RWillisGlassArtist

Signs of Spring

2010-04-03T09:00:00.003-04:00

Ah!!! I love the first signs of spring: baby squirrels and ducks nesting, birds collecting for their nests, frogs mating in the pond, tadpoles, flowers starting to bloom, and all the action that goes on in the back yard with the birds feeding, drinking, and bathing. First sights of butterflies, bumble bees, and dragonflies. And, being able to open the windows for the fresh air and the beautiful music. Welcome, Spring. :)

My first night time Friday Fest

2010-04-03T08:50:00.004-04:00

I had my first experience selling my sparkles in the dark last night at the Friday Fest in Cape Canaveral and met some really nice people. That was the best part. :) Especially the lady from Savannah. What fun we had reminiscing about this beautiful city where I grew up. :)

This was only the second month the city held this event, so there are some kinks to work out - like putting some lighting on our end of the street. They didn't know the street would be that dark as they did have a big light at the intersection. So, he told us not to worry about paying for our spot next month since we barely made our tables. It will be worth going back just for that. :)

We did have a generator set up behind us, but it was so loud and since we (me and the vendors around me) thought the street would be lit up, we asked it to be turned off. Since we weren't using it, they put it somewhere else where it was needed. So for the last two hours, we were pretty much in the dark except for a glimpse of the large light placed at the intersection. The funny part of this story is that I had five lights and two extension cords. Lesson learned. First time. Who knew. And, I was the only one who brought lights which I thought was a little odd.

Next month the city will have a bright light placed at our end as well as some food vendors. The event is growing, there were more venders this month than last, so this is encouraging. It was a learning experience for all of us. And next time we won't be shooting ourselves in the foot with the issue of the generator. As for the noise, the coordinator said he could place it further away.

I must say, (and you other crafters and artists will relate) this is the first time I've been to an outdoor event where the coordinator was so accommodating and actually concerned about the vendors. You'd be surprised how many just want the space fees and you're on your own. Thank you, Robert, for your wonderful attitude and concern for all your vendors. We do appreciate your enthusiasm and hard work. :)

2010-03-05T15:24:00.002-05:00

Wow! I must get better with this blogging thing. Time sure does go by fast. Right now I'm getting ready for a show. I'll be back on top of things soon. :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Merry Christmas!

Happy New Year!!

Happy Valentines Day!!!

There! I think we're caught up now. :)

Nuttin' Honey

2009-08-21T21:36:00.002-04:00

That's pretty much what I've been doing lately... :) Wow!! I can't believe August will soon be over. I have not accomplished near this summer what I set out to do in experimenting with glass. But, all-in-all, much was accomplished as I am now in my new office/studio. The small room was our (hubby and me) first renovation project. We are very proud of it, though it's hardly recognizable at the moment because it's such a mess. It didn't take long. I'm sure many of you can relate. :)

I have an opportunity to take a class in November where I will learn some new processes in glass fusing (new to me) and I am so excited about the workshop. I really need to do this for myself.

Right now, I am busy, busy, busy getting my inventory ready for the upcoming season. And, I have some experimenting to do......there's still time. :)

July EGA Giveaway Winner is.......................

2009-08-03T09:51:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to Ellen Lai of http://singtatter-corner.blogspot.com!!!!!!! She is the winner of my dichroic pendant in the EGA July giveaway! She is from Singapore!! Be sure to check out her blog. She is very talented in tatting and does absolutely beautiful work.

Today's the Last Day!!

2009-07-23T17:26:00.004-04:00

Today's the last day to enter a giveaway for one of my dichroic pendants. Go here to enter:

http://etsyglass.blogspot.com/2009/06/summer-sizzling-july-giveaway.html

I will announce the winner tomorrow morning. :)

Only One Day Left for the July Giveaway!

2009-07-22T12:21:00.003-04:00

Wow! I can't believe there is only one day left before I announce who will win the beautiful dichroic pendant that I made and donated to the Etsy Glass Artists. Be sure to visit the Etsy Glass Artists' blog to enter.

Hurry!!! I will be announcing a winner this Friday, the 24th! Good luck!!

SUMMER SIZZLING JULY GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-06-29T16:42:00.004-04:00

I am a member of The Etsy Glass Artists and am donating this pendant for our July giveaway. Be sure to visit the Etsy Glass Artists' blog to enter. Good luck!!! :)

Jeri - the next "Calender Girl"

2009-04-23T13:52:00.005-04:00

Hi! My name is Jeri. I have a twin brother who looks a lot like me. His name is Ben.

I love to play, and I get into things all the time - they say I have a stubborn streak...I always wondered what that meant.

I love to snack....though I don't do as much of that anymore, because there is now a latch on the pantry door. I am very smart and will figure that one out eventually.

I am an artist. Here's a picture of one of my sculptures. As you can see, this wears me out.

EGA Spring Bling Sale Going on This Week!

2009-04-18T08:44:00.004-04:00

The Etsy Glass Artists (EGA) is having a "Spring Bling" Sale from April 18th through the 24th. See each shop's Announcement and the list below for their particular offerings! Please use the code "BLING" in your notes to buyer upon checking out so you can get the sale price. This is a great time to purchase that perfect gift for Mother's Day or a little treasure for yourself.

