.

Tell me something about you:

I love to cook and that's good because I have a lot more control over that. My high energy level drives me and I am constantly trying to improve. When I get favorable responses from my clients it makes it so worthwhile and makes me feel like I am really bringing some beauty into this world.

Meet Joan of Petsinglass

2008-12-26T08:46:00.000-08:00

Meet Joan of Petsinglass

You can visit her store here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5169439

How many years have you been an artist?

I never considered myself an artist. Art classes were torture for me in school. It’s only been in the last few years that my overactive imagination has become constructive and given me the ability to express myself through glass. I received my business license with the Commonwealth of VA in January 2006. For about a year before that, my work was sold at a local stained glass store.

How many years have you worked with glass?

My first stained glass class was in January 2004. From the first class, I knew this was something I would enjoy doing for a very long time. With the help of a very patient instructor who didn’t mind answering my million and one questions, I’ve been able to develop my skills.

What triggers ideas for new projects?

There is really no one thing that triggers the idea for a project. Inspiration comes from just about everywhere and everything.

When do ideas come to you? How often?

Ideas pop up at the weirdest times and the strangest places. I work full-time and do glass as a hobby right now, so I can be sitting in a meeting and an idea will pop into my head, or driving down the road there can be an interesting looking tree along the way, or a squirrel can run across the road. It’s not something I try to force or do intentionally; it’s just something that “happens”.

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art? There are days when working in glass is all I think about. Then there are days when it doesn’t even cross my mind. Sometimes I have to literally force myself to sit down and relax a bit, otherwise I would continue working on projects that will end up sitting in storage.

Do you create daily?

Whenever the inspiration hits, I will usually head for my work room. Sometimes it’s not possible due to other commitments, but if I don’t have to go to the office the next day, it’s not usual for me to be working into the wee hours of the morning. It’s very relaxing for me. Time seems to fly by when I’m working on glass. I try to not work on anything for more than an hour or so during the week after work because it’s difficult shutting down the creative side of my mind when it’s time to go to sleep. The really bad part is when I lose track of time and don’t realize it’s time for the dog to go out until he comes in the work room and starts poking at me. I’m just lucky he’s such a good dog! Otherwise my home would be a total disaster!
How important is it for you to create art?

I have found that glass work is very therapeutic. It helps relieve the stress of the day and gives my imagination an outlet that nothing else ever has. It’s very relaxing for me. Time seems to fly by when I’m working on glass. I try to not work on anything during the week after work because I have a hard time shutting down the creative side of my mind when it’s time to go to sleep. But on week ends or nights when I don’t have to go to the office the next day, I’ll stay up all night and just work on glass. The really bad part is when I lose track of time and don’t realize it’s time for the dog to go out until he comes in the work room and starts poking at me. I’m just lucky he’s such a good dog! Otherwise my home would be a total disaster!

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?

Have you given up certain luxuries?

Since I still work a full-time job and only do the glass work during free time, I don’t think I have given up anything. Once I can retire and devote more time to the glass work, that will probably change.

Describe your studio.

Organized mess is probably the best description for the work room. Everything has its place, but it usually doesn’t end up there. No one else would be able to find anything easily, but it works for me.

Tell me something about you.

It’s probably obvious from my store, but I LOVE animals; dogs in particular. I’d rather spend my time in a room full of dogs than socializing with people. They are so much easier to figure out than people. I volunteer for two dog related charities (Blue Ridge Assistance Dogs, which trains Service Dogs for the physically disabled, and The Magic Bullet Fund, which raises money for dogs in the US with cancer whose owners can’t afford the high cost of treatment on their own) and alternate donating proceeds from sales between the 2 charities. I’m looking forward to retirement at the end of 2008 so that I can spend more time being creative.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T09:20:00.000-08:00

If I could have a Christmas wish come true,
I would wish for wonderful things to come to you.
I wish you happiness in everything you do,
And not many worries or problems will come to you.

I wish you hope that can brighten the cloudiest day,
And strength to accept all that life sends your way.
May you rise each day with sunlight in your heart,
And may all your hopes and dreams never fall apart.

With my warmest thoughts and memories of you,
I wish that all your joys and wishes will come true.
When these special wishes are delivered to your door,
There is no doubt they will be accompanied by many more.

Of all the Christmas wishes delivered to you yearly,
There couldn't be another that's wished more warmly or sincerely.

~ Author Unknown ~

Merry Christmas Everyone!
~Yvonne~

Meet Lawatha

2008-12-19T04:36:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to introduce you to Lawatha.

You can visit her Esty store here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5006039

I'm 51, have been married almost 33 years. Our son will soon be 31, our daughter is 29. We have no grandchildren yet, so we spoil our two lovable dogs instead. Casey is a 4 yr old golden retriever who can do no wrong, and Bailey is almost one years old. He is a cairn terrier and a constant source of entertainment. He is one funny little guy.
I've been working with stained glass for over 25 years. I started fusing 2 years ago and since then have been neglecting stained glass in favor of fusing. I love opening the kiln and seeing how the glass transforms after fusing.

I am retired from civil service, and now consider my glass business my full-time job. I love the flexibility of working when I want, and taking days off when I want. I generally put in anywhere from 4 to 12 hours a day on glass and my glass business.

