More and more these days Jill and I are working collaboratively on designs for TANK.  Personally I very much enjoy the process of working this way and find it to be an extremely rewarding experience.  Take two perspectives, the obvious benefit of two sets of uniquely skilled hands and the results are usually quite good.
Recently Jill and I have been planning, planning, planning... not as much making of late but we'll get there.  It's a slower time of year so it's perfect for contemplating new ideas, playing at the torch and working through these concepts visually with our materials.  Often just allowing yourself this time to experiment in the studio brings the most wonderful things.
I gave in today as I felt a strong urge to make something "weird" .... So I did, I made a crazy looking sculptural bead with loops all over it and I can't wait to see how it looks tomorrow when I take it out of the kiln.  It was very satisfying to make either way and already I see other even bigger crazier beads in my head!

Here are some necklaces that Jill and I put together this week - part of a new line we're working on... John from Proof Gallery next door took the photos for us.

{  Jill likes to call this one "Classy Whimsy"  }

{ student Phoebe making a bead }

Recently I had the pleasure of introducing young Phoebe to glass beadmaking.   She is working on a project for school about glasswork and had already been to visit my school chum Kelly Lowe for her own glass blowing experience.  At TANK she quietly worked away on each bead, carefully considering my advice and turing out some pretty good results!   Phoebe is lucky to have supportive parents to help out with such endeavours for a school project - we're hoping maybe we've sparked an interest that will continue to grow.
Good luck Phoebe.   Hope we see you again.

Oh how I'd love to...

{ work by Cynthia Toops & Dan Adams }

You may not know this about me but I got my beadmaking start many years ago, think grade 6 or 7. I began my love affair with colour by making polymer clay beads and selling them on family vacations for extra spending money, to bead shops we'd come across on our travels. During this time, I first laid eyes on Cynthia Toops incredible work in one of my books and still I find inspiration in her pieces. Later when I discovered flameworking and Dan Adams work, I had no idea that he and Cynthia were married and also collaborated but it makes total sense to me now.... so much detail. I just love it!

Yesterday when trolling around online I saw that they are teaching a class together at the ISGB conference this year. I would LOVE to take this class. Who knows if that will work out as August is already a very busy month. I'll keep my fingers crossed though!

Happy Valentine's Day

Thanks to all who came out for our Valentine's Day event and making it a successful day. Oh my... Jill's Swedish Tea Cookies were faaaaaaaaaantastic!
We are going to extend the Sale to tomorrow for you last minute shoppers. All things red, pink and purple are 20% off.

I forgot to mention we also have some greeting cards by our talented friend Emily FIller from upstairs. One of her paintings is shown above.

TANK you very much!

Yesterday Julie Beverstein came in for a private lesson that her sweet boyfriend surprised her with for Christmas. We just had to post this photo of the box that the Gift Certificate was in under the tree. Julie has saved it since then so she could show us knowing we'd get a kick out of it!
Thanks Julie.

Next weekend will be another great opportunity to get out and enjoy your local handmade experience. The Case Goods Warehouse will be hosting a Valentine's Shopping event on the Saturday so you can pick up something special for your sweetheart this year. Or pass this along with a little hint, hint... and tales of home baked goods to entice!

We personally are also having a BIG SALE! Yes all jewelry red, pink or purple will be on sale for the day at 20% off. Lots of shiny, pretty ideas from yours truly - Amy & Jill xoxo