I wrote another blogpost on the Handmade in Europe blog yesterday about Flappy. I let him experience the oh, so swedish tradition of a Lucia procession.
Read all about it here!
12 December, 2010
07 December, 2010
Christmas fair
This Sunday (December 5) I had a boot at the local Christmas fair, wich was really fun. Sales were not amazing, but I met lots of new people and handed out lots of bussiness cards and had a great day all together.
Here's a picture of my boot:
Here's a picture of my boot:
28 November, 2010
Flappy - the HIE mascot - is here!
In the ArtFire guild Handmade in Europe we have a mascot called Flappy Flambé, or just Flappy. He's a phoenix bird to remind us how we were reborn from the ashes of the old european guild.
One of our guild members, Eddys Pressies, knitted us a lovely Flappy and now he's travelling all around Europe, visiting our studios and home towns. And now he's here, In Uppsala, Sweden, visiting me!
I blog about his visit on the guild blog. The first post can be found here: Flappy is in the house!
and the second one here: Flappy in my studio
Hope you like it!
One of our guild members, Eddys Pressies, knitted us a lovely Flappy and now he's travelling all around Europe, visiting our studios and home towns. And now he's here, In Uppsala, Sweden, visiting me!
I blog about his visit on the guild blog. The first post can be found here: Flappy is in the house!
and the second one here: Flappy in my studio
Hope you like it!
01 October, 2010
Go find Flappy!! Or make a pice of jewellery!!
I'm a member of two lovely guilds on ArtFire. On is Fire Divas - a group of talented lampworkers (and me), and one is Handmade in Europe - where all the members are european but active within different crafts.
And each guild has a fantastic challenge going on RIGHT NOW!!
In Fire Divas, it's the Quarterly Jewelry Challenge, wich I told you about before.
Handmade in Europe is throwing another Flappy Hunt! Flappy is the phoenix bird we've choosen for our symbol. And now he's looking for his realitves! Please help him!
And the best part is that there are wonderful prizec to be won in both the contests!
And each guild has a fantastic challenge going on RIGHT NOW!!
In Fire Divas, it's the Quarterly Jewelry Challenge, wich I told you about before.
Handmade in Europe is throwing another Flappy Hunt! Flappy is the phoenix bird we've choosen for our symbol. And now he's looking for his realitves! Please help him!
And the best part is that there are wonderful prizec to be won in both the contests!
29 September, 2010
A new Curated Collection
I love that ArtFire made it possible to create collections of your favourite items and show them of to others.
Today I made a collection of Fire Diva beads that are To Die For! Just look:
Today I made a collection of Fire Diva beads that are To Die For! Just look:
31 August, 2010
I wish
If could get what I want I'd do no other work than making beads. I could concider making jewellery, giving lessons etc, but everything would be beadrelated.
*Sigh!*
But there's no way I can make my dream come true. So I just keep doing my daytime job. That means, though, that my listing of new items, writing blogposts and everything else related to the lampwork bussiness will happen very randomly. As you might have noticed! :)
So I hope you have patience with me and keep visiting my blog, my ArtFire store and my Facebook Fanpage!
*Sigh!*
But there's no way I can make my dream come true. So I just keep doing my daytime job. That means, though, that my listing of new items, writing blogposts and everything else related to the lampwork bussiness will happen very randomly. As you might have noticed! :)
So I hope you have patience with me and keep visiting my blog, my ArtFire store and my Facebook Fanpage!
23 August, 2010
Fire Divas Quarterly Jewelry Challenge!
It's that time again! The Fire Divas are hosting another Jewelry Challenge! For this challenge, the theme is "The Holiday Season." There are several holidays coming up, and we want to celebrate them! You can see holiday-inspired Fire Diva creations in our Flickr. By entering this challenge, you have the chance to win:
All submissions must feature Fire Divas' lampwork. We require the name of the Fire Diva who made the beads used in the submitted piece, so if you submit something, please be ready to provide that information.
We will allow one submission per person per contest, and a maximum of two photos per submission. Entries may be submitted here (http://www.flickr.com/groups/firedivachallenge/) for approval, no later than October 15, 2010. No Flickr account? No problem. You can also email your submissions to firedivas @ gmail . com (no spaces). Please include, in the comments section or in your email, the following:
Information about the beads:
Description of the piece:
Inspiration for the piece:
Submissions will not be approved without all of this information.
Fire Divas reserve the right to approve or reject any submissions.
Fire Divas reserve the right to modify or cancel the challenge at any time.
The winners will be determined by an open poll which does not allow multiple votes.
