NEW CLASSES ARE POSTED!!!!
Check the calendar for times and dates.

1/8/07
2007! How did that happen? The first entry of  Bead Buzz was in Sept '03! Soon there will be a new look to this web site! It will feature the same information on classes and what is happening at the studio, but also a portfolio of my beads! (Yes, I have pictures back to those early days - but am I going to post them???)

12/10/06
Happy Holidays to all!  Isn't that hard to believe? The year is almost over, and that means shows - shows - shows & lots of classes!!! It's been a fun Fall with some great new students/friends! I hope to see you soon at the studio or at one of the shows.
Anthem Festival of Fine Art, Jan 12 - 14, www.anthemfineart.com 
The Best Bead Show, Jan 31 - Feb 4, www.crystalmyths.com
Sonoran Festival of the Arts, Mar 30 - Apr 1 www.sonoranartsleague.org  

10/30/06
Classes through the end of the year (and even some in '07) are posted. The "season" is upon us, and for those of us in Arizona that means through May!! Classes are filling rapidly and I've even had my arm twisted to teach a few more
than I was planning. Classes will resume weekly after the Best Bead Show in Feb. '07

10/9/06
What a fun and fabulous Fall!!  I've had lots of new, enthuesatic and talented students in the past few weeks!!(addicts) Many are already in the process of setting up their studios! Beyond the regular classes, I will be focusing on the Torch Tips classes through the Spring. If there is a technique that you would like to explore, let me know. CCG will be closed Oct. 11 - 18th for a much needed vacation.
 
9/14/06
Back from Tucson! Quick trip. So much fun to see everyone! I had a great show and look forward to a bigger and better show next year.  The teaching schedule will be ramping up with lots of classes and some new Torch Tips.  Hope to see you soon!
 
9/7/06
Off to Tucson! See you at the Best Bead Show! Tucson Convention Center

8/9/06
CCG will be on a unusual schedual for the next few weeks. Make sure to check the calendar page for Torch Time and classes. Cue music: "See you in September!"

7/27/06
Back from the Gathering in Kansas City. That country song..."I ain't never had too much fun!" well........
The AZ group consisting of Teppie, Lynda, Stephanie & I pushed the the boundries!!! Teppie and I started the week taking a class with Jennifer Geldard. If you ever get the chance, SIGN UP!! She was wonderful, giving,(thanks for the new tools!), relaxed, and of course WAY talented!!! Her class was entitled something like Creativity and the Art of Disaster Recovery!! Just keep adding on... the water jar is your enemy! (and, yes, she was able to handle Tep & me in the same class!) The demos were inspiring, Creativity Unleashed, ie. Silly Bead was silly,(ask to see my prize), Vendors, tempting and the Bead Bazaar........well, just ask to see what Lynda & Stephanie brought back!!!! Teppie and I go to Chicago in August to take Stephanie & Dustin's class. I will be at The Best Bead Show in Tucson Sept 8 - 10. CCG will be back to 'normal' after that.

5/10/06
Thanks to everyone that came to our Mardi Gras de Mayo party! We had loads fun & FOOD!! I'm not sure how many sets we made for the Hope Bead Project, but some folks were there for NINE HOURS!!!!(Teppie). There was also HOT competition for the contests.
 
4/27/06
Two posts in two days!!!  News!!!!
Harvey Carlton will be teaching MARBLES June 3 & 4. This will be a two day class using clear, color, frit and dicro boro to learn the secrets of Harvey's beautiful marbles. Students of mine with or without boro experience are welcome, as well as boro workers new to Cave Creek Glassworks. Don't miss this great opportunity.
Hope Bead Project ends May 9th our a Mardi Gras Party!! Come make a set to donate!  FIRE, FOOD & FUN!!!   May 9th 3 - 9pm 

4/26/06
When you don't see a web page updated regularly, you assume one of two things. 'These folks aren't around anymore', or 'They are too busy to get to it!' Of course the second is true for me! Lots of new students and beads in the studio. Come by and see!

