HOLIDAY SAVINGS SPECTACULAR!!

Woohoo! 50% off all my holiday items I have left, except custom made items.

Visit me at:
ETSY
HANDMADE FUZION
1000MARKETS

Half price, can't get much better then that! And if you need priority shipping, just let me know, I'll be happy to send an adjusted invoice for the additional amount.

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WHERE ARE YOU IN THE SEARCH ENGINES?

That was what I asked myself today. So, let's go find me. Well, how do I do that? If I didn't know me, how would I find me, especially if I didn't know I wanted to find me. See what I'm getting at? No?

If you want to bring someone to your shop, how would you do that? They don't know you exist, or what you do. So how would they know how to find you, especially if you're not paying to show up at the top of search engines?

Well, here's what I did...a google search. Well, if I put in Glasstastic Treasures, I show up all over the place. So, you do that, see what pops up. EVERYTHING! My shops, my networking sites, my forum posts! Yay! 685 listings for Glasstastic Treasures.

But, I know my name, I searched just for that, it was easy. So then I search for what I sell, "handmade lampwork beads". Hmm, 149,000 hits, and I was not on any of the first 10 pages. I'm not looking any more, are you? Let's try "handmade lampwork". 281,000. What do you think the odds are that I'm on any of the first 15 pages? NO! Now what? What about getting the attention of those who don't know my name, but I want them to SEE me?

Did you know that the SHOP TITLE in your appearance section of Etsy is more important then anything you have listed in your shop? For search engines, that is. I had "Unique and Fun Lampwork Beads" in there. So, let's search for that. WOW, I'm number TWO!!

That worked out pretty well, but my search was pretty specific. I need to generalize just a little more, but not too much. So I changed it to " Handmade Quality Lampwork, Stained and Fused Glass". We'll just have to see where that brings us!

Interesting? I think so. It's painfully obviously that Etsy is not paying for any Internet searches for anything specific. And why should they, that's up to us to bring them to our shops. Etsy just wants them to get to Etsy, after all.

So, what does your shop title say about you? Feel free top comment with any tips you might have!

**please note, clicking on the photos will bring you to the search page, however, the searches may have changed since I posted these pics.

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OH NO SHE DIDN'T!!

Oh yes she did! Deb, what are you trying to do to me?? Artisticflair has done it again. Just look at this. It's wonderful, and perfect. I want, I want, I want. Oh my, she brings out my greedy side, doesn't she.

Twilight, the new hit movie sensation. I'll be seeing it again tomorrow night (yep, that's twice now). And the book was so action packed, that I read it for two days straight. Probably only slept about 6 hours total, between Friday and Saturday nights. Haha. Ah, what a great book!

Love you Deb! And your work is awesome ;)

Just when I think my collection is complete! Here she comes, here she comes again. Remember that song?

I recently got this yummy little fishy from artisticflair not too long ago. I love fish, they are my favorite animal. Along with my dog, and cat. And maybe a bird or two. lol.

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Holiday Treasures For Someone Special

Wondering what special gift you can get someone for the holidays? It can sometimes be a struggle. So, since I love window shopping, I thought I'd bring some great gifts to your attention.

Today, I was at my Dad's watching a movie. I don't remember the name, but in it was Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn. Wow, what a pair. It was a great movie, and I thought of my Mom. Her and I love old movies, and she adores Audrey Hepburn. And so does Artisticflair! And here is her artistic take on Audrey Hepburn called "Breakfast at Tiffany's". What a wonderful movie, and what a wonderful treasure this would make for that special someone.

Another great treasure would be this awesome Gemstone Tree Ornament by BYAPRYL.
Byapryl has some wonderful tree designs in her shop, but I love this one.
It reminds me of the Tree of Life, protected in it's little globe. The best thing about this tree is that byapril will customize it with your favorite gemstones. Wow, just imagine this in Peridot, my birthstone! Hmm....