I also love photography, and I've found a way to combine my photography with glass by making color decals of my pictures and fusing them onto glass. I also use my customer's photos to make personalized photo pendants for them. Those are usually pictures of their children or their dogs, but I can use any picture or design they give me.

I don't consider working as an artist a sacrifice at all. In fact, it's the opposite. If I were to go back to a 9 to 5 job, that would be a sacrifice. Giving up being able to work on glass, giving up my photography, would be a sacrifice. I don't feel I've given up any of life's luxuries, my needs and wants are pretty simple. In addition to glass and photography, the loves of my life are my family and my dogs. That's pretty simple.

My studio began as a little corner in my husband's wood shop. He built me a wonderful workbench and fixed up 1/4 of the shop as my glass studio. Soon I was taking over his workbench. I added a second kiln and needed more room. I now have possession of half the shop, and I'm still spreading over into his work area. Soon it will be all mine, and he'll have to build himself a second shop. Well not really, but we joke about it all the time.
Lawatha

Meet Sharon of shasglasscrafts

2008-12-12T04:57:00.000-08:00

Meet Sharon of Shasglasscrafts

You can visit her wonderful Etsy store here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5036468

How many years have you been an artist?
I’ve thought of myself of a creative person rather than an artist. I’ve had so many different creative outlets since I was a child, I guess it’s been most of my life.

How many years have you worked with glass?
After admiring stained glass for years, I finally took a class in 1991 at a local studio. I then bought all the tools and I’m still at it.

What triggers ideas for new projects?
The shape of a piece of scrap glass can give me an idea. Colors and nature inspire me. Really it could be anything.

When do ideas come to you? How often?
I have had ideas or designs come to me in dreams several times this year.

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?
It varies. When I’m getting ready for a craft fair stained glass is on my mind all day every day. I’m between events right now, so I’m trying to take a breather for a week or so.

Do you create daily?
When I’ve got an event, I stay in my studio up to 18 hours a day. The rest of the time, no, I have to clean the house and do laundry sometimes.

How important is it for you to create art?
I have been creating “something” all my life. I’ve done crewel embroidery, counted cross stitch, I have made bench cushions and roman shades, hand painted plaster figurines, among other things. I’ve stuck with stained glass which satisfies my creativity like nothing else.

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?
Have you given up certain luxuries?
Certainly. I’ve never had a manicure, because I grind my fingernails along with the glass!

Describe your studio.
My studio takes up half the laundry room in the basement. My space is 10 x 10 with plenty of storage shelves. My husband built my work table for me and built in a rack for my glass sheets. We recently put up drywall, lighting and ceiling tiles. I have 2 task lights attached to the shelves above my work bench. My spare table is covered with boxes of scrap glass and needs to be better organized. I build windows on the pool table, which is in the rec room, which is next to the laundry room. I like it because it is out of the way and I can work undisturbed and also get the laundry done.

Tell me something about you.
I have lived in the Nashville area all my life, but we plan on moving out of the suburbs to someplace remote and quiet in a year or two, someplace I can have horses.I have been married since 1973 and we have 3 grown sons and 2 wonderful daughters-in-law. No grandchildren yet, though. I got my nose pierced for my 52nd birthday just because I’d always wanted to do it. I wear a diamond stud. It was a lot less painful than I thought it would be.

Meet Madeline & Mickey Of Gimmebeads

2008-12-05T11:45:00.000-08:00

Meet The wonderful husband and wife team--

Madeline & Mickey Of Gimmebeads

You can visit their Etsy store here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5239208

How many years have you been an artist?
Madeline has been an artist all of her life. Her mother was a painter and she started drawing and painting when she was very young and has a B.A. in fine art. Mickey on the other hand has always loved art and surrounded himself with artists, but really never was an artist. Married an artists, raised kids that were artists, but he basically just watched, besides art is a way of living not a thing you do.

How many years have you worked with glass?
We both started in glass about 3 years ago. Madeline started working in design with glass beads and about 2 years ago started making beads herself. Mickey doesn’t know what in the world to do with a piece of glass, but he keeps on making things. Mickey started off working exclusively in so-called soft glass and then started blowing glass using the borosilicate glass a couple of years ago.

What triggers ideas for new projects?
Gosh, I have more projects in mind that I’ll ever be able to complete. I have ideas that range from huge installation sized pieces down to insect sculptures and from purely functional pieces to purely decorative. Almost everything I see out there registers in my head as an interpretive piece in glass. The forms in nature seem to be so closely constructed in the same flowing form that glass takes as it is worked.

When do ideas come to you? How often?
Ideas come to me all of the time. I sometimes find myself waking up with a new idea. Sometimes, I am driving along, spinning imaginary glass in my hands when a new idea for a pattern will come to mind. Sometimes I’ll see someone wearing a shirt or dress and think about how to bring out what they have on. There isn’t a formula for me.

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?
Well, we both do have jobs that we do in the real world, so we have to sign off for that part of the day. We wake up really early for most folks (we live on a farm ya know)…. When we get up, get coffeed and dressed, we start working on our projects and usually spend a couple of hours in the morning and a couple of hours in the late afternoon or night actually working on things. Now, thinking about art…well….I’m not sure we ever really stop.

Do you create daily?
I won’t say that we create EVERY day, but it’s darned close to it. There is the odd and rare day that we don’t work on one of the projects.

