Roses in December

"God gave us our memories so that we might have roses in December."
-  James M. Barrie

Last year at this time, I got my first try at enameling. I loved it. I like cutting into the copper, creating the shapes, filing the edges, punching holes, sifting, firing...the whole process! Layering enamel powder, transparent ruby base with bright red second coat

Heading into the kiln

Inside the kiln

Fired and ready for wire bails

Something New!

Before Thanksgiving I got an email from someone I had met at a show last year. She had worked in glass for a while several years ago, but had decided to sell some equipment and glass. She wanted to know if I was interested. I ended up buying a ring saw and some glass. 

I was in the middle of getting ready for a couple of shows, work was really busy and the holidays were coming up, so I didn't really get a chance to play with the saw until the last couple of days. It's so cool! Now I can cut curvy and more intricate shapes. When cutting the glass by hand, I was basically limited to straight lines. I could do some curves, but it wasn't easy. 

Yesterday, I cut out and created some random shapes and then tack fused them to create these whimsical flower pendants. It opens up so many possibilities. It may take quite a few more tries to get the feel for using it. It's not too difficult though. 

Christmas Blessings!

Unassembled

"Snowmen fall from heaven Unassembled." - Unknown

It was almost 100 degrees in the shade. This past August, while sweltering under my canopy at a local festival, I created a little snowman pendant. Actually I created a whole family of snowmen that day. I painted the snowman on black glass and capped them with clear glass. I added snowflakes on the clear layer prior to firing each piece. They ended up having a cool, kind of snow globe look. 

These guys went fast at my fall and winter shows. I even made several more batches in November. My mom-in-law made a special request for one, so Monday I did a couple more to ship to Chicago. 

This time, I took a few pictures as I "assembled" them...

Be as a bird...

“Be as a bird perched on a frail branch that she feels bending beneath her, still she sings away all the same, knowing she has wings.” Victor Hugo

I had all these little copper birds cut out and waiting for enamel. This week, I finally got around to working on them. I really enjoy the whole enameling process. I love layering different colors, and scratching in texture and line. It is amazing to see what happens when they are exposed to the intense heat of the kiln. I like to experiment with wrapping and bending the wire to create the slightly odd pendant bails.

I'm linking this post with 

Kristin's Share Your Creations. 

Joyfully Adored - Saturday

 

Today's pendant is a profusion of colorful swirls called Joyfully Adored. This pendant was created using Glassline Paint on a piece of black glass. The image is hand painted onto the glass surface prior to firing and is permanent. The pendant is $25, and I will include a black cord and ship it anywhere in the Continental US for you for $3.50.

If you are looking for a gift for someone or a little treat for yourself, then contact me or click the Buy It Now button below. Make sure to click back through posts from this week and last to see additional featured pendants.

Joyfully Adored

Unavailable

 

Bloodwine Red - Friday

 

Today's pendant is called Bloodwine Red and is created using several glasses, a deep garnet red overlaps gray and black. The pendant is $25, and I will include a black cord and ship it anywhere in the Continental US for you for $3.50.

If you are looking for a gift for someone or a little treat for yourself, then contact me or click the Buy It Now button below. Make sure to click back through each post from this week and last to see additional featured pendants.

Bloodwine Red

SOLD

 

Chimes Echo - Thursday

 Today's featured pendant is called Chimes Echo and features layered teal, lime green and black. The pendant is $25, and I will include a black cord and ship it anywhere in the Continental US for you for $3.50. 

If you are looking for a gift for someone or a little treat for yourself, then contact me or click the Buy It Now button below. Make sure to click back through posts from this week and last to see additional featured pendants.

Chimes Echo
SOLD

Morning Song - Wednesday

Today's pendant is a sweet little bird called Morning Song. This pendant was created using Glassline Paint on a piece of black glass. The image is hand painted onto the glass surface prior to firing and is permanent. The pendant is $25, and I will include a black cord and ship it anywhere in the Continental US for you for $3.50. 

If you are looking for a gift for someone or a little treat for yourself, then contact me or click the Buy It Now button below. Make sure to click back through posts from this week and last to see additional featured pendants.

