Where have I been?

I've been told it has been way too long since I've updated my blog. I don't know, you think a year and 4 months is too long? I'll try to do much better.

I've been really excited about the lampworking group we've got going at Glass Concepts, my friend Deb's store. There are 8 of us in all, but not all 8 have been there at the same time yet. We are enjoying getting together and melting glass, sharing tips, working out problems, laughing, talking glass, and did I mention laughing? We do a lot of that! Last week Debby brought her Electric Mandrel Spinner, or EMS for short. We all got to take a turn trying to use it. It's a really cool tool, but boy, did we all feel like newbie bead makers again! I've had it on my wish list for quite some time. After using it it's still on the list. Although it will take some getting use to when I get one. We also played with the new Gaffer glass, Chalcedony. What a gorgeous glass that is! Grace is getting some awesome colors out of it. I've gotten some color, but nowhere near what Grace is getting. I've got to play with it more ;o). Also at the last meeting Rita demonstrated her awesome stringer work and how to pull a millifore cane. After watching her I think we were all inspired to play with stringer control. She does beautiful work! Our next meeting should be really fun. We are going to dedicate the time to making beads for Beads of Courage. Beads of Courage is a wonderful program at Children's Hospitals across the nation where children get a different color bead for different milestones in their treatment.

Let's see, what else have I been up to? Oh, I finally did my very first show! My friend Deb is very encouraging about my work and my getting it out there to the public. She unselfishly agreed to do a show, in 95 plus degree temperatures, to help "break me in". It was also the evening of my 30th high school reunion and she even let me leave early and closed up the booth at the end. What a friend!! Love ya Deb! You're the best! All in all it was a pretty good first show. I actually sold some pieces and am looking forward to doing my next one! Even despite the heat!

Okay, there, blogging is done! Now I'm off to the torch to make something...so I'll have something to talk about tomorrow.