So recently I had the pleasure of presenting to the Great Lakes Beadworkers Guild at their August 2016 meeting.  They are a sister guild in the Southeast Michigan region that is focused on making ornament with beads and other jewelry type mediums.  I have been a member of this guild for around 3 years and have taken classes with them on seed beading, wire wrapping, and other metal work.  They are a wonderful group and I am proud to be a member.  My presentation was a introduction to lampworking.  


I lugged in a few torches, tools, glass, and other assorted lampworking necessities and spoke to them about the wonders of glass bead making.  We laughed about some adventures I had when getting involved in this hobby such a kiln fear, exploding glass, and burning my arm but saving the bead.  All and all we had a great time and I finished by showing a short YouTube video of bead making.  I think everyone came away with a better understanding of the process and why buying artesian beads over mass produced Chinese beads would be a great way to support local glass bead makers and use quality glass beads in their creations.  :)


The GlassAct guild had a trunk show following and we saw quite a few happy bead workers finding new treasures.  


I love to share this art with others and hope I get the opportunity to speak again about the love of all things glass.


I have added the bead workers link to my links page.  Check them out. 


Glassy adventures await.


    Susan

So much for keeping up with the blog.  :)

We are nearing the end of July 2016 and honestly I have not been to the torch like I had hoped.  I have made beads from the glassact guild challenge glass and I made trade beads for the gathering.  That is the extent of my time at the torch.

My glass excitement did increase by attending the ISGB Gathering in New Orleans last week.  Had a great time traveling with my glass loving friends.  The gathering was a great event and I got to spend time with many of my favorite people.  I bought too much glass and ate too much good food.  It was awesome.  Hoping to get inspired and make something soon.  

Back here soon.

Keep those torches lit.  xx  Susan

Sunset in NOLA

January is almost history......February is a mystery

The first month of the New Year has flown by.  Hard to believe that it is almost February.   I am trying to line up my glass life so that I can get some time at the torch.


I will have beads in several shows this year with my guild Southeast Michigan glass Beadmakers guild.  www.glassact.org


I will have beads in the Bead Bonanza show On March 13th at the Southfield Civic Center in Southfield Michigan.


I am sending beads to Bead and Button in Milwaukee in June


I hope to send beads to the Michigan Glass Project at the Russell Industrial Center in July  and I will also participate in the Fall Bead Bonanza in October.


Hoping to take some of these wonderful things I've learned in classes and incorporate the techniques into my beads.   Until next time  keep the torches lite.


Susan

Welcome to Northern Mermaid Beads - Now a Blog

Hi and welcome.


This site has been dark for several months but now I have converted it to a blog and hope it remains alive.  :)


I am hoping to get on the torch more and post it here.  In the meantime have a great day and again welcome to Northern Mermaid Beads!


Susan