Wear your Art!

Graffiti Sign

2011-03-01T11:45:00.000-08:00

Soon you'll be able to get Shoozles from a new shop called The Gift Box

My little graffiti business sign

Early March, The Gift Box will be opened for business. There will be wonderful vendors presented there and Shoozles items will be among them. I'll post more as I know more :)

This sign and new display will be part of a new look for my Shoozles Fused Glass Goodness, So I hope to have the new line out with this launch so keep a look out. I am excited.

Evaluating myself

2011-02-24T19:52:00.000-08:00

Self reflection by my son, Alex- Self portrait

Every year about this time I take a good look at myself, and reflect on what I have learned. It just so happens to be near my birthday.

Last year around this time "I kicked Can't to the curb" Successfully! And will continue that quest!

This year has been much more interesting with a few more twists and turns, I have learned more about what I can and can't change, what is mine to change and what is not, and how to deal with things not in my control. It's personal, I can speak in general terms so you all can learn from it without giving too much information. My objective is to enlighten not to hurt others.

I have learned, I am of much more sound mind than maybe my past criticizers would have given me credit for. I have learned sometimes it is not about me, and if it is...I don't care. I have learned I have the power to turn off the madness others are trying to inflict, or are caught up in, and to NOT turn it off is self abuse. It's possible to change our selves, but not our job to change others. Upon healthy reflection sometimes social Spring cleaning needs to be done, I'd say it is not personal, but it is as personal as one can get.

Drama is much like dog crap, to avoid it you must watch where you step. I am taking my own quote under close advisement.

Pump Up The Love! Your beads my glass.

2011-01-19T07:21:00.000-08:00

Adding a focal pendant to your beading designs is a great way to pump up the love for what you make. I personally don't have time to bead but my good friend Sheri of Fresh Market Beads that is her specialty. She has partnered her love of beads with my fused glass focals and the end result is quite nice.

This beautiful necklace will be featured at our local Quarter Auction

She will have many more finished necklaces like this soon. I think the two of us complement each other nicely, she is joy to work with. If you use my glass in your designs I would love to see them. I will blog about you and promote your work as well. You are also free to use my name in your listings when my glass is a part of your designs.

If you are interested in the Original Quarter Auctions and would like more info or a calender of future events, please feel free to click the link and see where you can find the next one. You will find Shoozles in Edwardsville KC Hall Quarter Auction January 27, 2011, come see me and possible get a Shoozles for only a quarter.

Macro Grab Bag

2011-01-13T10:25:00.000-08:00

What's that you say?

As kid I remember forking over a buck or two for a mystery brown bag of what I barley know, but the thrill of getting something of mystery was exciting.

I know times are tight, and people still would like something to have for their hard earned money. I won't macro a piece of junk, I promise you'll be pleased with my grab bag macros. I have even take a close up photo of the item so you can chose this item based on the little mystery I give.

This is a sample of a Grab Bag Macro

I have put these items in my facebook "Shop Now" (check the blue tab) So you can view them and make a choice. They will be different prices based on the item and my own attachment LOL but they will be a low price and mystery will be yours to share later.

Lets have some fun this winter.
Shoozles loves you

Lost and Found

2011-01-11T10:47:00.000-08:00

It's funny what will trigger a cleaning spree - against my will I might add haha!

Sunday, I bought a little bag of beads, had them in my hands and suddenly, poof they were magically lost in the creative black hole called my studio. Surly they could not be far from where I stood? A few hours later of just moving, lifting and wandering about in search of said beads. I finally broke down and gave in to the demand to organize. I have no idea why I think it is easier to search endlessly than to just be organized but that is a whole other blog post.

yes, I just kept piling and pushing to avoid cleaning

wide shot of my assembly table

After shot of the same table

I found that little bag of stink'n beads that I thought was so important and so many other little treasures that I forgot about or gave up on in my rush. I still hate to organize, but yes it was worth it. I think it is, but now I can't find anything I put it away haha!

I didn't get a before shot of this section- this is my wire station

What is your favorite craft organizing tip

The Art Of Loving What We Create.

2011-01-09T19:56:00.000-08:00

For me, success is comprised of feeling good about the things I have created.

It's not about money, or time and it's not about how much I can produce per day or even how much money I can accrue. Creating for me is like spending time with my best friend. I can't wait to spend that precious time with it, I hate for it to end each day, it makes me feel good about myself, it can make a bad day all better and the more time I spend with it the more I grow and learn. All the best qualities of my best friend (she knows who she is).

Part of finding this special relationship with what you make is NOT to take short cuts and skip the hardship of failing with the medium. Each failure and experiment is a step to a deep creative relationship, when you skip these steps you cheat yourself of some learning that could be had or a technique that could be discovered and the bond to a style all your own. I like the idea of the unknown to each new step, seeking out help or answers is never first on my mind. The greatest discoveries have been made, that later I found out I would have been told not to do LOL

There really is an art to loving what you create. I guess there will always be the people that worry all about that bottom line and what money can be made by their creations. My guess It will show in their end result. So which person are you?

Don't look for the magic potion that makes it all work like another, Be the magic potion that makes it all your own.

Studio cean up and other stuff

2010-12-30T10:35:00.000-08:00

Well remember 2 weeks ago I shared my disaster of a glass desk? Some cleaning has been done in the ol' studio. Some very old carpet, that admittedly I kept because I had some attachment to. My sweet GG would lay under the glass table so we kept that cruddy carpet so she wouldn't have to lay on concrete, As we pulled it up I cried because it meant she would not be under my feet any more and it meant I would not see her laying with in a few feet of me as I worked. I know it's kinda dumb to hold on to stinky old carpet for such a reason, but it's gone now, I was as brave as I could be.

This looks a lot better if you take a look at the post from 2 weeks ago.

My glass table is nearly cleared and I have organized my glass and frit stash, it feels good to have a place for everything. I still have a long way to go with my wire and bead station and my grinding area then my soldering mat, I won't even talk about the computer and mailing area LOL

I surely hope I am not the only glass artist that does this?
I would imagine this is 4-5 yrs of cast offs I have collected cleaning the studio.

One thing I have found is I have wasted a lot of glass making uglies. A whole shoe box or more, Some not even worth reworking. But my idea is to try to rework 1 or 2 pieces each time I fire so I can narrow that box of uglies down. I have had success with cutting and reworking uglies. I'll keep you posted on that and take before and after shots. I am thankful glass can be fired over and over.

Here's to a fresh new start for the New Year! Happy Creativity friends.

The space I consume and the cosuming space.

2010-12-14T09:11:00.000-08:00

Most of November and all of December seem like it's at whiplash pace. There is no time to clear my glass table, organize or barley even time evaluate what supplies I need. I cut clip and toss glass till there is little or no space. It looks as if I work my self into a small corner or patch on my table.

See the small spot that I actually have to work in? Swear I cleaned it not that long ago LOL

Those squares are inches so lets see, a whopping 6 inches I have left to work :)

I am looking forward to a little quite time to gather my thoughts and get that space cleaned. I thought I would give you a little peek on to the glass table.

Find out How to win this..

2010-11-08T09:52:00.000-08:00

Dichroic Tile Bracelet

This dichroic glass tile bracelet is a customer giveaway. Thats right when you purchase any item from me till December 15, 2010, you'll be entered into a drawing for a chance to win this bracelet. It's a $50 value. Upon each purchase your name is entered, I'll draw the name December 16th and announce it on my Facebook page and on my blog. You'll receive an email or phone call if you are the lucky winner. This offer is for on-line purchases and show sales.

Thank you for being my customers and good luck everyone.

The heart from nature- Sybolic Gift

2010-09-15T06:48:00.000-07:00

My last most glorious day in nature was with my whole family about two weeks ago. A 3 hour hike in deep woods with hills and rocks and trails. I can't tell you how good and happy it made me feel to be with nature and share it with my family. I took some great pictures, had some great finds. I spotted a 2 foot black snake, a big walking stick bug, explored some some caves and even though I was so proud of my self for surviving that mega hike I still had in the back of my mind I had not found a nature heart other than these 5 beautiful young men right here.

I had almost made the whole day without finding my gift. Then at the top of the cliff, at the look out to the river, under a tree we all opened a curious nut. There, between 2 layers of nut stuff was my gift. A heart inside. We all sighed, we knew our day was complete, God graced us with a symbol of our good day and or great love for nature and each other. Nothing better.

I am not sure what it is about me, but I always find hearts in nature. I don't know if it is a gift for my gratitude for such things or pure luck?

Thank you nature.

I know- where have I been?

2010-08-31T05:56:00.000-07:00

My name is Michelle and I am a Blog Neglecter.

You would think the older my kids get the easier it would be to escape to the deep recesses of my studio and get creative, oh and then write about it. BUT really it is not as free as one might think.
So school is in full swing thankfully, and I am free at last. I have been working on some new ideas. In fact some I have been trying to perfect since Christmas. I tend to learn through trial and error, it seems to stay in my head a little better that way. I got a soldering iron for Christmas. As usual it was not as easy as I thought it would be. I have wanted to add some wire embellishments and things to my glass for years and no matter how I wrapped and wound that wire I still found I needed this little soldering skill. For the last month I have been teaching my self what is possible. I still have a long way to go, but I can see amazing things evolving from adding this skill to my many glass addictions.

I also made a load of tiny hand painted charms. My goal was to add a small item to my shop and for shows that is less expensive. No matter how bad the economy spanks a person they should still be able to get a "want" from time to time, otherwise life can seem dismal "working to live, living to work" day to day. So I want people to walk away with a cheerful goodie that won't break the bank or make them have buyers remorse, ya know?

Anyway hope you will enjoy my newest endeavors, I apologize for my blog neglect.

Hugs and love
Michelle

Inspiring Things

2010-07-11T19:02:00.000-07:00

I try never underestimate the power of nature, even from my very own yard. I have lots of new goodies growing in my yard these days and today a baby praying mantis pulled me out of my studio with my camera. It proved to a lesson in frustration but that was okay because there was much more inspiration to be found.

INSPIRATION!

result still need some work but hey

Some of my garden friends

Mint blossoms

some cute pink weeds to inspire me later

something about this simple blade

I hope you find some treasure that inspires you. When you do please share it with me, never know it could start a whole new series of pendants and earrings.
Talk to you soon~ Michelle

Need a Laugh?

2010-06-24T10:31:00.000-07:00

My kids never seems to let me down when I need a laugh

This one is even better

My other loves

2010-06-16T11:45:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share 2 of my other passions. Gardening to eat and cooking from the garden. I have enjoyed cooking for quite some time. But I am quite new to gardening veggies. It all started last year with herbs, tomatoes and hot peppers with the idea of making my own salsa. This year I thought I would try lettuce because, not one dinner goes by without a salad here in my home. It just made sense to grow lettuce and garlic since I use them a lot! So take a stroll with me through my garden and make a salad with me tonight.

