My New Favorite Christmas Song

I Want a Hippopotamus For Christmas

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
Only a hippopotamus will do
Don't want a doll, no dinky Tinker Toy
I want a hippopotamus to play with and enjoy
I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
I don't think Santa Claus will mind, do you?
He won't have to use our dirty chimney flue
Just bring him through the front door,that's the easy thing to do
I can see me now on Christmas morning,creeping down the stairs
Oh what joy and what surprise when I open up my eyes to see a hippo hero standing there
I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
Only a hippopotamus will do
No crocodiles, no rhinoceroses I only like hippopotamuses
And hippopotamuses like me too
Mom says the hippo would eat me up, but thenTeacher says a hippo is a vegeterian
There's lots of room for him in our two-car garage
I'd feed him there and wash him there and give him his massage
I can see me now on Christmas morning,creeping down the stairs
Oh what joy and what surprise when I open up my eyes to see a hippo hero standing there
I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
Only a hippopotamus will do
No crocodiles or rhinocerosesesI only like hippopotamuseses
And hippopotamuses like me too!
-- writing credits go to John Rox, copyright 1950.

An Old Bead: A New Necklace

Well not that old since I made them about 1 ½ to 2 years ago but never used them. Lampworking beads were my first introduction to glass work but some where along the way I ended up fusing glass more and more often putting the flame behind me. I stored these beads in a box, which got buried in my bottom drawer. I just recently dug this box out and it reminded me of how much I use to love to make them. I don’t know why I never lit the torch again and why I pay a rental fee every month for the huge tank of oxygen other then I knew I would revisit it some day. So I finally decided to make some of them into jewelry so someone else can enjoy them as much as I do. Here I have taken 3 Lampworked hearts of clear and pink and wired wrapped with sterling silver wire to make a great dangle for my “Heart Throb Necklace”. I also added some small pink beads to embellish the sterling silver chain. A great necklace for that special occasion or even every day wears.
Heart Throb necklace available at www.monkeyblues.com

Fall For Glass Sale....... 3 Days Only!

As a proud member of EGA I like to announce EGA is having a quick sale on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, September 9, 10 & 11. Participating shops will be offering 30% off select items in their shops.
Please use the code FFG (Fall For Glass) in the notes to seller field upon checking out so you can get the 30% discount. A great deal and a great time to get started on that holiday shopping list!
Participating shops in this mini sale are:
http://willowglass.etsy.com/
http://liskidder.etsy.com/
http://glasscat.etsy.com/
http://psodesign.etsy.com/
http://susanlambert.etsy.com/
http://chickadeebeads.etsy.com/
http://prizmatic.etsy.com/
http://studiomarcy.etsy.com/
http://mycabincreations.etsy.com/
http://paulasstressart.etsy.com/
http://monkeyblues.etsy.com/
http://jewelrybynatsuko.etsy.com/
http://sandree.etsy.com/
http://susansheehan.etsy.com/
http://leahpellegrini.etsy.com/
http://groovyglassgirl.etsy.com/
http://wendylee.etsy.com/
http://jochris12.etsy.com/
Thanks so much for your past business and support of our shops!

Remember, Reflect and Refine today!

Inspirations come from many different sources and today I was inspired by a picture of triplets from a fellow Etsy Glass Artists group member and someone I would call my friend. I Believe we draw strengths from inside that we never knew we had and how we get thru tough times by the skin of our chin. We never remember how difficult it really was or most of us would be an only child. Instead we focus on happy memories or something that really sticks out and as I get older I can really appreciate all those things I heard older family members say that I never understood. Even when times are tough I know I have my terrific kids, a great husband and some outstanding family and friends to rely on. Some times it good to just stop, remember and cherish life for today and everything you have lived thru so far. So my philosophy for today is Remember, Reflect and Refine today!

The Perfect Un-Flaw

When I hear the word flaw I want to scream!! Yes sure the word does belong to certain things like I hope the car or airplane parts don’t have flaws as this is cause for a dangerous situation. I am talking about when people look at art with a fine tooth comb and all they can see or point out are what some may call “flaws”. I am a firm believer in Un-perfection (no I didn’t spell that wrong). In Un-perfection there is no perfect or flaws just different. Your perfection may not be mine. So who is to say what’s perfect anyways. I love unexpected un-flaws that happen in glass

when I fuse such as air bubbles or an odd shape. These so called flaws give the piece

more character so in my eyes its an un-flaw. So to all you perfectionist out there instead

of looking at the negative find a positive first, it may open your eyes to a whole world you have never seen. Try some un-perfection today!

Happy Summer Sale!!!!

Help me celebrate Summer by giving to you. From now until June 22 get a FREE 16 inch black or brown leather cord with the purchase of 2 glass pendants from my Etsy shop. It's a great time to pick up a gift for someone and then save one for yourself.

Happy Summer!

Glass And Silver Ooh La La!

I personally am a lover of all things glass and beads are no exception and that’s why I want to share some beautiful beads made by Susan Lambert of http://susanlambert.etsy.com . I love her Italian Egg beads that have silver in them, which reacts with the glass and leaves such a nice look to it. She makes a base bead and then rolls it in fine silver and adds color dots to give them the finishing touch. Susan has been designing Jewelry since 1993, selling in galleries and art shows. She also studied metal smithing for 5 years. So why not stop by Susan’s Etsy store and say hello. You can also find Susan’s blog at http://northcarolinasusan.blogspot.com/orthcarolinasusan.blogspot.com/

And her flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/23799145@N04/

she is also a member of Etsy glass artists http://etsyglass.com

Fun, Whimsical and Full of Life

Is how I would describe this talented Glass Artists, Shoozles, and her latest design is just that. Shoozles Fused Glass Robot Pendants are the cutest. With handmade fused glass bodies which she makes herself and then wire wraps with sterling silver wire to add the arm, legs and head. She then gives her special touch with specialized paint to add more character and attitude to the piece.These can be worn on a chain or cord or even hang from your rear view mirror. I am always amazed how fast Shoozles comes up with new designs that are always full of life and as her motto states Shoozles makes some great “Wearable Art”. www.Shoozles.etsy.com is where you can find her and all her fine Glass Artwork. Also a proud member of http://www.etsyglass.com/ a collective of fine glass artists.

Seboh .....New to Etsy

Not just another artists but in my opinion the best Stencil Artists on Etsy. Seboh is the name of his Etsy shop where Stencil Artists Sebastian Mercado flings his masterful artwork to the world. He is based in Southern California were his creativity comes to light. He really brings pictures alive with shadows in just the right colors. He just opened his store and so far only has a few paintings to offer but don’t worry he will be adding more. Lets give him a warm welcome and lots of Etsy love. Vist his shop today
www.seboh.etsy.com

Stamp It, Sell It, Bag It

What do you get when you take an ordinary white bag and a beautifully made custom stamp? A great bag for your products and a promotional item at that. See how this plain white boring bag transforms into a great personal business tool. I got this awesome custom stamp from http://www.terbearco.etsy.com/. I can’t say enough about Terbear she really took the time to explain things to me and didn’t blow me off when I kept changing my mind. If you do festivals or craft shows this is a must. Did I mention the prices are very affordable and they all come beautifully packaged.

Monster In A Box

Ever feel like screaming but can't, let this Monster In A Box do it for you. This caged beast isn’t holding back with his wide open mouth and bulging blue eyes he is ready to go with you any where. He makes a great pet for those who have no time or don’t want to do all the extra work. The box is a two tone base metal with openings on all sides except top. The monster inside is a lampworked bead, made by me of course. Who doesnt need a Monster in a Box!

"Happy Days" Spring Sale

Going on now
Dont miss it 20% off all Glass Items at
www.monkeyblues.com
Sale starts 4-28 thru 5-4
Also if purchase $100 or more get free shipping. With Mothers Day right around the corner its a perfect time to buy and save.
Also stop by http://www.etsyglass.com/ to see my fellow Glass artists who sales.

A Story and a Pendant

This is part of a new story and pendant line I am now making. I hope you enjoy the adventure of our great Warrior Zachius, as there will be more to come.

The Lost Pendant Of Warrior Zachius

Zachius was a young but well traveled warrior who fought and won many battles. Fighting for the right to make and sell handmade items. Some thought the battle was lost since Zachius was never seen again and his pendant that he wore for good luck was found while excavating in Antas, the last reported battle he fought in. As you can see the pendant is not whole after many years of battle not to mention being hit by an arrow to save Zachius's life more than once, this is all that remains. But if the rumors are true Zachius is alive and well and still fighting under an assumed name.If you look close you can still see The Great Warrior staring back at you. Help support this warriors cause and buy handmade.

It is wire wrapped with antiqued copper wire, strung on a 26" black leather cord with a leather and bead accent.

I’m in the mood for some………

Dangles and this True Rings Green Fused Glass Necklace is just the ticket. The green glass has flecks of sterling silver foil for a tad extra sparkle. The three rings in the center really high light this necklace but don’t forget about the gems that hang from the sides of this sterling silver chain. Oh and did I mention the gorgeous sterling silver wire that wraps the centerpieces of glass. I love this piece and I hope you do too!

Wind of Change Fused Glass Necklace

I try to come up with different designs and concepts to use my fused glass pieces in. This Wind of Change Necklace has it all glass, color, metal, sterling silver and wire. I am also including the double wire necklace or cord for the completed look. Different color wire cords are also available in 2 to 4 strands in many different colors and lengths.

Luck of the Irish

Just in time for St Patricks Day my gorgeous Green Fused Glass four leaf clover. Who doesnt need a little luck?

Front Page of Etsy

Here's a screen shot of my very first debut on Etsy's front page.

Ready, Set, Fuse

I was feeling energetic and decided to load up the Kiln with each color of my new glass my husband bought me for Christmas. Did I mention it was a huge glass pack and came with an assortment of transparent and solid colors in fact 45/lbs of glass. I start cutting and get thru the solid colors and decide I will only do them on this trip. For each piece you normally use 3 pieces of glass.
The bottom piece – usually consisting of a solid so you cant see thru the piece or any color of your choosing
The Middle piece- is the decorative piece like dichroic glass or a transparent of any color. Remember this will sit on top of your bottom piece so see what looks best.
The top layer - most the time its clear to give depth and brilliance to your work but sometimes you can change it up a little and use what I call wispy glass or glasses with frit inside.
It’s really all up to you and it fun to experiment and try out new ideas and combinations.
On this trip I made 47 pieces each consisting of 3 layers so in all I cut 141 pieces of glass. Cleaned each piece one by one as I set them on the journey for there first firing. Here is picture of my loaded kiln.

What are you getting for Valentines Day?

Or giving your significant other. Yep its almost February and the 14th is right around the corner so don’t wait until the last minute. I have a whole shop full of items that would be a great gift to give or receive.
I am also having a buy 2 get

free shipping sale.
Here are some of my fabulous fused glass hearts I have made up and ready for gift giving.