Etsy Glass Artists "Spring Bling" Sale

April 18th through April 24th

Participating Members:

http://glasscat.etsy.com - Dichroic and Fused Glass BOGO 1/2 off, All stained glass 10% off

http://groovyglassgirl.etsy.com - Free Shipping

http://susansheehan.etsy.com - Glass 10 to 25% off as marked in sale section of store

http://chickadeebeads.etsy.com - BOGO 1/2 Off

http://jewelrybynatsuko.etsy.com - BOGO 1/2 off

http://mycabincreations.etsy.com - 20% off everything

http://rwillisglassartist.etsy.com - 20% off all glass items

http://paulasstressart.etsy.com - 20% off entire purchase

http://colorshoppestudio.etsy.com - 20% off all stained glass jewelry

http://giapet.etsy.com - BOGO 1/2 Off

http://glasscircus.etsy.com - 20% off on all my glass

*BOGO = Buy One Get One 1/2 off

Come check out our new EGA website http://www.etsyglass.com/.

Leave a comment on our blog for a chance to win the monthly Free Glass Giveaway. http://www.etsyglass.blogspot.com

Use the word egateam in the search box on the Etsy front page to find a listing of all of our members creations.

Thanks so much for your past business and support of our shops!

Win a Meerkat!!

2009-04-01T09:41:00.002-04:00

My friend at http://niftyknits-somuchyarnsolittletime.blogspot.com is giving away a young meerkat. All you have to do is look at her shop www.niftyknits.etsy.com and pick out three items that show off her range of talent. Then comment in her blog about the free meerkat giveway with your three choices and you will have an opportunity to win a meerkat. It's that easy!! Have fun!

EGA Spring Challenge - Enter to Win!!

2009-03-27T13:57:00.005-04:00

Be sure to stop by EGA's blog and comment on all the spring challenge entries. You will be entered into a drawing to receive a creation from an EGA artist. We will have multiple winners. www.etsyglass.blogspot.com

EGA Spring Challenge

2009-03-24T11:07:00.003-04:00

Wow!!! I tried something new!!! After two failures which were beyond recognition (lol!!), I finally came up with this wall vase. I love the fact that everything I used to decorate it (except for the hooks and chain of course) is glass. This was a huge challenge for me as I wanted to make something that was all my own without using a pattern or instructions. Mind you, it took a little research to figure out the firing schedule, etc. I still need to perfect the process I used to create the dragonflies and the vase; but, all-in-all, I'm very happy with this wall vase. Stay tuned for my new home decor collection. :)

House Rejuvination Project

2009-02-21T11:11:00.004-05:00

Wow! February is just flying by. I have a show to get ready for in two weeks and a huge new display that needs filling up at the Cocoa store. I'll post a picture once it is finished, because right now it looks pretty bare. It holds over 500 creations. I'm half way there. Very exciting! :)

Another thing that's exciting is Brian and I are stripping down the small guest room and turning it into my glass studio so that I'm not having to work in the garage "sweatshop" during our long, hot summers. My kiln and grinders will continue to stay in the garage, but the rest comes inside. It's a small room, so I need to be careful in planning it out so that I have plenty of room to work and at the same time can move around and not feel closed in. After hurricane Fay, we had water damage from the rain coming in the window sill and had that fixed and a new window put in last week (wow!!! the cost of windows these days). Today, we are scraping the popcorn ceiling and priming the walls. Then we will be at a standstill until an electrician comes in so that we can have some lighting put in (why builders don't do this in the first place, I just don't understand).

And, this is just the beginning of our home rejuvination project. The little artist that I am, you can just imagine what the walls look like. :) If you stand in one place you will see about 7 different colors. It's been this way for almost ten years, so it's time for a "renewal". We plan to tone the walls down and splash color around with accessories (okay maybe one or two walls will have some color - I can dangle a couple of carrots for this). :)

Welp, back to work!! I'll take pictures as we go.

And the Winner Is...................................

2009-02-12T07:29:00.006-05:00

Uniquecommodities!!! Congratulations!

To get to know her, take a peak at her blog http://www.uniquecommodities.blogspot.com/ and visit her shops: http://www.uniquecommodities.etsy.com/, http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/UniqueCommodities, and http://uniquecommodities.crobbies.com/

:)

Are you all wondering how I drew? The old-fashioned way! :) I wrote everyone's names down, cut them apart, mixed them up in a bowl, and drew. :)

Where did the time go?

2009-02-10T09:10:00.004-05:00

Tomorrow night is the cut-off of the One World One Heart Giveaway as winners will be announced on Thursday the 12th (including mine). Wow! If you haven't looked over the list of creative bloggers who joined this caravan, take a look: http://oneworldoneheart.typepad.com/one_worldone_heart What an array giveaways. :)

Yesterday I went to set up a new display at the Gingerbread House gift shop in Cocoa Village, and I must say, it is a beautiful display. A local crafter, Kim Gilbert, and her husband made it (she is also a crafter at the Gingerbread House). Now, I have to fill it up, and that is going to take a little while.