Baby cat guards the plants. These lettuce plants have already been harvested YUM! Onion and basil as well.

Garlic ready to pop. Ironically I have planted it among the mint

Red lettuce is so pretty cant wait to eat this. Nothing better than fresh from the garden.

Tomato blossoms

Harvested and washed ready for my salad

For my winter garden I think I am going to give carrots a try with a cold frame garden

my secret wish is to try to grow mushrooms some day. Never submerge your shrooms in water -wipe with a damp cloth for salad greatness

Salad is all finished and homemade dressing is is prepared. I am a salad dressing snob, no dressing from the store.

Hope you liked the garden stroll and salad. Dressing recipe? :)

1/2 cup white wine
1/4 cup red vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
3 cloves fresh garlic
1 table spoon of lemon
1 teaspoon dry mustard (optional)
Blend in blender
1 teaspoon of salt
3/4 cup olive oil
(add to blender slowly)
1 teaspoon of poppy seeds
or
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

I never measure so feel free to add to your own taste

My garden toes after I have been strolling. Had to show my first pedicure a friend took me to get, bet she didn't know I would get it all messed up in the garden LOL

New Series- "forever Bound"

2010-06-04T09:38:00.000-07:00

I have a special place in my soul for hearts, I think you can wear them any time and they can be any color. I finally got an idea for some earrings that I like and I especially like their tattered and loved look. They are delicate and differ from one another much like two loves that come together in marriage or partnership complete with imperfections and holes and jagged edges.

Forever Bound Heart Earrings

I asked my much loved Facebook friends for color ideas and a name for this series and as always they came through. I love to brainstorm with my Facebook ladies- You are the best!

We started storming about bondage, kinda funny start, but in the end it all came together, it reminded one of my facebook friends of a tradition done in Celtic and other religious weddings where they wrap a cord or embroidered cloth around the couples hands to symbolize that they are forever bound together. Ahhh yes perfect! Thank you Jennipher.

Thank you friends, I hope everyone will like the new series. This new line will be in my shop after the June 11&12 show.

Come See Me! New Glass Goodies

2010-06-03T12:27:00.000-07:00

I will be showing new glass goodness at a great Summer Festival. Would love to see all my Facebook and blog friends that are close enough to attend.

Peace Stones will be pendants soon

Route 66 Festival- Edwardsville IL

Friday, June 11
starts at 5:00 pm

Saturday June 12
starts at 10:00 am

I will be showing new glass goodness as a vendors at this event. I would love to see all my friends this summer. It's a great festival with food, music with art and craft vendors.

For details follow this link
http://www.cityofedwardsville.com/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC{B7D213FC-9C9E-4D75-A25E-2046D1D23CD7}

New half cuff bracelets in my shop now

If you are not able to come see me but would like some new Shoozles you know where to find me At my Etsy shop feel free to contact me for new items.

twist and twirls in glass

2010-05-07T13:26:00.000-07:00

Come have a look in my Shoozles shop for new items. I have been busy torching and fusing for Mother's Day orders. Back to my blog when things get calmed down. In the mean time new items for you to look at. Happy Mother's Days friends

Facebook Giveaways- FREE Shoozles Drawings

2010-04-21T08:22:00.000-07:00

If you have not joined us please do. I have a Shoozles fused glass fan page and have to say it has been the best fun. I really feel like I have been able to interact with my glass friends and fans.

Last week we played a color name game. All the people that comment on the post for the giveaway game were entered to win a FREE Shoozles. The color name game was designed to help me name certain styles and color pendants. After 10 years of naming all my jewelry, I had got in a little bit of a word rut, so I called on my facebook friends to be creative and they were up for the task for sure. I received a wonderful array of new names for my jewels- thanks to everyone that played.

So please join my fan page and keep a look out for my random drawing and feel free to play or comment any time.

Spring Break- Afterglow

2010-04-11T13:24:00.000-07:00

Last week was Spring Break for my kids. I have to say I really enjoyed it this year. It's hard for me to make myself stop what I am doing and just go play. But I made the effort this break and it was worth it. They have been back at school for a week, but I find my self thinking back on how much fun we had and to be honest we barely spent any money. It was all about catching up, goofing off and exploring.

We went to the book store and spent hours looking at books. The best fun was the children section, we played with puppets and looked at books, Can you believe 14 yr old boys would even do that? They did and it was fun. My son Chipper enjoyed doing Hello Kitty photo bombs without Alex's knowledge. I have puppet footage (Facebook freinds-you'll have to actually visit MY blog to watch) So funny. Sam discovered during a nature walk the best play grounds are old fallen trees. ALSO, I have the greatest memento besides these videos and pics. My son Sam found in the creek. How he saw it I'll never know? He found this rock with a heart shape in it, then carried it the whole way back from the hike a good 2 miles. It's the size of a cantaloupe with a perfect heart shape right smack in the middle of it- right from nature. AMAZING!

I am sharing this of course because it's part of a great week in my life but it also regenerated my creative spirit. Not one break or event is wasted, making my creative journey better.

Go explore friends!

Happy Birthday To Me!

2010-03-25T12:43:00.001-07:00

Sometime, around noon 43 years ago my mom gave birth to little ol me. True to form, never to disappoint. Love you mom & dad, Husband dearly and my not so baby boys and Love my friends! I know more than I knew before!

Wanted to share the words to this song by Feist
I feel it all

I feel it all I feel it all
I feel it all I feel it all
The wings are wide the wings are wide
Wild card inside wild card inside

Ooh I'll be the one who'll break my
Heart, I'll be the one to hold the gun

I know more than I knew before
I know more than I knew before
I didn't rest, I didn't stop
Did we fight, or did we talk

Ooh, I'll be the one who'll break my
Heart, I'll be the one to hold the gun,
I love you more
I love you more
I don't know what I knew before
But now I know I wanna win the war

No one likes to take a test
Sometimes you know more is less
Put your weight against the door
Kick drum on the basement floor

Stranded in a fog of words
Loved him like a winter bird
On my head the water pours
Gulf stream through the open door

Fly away
Fly away to what you want to make

I feel it all I feel it all
I feel it all I feel it all
The wings are wide the wings are wide
Wild card inside wild card inside

Ooh, I'll be the one who'll break my
Heart, I'll be the one who'll break my
Heart, I'll be the one who'll break my
Heart, I'll end it though you started it

The truth, the lies
The truth lied
The lies divide
The lies divide

Get Your Monkey On!

2010-03-24T11:52:00.000-07:00

Whatever that means to you?
For me it means artistic evolution, part of that journey I talk about.
I have been exploring other ways to express my self creatively. Breaking free from glass from time to time helps release new ideas. I've been trying to look at my world just a little differently and absorb my out of studio surroundings a bit more. Draw new visual experiences into what I make more. Maybe I have been doing this all along and didn't know it, but I want to be more aware of doing that. Heck maybe I will never be aware of that, but I'll give it a whirl.

A trip to Target pulled a little monkey art out of me. Just walking down the toy isle can inspire me, there were tons of little colorful mini stuffed monkeys it was like a little mini monkey party, Makes me wish I had my camera. So I made some cards this week, I always love making cards. I like to give and get a card that is actual art(hint my birthday is tomorrow). Since I was gett'n my Monkey on (monkeying around) I carved this little cutie and made a set of cards then water colored them each different. It's nice to break free from glass, I may even carve small stamp for my glass see where it goes. It was great fun.

What do you do that pushes your creative buttons? What do you bring from the outside world into you own art?

Be creative folks -Hugs!

Kicking "can't" to the curb

2010-03-06T13:14:00.000-08:00

I will be 43 yrs old this Month. I have asked myself what I want to get from my artistic journey? At times I feel there is much more in store for me then I feel lazy or maybe lost or worse I tell my self I can't.
I have come so far, I guess some of you don't know but I am horribly dyslexic. Every word I learn to spell has been a challenge, I have memorized each spelled word I know. Sounding out a word for me is nearly impossible, the magic of phonics was lost on this little girl. I am nearly blind to grammar and punctuation as I am sure you all notice, if you have painfully read my entries. I love you for loving me in spite of my errors. Words like "there" look like "three," "star" looks like "start" you may get the picture at how hard reading and spelling can be for me. Just writing and managing this blog has been pushing an enormous boundary for me. I have learned to use my strengths to kick my weakness right in the booty. I love to write, I write much like I talk. I'll never be a great writer but it will not stop me from putting my words out here for people to see. The more I do it the better I feel and get at it.

The point in this post is to encourage anyone that is saying "can't" right now. It is also to remind myself there is so much more I want to do so I will be kicking "can't" to the curb.

Who is with me? What is the one thing you want to do, but tell your self you can't do?
Hugs
M

Saying goodbye to Ginger

2010-02-28T13:07:00.000-08:00

Thursday my sweet furry baby, Ginger, lost her battle with her heart. Eleven years ago she came into our lives and we never thought we'd have to say good bye so soon. Love your Dogs folks they are never here long enough and there are never enough photos.

She was a mess upon arrival to our home, flea bitten, sores on her skin, and small from malnutrition and to be honest, she didn't want me at first. She had no idea we would all love her as if life depended on it. The neighbors that didn't want her were quite annoyed at her return to their back door about 6 times a day. I told them "give me 2 weeks and you'll never see her at this back door again." One week later she never went back, not even a glance or squint. The dog they told me would never be a lap dog to their mother, never left my lap, that same dog they said would not mind, loved me enough to do whatever I wanted. All she ever cared about was to be as close as she could to us. She never even knew she was not supposed to ride a motorcycle with Andy(my husband) all she knew is he was on that thing and so would she-- complete with a doggy leather jacket I might add.

She barked every time I stood up, she brought her food into the living room to eat near us, she slept between my husband and I every night. She followed me from room to room, a small furry shadow I am not sure I can live without. She greeted my husband every day like a sweet child, she licked our faces when we cried, licked our legs as we got out of the shower and if Andy was not careful his bald head was in for a cleaning, we were her babies too. She loved bouncy balls, and plastic milk jugs bigger than her whole body, to see her chase one was something I'll never forget. I now wish I had video of.

There is no love like this love, it is unconditional, there are no bad memories or regrets in this kind of love, it burns into our own souls so much so that letting them go is painful, and heart wrenching.