Hurry now, to get your Gemstone Tree Ornament. They are custom made, and will take some time. But you know what? This tree is so special, that you could even get it early for next Christmas!

Put a smile on that special someone's face, with a great handmade gift. Handmade makes gift giving personal, don't you think?

Click on the links, or pictures and visit these great shops today!

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Sunny Yellow Is The Color For 2009

Sunny Yellow. Sounds like a bright and happy ray shinning through the gloom of the economic crisis that will be 2009. See Pantagraph.com for more info.

Now, don't get me wrong, I love Sunny Yellow and I love bright. And this color is definitely bright! But if I wore this color, I'd look like I weren't feeling well. Not everyone can wear this color, especially in full force like our model here.

But I can say this, I will LOVE creating beads with this color. I've made my happy little sunshine bead, and I'll be making more, trust me! Hmm, now, to ponder what else I will be making with the Color of 2009!

What will you design with Sunny Yellow in the new year?

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Holy moly, front page of Handmade Fuzion

Wow, I made front page. Not sure there's anything more that I can say.

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When you can live forever, what do you live for?

Twilight the movie, based on the novel by Stephanie Meyers, is a romance about a vampire, Edward Cullen, who falls in love with a human girl, Bella Swan. Edward overcomes his primal desire for her blood, and chooses her heart instead. Of course, that's not all, no, there are evil vampires who only want her blood. So in Edward's desire to love Bella, he also puts her life in extreme danger. "And so the lion falls in love with the lamb".

I absolutely loved the book, and the movie was great, too! Action, adventure and romance. Just amazing that Edward Cullen is the most romantic dead person ever.

I highly recommend this book. Edward may be dead, but romance is still alive! "Stupid masochistic lion..."

And in the spirit of a true Twilight fan, I have fashioned pendants and ornaments in stained glass. I have purchased graphics which I use to design my original graphics. I print and hand cut each picture. And using the copper foil stained glass technique, I have created some truly unique items. Treasured keepsakes for all Twilight fans.

More to come! So stay tuned....

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BLACK FRIDAY SPECIALS

Wow, it's that time of year again. For those of you brave enough to battle the crowds, I wish you luck!!

For those of you staying in, I wish you would stop in my shops and check out the deals! lol I had to be cheeky, didn't I?

I have two online shops that are having Black Friday sales starting November 28th through November 30th. You will notice that each shop offers a different discount. I decided to mix it up a little bit.

I'm offering a greater discount on my Handmade Fuzion site because it's my new venue and I really love it. So check it out.

My Etsy shop still has great offers, including a great deal on shipping! Check that out too!

HAPPY SHOPPING!! :)

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CUSTOMIZATION Is My Middle Name!

I love to create exactly what someone is looking for. I found a really cool sheet of Holiday graphics, and thought, "Wow, there are so many choices. Which ones should I start with? Which ones will everyone like?"

We all know everyone has different tastes. And I really do enjoy creating exactly what everyone likes. So I listed my Holiday Stained Glass Pendants as a "Customizable" item in my Etsy Shop.

Check out those Peppermint tights! Are those cute, or what? What kind of image would you like on the back of that? You'd think it would be kinda hard to imagine anything going with those sassy stockings. But I have two choices that are my favorites. And an additional choice that just seems perfect!

My favorite is the black "Santa, I was naughty", with the "Naughty or Nice" a close second. But wouldn't the other side of the pendant look great with the candy canes? Click on the picture at the right to see all the choices you have.

Want another choice? I know, I know, now I'm going overboard! lol But, what if you see something perfect for someone you know, but they don't wear necklaces? Well, not a problem. I'll replace the chain with a little ribbon, and now you have a one-of-a-kind ornament! Hang it on the tree, or anywhere you'd like. The perfect give for someone you love, or maybe for yourself!

For more great customizable ideas visit me at Glasstastic "Customizable" Treasures!
Prefer to make this purchase on Handmade Fuzion? Click here!

