Selling on Facebook. Yes, no, maybe? Okay, I'll give it a try.

I have to say that I've tried selling items from my Facebook fan page and it doesn't work for me. But recently I noticed one of my lampwork friends posting about a private Facebook page for auctioning lampwork beads. I was skeptical, so I messaged her and asked a ton of questions.

When she told me her sales were better then anywhere else online and that she was closing down her selling Etsy and Artfire shops I knew I had to give it a try, and am I glad I did!

My auctions usually run for 24-48 hrs.  And within the first 24 hrs I had already made a sale.  And again the next day.  I have to say I'm pretty happy. I haven't sold everything I've listed, but that's okay!

I love the idea of being able to interact with the buyers, and I'm available to answer questions if needed.  What buyer wouldn't want that?

This group is called Artisan Lampwork Beads For Sale .  This is a closed group, but you can easily join by clicking one button.  They monitor it very strictly to make sure only artisan beads are listed.  And that's really good.  So if you make lampwork or like to buy it head on over there and sign up.  You won't be sorry!

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A Giveaway From Me...

Sponsored on Aquariann's blog, Art And Tree Chatter.   Aquariann is an amazing artist! Click here to check out her shop.  And to celebrate this great giveaway I'm offering a rare 10% discount with coupon code: FAIRYDEAL. 

And to check out my giveaway, click the pic below.  Thanks Aquariann!

Click me!!!

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The 5th Day Of Christmas Specials Count Down

On the 5th day of Christmas Glasstastic Treasures gives to you a great deal on this Penguin Lampwork Bead. Read more here.

 For today only (12/20/10) you can purchase this great bead at 50% off. Use coupon code 5THDAY during check out! Happy shopping!

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The 8th Day Of Christmas Specials Count Down

And on the 8th day of Christmas Glasstastic gave to me....A Flower Garden to wear! Read all about it here.

This bead is made with an implossion technique where colored glass is added to one side of a disk bead, then slowly melted so the clear glass surrounds the colored glass and pulls it into petals or leaf shapes.  This is a really fun technique and can be really interesting with multiple colors.

Now is your chance to get this great necklace for half price.  Use coupon code 8thday to save 50% today only.

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The 9th Day Of Christmas Specials Count Down

And on the 9th day of Christmas Glasstastic Treasures gave this great "wiggle" of a deal! Read all about it here.

I love Raku glass. It has such beautiful colors that the heat pulls out. Every time I use it I get different results and it's so fascinating!

Now you can have this wonderful bead for 50% off, use coupon code 9thday. Enjoy!

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Hot From The Kiln....

This weekend was a great weekend.  I got some torch time in, and I really love melting glass. 

As you can tell, I was feeling a little froggie.  They turned out really well, I think. I started with the tall style, seen in the back row.  And quickly changed to the horizontal form.  The legs are really fun to make.  But I'm thinking they need to be just a touch fatter!

But my favorite one was the fat little penguin.  He turned out so cute!  I went with a chubby shape.  I love chubby!!!

The last ones I created where the Potato heads.  Believe it or not those really drive me nuts.  First of all, I always forget the ears on the first one.  Not that it really matters, you could make him with one eye.  I mean, after all, Mr. Potato Head is a totally customizable toy.  But then I finally remember the ear and I one goes off center!! GAH  Then, there is so much tiny detail, it's hard not to melt them all in.  So the going is slow.  And last, I never make him chubby enough.  I like chubby!!!

But he's still cute. And that's what came from my kiln last weekend :)

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What's In A Hollow Bead?

Nothing but hot air, really. Well, air is something, after all. So let me explain ;)

A hollow bead is made by creating two thin disk beads close together, and curing towards each other. Creating two dome-like structures that curve towards each other. Then, finally, they are connected. The hard part is making sure there are no holes. Because, you see, as air is heated it expands and if there are holes, well, the air escapes. If the air escapes, the bead will collapse and no longer be hollow.

Easy to explain, but hard to picture, so I'll include a video I found on YouTube. Isn't YouTube great!! (She's listening to Pearl Jam, nice song)

Hollow beads are great for creating larger works of glass because air is light, and a larger bead will be lighter too. Nice for pendants. And perfect for my handmade fish beads! This adorable guy just might still be available in my ArtFire shop. Click on him to see.

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Simply Beautiful

I'd like to introduce you to Ellyloo! I chatted with her briefly on Twitter, and had to visit her shop. Not only does she have some wonderful beads, but look at that cute Avatar!

I've made these beads before, and although they are fun to do, and beautiful to look at, you have to have a fair amount of patience to keep those little flowers looking so good. I'm very impatient. I like to melt everything as quickly as I can. And that's not good for this type of bead!

So I tilt my hat to you, Ellyloo. Awesome beads! Go visit Ellyloo and get yourself some goodies!

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Oh no, scary!! Hide under the covers!

Halloween is coming! I know, summer doesn't even seem like it's here yet. But for you jewelry designers, you know that now is the time to get your beadies for Halloween.

I love creating Halloween beads. They're so much fun to make. And you can see from each bead that I love the humor in life, and that humor is captured in each bead I make.

So, whether you are a collector of lampwork, a jewelry designer, or just someone who thinks they'd really like to have one, visit my ArtFire shop and check out what I have. Remember, I love to do custom orders, too! So check out my Gallery to see what's already been sold, I can make you one too!

And, just a reminder, if you do find a bead you like but don't make jewelry, I'd be happy to create a pendant for you! I can do it all :)

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FRESH FISH

I don't know if you can tell, but I love fish. I love them in tanks, on fish hooks, and hot out of the flame.

Fish shapes are one of my favorite to make. Mixing and matching colors, creating fancy fins, or playful shapes. And the lips! Those big pouting lips, hehe.

These fish are unbelievably easy to care for. You just purchase, unpack and set them in a window sill. They're beautiful with the light shining through their fins. Hmm, I think I need to make some puffer fish!! lol

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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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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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