As I watched Ginger leave Thursday nothing was more clear to me then how we are made up of 2 parts, the flesh, the part we leave here that becomes one with the earth and the part that makes us who we are, our spirit, the part that God takes and keeps, you don't even have to recognize God to see these two parts divide upon death. My sweet little GG showed me this extraordinary divide upon her departure. She was a gift in life and death.

I will never forget you Little G, you were precious beyond belief- we will love you forever and see you upon our own divide.

Newspaper clipping of G and Andy; Born to Ride from Alton Telegraph, Photographer Russ Smith(thank you forever)

Graffiti Unleashed

2010-02-23T09:45:00.000-08:00

I work hard on these little mini glass graffiti walls. They capture the essence of my personality more than anyone can know, they are my signature pieces I believe. The color, surprise and organized messyness of them make me happy. I always know I am okay when I can do a batch of these. I love them so much I don't even care if anyone else likes them or wants them, but get great joy when people do. So there ya go Graffiti Unleashed, listing soon when I have detached from them- not really I still have to wire them, got some ideas rollicking in my head now.
Everyone needs a piece of non-rebellious Shoozles Graffiti- HUGS

Earrings Everywhere!

2010-02-19T08:23:00.000-08:00

Well, maybe not everywhere, but I am trying.
As I have said before I get slowed down by the process of earrings. That maybe my only little perfectionist glitch.

This week I set out to make some post style dots and I have these and many more. I have even beaded some with my mega bead stash, yep I had some ideas that needed out. AND-Gotta give the people what they want, ya know?

So this little patch of pairs needed to be shown off, they will be added to my Etsy Shop as soon as I can take individual photos, they will be inexpensive($6 to $8) and if you buy 3 pair I will send and extra pair as a gift. Special Note; the post are surgical steel and silver tone not sterling, so sensitive ears please keep that in mind. Disk backs included in the sale.

Thanks for looking everyone- have a great Friday

My Art as Art

2010-02-16T18:35:00.000-08:00

This week I took a look at my shop and made a much needed change to my banner plus the look of my shop. I was growing weary of the harvest orange topper I quickly designed to distract from a very ugly orange button Etsy added to our shops, that is now long gone- Thank the LORD!

Anyway, I really wanted to do something different. Over the years I have played with Photo Shop and taught myself quite a few things about that software, but to be honest, it's technology out weighs my skills. I have never let it scare me. I decided to use the filters this time, ya know the artsy additives that can change a photo to something that resembles a painting LOL. I did have fun seeing my pendant photos change in to water colors, paint daubs and even plastic wrap. I highly recommend spicing up your banner this way, and veering from the regular photo route.

I owe my good friend a banner :) hi Ruth(didn't forget you honey). She just may get something from a fabric swatch distorted in such a way that intrigues people.

I thought I would show you some of my art turned into art and show off my new banner too.
If you get a chace go check out how it looks in my shop and see my sales section too.

Feel'n Rude? Express Yourself!

2010-02-04T07:19:00.000-08:00

So yes, I have been working, just not blogging -Sorry about that

I don't know about the rest of you, but some days I have a rude streak that runs pretty deep, now being a generally nice and kind person I avoid conflict. In fact until about the age of 39 I rarely spoke my mind freely, but trust me I was think'n it, and burning a hole in my stomach holding it LOL
Well I have come to realize my feeling are just as important as others, but again there is always my nice side that will hold me back from being as rude as I wanna be. Funny how one can use a life long struggle to bring forth a line such as this. A semi grainy, spray paint, grunge like word pendant called "Rude Jools" this is NOT really a new concept I know. My idea is to empower people like me! People that have a need to say what is on their mind without actually verbally blasting it to the point of remorse--- a therapy of sorts.

So do you have a co-worker that just rubs you the wrong way? When you go to the grocery store do you fell like telling people to- MOVE it! Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed and just feel like warning others-NOT today please! How about college home work is just sucking your mind dry this week? Well I have the pendants that can help you express how you feel but help you maintain your integrity or not LOL

Small 2 to 3 word phrases can be added to these Rude Jools and yes if you need to say "F*ck" I can accommodate a Rude Jool to your liking, I don't recommend wearing that one to work but hey have at it LOL

I would also love to hear any Rude Jool comments you would like to see- Lets express our selves Friends! Oh I can put sweet things on the Jools too :)

Hello Snow day

2010-01-11T11:51:00.000-08:00

Last weeks snow day sledding at the Strader's. Sam punked out on us, well them- not me, my skin and snow did not make contact, I am not a fan of being cold and wet. Notice how Macy has to follow them down the hill. This makes me cold just watching it, so I will leave it to you less cold sensitive folks LOL! Stay warm everyone.

My Cold Sunny Day Project

2010-01-04T10:01:00.000-08:00

Well as promised, I am about to show you what I wanted to do for a long time. I will admit I am not good with house plants. I tend to think they can take care of them selves and then they wilt and pray for mercy. Well the moss environment takes care of that issue, little fussing after you arrange it.
PART 1

My love for moss and terrariums goes way back to when I was 5 and was followed by a long time love affair with rocks. I remember my biological father making one or some odd memory of sorts. Nicely and fondly embedded, now I am revisiting it.

PART 2

I love the small moss environment. It feels like a little world I'd like to escape to from time to time. I needed a warm window project today since it is all of 7 degrees here in Illinois. I hope this will inspire you or you will at least you will enjoy my goofy attempts. I want to Thank Teresa for making her moss available. and making my Christmas happy- She was a sweetie and shipping was fast and her kits are wonderful with complete instruction. Please ignore my goofy voice in these videos. Thanks so much!

Happy Almost New Year

2009-12-31T15:47:00.000-08:00

After a very busy December and break from my blog and my Etsy I am am back. So what is in store from my new year? I am not much for resolutions but I do make deals with myself that seems to stick better than the Ol' RESOLUTION. First I always have to start a new project to keep me out of a creative slump. I'll be doing a blog about this so look for it!

So what deal will I make with my self this year? Hummm I have to think on this. It never includes weight loss or exercise thats for sure. It always about being better to my self in other ways and usually includes my family.

Lets see 2 years ago, the deal with myself was to make more family meals and eat at the table, cut fast food from the equation - it was a success! I must say the best thing you can ever do for you and your family. Try it!

Last year "the deal" was to stop giving advice to the ignorantly not-so-bliss individuals that seem to like to waste my time. Don't ask me if you don't want to hear the truth and if you ask and I give you free good advice and you casually discard it, that will be the last time you waste my time. That seems to be a success too. Cut loads of time wasting stresses out of my life.

So I need to think about this, maybe your deal/resolution can give me some ideas so let me hear it!

Everyone have a great end to 2009 hugs and kiss- love Michelle

I am thankful

2009-11-23T10:51:00.000-08:00

This will be an unconventional Thanksgiving thanks list, but I know you'll all understand. I am of course thankful for my family and friends and all the normal things, but here are the not so normal things.

I Am THANKFUL For...
My dirty house- I have given my time to the people I love and made that my priority
My dry cracked hands- because I am happy to have those hands to create
My chubby bottom- I got plenty to eat and cook good
My gray hair-and the wisdom that came with it
My old car- with no car payment that still runs
My small ugly house- with a very low house payment and half paid for.
My junky yard- my kids and all their friends play with no worries, I always know where they are.

I am thankful for every unkind thing said to me, and every person that treated me bad, it has made me appreciate the good people in my life and made me evolve if I need to.

I am thankful for every ache and pain in my body, it makes those good days really good and makes me a really excellent sympathizer- just when it is needed most.

What unconventional thing are you thankful for this year?

Give Thanks Folks
With Much Love Michelle

Charmed Elements-new ideas

2009-11-17T09:59:00.000-08:00

Ya know I am always think'n.

So here it goes, I maybe bitting off more than I can chew but I am sure I'll learn something along the way. In the many years I have made jewelry I have noticed ladies/customers like to have a little input or a connection with their jewelry, it feels more personal to them if they can customized it in some way. I guess everyone like to be creative hey? I have thought about this a long time and tried to figure out a way to let them get that kind of interaction with what I make, without always doing custom orders and always falling flat because of course I like to be the creator LOL.
So here is what I am going to try...I will make a series of inexpensive chains with loops, small charm/bead parts then you can add the glass tiles of your choice. The first in this Series will be initial tile charm elements, you get to choose the color glass initial tile and you get to choose the chain charm to add it to. Sound confusing? Let me know if I can explain it better? I need help with this part of it, so I am thinking out loud in my blog essentially.

This is a work in progress and I am asking my friends to work with me to offer this fun personalized product. I think I will offer the tile elements separate and chain charms separate as well. They will be very affordable and personal.

Have no idea how to market this at this point- my wheels are turning.

talk to you all soon
love and hugs

cutting a glass panel- for jeannie

2009-10-28T11:04:00.000-07:00

Giving- The Creative Contiuum

2009-10-26T10:24:00.000-07:00

And watta ya gonna do with those? Yes, those little words?

It's been a while since I entertained my heart compulsion. This weekend I indulged in scrappy glass heart Zen. Oh yeah I unloaded my little plastic box tiny glass pieces and arranged them into heart shapes, then added my most colorful lampworked beads and anything else that came to mind like these plastic words I made. These little mixed media ornamental pieces make me happy, I guess if I don't sell them, then my closest friends will get them as gifts. so look out!

My very best buddy received the first of these little mixed media treasures. I love to give the first of any series away to someone deserving. I am not sure if I have ever shared my theory of giving "the first" a way? But I will now. My thoughts are...I was given the ideas so in turn I should give the first piece away so many more ideas will come. This concept is not new I know, but I practice it in hopes to always have the creative continuum. I do feel it is a reward for gratitude. I am so thankful for ideas and inspiration I give that first piece away as homage to to God for the gift of that idea. After all those ideas are to be shared.
Okay so now it's been shared. Now they are listed in my on-line shop.

Love and hugs folks

Kilns full steam ahead!

2009-10-21T13:37:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was the ArtEast Studio Show, I want to thank everyone that showed up to see the new goodies and came to say hello. This weekend will be the Holiday One Stop Shop and I have even more glass goodness believe it or not. I have fired these kilns this week like no other, in preparation for shows and any possible box parties. So fingers crossed the economy has not scared off too many of my glass loving friends.

Earrings have been tops on the agenda, in fact, as I write -kiln 3 is cooking a batch of earrings woohoo! I do have to say I have backed off the holiday items this year because when a person has to make a choice I think they are less likely to spend it on an item they will only wear 1 time a year. So that is my reasoning- but if you are looking for more of that give me a heads up please! I may make some charms because I love those.

Smaller items with a lower price point will be available at the shows. And spending $50 or more gets you a chance at surprise free grab bag item. Yep lets have some fun.

