The View from Here by the TorchFairy

2012-02-13T21:43:00.000-08:00

Here's a photo of the bracelet that the home-schooled class made... They only had about 20 minutes to pick the beads out & assemble it.... I kept it simple and easy for little hands to make. The stretchy cord is about 1 mm. thick & I wrapped scotch tape around 1 end to easily go thru the bead and I made a knot at the other end so the beads didn't fall off.

After the bracelet had all the beads on we centered the beads, tied a knot at each end of the beads, then tied a knot to make it into a bracelet.... This is a super easy project for little kids!!! They were all thrilled to bits!!!

2012-02-13T21:20:00.000-08:00

Here's the card that I just made.... the photo doesn't do it justice....... It is very sparkly.... I used embossing powder & some hearts stamped out of silver foil.....

2012-02-13T18:45:00.000-08:00

Here it is Monday....... I am so behind....

On Friday ..My dear husband decide to rent a JACK HAMMER & rip out about 50 sq. feet of tile which was very Securely affixed to the cement base.... WELL... it took him 8 hours of hard labour... (Something like having a baby????) to rip it all out... after about 2 hours ( I was away having FUN... giving a talk about glass to 14 home-schooled children... & then they all made a simple bracelet with beads) HE took a look at all the dust that he created & then decided to put up some plastic.... by then it was way too late.... the dust was everywhere....We have finally finished cleaning up most of the dust ..but we still have a few rooms... The door was closed to these rooms so its not urgent that they be cleaned......
Today I gave a lampwork class and was all prepared for 2 students but ended up having 4.... some kind of mix up with the front desk......All one can do is suck it in and carry on... Never let your students see you are a bit ruffled....It all turned out well in the end.... (Fortunately I am always prepared with more supplies than I actually need!!!)

I have a private student tomorrow afternoon.... so my bead-soup mix will have to simmer on the back burner for a few more days....

Now I have to go down to my studio & whip up a Valentine's Card for My dear husband!!!!

2012-02-08T20:24:00.000-08:00

Here's the photo of the fab Bead Soup that I received from my partner Bonnie: www.jasper-moon.ca
These are some of my favorite colours... I just love putting BLACK in my designs... The cream colour beads are actually carved bone... I have never used real bone in any of my creations... so this will definitely be something out of my comfort ZONE.... but I am up for the challenge... The tiny black bicones are Swarovski crystal (another of my favs... I just love anything sparkly as witnessed by all my t-shirts with sparkles & rhinestones on.

The light green crystal rhondelles are a fav. of mine as well.
The black faceted beads will add some weight to my design..

2012-02-07T20:40:00.000-08:00

Here's my Etsy Shop.....

WWW.FayWolfendenDesigns.Etsy.com

I will be posting some more goodies for sale shortly!!!!!

I have been busy getting ready to give 14 home-school students a small talk
on glass... & a bead-making demo........it's taking a lot longer then I thought..
After the demo they will each make a simple bracelet!!!!!

2012-02-02T21:27:00.000-08:00

Received my bead soup package from Bonnie yesterday.. will take some pictures & post on Friday... doing some skiing @ the local mountain... fabulous skiing,

Was a fab sunny day & not too cold

2012-01-31T20:42:00.000-08:00

Here are the pics of bead soup that I sent to Bonnie

They arrived today..... Yeah!!!!! only took 1 week...

2012-01-30T17:49:00.000-08:00

Here's the Beady Soup that I have sent my partner Bonnie...Can't wait to get hers..

www.jaspersgems.blogspot.com

2012-01-24T20:17:00.000-08:00

WOW.....just finished my bead soup package to send to my partner Bonnie.......
as usual I agonized over my final selection.... .....I looove making glass beads....fused glass pendants, plates, etc. .. shiny, smooth glass... some matte glass.. love the sparkly stuff too. Hope she likes the goodies I sent!!!

These funny little birds were flying around our house the other day trying to keep warm & eating the insects around the base of the house. I think they are red-wing black birds.. It was about 19 degrees belown zero & there was snow on the ground... so these little guys were hungry!!!

Ventured out to the post office to mail out the package... it was snowing again.
Looks like we are in for some snow & high winds...Will be glad when January is finally over in another week.... it's always a let down after the Christmas holidays... We'll be off skiing for a few days... time for some outdoor activity although we have been going for lots of walks & hikes...

2012-01-17T17:41:00.000-08:00

Just making a few more focal beads so I can complete the set that I have in mind for my ..bead swap partner... I have an idea of what I want to send her.

IT'S 16 below zero... (and going down to -19 tonight) that's centigrade.. that is
2 degrees in farhenheit.. it's pretty darn COLD.. had to venture out today
to pick up some more propane and glass rods... all in all the roads were O.K. & after driving in Montreal & Toronto in the winter it is a piece of cake here... especially with snow tires on...