3/3/06
Although very busy, I feel things are getting somewhat back to normal at CCG! I taught the first new Torch Tips class yesterday, and the results were Great!! Everyone successfully cased their beads!!!! I really like this format and plan to expand it. The first bead sets for the Hope Bead Project were made yeaterday. I even put the Mardi Gras banner up! (I know. We march to a different calendar a CCG! Any excuse for FUN!) Come in and make your set. See 2/23/06 below for details.

2/23/06
Well, I've been back for 2 weeks now, and I'm still not caught up!! I still have several orders to fill and a glass order to place. Classes are fun with lots of patient people that have been waiting for classes.(some since the Fall!) The Hope Bead Project will start next week. All students are invited to make a set of five brecelet beads to donate to this project. I supply the glass and torch time. For each set you donate, I will match it with a set of mine. WE SENT 68 SETS LAST YEAR!!!! Come in practice & help a great cause!

2/7/06
We survived!!! Tucson was sooooo much fun and WORK!! Couldn't have done it without Carol Hewitt. I'm still overwhelmed by the events of the last week and I still don't have a voice. It was a great show - I met so many new bead people and got to visit with other artists. Now I need to catch up with all the people who have been patiently waiting for classes. (some not so patiently!) So call the studio and reserve your space. The classes will fill fast!

1/24/06
I've been "all fired up" for the past two months getting beads ready for the shows I've been doing.  Don McKinney says,"You can't sell what you haven't made!" What wisdom! Anthem was great! Lynda and I met some really nice new people and saw some of our favorite regulars. We especially enjoyed the Black Tie Artists Reception. It was a beautiful fashon show for us.

Hard to believe that next week at this time Carol Hewitt and I will be getting ready to open the booth in Tucson! I've got a lot yet to do! 

11/28/05
Another month gone, Hidden in the Hills for 2005 over, and here come the Holidays!!! Thanks to all the students and customers that came out for Hidden in the Hills, we had a great couple of weekends. The new schedule for classes is posted. I won't be teaching again until after the Anthem Festival of Fine Art - Jan. 6 - 8, and the Best Bead Show in Tucson - Jan. 31 - Feb 4. CLASSES ARE ALREADY GETTING FULL!!! So, if you are one of the 50 or so folks that signed my book saying that you were interested, give me a call ASAP!!!!

I'M BEING ARRESTED!!  for Muscular Dystrophy!! Yep, they're hauling me off to jail on Tuesday Dec 13th. Please help bail me out!! I have my new "JAIL BIRD BEADS" available for a donation to the cause. I'm trying to raise $1,200, enough to send two kids to camp this summer!!  And no, the birds aren't wearing black and white stripes, orange Dept. of Corrections jumpsuits or pink "GO JOE" boxer shorts, (although that would have been cute!!) They're little Blue Birds of Happiness - hoping that I won't be in the pokey too long! I will be donating a portion of this weeks income from Torch Time as well as both Sat. & Sun. Bead One class tuition.  Thanks to all that have donated so far!! Come and get your bird!!

10/31/05
Congrats to Tracy Miles and her husband Dave on the birth of her
new baby girl, Wrenn. She arrived today at 6:30am, weighing 8lbs 7oz. Everyone is doing well. What a Halloween treat!!!

10/23/05
Soooooo.......I taught my first Bead One class. Thanks to my students for letting me use them a guinea pigs! This new format really gets results. I was thrilled with the beads that Vanessa, Ann & Ellen made!!!
Really great shapes and dots!!!!
As for the ever changing status of my building, it has sold. Cave Creek Glassworks will remain on Hidden Valley Drive at least until summer 2006 and possibly thru the end of next year. I've been looking foa new larger space in Cave Creek. Sooooo watch for a new and larger CCG sometine next year. Until then, stop in! Lots of great tools, books glass and classes!