All submissions must feature Fire Divas' lampwork. We require the name of the Fire Diva who made the beads used in the submitted piece, so if you submit something, please be ready to provide that information.
We will allow one submission per person per contest, and a maximum of two photos per submission. Entries may be submitted here (http://www.flickr.com/groups/firedivachallenge/) for approval, no later than October 15, 2010. No Flickr account? No problem. You can also email your submissions to firedivas @ gmail . com (no spaces). Please include, in the comments section or in your email, the following:
Information about the beads:
Description of the piece:
Inspiration for the piece:
Submissions will not be approved without all of this information.
Fire Divas reserve the right to approve or reject any submissions.
Fire Divas reserve the right to modify or cancel the challenge at any time.
The winners will be determined by an open poll which does not allow multiple votes.
22 August, 2010
I guess summer is over
I've tried to keep on to the summer for as long as possible. But now the kids re back in school, and my daytime job is really taking off, so I guess I'll have to stop pretending. Though it hurts a bit!
Among other stuff that has to be taken care of is my ArtFire shop - and this blog! There's lot of stuff happening in the lampwork/shop world. On is that I finally got to make, photograph and list some beads on ArtFire this week. Yay!!
Go visit my shop to see Galaxies and Autumn bloom, for example. And there is more to come this week.
I also listed Summer sea view, but it is already gone. I really liked i though, so I'll show you a pic of it here. Hope you enjoy!
Summer sea view
Among other stuff that has to be taken care of is my ArtFire shop - and this blog! There's lot of stuff happening in the lampwork/shop world. On is that I finally got to make, photograph and list some beads on ArtFire this week. Yay!!
Go visit my shop to see Galaxies and Autumn bloom, for example. And there is more to come this week.
I also listed Summer sea view, but it is already gone. I really liked i though, so I'll show you a pic of it here. Hope you enjoy!
Summer sea view02 June, 2010
New category: Big Hole Beads (BHB)
Yes, I finally caved in and bought some really thick mandrels (5 mm in diameter) to make big hole beads for Pandora, Troll, Biagi and similar jewelry. They are actually quite fun to make and kind of challenging to as I have to think in new dimensions while placing the pattern.
The mandrel in the picture is one of my normal sized ones.
And as these beads differ a bit from my normal production I also decided to open up a new category in my ArtFire studio for them.
The mandrel in the picture is one of my normal sized ones. And as these beads differ a bit from my normal production I also decided to open up a new category in my ArtFire studio for them.
Great news on Fire Divas blog!
May has been somewhat insane for me. Lot of work and not so much time for beads or blog.
But I wanted to pop in and tell you about a new feature at the Fire Divas blog. As you probably know we have a daily post called Bead of the Day (or BOTD if your in a hurry). Now many of us divas have signed up for Bead of the Day project and discounts. In short it means taht if you are quick and order the featured bead within 24 hrs, you get some sort of discount.
Check it out to find out what, who and how much!
But I wanted to pop in and tell you about a new feature at the Fire Divas blog. As you probably know we have a daily post called Bead of the Day (or BOTD if your in a hurry). Now many of us divas have signed up for Bead of the Day project and discounts. In short it means taht if you are quick and order the featured bead within 24 hrs, you get some sort of discount.
Check it out to find out what, who and how much!
22 April, 2010
I don't believe it - SNOW!!!
Last night snow started to fall over Uppsala. It's not totally for April in Sweden wich is reknowned for it moody weather but the snow was still on the ground when we wole up this morning and it keeps falling. Brrr!
So I thought I'd just cheer me - and you - up with som more floral beads.
Flower and pearls
Have you been invited to a party this spring? You'll feel like a princess in this necklace. It's made of white freshwater pearls and pea green seed beads. As a focal I've use one of my lampwork flowers in pea green and the lightest transaprent pink there is.
Blooming ink
The ink blue glass from CiM - Leaky pen - is very hard to use as it fries easily. Also it has to be laid over a light colour or else it will just look black. But when you overcome those issues it's a beautiful glass! Here I put it over white and added som white flowers randomly placed on the surface. The raised stamens are also made of Leaky pen .
Tangerine lampwork flower necklace
Here I made a pendant from the lampwork flower and let it hang from a wire necklet. An everyday necklace for the happy days of spring.
Meadow
A transparent green bead with surface decoration of frit in greens and yellows and raised flowers in pink and white.
Light turquoise flower earrings
Sterling silver and turquoise says summer to me. These lentil beads have an ivory coloured flower on each side. There's a necklace to go with them too...
So I thought I'd just cheer me - and you - up with som more floral beads.