Am going to hunker down tomorrow as the high is going to be -14... a good time to spend on the torch plus it adds some heat to the house... a whole day spent in in the studio will be fab!!!!!

2012-01-15T13:39:00.000-08:00

I am so excited.... I won a spot on the " Bead Soup Blog Party" Also my partner is in Canada...so that makes it so much easier to mail my " Bead Soup Mix"

I've got some focals in mind.... just can't decide what colour palette to go with..
Think I will make a nice sterling silver clasp to go with the beads....

2012-01-14T14:55:00.000-08:00

Been working on making some new bead designs... I am going to call them my water-colour series.... very pretty... white background with soft greens, turquoises, pinks, mauves, oranges.... I will take some pictures of them when the sun comes out & I can get some good shots.

Have been doing some snowshoeing (Santa brought us our very own snow shoes this Christmas) & hiking in the hills above Kelowna... We are very short of snow this year..so more hiking than snowshoeing.... We just drive about 5 minutes up the mountain in the back of us.... & there we are...miles & miles of hiking trails.... Now that the bears all are hibernating..no fear of running into them....My goal this year is to do more outdoor things.... I get busy working in my studio & it is so fab that I don't want to go out....WE are awaiting more snow on the local ski hill as there are too many rocks sticking up to try & trip me!!!

2012-01-14T14:46:00.000-08:00

I've entered a contest..well..not really a contest... it's a bead exchange where someone sends me beads, etc. & I send another person some beads, etc. then we all make something out of our "stash" ..post it in our blog.... & see what we all come up with.... Fantastic idea......... I am just trying to figure out how to add the

"bead soup badge" to my page here... I am going to have to get my fab. daughter

to help me....as I am somewhat techno challenged when it comes to doing anything like that....cutting, pasting, copying, etc. is a bit beyond me......looking forward to see if I get picked!!!!

In the mean time here is the www.prettythingsblog.com/p/bead-soup-blog-party.html for Lori's blog & all things bead-soupy!!!!

2012-01-01T16:55:00.001-08:00

Here's wishing everyone a Very HAPPPY NEW YEAR!!

the night before Christmas

2011-12-24T09:47:00.000-08:00

Another year about to draw to a close... have all my baking done, presents wrapped.. time to sit back & relax....looks like it will be a green Christmas here

here's wishing everyone a very MERRY CHRISTMAS

new bead designs

2011-12-06T20:16:00.001-08:00

2011-12-06T19:58:00.001-08:00

Going on a road trip to Vancouver.... It's our annual Delbrook High School... Girls Pot Luck Dinner... actually it is the "Appy" dinner & dessert.... We have been doing this since day 1 of our 'Grad'... I have not been to so many but in the past few years have attended... It's great to get together with Col, Judy, Sue, Pat, Arlene, Ardath, etc...
Hope the highway is O.K... it can be very tricky... but with a new Truck & new winter tires it should be a piece of 'cake'...
It's always nice to see Vancouver at Christmas time...very festive and of course
the shopping!!!!! Don't get down there nearly often enough...

Just finished my Winter class schedule.... hope to be at the Rotary Centre every Monday.

I have added a few new classes to my schedule.... Done some research & developement.... and some inspirational designs came to mind....

Do check out my Web site: www.faywolfendendesigns.com
for more info & samples of my work.... should be out middle of Dec.

2011-12-02T14:51:00.001-08:00

WOW....can't believe it is December already...Got most of my Christmas shopping done...alright I admit it was pretty easy.... the husband did it.....I am so lucky in that department..... He researches everything & then goes out, buys it, wraps it & sends it, etc... so all I have to do is sit back & relax....O.K... I do have to make some butter tarts....

I've been doing some repairs on stained glass pieces for other people...also making some more Christmas cards.... I will post some pics. when the light is right for taking pictures.....

The Potters & Artisan Show was another success...Thanks to everyone who dropped by!!!

The classes went well this fall...met lots of great new people!!! Now I have to get the schedule ready for 2012...Want to try out a few new ideas....

2011-11-06T17:27:00.000-08:00

Just 6 days to go until the Potters & Artisan Show & Sale.....down at the

ROTARY CENTRE for the ARTS

Nov. 12...Saturday 10:00- 6:00 & Nov. 11 Sunday 10:00 - 4:30

For the LOVE of ART Almighty

... Get all your Christmas shopping done early!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Busy Working

2011-11-02T20:44:00.000-07:00

Another fab day here in the beautiful Okanagan...busy working in my studio..making lots of vintage looking melted fabric flowers with bead work
in the middle for the stamens, etc. My friend Irene gave me lots of drapery fabric sample books so no two the same. Have made a few fascinators as well.
Will post some pics when I can take some on the next sunny day.
Only about 8 more days until the Potters & Artsian Show & Sale @ the Rotary Centre for the Arts.

