Lampwork Art

This Blog Has Moved!

2006-12-05T10:10:00.000-08:00

This blog has moved. Click here.

It's Snowing Cats and Dogs

2006-12-04T13:31:00.000-08:00

That's 'cuz it's not raining here. I'm buried in snow and for some reason went on a cat kick. There are four new whimsical cat beads (a new design for me and I'm just having way too much fun with it) in blue, orange, green, and periwinkle. There's also a Daschund.

They are available here.

Lagoon Goddess

2006-11-27T11:52:00.000-08:00

A lavender goddess with blue-green hair (changes depending on the lighting). She has kim-blue and peach flowers with green highlights. This is one bead shown in several different views. Measures 38x17mm. Hole runs head to feet. Hole size 3/32. Click Here.

Christmas Angel Lampwork Bead

2006-11-27T11:48:00.000-08:00

A new Christmas Angel. She's my best one yet, I think. :) Click Here.

Work at Home Online Guide

2006-11-27T09:20:00.000-08:00

Those of you who have been with me for a while know that I have had articles up online with topics ranging from how to start your own website to getting started lampworking. When I re-designed my website this last time, I decided to put all of my articles in one place so I created a subdomain for them. I also added several new ones about various work-at-home schemes, scams, programs, and opportunities. I have several more articles in the works and should have them available soon. It's here:

Work at Home Online Guide

St. Nick Lampwork Bead

2006-11-20T11:25:00.000-08:00

Starting to get into the Christmas swing... Click Here

Happy Holidays $5 off Lampwork Beads

2006-11-12T11:12:00.000-08:00

This is a special thank you for my blog readers and e-mail subscribers.

Enter code 8a27e5e8b4 at checkout and get $5 off a purchase of $50 or more. Offer good until December 1, 2006. One per customer. Only good for beads on my website, not available for my auctions. Click here to start shopping!

Lots of New Lampwork Beads

2006-11-10T12:21:00.000-08:00

I've been busy making Christmas beads and more. There's a new white sculptural flower set, a Father Christmas bead, a Santa/stocking/peppermint candy set, and some matched minis for earrings. All are available on my website now. Click here.

New Shopping Cart

2006-11-10T12:17:00.000-08:00

Hi. Well, I gave up on my old shopping cart. There just wasn't enough support for the program when I had problems. So I installed a new cart which I like much better. I hope it will make your shopping easier. It did require me to re-vamp the whole site, yet again so there's another "new look."

Duplicate/delayed e-mails

2006-11-10T12:15:00.000-08:00

To those of you who are subscribed to my e-mail updates, I want to apologize for the duplicate and delayed emails you have been receiving. I have contacted Feedburner and hopefully they will resolve this issue shortly.

Thanks.

Jo

Restock your bead box with 3 large Orphan lampwork bead sets.

2006-10-30T14:14:00.000-08:00

For you bargain hunters, I just listed 3 large sets (21 to 24 beads per set) of Orphan beads starting at $0.99 on eBay. Click here.

Not Just eBay for Lampwork

2006-10-24T16:09:00.000-07:00

Hi. I know all you beaders and beadmakers out there are more than aware of eBay and probably use them all the time to find those unique lampwork beads and jewelry from artists all over the world. But have you given any thought to the other venues out there? I ask because I was just visiting the Annealer MAgazine and happened to spy some of the jaw-dropping lovelies on there. So in case you're feeling like a change of pace here are some other places where you can indulge your bead habit:

the Annealer Magazine's Auction Boutique

JustBeads (Bob is great on this site and very responsive)

And the newest kid on the block....

Lampwork Beads Auction (this is provided by SWCreations a real sweatheart of a gal). I really like the clean layout on this site, and I think the scrolling images are really cool.

This week's lampwork beads: Christmas, metallics, and a focal

2006-10-23T11:56:00.000-07:00

New beads have been posted here. I'm also
going to run a few auctions on JustBeads this week. If you do a search
there by "Josephine" there you'll find them. They are here and here.

Also, I'm working on something special with another artist. I can't wait to show you! Stay tuned. ;)

Modern Mythology and Moonlight Fairy Lampwork Beads

2006-10-17T10:40:00.000-07:00

I couldn't get eBay to work this week. It wouldn't let me insert the correct photo for my gallery, so I'm not running any auctions at this time. All the beads have been posted on my website instead. In fact, I'm thinking about dropping the whole eBay thing altogether. There is a new Modern Mythology set done in fall colors and new Moonlight Fairy bead. I'm hoping to get more beads up later this week too. You can find them here: Lampwork Art

The Halloween beads are all gone with the exception of the pumpkins which will work for Thanksgiving, but they'd need to be ordered by the end of October. I'm going to start working on Christmas beads. I know it's early, but I have to make them and then you have to make something out of them....

Galactica Set and Happy Dragon on eBay

2006-10-10T20:34:00.000-07:00

Hi this week I have a Olympia Rain and Kronos set (Galactica) and a Happy Baby Dragon (done in sage, raku, and Kim blue) available on eBay. The dragon starts at $0.99 and the Galactica has a Buy it Now option.

Click here

Lampwork Beads on Sale

2006-10-06T07:53:00.000-07:00

Hi. I put the Cottage Garden Vessel and April Showers lampwork bead set on sale today.