Flower and pearlsHave you been invited to a party this spring? You'll feel like a princess in this necklace. It's made of white freshwater pearls and pea green seed beads. As a focal I've use one of my lampwork flowers in pea green and the lightest transaprent pink there is.
Blooming inkThe ink blue glass from CiM - Leaky pen - is very hard to use as it fries easily. Also it has to be laid over a light colour or else it will just look black. But when you overcome those issues it's a beautiful glass! Here I put it over white and added som white flowers randomly placed on the surface. The raised stamens are also made of Leaky pen .
Tangerine lampwork flower necklaceHere I made a pendant from the lampwork flower and let it hang from a wire necklet. An everyday necklace for the happy days of spring.
MeadowA transparent green bead with surface decoration of frit in greens and yellows and raised flowers in pink and white.
Light turquoise flower earringsSterling silver and turquoise says summer to me. These lentil beads have an ivory coloured flower on each side. There's a necklace to go with them too...
17 April, 2010
Voting has begun - please use your vote!
It's so exciting! 14 lovely entries are competing for fantastic prizes in Fire Divas Jewelry Challenge and voting begins today.
You simply MUST visit the Fire Divas blog and drowl over the lovely pieces and lay your vote on your personal favourite. (Not that I would DREAM of trying to influence your opinion, but one of the entries is featuring a bead of mine...)
Fire Divas is a group of 24 talented lampworkers who strives to promote, help and encourage eachother. You can find us in our blog, on Facebook and in the weekly threads on ArtFire and Etsy.
You simply MUST visit the Fire Divas blog and drowl over the lovely pieces and lay your vote on your personal favourite. (Not that I would DREAM of trying to influence your opinion, but one of the entries is featuring a bead of mine...)
Fire Divas is a group of 24 talented lampworkers who strives to promote, help and encourage eachother. You can find us in our blog, on Facebook and in the weekly threads on ArtFire and Etsy.
15 April, 2010
Lot of flowers going on
I'm making a lot of floral beads right now. Might it be the spring influencing me? ;)
Romantic, lampwork bead
When I look around in the lampwork world I don't see so many florals right now. Maybe they're outmoded. But how can you grow tired of flowers??
They are great fun to make, too. So many possibiliteis in colours and shape. Should the flowers float ove a plain background or should there be a background decoration of frit?
Vulcano flowers
Maybe a winding wine for the flowers to grow from or a scrollwork to add interest.
Blossoms, lampwork necklace
And the flowers. Raised or flush? Encased or surface decoration? And how many petals should there be? How many layers of lovely glass, how small, how big?
Blooming rock
Should the bead just be a flower?
Bud
Or should the flower just be an accent on something else?
Goddess with rose on her hip
Romantic, lampwork bead When I look around in the lampwork world I don't see so many florals right now. Maybe they're outmoded. But how can you grow tired of flowers??
They are great fun to make, too. So many possibiliteis in colours and shape. Should the flowers float ove a plain background or should there be a background decoration of frit?
Vulcano flowers Maybe a winding wine for the flowers to grow from or a scrollwork to add interest.
Blossoms, lampwork necklace And the flowers. Raised or flush? Encased or surface decoration? And how many petals should there be? How many layers of lovely glass, how small, how big?
Blooming rock Should the bead just be a flower?
Bud Or should the flower just be an accent on something else?
Goddess with rose on her hipI could go on forever. But I wont. I'll just keep making them, hoping you'll love them!
Slytherin floral, lampwork bead
Slytherin floral, lampwork bead12 April, 2010
Don't forget to find Flappy!
The hunt is hosted by the ArtFire guild Handmade in Europe, and there are fabulouse handmade prizes to win. Read all about us and the prizes in our blog.
05 April, 2010
Wohoo! I'm Diva of the month! :)
This is so great. I'm the choosen one on Fire Divas blog during April. That means you can learn all about me (?) during these four weeks. The first part of the interview was published on the 1:st and the next part will be published on the 8:th. And so on!
You find the first part of the interview here!
And if you've got any questions not covered by the blogposts, feel free to ask me!
You find the first part of the interview here!
And if you've got any questions not covered by the blogposts, feel free to ask me!
26 March, 2010
Fire Divas Jewelry Challenge - inspiration
You haven't forgotten about the Fire Divas jewelry Challenge, have you!?
Holly posted two inspirational posts here and here. You can also visit the Flickr Challenge gallery for inspiration.
Now, go create!
Holly posted two inspirational posts here and here. You can also visit the Flickr Challenge gallery for inspiration.
Now, go create!
22 March, 2010
Fabulouse give away!
A lot going on in the ArtFire guilds right now. I've already told you about Fire Divas Jewelry Challenge.