How important is it for you to create art?
I think we both feel that living is art, or maybe it’s “art is living.” If we are in touch with the things that are surrounding us, it seems very natural to create things that fit within that. I really can’t imagine not making things that express that relationship.

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?
Have you given up certain luxuries?
Well, as I’ve indicated, we both have real world jobs so we aren’t really sacrificing that much to do what we love. We live in a very rural area, without neighbors that live in mansions or drive anything but Ford Pick-up trucks. There is very little pressure on us to keep up in any way or to have a bunch of things.

Describe your studio.
Our studio is about one quarter of the garage that has been loaded down with tables, rolling steel tool carts, torches, oxygen tanks, cabinets loaded down with glass, hoses, foot pedals and a godsend in the form of a CD player/radio. We sit on stools or stand in front of our carts and listen to music while we make glass things. There are a couple of buckets around full of water with wooden blocks custom cut that we use as wet forms to shape glass. Most of the time a single blowhose is draped over the knobs that I use to adjust the propane and oxygen that goes into the torches to make the kind of heat we need to melt glass.

Tell me something about you.
Madeline and I started late in life down this particular trail. I think we both would have loved to have started years and years ago, but we look forward to getting better in every way at our glass working. I love the challenge of doing something that can never really be fully understood. When I was a little boy, I used to watch my uncle who was a relatively famous glassblower. He would pull hot globs of glass from his furnace and make the most beautiful things. I never forgot how even after he had been doing that for 40 years, he still loved it like it was the first day.

Meet Linda of Papernclay

2008-11-28T06:44:00.000-08:00

Meet Linda of Papernclay!

You can visit her Etsy store here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=28593

How many years have you been an artist?

I think I was born an artist. I've always had to be making something or doing something with my hands as a child.

How many years have you worked with glass?

It's been pretty close to three years.

What triggers ideas for new projects?Nature,color,shapes,textures,patterns,seasons,suggestions from others..... they mostly just happen.

When do ideas come to you? How often?

All the time- very frequently. Most of the time I forget them before I get to use them!

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?

I physically work on my art about 20 hours a week. It's hard to measure how much I think about it. I just started lampworking and it really has me charged so I make little lists of things as I think of them to take with me to the studio.

Do you create daily?

Yes, if I can't get to the studio I am always thinking about getting there. It's an obsession of sorts.

How important is it for you to create art?

I've never really thought about that but it must be pretty important, for every spare moment, I think about creating if I am not actually doing it.

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?

Have you given up certain luxuries?

No I do not feel it is a sacrifice at all. I instead feel it to be a priveledge. I have however given up my kitchen table to have a convenient work area, one where I can also be with my family as they may need me, or just to listen to their telephone calls.

Describe your studio.

My studio is the furnace room in the basement. A place where glass is remote from my family. I have 2 kilns, a torch, a grinder and lots of glass and other supplies. It's quiet there and The only noise is when the furnace kicks in. I really like it there. I even have two small windows which is one thing I'd change if I could- lots of sunlight would be welcome there.

Tell me something about you.

I work fulltime as a floral designer where I've been employed for 32 years. I have 2 wonderful children 19 and 10 years old. I also enjoy the fellowship of a wonderful church family where I volunteer in the children's ministy. I teach children's church regularly and coordinate the crafts for our annual Bible School program. I believe life is short and one needs to do what makes them happy...within reason of course!

Meet Christine Hanses of CHRIS1

2008-11-21T10:55:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to introduce you to ...

Christine Hanses of CHRIS1.

You can visit her wonderful shop here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=47617

How many years have you been an artist?
I would have to say that I still don’t consider myself an “artist”. However I have been doing only glasswork for 7 yrs now.

How many years have you worked with glass?

I have been working with glass for 29 yrs now, in stained glass and lampworking and fused glass also I love to do hot glass (blown glass) and I even went through a stepping stone era when I was doing Landscaping.

What triggers ideas for new projects?
Just about anything that I see. I like flowers so they play a big part...but I see beauty all around me so I keep my mind open. When I make an item I sometimes put it up till I can think of how to use it.

When do ideas come to you?
I get ideas all the time.... but my best pieces are usually made from mistakes. I have tried writing/drawing in a booklet that I take with me but am not real good at doing that. How often?
Some times daily or several times a day then sometimes I go for weeks without any ideas.

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?
50% of the time~ then some days more and then other days less so I guess it averages out to about 50% of the day. Even when I am away from home I am still thinking about it.

Do you create daily?
I try to but I also do a lot of traveling so when I am home I am always creating something. When away I am wishing I had my small kiln with me to work with.

How important is it for you to create art?
That's something that I have been wrestling with lately. It is very important to me to be creating with my glass. My husband is going to be retiring in the next several yrs. And we will be moving out of state so downsizing may be something that I need to do. So I have been trying to figure out if the next part of my life will be including my glass obsession. I have to be honest with myself ~that I truly can’t see myself living without all my glass and supplies.

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?
Have you given up certain luxuries?
I’m sure if I was younger and just starting out it would be difficult but I have not had to sacrifice anything. Since I was working when I was first starting out I was able to get a lot of equipment and things then. The best part is that now that I am retired I have the best of both worlds. I have all the luxuries I want with no sacrificing.