Have a happy and safe holiday season!

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What's so great about Handmade Fuzion?

Well, first and foremost, Handmade Fuzion (HF) is all about handmade only items. It's a great website to buy and sell only handmade items.

But what makes it so good? Oh, I'm so glad you asked.....

• For me, the most important tool they offer sellers is the ability to use html codes to track stats. With stats we're able to see what part of the country (even where in the world) our views are coming from. We can also track what time of day we are getting our views, and what the viewers are looking at, all depending on the analytic account we have. HF also supplies us with a view counter for our main shop page, as well as item view counts.
• Next is the ability to customize the look of our shop. We have been supplied with some pretty cool templates to create an individualized shop appearance to compliment our items. Again, we have html availability so we can add codes or whatever we are able with our knowledge of html. I, for one, am not very html savvy.
  
• Cool fonts, font color choices, and other little editorial gadgets to use at our whim. And don't let me forget the ability to create prefilled fields which help make listing quick and painless.
• Wildwood (a HF seller) describes the ease of listing as "smoo-hooth:)".
  
• Need more options then Paypal and check/money orders? Well, with HF we have it. Just name it, they've supplied it: Revolution money, direct credit card payments, offline payments (Western Union, etc) and more!
• Shipping options galore! Choose the shipping fees per state, country, etc. Have an item that can only be shipped priority? No problem, it's an option.
• There is also a fees calculator so we can calculate how much your listing will cost.
• Oh, and tired of never seeing your item on the front page? Me too. HF charges a minimal fee and your item will cycle throughout the daily page loads and show up on the front page!! How exciting to see your item showcased on the front page. Especially when you know you deserve it.
• Hey, want to offer a sale or special? What an awesome feature that HF has given us....the ability to put some or all our items on sale. Immediate mark-downs for our customers, making their purchase easy and painless. No waiting for an adjusted invoice for them. And for you...no paying fees on a dollar amount that really wasn't sold. Oh, and if we are in need of sending an adjusted invoice for any reason, we have the option to do that right through the HF site!
• Have a pesky customer you don't ever want to have to deal with again? There's a cool function to block them. You'll never have to be harassed again.
• Wonder what your hard earned fees are being used for? Well, on HF, they let us know when and where they are advertising. Check out the completely handmade and totally original commercial below!
  
• Best reason ever to join HF? They started contests to win cash and prizes. Sign up, buy, list, sell and earn points to win cash for Christmas.
  

Have you had enough yet? There are so many great features from handmade Fuzion, that I can't possibly list them all. But I would like to conclude that the Admin there are the absolute best. And I'm not just saying that. They have worked very closely with us from the onset of opening day, to make this site exactly what we want and need. They are always there, always listening, and always helpful! Click here to learn more about the creators of HF.

Got a hobby you'd like to turn into more? Click here to sign up for the HF experience. Please tell them Glasstastic Treasures sent you. Remember, there's a contest, and you and I can help each other win!!

Still have questions? Just ask, I'll do my best to help.
:)

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Goddess of Flora Bead

I'm so incredibly proud of this bead. It's my very first goddess bead. I think it turned out exceptionally well. It's available online at Glasstastic Treasures on Etsy.

I love the texture, the curves. This is one sexy bead.

On this goddess I was ready to go the next step and add a head and hair. Of course, I was disrupted and had to put the bead in the kiln unfinished. Yes, I kept it, after all that time, I didn't want to waste anything! This goddess is for sale inn my Handmade Fuzion shop. See for yourself how amazing it is. It totally reminds me of a worn or half finished sculpture. Something you may find in a museum.

I'd love to hear your comments.

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Sell your handmade items here!

Sell your great handmade items at Handmade Fuzion! Just tell them Glasstastic Treasures sent you!

Why sell at Handmade Fuzion? First and foremost, it is a juried site. That means the selling venue will not be over run with mass produces items. And the customers that buy there are looking for quality handmade items. Just like yours!