My other guild - Handmade in Europe - is having a kind of Egg hunt-give away. Though with Flappy Flambé - the phoenix bird. It's not hard, just fun! And the winner will get beautiful, handmade stuff from european artists. The items will be presented more thoroughly in the blog during March and April.
Now go hunt!
My other guild - Handmade in Europe - is having a kind of Egg hunt-give away. Though with Flappy Flambé - the phoenix bird. It's not hard, just fun! And the winner will get beautiful, handmade stuff from european artists. The items will be presented more thoroughly in the blog during March and April.
Now go hunt!
20 March, 2010
The perfect tool
People who are just about to get their first lampwork setup often asks what tools they should invest in (beside the obviouse torch and mandrels). Moste beginners kits includes a graphite marver and som kind of poking device, wich anyone who is into this hobby probably would recommend too. But what is the next step?
I've been addicted for almost three years and have gathered some tools, more or less useful. But there is one that I don't think I would do without (at least not as well!) and that happens to be the cheapest tool in the box! Here it is:
Yep, that's right. It's a common, stainless steel table knife. It was part of my husbands cuttlery when he moved away from home and I'm guessing he bought it real cheap at IKEA or so.
And now it's a lampwork tool! That must be a somewhat surprising experience for a knife. But totally awesome!
And I love and use it all the time. It's perfect for gently pushing glas around while encasing a bead. It works as a tiny marver when you just want to shape part of a bead, like the legs of a goddess or the fishes head. As it is so narrow, it doesn't hide the while bead like a marver would so it's easy to follow the lines you're creating.
It makes nice creases (I always use it for making striped wine stringer) and the cutting edge is great for raking or feathering pattern on the surface of the bead.
Tools can be really expensive. But they don't have to be to work! As long as they are made in a stainless material and doesn't melt or burn, they can work.
And the best part; When this knife is worn out, there are 11 more in the box!
I've been addicted for almost three years and have gathered some tools, more or less useful. But there is one that I don't think I would do without (at least not as well!) and that happens to be the cheapest tool in the box! Here it is:
Yep, that's right. It's a common, stainless steel table knife. It was part of my husbands cuttlery when he moved away from home and I'm guessing he bought it real cheap at IKEA or so.And now it's a lampwork tool! That must be a somewhat surprising experience for a knife. But totally awesome!
And I love and use it all the time. It's perfect for gently pushing glas around while encasing a bead. It works as a tiny marver when you just want to shape part of a bead, like the legs of a goddess or the fishes head. As it is so narrow, it doesn't hide the while bead like a marver would so it's easy to follow the lines you're creating.
It makes nice creases (I always use it for making striped wine stringer) and the cutting edge is great for raking or feathering pattern on the surface of the bead.
Tools can be really expensive. But they don't have to be to work! As long as they are made in a stainless material and doesn't melt or burn, they can work.
And the best part; When this knife is worn out, there are 11 more in the box!
12 March, 2010
Jewellery challenge with great prices!
It's time for the Fire Divas Quarterly Jewelry Challenge! The theme for this challenge is Spring! Show us your beautiful Spring themed jewelry creations featuring Fire Divas' lampwork. Head over to the Flickr site to see many beautiful jewelry pieces made with Fire Divas' lampwork to inspire you! You have the chance to win these incredible prizes from the Fire Divas:
Now for the details:
All submissions must feature Fire Divas' lampwork. We require the name of the Fire Diva who made the beads used in the submitted piece, so if you submit something, please be ready to provide that information.
We will allow one submission per person per contest, and a maximum of two photos per submission. Entries may be submitted here (http://www.flickr.com/groups/firedivachallenge/) for approval, no later than April 15, 2010. Please include, in the comments section, the following:
Information about the beads:
Description of the piece:
Inspiration for the piece:
Name of the lampwork artist:
Submissions will not be approved without all of this information.
Fire Divas reserve the right to approve or reject any submissions.
Fire Divas reserve the right to modify or cancel the challenge at any time.
The winners will be determined by an open poll which does not allow multiple votes.
Ok, go have fun creating, and good luck to all who enter!
$50 Gift Certificate to http://www.hollysfolly.com
$25 Gift Certificate to http://www.lajewelrydesigns.artfire.com or
http://www.LAJewelryDesigns.etsy.com
http://www.LAJewelryDesigns.etsy.com
Bentley the Blue dog from Lauren of Maybeads
$20 Gift Certificate to http://www.lutrick.artfire.com
$20 Gift Certificate to http://www.JanelDudleyBeads.etsy.com
Now for the details:
All submissions must feature Fire Divas' lampwork. We require the name of the Fire Diva who made the beads used in the submitted piece, so if you submit something, please be ready to provide that information.