Describe your studio.
Right now my studio is in the basement. I have about half the basement so it is not a small studio but as studios go the more you have the more you want. I have enough room for the equipment that I use now, but I still want that sand blaster etc…. lol…. we know there is so much more equipment to have….

Tell me something about you.
I worked 18 yrs. at the School For the Blind in Michigan, with deaf blind students mostly. While working full time with the help of my truly wonderful, supportive husband, I attended our local community college and got my degree in Horticulture. I sold well over 900 stained glass pieces to my co- workers at this time also. We raised our son together during that time. It was a very busy time of my life. Now our son is 29 and lives out of state and has his own life so I can get back to my art. For several yrs., I designed other people’s gardens and landscaping. Then I injured myself and glasswork became my life work. That’s when I was able to get my studio set up and really go after my art. I love taking classes and attending all the glass conferences that I can.

Meet Florence Niven of Nivenglassoriginals

2008-11-14T09:00:00.000-08:00

Meet Florence Niven of Nivenglassoriginals.

You can visit her wonderful shop here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5265784

How many years have you been an artist?
I can't remember when I wasn't drawing. I always knew I was going to be an artist, it was just a matter of making it happen. I have been a Graphic Designer since 1983. Along with my freelance design work, I was an illustrator for a greeting card company for ten years, and I organized art workshops for various area schools for 7 years. I left that all behind me when I took my first stained glass course. I am now working full time as a glass artist.

How many years have you worked with glass?
I took my first stained glass course in 2000. The first project that I completed was the last time I used someone else's pattern. I approach my glass designs as I approach any new design challenge - taking into consideration the limitations and restrictions of glass and working around them.

What triggers ideas for new projects?
I am seldom without a sketch book, or at least a scrap of paper. I've been doing this long enough to know that inspiration comes from all over - a passage from a book, a walk in the park, design magazines, fashion, movies. My background as a graphic designer informs how I see things; my designs tend to be clean and precise - less is definitely more. But I also like to keep a sense of humor in my work - I don't take myself too seriously.

When do ideas come to you? How often?
I used to panic about the 'next' idea when I was working with a greeting card deadline - very much a 'hurry up and wait' environment - hurry up with the illustration; wait for the decision from the art director. I eventually just started trusting that the ideas would come to me. I have notebooks all over the house - in my car - in my purse. I'm always scribbling ideas that I may work with eventually, or that may trigger another direction for my work. The advantage of working for myself is that I give myself time to fully realize my ideas, and permission to rework them until they are exactly the way I want them to be.

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?
I usually work an 8:30 am - 3 pm day. However, this is not really work that you can 'leave at the office' - especially when the office is just downstairs. I often work on new ideas or finish projects at night.

Do you create daily?
Absolutely! A day when I am not creative is not a good day.

How important is it for you to create art?
See above! ; ) It is extremely important for me to be creative - and to work on my own. I don't like being told what to do - (I'm a virgo) - I like having full creative control. I consider myself very fortunate to be able to do what I love to do. I appreciate every sale that I make because it allows me to continue being creative.

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?
Have you given up certain luxuries?
I think you have to be willing to adapt if you are choosing to be a full time artist - it's not an easy path. If the work isn't along one path, change directions. It also helps to have a supportive partner who values what you do and is there as a safety net and cheerleader in the lean times. Choosing to be a glass artist full time was one of the best decisions I've ever made. The fact that I am able to wake up each morning and know that I will be creative that day is a blessing.

Describe your studio.
I have 3 work areas. A drafting table in my 'clean' studio with a light table and a huge window, where I design my pieces. In the glass area, I have 2 large work surfaces - one for cutting and grinding the glass - the messy work, and one for finishing the pieces - adding the findings, beading etc. I have a tiny - Easy Bake Oven size - kiln that's ancient, and that I use rarely these days, and another large floor kiln that I use all the time. I have a radio in each area, and have been known to crank up the occasional tune, put down my cutting tools, and dance around my studio - another advantage of working alone.

Tell me something about you.
I am married to an incredibly supportive husband who gets this whole creative thing! We just celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. We have two sons - Chris and Ben - both in university.

Meet Krista Queeney Of KristasKiln

2008-11-06T20:32:00.000-08:00

Meet Krista Queeney Of KristasKiln

You can visit her great Etsy store here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5186368

How many years have you been an artist?
I have always been interested in art in some form. Over the years I’ve learned you don’t need to create a masterpiece to be an artist. If you have a creative mind and can find the beauty in the every day world, you are an artist.

How many years have you worked with glass?
I have been working with glass for about two years now. It was at a craft fair that I first saw the magic of dichroic glass and it just sparked something inside me that made me have to learn more.

What triggers ideas for new projects?
Ideas can come to me by simply going through a craft or decorating magazine, reading about a new technique on-line and seeing all the beautiful and varied works in the CGGE. Many times I am at my work table with various pieces and colors and the inspiration comes suddenly from playing around with what is there in front of me. I will start making something totally different than what I originally planned.

When do ideas come to you? How often?
Sometimes I think of a way of doing something new as I am going to sleep. I need to get up and write it down so I can fall asleep without worrying I am going to forget by morning! My car is another place where new ideas can spring up. I keep paper and a pen in there just in case.