Come visit me and Carmen at our next two shows and be sure to become a Facebook Fan for special online deals and show dates.

8th Annual One Stop Shop
Saturday October 24th
10 am to 4 pm
At the Resurrection Lutheran Church
In Godfrey IL

Edwardsville High school Craft Fair
November 14th & 15th
2 days Sat & Sun
11am to 4pm
(there is a fair fee to enter)

See ya there!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-14T13:37:00.000-07:00

Fall Shows- Come get your glass fix

2009-10-13T07:42:00.000-07:00

Oh yea it is full blown Autumn here, 40 degree weather, leaves falling here in the Midwest and studio madness - getting prepped for the next two months of shows and what may come.
I will be bringing most of my Etsy online shop items with the exception of the 2 for 20 items, because it will be hard to keep track of theses kinds of sale pieces but I will have some reduced priced inventory mainly because I am tired of looking at some things not because they are not good pieces- just the boredom of an artist LOL

SHOW DATES
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ArtEast Studio Tour and Group Exhibit
Featuring- Carmen Schenato and Brenda Elfgen and my self
17th and 18th
2 days Sat & Sun
11am to 5 pm
228 W. Haller Dr.
East Alton IL 62024

8th Annual One Stop Shop
Saturday October 24th
10 am to 4 pm
At the Resurrection Lutheran Church
In Godfrey IL

Edwardsville High school Craft Fair
November 14th & 15th
2 days Sat & Sun
11am to 4pm
(there is a fair fee to enter)

I would love to see you all there, if you have never met me please come and introduce yourself.

New with shoozles-Facebook Fan Page

2009-10-06T11:58:00.000-07:00

In March, as a Birthday gift to my self, I started to teach my self to lampwork beads. I have found I am getting a little better each time I sit at the torch, mostly I am looking for a ways to use my beads to go with my pendants but I do enjoy playing with new ideas. I have some little quirky wearable dolls and some slider rings for this show season. I hope you will like them. New items for all to enjoy are deerskin leather cords, and 2 for 20 sale items, yes 2 pendants for $20 that is a deal- see my shop sales area for these items. Shoozles shop.
At the request of friends and good customers, I added a Facebook Fan page. Look to the right of this blog then scroll down- yep I have a fan page. I will be adding show info and website specials. These will be Facebook Fan only offers and I am trying to think of a way to reward spreading the word so any ideas are welcome :)) So please feel free to join my page and comment and ask questions. Facebook Fan Page

I love to promote my friends handmade goodies on my Facebook page and would love the favor returned so if you promote my goodies on your page I will do that for you as well, just send me a message.

Thanks everyone-M

I better get to work

2009-09-28T08:50:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I filled the little box on my table this full. It's exciting, it means I have been busy but it also means I still have lots to do.

This box I speak of - is about 8 inches in diameter and 2 inches deep full of nearly finished goodies. This special box is a holding spot for the next stage to new life for these little tokens. So there they sit begging to be finished taunting me like fancy candy in a locked drawer. Is it procrastination? Is it the stage they are in? Or could it be the sheer volume that over whelms me? It's probably a little of all these things. So here I go digging in and kicking my booty in to gear. What stops you? how do you motivate your self to end projects? I need to know.

Thanks friends- prod me if you feel so inclined LOL

The Magic Of Dichro

2009-09-25T21:17:00.000-07:00

Recharging the mama batteries

2009-09-21T07:24:00.000-07:00

All too often moms "do" themselves to death, they forget to have fun, cut loose and just let go of what is at home. We cook, clean, manage and take on way more than we should. As we pile on more and more, parts of our personalities hibernate or sadly disappear. I can't even begin to think of what this does to ones creativity, let alone self esteem.

I had the great pleasure of recharging my mama batteries this weekend with old and new friends. For the first time in 14 years, I got to escape from my much loved family and spend a weekend with no filters and nonstop laughing. I forgot how great women can be to each other as friends and what it means to share who we are. By doing so we evolve and discover new places in our own minds. Since I believe all encounters and events make new paths, I really can't wait to see what this will do for my creativity in the near future or even my parenting for that matter.

I had been hibernated for so long, I had some fear I would not fit in with this group, but these ladies took me in like I had been with them forever. I can't thank them enough.

I guess this post like many of my ramblings seem off course from my creative blog, but trust me, taking care of yourself and being the tiniest bit selfish and breaking away is good for the heart, mind, and soul, what could be better for any artists journey.

Thank you, I will never forget- Kayla, Ruth Ann, Autumn, Meghan, Laura and Teddi and the Village People at Starbucks LOL

Triple Trouble!

2009-08-23T12:23:00.000-07:00

Look out world! 8th grade trouble headed due North LOL
They look less like triplets this year than ever. They all have their own style now and they have never had the same personality, contrary to what people think.

I have always known each individual cry and and laugh, I am probably the only one that can tell their voices apart. They have always been individuals within a unit. Bound by a birth date and brotherhood. The older they get the more I see differences. I try to cultivate the individuality. I remember reading a story about twins, I'll share.

10 year old Timmy and Tommy were playing outside one day while visiting grandma and grandpa. Grandpa says to Timmy, "Hey, are you Timmy or Tommy? Timmy quickly replied I don't know are grandpa or grandma? LOL

These special people don't see the similarities in themselves and are offended when people don't take the time to know them as individuals. I am so glad I read that before I had my boys. It helped me to treat them equal but not as the same- does that make sense?

Their lives are much different than that of even brothers in the same home at different ages. They knew how to share before they could walk. They always have a friend even when they don't want one.

When they were younger, they would come in and say "I'm board". I would say, matter of fact "No-no-no! I gave birth to two other friends-- get outside and pay with them" hahaha!

Funny the questions people ask about multiples. But I love the questions, so ask away.

Don't count your chickens till they hatch

2009-08-20T13:35:00.000-07:00

Yea, yea, yea! Being a mother of triplets, I of all people should know this fable and adhere to it. But today I did not, nope just didn't! I happily typed in my face book page that I had completed another project for The Innovations 8 Show- only to be reminded of the fable above! I was working away and heard a pop, I waltzed over to the kiln thinking all was fine. It just so happened the kiln was already at 1000 I peeked inside and the glass panel had exploded, glass was stuck to the wall and coil of the kiln! NOOOO!

So I am here blogging to tell you how to make it all better. This is not formal advice this is Shoozles special frantic kiln repair advice. Take it or leave it!

First consult with friends so they will calm you down, then let the kiln cool down and continue to seek for someone that will pray over your kiln ---Thanks Lori Your first kiln prayer worked :))

Okay, Now that the kiln is cool-Unplug said kiln, get your sexiest safety glasses or ugly ones will work too and gently wiggle and snip the glass with pliers --do NOT get too close to the coil while snipping, keep doing that until you get all the glass, when you think you have all the glass removed and brushed out of the kiln heat it up with nothing in the kiln to test the coils. I feel pretty lucky, this was a small amount of glass and it was not full melt, but it was stuck and I was scared.

All better Whew!

Thank you to all who listened to me cry LOL

Peace and quiet

2009-08-19T09:13:00.000-07:00

Well, right about now my kids are walking home from their first 1/2 day back to school. It won't be quiet long. The little time I had alone today went by so quick. I forgot how nice it was to be in the house by my self. Tomorrow will be a full day in the studio with no interruptions lest someone wants to lose a limb LOL!

I am working on the collaborations with Brie for the Innovations Show. She has completed her part, so now I have to block out all bad vibes, interrupting phone calls and make my self stay off the computer. 2 pieces down 4 to go!

The kiln is doing it's thing this morning after a long time at the grinder. I feel good about my small block of freedom and peace. Don't get me wrong -I love those little boogers but it was pure joy dropping them off at school this morning. I almost couldn't sleep last night at the thought of it. Six Flags for me is quiet studio time and glass. I am giddy at the thought of what tomorrow will bring.

Photos soon-hugs

Back to Biz

2009-08-06T15:54:00.000-07:00

Well with Summer in it's final wave I am getting back to normal, okay, as normal as I can get HA!
I have begun to think about the season to come and what I need to be doing. Lots of shows are planned and My Online shops need to be restocked so I can be back to the Shoozles(glass gal) I know I can be. I have a few hang ups with photographing my jewelry, I'll be honest I am sick of taking photos, so some of what slows me down is photography. It may be years of taking photos and putting them through photo shop has worn me down or maybe I need to get inspired. At any rate shake it off and get my butt in gear ---Right? Make sure you go look at my newly listed items on Etsy

Last weekend My best friend and I did the Highland Art Show. It was rained out 4 hours into the show. Wet cards and muddy feet sent us packing but I was not upset I got to spend a day with my buddy and laughed and sold a few things. Not to mention the 75 pieces I made to prepare for the show really kicked me out of my funk. I really think that little 4 hours in the park with nice people responding to our art helped too.

So here is to getting back to business.
Hugs to all that hung in there with me.

Shoozles Gets Her Groove Back

2009-07-19T12:31:00.000-07:00

Well almost, I still sit at my glass table and stare for an eternity before a piece of glass even gives me a clue to it's creation-- oh it's never been so hard I tell ya. My mind bounces with glimpses of ideas then it's off to my husbands job junk, then to my kids and what they need, then to will I be okay in 6 months- I have to be? I shake it off for a moment and slip into my creative place. Have I mentioned how great that place is?

Time is gone when I am there, it is a selfish place I really love. I breathe without effort, ya know those good breaths you can feel in your hands and feet? All sound seems to muffle, then my mind wander to the creative catalog of my past ideas then evolve to new ones and it feels endless. It's just me and the ideas when this happens- I remember it, I miss it, I need it, I am on the cusp of it.
I think this is a form of meditation and I am out of practice, I let my mind and worry throw the focus. I made some good stuff this week but it was an effort I am not used to. So maybe a few more times at the table and ZEN will find it's way back to me.

Woke Up Laughing- Thank You Rober Palmer

2009-07-14T23:18:00.000-07:00

You make yourself a fortune, out in Hong Kong
You sit at home and wonder whether you were wrong
You take a small vacation just to keep sane
You find on your return your home has blown away
You meditate, you make haste
You run a risk, you come late,
You pay a bill, you lose face
You're not fully unaware
Your star or your fate
If you fall do you break?
You go to war, you make love
You sign out in a box

It will all be well- a good song reminds me Life has plans even when I don't. If you get a chance go have a listen.

My Creative Black EYE!

2009-07-03T15:52:00.000-07:00

I apologize for being away so long. I have been so caught up in my thoughts(I'll explain). I have not been able to write or create or even take photos. I guess I have even lost a few blog subscribers. So I especially want to thank those of you that cared enough to hang around.