So much to do...... and I'm sure you all know what I'm talking about. There are life issues, house issues, business issues, places to go, people to see, a class here and there, errands to run. Right now, it is just overwhelming. By the time I'm done I will have sticky notes and lists made. I just have to remember to look at them. :)

I am blessed

2009-01-26T13:03:00.007-05:00

What a gorgeous day! I have the windows open and am enjoying the fresh air. Perfect for doing my home chores and getting out in the studio to work on some glass.

Wow! I spent this weekend getting myself familiar with Facebook, and I must say I am impressed. I'm now communicating with dear friends that I have lost touch with over the years, and it sure is a lot of fun!! It's very harmless, and it's amazing how many friends I've connected with in such a short amount of time. :)

One World - One Heart Giveaway

2009-01-20T17:17:00.008-05:00

Hi! I'm participating in the One World - One Heart Giveaway event that takes place each year. This is a time in which people around the world visit each others blogs for a chance to get to know one another and enter giveaways.

This year I am giving away this beautiful Dichroic Cross Pendant that was created by me in my home studio.

To enter yourself in this giveaway, please post a comment with contact information.
The drawing will be held on February 12th.
The winner will be contacted by me with a request for your mailing address and this pendant will be mailed to you anywhere in the world.
Sign up in my blog if you would like future updates.
You have January 19th through February 11th to comment for this giveaway. The drawing will be held on February 12th.

New Internet Shop!

2009-01-15T23:02:00.004-05:00

You can now see my creations on the internet in two locations:

I just opened up a new shop: http://www.rwillisglassartist.artfire.com/
My original shop: http://www.rwillisglassartist.etsy.com/

If you are in the Cocoa, Florida area, stop by The Village Gingerbread House in Cocoa Village where over 300 glass creations are available for purchase. The Gingerbread House is a fun shop that sells retail items as well as items made by local artists and crafters.

New Year, New Mindset!

2009-01-14T13:02:00.003-05:00

It's time for me to just let loose. I plan on trying new things with my glasswork, stepping away from pendants and jewelry a little bit (not totally though) and experimenting more with new techniques.

Stay tuned...........

:)

Happy Crushing!

2009-01-14T08:36:00.005-05:00

As many of you know, I am a fused glass artist - http://www.rwillisglassartist.etsy.com/ - and last year I came across this idea to create an inexpensive and productive way to make glass frit and thought I'd share it with you. The article is also posted in the blog at http://www.etsyglass.com/.

A friend of mine works at a local glass store, and she is always coming up with wonderful ideas. Well, her dad (an engineer) came up with this idea for a home-made frit maker. After seeing it, I made a quick dash to the Home Depot (Lowe's or Ace should have them too) so that I could make one for myself.

Materials from hardware store:

~ One 1-1/2" x 8" heavy lead pipe

~ One 1-1/2" cap

~ One 3/4" x 10" heavy lead pipe

~ Two 3/4" caps

From a glass supply company:

~ Glass Frit Sifter set (I love this set!!)

The coffee grinder just doesn't do it for me, and like many glass artists, I've been hammering the glass in plastic bags to make my frit. Now I just put my glass in the 1-1/2" pipe and use the capped 3/4" pipe to crush the glass. Then I poor the contents into the glass sifter set which separates the sizes of the frit. I then poor the frit into my 2-oz. storage containers (a gold-mine find at a local thrift store) or small zip-lock bags. The caps aren't flat, so I have to store the frit maker on its side. I'm sure you could flatten the cap. But, I'm not particular. I'm just thrilled to have this!

The weight of the capped 3/4" lead pipe makes it quick and easy for me to make my own frit, but to make the "crusher 3/4" pipe" even heavier I threw in some heavy fishing weights (a garage sale find). Rocks, lead balls, or anything else you can find to add some weight to it will work just as well.

Happy crushing!

Getting Started

2009-01-10T08:10:00.001-05:00

Ahhh..... my first blog.

Now where did I put that last blog that I started a while back.....I can't remember. I'll just add that to my "need to look for" list. If you find it, let me know. :)

How do you like that title? :) I may blog once or twice a week about what's been happening in my personal life or in my business.

I grew up in Savannah, Georgia and now live in Florida with my hubby, Brian, and our two tuxedo cats, Ben and Jeri. I'm 46 years old. We don't have children but have been blessed with wonderful nephews who keep in touch with us, and whom we can send back home when we want. (Just kidding - they live in Texas and we dearly love them).

I love, love, love color, and when I was growing up, I always admired my grandmother's little glass collection that she arranged in the picture window, and I loved the bright beautiful colors when light would hit them. Thus, my first inspiration to start working with glass. Who knew!

I have been a glass artist for about two years and love it! You can see some of my work in my online store at www.rwillisglassartist.etsy.com

As you can see from my photos in Flickr, http://www.flickr.com/photos/rhonda-pics , I love nature and working in my gardens.