10/5/05
Will two posts in a week make up for not posting all summer long?? Change is in the air at CCG!! I am revising my classes.
After 300 beginners in the last 18mo.,I have soooo many talented and industrious students, that I've decided to concentrate on them for a while. I will still be teaching beginners, although that class will be expanded to 4 hours. Dots & Foil will be includes in Bead One, Bead Two etc. These will be full day classes. Bead One will concentrate on good shapes and dots. These are such fundimental skills that get lost sometimes - especially for those students that don't have time to practice. Practice -Practice Practice!! It's the key. Anyway, I look forward to these changes.

I guess I'm right on schedule!! As usual, the summer has been hotter, longer and busier than expected. When will I learn?

The Gathering was wonderful as usual and left everyone waiting for next year........... in New Orleans!! Little did we expect Katrina. All of our friends down there fared ok, and Cathy Finnagan, the ISGB convention wizzardess, has us Goin' to Kansas City, Kansas City here we come!

My hot shop class in Louisville with Don McKinney, et all was a blast!!  
I had a wonderful time in San Antonio at Wired Designs. Hi. all ya'all!

The Fall season is here and it's still hot! Since I didn't teach much this summer,
I have a backlog of students waiting for beginner classes. There just aren't enough weeks in the year!

I will be a the Best Bead Show in Tucson this Spring, Jan.31 - Feb.4, and also at Lewis' new Fall Best Bead Show Tucson '06.

7/15/05
New classes and torch time are posted, and this will take us through the beginning of October. All classes  are full at this time, so I may have to post additional ones. Keep checking here or call the studio for the latest info., or to be put on the waiting list.

6/19/05 - Well, summer is here, and at CCG it's HOT! HOT! HOT!
Torches have been blazin' with summer Frequent Flamers.
Summer torch hours are Tues. & Thurs. 10am - 2:30pm and Fri. 6 - 9pm
The AC kicks on at 6am, and it's usually chilly by 10am - REALLY!!
(don't ask what it's like at 4pm)

I will be away at the ISGB Gathering July 27th truer Aug. 4. I'm taking my first hot shop class at Louisville Glassworks after. It was an opportunity that I couldn't  pass up! 

Aug. 13 & 14th, 15 & 16, I will be teaching two/ 2 day classes at Wired Designs in San Antonio, TX "Wild Things" will be a class based on animal prints, that will focus on different methods of casing and bead set design. Check out www.wireddesignsstudio.com for more info.

CCG will be back to regular hours after Labor Day.  (but you all know that I'm there often if I'm not out of town, and that I check my phone and email daily)

5/13/05
I love Open House!  A great chance to see old friends and meet new ones. And of course the Demos were Fabulous! It has taken me two weeks to recover though! Now it's on to the Gathering in Louisville.

4/27/05
Another month gone! And it was great!  Paul's boro class was a huge success. Anyone interested in another? I will arrange one as soon as his final exams are over. Saturday is Demo Day 11am - ????? A loose schedule is:

11am  Laurie Nessel - core vessel
12am  Harvey Carlton - marbles
1pm    Don McKinney - CBS Dichro Fish Bead
2:30pm - Paul Blasi - blown boro bottle
Vitrograph running (when the glass decides to melt & how much heat Buddy & I can stand!) Throughout the day, I'll fill in with soft glass stuff! Be sure to stop by Cosmopolitan Beads, Lynda's new store!

4/3/05
The new April schedule is up. I will be teaching only one Basic Bead class this month on Sat. April 16th from 9am - noon. But that doesn't mean that nothing is happening at CCG! On the contrary, Paul Blasi will teach Boro Basics on Sat. Apr. 23rd. This class is already full. He will teach another later in the year if more of you are interested. Wed. Apr. 27 Lynda Orescanin, Cosmopolitan Beads, and I will demo for the Sun City West Beaders.