Summer tends to be a little harder to get time to myself rightfully so with three 13 yr olds but this summer I have had an extra worry or two. Anyone that keeps up with me on facebook might know what I am talking about but I am going to explain further anyway because there is more.

I got a new doctor, this is a good thing, I have went neglected way too long. So I got the full work up that included blood work scans and what I call the Mamm -o- squeeze that is my way of saying mammogram. Turns out I had a lump on my left breast so I had to go back and do this oh so NOT pleasant procedure again and then I had a surprise mamm-o-grope this is my way of saying I got an ultrasound on my left breast. I may need to mention I make inappropriate jokes when I get scared. I got a call that left me less than happy. I was told I would need to wait 6 months for breast changes. This is a new altenative to a breast byoptsy :( can I just say what SHIT this is to do to a woman. I took this news, accepted it but cried quietly to myself.

Well there is a new development- a nice little spontainus gooey black green discharge -sorry to be graphic, I trust I am talking to women here and I trust I am taking to friends. If not I guess You are FREE to stop reading --oh the great freedoms of our world:) So Now I have an appointment with a surgeon. I think wating is not an option now?

Okay so what does this have to do with my creative blog? Well my creative health and well being seem to have taken a little beating as well. I can't seem to get my creative thinker back on track and much to my dismay this is more disturbing to me than what looms. Because as long as I can be creative I own moments of freedom in my mind. So now you can see where I have been, a tight tiny place in my mind that doesn't seem to allow me much else. Feeling a little trapped I guess.

I'll probably be fine, more to think about then to even really worry about, but for now I have a creative black eye. I miss this very peacful part of my life, I count on for my zen.

Something I'd like to say

2009-06-13T08:17:00.000-07:00

Destiny has its way, paths and tracks complete or not. The problem with humans is we want things to be whole and put together when we get them, the thing we do not know is sometimes we are a part of the full package that makes another complete.

Some of us are the tools to a better life for others, like it or not.

I said this to a friend today, I hope it helps someone else. I have no idea where that came from-- center of my soul I am guessing because I am crying. Maybe because I really do believe it's true.

Been away from the blog, Summer buzz ya know, Love you all.

The Arm!

2009-06-05T13:10:00.000-07:00

So here it is! Sam's Arm. He is cast free after 2 weeks. He has about 60- to 70 stitches in the back of his arm that will dissolve he is free to swim and move it, but it is not moving much. He has a long hard road with physical threapy just yet and he can't go to camp this year and it will be a while before he rides a bike in any race.

9 screws and a plate- He never cried I still can't believe that!

Yes! Now you can Shop from my blog

2009-05-30T15:32:00.000-07:00

If you look to the right you can scroll just a bit and see I have a rapid cart with secure checkout. You DO not have to sign up to any social site or shopping network to purchase from me just as easy as that.

HOW COOL IS THAT??? Just one more reason to love Artfire

I just added a couple of new items to the site. If you need help let me know but I thought I would introduce that new little feature to you.

Charming Charms & Glass

2009-05-28T07:21:00.000-07:00

I am always on a scavenger hunt for charms, they are like treasure to me. I hoard them, I have charms and trinkets I have collected for over 20 years.
I was so excited a few years ago when I spent some time working on ways adding them to my glass, it added a whole new dimension to my glass. I would wire them to the top, wire them to dangle at the bottom and I have even double drilled and wired and added charms so they slide and have movement on the pendant. I will never stop trying to find ways to add charms to my glass.

The trick is matching the pendant and the charm so it is a creative marriage. Try not to overwhelm the cabochon (pendant) and most of all make sure the charm lays nice and stands the wearable test. Jiggle it and shake it to make sure that charm lands on it's feet like a cat every time LOL.

So that is my charm or should I say charming advice :)

There is no crying in BMX

2009-05-21T12:27:00.000-07:00

And apparently Sam takes that very seriously.

In case some of you don't know what BMX is, I'll explain. BMX is Bicycle Motocross- On a track, with a bike with pedals (no motor). Racing about 4 or 5 other kids in the same age group.
So anyway my husband has said to them since they were 5 yrs old "there is no crying in BMX". I think Sunday Sam could have broke that rule but he didn't. He is a tough little cookie. During the race he was nudged off the track and applied his brakes to avoid inillating the other kid, in doing so he took flight over his handle bars and landed on his elbow. According to my husband the accident didn't even look that bad, and much to my dismay my husband still has no clue how to acess damage when it come to broken bones-- Lord have mercy! :(

My friend Carmen and I were happlily cleaning up the Garden Party that my husband brought Sam to so I could have a look, I determined he need to be in the hospital and probably needed surgery judging by the disconnection and bag of rock appearance of Sam's elbow. YIKES! I can't even stand my funny bone to take a tap!

Well 3 shots of morphine, xrays and a very bouncy cold ambulance ride to the St. Louis Childrens Hospital later he was set up for early Monday morning surgery. His Humerus bone was split into a Y and then broke above the split-OUCH- 3 hours in the OR Sam is sporting metal detecting air port madness with 9 screws and a plate in that little Humerus Bone!

He is resting at home now and he never cried! So there really is no crying in BMX

By the way STLCH is the best!!! Thank you!

Hey-You've been officially invited

2009-05-08T07:17:00.001-07:00

You are invited to attend a- Wear Your Art Event

My very best friend Carmen and I will be will be hosting an event on Sunday, May 17, noon - 4. For all our friends and their friends too -- we will open Carmen's new studio and present our latest glass works. There many new items along with discounted inventory. There will be refreshments and giveaways, so please mark your calendar to attend... bring a friend and join us for a fun artful Sunday afternoon.

Address:
228 W. Haller Drive
Rosewood Heights (East Alton), IL 62024

Need more info?
Carmen: cschenato@gmail.com
Michelle: shoozle67@yahoo.com

Fresh from the kiln

2009-04-30T11:18:00.000-07:00

Still a tiny bit warm from the kiln, sometimes I have no patience.
These have a raised sandy grain texture from the enamel application. I was a afraid to melt them any further because then the color melds with the background and then I have to start all over.

So these are straight from the kiln no bails just yet and they are LARGE and in charge, full blown Spring goodness.

Wordless Wednesday-A tilted St. Louis Arch

2009-04-29T08:35:00.001-07:00

Sharing a Memory

2009-04-22T06:57:00.000-07:00

This was something I wrote and published in my other blog and I wanted to share it with my blogger friends. I hope you will enjoy it. In case some of you didn't know I am a mom of 3 very wonderful 13 yr old boys. This is a true event, and proof children teach us as much as we teach them. This is Sam------->

Hugs to all--

One of the greater memories I have of my children is taking them to the park with kites. Now imagine, three- 4 1/2 yr olds with kites and 1 chubby little mom trying to get kites in the air very fast. OK, now that you have that in your head imagine me trying to enjoy this in any way.

I would get one kite up, go to the next and then the next, only to look where I started to see I needed to begin again. I did this for quite awhile then magic happened I got all three boys with a kite in the air! I enjoyed this all of 4 mins then the wind changed direction and yanked the kite right out of Sam’s little hand. We chased that kite string like dogs ! Only to be defeated by a very large tree- The kite was caught, the struggle was ON, I spent the next 25 mins (seemed like 2 hours) with not quite long enough sticks and pushing little boys up a tree to see if the string could be reached. HA! That was a wash! My then 4 1/2 yr old Sam looked at me and said "it’s okay mama, I won’t cry" (did I mention I love this little boy) as we walked to the car all holding hands he turned to look at the kite, caught in the tree, flying in the wind, and he said “that tree sure is having fun flying my kite” SIGH! What a beautiful way to look at it. He didn’t lose the kite - he gave it to the tree.

I will never forget that day and what he said and what it means to have your kite caught- Life is so like this, we get caught, we struggle, but in the end we just have to let it go.

Studio Tuesday

2009-04-21T08:27:00.000-07:00

My on-line presence has diminished a bit, but my studio time has greatly increased. My kilns have rewarded me and I have had 2 great box party sales. Taking my goods back to the streets and not worrying about online sales in troubling economic times is a good move for me. Stewing over lack of sales and views is not really my style. Maybe people are shying away from using their credit cards (good move if you ask me)? Using cash on hand maybe? Either way is fine with me. Dealing directly with people about what I make is when I shine. I think I am trying to tell everyone to keep your chin up and maybe look for alternative ways to sell. I have always used Etsy purely as a website showcase with no expectation of sales, although sales were greatly appreciated when I did.

So I thought I would give you all a peek in the the studio this week to see what is new and see what I have been working on. My friend Carmen and I are planning a garden party jewelry open house- can't wait for that. Anyone that is in our area is welcome to the open house in May. I'll keep you posted and post cards will be sent out soon so keep an eye out for that.

So the studio show and tell today are some pendants I did with a technique called enamel webbing it is delicious and fun and messy 3 part process. Then I had to show the Panda Dance piece I had in the gallery, it was a piece I kinda developed the webbing from but most of all it is a fun little piece of whimsy.

Hope you are all doing well

Love and hugs M

Spread love like ----fire!

2009-04-09T19:33:00.000-07:00

If I had my own world I would fill it with?....

What would you fill it with?

Build a world tell me the good things that would be in it.

Love and Hugs
M

Studio Tuesday

2009-04-07T09:17:00.000-07:00

So I thought I would share the mini lampwork station today. Before lampworkers loose their minds, just know I wanted to give this a whirl before I invested time, money and space. Space in my studio is filled to the brim with fusing supplies and kilns. Not one inch of my studio is not being used.

So this Heavy wooden folding tray had to make due. I cut a hole into it to the table to slide my mapp gas cylinder in and out of. I can move the table easy and take it outside(great ventilation out there) HA! It kind keeps me focused not to have a big table because then I would have 1000 rods in front of me and every frit jar and tool that I could lay my hands on--- So trust me the goofy little table is working in my favor right now. I am sure I have some form of Attention Deficit when too many options are presented LOL

So there you have it - the set up- Lame as it is.

I have also taken my little wonk-a-loos or my little wonky woo woo reject beads and made some pendants because I just could not stand for them to lay helpless and unwanted in a box. I was too afraid to sell them as actual beads because I have a long way to go of course- They are called wonky woo-woo pendants so there is no misconception of greatness here. ; 0

Have a great day in your studio

My Lampwork Progress

2009-04-06T09:11:00.000-07:00

I had a very productive/creative weekend. Not only did I make beads but I cleaned my studio. It's been a work in progress with 2 bags of trash to prove it LOL! Clean the studio that is hahaha. Wouldn't I cry if I had 2 bags of bead trash?

I feel so much better physically and mentally. It's hard to believe blood pressure medicine would make me feel that bad not to mention for 5 years suffering. As much as I hate to admit cleaning was good for me, when I cleaned my studio it seemed to clear my head even further and make way for new ideas. I fired one of my kilns this weekend and made about 25 beads on the torch. I even made 2 beads the same size and color and made them into earrings. I am so proud. I listed them in my etsy shop I felt so good about them.

I know or hope in a year from now I will look back and laugh at what I made this week because I have made huge progress. I can already tell you I would love to have a better torch but I need to slow down and enjoy this hot head torch. I still can't make a perfect bead but I kinda like the wonky stony look that some of my beads have they look organic much like my fused glass. I have taken my little wowzy woo woos and made a few pendants with them. Cheap deals with learner beads from Shoozles hahaha.

Anyway thanks for checking on me and my progress I will be back to blogging Studio Tuesday, and in the kiln Thursday this week fingers crossed.

Hugs-Michelle

Remember This Baby?

2009-04-03T10:06:00.000-07:00

I entered him into the Curious Cat Photo contest in our local Newspaper. He is #29 and he is waiting so patiently for you to vote for him.

Butter melted my heart when he was born, just the sweetest baby kitten you would ever meet. The photo says it all really.

To vote you will have to subscribe to the Alton Telegraph free on-line newspaper Butter and I would greatly appreciate it. Pass this to lots of people and vote as often as you can :)) Seems you can vote every hour and some people maybe taking advantage of that if you know what I mean.

Vote For Me - My Curious Cat- Baby butter is #29
Vote for butter here
You must be logged in to vote. If you are a new user, go to the registration tab to register. If you are an existing user, login above. - it's free and easy

Thanks tons my friends

I am old enough to play with fire! maybe?

2009-03-26T17:16:00.000-07:00

First let me say thank you to everyone that wished me Happy Birthday Yesterday. I don't think I have ever had that many people say happy birthday to me. Not even at a party held for me. So thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I also want to say I am sorry I have been away from my blog for awhile. Seems my blood pressure medicine was making me very sick, and no one would listen to me :( I am getting a new doctor. Lets just say toxic level side effects.

So on to fun stuff. So did I get the torch? My dad asked me if I was old enough to play with fire? Hummmm... 42 yrs old mother of triplets? I think I can play with anything I like haha!

I got my "real" torch last night, got it set up outside this morning<-- yes you read right "outside" beautiful spring day SIGH! I made about 20 beads. Lighting the torch scares the POOP out of me. I havn't the faintest idea what I am doing and I am okay with that. I need a Marver that is for sure. I made an accidental bird -pretty funny. I'll show you my set up real soon but I wanted to give you a peek at my beads.

I think I am gonna like it, no more mini hand torch.

To Lampwork or Not that is the question

2009-03-15T14:49:00.000-07:00

First I want to apologize for not blogging. I will fill everyone in more when I know more. For now I want to share with you a little creativeness that had been gnawing at me for longer than I like to admit.

My first experience with glass was a little mini tutorial of lampworking with my best friend(love ya Carmen). I had a less than stellar result my first time at the torch and in the back of my mind I knew I wanted to fuse so I quickly put the torching out of my mind. Almost 10 years later I find my self wanting to lampwork. I have been dabbling, making stringers and such but today I made my very first bead. All by my little self. My friend Marcy(Studio Marcy) has been a great inspiration and has encouraged me for quite awhile - thanks Marcy! Gotta read her blog folks.

Now don't laugh and I will show you.

So should I get a real torch? Well it's too late my mom has plans to get me one for my birthday, so I am in. Look out folks I think I like it. The instant gratification of making a bead seems much quicker to me than fusing. I doubt I can make 2 beads the same but I am going to give it a hard core try. Now this little yellow goofy bead was made with a hand torch and makeshift bead release(kiln wash) and some mandrels I found in a box when I was 16. Had no idea they were for beads and still not entirely sure that is what they are for but Hey it worked. LOL

Let me know what you think of my attempt.

Me wearing rosy cheeks and my pendant

2009-03-07T15:10:00.000-08:00

No kidding I have felt so bad. I don't know if it is winter blues or what but I am headed for the doctor end of the month. Today is the first day I have felt half way decent. It was warmer outside and I have hopes of extended day light after this evening. Hurray for daylight savings time.
Anyway I wanted to say hello and show you what the cage pendants look like on. I have no make up on yes those cheeks are natural rosy and the photos is blurry working in my favor LOL anti-wrinkle technique haha

Warmer days have got to be headed this way. Clocks got forward for some of us at midnight Wooo hooo!

Wordless Wednesday- not so wordless HA!

2009-03-04T17:04:00.000-08:00

Studio Tuesday- As good as it gets

2009-03-03T08:39:00.000-08:00

So sorry for the delay in posting. Been a little under the weather, tired of cold and really tired of feeling physically pummeled ~Sigh :(

Anyway on to more interesting things. Today I thought I would give you a glimpse of what I look at when I sit at my glass table. I have this wire shoe rack stacked with plastic containers full of glass scraps. I do my best to use what I have already cut and it is Oh so fun to root through the containers of tiny scraps. Nothing is wasted with glass really. When I occasionally clean my table I sort the colors into the plastic bins to make them easy to find the next time I design pieces to pop in the kiln.

Believe it or not this is fairly organized and is probably as good as it gets for me. The top two racks are mostly Dichroic scrap and the bottom is divided up by colored glass and jars of shards.

So that is what sits in front of me less than a foot and half from me- easy within reach as I design my glass goodies.

Hope you liked the Studio Tuesday peek today not terrible beautiful but a look none the less. Would love to see your work space or studio.

Main Street Art Gallery Presents

2009-02-25T06:28:00.000-08:00

Yes I missed my studio Tuesday entry yesterday to turn in my submissions for the exhibit I'll make it up to you swear. The show opening is Friday. I am excited. But dang it I can't get the post card to import right the colors are funky- I'll give it try again in a few on my regular computer. Here are the mini details.

SIDE SHOW

Please Join Us For An Artist's Reception This Friday

February 27th, 2009 from 6 p.m. - 8p.m.

Featuring Artists:

Melody Ellis

Michael Kathriner

Carol Ross

Meg Solon

Michelle Strader

Mike Stuesse

Deile Cherry-Smith

Tanya Varble

Mine All MINE!

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

Remember the One World One Heart blog project? Ya know the one where I commented on like 400 blogs LOL and gave away a necklace(on it way to my new blog friend) Amber Dawn :))

Well I won something too. I won this wonderful little critter. I wanted him, I love him, I willed that something from this artist be mine and it was so. He traveled straight from MealyMonster's Studio to mine. Bliss. Please go have a look in her store, it is whimsical monster goodness and more!

I also forgot to tell you all why I love her work so much. I read a series of childrens books called Huggly to my Boys. It was their favorite, Nicoles work reminds me of Huggly and his friends.

Thank you - thank you Nicole

In The Kiln Thursday

2009-02-19T10:30:00.000-08:00

I thought I would start a weekly theme in my blog to kinda spin off Studio Tuesdays. I thought you all might want to peek in the kiln from time to time :)
This is a technique called tack fuse. It's not fully fused and gives a very architectural look from all the glass layers. It's a good way to use all those little clear scraps too. It's been a long time since I made any like these. So I made 2 full kiln loads this week.

My goal will be to try to show before during and after shots. It can give you some hints to the process and the finished surprise.

Hope you like this idea -let me know.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-02-18T06:46:00.000-08:00

Studio Tuesday

2009-02-16T20:40:00.000-08:00

I got to thinking today...What do I have in this, and where is that. Ya know the way an unorganized artist tends to do? So it sent me in a search for one thing- being led to another. Things were opened, memories tumbled out, the old stuff I stashed has been rediscovered. Funny how with a few years put between me and the goodies before you (in these photos) they have all new possibilities in my mind.

My mom and dad own an antique shop, but even long before that I was drug(lovingly) from one Auction to another, weekly estate sales, not to mention tons of yard sales and resale shops. Oh the treasures I must have been within inches of LOL totally oblivious to the wonders in the discarded boxes I would never get to know.

The routine would be to look for things that could be resold then, The things they knew to be of real value. Then it was my turn, I would wander though the unwanted contents only hoping to find something I could keep to make the hours I spent with them not just time, but tangible by some odd token.

What you see before you is hours and hours of collecting and hoarding. My keepings so-to-speak. Its a collection of time and a timeless collection. I hope you enjoy getting a peek in my past and what could be a future of something new.

Hey, Mom and dad thank you for wanting me to be with you and letting me keep a little something each time. Love you

Songs inspire creative ideas

2009-02-16T10:26:00.000-08:00

I have been working on The Sideshow submissions. I love working by theme, so I had lots of ideas but making them work cohesively--- so they make sense together--- I had to get my mind to calm down and think about what will work LOL

I took a break Sunday to play on blip.fm if you are interested please come be a DJ of your own or you can listen to my picks. Anyway I have to explain. So I took this break to play some music. How I found this song is magic. I stumbled on a song by a band I listened to when my kids were much much younger. "Black Lab" There in the song list was a song "Called Circus Lights" In the song was an idea. I love the way creativity and inspiration come together, the collision is over whelming at times but worth the effort. I often call on music for this kind of regeneration and I think I am surprised every time something sparks from something else. It is way beyond our realm I am sure.

So if you are feeling creatively drained, scattered or blocked I highly recommend branching out and listening to music you have never heard -Just never know what is lurking in the words and music that can reach a place in your creative soul! "Swallow Fire" and Lollipop Cyclone will be in the exhibit. Along with several kinetic pieces. I am so excite about this SO I am sure you'll hear more, and I'll keep ya posted on the progress.

Thank you MUSIC!

Ding Ding Ding! My One World One Heart Winner is....

2009-02-11T21:31:00.000-08:00

Amber Dawn (Inventive Soul) Number 19- whew- thought I was gonna have to count into the 300's to find my winner, for the record I would have :)) I hope she is as excited to recieve this as I am to send it to her?
This event was so fun. I think I visited over 400 blogs. I ran out of time and I think carpel tunnel was setting in HA! I was amazed by the generosity, inventiveness and inspiration in all the blogs I visited. I will continue to visit the blogs that I missed on the caravan because this has been a wonderful experience, I can't wait to even meet more people. With over 900 participants I will be busy long after this event is over.

I hope you will all visit me often. Can't wait to do this again next year.

Today is the last day for the giveaway

2009-02-11T06:41:00.000-08:00

Tonight at 11pm my time here in Illinois I will shut down the comments for the One World One Heart Giveaway. So if you have not commented on the giveaway please do it before this evening.

