Web ready?

I would say not. I am finally working on a web page. I used to write my own but the advent of WYSIWYG systems has actually stumped me. I finally found a program I am slowly beginning to understand, so www.ghosttownglass no longer redirects here.

I have put up written content, because we had that, and put our schedule all in one place. Then I showed that to John and he muttered something about needing to make more stuff and headed for the studio. I got enthusiastic but I don't think it is too much!

We have three shows in the fall, and have added the Parksville Street Market. Mom and I went down the this week and were surprised at how packed it was. There are a LOT of vendors and I am looking forward to seeing how it goes.

Anyway, the web site is evolving. I am not happy with the top banner, but will keep working on it. Now I need to go make jewelry because I just realized I am low on bracelets! I am working on an amazonite and pearl one that is looking good!

Getting glassier

Okay! Look, I made some beads! I got some excellent very thin fine silver wire, and used it to wrap onto the beads below. My shaping is a bit rusty, but it was fun getting things out of the kiln that I made. I love working in ivory with silver. The bottom bead actually has black ends, but you can't really see them.


We spent today at the Nanaimo Downtown Farmer's Market and it was a gorgeous day. This is the view from the market:



Despite having a busy day, I am waiting for the kiln to ramp up so I can get on the torch. I spent yesterday with Sherry Bellamy and Jessie Harding, both of whom are wonderful beadmakers. I met them early on in my lampwork journey, and they were really helpful in getting me going and have always been generous, supportive and FUN.

Sherry just wrote a fabulous tutorial on her Chaos beads, and I woke up this morning after reading it with an idea of how to use the technique in a hopefully unique way. So I want to go melt some glass. I am happy to have my creativity moving a bit more and I know getting to spend some time with them, as well as with Jane Perala and Judy Baun (more amazing lampworkers) at the Farmer's Market is helping.

Saturday Market cancelled

I just got word that the market tomorrow is canceled because of vendors pulling out due to possible rain. This is the West Coast, people. Suck it up.

Anyway, for customers who were planning to come by tomorrow specifically (I know there were at least two), give me a call and we can meet somewhere. Sorry for the inconvenience!

Lost her marbles...

Annie is a strange little dog. We already knew this, but there is a new angle to it. She has always picked things up, as most dogs do. I have taken seed beads, mangled head pins and various beads out of her mouth. I was really wondering if I was leaving that much on the ground, when we realized that when we were away, she was climbing up on my table and removing things.

However, she has moved on to marbles. She loves them. They are a good size for her, and she just protects them and holds them in her mouth. She has become quite proprietorial about it.

Now Haley has started. I was taking pictures and dropped a marble and next thing you know, the Airedale has taken it and didn't want to give it back. I took it away but she still wants it.


We have strange dogs.

Some of the pictures I took:

Non-Airedale goobered marbles


What happens when you swallow bubble gum..