2011-10-23T17:20:00.000-07:00

I am working on some new stuff for the Potters & Artisan Show & Sale
@ the Rotary Centre for the Arts...happening
Nov. 12 & 13..put the dates on your calendar!!
I will have lots of up-cycled jewellery, fabric flowers (very vintage looking)!!!
so plan to come down & say hi!!

2011-10-23T16:35:00.000-07:00

Some new flowers that I am making which involves Fire!!! Just learned how to make these lovelies!!! A bit of beading & sewing!!!

2011-10-23T16:34:00.000-07:00

This one is made from some bronze lame!! Had quite a flame going here!!!

Will post some to my Etsy shop soon

2011-10-19T17:28:00.000-07:00

Up-cycled necklace.. some black vintage buttons from Victorian
shoes with pearlized bead, Swarovski crystal, watch part and
a crystal earring that was lonley!!

2011-10-16T20:04:00.000-07:00

Things are looking up, indeed!!! My Grandson is on the mend.. getting around on the crutches, even went out for a hair cut & dinner.... I have just posted my first listing on www.faywolfendendesigns.etsy.com
after having spent the better part of today trying to figure everything out.. i am by no means a computer whiz or even close. But I figure the more I try to use my brain in these things the better off I will be!!

2011-10-16T19:59:00.000-07:00

Here it is October already...Turkey time..no less....I haven't posted in a long time.. I have been preoccupied with worrying about my Grandson's long battle with a leg infection.... After 4 surgeries (plus getting C-Dificil while in the hospital), after five weeks in the hospital he is finally on the mend and back home. It will be a long recovery with lots of physio.. 4 more weeks of intensive anti-biotics... Finally he is back at school.. trying to catch up now.. good thing he is a great reader.... Also great that the barista ( formerly known as my husband & chief maker of the morning lattes) was able & willing to fly to Montreal to be the hands 0n guy to get everything sorted out....and back on track.... HE has been gone for about 5 weeks now, & I now know how lucky I am to have him, because he does most everything around here... I have had to learn to do all the stuff that he does.... Including draining the underground irrigation!!!

2011-09-04T15:51:00.000-07:00

Some wire wrapped rings that I just made!!

2011-07-28T21:08:00.000-07:00

Finally a fab day in the sunny Okanagan....yeah!!! went out in the boat...the granddaughter did a little water skiing & tubing....the water is stilll too cold for me to go in... We had a fabulous sun-set tonight.... will post a picture of it....

2011-07-27T20:50:00.000-07:00

Finally got all my new courses ready for listing....always dread the task but it's great when I am finished.... I will be making examples of them & taking pictures & putting them up on the web or maybe here on my blog...or maybe both.....stay tuned.

Now only if the weather would actually act like it is summer time...Had enough of this spring weather....maybe we will get summer in August & September!!!!

Busy, busy with the grandkids.... here from Montreal.... where they are at least having a summer.....

2011-07-05T15:08:00.000-07:00

Wow...summer has finally come to the super-natural Okanagan valley....Yeah!!!!

Taking some time off to do some painting chores, etc. No classes till August or September, but have to do up the courses for fall by the end of July....

2011-06-24T21:06:00.000-07:00

Busy working in my studio at the moment..as usual I have left everything to the last few weeks..so am now working like crazy... finished up the art glass pieces this aft...of course it would help if I didn't have t fill sand bags, etc. to keep our dock & casita from floating way... The lake is so high & when we get the high winds, the water comes right over all of it.....

2011-05-26T11:54:00.000-07:00

Some more pics of my steampunk jewellery

2011-05-26T11:38:00.000-07:00

here are a few pics of my new courses... Broken China Pendants

and Steampunk jewellery...( made from bits & pieces of old jewellery, watch parts, gears, keys, etc.

2011-04-07T16:20:00.000-07:00

Finally, a fab day...it's looking a lot like spring out there.... My magnolia tree has a ton of buds, just waiting to burst forth

2011-03-21T16:55:00.000-07:00

Wow!!!! it's been over a month since I last posted...had a great trip to Montreal & Toronto..picked up some awesome new coloured glass rods @ BeadFX in Toronto.. Some pinks (which are hard to get and something called kryptonite...fab shad of turquoisey-green.
Can't wait to get back to the torch & make some great beads...

2011-02-12T14:56:00.000-08:00

the fused glass pendant is a new design that I have been working on. I am offering workshops in these... Very simple, no glass cutting necessary as I have done all the work for you....just pick out your colours.... and add some sparkly dichroic glass.

this one is also a class.... just pick out your lampwork focal bead, add a few other things like spacers, make a couple of loops and you're done!!!!