Morning Song

SOLD

Warm Contrails - Tuesday

Today's pendant is called Warm Contrails, 2 dichroic glasses created a warmly glowing abstract. The pendant is $25, and I will include a black cord and ship it anywhere in the Continental US for you for $3.50. 

If you are looking for a gift for someone or a little treat for yourself, then contact me or click the Buy It Now button below. Make sure to click through previous posts from this week and last to see additional featured pendants.

Pendant Name

SOLD

Little House on the Merry - Monday

Today's pendant is called Little House on the Merry, I used 4 different glasses on a black background to create a little house surrounded by grass and blue sky. The pendant is $25, and I will include a black cord and ship it anywhere in the Continental US for you for $3.50.

If you are looking for a gift for someone or a little treat for yourself, then contact me or click the Buy It Now button below. Make sure to click back through last week's post to see additional featured pendants.

Little House on the Merry

Available on Etsy

 

Another Week, Some New Pendants...

Today and the rest of this week, I will be featuring some pendants that aren't Christmas or Winter themed. Today's pendant is called Kauai Lava, a golden orange dichroic glass glows like hot lava. The pendant is $25, and I will include a black cord and ship it anywhere in the Continental US for you for $3.50.

If you are looking for a gift for someone or a little treat for yourself, then contact me or click the Buy It Now button below. Make sure to click through previous posts from last week to see additional featured pendants.

Kauai Lava
unavailable

 

Silently Drifting Along

It's Friday...Yay! 

Several textured and dichroic glasses combine in transparent glory to create this icy little blue snowflake pendant I am featuring today. The pendant is $25, and I will include a black cord and ship it anywhere in the Continental US for you for $3.50. 

If you are looking for a gift for someone or a little treat for yourself, then contact me or click the Buy It Now button below. Make sure to click back through each post this week to see additional featured pendants.

Silently Drifting Along
SOLD

Lit By Moonbeams Crisp and Cold - Thursday

For Thursday, I am featuring this lovely, luminous Christmas Tree - blue, dichroic glass seems to be glowing from within. The pendant is $25, and I will include a black cord and ship it anywhere in the Continental US for you for $3.50. If you are looking for a gift for someone or a little treat for yourself, then contact me or click the Buy It Now button below. Make sure to take a look at this week's other posts, I've posted a different pendant each day.

I'm linking this post to KristinCreations website today for her Share Your Creations Party - if you have time, click over and check out all the creations - http://kristenscreationsonline.blogspot.com/2011/12/share-your-creations-party-15.html

Lit By Moonbeams Crisp and Cold - Fused Glass Pendant

Unavailable

 

Tiny Christmas - Wednesday

For Wednesday, I am featuring this little Christmas tree - look for the Liberty Dime to get a sense of the scale. The pendant is $25, I will include a black cord and ship it anywhere in the Continental US for you for $3.50. If you are looking for a gift for someone or a little treat for yourself, then contact me or click the Buy It Now button below.

Tiny Christmas - Fused Glass Pendant
Unavailable

Celestial Slipping Down - Tuesday

Today I am featuring a pendant that has a white snowflake set against a shiny piece of black glass that is fused to a glistening piece icy dichroic glass square. The pendant is $25, and I will include a black cord and ship it anywhere in the Continental US for you for $3.50. If you are looking for a gift for someone or a treat for yourself, then contact me or click the Buy It Now button below

Celestial Slipping Down - Fused Glass Pendant
SOLD

Cold Blue Ice - Monday

Each day this week, I'm featuring a different pendant for purchase. The pendant is $25, and I will include a black cord and ship it anywhere in the Continental US for you for an additional 3.50. If you are looking for a gift for someone or a treat for yourself, then contact me or click the Buy It Now button below.

Cold Blue Ice - Fused Glass Pendant
unavailable

Featured Pendant Week - All Lit Up for Christmas!

Everyday this week - today through Friday, I will featuring a pendant on my blog and my Facebook page.
They are scheduled to post around 10:00 AM each day except today.

If you are looking for a gift or a treat for yourself, then let me know in the comment section or just click "buy it now" below the pendant.