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?
I try to get as much done in the morning as I can. Once my kids are home from school they take up my time until they are in bed. Late nights at my worktable are also not uncommon.

Do you create daily?
Between my glass and photography it is a rare day when art is not a part of it.

How important is it for you to create art?
It is simply part of who I am.

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?
Have you given up certain luxuries?
It has only been in the past two years that I have forsaken a regular paycheck to concentrate more fully on my glass. I’ve always fit art in between my regular job and raising my kids.

Describe your studio.
It’s just a small corner of our basement. Nothing fancy in the least. It’s next to the family room so I have lots of company down there.

Tell me something about you.
I have lived on the coast of Massachusetts my whole life. I’ve been married 16 years and have three great children ages 9-13. Besides glass and photography, I also enjoy working with clay. I love to read, bike ride and get out for walks in the woods or the beach.

Meet Nancy Addante of Smokeylady54

2008-10-31T09:23:00.000-07:00

Meet Nancy Addante of Smokeylady54

You can visit her great Etsy store here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=37929

How many years have you been an artist?

I have been working in different art forms since Grammar School.Just always loved playing with different colors in any type of medium.I was a art major in High School and spent some time at the Art Instutite of Chicago.

How many years have you worked with glass?

I stated working in lampworking about 2 years ago. But I did work withsemi-precious beads to make jewelry for years.

What triggers ideas for new projects?

Just sitting still and looking at the world that surrounds us.

When do ideas come to you? How often?

All different times. While driving, pulling weeds from my garden, cooking dinner. Some times I have to stop what I am doing and write notes. And I think of different ways to make a necklace or a bead all the time, they just do not always look like what my mind thinks they will and NO one gets to see those items.

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?

At least 6 hours a day to really work on things, wish I had more time in the day to play as it really is not work!

Do you create daily?

I am not always torching, but putting necklaces together, cleaning beads, pulling necklaces apart if I do not like the looks of them (that happens often)Pulling rods that I want to work with, etc. I also have old customers that still buy my note cards so at least one day a week is devoted to that.

How important is it for you to create art?
I would be lost if I could not make items with my hands. Pete would more than likely commit me, I would just get crazy, well more so than I am now.

Do you feel that choosing the artist's life has been a sacrifice?

Have you given up certain luxuries?

You always give up something when you create but it is so worth it. It is a joy not a sacrifice in any form. Sure I spend money on glass and other things instead of a new car or clothes but it is worth it.

Describe your studio:

I work in a small spot in my basement and clean it up every time I am done for the day or I could not do the laundry.....LOL sad but true!!!!!

Tell me something about you:

I am just a 61 year old lady that loves what I do. I just hope that I get to do lampworking for a long long time.....

Meet Sonnee McCabe of Eccentricity!!!

2008-10-25T07:38:00.000-07:00

Meet Sonnee McCabe of Eccentricity
You can visit her store here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5230081&order=&section_id=&page=2

How many years have you been an artist?
I started painting dried gourds and working with gourd masks and fiber work in 1989 on a regular basis. Before that I did occasional work with "wearable art" and home decor. I definitely fall into the "late bloomer" category.

How many years have you worked with glass?
I took my first stained glass class 5 years ago and was a total klutz at soldering. I then took a class in fused glass and was immediately hooked on it.

What triggers ideas for new projects?
It can literally be anything. I am drawn to color and texture and abstract design.

When do ideas come to you? How often?
The ideas come more frequently than the product. I can't begin to keep up with myself. I do go through periods of non-creativity though and have learned it is best to honor those times and take the time off. If I try and go ahead and work, I usually do not have good results.

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?
Well I think about it daily and I have a home studio so I am in and out of it all the time. I don't have a regular schedule though. Some days I work for 5-6 hours or more and then it may be a few days before I do anything else. When the pressure is on and my inventory is low, I really get busy and work long hours. I tend to work late at night or mid-day. Early mornings are never good for me.

Do you create daily?
I always have a creative project of some type going but it is not always fused glass. I also sew and do alot of home decor work, I paint floor cloths and furniture, I work in my flower garden. I still do some small wearable art items and I make some wall pieces out of recycled objects. I have to have variety in my work but the downside is that I frequently get too much going at one time and then I don't do anything as well as I would like.

How important is it for you to create art?
It is my "sanity". It is definitely an integral part of who I am.

Do you feel that choosing the artist's life has been a sacrifice?
Have you given up certain luxuries?
Well I no doubt would starve to death if I had to support myself but I am very fortunate to have a husband who supports and sustains me in doing my art work. I also didn't start doing it until after I took early retirement from the health care field.

Describe your studio:
My studio is actually an enclosed porch. It is fairly large with alot of windows and a small garden pond with a waterfall outside which I can hear even with the windows closed. It doesn't have alot of storage space and it serves as my sewing room, crafts area, computer center as well as my fused glass studio. I have a small kiln in it and a larger one in the garage. It is a cheerful and peaceful room and my favorite place in our home.