2011-01-08T15:20:00.000-08:00

Here's some Okanagan Fruit art glass panels, these make great wedding gifts!! No chance of a duplication...these ones went to England

2011-01-08T14:41:00.001-08:00

"ADVENTURE" a journey with an unknown destination

Another fabulous day here in the Okanagan...the sun is trying to shine and here I am trying to get my studio organized for the New Year...

2010-11-28T17:19:00.000-08:00

Last days in November...where did the time go...busy..busy in the studio..have a bunch of art glass panels that I have to get done yesterday...they are going to England...I will post some pictures of them when I get finished..I don't think I have ever taken any pictures of my okanagan Fruit series...they are very popular...especially for wedding presents....not much chance of a duplication....

2010-11-21T10:32:00.000-08:00

Can't believe it's been over a month since I last posted....have been on a road trip to California, participated in the Pottery & Artisan Show @ the Rotary Centre and my classes have for the most part been full....Christmas is just around the corner and we have the snow to prove it.....

2010-10-18T10:41:00.000-07:00

Took a little road trip up to the Adams River to see the Sockeye Run...just amazing

2010-10-18T10:37:00.000-07:00

Been busy in the studio..getting ready for the REALLY BIG Potters & Artisans Show & Sale..to be held at the Rotary Centre for the Arts..
Nov. 13 & 14th

2010-09-20T20:43:00.000-07:00

Come for this class on Wed. Sept. 22..drop into Studio 203 at the Rotary Centre for the Arts..

2010-09-20T20:22:00.000-07:00

Just finished my fall clean-up in the studio..always a good feeling to get that done..where does all that stuff come from...I am trying to go with the 'LESS is MORE' attitude.... A good day to do it as it rained ALL day more or less

Fall classes are under way @ the R.C.A. http://www.rotarycentreforthearts.com/
check out my classes listed on their site.

I am doing a fusing project Wednesday (Sept. 22) afternoon 1:00 - 3:00 pm...
There is room for a few more people..just drop by and make yourself a pendant or 2 for just $65.00.. These make great Christmas gifts...

2010-09-07T17:02:00.000-07:00

BEAD....the one adornment that links ALL cultures

2010-08-29T20:40:00.000-07:00

Can't believe the tomatoes that I'm growing..they are fabulous.....

2010-08-20T21:55:00.000-07:00

Time to get started designing & making for the November 13 & 14 show...Artisans' & Potters' @ the R.C.A. http://www.rotarycentreforthearts.com/ where o where has the summer gone...
Spent lots of time on the water teaching the grandkids to water-ski..whoo-hooo!!!

2010-08-12T21:46:00.000-07:00

WOW where did the summer go??? Can't believe August is almost half over...the weather is really nice now..doin lots of boating...have not done much in my studio..have to give it a good cleaning and reorganizing..seems I would rather do that than actually get down to business & makestuff...LOL

2010-07-18T22:02:00.000-07:00

A fab weekend @ the R.C.A...was the annual Artisans & Potters Show...Thanks to everyone who dropped by to visit...Despite the hot weather we had a lot of interest...Met some great people.

The next SHOW is in November..

2010-06-29T13:40:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder about Canada Day..I am planning on setting up a table down @ the Rotary Centre for the Arts..should be there @ 10:00 till ????

LOTS of good things for sale...

2010-06-27T22:40:00.000-07:00

just had to post this fab picture that I took tonight of the sun set...today was a very weird day as far as weather...sunny, cloudy, rainy,.etc.
everything in one day... and a fab way to end the day.

2010-06-25T11:52:00.000-07:00

Summer is finally here...
Doing a show down @ the R.C.A. Canada....July 1 starts @ 10:00 AM

2010-06-13T20:43:00.000-07:00

A new design just made today..this design allows the focal bead to be changed..

it just slides off the curly part on the bottom wire piece..hammered 20 gauge steel wire..hand made bead by ME.............................................

2010-06-13T20:42:00.000-07:00

...........Fabulous colour combo of turquoise, lime green & black

2010-06-10T21:34:00.000-07:00

.................focal bead in blue & ivory..wire work loops

2010-06-10T21:33:00.000-07:00

Working on some new wire wrapping designs and new ways to photograph them...

2010-06-03T17:07:00.000-07:00

just finished a new batch of beads and editing the colours...

2010-05-30T22:00:00.000-07:00

Lots of new ideas swirling around in my head...now if I can just get them done.

Have had lots of family visiting the past few weeks... back to work but it will be busy for the next month with visitors...

we are finally finishing the yard..getting the driveway black-top done....

awesome!! time to start all over again... our house was supposed to be a 5 year project which turned into a 11 year project...oh well..
it's not getting to the end of the road but the journey along the way!!!...so "they" say

I have been busy making some new display pieces for my sale in July @ the R.C.A.