Bewildered Woods - Greenlee's Forest Hand Crafted Jewelry

2006-10-04T08:59:00.000-07:00

I love it when I get to see what is made with my beads. I'd like to thank Greenlee for sharing this with me. I think the title is just perfect. Shows her great sense of humor. You can see the finished necklace here: Bewildered Woods or visit her main site here: Greenlee's Forest

Thanks again, Greenlee! Jo

Hullabaloo Set of 8 Lampwork Beads

2006-10-04T08:57:00.000-07:00

On ebay....

Eight round beads in autumn colors. The base is a dark rootbeer brown with raku in colors of blue, tan, and green. The flowers have delicate white stamens and come in hand-mixed purple and orange.

Click Here!

Red-Haired Halloween Witch and Pumpkins Lampwork Beads

2006-09-28T10:31:00.000-07:00

One red-haired sculptural witch and two pumpkins just in time for trick or treating!

Click Here!

Byzantium Set of 8 Lampwork Beads

2006-09-24T15:50:00.000-07:00

Eight red and blue lampwork beads in a sleek pillow shape. They taper to the edges, making them very comfortable. Perfect for bracelets. Made with a 1/16 hole. Beads measure approx. 15 x 15 x 8 mm. Silver colored spacers are included. My beads are always properly kiln annealed for lasting durability, cleaned and ready for your designs.

These are available on my website here.

New Beads - Cat, Dog, Focal

2006-09-22T09:18:00.000-07:00

Hi. I have some new beads up on my website now. A black and white cat, an ivory puppy dog with black details, and a large gold focal bead.

Click Here!

Also, something fun to check out is a new forum for jewelry designers and craft lovers, Reasonable Insanity. :) Check it out. Click Here.

Water Garden (Lavender) Goddess Bead starting at $0.99 on eBay!

2006-09-18T12:36:00.000-07:00

Lavender and pink on a cobalt blue base goddess bead with lavender, pink, and amber flowers.

Click Here!

Playing With Crayons Lampwork Bead Set

2006-09-11T19:57:00.000-07:00

Seven colorful beads in a sleek pillow shape. Very bright and the shape is very comfortable. Temporarily strung, cleaned, and ready for your designs.
Beads measure 15x16x9 mm. Hole size is 1/16. Clear glass spacers are included as shown.

Click here.

Halloween Lampwork Beads $0.99 on eBay

2006-09-11T13:15:00.000-07:00

My favorite holiday! Can you tell? :) This time I've made seven sculptural Halloween beads. A purple-haired witch, two ghosts, two wacky black cats, and two pumpkins.

Click Here!

September 11

2006-09-06T20:16:00.000-07:00

2,996 is a tribute to the victims of 9/11.

On September 11, 2006, 2,996 volunteer bloggers
will join together for a tribute to the victims of 9/11.
Each person will pay tribute to a single victim.

We will honor them by remembering their lives,
and not by remembering their murderers.

Click here.

Surreal

2006-09-05T18:33:00.000-07:00

Made with that fabulous Kronos glass, these encased floral beads have lots of color and depth. The clear leaves at the bottom add some extra dimension. Delicate blues, greens, and hints of amber. The petals are veined, adding some fun detail.

Click Here!

Urban Fantasy Lampwork Bead Set on eBay

2006-09-04T12:00:00.000-07:00

Iridescent silver on black. This set will give you a range of colors depending on lighting, from silver to reds and greens, all very shimmery. Perfect for the metallics showing up this fall. Includes a large, flattened focal. These beads are squeezed into a flattened shape, tapering to the edges, and are very comfortable to wear.

Click Here!

Dem Bonz - Bone Garden and much, much more

2006-09-01T08:10:00.000-07:00

There's a new Bone Garden bead on my website. Dem Bonz is a focal bone done in black with the usual moss, flowers, etc. Click Here!

I finally got the Halloween cat and other special order Halloween beads up. Order them while you still can. I'll quit making them when it gets too close to Halloween for me to send them out.

Have a great Labor Day. Because of the holiday, there will be no auctions this week so look for them to start again next week. I have a nifty Kronos set that will be going up then. Can't wait to show you!

Also, I have added a few things to my website. First is an article on starting your own website. I wrote it a while ago and finally got it published. As a compliment to that I have added a section of web business articles from some other writers, a web template section, and some free clipart for you to use.

Also, just for fun I added a Recipe of the Day.

Summer Romance Lampwork Bead Set

2006-08-21T14:59:00.000-07:00

On ebay this week only! The base colors are amber and amethyst with seafoam vines, soft pink, and blue-lavender flowers. Etched for softness. These beads are squeezed into a flattened shape, tapering to the edges, and are very comfortable to wear.

Click Here!

Beads on Sale

2006-08-14T19:02:00.000-07:00

If you haven't checked out my website lately, I have a section for sales. There are two items up there now, one added just today, get 'em while you can. :)

Lampwork Beads

Autumn Kiss Lampwork Bead Set of 7

2006-08-14T15:31:00.000-07:00

Black, amber, and raku. Etched for softness. These beads are squeezed into a flattened shape, tapering to the edges, and are very comfortable to wear.

Click Here!

Have you tried Swickis?

2006-08-13T09:42:00.000-07:00

Ok, this is way off the bead topic, but every now and then I find something cool online and want to share.

You can drop in this lampwork bead related Swicki search onto your website or blog by clicking here . The more we use it the more relevant the searches become. You can promote or demote different sites. It's pretty nifty.

If you want to see it in action, look to the right of this blog and down under the archives posts. It's the search box/text thing.