Tell me something about you:
I have lived in south Florida for the past 15 years and before that in Colorado and DC. I grew up in WV and went to school in KY. I graduated from UK in Social Work and worked in mental health for 25 years. I have been married for longer than most of you have been alive. I have two grown children, five grandchildren and one ornery little cairn terrier named "Zoe". I do volunteer work with the local humane society in their pet therapy department. Zoe is one of the "Paws to Read" dogs where kids who are having difficulty reading read aloud to the dogs. I am an avid gardener and like to spend as much time as possible outdoors. I love working with the fused glass and I am fascinated at the moment with the "pot melts" and the randomness of the designs.

Meet Teresa Buono of TLBEADS

2008-10-16T07:37:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to introduce you to Teresa Buono of TLBEADS

Visit her store here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5442553

How many years have you been an artist?
I have been an artist basically all my life. So that's a lot of years!

How many years have you worked with glass?
I have been working with glass for about 1-1/2 years.

What triggers ideas for new projects?
Pretty much friends, family & co workers. They will come to me and say "I would like to see..." so I go home and try to create it.

When do ideas come to you? How often?
Ideas come to me like cars flying down the freeway sometimes. And they can happen at anytime...day or night!

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?
I think of glass pretty much 85% of the day...but unfortunately I am unable to work at it nearly as much as I would like.

Do you create daily?
I don't create daily with glass. I also love making jewelry & sewing and then there are days when I spend it entirely with my family

How important is it for you to create art?
Creating art is the base of my soul. If I couldn't I would be unfulfilled. Art is my passion and I am so happy to know that...so many people go through their life and never find their passion.

Do you feel that choosing the artists has been a sacrifice?
Have you given up certain luxuries?
I do not feel that I have sacrificed anything in my chosen passion. I have not given up any luxuries...instead I have gained!

Describe your studio.
My Glass studio is in my basement against a wall that faces our driveway. Outside the window I can see the green leaves on the trees and currently the falling leaves of autumn. My jewelry studio is in my room upstairs. My son does his homework, watches T.V. and plays in there while I am working. My sewing area...well that's at my kitchen table! :-)

Tell me something about you.
I am a mom & wife. We have one son who is the joy of my life. I moved to Connecticut from California (culture shock) about 11 years ago. I started sewing blankets for children who attend daycare to fit on their cots about 7 years ago. Shortly after that I started making jewelry...which then led to about a year and a half building my glass studio. I started making glass beads that sell about a year ago. I also enjoy walking and riding bikes. I work part time as a special education secretary. I love doing home parties which is an excellent way to generate instant cash!

Meet Amy Holms of Formfireglassworks

2008-10-10T07:04:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to introduce you to Amy Holms of Formfireglassworks

Visit her shop:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5556438

How many years have you been an artist?

I think I have been an artist all my life - I have always done crafty things and have considered myself a serial hobbyist up until recently. I have done most everything: calligraphy, scrapbooking, knitting, crocheting, spinning, sewing, quilting, beading, jewelry and now glass.

How many years have you worked with glass?

I have been working with glass only a short time - almost a year and a half. It kills me to think of what I could have accomplished by now if I had begun sooner!

What triggers ideas for new projects?

Usually it is just sitting around and thinking about the different ways I can modify my existing series. But sometimes it is looking through magazines, seeing colors or patterns that interest me.

When do ideas come to you? How often?

I have ideas all that time, and unfortunately not enough time to work them all out. Someday...

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?

I think about it most of my waking hours in one way or another, but I am very limited in actual work time.

Do you create daily?

I wish I could. I am hoping to get a home set-up by the end of the year, but right now I am renting studio time. With their schedule, a day job and kids to drive all over the place, I only get to work on my glass about 2-4 hours a week.

How important is it for you to create art?

It is very important to me. I believe that aesthetics should not be an afterthought, but are an integral part in bringing joy into our daily routines.

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?

Have you given up certain luxuries?

I have been lucky in that although I have a limited time for my glasswork, my dayjob is a creative one. I design custom homes by career, so I have not really had to give up anything to be creative. I find that I have made many more sacrifices in the name of parenting (working a crazy schedule and taking time off when needed) than I have to live a creative life.

Describe your studio.

Since I have been working out of an outside studio, I don't have a lot of things set up at home. I just got a new kiln which I hope to set up with a torch in the garage. I currently use our extra room as my office and have a mish-mosh of glass, silver, tools and packaging all over my desk.

Tell me something about you.

As an artist, I strive for simplicity and consistency. I love clean lines and beautiful color. I am a modernist by nature.As a person, the layout of my life revolves around my twin 11-yr-old girls. All of my choices are built around getting them educated, grown and matured. And then to college - then I can really have time to do all the fun stuff!

Meet Linda Turvey of Studio17!!!

2008-10-03T08:53:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to introduce you to Linda Turvey of Studio17.

You can visit her wonderful etsy shop here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5004773

Below is my interview with this talented artist:

How many years have you been an artist?
I’ve always considered myself a glass craftsman when someone asks me this question. I’m still exploring and experimenting pushing the boundaries to see how far the beautiful magical world of glass can take me.

How many years have your worked with glass?
It all started over 25 years ago. The journey began with the copper foil stained glass technique. Mosaics then piqued my curiosity and now kiln work. It’s been a rewarding time.

What triggers ideas for new projects?
It could be almost anything, something I’ve seen in passing, a picture, and especially talking with others.

When do ideas come to you? How often?
Ideas come to me at the oddest times, mostly when I’m having a quite moment to myself. My creative mind is always working especially when I’m involved with a project, or someone needs help with a idea.

