After talking about it for what seems like years, I've finally gotten myself set up to start lampworking (making glass beads) at home! I purchased the HotHead Torch Kit from RioGrande several months ago and after a fantastic 1:1 lesson from Sheri Fiegelson (the mother of a co-worker who happens to be an extremely talented lampworker) I gained the confidence to set up in my garage and give it a try on my own.
Already, I am complely hooked! Melting glass is SO much fun, and although I'm still figuring things out I've already made a few beads that I have deemed worthy to be made into jewelry :)
All things considered I was rather surprised at how easy it was to set up my lampworking bench. In addition to the kit (which comes with the torch, an assortment of glass, mandrels, bead release, a few tools, safety glasses, etc.) I had to purchase a few cans of MAPP gas (available at hardware stores--I got mine at Lowes for about $7.50 per can) and I had to fire-proof my table. I used some mismatched ceramic floor tiles that I had purchased for photo backdrops (also from Lowes). I've read that you can also use cookie sheets--the main goal being to make sure your table/bench has a heat-resistant surface.
Of course, now that I'm hooked I could easily spend a TON of money on the hobby......right now I'm using the fiber blanket that came with the kit to cool my beads, but in the long run purchasing a kiln to anneal my beads will be a must (annealing is the process of slowly cooling the lampworked glass to reduce stress within the glass slowly for greater strength/durability and to reduce the likelihood of cracking). I've already purchased some additional mandrels from a fellow Etsian since the kit only came with 10 (and running out of mandrels when you're on a roll making beads is no fun!) I could go on about this new adventure forever, but need to stop and make dinner so I can get back to melting glass! Anyone who is interested in getting started lampworking feel free to contact me for a beginner's perspective :)
This blog chronicles the behind-the-scenes workings of Smutopia, my fledgling handmade jewelry business. Whether promoting my online shop, improving my craft, or setting up to sell at local markets, this blog will document my adventures in jewlery design, crafting, and sales.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
She Sells Sea Shells
The Etsy love just keeps coming! Check out this amazing beachy treasury that features one of my ShapeShifter convertable bracelet/necklace designs!
Feeling the Love!
YOU to both Julie and Sandi for including my work in their posts :)
Friday, April 23, 2010
Smu's Friday Finds: Coffee Time!
While pondering my caffeine additiction this morning I decided it was time for another coffee-themed Friday Finds post :) Enjoy these java-related finds from JoannasPhotography, whatnomints, naomievelyn and Boojiboo!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Treasury EAST is Open!
Recently Etsy has opened the new test envrionment "Treasury EAST", and I for one am a huge fan! Aside from the wider layout (4x4 vs the 4x3 of a Treasury Main) and ability to drag to rearrange the items (awesome!) my favorite attribute of Treasury EAST is that it's always open, and the lists never expire! No more treasury stalking necessary when you have a great theme and want to curate a collection! Here are my first two collections on Treasury East:
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
EtsyTwitter Shop-of-the-Week: Art by Betty Refour (shop name: brefour)
This amazing art is just one of the items for sale at Etsy shop brefour, this week's Etsytwitter Team SOTW! (SOTW = Shop of the Week ;) ). I am very drawn to the bold geometric patterns
and abstract flair of Betty's work--learn more about her on the EtsyTwitter team blog!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Smu's Friday Finds: Prehistoric Premise
Inspired by my spectacular fossil finds at the recent Raleigh Gem and Mineral Festival (see previous post), this week's Friday Finds post has a "prehistoric" feel :) Being a bit of a science geek (not to mention a college biology major) these finds are near and dear to my heart :) Let me know what you think, and I'd love to see links to other great fossil finds!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
RockHound's Paradise; Raleigh Gem & Mineral Show!
I was away on business last week (for the day-job) and haven't had much time for my creative side or my usual crafty online activities, so I was absolutely thrilled when my hubby found the ad in our local paper for the Raleigh Gem & Mineral show at the Raleigh fairgrounds! I had a fantastic time at this show when I went a few years ago and found some unique jewelry supplies, most of which have been made into jewelry and sold.
I spent a ton of time picking out fossils and can't wait to get started making new jewelry with the fossilzed ammonites and sand dollars I came home with. My amazingly wonderful and patient hubby dropped me off at the show (all in one large room) and came back after exploring the entire flea market outside at the fairgrounds--I had just made it to the back corner on my way around the outside of the room (about 1/3 of the way around the outside, with three big interior rows and the remaining 2/3 of the outside still to go!!!). Sometimes I can't believe he puts up with me ;)
I spent a ton of time picking out fossils and can't wait to get started making new jewelry with the fossilzed ammonites and sand dollars I came home with. My amazingly wonderful and patient hubby dropped me off at the show (all in one large room) and came back after exploring the entire flea market outside at the fairgrounds--I had just made it to the back corner on my way around the outside of the room (about 1/3 of the way around the outside, with three big interior rows and the remaining 2/3 of the outside still to go!!!). Sometimes I can't believe he puts up with me ;)
Friday, April 2, 2010
Smu's Friday Finds--Let's Hit the Beach!
With tempatures in North Carolina reaching the 80's I'm definately ready for that first summer beach trip! Since I'm not there yet, I thought the next-best thing would be to dedicate this week's Friday Finds to some fanatasticly-beachy Etsy fare!
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