Don McKinney -  Fish Bead, using CBS(CoatingsBySandburg) Dicro
Buddy Hewitt - Blasted Fused Bracelet
Harvey Carlton - Boro Marble
AND MORE!!!!!

Mark your calendars, watch this page for updates and plan to come! It's fun and free!

3/1/05
And now it's March! Cave Creek Glassworks has had 46 beginners in the first two months of the year. Hard to believe! No wonder this page isn't up to date.

NEWS - Lynda's bead store, Cosmopolitan Beads, is open and ready for you to visit and see(and buy) all the fabulous things she has!

I will be traveling to teach a class called "Wild Things" in San Antonio this summer at Wired Designs in Artisan's Alley. They now have a lampworking studio with 6 minors as well as their fusing studio and shop.  If you're ever in the area, I encourage you to look them up!

The new intermediate classes are going well, with lots of new students with great ideas and potential.

SATURDAY APRIL 30th will be a demo day with lots of cool stuff going on!! Plan to stop by!

1/25/05
That's right '05, and almost February! Tucson bead shows are next week! I'm having difficulty with my stone age computer this am, but at least I got the Feb. classes posted. More later.

12/23/04
It's hard to believe that another year has come and gone!!  (well almost)
The new Intermediate class was GREAT! if I do say so myself!!  It was one of my favorite classes ever!  We had lunch at Cave Creek Coffee Co. Yummy! and even had our picture taken with Santa and Belle!  Everyone's casing greatly improved and students were thrilled with frit. I plan to teach it again on Jan 29th and also develop another intermediate class that focuses on other techniques.The final count of beginners for 2004 is 203!

Also Great News!!!! Lynda Orescanin will be opening a full service bead store within
walking distance of CCG!!  It's called Cosmopolitan Beads and promises to be wonderful.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE!!

10/25/04 - New classes are posted!!! - including a new Intermediate Class Dec. 4, 9am - 4pm 
BUSY BUSY BUSY!!!
 * Art Night begins it's new season Friday Nov. 5th   6 - 9pm 
   Cave Creek Glassworks is open every Friday evening - come visit!
 * Lots of new beads and bead sets at CCG!  Look for me at the Fountain Hills
   Festival of the Arts -  Nov.12 - 14.  Space B- 83
 *Hidden in the Hills Studio Tour     Nov. 19 - 21 & Nov. 26 - 28     10am - 5pm
www.SonoranArtsLeague.org

Thanks to all the students who sweated through the summer with me, and welcome new and returning students.

This season, classes for beginners will focus on basic skills with Basic Bead, Lots of Dots and Fantastic Foil. The classes will remain 3 hrs., materials included @ $75. ea. or all three for $165.Sat. & Sun. classes may have extended studio hours @ $ 10/hr.

Intermediate beadmaking will expand basic knowledge and prepare students for
advanced classes in specialized skills.  This class will be 6 hrs., materials included,  $120.
Advanced Classes in Buttons, Hollows, Casing, Stringers, Floral and more will be 4 hrs., include all materials, $80.   (Intermediate Beadmaking or instructors "ok" prerequ.)

10/1/04
The fall season is upon us!!  Most classes are full,  especially the new classes that are      beginning.   This weekend Susan & Sam from Wired Designs, San Antonio, TX are coming in to look at our minor set-up and take the buttons class.  The buttons class filled so quickly, it will be offered again soon.  Next week we host the womans club of Winfield.  They will see several lampwork demonstrations and learn to tie a button knot with Lynda Orescanin.   Each will choose a lampwork bead and try their hand at tying a knot.     