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?
I’m limited to the evenings to work on my art, or to teach the classes I have. By day I’m a engraver, it too is very creative for me.

Do you create daily?
Yes I do I’ve always got projects on the table, and am in the studio every evening and full days on the weekend.

How important is it for you to create art?
My art is my way to unwind from my hectic schedule. I get lost in time when I’m creating it’s very relaxing for me. Every once in a while I have to step back, but it’s more catching up on sleep than anything.

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice? Have you given up certain luxuries?
Not at all, I’m fortunate that my husband and family supports what I’m doing and understand the goals I’ve set and are helping me achieve them. With teaching I’ve met and shared my passion for glass and been able to start my students on their journey with glass.

Describe your studio.
My studio is the basement of my home. I have two rooms set up. The main area is my working space. A big table sits in the center of the room for working on. Around the perimeter of the room are shelves, benches and cupboards for all my tools of the trade. I’m forever re-organizing things to make my space efficient to working in. I tell my students don’t get use to that being there because it might not be there next week. I’ve also have a computer, TV, DVD and radio in this space. I have a room off the main studio that holds all my glass and mosaic supplies.

Tell me something about you.
I live in Southern Ontario, Canada. My SO and I have been together 27 years, in 2007 we decided to get married. Our DD and SIL are in the process of a International Adoption, we’re all very excited about this, and I’m waiting patiently for the day I can hold my Grandchild.
I also enjoy gardening, and reading. I’m constantly researching to find new ways to work with glass and take classes my self in areas that interest me.

GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-09-29T15:27:00.001-07:00

I am offering a new giveaway. It is being featured on another blog. Make sure you sign up!
http://vermillionrules.blogspot.com/

New Listings

2008-09-25T10:29:00.001-07:00

New Autumn Pieces On Etsy

2008-09-19T15:19:00.001-07:00

Check Out this GREAT Etsy Artist Stacey Reed

2008-09-18T11:52:00.001-07:00

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5267803

Stacey Reed of JS GLASS ART was kind enough to grant me an interview.
Make sure you check out her store (see the link to her store)

How many years have you been an artist?
Maybe in the last five years, or so, I’ve considered myself good enough to be called an artist.

How many years have you worked with glass?
9 years. Like many people doing kiln work, my first introduction to glasswork was through stained glass. I started doing kiln work within two months of learning stained glass.

What triggers ideas for new projects?
My brain thinks more mechanically than artistically. If I see something interesting in some other medium I’ll automatically start thinking of how I can create it in glass. I enjoy the manipulation of glass more than making sure it’s artistically pleasing.

When do ideas come to you? How often?
Most of my ideas come to me while I’m working with the glass. A lot of the time the piece I’m working on will come out differently than what I originally intended because of a new idea popping into my head. I’ll also get a great idea just as I’m falling asleep, unfortunately, I won’t remember it when I wake up.

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art? Depending on the season. In the summer it’s common for me to get in the studio first thing in the morning and work until dark. In the winter I usually wait for it to warm up a bit before going out. It can get pretty cold in there.

Do you create daily?
No. I do need to take time off. Usually it’s just a day here and there, but sometimes I need a whole week. If I’m working on a technique, or trying to figure out a problem, I can get a bit obsessive about it and will need the time off to regenerate.

How important is it for you to create art?
Very important. I’ve always felt the need to create. A physical need. My hands get restless if I go too long without creating something.

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice? Have you given up certain luxuries?
No. I’ve been lucky in that I have the resources to be able to work on glass full time.

Describe your studio.
My studio is in my garage. A very small garage. I’ve done well in utilizing my space, but I still need something larger. I’m forced to work out of a smaller kiln and it’s very frustrating since I learned to work large. I have a large kiln I can’t even use.

Tell me something about you.
I live in Northern California/Silicon Valley. I have a 25 year old son who recently married. I’ve been with my SO for over 15 years. My dream is to live on a property large enough to plant enough food to be self sustaining, and I would need a huge studio on this property. Solar powered, of course. It seems the older I get the more my inner hippie surfaces and I’m fine with that.

More new pieces....

2008-09-18T10:10:00.001-07:00

New necklace and Pendant posted

2008-09-17T12:08:00.000-07:00

My new Fall necklace

2008-09-16T09:32:00.000-07:00

'Fall, leaves, fall'

Fall, leaves, fall;
die, flowers, away;
Lengthen night
and shorten day;
Every leaf speaks
bliss to me
Fluttering from
the autumn tree.
I shall smile
when wreaths of snow
Blossom where
the rose should grow;
I shall sing
when night's decay
Ushers in
a drearier day.
Emily Jane Brontë

Take time TO PLAY!

2008-09-13T10:30:00.000-07:00

I love this quote...

Take time to work

It is the price of success.

Take time to think

It is the source of power.

Take time to play,

It is the Secret perpetual of youth.

Take time to be friendly

It is the road to happiness.

Take time to love And be loved,

It is a Privilege of the Gods.

Take time to share,

Life is Too short to be selfish.

Take time to laugh

Laughter is the music of the soul.

~Anon

My new pendants are all about playing...playing in the rain, playing with a balloon. Take time to play today, I know I will!