There is a great Forum, with an IM! How cool is that? You can network, add friends, and see who is online instantly.

Fees are low, and they are having a cool contest now. So it's the perfect time to sign up, list your items and earn points for $$$

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Hmm, what to do, what to do....

Just sitting, drinking coffee, wondering what to do.

I'd love to have a monthly drawing, what do you think of that? I like it too. Now....What to do, what to do....

Leave comments, I'd love to hear what you think. And I'd love to hear some of your ideas.

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About a Bead: Knowing the difference

Do you know the difference? I can hear whispers in the wind..."what is the difference?". And a small tear escapes from my eye.

"What's wrong?" a small voice inside you asks.

A voice on the wind replies, "these words have broken her heart. She read them just now, 'FINALLY, the market has opened up and we don't have to be held hostage by inflated prices!' "

"But what does it mean?" you ask.

"It means that someone doesn't know the difference between art...and mass production," the wind explains as it blows on it's way.

And a tear slips from another eye.


So, do you know the difference? The difference between artisan lampwork beads, and commercially manufactured beads? Some people don't. So I'll help you out.

First, and foremost, artisan lampwork beads are works of art. Made by hand to create something special and unique. Like any other art, really.

Where do mass produced lampwork beads come from, and how are they different?

Mass produced beads come from overseas. Overseas being a country, unlike the United States, that allows people to work in unsafe conditions, for minimal wages. Sound familiar? Hmm, does sweatshop ring a bell? That's the picture that comes to my mind.

These are the kinds of beads that I don't really consider art because the same bead is made in batches of thousands. Nothing unique is being created there. But worse yet, is the fact that glass is not properly anneals to make it durable.

You see, when you heat the glass to make a bead, you change the structure. To make this glass strong and durable it has to be held (we sometimes refer to it as "cooked") at a certain temperature for a certain amount of time. To do this, you need a kiln that can keep your glass around 950 degrees Fahrenheit. Something that is not done with mass produced beads.

Why is this so important? Minute stress cracks will form if the beads are cooled too fast. You may not even be able to see them, but they can cause you a lot of headaches later down the line when you're beads crack and your jewelry is ruined. What a shame to spend so much time on your own work of art, only to have it ruined!

Proper kiln annealing gives the glass enough time for the crystals to align properly, making the glass strong and durable. I can't tell you how many times I've dropped a bead on the floor, or banged my key chain into the door frame! And my beads still live!!

Would I ever recommend mass produced beads? Sure, they're perfect to practice new techniques without spending a ton of money. And they're perfect for younger teens because of the affordability, and the fact that teen styles change with the seasons, so it won't really matter if the item doesn't last forever. They won't care!!

But if you want to create a truly unique item, or to collect something wondrously beautiful, artisan lampwork, by far, offers the inspiration to create something truly awe inspiring.

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What? FREE SHIPPING?

That's right. I've decided that everyone deserves a little something. And what I can give to you is free shipping!

What inspired this? Well, I received a couple of gift certificates, and excitedly went online shopping yesterday. Picked out my item, yeah, I still had money left over. Calculated shipping and WHAT? Now the final price had more then doubled!

I was more then irritated. Why would I buy something online when it's going to cost me DOUBLE the original price of the item in the end? I wasn't, that's for sure.

So enjoy my summer offering of free shipping! The more you buy, the more you save!!

:)

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What lies at the heart of me

If you would have asked me to describe myself about a month ago, I would have said I'm a lamworker at heart. But I just spent 10 fun days with two of my very close friends from college. And I have to recap that by saying, I am a SCIENTIST by heart! And a lampworker second.