2010-05-02T20:26:00.000-07:00

May already.....working in my studio....trying out a few new designs..

Found this quote the other day:

'the person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, and becomes nothing may avoid suffering ...but he simply cannot learn and feel and change and grow and love and live.'

by Leo Buscaglia

2010-04-16T20:52:00.000-07:00

Spring is finally here...It's a great day in the Okanagan..lots of wildlife viewing from my yard.. The Loons are out on the Lake..the deer are wandering thru

Things are a bit slow @ the R.C.A. I am now of member of Okanagan Artists Group

2010-04-04T19:05:00.000-07:00

Had a FABULOUS day at the 'Fabulous Finds' trunk show at Summerhill Pyramid Winery..

could not believe how busy it was all day...non-stop..

Watch for announcement for a show in the fall.

Went skiing to day.. BIG WHITE..the snow was spectacular, but the wind was something else.

Very cold and blowing snow..they don't call it Big White for nothing.!!!!!

We did manage to ski for 4 and 1/2 hours..Not all that many people there either..guess people

have golfing on their minds now.

It's back to work in the studio this week..I have been doing my 'spring' cleaning and re-organizing. Have lots of ideas for new stuff..going to try some STEAMPUNK jewellery..I have

lots of watch parts and old keys... We'll see what I can turn out...

2010-03-21T08:38:00.000-07:00

One WEEK until: FABULOUS FINDS

An Artisan and Collectors' Show
Saturday, March 27 10 am - 4 pm
Summerhill Pyramid Winery
4870 Chute Lake Road Free Admission

SHOP HANDMADE SHOP VINTAGE

My daughter and I will be there..lots of vintage goodies, incuding jewellery, purses, scarves,
umbrellas, linens, glass wear and nic knacks.

I will of course have my hot glass, hand-made jewellery on display for sale & viewing:
beads , bracelets, pendants, & earrings

Drop by and say HELLO

2010-03-08T21:13:00.000-08:00

2010-03-08T21:09:00.000-08:00

Just had to post these pics I took in Ireland two years ago... just fabulous

2010-03-08T20:19:00.000-08:00

new post for Monday...just looking after the grandkids...great day for a BBQ.. I was dispatched to get the hot dogs & buns.. time for a roast on the beach. We do this every spring when the water is low and we can build a fire on the beach

2010-02-21T17:13:00.000-08:00

2010-02-21T16:54:00.000-08:00

QUOTE for the week-

Creation is the Artist's True Function
Where there is no Creation there is no Art...Henri Matisse (1869 - 1954)

Had a busy time last week.. taught a lampworking class and a fused pendant class. Great people in both classes.

Did a little skiing..Big White was fabulous.. The Grandkids are doing very well considering they only started skiing last year..

I'm busy designing bracelets, etc. for an up & coming show up at Summerhill Winery..It is called "FABULOUS FINDS" an Artisan & Collectors' Show Sat. March 27... 10 am - 4 pm.
SHOP HANDMADE - SHOP VINTAGE

I will be sharing a table with my daughter, who does vintage wares..do plan to drop by...

2010-02-11T16:34:00.000-08:00

Winter is now half over...Yeah!!!! Here's a quote I recently saw:

LIFE is a Coin...You can spend it anyway you WISH..but you can only spend it ONCE!!!

Here's a little "HISTORY of JEWELLERY" that I hope you will find interesting:

The first jewellery ever made was produced by hand in the Stone Age. Our ancestors made jewellery from materials they considered to be precious such as shells, stones or bones. The jewellery was not only supposed to decorate the person wearing it but also an expression & proof of success & social standard. The hunter, for instance, proudly wore a chain with teeth & claws from a bear as proof of his courage.

The first glass was formed over 40 million years ago by tremendous heat from volcanoes-it is called obsidian. The first man-made glass (consisting of sand, potash & lime) is believed to have been made about 3500 B.C. in Anatolia & Mesopotamia. Of course the Venetians (from Venice) took glass making to another level. Colours can be made by adding metallic oxides..glass can be poured, molded, stretched, cut, polished & etched..making it ideal to add sparkle & excitement to jewellery.

The first attempt of designing 'jewellery' is to be seen in the arranging of chain links or beads according to size. Already the Sumerians had the manufacturing know-how for making most of the jewellery we know today. The ornament as a unified form of decoration was then found in necklaces, earrings & bracelets. "Ornamento" is still today the Italian word for jewellery. Only in the 15 century the meaning of jewellery gradually changed from a status symbol to a fashionable accessory.

Both men & women adorned themselves with decorative gold necklaces, bangles & bracelets. The individual links could be taken out from the piece of jewellery & used as a means of payment.