Latest Auction

2006-08-10T10:21:00.000-07:00

For some reason Feedburner did not e-mail my last post to my subscribers (as far as I can tell), so here's a link to my latest auction. Perhaps it's something I did, who knows? So this is a little redundant, I'm afraid.

Click Here!

La Boheme Lampwork Bead Set

2006-08-07T12:03:00.000-07:00

A deep plum base, raku, and pink and blue flowers on ribbons of seafoam... Etched for softness. These beads are squeezed into a flattened shape, tapering to the edges, and are very comfortable to wear.

Click Here!

Oops!

2006-08-01T08:48:00.000-07:00

Ok, the link for the After Midnight set was all messed up so let's try that again.

Click here to see the After Midnight set!

After Midnight Lampwork Bead Set

2006-07-31T14:12:00.000-07:00

After Midnight is a set of seven squeezed beads made with that fabulous Olympia Rain glass. They are just stunning in person. Available on eBay this week only.

Click Here!

Starflight and Pumpkin Lampwork Beads

2006-07-28T13:52:00.000-07:00

Hi. I've launched my upgrades to my website. Stop by and take a look: Lampwork Art.

Also, I have pumpkins available for special order (limited time, don't miss out!) and a new focal bead, Starflight.

I'll be getting the ghosts and the bones up here in a bit.

Modern Mythology Lampwork Bead Set

2006-07-24T13:01:00.000-07:00

Ok, I'm running just a little behind of where I thought I'd be this week, mostly due to catching the stomach flu this weekend. Yikes. That was no fun. Seems it's going around. Hope none of you get it. Shudder. If I'm working on a special order for you I still expect to have all of those finished by the end of this week. :)

I did put up the Modern Mythology II Set. That was such a great combination I thought it was worthy of revisiting. Naturally I can't get the image to upload toady so just click here.

I also found a really nice ecommerce program and will be launching my newly revised store/website here soon with some new goodies. I'll have a nifty space type focal bead with that Olympia Rain glass and as special orders I'll be having some little ghosties, pumpkins, and bones available too.

Take care this week. Stay well.

Where are the Beads?

2006-07-17T11:39:00.000-07:00

Hi. Are you wondering where the beads are? This is my second week without an auction, pretty unusual for me. :) Well, I'll tell you... I've been indulging my glass obsession. I bought some Olympia Rain glass from Double Helix and have been playing around with this fabulous glass. I have it figured out now so expect to see some beads made with it next week.

Also coming soon you can expect an auction for some of my Modern Mythology beads. I'll also start offering some of my fall/Halloween beads for pre-order on my website, pumpkins, ghosts, etc. I'll offer the pre-order thing for as long as I can but depending on the order volume I may have to close it so if you want those seasonal beads, don't put it off too long. :)

Do you have a jewelry, bead, or glass art website you want to promote?

2006-07-09T16:03:00.000-07:00

Hi. I decided to start a bead, jewelry, and glass art banner exchange. I have found that these are rather effective as long as the banners are relevant to your site (niche ones do much better than the generic ones) and have brought me some significant traffic on one of my other websites. However, there wasn't one specifically for these arts (there are several general craft ones). So I decided to make one of my own.

It is a banner exchange program for glass art, bead art, jewelry art, and related sites. The idea is simple, you place a small bit of code on your site which will show the banners in this exchange (one at a time, it's tasteful, you can see it in action near the bottom of my lampworkart website here). For every 10 times these banners are seen on your web page, yours will be shown on the other member sites 7 times. The remaining 3 will show the banner exchange banner, to attract more members and get more exposure for our sites.

First you’ll need a 468x60 banner (this is a very standard banner size so it doesn't hurt to have one anyway). These can be made with programs on the internet, or with a graphic program such as Adobe Elements or something similar. You’ll also need to host your banner so once it’s made upload it to your webhosting account (and remember the path). ;)

Then you can join here. It’s really easy, there’s not much to it.

Once that’s done it will give you a snippet of code. This is the code that will generate the banners on your site. Find a nice spot for it somewhere in your web pages and drop it in.

That's it! Drop me a line if you need help. :)

Happy 4th of July! - Carnival Lampwork Bead Set

2006-07-03T16:16:00.000-07:00

Hi. I don't know why I didn't do a red, white, and blue set. Guess the 4th just sneaked up on me. :)

Here's a bright carnival set of beads. Happy, bright beads. Green, blue, cobalt, yellow, orange. The bases are all transparent so they really have depth in person.

P.S.

Click here! ;)

Taupe Raku Lampwork Bead Set

2006-07-02T08:07:00.000-07:00

Hi. I thought I'd try something a little different. This Taupe Raku set is available on ETSY.com. It's a really fun place to shop. Everything is handmade.

Click here.

Also, for those of you who want to get started lampworking (everyone seems to e-mail me at once) I've started a website with various glass resources. Click here.

Sunflowers Lampwork Set of 9 Beads

2006-06-26T12:58:00.000-07:00

I've been working on creating some slightly different sunflowers from my usual ones and I'm finally happy with these. The insides are black, brown, and tan. The leaves are two tone.

Click here!

Mermaid Lampwork Focal Bead

2006-06-26T12:50:00.000-07:00

I've had this idea for a mermaid bead for a while now. She's pink and purple on a foamy green sea. Her tail is scaled and her fins are finely detailed. Two dimensional pictures don't do the wraparound mermaid justice so I've tried to give enough pictures to give you an idea of her from many angles.

Click here!