I will be happy to ship these anywhere in the continental US for you (if it's outside the US, contact me and we can work it out). I will include a small gift bag and a black cord with each pendant.

Since each if these is a one-of-a-kind creation, once it is sold there isn't another just like it. If you wanted it, but it slipped away then contact me at Leisaworks@yahoo.com or through the comment/post section, and I will see if there is anything similar for you to look ata.

This black and white Christmas tree is the first featured pendant. All Lit Up for Christmas is hand painted with a swirling decorative pattern that has been fused permanently into the glass.

All Lit Up for Christmas
Unavailable

 

Holiday Fair - A Recap

So, I just finished up my longest show ever - Holiday Fair in Greenville, SC. It was a three day show - Thursday through Saturday. 

Working in the Booth on Saturday.

For me at least, I had an good day on Thursday, an terrific day on Friday, and an okay day on Saturday. Overall, it was a good experience for me. It was very tiring to stand all day though. It made me more thankful than ever of my regular job as a graphic designer - I am used to sitting quietly at my computer for hours. I have a new found appreciation for those whose jobs require long hours standing on their feet!

Me and My Mom-In-Law

I am really thankful for all the help I received from my wonderful family and friends. My mom-in-law was with me most of the time, she was a huge help. My mom came in and out when her work schedule allowed. my sister took a day off work to help on Friday. My dad was there in the evenings. A friend from work came Saturday afternoon. My husband came each night after work, and he was there at the end to make 6 trips to the car (which was a long way away) with all the stuff from my booth.

Although, I am still recovering. I'm inclined to think I would do this show again in the future. 

Tim and I in the Booth on Saturday.

Holiday Fair - Day 2 Dawns

We are about to begin the second day of Holiday Fair. This is by far, the biggest show I have done. Thankfully, I had lots of help yesterday, my mom-in-law stayed with me most of the day, my mom came in and out as her work schedule allowed, my dad came in the evening and Tim came after work. 

Just like the small show I've den, this one was busy in small bursts. There seemed to always be someone coming up to the booth, even if they weren't buying, so I spent most of the day standing. For a girl with a job working at a computer all day, it wasn't easy. I truly respect anyone that has a job where they never sit down.

Today looks to be even busier than the first day.  My sister took a day off work and is coming to help us this morning. I don't know what I would do without my wonderful family and friends. There was a lady across from us who came down from Virginia. She sells these amazing old historical photos that she had tints using oils. She was by herself and really couldn't even leave her booth and go to the bathroom. I spelled her once so she could have a break.  Of course, she is a trooper. Many of these folks, travel from state to state and make a living doing this work.

Holiday Fair Begins...

The gates are open and the people are flowing in now...lots of people. I made my first sale, so that's good. I'm never sure I will sell anything until after that first sale. 

So, for the next 3 days, I will be hanging out in booth 1131. So, if your are nearby come visit me...

Holiday Fair Week

I think this is going to be the busiest week in a while for me. I am doing the annual Holiday Fair this year for the very first time. It has been on my schedule since the spring, and I am having trouble getting my head around the fact that it is actually time now. 

I've been working for weeks, in between other shows and my real job, to increase my inventory for the show. There are still a few things that I wanted to do but won't have time now. I had created quite a few of these little copper enameled bluebirds, but they sold really well at my other shows, and I only have a couple left now. They take a while to create, and so I don't see it happening.

I do have a whole bunch of glass pendants ready - lots of Christmas trees and snow flakes. I have quite a few hand painted and colored glass. 

If you happen to be in Greenville this Thursday, Friday and Saturday, please come by the TD Convention Center (formerly the Carolina First and Palmetto Expo Center). 

My mom-in-law is flying in from Chicago for a visit and has graciously volunteered to help me at the show. I'm excited to see her! I'm cautiously optimistic about the show. I've had vendors from other shows tell me I will do terrible and great...depends on who you talk to and how they did when they did the show in the past.

Oh, I started a new Facebook page for LeisaWorks - if you have time to click over there and "like" the page, I'd appreciate it. I'm having a giveaway when I get 100 "likes", or should I say...if I get 100 likes...it's looking doubtful. Maybe I was overly ambitious.