First, let me say that lampworking is a fascinating hobby and profession. I say hobby first because it is so much fun. Glass is an unbelievable medium to work with. You can paint with it and sculpt with it. You can hold the glass directly into the flame and as it melts you can see how amazing it really is. I thought I'd never be able to control it, and if I could control it, it would be difficult at best. Not so. And because of these amazing properties, it falls into the area of science. Because, believe it or not, there's more science going on then you may have guessed.

Now, back to the Scientist at heart....

I spent 10 days in New Mexico. What an incredibly awesome geologic wonder! So different from the green green grasses and trees of Northern Wisconsin. We climbed cliffs in Bandelier where Native Americans once dwelled in caves carved into the side of moutains. The wonderous part was that both mother nature and the inhabitants carved out the dwellings!! You gotta love limestone and sandstone.

We descended 750 feet below the earth's surface to see the wonders of Carlsbad Caverns. How amazing to see what mother nature can do underground. And even more amazing to see what water can do to stone.

We walked across an ancient lava flow that covered hundreds of miles of the earth's surface. And we also saw how mother nature was taking that over with trees and plants. Someday that huge black expanse will be gone, completely covered in lush green vegitation.

I learned how plants have evolved and adapted to capture the smallest drops of water, drops that are so important for their survival. And as I stood in the heat, I asked why we were at the White Sands Desert. Then I looked around and discovered hints and whispers of the abundant life that thrives in those hot and arid places by coming out during the cool hours of the night. Simply amazing! There was evidence of life everywhere!! Bugs, lizards, birds, coyotes and more.

And so, I have to say with all my being, that I am a scientist at heart. This planet is amazing, and it's ever changing. What once was lush tropical land is now dry desert. Mountains crumble into foothills. Lakes turn into fields, and water carves out new routes as it moves towards the oceans. Continents move across the face of the earth. And it's is ever changing.

It really is an amazing planet. Too bad we're devouring it's resources faster then it can replenish them.

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SALE, SALE, SALE Extended

I am offering 20% off all purchases! (discounts not on shipping)

I make lampwork beads and recently found out they will no longer carry mapp gas in my area. That means I have to use propane and oxygen. And THAT means I have to buy a new torch.

And that means I need at least $300.00 :( I don't like to buy things and raise my prices to cover the purchase. I like to earn the funds and buy my supplies so I can keep my overhead down, and my prices down.

SO! Here's what you do....make your purchase, and either leave a note in the note to seller section, or send me a conversation and ask for a sale invoice. I'll email you and adjusted invoice with the sale price and you can pay right from the invoice.

I accept paypal only at this time.

Thanks everyone, happy shopping :)

Originally I was only offering the sale for June 3rd, but I've now extended it!

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Wow, Just Wow

Not only are gas prices sky high. But I just received my car renewal. Guess how much?

Here's a hint: Last year it was $55. So guess.

NO! How about $75.00. I know that isn't much compared to other states, but when you look at the increase of nearly 50%, that's a lot! Okay, 36%. But isn't that a lot?

Douglas county's property taxes have doubled. A couple of years ago we were reassessed and told they couldn't do it again for 10 years. Well, guess what, they reassessed our back lot again!

Now, don't get me wrong, I believe in paying my share of taxes and all that stuff. But it's come to the point where I'm thinking about taking all the siding off my house and covering it with tar paper! Ma and Pa Kettle were better off in their shack. That's how I feel.

Let's see, what else can I do to get my taxes lowered. I could dig up the sewer and put in an outhouse. I could log off the back 40 acres. We can let some trees grow up into our driveway, and we can fill the fields with cattle.

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Summer craft/art sale season is here!!

I had to make a difficult decission today: to sale or not to sale? (I know, SALE was spelled that way intentionally, lol)

I had to take into account the gas prices (boo to every oil company that is making billions of dollars at the expense of the poor Americans), the distance I have to travel, the booth fees and the energy I have to expend.

So let's see, gas is now $3.89/gal. I have to drive 2.5 hours. I have to get up at 4 a.m, and I have no energy or inclination to travel that distance at those prices to be let down and lose money because everyone else is in the same boat as me. CAN'T AFFORD GAS!