Butterfly Garden - Lampwork Focal Bead

2006-06-19T14:43:00.000-07:00

Lately we've had those cute little blue butterflies hanging around. While this bead doesn't have the butterflies, it would be appealing for them. This is the fourth bead in my Giverny series. The bead has been flattened, and there are flowers on both sides.

Click Here!

P.S. There's a Buy it Now available on this one.

Blue Roses - Lampwork Bead Set

2006-06-15T15:03:00.000-07:00

Soft amber and blue roses on a blue and raku base. These beads are squeezed into a flattened shape that tapers to the edges and are very comfortable to wear.

Click here

Bone Garden #3 - Lampwork Bead

2006-06-15T14:58:00.000-07:00

This is the third bone bead in my Bone Garden series. Recently I saw an old, forgotten bait-trap. Inside of the metal mesh were some old deer bones completely covered in moss. They were the inspiration for the last two beads. I've been covering them with flowers because I'm still fascinated with the concept of life and death in one small image.

Click Here

Back Early

2006-06-15T14:54:00.000-07:00

Hi, everyone. I returned early from my trip, and I added some beads to my store.

Click here.

Out of Office and New Glass Art and Jewelry Resources

2006-06-06T16:08:00.000-07:00

Hi. I just wanted to let you know two things. First, I will be out of town from the 10th to the 18th. I will set a few auctions to start automatically on Monday, June 12th so watch for them. It will most likely be another Bone Garden bead and a blue squeezed set with roses. They won't close until I get back so things should be ok.

Also, I have really expanded my books page (actually I gave it it's own website) dedicated to Glass Art Bead and Jewelry Resources.

Thanks and happy beading!

True Tears - Lampwork Focal

2006-06-01T07:46:00.000-07:00

This single bead has softly mixed colors in the base and texture from the raised flowers, stems, and leaves. Delicately colored in browns, lavender, and green; the flowers are a mixed lavender and amber stringer with yellow stamens. This is the third bead in my series of Giverny beads.

Click Here

Bone Garden II - Lampwork Focal Bead $0.99 Auction

2006-06-01T07:42:00.000-07:00

Hi. This is the second bone bead in my Bone Garden series. Recently I saw an old, forgotten bait-trap. Inside of the metal mesh were some old deer bones completely covered in moss. They were the inspiration for this latest bead although I covered in it in flowers because I'm still fascinated with the life/death in one compact image thing.

Click Here

Wine Country Focal - Lampwork Bead

2006-05-31T09:34:00.000-07:00

This single bead is on a green base with lavender and raku. I've used my favorite super-dark purple grapes and amber flowers. The leaves have faint hints of brown in them.

Click Here!

Wine Country Revisited - Lampwork Beads

2006-05-31T08:49:00.000-07:00

I revisited my Wine Country theme again, using my favorite super dark purple for the grapes and this time adding some soft amber roses to the mix. The leaves have a hint of brown running through them. These beads are squeezed into a flattened shape that tapers to the edges and are very comfortable to wear.

Click here!

Giverny II

2006-05-29T19:15:00.000-07:00

The second in my Giverny series.

Click here!

Happy Memorial Day to all you Beadaholics

2006-05-27T10:20:00.000-07:00

Have a great weekend, everyone. :)

Up and coming this next week will be a revisit to my Wine Country series (I'm really thrilled with these), Giverny II (also thrilled!), and some Strawberry and Strawberry Flower beads.

Taking a break and socializing

2006-05-25T08:21:00.000-07:00

Ok, so Memorial day weekend is coming up and I've learned the hard way not to list my beads to close on e-bay over that week. So look for new auctions to start the following week. There are still a few beads left in my store, hint, hint, wink, wink. :)

So what are you doing with yourself over the weekend? I hope it's fun.

For me, when I'm not doing family stuff I'll be hanging out in the forums. Oh, I know social networking is all the rage but I find that I like the forums because they are specific to my interests and have some pretty cool people on them. Here's some of my frequented pages (not in any particular order):

BeadandButton
Lampwork Etc.
Wet Canvas

or...

Find Romance

Soho - Lampwork focal bead

2006-05-17T10:15:00.000-07:00

A single bead with a soft, organic yellow base, swirled with raku, lavender and pink and detailed with black stringer.

Click here!

Giverny - Lampwork Focal Bead with BIN

2006-05-15T15:37:00.000-07:00

Just listed this one. I'm really pleased with the way it turned out! It's on a Buy it Now, so don't hesitate if you want it.

I've been looking at a lot of Impressionist work lately... can you tell? This single bead (I've shown several views of the same bead) has softly mixed colors in the base and texture from the raised flowers, stems, and leaves. Done on an ivory base and delicately colored in pink, lavender, green, and sand; the flowers are a vibrant pink with white stamens. This is the first in what is likely to be a long-lived series of Giverny beads.

Click Here!

Gypsy Pink - Lampwork Focal Bead

2006-05-12T15:08:00.000-07:00

This single bead has lots of texture from the moss-like green enamel and the raised pink flowers. Done on a black base and enhanced with raku and other frits, it made for a classy focal bead.

Click here

Bone Garden - $0.99 Auction

2006-05-08T11:44:00.000-07:00

This bead has a little bit of a story: I was reading a forum topic on bone beads and among other interesting speculation as to their popularity, someone said they were macabre. Macabre is such an interesting word! Most of what I do is floral and rather cute. My inner voice started whispering, rather sarcastically mind you, that if I made a bone bead it would probably end up with flowers all over it or something. Hm. This thought wedged in my brain and I just couldn't shake it. The image of a bone covered in flowers appealed to me... life and death all in one delicate little image. So anyway, at the risk of being accused of jumping on the "bone bandwagon", here's the first one.

Click Here!

Color Splash

2006-05-08T11:41:00.000-07:00

Well executed, basic beads in bright colors.

Click here!

:)

Thyme on the Rocks - Lampwork Bead Auction with BIN

2006-05-02T12:14:00.000-07:00

Like some soft tyme wedged between stepping stones... The base is ivory with black, raku, and lavender. These beads are squeezed into a flattened shape, tapering to the edges, and are very comfortable to wear.

Click Here.

Garden Party Lampwork Set - Auction with BIN

2006-05-01T12:17:00.000-07:00

Done in Kim Blue (a deep purple-blue), green, lavender, and amber with raku, and orange highlights. These beads are squeezed into a flattened shape, tapering to the edges, and are very comfortable to wear.

Click Here

Ok, now I have to admit to a particular obsession... Raku. It's so bad now that I order it by the kg rather than the oz. LOL.

Modern Mythology - Lampwork Bead Set

2006-04-24T18:07:00.000-07:00

Done in Kim Blue (a deep purple-blue), lavender, and amber with raku, orange, and denim highlights. These beads are squeezed into a flattened shape, tapering to the edges, and are very comfortable to wear. I have included some of my favorite sterling silver beads as spacers for this set.

Click here

Ladybug Fairy - Auction with BIN

2006-04-18T07:03:00.000-07:00

Good morning! Here's my latest set:

Ladybug Fairy

This little fairy was just caught making mischief. She is done in red and black with delicate raku stringer for her hair. She and is accompanied by two toadstools with raku highlights and little ladybugs, and two ladybugs. You can't quite see it in the pictures but the underside of the toadstools is done in black. The hole runs head to feet on the fairy bead.

Fairy in the Garden - Auction with BIN Hurry

2006-04-10T11:20:00.000-07:00

This one is on auction with a buy it now option. Go here: Auction

This little fairy was just caught making mischief and is blushing. She is done in yellow and pink with green vines and is accompanied by two bees, two leaves, and two pink sculptural flowers. The hole runs head to feet on the fairy bead.

Two Bees

2006-04-10T11:17:00.000-07:00

Also new in the store. Two little bee beads. These look cute with strawberry beads. etc. Beads measure approximately 20 mm long. Hole size 3/32.

Red Doll Fairy Bead

2006-04-10T11:12:00.000-07:00

New in the store. One of my little fairy beads in red and lavender with pink hair. She looks a little surprised and is blushing too. Hole runs head to feet. Bead measure approximately 36 mm tall and 25 mm wingtip to wingtip.

April Showers Lampwork Beads

2006-04-04T07:31:00.000-07:00

Soft pink and white flowers float over a bed of purple-blue and amber with pink, purple, and blue highlights. These beads are squeezed into a flattened shape tapering to the edges and are very comfortable to wear. Beads measure approximately 19x20x7 mm. Hole size 3/32. Includes 6, 6mm pink Austrian bicone crystals.

New Auction 4/3/06 to 4/10/06 - Go Softly

2006-04-04T07:27:00.000-07:00

Just in time for spring. Seven etched beads with soft pink flowers. Darker bead base is a deep purple-blue (kim blue) and the lighter ones are on periwinkle. Beads are squeezed, tapering at the edges and are very comfortable to wear. Perfect for making bracelets.

NUMBER BEADS: 7
SIZE: approx 20 x 20 x 7 mm
HOLE SIZE: 3/32

Spring Fling

2006-03-28T07:26:00.000-08:00

Periwinkle, green, and pink flowers. Etched for a soft finish, squeezed. Perfect for making bracelets.

Violets in the Mist

2006-03-28T07:23:00.000-08:00

Etched for sortness, deep blue flowers float on a soft pink. Squeezed beads.

Footprints - Bold Colors, Squeezed Beads

2006-03-22T16:46:00.000-08:00

Ok, well the Blogger picture insertion thing isn't working.... Again! So if you wanna go check these beads out go here:

Latest Auction

Newsletter 3-16-06

2006-03-16T14:38:00.000-08:00

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! I hope you’re having a wonderful morning. :)

This week I have a Set of Butterfly Wings (Raku on Black, squeezed) on auction here:

Lampwork Auction

First Blooms Set of 6: When winter finally starts to give way to spring there are always some first blossoms that will brave the frost. Black base with rich earthy tones and lavender and blue flowers. These beads are squeezed into a flattened shape tapering to the edges and are very comfortable to wear. Measures 20x20x8 mm. Hole size 3/32. Includes 5, 6mm peridot Austrian bicone crystals.

New Beads

I’m still working on the new dragons...

Have a great day and happy beading.

Sincerely,

Josephine

Butterfly Wings - Auction

2006-03-15T14:16:00.000-08:00

Raku on black never fails to create wonderful earthy but elegant beads in shades of teal, green, purples, and browns. These beads are squeezed into a flattened shape, tapering to the edges, and are very comfortable to wear.

Finally - First Blooms Pictures

2006-03-15T07:06:00.000-08:00

edgeio-key: 04fa21a2f450f40153a07496ca333afc1bed882a

First Blooms

2006-03-14T09:55:00.000-08:00

Drat. I've been trying to get a pic of some new beads up here for two days now, but Blogger isn't cooperating. So... There are some new pics on my website:

New Handmade Lampwork Beads

Getting out of the funk

2006-03-11T20:58:00.000-08:00

Last week was just a loss for me. I couldn't get into making beads, writing, anything. I think I just needed a break.