We will allow one submission per person per contest, and a maximum of two photos per submission. Entries may be submitted here (http://www.flickr.com/groups/firedivachallenge/) for approval, no later than April 15, 2010. Please include, in the comments section, the following:
Information about the beads:
Description of the piece:
Inspiration for the piece:
Name of the lampwork artist:
Submissions will not be approved without all of this information.
Fire Divas reserve the right to approve or reject any submissions.
Fire Divas reserve the right to modify or cancel the challenge at any time.
The winners will be determined by an open poll which does not allow multiple votes.
Ok, go have fun creating, and good luck to all who enter!
21 February, 2010
Just listed: a fish and a set!
This week has been insane in many ways and I haven't found any time for listing or blogging until this weekend. So now I want to show you two items.
The first one might not be a great surprise - it's a fish!
Goldie, lampwork fish
Goldie is a girl with a taste for glamuor. Her body send out sparks from the gold aventurin I used for the pattern. Her fins are in light and medium amber that bring out the golden look and her lipstick is dark red.
The next item is really five items. It's the first set I've ever listed!
They are made of dark grey glass with a white dot pattern. I'm really fond of the tranquility in them.
But most of all I'm quite proud of having made a set! I'm normally more of a focal kind of lampworker. When I make a bead I allready have the next one planned in my head and I jump between styles and techniques. A lot of the joy in torching lies in the infinite possibilities and constant ability to change.
On the other hand I'd love to make jewellery with a set of lampwork beads! And I guess I'm not the only one thinking so.
For further info and more beads and jewellery, please visit my ArtFire studio!
The first one might not be a great surprise - it's a fish!
Goldie, lampwork fishGoldie is a girl with a taste for glamuor. Her body send out sparks from the gold aventurin I used for the pattern. Her fins are in light and medium amber that bring out the golden look and her lipstick is dark red.
The next item is really five items. It's the first set I've ever listed!
They are made of dark grey glass with a white dot pattern. I'm really fond of the tranquility in them.
But most of all I'm quite proud of having made a set! I'm normally more of a focal kind of lampworker. When I make a bead I allready have the next one planned in my head and I jump between styles and techniques. A lot of the joy in torching lies in the infinite possibilities and constant ability to change.
On the other hand I'd love to make jewellery with a set of lampwork beads! And I guess I'm not the only one thinking so.
For further info and more beads and jewellery, please visit my ArtFire studio!
13 February, 2010
Is it really that difficult?
Lot's of people probably wonder what's so difficult about lampwork. And when you look at all the amazing work by all the great lampwork artists, it really doesn't seem so hard.
But there's lots and lots of practice behind every single one of those stunning creations.
Over at Watch me Create I found this post from a talented jewellery designer who made her second atempt on lampwork the other day. Read Lori Andersons post here!
But there's lots and lots of practice behind every single one of those stunning creations.
Over at Watch me Create I found this post from a talented jewellery designer who made her second atempt on lampwork the other day. Read Lori Andersons post here!
11 February, 2010
My blog and other blogs
There's a lot of blogs in my life. The present one is obviouse! I try to keep it updated, but when my real job gets in the way it's sometimes hard to find time for it.
I also have two other blogs - both in swedish - that almost dead due to lack of care.
And than I have duties on two community blogs. Monday is my day to show of my work at Handmade in Europe. It's run buy a group of european ArtFire artist. We make all sorts of stuff and have great fun together. You should really visit the blog if you fancy handmade items! In a month or so there will be a give-away too, so keep an eye on it.
On Wednesdays I've taken over the Bead of the Day on Fire Divas blog. Fire Divas is a group of 21 lampworkers from US and Canada. And me!!
Under the the heading Item of the Day (wich occurs several times each week) the author pick one of the beads that has been listed during the week. And every week it's so hard to choose!
Keep an eye on this blog if you like lampwork!
I also have two other blogs - both in swedish - that almost dead due to lack of care.
And than I have duties on two community blogs. Monday is my day to show of my work at Handmade in Europe. It's run buy a group of european ArtFire artist. We make all sorts of stuff and have great fun together. You should really visit the blog if you fancy handmade items! In a month or so there will be a give-away too, so keep an eye on it.
On Wednesdays I've taken over the Bead of the Day on Fire Divas blog. Fire Divas is a group of 21 lampworkers from US and Canada. And me!!
Under the the heading Item of the Day (wich occurs several times each week) the author pick one of the beads that has been listed during the week. And every week it's so hard to choose!
Keep an eye on this blog if you like lampwork!
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