So, I've decided that I will only be entering into juried art sales this year. I will most like only be doing about 2-4 sales.

I know this may seem drastic to some. And although I usually do fairly well at these sales, I have yet to meet the percentage of sales that is required by the professionals to make the events worth while.

So, I will be taking those gas funds and trying my hand at some sort of advertising. I know, I know... these sales ARE advertising. However, I don't feel that I have many return customers from these sales. So to me, at least, I don't feel they have much of an impact except to make a couple extra dollars on short notice. And now, with gas prices what they are, I don't want to take any chances.

Please, feel free to leave a comment and let me know how your craft sales have done, if you have attendend any!

Good luck, I hope you all do well this summer! :)

Edited on 6/1/08 to add:

I just spoke to my sister, who I do the craft sales with, and she also has decided not to do many shows this year. For her knit items, she gets a ton of repeat customers who call her directly. And for my beads, I do pretty well online. So I feel a whole lot better! SMILES :)

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Please leave POLL comments here!

Feel free to comment and elaborate on any of my polls or my Etsy webiste! I'd love to hear from you! Don't forget to take the polls on the right side of the screen!

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Where in the world is Carmen San Diego? Or, better yet...

...what the heck have I been up to that I've neglected my blog for so long? Totally unacceptable!

Coming soon!

1. A view from my shop window: pics of my corner-of-the-garage studio
2. Ventilation 101
3. Mandrel, what's that?
4. What's a glass rod?
5. How did that rod of glass turn into that?
6. What's next?

What would you like to see? Let me know!

For now, check out my Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/glasstastic_treasures/

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February is a short month?

That's what the calendar says but I don't belieive it. Not this year!

It has been below zero in northern Wisconsin most of this month. February is supposed to be the warm up month, short and sweet, to make up for a horrid January. Not so this year.

There is nothing longer then a dark and cold month. Even if it only has 29 days. Today is the 16th and it just seems like it will never end.

Although the sun is shinning on my computer screen as I type, the wind is howling and shaking the windows. It's finally been above zero the last couple of days yet the wind plunges it right back down.

I feel like popping vitamin D like valium! I'm grumpy and depressed, and want nothing to do with anyone or anything. That is definately not my personality!

So my best friend, coffee, and I will cuddle up and watch a comedy. See if that helps. Hope everyone elses February is shorter then mine.

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Hearts: not just for Valentine's Day!

I love hearts. Doesn't matter what kind: metal, glass, clay. They're fun, and always unique. Why should they be just for Valentine's day? I say hearts are for every day!

To the left are dainty sterling silver heart shaped charm earrings, with genuine tourmaline dangles. Very sweet little earrings for any age.

Next I used thick copper wire, hammered for texture, and shaped into a heart. What a delight to wear. More copper embelishments on a black satin cord. This necklace will go with any outfit, casual or dressy. All hand shaped wireworking, by me!
















Last, but not least, I have my glass lampwork hearts. Hand made by me, using a torch and soft glass rods. Hearts are so fun to create because you can shape them traditionally, or add a little twist and tail. How about a little swirl for added interest! The possibilities are endles.

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Winter update: to bead, or not to bead....

Wow, it's finally warmed up to where it doesn't freeze the skin off your face when you go outside. Yikes!

The cold definately makes it hard for me to create beads. So I've had to stick to making jewelry, which is fun, but not as much fun as melting glass and creating minature works of art. Well, hopefully they're artful.

Melted glass gives off dangerous fumes, and I do not have ventalation, yet. We've bought supplies to make a fume hood. The fan is here. And we're ready to go. Hopefully I can get the hood made before my husband has to leave town.

I'll definately have to take before and after pictures. I'm not very good at thinking of that stuff until after I'm done. Then I say, doh, shoulda coulda woulda. But it's too late.

More updates soon. Stay warm!

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