This friday evening I spent doing a fundraiser for my son's school. Boy was that exhausting! It was a bingo night and I was one of the change people. I had no idea people took bingo so seriously. LOL. Most stayed to the bitter end. Then of course there was the cleanup...

:) I made several sets of beads this week so I'll be getting their pics here soon.

Take care.

Newsletter 3-2-06

2006-03-06T07:12:00.000-08:00

Oops, I forgot to post my newsletter. Here it is. A set of Orphans is closing today on ebay...

Good morning. I hope your week is going well.

I have an Elemental Orphans Set on auction here:

Orphans

And new on my site:

Watercolors Set of 7 - my first successful set of beads in the watercolors style. I did these on a white and yellow base with pink, purple, and blue flowers. Squeezed for comfort and etched to enhance the dreamy softness. Would make a great bracelet. The pink crystals are included.

Midnight Fairy - A new fairy in black, green, lavender, and blue with lavender hair.

Red Rose - A sculptural rose in the deepest red. Two leaf beads accompany it.

Lampwork Catalog

I’m still working on the new dragons...

Have a great day and happy beading.

Sincerely,

Josephine

Watercolors

2006-03-01T16:32:00.000-08:00

My first (successful) set of watercolor beads... click here.

Midnight Fairy

2006-03-01T16:30:00.000-08:00

Click Here

Red Rose

2006-03-01T16:27:00.000-08:00

New beads in the store:

Lampwork Store

Water Bearer Bead by Teresa

2006-02-24T09:44:00.000-08:00

Ok, I just saw Teresa's amazing new bead and just had to share it with you. It's her Water Bearer and you can get a good look at it here:

Lavender Creek

Newsletter 2-24-06

2006-02-24T09:31:00.000-08:00

Good morning. I hope your week is going well.

This time around I have a Tortoiseshell Cat bead on auction.

And new on my site is a Bunny with Carrots, a little Green Dragon, and there was a new Lavender Fairy but she’s already found a good home...

I’m working on red roses, a squeezed set in spring colors and a watercolors style, and more fairies and dragons this week.

Have a great day and happy beading.

Sincerely,

Josephine

Bunny Luv

2006-02-22T11:53:00.000-08:00

There's a new bunny and carrot bead set in my Store. I'd talk about the new lavender fairy too, but she was snatched up within a few minutes of being online. I think that's a new record for me. :)

Newsletter 2-17-06

2006-02-17T09:37:00.000-08:00

Good morning. I hope your week is going well. I’m a late again with my newsletter, usually try to do this on Wednesdays... Too many beads going on. :)

I have one bead on auction.

Ocean Goddess - Blue

I also just put a Spring Fairy and an Earth Goddess up on my site. They are here: http://www.lampworkart.com/catalog.html

This next week look for a Lavender Fairy (yes, I am listening! LOL) several more dragons in different colors, a calico-ish cat, and a bunny with carrots.

I have also added an RSS feed to my website, so if you like you can subscribe to my blog through whatever reader you happen to prefer. http://www.lampworkart.com Thanks.

Have a great day and happy beading.

Sincerely,

Josephine

New Fairy in the Store

2006-02-16T21:36:00.000-08:00

There's a new fairy in the store. :)

Ocean Goddess - Blue

2006-02-14T18:27:00.000-08:00

My newest Goddess bead now on auction.

Newsletter 2-09-06

2006-02-09T09:55:00.000-08:00

Good morning. I hope your week is going well. I’m a day late on my newsletter, usually try to do this on Wednesdays... Better late than never, eh? :)

I have one Red Dragon bead on auction.

Red Fire Dragon (it’s an impressive title, but she’s not fierce at all since all my dragons look like hatchlings)

Red Fire Dragon Bead

I just put a Woodland Fairy up on my site. Can you tell I’ve been reading Fantasy novels again? LOL. Here she is: Lampwork Bead Catalog

I have also added an RSS feed to my website, so if you like you can subscribe to my blog through whatever reader you happen to prefer. Lampwork Art - Handmade Glass Beads Thanks.

Have a great day and happy beading.

Sincerely,

Josephine

Auction Preview - Fire Dragon

2006-02-06T10:07:00.000-08:00

I decided to put one of my little dragons on auction:

Expand your finished jewelry market

2006-02-03T10:39:00.000-08:00

Ok, you know how sometimes when you pursue two seemingly separate things they come together and give you an "Ah-ha!" moment? This just happened to me.

If you're one of the two or three people who follow my blog you'll know that DH has started a new dating/friendship website for artists/artisans called Single Artist Dating - Connections for Creative People. Anyway, so I was helping him with code and setup, and I helped him set up a links page. So naturally I was looking at other dating websites and seeing what their categories were when I noticed that most of them have a "gifts" category with flowers and jewelry.

Then I started thinking that if I had a jewelry website, which I don't (there are two pieces of jewelry and the rest is all beads), I might like to get it included in some of those dating site links. Of course most of these places will require a reciprocal link, but you can always set up a new category or page that could be kept in a tasteful manner and be pretty selective about the dating site.

Newsletter 2-1-06

2006-02-01T10:50:00.000-08:00

Good morning. I hope your week is going well. :)

I have one new set on auction. It’s a set of pale lavender sculptural roses.

Moonlight Roses

Have a great day and happy beading.

Sincerely,

Josephine

These Days

2006-01-29T11:19:00.000-08:00

Have you ever just had one of those days? Nothing, absolutely nothing, is going right in my workshop. Glass shatters, beads come out lopsided. It's almost as if there's a little black cloud hanging around out there, or a gremlin in the glass, or something.

I am happy about one thing though, I managed to get DH's new website up and running. I'm hoping it's bug-free, but who knows. My eyes were swimming from the code last night. Guess time will tell. This website is the result of many conversations with artistic friends and aquaintances, several months of research, and the desire to share the electric creativity DH and I generate in each other's art. It's a place just for creative types (writers, artists, musicians, actors) for online friendships and dating. Here's the link in case you're interested:

Single Artist Dating

Anyway, back to the glass shop. I hope that little black cloud is gone now. :)

Newsletter 1-25-06

2006-01-25T06:56:00.000-08:00

Good morning. I hope your week is going well. :)

I have one new organic/floral set on auction:

In the Heather

I also have a new Water Garden focal and a set of vibrant yellow and orange encased beads called Festival of the Sun. They can be found here:

http://www.lampworkart.com/catalog.html

Also, I have added RSS to my website so if you’d like to subscribe to my blog it just takes a click of the button. Look in the right hand column. http://www.lampworkart.com

Have a great day and happy beading.

Sincerely,

Josephine

Lampwork Bead Auction Preview - In the Heather

2006-01-23T09:24:00.000-08:00

This set of 7 beads will appear on auction later today.

Selling Lampwork Beads and Handmade Jewelry Online: Part 2 - Product Quality and Your Target Customer

2006-01-22T07:50:00.000-08:00

It is important to know what your goals are for your online business. Developing a business plan is a step in the right direction and will give you an idea of how much you should be selling each month to attain your goals. There are numerous places online that will help you develop a business plan (a search on your favorite search engine will get you started) or you can hire someone to write one for you.

However, even before you lay out your business plan I believe you should consider two things:

1. Know Yourself
2. Know Your Customer

Know Yourself

Are you into production or are you into artistic expression?

If you prefer to crank out numerous pieces of relatively simple design you are essentially doing production work. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this, and I know people who are successful utilizing this technique. In this instance you will rely on volume to make your profits. In some ways this is easier because you can take one picture of your bead or jewelry for your online catalog and then just keep producing it as needed.

If, however, the thought of repeating yourself is depressing, you should focus instead on developing your own style, what writers call a "voice," in order to rise above the standard offerings in beads and/or jewelry. This will take an investment of time on your part. You must master the techniques of your craft before your creative mind can roam free, generating the creations that are unique to you.

You can certainly move from production into artistic expression as your skills grow. Be honest with yourself about your abilities. The truth is that no one outside of your family will think your creations are special simply because you made them. The creations will be judged on their own merit. One way to get some feedback on your work, if you are unsure where you stand, is to join an online forum interested in whatever it is you are making and post your items with a request for a critique. Be prepared for brutal honesty. If your feelings are easily hurt, this would not be a good idea.

Know Your Customer

Ok, so now you know whether you will be focusing on production (volume) or artistic expression it is now time to decide who is most likely to buy your stuff. The materials you use should be in line with your target audience as this will influence the cost of the item. Those who buy cheap jewelry are not looking for the same thing as the person who wants something unique. If you are making a high end item, don't cut corners with cheap materials (believe me discriminating buyers do know the difference) and in this case the cost of the expensive materials generally becomes minor compared to the cost of your time investment in the work.

Pricing your work can be tricky. Again, what do your customers expect? Are they looking for a good deal or are they looking for something valuable? Don't under price your work, but don't overprice it either. I'll never forget a set of newbie beads that someone featured on eBay for $200 - twice. They never sold and they were out $40 to feature the item (the beads weren't worth more than $25 or $30). Again, the forums can help you price your work.

Learning the environment will take some time. Do your research on your competition and their buyers. Visit websites, watch the auctions, join the forums, and try to determine what will work best for you.

Selling Lampwork Beads and Handmade Jewelry Online: Part 1 - Introduction

2006-01-20T16:55:00.000-08:00

There are many places selling a "store" in an online mall or various kits to get started making jewelry or lampwork beads. All of them make it sound like your dream of working at home, making jewelry or beads and selling them online is easy, fun, and offers a quick reward. While you can eventually make money in these ventures, there's a reason these places paint such a rosy picture: they are selling you something. And the truth is that it is neither easy, nor quick.

I frequently hear the kids around here (I live in a college town) talking about how "they'd better like my beads" when referring to eBay and thinking they will get rich quick online. They offer these beads in the local t-shirt store and are what most of us would consider wonky. They sell ok (not great) with the locals who don't know any better, but can't begin to compete with the international talent online. And if the competition online in lampwork is stiff, it's even worse for the jewelry designers who outnumber the beadmakers by quite a bit.

Given this environment, it is not reasonable to assume that you can start up a bead or jewelry website, store, or auction campaign and see great sales instantly. How long does it take? Some element are fixed, like the time it takes for the search engines to consistently find your site (several months), and others are dependent on you and how professionally you approach your online business. In general, you can expect to not make money the first year. Yes, year. And you may be lucky if you break even in the second year. If you're experienced in the business world these numbers may seem acceptable, but if you're a housewife with a husband who doesn't want you wasting good money on jewelry components and/or glass it can be crushing. Why does it take so long? There are many people offering handmade jewelry and/or beads and many of them have been around for a long time. This is your competition. How many people find and buy your items will depend on your various marketing strategies, your web savvy, customer service, and the quality of your product.