~Yvonne~

Sunsets, Mountains, Beautiful Fall Colors

2008-08-30T10:04:00.000-07:00

I am having a lot of fun with black silhouette glass decals. They are fused into the glass. I love how they give depth to a piece. They required several firings in the kiln to get the landscape effect I was going for. These are my new creations. It makes me want to take a hike in the mountains. Fall colors are sooooooooo beautiful! I know I will be creating a lot more silhouettes with the dichroic glass. I am not a great photographer. They look amazing in person.

Pumpkins, Spiders, Oh My!

2008-08-25T10:42:00.000-07:00

Halloween is approaching. I have started making some pendants in that theme. They are so much fun to make! You can find my jewelry on Etsy (see shop information below).

My entry to the CGGE Contest

2008-08-24T10:25:00.000-07:00

Title: Kauai, Hawaii
Artist: Yvonne
This is where my hubby and I went for our 1st vacation without kids in over 10 years. It was the most beautiful and romantic spot. I thought it was perfect for the summer challenge because it was a summer vacation that I will always remember.

CGGE Monthly Contest
This is my entry to the August Summer Challenge

Dreaming Of Fall

2008-08-16T09:52:00.000-07:00

"There is nothing quite like a fall day.
The cool crisp air, pumpkins in the fields,
and playing in the leaves.
The smile on your face can warm a chilly day."
Author: unknown

My new listing on Etsy is the Pumpkin Pendant & Earrings Set.
It has me dreaming of fall. I love fall. I miss experiencing it in Upstate NY (where I grew up). While it cools off here, we do not have the gorgeous fall colors. I miss going to the apple cider mill, eating freshly made donuts and drinking hot apple cider. The fall leaves are such a thing of beauty.
Don't get me wrong, I truly love living in Florida. I love seeing the sun shine every day. I love wearing one wardrobe year round, as opposed to seasonal clothing. I love the tropical climate.
It is just fall that I miss. I guess, I should start going North in the fall. We vacation every October. Funny how our vacations are always centered around even warmer climates than ours (Caribbean, Hawaii, etc). My hubby is a Florida boy and he is not fond of the cold. I may break him of that some day. LOL. We have been married 15 years and I have not managed that yet.
Well enough rambling, I have more glass to create....
~Yvonne~

My animals are the best of friends

2008-08-14T12:03:00.000-07:00

2008-08-12T09:27:00.001-07:00

Good Deed

2008-08-03T08:55:00.000-07:00

On Etsy's community thread I came across a blogger that is doing a monthly good deed. This month she is collecting items to send to a child with cancer. You can see her story here http://www.makeachildsmile.org/2008/prev_2008_mar3.shtml

I wanted to take part so I created some jewelry for Abbie.
I think "Hope" is the perfect theme for anyone going through such a difficult disease.

If you would like to take part in this excellent good deed, you can find information here: http://justalittlescribble.blogspot.com/2008/07/i-need-your-help-august-good-deed.html

Earrings

2008-08-02T18:58:00.000-07:00

This week it's all about the earrings----my newest addition to my Etsy store.

The winner is....

2008-08-01T04:23:00.000-07:00

Now for what you've all been waiting for---I entered the numbers into the integer generator on Random. org and the lucky winner is....
SALLYVEL

Congratulations!
Please contact me with the pendant you want to have
~Yvonne~

Last Chance to enter giveaway

2008-07-30T14:57:00.000-07:00

To promote my new Etsy shop I am offering a giveaway.

The winner will get to select 1 pendant (in fused glass pendant $17.00 section of my store) from my store.

To enter my giveaway please visit my shop http://yjja123.etsy.com/ and post your comments on here

To enter:
1. Go to My Etsy shop http://yjja123.etsy.com and take a look around.

2. Post here (on this post) what your favorite item is and why you like it.

3. Select your favorite pendant (give-away) and make sure you include your email address or blog link so that I can contact you if you win.

4. You have until Thursday, July 31st at midnight to enter.

5. You can earn an extra entry by blogging about this giveaway.

Please make sure to include a link to my store.
You will need to contact me with a link to your blog.

Good luck and thank you for taking the time to browse my store! ~Yvonne~

Adorable purses

2008-07-22T19:58:00.000-07:00

Visit this Etsy shop for the cutest purses.

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6059938

I discovered her while searching on etsy. Her things are so nice. She is new to Etsy so I am trying to get the word out.

Check out her store. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6059938

~Yvonne~

GIVEAWAY WIN FREE JEWELRY FREEBIE

2008-07-22T17:20:00.000-07:00

To promote my new Etsy shop I am offering a giveaway.

The winner will get to select 1 pendant (in fused glass pendant $17.00 section of my store) from my store.

To enter my giveaway please visit my shop http://yjja123.etsy.com/

and post your comments on here

To enter:
1. Go to My Etsy shop http://yjja123.etsy.com and take a look around.
2. Post here (on this post) what your favorite item is and why you like it.
3. Select your favorite pendant (give-away) and make sure you include your email address or blog link so that I can contact you if you win.
4. You have until Thursday, July 31st at midnight to enter.
5. You can earn an extra entry by blogging about this giveaway.
Please make sure to include a link to my store.
You will need to contact me with a link to your blog.
Good luck and thank you for taking the time to browse my store! ~Yvonne~

Some new pieces added to Etsy: