Spring in Round Top
Written on April 5, 2010
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Articles for ‘Inspiration’
Inspiration: Branches with Almond Blossoms by Van Gogh
Written on March 14, 2010
Art Bead Scene has a challenge every month. For March, a painting by Van Gogh was chosen. I LOVE this painting, and went to work right away making the glass beads. I didn’t have the exact color blue that I wanted, so I used a transparent blue I had on hand, and then rolled each bead in a deep blue enamel. That gave the base bead a nice painterly feeling. The branches are applied stringer, made with silvered ivory glass. And the blossoms from a mixture of white and very pale pink glass. Two flowers made from clear glass rolled in frit completed the glass beads.
The finished beads hung out on my bead board for a while until I found a little branch Jim cast in silver. Perfect! I pulled out some bits of antique chain, some links Jim made, and others, arranged and rearranged them all, and my “Branches with Almond Blossoms” burst into bloom. Ah, welcome spring.
Meanwhile, Saturday Beads for Sale slid by without a nod. We went to Houston on Friday (always a challenge for us, we are no longer city traffic friendly). However, we did our medical chores, and afterwards, I enjoyed shopping at Rings and Things. I buy a lot of my findings from them, and gemstones as well. I love to pick out the beads I purchase in person, so I enjoy their once a year hotel show in Houston. Therefore, no torch work on Friday this week, nor Saturday either, as I spent most of yesterday re-painting all my booth displays for my first show of 2010, coming up in Dallas next week.
The Milky Way Necklace
Written on February 19, 2010I have recently (you may have noticed) really been enjoying the internet beading world, meeting and making quite a few internet friends. Thanks to Lori Anderson and Cindy Wimmer, both jewelry designers, I met Erin, one of the 84 jewelry designers who participated in the Bead Soup Party. All three of these lades create wonderful jewelry – each in her own unique style.
Meanwhile, thanks to my new interest in learning what they are up to, I discovered that Erin is sponsoring a beading challenge based on The Solar System. Erin’s posts are all inspiring in different ways. Her Solar System challenge, however, inspired me to make a necklace. It is strange, since just a few days ago I listed some of my beads for sale, beads I hadn’t been inspired to use in my own jewelry. I named one group “Starry Night.” Go look at the picture of the loose beads – you’ll see why I pulled them out of the “For Sale” bin, and proceeded use them to make a necklace for this challenge.
The result: “Milky Way Necklace”
Milky Way Necklace Closeup
I added natural stick pearls, silver seed beads, howlite stars and some other goodies to create a Milky Way with my glass beads. Learn what inspired Erin, check out what other challengers have done, and enjoy my necklace, “Milky Way.” Thank you Erin.
Beginnings: Update
Written on February 14, 2010I fnished my first sculptural piece, entitled: “Memories; Aegean Tideline”
Memories: Aegean Tideline
I changed it a fair amount from the first photo I showed you here. I totally cut apart the first crocheted “net” I made, and redid it using a smaller fishing line. I learned alot about shadow boxes (I’ve never used one before) – and am sure my second piece will be even better. “Tideline’ will be for sale beginning March 6, 2010 at The Gallery at Round Top. All proceeds will benefit ACT. Contact the Gallery if you would like to bid.
Inspiration: “Luna Park” by Vestie Davis
Written on February 12, 2010
Luna Park by Vestie Davis
I still haven’t finished looking at all the Bead Soup websites. Have you? My post and info about what I made for the Bead Soup Party is here. Meanwhile, I have been working on yet another challenge – The Art Bead Scene challenge for February based on a painting entitled “Luna Park” by Vestie Davis. Read the ABS challenge blog here. Garnering inspiration from this painting really did challenge me, since I don’t like the paintings’ colors, don’t like the paintings’ style of painting, in fact, just plain don’t like it. How negative is that? Hey, that’s the challenge part of it, eh? So, scratching my head, I blinked at those pinwheel things in the center, and thought “Murrini.”
Yep, murrini, those little intricate jewels that we lampworkers make by combining lots of colors of glass together into patterns, then pull out into a smaller glass cane. Afterwards, we chop the cane into little bits, and melt the bits into a bead. I forgot to take pictures of the murrini I made in Luna Park colors, however, here is a picture of other murrini I made and is leftover from other projects. You’ll get the idea. So, anyway, I made murrini in Luna Park colors, and was off and running.
Murrini
I made some hollow and flats beads, applied the murrini, and added decorations in other colors from the painting. Made some solid color beads. After all the beads were annealed, cooled, and cleaned, I strung a long necklace using them.
Bingo – a winner. All inspired by something I initally didn’t think was inspiring. How’s that for fun? ( and Luna Park does look like a fun place, I admit).
Here is the February Art Bead Scene challenge necklace I made -entitled, what else, “Luna Park Necklace.” Look closely and you’ll see the pinwheel murrinis. Enjoy!
Long Necklace Inspired by the painting "Luna Park"
Bead Soup Party Reveal
Written on February 9, 2010
Necklace I made with copper links and focal from Cindy and my glass beads and hammered circle links
- Beads Cindy Wimmer Made for Me
- Click For Bead Soup Party Players
Remember the Bead Soup Party? Each of us Party Players were given a partner by hostess Lori Anderson. (Thanks Lori, for setting up the party – go on over and follow the links to see what we all created). We exchanged beads, and then made something out of the beads our partner sent us. I had a ball!
See the picture of the beads my partner Cindy Wimmer of Sweet Bead Studio, made for me out of copper. Aren’t they great? Cindy writes for several books and magazines about making wire beads. Check out her web site to see what she does, and learn how she makes them. (And find out what she did with the beads I sent her!).
Look at the necklace I made with her beads! I love it. I decided early on to use some of my glass disks. I just didn’t know exactly how I would connect them with Cindy’s links. Eureka! I decided to let her intricate links stand out, and made some simple assorted sized circles out of brass wire, some of the copper wire she sent me, and some black steel wire. I used all sorts of jars and bottles to wrap the wire into circles, cut it, hammered it, and Jim taught me how to solder. I then slightly oxidized the cicles, buffing off part of the oxidation by hand. I think the three metals look great together with the glass disks. The copper focal bead sets everything off perfectly. I stepped way out of my usual design style thanks to Cindy, and I am thrilled with the result. Hope you like it!!
Cindy: Hello Lyn...Of course I had to hop on over here, it's just after midnight and I couldn't wait to see what you made!!! I am speechless. WOW. You told me you really came up with something different, I had no idea! I am truly humbled that you created something so stunning with my wire links. The combination of your signature disks and the variety of metals made this in to a breath taking piece. I sure hope you like what I did with your gorgeous beads too.... Jim is a wonderful husband...he even taught you how to solder! This was so much fun...I'd love to collaborate again with you real soon! :-)
Rickie: Wow, that is one fabulous necklace you made with your bead soup goodies! Absolutely stunning!
lorelei eurto: WOW. your work is so amazing. The photography alone of your necklace has me speechless. This is truly a work of art. I am so enamored. Hope you plan on keeping this one! It's a beauty!
Kella: I am in awe of your collaborative piece, both of you have such enviable skills.
Marcie Abney: I love the combo of wire and glass in this necklace. It's awesome that you learned a new technique. This challenge was always about pushing yourself and your creativity. Great job!
heather: hands down, my favorite bead soup design! the links with your lampwork disks are utterly amazing. every part of the necklace is perfect.
Lisa Liddy: LOVE what you came up with. I am a huge fan of disk beads.
Lori Anderson: Absolutely gorgeous! I love (LOVE) your beads and adore (ADORE!) Cindy's wire work, so what a great combination! Thanks for being a part of the party — we’ll do it again soon!
Susan: Just gorgeous. I love the metal work!
Nicki: I want this ! It is absolutely fabulous, so simple and so nice. Go to mass production and make a fortune ;-)
Jen: Lyn - this is fabulous! You make me want to go out and try my hand at soldering...all that fire-potential can make all that pretty...nice job!
Maria Grimes: Love It! Very creative! You are welcome to stop by for a cup of “Spring” soup on my blog. http://www.mariagrimes.blogspot.com
Terri G.: so artsy! cool wire beads sent and a cool necklace created ... way to go! You did a terrific job.
lisa oram: WOW. That is a stunning piece of jewelry, bested only by Cindy's work with your beads! I'm very impressed. I am newbie lampworker and I'm so glad to have found your blog. I will come back often.
Jayne: the wire work, glass discs & mixed metals work perfectly together
Cathryn: Extremely blown away! What creative juices went into each piece of this fabulous necklace! I love it!
Jeanette Blix Ryan: I love the necklace you designed with Cindy's copper components and your beautiful glass beads! Stunning!
Laurel: Wonderful! Love it!
Erin: This is a wonderful piece! Very creative and unique with those soldered links through your disc beads!
JBirds Garden: Really lovely. So creative and expressive! I love it
Emanda: What a great blending of your style and your partner's love it Hasn't this been fun?!? Emanda www.ArtemisiaStudio.blogspot.com
Shelby Foxwell: Love your design! Your discs are gorgeous and I like the mix of metals and of course the links from Cindy! Fabulous...
Loretta: Love the copper pieces. You did a great job on this.
Mary K: Wow what a combination, Cindy's wire work and your disks. An absolutely fabulous necklace
Judy: What a fabulous collaboration between you and Cindy! This piece is just perfection..everything about it I love!
Julie Nordine - Credit River Art Glass: This is just a beautiful piece, Lyn. You married your glasswork w/ Cindy's wirework perfectly. Well done!
mary harding: What a beautiful necklace. I love the color of your glass discs and they are even more beautiful with Cindy's copper components. You made magic with your soup ingredients.
Kate: What a perfect combination and match up! I love all aspects of it, it's just stunning! Hope you are enjoying the Party! Kate ~ Organic Odysseys #46 Bead Souper
Janet McDonald: What an exciting pc not hum drum run of the mill!! I would be really happy to wear this its sooo lovely funky!!
Erin Prais-Hintz: Lyn- This is most certainly one of my absolute favorites. The combination of your beautiful disks and Cindy's amazing wire is phenomenal. You should collaborate again real soon! That is a great focal! I love how you got inventive and wired it together since you didn't have your tools with you. Very nice. Thanks for sharing this heaping serving of great soup! Be sure to stop by and taste some of mine. Enjoy the day! Erin
Katie Nelson: I love the necklace - the copper beads are so cool, and I love that you made your own chain...Super work!
Dee: Lyn, you've created another wonderful piece of wearable art! The metal beads you received are wonderful...I've booked marked Sweet beads by the way...and your glass beads are absolutely beautiful!! great job
sandra: love the dark mysterious feel! haunting and beautiful!
Patty Lakinsmith: Lyn, your soup is brilliant and delicious! Cindy's copper beads are fascinating, and your solution for incorporating your discs worked great. Nice job! Patty
Jo Tinley: Wow! I absoloutely love your necklace! I'm always stumped on how to use disc beads, and this is just perfect. Jo
Patti: Really fabulous! Love it! Patti
Regina: How very creative, love the way your necklace highlights the copper link beads, pendant and toggle and also your glass discs. Beautiful!
Beginnings
Written on February 5, 2010I make glass beads, and almost always turn those beads into jewelry. My work carries the tag line “Wearable Art | Born in Fire.”
This month, however, I am beginning something new – Mixed Media Art. Actually, it is so new I don’t really know what to call it. Two other beginnings led me to start this new art.
I recently joined Art Bead Scene, a group hosting an event called “Blog Carnival.” Posting a blog on a secret topic with a group of other bead artists sounded like a fun challenge. I squeaked in under the wire to join. This month’s post, due today, and linked into the group on February 17th, is on the topic, Beginnings. How apropos, as I am beginning a new phase in my art.
I’ve been creating works of wall art in my head for about a year now, and telling myself, “Oh, I’ll figure out how to do this soon.” My procrastination has dragged on an on. I even discussed my ideas with Karen Vernon, owner of The Gallery of Round Top (one of the galleries that sell my jewelry). Karen said, “Just do one piece of wall art a month – just one. It will get you started.” Great idea, only January slid by and I still hadn’t done anything except sketch out another idea. I envisioned combo glass and fiber piece, suspended inside a shadow box. The box would protect the glass yet at the same time, since the work would hang away from the box, light could move around the glass. A crocheted net would enfold the beads. Flotsam and jetsam trapped in “An Aegean Tide Line.” I see it clearly.
Meanwhile (also at the last minute) Karen invited me to join ACT (Artists Changing Tomorrow). Here’s their mission statement: “ACT, Artists Changing Tomorrow, is a program developed to sustain and maintain the arts: visual, literary and performing. This program’s goal is to provide art education, school and community art programs and performances, and overall community arts outreach. The program is supported by artists, patrons and benefactors who are aware of the contribution that the arts make to society and who selflessly seek to support the creative process.”
Act’s first benefit auction/show begins March 17th – and guess what? All the pieces are 12” x 12” and can either be a flat painting, or a dimensional piece inside a shadow box. I picked up the box yesterday.
Here’s the sketch I did a while back, with a few of the beads I haven’t put in yet.
My sketchbook with a drawing of the wall box art, and a few of my vessel beads
And here’s the beginning of the piece, with some of the beads already on the crocheted net. It’s a beginning.
I’ll keep you posted as the piece progresses. Some coral and barnacle beads coming out of the kiln this morning – beginnings ———–!
diane cook: Hello Lyn~ I am a (blog) friend of Cindy Wimmers! I saw you were her Bead Soup partner, and then I noticed where you were located~Round Top! Then it hit me that I remember your name from the Round Top Art Gallery! I have jewelry at SGOVIO's and taught a class at the library about 3 weeks ago. I will be teaching another in Fayetteville tomorrow =) And, I am in the group of artists teaching at Adorn Me! in Houston March 2-7. Have you heard about it??? Come visit my blog. And, I would love to talk~ diane
Cindy: It looks like you are really stretching your creative wings in 2010...and will be in for a lot of fun! I'm looking forward to hearing more about your new creations...you're off to an incredible start with this mixed media piece!
Michelle Mach: I really love seeing the initial sketch. It's fun to see how artists move from the initial idea to the finished piece.
Jen: This is so cool! I can't wait to see how it evolves!!
A Birthday Tribute for Jim
Written on January 31, 2010
Silver Flowers and Pearl Necklace by Jim Foley
My husband, partner, jeweler, and all together exceptional person, Jim Foley, made the above necklace last week. Isn’t it beautiful? Yes!! (Of course it sold almost before it was finished).
I’m sharing the picture with you in order to acknowledge Jim on his birthday tomorrow, February 1st. (yes, our birthdays are close together, I’m three years older.) Jim has been a metalsmith since college, when he apprenticed to a German Goldsmith. Jim learned jewelry making from Horst the old fashioned way, starting with how to clean the shop, and gradually learning jewelry techniques, from designing, metal working, soldering, fabricating, wax modeling, lost wax casting, stone setting, and more.
Jim was a natural, and even his first pieces were original, beautiful, and well made. I know, because I met him right around that time, and bought a ring from him. We’ve been together 36 years now. Many, many pieces of exquisite, award winning jewelry have sprung from his fertile imagination and out through his skilled hands.
In 1990, at age 42, Jim was diagnosed with “Early Onset” Parkinson’s Disease – a progressive, degenerative neurological disorder, with no known cure. The three cardinal symptoms for P.D. are: rigidity or slowness of movement, tremor and postural instability or imbalance. In other words, Jim sometimes could barely move, sometimes went rigid or “froze” in place, sometimes shook uncontrollably, or sometimes fell over unexpectedly. Among other things, P.D. stole Jim’s ability to make jewelry from him. Gemstones fell out of fingers that couldn’t close correctly, the torch shook in an arm that couldn’t quit shaking, delicate wax used to make models couldn’t be guided into place.
We gave up our jewelry store, and set off to sail around the world instead. A crazy thing to do (read the first chapter of our book here). Medicines helped some of the symptoms, didn’t do anything for others. Jim made lemonade out of the lemons life had dealt him. He volunteered in programs searching for a P.D. cure. We went on with life, completed our circumnavigation. Each year we checked in with Jim’s neurologist, always hoping for any new medicine or treatment that would help Jim as the awful disease continued its march through our lives.
In 2001 one of the experimental treatments helped Jim enormously. Many of his symptoms were reversed – he could pick up small objects again, like pennies. He could button buttons again, zip zippers. So in 2002 when we moved back to land, he decided to try making jewelry once more. Some days he still shook too much to hold a torch, or a gemstone. His hands didn’t have the control to guide the wax as before – but still, he persevered. Techniques that took him minutes before P.D. took him many attempts, sometimes hours, to accomplish. He couldn’t use gold as he did before – his P.D. afflicted hands burned the gold up too quickly. So he turned to silver, and once again beautiful jewelry appeared.
Jim never gives up. He rarely complains, even when he has fallen down for the umpteenth time in a day, victim to the P.D. loss of balance that throws him unexpectedly to the floor. He puts his torch down, and waits patiently until a tremor passes and he can solder again. Just the effort of sitting sometimes overwhelms him, and he naps until his strength, zapped by P.D. returns.
Jim, in spite of P.D. is a master player of life, playing full out, with joy and love. And look at this latest beautiful nceklace he created in January. Jim, I salute you, and wish you a very happy birthday. I love you, and thank you for being in my life.
The Bead Soup Party Update
Written on January 23, 2010
Beads from my Bead Soup Partner, Cindy Wimmer
Here are the beads from my Bead Soup Party partner, Cindy Wimmer. If you click on the photo you can go on over to her site and see the terrific jewelry she makes using her own wire work and other beads. She makes really fun jewelry, and she writes articles for several magazines. I was in the grocery store the other day, and wanted to treat myself to something, so I picked up a copy of “Easy Wire”, mainly because I really liked the bracelet on the cover. Guess what? The bracelet was Cindy’s!
I don’t usually do wire work – if any of that happens around here, it is done by Jim. And his style of work is entirely different than Cindy’s. So, I learned a lot from her articles in the magazine, and as a result have decided that my necklace for the Bead Soup party will have some wire work by me in addition to Cindy’s meticulous yet fun links. She has inspired me to step outside my own jewelry making box, and party! Stay tuned.
All of us in the bead party will be posting our results on February 10th. Read more here: The Bead Soup Party
Libby: Lyn I love your work. I saw your link from the Bead Soup Party and thought I would drop by. Great blog and I can't wait to see what you do with your Bead Soup.
Linda Lawrence: Hi Lyn, Great work! So nice to meet people with this Bead Soup Party. Look forward to visiting your blog again & again. :) Linda
Cindy: Aw, Lyn, thanks for all of the high praise...you are so kind! I'm glad the wire tutorials inspired you...that means a lot coming from a master like yourself! :-)
Beth: I just love those items she sent! I love copper & metal & making links... I can't wait to see your design :)
Ruthie: Looks like you got some fun stuff - I look forward to seeing what you make in the end!
Janeen: Wow!! That is amazing. And you just learned fusing to do it? Well beyond impressive. Great job!!
Kella: Thanks for sharing your spring pictures, they gladden the heart :)
Karen Gill: Hi, I came across your blog address on the ArtBead Challenge Flickr page. I liked your work, so I came over here and found these fabulous spring pics of my Texas. I'm a native Texan, temporarily in Florida, and I surely have missed the Texas spring this year! I've enjoyed your photos! Blessings!