I haven't quite figured out how I am gonna choose the winner just yet. This has been such a wonderful event. I have visited so many cool blogs and plan to visit more even after the project is over. It has been truly inspiring.

So please click this link to the OWOH logo and see what I am giving away, simply comment then you will be added to my drawing.

Special Thanks to Lisa for doing this project- you ROCK lady!

The sideshow exhibit

2009-02-06T20:19:00.000-08:00

It took me a bit but I think I am getting the circus theme in my thought process now. I have several ideas I am trying to work out. Colors not a problem HA!

I did a large Kinetic Possibilities pieces - I refuse to call them mobiles. I Also have the displays to go with these so I am pretty excited. My mom the treasure hunter found these vintage style wire displays that hold them nicely. I plan to spray paint them black.

The new pendants are funky. I have enameled the wire and it fused to the wire great! I'll be doing lots of these. Now earrings are on my agenda.

What to do, what to do?
I want everything to be different than the last show. I want people to have a reason to keep wanting to see what I am working on. I get board with doing the same thing. So my thinking is the viewer will feel the same.

I wish I could figure out a good display for my pendants. Some thing creative and side showy LOL. Any ideas?

S P E C I A L! FEBRUARY FREEBIE

2009-02-04T15:50:00.000-08:00

I underestimated my destash bag seems there were 70 pieces in there - So it's got to go one way or another.So help me clean it out and get some freebies to boot- just call it cabin fever LOL

Are ya ready? When you spend $20 or more in my shop you get a SALE item FREE. Just purchase your items then in the buyers notes tell me what FREE sale item you want from my shop and I will add it to your package. Lots of SALES items to choose from in my *S A L E S section At Shoozles Etsy

Wordless Wednesday-longing for Spring

2009-02-04T07:02:00.001-08:00

Fom My Studio- A Little peek

2009-02-03T06:47:00.000-08:00

I am drawn to other peoples creative spaces. I love to peek on their desk or in their studio. It's like a little view into their day. There are even groups on Flickr dedicated to this very kind of studio spying LOL I have lurked but think I will join in now.

This is a peek on my very messy desk with a close up of itty bitty glass pieces called frit. I was also trying my hand a bokeh- that's a whole other post but it is a photo technique to blur out the background. I am a messy worker and I am proud of it!

I hope you like this mini peek and I think Tuesdays I am gonna try to do a post about my studio. please join me if you would like and link me to your studio day. I would love to peek :))

Kinetic Stacks- Fun Jewelry

2009-01-29T06:47:00.000-08:00

There is nothing new about stacking glass and layering it, that's for sure. But I was looking for a way to make my jewelry interactive or kinetic. I watch people with jewelry. Some people like to touch it. This comforts them in some way. So I started to think about this and so the Kinetic Stacks series was developed, if you are a fiddler or a twiddler or just a plain worry wart- ya gotta own one of these pendants. They are meant for you to twirl and manipulate the individual layers to ease your fidgeting or just maybe curb that nail biting habit. Each layer moves freely, I designed them that way. They are meant to wear lower on the chest so you can touch them and enjoy the colors and movement.

I am gearing up for a exhibit called "Side Show". Can't wait to show you all that I have been working on. Trying to make more kinetic pieces. This is one of many ideas.
So color and movement are on my agenda. Please keep a look out for new designs.

Kinetic- The kinetic energy of an object is the extra energy which it possesses due to its motion. It is defined as the work needed to accelerate the object. FUN Jewelry!

Silly Girl!

2009-01-26T14:53:00.000-08:00

Okay ya wanna talk about silly girl?

Every year around this time I clean my studio to make way for the new fresh ideas then I clean out my Party Sales Box as well- Right? Well, I sort out all the stuff that needs to be reduced or reworked just tired of looking at kinda things. With very good intentions of doing something with them later. I neatly place the year end stuff in little box tucked in sandwich bags to keep it nice till I can get to it.

OMG! I found a beautiful striped box with like 40 maybe more pendants, it could be 2 years of stashing/cleaning LOL Good stuff just needs a home.

So I am having an obscene sale on etsy, it has to go. When I say OBSCENE I am saying nearly next to nothing- glass I made, with my chubby little hands for you :)

I hope you will scoot on over and get some good deals. Check out my S A L E S section and when you but 3 or more sales items you get a FREE Leather cord. 2 or more regular priced items you get a FREE leather cord. DEAL!

One World One Heart- Giveaway

2009-01-19T19:24:00.000-08:00

I am excited to be doing this project (OWOH). Today begins ONE WORLD ONE HEART which is great for you because that means I will be giving something away, my favorite thing to do! Lisa Swifka, is the host for this event for the 3rd year.
Keep reading to find out how and what you can win from me and make sure to click the logo to see all the other blogs doing this very same thing!!!!!

This is the prize I am offering- It's called the Quiet Forest it comes with a chain and a snap clasp, it is all glass hand painted by me in my little basement studio.

This giveaway is open to anyone having an active blog around the world, soooo, please leave a comment for a chance to win my prize. The winners names will be announced on February 12th and I will also contact with the winner to let you know you've won. don't forget to leave a link back/contact you. Even if you are a blogger not hosting a OWOH giveaway yourself you are MORE THAN WELCOME to enter your name to win!

See how easy is that? leave a comment to win my prize, I hope you will become a regular visitor as well, because I am always up to giveaways and creative tips.

Click on the logo at the top of this post to get to the event blog to see all the other participants in this event and for info if you want to become one yourself!

My attempt at Red Sea

2009-01-17T08:16:00.000-08:00

I love nature and I love to translate it to my glass, so when I was asked to do this custom order from a photo of the red sea I was excited. It made me both nervous and happy to try this.

This is one of the inspiration photos please see his photos -stunning
www.flickr.com/photos/97968921@N00/2421244685/

This has been in the kiln 3 times to get this look. it has been hand painted with fusable enamels, it has to be fired so many times because layers of colors and texture. I wanted the fish to look like they were all around the coral so it was fully fused then it was painted as well.

Can I just say how impressed I am with anyone that can dive into the ocean with the the living creatures and I am so thankful for underwater photography!

Tiny Dichroic Post Earrings

2009-01-15T11:32:00.000-08:00

I love earrings so I have no idea why I forget to make them. I think the struggle to make matches or should I say my perfectionist nitpicking prevents me from doing so.

I have hang ups with them being perfect. SO when I sit at my glass table it causes me to pause, that is not a good thing so I move on to pendants LOL there by leaving my earring loving customers high and dry- So sorry :(

I did however make a nice fat batch of dichro dots for post earrings they are just hard to photograph - it's always something haha.

So I hope if you are looking for earrings you will prod me a little more or should I say encourage me.

Does anyone remember in the 80's when asymmetrical earrings were in? One long and one short? it may have been a Madonna trend? LOL

What Type of Blog do you have?

2009-01-13T07:33:00.001-08:00

I found this little fun link on my friend Marcy's Blog.

http://www.typealyzer.com/index.php?lang=en

Just type in you blog url and it will tell you, your blogs personality.

ESFP - The Performers

The entertaining and friendly type. They are especially attuned to pleasure and beauty and like to fill their surroundings with soft fabrics, bright colors and sweet smells. They live in the present moment and don´t like to plan ahead - they are always in risk of exhausting themselves.

The enjoy work that makes them able to help other people in a concrete and visible way. They tend to avoid conflicts and rarely initiate confrontation - qualities that can make it hard for them in management positions.

This happens to be my blog personality. Have fun with that link.

The call of the Ocean

2009-01-11T19:42:00.000-08:00

Yes I have to do them again. I love them, it's been a year since I made one and today I finished a batch of oceans and gardens so new goodies will be in my Etsy shop this week.

I had a pretty productive weekend and will be showing off, I even have one I am not sure I will be able to part with just yet I have to detach from it a little.

So I will be sharing some technique thoughts and new ideas from my weekend fuse fest LOL

Marbling Fusable Enamels

2009-01-10T14:43:00.000-08:00

I don't think there is anything more fun than discovering something new you can do with your craft or the tools you use for the crafts you already do. I am an a mad scientist at heart LOL half the fun is trying new products and learning new ways to make them work.

I have said before I love paper right? Well if not, I do, and have done tons of paper craft and projects. One thing I did a long time ago was marble paper with acrylics and a product called Carrageenan Size needless to say acrylic paints are not what I would use for the surface for glass, because, well they would burn off in like 3 seconds in the kiln, but the process is nearly the same.

Fusable enamels and the Carrageenan work well together with a little fiddling on my behalf. Then I dipped the glass to get a great effect on my glass. In the kiln it goes to fuse the marbling goodness to the surface. There you have it marbling fusable enamels.

I would love to hear about any craft you have done that has evolved into another -heck you just may see me migrating it to glass :)

This pendant is now in my Etsy shop if you are interested.

Recycling window glass

2009-01-08T20:09:00.000-08:00

I do lots of little projects here in my studio. I end up with odd, not sure what to do with things, that I stash. One being glass from frames and I even had some window glass I wasn't sure what to do with. I couldn't bare to waste it or trash it. It is glass and all glass can be fused but what would it do in the kiln? I already new I should not mix it with other glass because I have no idea what COE it is(that is a whole other blog article).

I got my trusty glass circle cutter out, took me a while to prefect this little gadget but I really like it. Then I printed an image on it with Mica and painted the heart on the back with enamel then I popped it into the kiln. The circles naturally shrunk a bit and got that etched sea glass look.

I was kinda happy with my little upcycling project, I drilled a hole and made it into a pendant with wire and beads.

I would love to know what kinda recycling things you do, or ideas you have for window glass.

Feature a Friend- Brei Brei's

2009-01-05T06:46:00.000-08:00

As promised and long over due I am featuring this friend, I wanted to do it right- Hello Brie :)

I'll tell you how I met her first, I do a craft show every year around November in Edwadsville Il, I have been doing it for 7 years, I am not sure but I think Brie and her wonderful mom Jane have been coming to our shoozles table every year for 4-5 years now? She was a young thang when I met her, Still in school not married, I guess I got to see her grow up. My once a year meeting with them had grown to be something I looked forward to. I would nearly squeal when I would see them coming down the hall, they would come to our table with great excitement looking for just the right thing they were so cute together the way a mother and daughter should be. As they left my table each year I felt they left a gift of self esteem, yes they were that uplifting. So thank you Ladies you are a treasure.

This year I got to see them at the show and they were not just shoppers they were vendors! I was so proud, probably because I prodded them a bit LOL! They were selling beautiful knitted scarves and hand stitched embroidery, both of them worked on items as they sat in their booth- next year maybe we can be near each other ;) how fun will that be?

I bought a scarf from Brie, it is wonderful, I can't even tell you how soft it is, and with my outta whack thyroid I am cold all the time so I have been known to wear it all day even in the house that is just how fabulous it really is. have I mentioned I love it?

With a little more prodding, not much because Brie is a go getter, She now Has her very own Etsy shop- Brie Brie's, All I can say is ya better get one of her scarves before she figures out she could be asking more money -hint hint- Her shop is full of wonderful little treasures not just scarves so I hope you will have a look.

Thanks for the support over the years Brie and Jane- Shoozles loves you
Good luck with your new adventure.

Happy New Year Glass Sale!

2009-01-02T10:25:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone. Hope you all have made wonderful resolutions to have a happy healthy 2009.

I have made the resolution to be better to my body, not a diet because that just makes me run straight for the cookies LOL. I just need to think before I eat and remember my body and mind don't necessarily agree on what I should eat.

Anyway on to fun stuff- Out with the old, need to clean out my Etsy shop maybe that will inspire some new ideas- so I thought a sale was in order.

SALE---------------HAPPY NEW YEAR!-------------SALE
20% off all glass items! Email me with your choice/s and I will set up a reserve with adjusted price or I can send a revised paypal invoice- either way is fine with me.

Happy Shopping from Shoozles!

Wonderful Christmas

2008-12-27T08:29:00.000-08:00

OOps I lied I said I would be back Friday, Well, it's Saturday. We had a great Christmas. In fact the reason I was not able to blog was because my kids have discovered wireless games with their Wii, so my whole front room has been invaded by kids playing The Wii on-line and I just realized I could use my laptop at the same time- yes sometimes I am techno challenged.

SO what did I get for Christmas? I got a chair pillow LOL. That's what I wanted. I love to watch TV in bed and read in bed and a normal pillow just doesn't cut it.

I got this sweet shot of my hubby and my dog GG Christmas Morning, a rare shot, cause he doesn't stay still long.

I hope everyone had a great Holiday I will be back to Creative blogging real soon.

Wishing you all Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T08:28:00.000-08:00

It's Christmas Eve! Been a little crazy here, cleaning and wrapping gifts and baking cookies and so forth. I can't believe tomorrow is Christmas. Sad how fast it comes and goes.

I will be back to blogging with photos and new ideas real soon. Ummm probably Friday LOL, have lots of ideas just have not had time to execute them lately.
Have an excellent Christmas folks!

Love and hugs
Michelle

Customize Your Vaction Sand

2008-12-19T12:51:00.000-08:00

How many of us grab and stash sand from our favorite vacation sandy beach site? memories of the place you sat watching your kids play, the lovely beach combing shell collecting, hours of soaking in the beautiful sun, romantic glimpses of the sunset beach? Well I can take that sand you brought home and make it a wearable vacation/Honeymoon memory you will never forget. People will ask about it and you can tell them all about your wonderful family trip.

This Set goes to a group of sisters that went on vacation together. I hope they will enjoy the pendants I know they enjoyed their trip.

Let me know if you would like a sand memory made from your collected beach goodness :)

Wordless Wednesday-I love this cat

2008-12-17T19:11:00.001-08:00

Feature a Friend- Judith Heartsong

2008-12-17T07:36:00.000-08:00

I would like to introduce you to my flickr friend Judith Heartsong. She paints and does some wonderful mixed media boxes and mirrors please see her flickr for photos. She is a lovely lady. How could one not LOVE that name "Heartsong"?

I was born in Northern Pennsylvania (Erie specifically) and spent all my high school years in PA. After graduation I moved to Florida for twenty years until I came to my senses and moved to the DC area where there are seasons once again. I was married for twenty years and raised a son and a daughter.

I have been an artist since about third grade, when I started doing all of the teachers' bulletin boards. My first large drawing for a bulletin board was of a lobster or crayfish or some such thing. I have been a professional artist since mid-high school when I started receiving payment for my work.

I am inspired by everything that I see. The curve of a woman's neck, a gorgeous floral bloom, wind blowing through the trees, life all around me. Birds and animals great and small, trees and rocks and flowers are natural elements that I adore.

I am a painter and mixed media artist. Large scale squishy acrylic florals and nature-themed work as well as goddess archetype watercolors are joined by a production line of Artsy Mirrors and Boxes that sell in exclusive shops and galleries.

My work is for sale in a number of places. Angel Eyes Gallery in Rehoboth, Delaware.... my very favorite gallery in Rehoboth... and I approached them about selling my work initially as they are wonderful people who represent their artists well.

VisArts, TOO! is a gallery shop in the art center, and they started carrying my Artsy Boxes and Mirrors when they opened. I make themed boxes to go along with the art center's gallery shows and I think they appreciate that. The Muse in Frederick, Maryland has carried my work, as well as Transcendence ~ Perfection ~ Bliss of the Beyond in Cleveland Park, Washington, DC. I am working on some arrangements with other galleries and shops at this time.

A few wonderful things that have happened over the years so far in my art career...

Hillary Clinton was presented with one of my paintings at President Clinton's first inauguration by a mutual friend of ours.

In 2003 I painted a large scale mural at the National Zoo in Washington, DC. It is the Zoo's most popular birthday party venue due to the popularity of the Sumatran-themed mural. The mural measures something like 10 x 35 feet.

This year Princess Cruise Line published a series of four of my paintings as signed, limited edition prints that are currently for sale on their ships. I made the trip to LA to sign all 1,600 pieces.

That is me in a nutshell... a work in progress, growing and changing each day and informed by all the things that make up a creative life.

Please go see her beautiful Blog

Science Fair- Peanut Butter Experiments

2008-12-16T06:36:00.000-08:00

SO where have you been Shoozles?

Every year around this time the boys and I have the oh so lovely science fair project to work on, optional for some but not for my guys.

This year we put 3 major Peanut Butter brands to the sticky test. The boys spread peanut butter on a plate, a stop watch and metric weights to measure the stickiness- how did they measure this you ask? I am going to show you.

I think this year may have been the easiest or should I say the smoothest project we have done, maybe it is because the boys are older, or maybe it is because we have done science fair 4 times?

So would you like to know which peanut butter is the stickiest? Riveting stuff ya know? Of the 3 major brands, Skippy, Jif,and Peter Pan peanut butter, seems Skippy Brand Peanut Butter is the most sticky. Why? We are guessing because Skippy has less fat and is a little thicker. So there you have it, all you ever didn't really want to know about peanut butter LOL.

Here are the proud scientists with their final board.

Dog House!

2008-12-09T06:39:00.000-08:00

Ya gotta see this video-funny. Men and gifts
http://bewareofthedoghouse.com/videoPage.aspx

I don't want diamonds don't get me wrong! Well, unless they are on diamond grinder bits!

This ad came to me at such a ironic time. I have a Bunn coffee maker and well it is on it's last leg or pot of coffee should I say. So I mention this to my sweet husband. I saw the look in his eye. Idea Christmas gift- "No way buddy" Not a chance are you giving me an appliance that is essential to my daily life. I need a new coffee maker NOW and I am not waiting for Christmas.

He should know better, honestly- about 8 yrs ago he gave me a carpet cleaner for Christmas. I didn't talk to him for 2 days. I told him unless his happy a** was going to clean the the carpets with that thing it was not a gift. Excuse my language I was so mad.

2 years ago he gave me an office chair for my birthday Sigh!

Give me a movie or a night out with dinner but not an office chair- Rolling my Eyes

So the deal is After Christmas and everyone gets what they want mama gets to go shopping and buy what she wants. It's usually beads or glass or a movie, a magazine subscription, or some odd little thing like the things in the post below, BUT it is never something that makes me clean house LOL

I am not hard to please really.

Hey There is my coffee cup ;) PeriwinkleStudio's blog has a great post about the philosophy of coffee cups.

The small things

2008-12-07T14:46:00.000-08:00

I have a fascination to small works of art and miniature things in general. I have no idea why, maybe it feels like a secret or maybe it makes me feel larger than life. Who knows really.
This is one of my odd mini purchases by a very interesting artist societysedso.

http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=6911536
This is my favorite tiny purchase, oddly enough it looks just like my cat smudge that passed away. So glad to have this little sweety by artist motleymutton.

http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=6902775

Then there is this bit of cute funnyness by nicoleboylan- LOL finger puppets make my day.

http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=6201113

I am so drawn to this I tend to buy small stuffed animals and hoard them. When I say tiny, I am talking like 1-2 inches. I have a cat that seems to love my little collection as well she and I will talk later :// This mini thing I am drawn to carries over into my work quite often, only making me crazy because if you know anything about glass and painting you know smaller is not easier, plus not everyone likes it as much as I do, but still It is my challenge to my self.

The Christmas charms are one of those tiny fused glass things I make my self crazy with but Last week I got it my head that I wanted some tiny snowman beads/heads earrings. I looked on line only to find big heads- well big for what my mind was thinking anyway.

So I found some vintage white beads in my not so tiny bead stash, they were perfect for what I was thinking about. I painted the little eyes and coal smiling mouth and the carrot nose, and popped them into the kiln with my fingers crossed, watching close so I didn't over heat the tiny beads. I was delighted when I opened the kiln to find my experiment worked. I layered them with the excellent top hat like eyelet and attached them to the chain.

They are dang cute and perfect for my miniature craving.

Tell me what small thing you are drawn to?

My childhood candy heart is broken

2008-12-06T15:01:00.000-08:00

Say is ain't so! They have quit manufacturing these yummy long lasting suckers!

Oh how I loved them. Each layer was just as good as the next, I was of course drawn to the excellent glass like color of them. They were worth every cavity I have I tell ya. LOL. I was fondly telling my boys about them and thought...hummm I should buy some and give them some for Christmas. So I set out to search the internet, only to find, my luck is just out. SIGH!

These things would keep a kid quiet for the longest time.

Thanks for listing to my candy woes- Good bye sweet Astro Pop :((
I hope they don't mind me using the photo as a memory? I got it from here
http://www.oldtimecandy.com/candy-pix1.htm tons of candy to choose from.

The Dancing Pendant - HA!

2008-12-05T06:42:00.000-08:00

I may have officially lost my mind, this kinda cracks me up so I had to share. Each time I make a doll pendant I test the movement to make sure all the little limbs swing freely. Some times I have to go back to the table and adjust them so this test is worth the goofyness. I thought I would show you how all the doll pendants are tested and what they look like in motion.

I had to do this 3 times because I kept laughing at my self- something I do quite often. It was like a mini puppet show. I hope it at least amuses you. After all if you can't play with your jewelry then why play at all. Haha! Dang I should have had some music for this one.