During the Renaissance the wearing of jewellery became more & more the exclusive right of women & the styling of jewellery was increasingly influenced by fashion. The fast process of industrialization in the 19th Century brought with it the mass production of jewellery. Today thousands of identical pieces of jewellery can be produced.

For quite some time now fashion jewellery has become the fashionable alternative to real jewellery manufactured by jewellers or industry. However, fashion jewellery cannot & does not intend to replace real jewellery.

Buying hand-made jewellery from an artisan insures that you have a Unique, One of a Kind piece to add to your collection.

2010-01-26T17:27:00.000-08:00

2010-01-26T16:57:00.000-08:00

Another fab day in the Okanagan. I looked out my studio window yesterday and this cute little doe was looking back @ me!!!

I've been really busy making a bunch of awesome beads...just took them out of the kiln after annealing them and then cleaned them with the dremel drill. I went to the hardware store and purchased a hose clamp and L-bracket and fixed the drill to my work-bench and then hooked the whole thing up to a foot switch...presto..I can now use both hands to hold the bead & clean it out in 30 seconds flat...such a time saver.

I made a make-shift light box out of large vinegar jug..the photos of my jewellery are much better now..also I have up-loaded them all on Piccasa & it is 2 or 3 touches to fix the photos.

I hope to post some on my Etsy shop soon..taking good photos seems to be something I need to work on...

2010-01-19T20:50:00.000-08:00

Another fab day in paradise..here's a pic. of the view from here...

Just got back from a little trip to Palm Springs..had great weather..did some bead & finding shopping.. some things you just can not get here...Time to get down to business and make some

beads and stuff..

2010-01-04T14:55:00.000-08:00

Here is a cab that I made in my micro-wave kiln..Took just 3 minutes...awesome...

2010-01-04T14:48:00.000-08:00

2009-12-29T20:03:00.000-08:00

Another Christmas has come and gone...where ...o... where did the time go...Not much doing on the glass front here...everytime I want to get some glass stuff done.. I get side tracked.....

Had 3 good days skiing @ Big White with my husband, daughter and grandkids...Was mighty cold but the skiing was fantastic.

Have spent the rest of the time cooking, eating and trying to figure out the Blue tooth phone thing ...as of the 1st of Jan. we must use hands free phones..

Also I have been organizing my pictures that are on my lap-top..seems I have not done anything with them in a couple of years...my New Years resolution is to do them every month and then not have to spend a whole weekend making a mess of them..

We had a Red Tail hawk land in our yard today..my husband took a pic. of him as he was making a meal of a California Quail....Apparently it was quite interesting.. I will post a pic. him...the bird book says they rarely eat fowl...only rodents...I guess the quail was on the no fly list...!!!

2009-11-23T20:05:00.000-08:00

Back from Vancouver, managed to fill another dumpster.. and got things organized in the old house..(I am defininitley getting rid of all the stuff I don't use).

.... and back to the studio..we have a display down at the R.C.A. I have started it but not finished. it's good exposure...Have to add a few more things, it will show a good range of all my projects and classes.

Had a class of very nice ladies today.. doing wire work with my hand-made glass beads...everyone did exceptionally well. I was impressed...

2009-11-14T21:23:00.000-08:00

Well..things never turn out how we would like them..I had all my ducks in a row..that would be pieces of glass in my case...

After my last class I returned home only to have a phone call from my cousin saying my Uncle had passed away.... We were going to Vancouver anyways...so we spent the whole 4 days throwing stuff in a gigantic dumpster.. I knew he liked to keep & collect things.. (cameras especially..over 300 of them) but no idea he was such a hoarder... One dumpster later and another to fill...

Anyways..another trip to Van. on Mon. And a quiet family graveside service for him as he left no instructions for his final demise...

Soooo .....we just have to wing it..

My husband and I came back vowing to get rid of all the extra stuff we have surrounding us...

All this stuff just creeps up on one... I think we can get by on very little because we all have our favorite things.. and use only maybe 40 or 50% of what we have....

So another job to do in the near future....

2009-11-03T13:53:00.000-08:00

Another fabulous day in the Okanagan..seems we are having lots of them these days.

Finally got the studio cleaned up and ready to start production for the HOMES for the HOLIDAYS.. gig...

Did a bead-making class yesterday at the RCA.. great ladies to teach.. They made some lovely beads.. Now I just have to anneal them... My kiln is just about fixed.. we have all the parts.

We took it apart and saw that it was just the infinite control switch where some of the wires were fried.. Got the new one at the local appliance repair shop.. how easy was that??? Sounds too easy to me!!!

2009-10-29T15:09:00.000-07:00

Where did October go? Can't believe it's almost November... we have lived in the Okanagan for 10 years now..that's amazing too.