Don't expect instant results. Allow yourself several years to gain a following, and treat your expectations of an online store the same way you would treat a brick and mortar one.

Coming up Next... Product Quality and Your Target Customer

Bridal Tiaras - No Longer Just Rhinestones

2006-01-20T07:10:00.000-08:00

I've always been rather fond of bridal tiaras. I used to make them (among other things) before I became obsessed with lampwork beads. Now I only do them at the request of friends. Lately I've noticed an explosion of innovation and creativity in tiaras, especially among our friends in the UK.

Many brides are making their own or they are ordering from innovative designers. Whatever the case, a bride's tiara can now be as individual as she is. Here are three designers I've been watching:

Chantal Mallet - Couture Designer

Flo and Percy - Vintage Tiaras

and Andrea Frankham-Hughes - Tiara School

Technical Stuff and a Thanks to Maureen

2006-01-19T13:35:00.000-08:00

A big thanks to Maureen at Jewelry Colectib les for explaining the importance of "feeds" to me. Not that I really get it, but I'm closer to understanding and finding Feedburner (guess I should have checked out the whole "blogger help" section a while ago) made things so much easier. If you haven't already, check out Maureen's blog. It's full of some really useful things like Copyscape, a place where you can quickly and easily check and see if anyone is using your text and photos. :)

Newsletter 1-18-06

2006-01-18T12:21:00.000-08:00

Good morning. I hope your week is going well. :) I’ve been busy again and have lots to share.

I have three squeezed sets on auction:

Butterfly Wings

Animal Prints (encased with fabulous depth)

and Be My Valentine

There are also two new detailed and encased focals on my website:

Water Garden and Wine Country

And I have found two new articles I thought some of you might find interesting:

Starting a Jewelry Business? Home Parties are a Great Way To Sell Your Work.
by: Aldene Fredenburg

Spring 2006 Must Haves
by Mary Bailis

Have a great day and happy beading.

Sincerely,

Josephine

Lampwork Art

This Blog Has Moved!

It's Snowing Cats and Dogs

Lagoon Goddess

Christmas Angel Lampwork Bead

Work at Home Online Guide

St. Nick Lampwork Bead

Happy Holidays $5 off Lampwork Beads

Lots of New Lampwork Beads

New Shopping Cart

Duplicate/delayed e-mails

Restock your bead box with 3 large Orphan lampwork bead sets.

Not Just eBay for Lampwork

This week's lampwork beads: Christmas, metallics, and a focal

Modern Mythology and Moonlight Fairy Lampwork Beads

Galactica Set and Happy Dragon on eBay

Lampwork Beads on Sale

Bewildered Woods - Greenlee's Forest Hand Crafted Jewelry

Hullabaloo Set of 8 Lampwork Beads

Red-Haired Halloween Witch and Pumpkins Lampwork Beads

Byzantium Set of 8 Lampwork Beads

New Beads - Cat, Dog, Focal

Water Garden (Lavender) Goddess Bead starting at $0.99 on eBay!

Playing With Crayons Lampwork Bead Set

Halloween Lampwork Beads $0.99 on eBay

September 11

Surreal

Urban Fantasy Lampwork Bead Set on eBay

Dem Bonz - Bone Garden and much, much more

Summer Romance Lampwork Bead Set

Beads on Sale

Autumn Kiss Lampwork Bead Set of 7

Have you tried Swickis?

Latest Auction

La Boheme Lampwork Bead Set

Oops!

After Midnight Lampwork Bead Set

Starflight and Pumpkin Lampwork Beads

Modern Mythology Lampwork Bead Set

Where are the Beads?

Do you have a jewelry, bead, or glass art website you want to promote?

Happy 4th of July! - Carnival Lampwork Bead Set

Taupe Raku Lampwork Bead Set

Sunflowers Lampwork Set of 9 Beads

Mermaid Lampwork Focal Bead

Butterfly Garden - Lampwork Focal Bead

Blue Roses - Lampwork Bead Set

Bone Garden #3 - Lampwork Bead

Back Early

Out of Office and New Glass Art and Jewelry Resources

True Tears - Lampwork Focal

Bone Garden II - Lampwork Focal Bead $0.99 Auction

Wine Country Focal - Lampwork Bead

Wine Country Revisited - Lampwork Beads

Giverny II

Happy Memorial Day to all you Beadaholics

Taking a break and socializing

Soho - Lampwork focal bead

Giverny - Lampwork Focal Bead with BIN

Gypsy Pink - Lampwork Focal Bead

Bone Garden - $0.99 Auction

Color Splash

Thyme on the Rocks - Lampwork Bead Auction with BIN

Garden Party Lampwork Set - Auction with BIN

Modern Mythology - Lampwork Bead Set

Ladybug Fairy - Auction with BIN

Fairy in the Garden - Auction with BIN **Hurry**

Two Bees

Red Doll Fairy Bead

April Showers Lampwork Beads

New Auction 4/3/06 to 4/10/06 - Go Softly

Spring Fling

Violets in the Mist

Footprints - Bold Colors, Squeezed Beads

Newsletter 3-16-06

Butterfly Wings - Auction

Finally - First Blooms Pictures

First Blooms

Getting out of the funk

Newsletter 3-2-06

Fairy in the Garden - Auction with BIN Hurry