I have been busy teaching and making pieces for the up-coming ...EVENT..

'Homes for the Holidays' Nov. 13, 14 & 15..

I will be at the Martin Lofts.. 700 Martin Avenue on Friday Eve. 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm.

This is by admission to ticket holders only..(http://www.selectyourtickets.com/)

On Saturday (Nov. 14) I will be at the Rotary Centre for the Arts...Studio 203 (no tickets needed here)

There is also a big artisan Sale at RCA all that weekend..Our studio will of course be open...

The Evergreen Art Gallery will be up for viewing also...

Not sure where I will be on Sunday..

2009-10-02T20:51:00.000-07:00

These are the pics. of pieces that I fused in micro-wave kiln about 20 years ago...

Now it is official..I have my web-site up and running
http://www.faywolfendendesigns.com/

although I have to finish it off and add some stuff ...that will be a challenge for me
My daughter Stacy helped me..she is the techno whiz around here..
There is not enough time to do everything...

My kiln stopped working...looks like I need a new Controller..The solution to fix it is not easy (parts have to come from Toronto) or cheap.. but I figure I will up-grade to a digital control..

I have ordered a new mini-kiln that uses the micro-wave to fuse glass..only can do one large cabochon at a time..but it will be a good teaching tool as I will be able to use it at Studio 203.

I used one of these about 20 years ago and then they disappeared off the market... I still have the pieces that I fused.. will post some pics. of them....Fusing is really "HOT" right now...no pun intended..

2009-09-23T20:34:00.000-07:00

Another fabulous day here in the SUNNY Okanagan....
Another day of teaching at the RCA..this time it was fused glass...had two great ladies...they were excellent students...very nice work... will post pics. of their work when I finish fusing.
The studio is working out very well...

2009-09-18T20:54:00.000-07:00

I am being represented in a NEW Gallery that is showing my ART Glass panels and Beadwork Bracelets:

A Woodside Design Gallery...1561 Pandosy St. Kelowna...

If you are in the area drop by and have a look

or drop by the RCA and say Hi.. I am usually there on Monday afternoons and some Wednesdays, depending on if I have a class...

I have my first class to teach on Monday....It is a lampworking class..

Our weather has been just fabulous...too bad ...we had to put the boat away for the winter as the lake is too low to get it off the lift. Oh well. I have lots to do to keep busy. .We have a big show the 13, 14, 15 of Nov. @ the RCA

2009-09-13T20:41:00.000-07:00

Another fabulous day in the sunny okanagan.. time to get some work done...have been making a lot of beads and finally got them all annealed...now have to clean them...

2009-09-09T21:24:00.000-07:00

Had a great "Grand Opening" lots of friends came..many thanks to all who came...

Getting ready to teach some classes and start designing more pieces..have lots of ideas.

Have been making a lot of beads lately..I love to make beads...they are instant little master pieces...whereas designing and building an art-glass piece could take a week or longer.

2009-08-30T22:20:00.000-07:00

It"s been a while...
I've been busy getting things ready for our big opening of studio 203..
It's looking pretty nice..floor painted, walls painted, I have some of my pieces hung up.
There's always a lot more to do than I think.

Learn more about our studio at www.rotarycentreforthearts.com
See pics. etc.

Our "Grand Opening" is Sept. 3rd...4:00 - 9:00 PM

2009-08-02T14:39:00.001-07:00

Another smokey day......Can hardly see across the lake
My daughter is working so we are looking after the grand kids...all they like to do is go swimming and eat... My grand-daughter (age 8) is becoming a pro at water-skiing..will post some pics later.
We are getting our studio..(now named Studio 203) at the Rotary Centre ready for moving in!!!
More about that later..

2009-07-20T22:12:00.000-07:00

It's Monday and the fire is finally settling down....really hot here now and apparently getting hotter by end of week...

I am busy getting my course schedule ready for the fall. Will be teaching some glass courses at the R.C.A. ....... http://www.rotarycentreforthearts.com

Looking after the grandkids for a while..they love it down at the lake

..Oh well, it's tough spending time in the boat on the water.. but someone has to do it..

2009-07-18T20:18:00.000-07:00

What??another fire...we have been watching the fire grow from a very small plume of smoke to a very large all consuming fire across the lake...amazing to see it from this side this time and not be in the middle of it as we were in 2003.. It is moving south along the lake shore towards Peachland now....

Apparently there is another fire up Vernon way, I can see the smoke from here...and there is a lot of it... The winds are very big..up to 60 km. per hour...that does not help..

2009-07-09T21:50:00.000-07:00

Just found out that my submission of my art glass panel "golden moments" (see my pic. in previous post) got accepted... it will now be up for bids all over the world...

2009-07-05T14:24:00.000-07:00

July at last..time to get back in the studio... before the summer guests arrive....!!
I have sold a few pieces recently and my stock needs replenishing...

2009-06-16T15:59:00.000-07:00

The verdict is in...We got the Studio... YEAH!!
We will be taking up residence at the Rotary Centre for the Arts come the 1st of August

2009-06-12T21:59:00.000-07:00

Donated a lampwork bracelet to the Yacht Club for a fund raiser...Variety Boat for Hope..

Friday night...went for a little boat cruise out on the lake...

We are having a garage sale at my daughter's house on Saturday..getting ready for that..

2009-06-08T18:18:00.000-07:00

Finally got all caught up with all my 'chores'...Had a great trip to Easten Europe...sailed down the Danube (& no it is NOT Blue..don't know where that came from..it is more like our Fraser River only a LOT bigger)..
Lots happening in the art department...a Studio has come up for rent at the Rotary Centre so I have been busy doing a bio, etc... I would be teaching glass, beads and cabs.. Here's a pic. of one of my creations..
We want to start a co-op with Precious Metal Clay, and Silversmithing..
Hope we get it...
I have been busy designing some wind chimes/wind-whimsies...have to figure out how to photograph them best..will try & get some pics up soon..

2009-05-09T09:47:00.000-07:00

Went on a road trip to Eagle Crest Resort in Oregon recently with sister-in-law and her husband.

Had a great time hiking and biking..the weather did not fully co-operate as it was a bit chilly and did snow on occassion...We didn't get to horseback ride or play golf as planned...Did learn a new Dominos game called Mexican train..must admit I won most of the games...

We leave on Thursday, the 14th for a boat cruise down the Danube River.

2009-04-13T20:12:00.000-07:00

April is here.. won 4 free ski passes, equipement rentals and lessons at Big White... great for the grandkids & Stacy..we got up quite a few times with them....Still lots of snow up there..it closes down thru lack of interest....Had everyone here for Easter dinner.

Now it's time to concentrate on my art glass ....

2009-03-28T14:53:00.000-07:00

Wow! what a spring break....lots of skiing at Big White with Stacy and the grandkids...they are doing fantastic..to think they just started in Feb.09.. Also did some swimming at the local pool..we can't wait till the new pool and water park open..next week...Lots of hot-dog and marshmellow roasts on the beach....this is the only time of year to do it as the water is so low at this time of year...Now it's time to ge back to my glass studio...lots of geat ideas to implement....going to up-cycle some old jewellery and see what I can come up with...

2009-03-21T10:33:00.000-07:00

Spring is finally here ..yea! Took a picture of this guy out of my window..I think he is waiting for his lunch to wander by!!!

2009-03-18T18:50:00.000-07:00

Spring is just a few days away...the robins are back..fighting over the mountain ash berries that are left.

It's March break so we have been doing some fun things with the Grand-kids..swimming, lunch at the Yacht Club..and skiing..

Mr. Willy the cat has awoke from his winter sleep and is following me around all day.

I have been spending at least an hour at the torch most every day so will have some pictures of new bracelets to post...if I can just take some good pictures of them..I have to spend some time reading my camera manual... There is never enough time in the day to do all I want.

2009-03-11T15:55:00.000-07:00

Here it is- almost the middle of March. We are still in the deep freeze.

Have been re-oganizing my studio..

Time to dust the cat hair off everything and get busy in the studio...

Have made lots of wind-chimes in bright colours..

Finally got back at the torch and made some beads.

Tomorrow looks promising weather - wise...have to get back out

with my walking group..so sick of wearing boots and heavy coats..

Can't wait for the warm weather.

2009-01-20T19:38:00.000-08:00

Well..Jan. is almost over..We are out of the deep-freeze and glad of it...

the walking trails are still very icy and dangerous..I. finally went out and bought a pair of Yak Traks.. don't want to break any bones...
Been skiing quite a bit..conditions are really good. We took the grand-kids up on Sunday to try out their new skis...It was so hot up at Big White....everyone was skiing in their t-shirts...
We definitely need a lot more snow for the duration of the winter...
Woke up this morning to a few of our deer friends grazing and sleeping in our yard...at least the deer fencing is working and they don't get to munch on our cedars any more...

2008-12-21T21:21:00.000-08:00

Where has all the time gone??? Had a great trip to Toronto & South America. Met some great people!!! Came home early Dec. and had to start Christmas shopping, etc...the studio work was put on hold.. Had a great pot luck lunch here in my studio.. 12 walking ladies brought various good things to eat...It has been the season for parties and eating, eating, eating!!!
Well, it started snowing a week or so ago and has not stopped...I have been hiebernating in the house making excuses to not go out..tomorrow I just have to go out to do some errands, etc. that is if I can get out of the driveway with all this snow.