8/29/04
What a month it has been!! The ISGB Gathering in Portland was a wonderful experience!
Great People, Great Beads, Great City, a Fantastic program - overwhelming amounts of information and a Super class with Alethia Donathan. A "must trip" for those bitten by the glass bead bug!  Next year it will be held in Louisville, KY, and the following in New Orleans!!  What trouble Lynda and I can get into there!! CHANGES IN THE FALL SCHEDULE  Torch Time will be TUESDAYS and Thursdays 11am - 3:30pm. Fridays remain unchanged, 6 - 9pm. Intermediate classes will begin in October.
Art Night will begin it's season on November 5th, with galleries and studios open from 6 - 9pm each Friday night through May. I've been accepted to the Fountain Hills Festival of Art. Come visit me November 12 - 14th. The studio will be open for the Sonoran Arts League studio tour, Hidden in the Hills, the last two weekends of November

Before the new season gets going, I'd like to thank everyone that  has made
Cave Creek Glassworks the fun, creative, zany place that I look forward to going to.

7/9/04
Just a little bragging - I was 1 of 2 artists chosen to become juried members of the Sonoran Arts League from 15 who displayed their work.  SAL's 'Hidden in the Hills Studio Tour' is a great show Thanksgiving weekend and the weekend after every Fall. It's a DON'T MISS - many artists' studios open only these weekends each year.

There is a great new bead showcase book out by Lark Books,  1000 Glass Beads. Fantastic beads and ideas!! (Look on page 176) I have these books available.

Cave Creek Glassworks will be closed from Sunday July 24 - Wednesday Aug. 4. See you in Portland for the ISGB Gathering and watch for new classes this Fall! While I'm there, I will be taking a class with Alethea Donothan with a focus on color mixing, reduction frits, enamels and metals. We'll all look cute in our masks!

6/23/04
Who said that things would be slow in the summer?  I guess that beadmaking is just that HOT!!  CCG is still the COOL place to be it seems.  The studio has been busy with the regulars as well as more beginners!! In early June I made a trip North and sold most all my inventory. What a wonderful thing to HAVE to make beads! Come in and see my new stuff. CCG also sent 50 bead sets to the HOPE BEAD PROJECT. DH Gerry has returned from his wood turning workshop with some awesome new skills. While  he was gone, the"Bad Bead Girls" burned the mid-night oil and made some wonderful new beads. Amy has two new pieces in the studio featuring her glass beads and fiber.  Wonderful!!
'Bead It', a  new bead and findings store, opened at Scottsdale Rd. & the 101, and is selling beads from CCG.

I guess that's all the HOT NEWS for now.

5/19/04
The bead goes on!! I've been told that I havn't kept this up very well.  Sorry. Maybe a good excuse is
that I will have taught my 100 beginner of the year by the end of this week!! Some students
have gone on to set up their own studios!! New torches to: Sabrina (who can't keep up with her orders), Nancy, Ivy, Anne, Debbie & Gail. Several ordered TWO so that they can "Flame On" with a friend!!
 
Super Saturday was truely SUPER!! We had 13 students pulling cane from the kiln. Maria Carillo came and demonstrated her new  diamond roller AND DONATED ONE TO THE STUDIO.  Come and try it out. Pass the bead was soooo much fun!!  Except that I had to be the person to keep the time and say when to change. "NO NO NO I'm not finished"  The beads are truely amazing.

Torch Time has continued to be full on Mondays & Thursdays. Everyone keep saying the heat will seperate out the true bead makers.

4/21/04
The studio has been extreemly busy lately - most torches full a week in advance. I've had 78 beginners since the first of the year. The new technique classes have been full too.

SUPER SATURDAY, MAY 1 from 9am - 1pm
 
Buddy Hewitt will pull vitrograph stringer! WOW!    If you've never seen this done, DON'T MISS OUT! It's a great opportunity to make use of your scrap moretti and get unique stringer. Don't have enough scrap? Join a group pot and share the results!! and fun!! The process involves melting the scrap glass in a kiln and pulling the stringer from the pot.
 
Marcia Kmack will pull out all the stops demonstrating gold & paladium leaf, cubic zirconia, dicro, new vitrofond colors - special effetre colors. I went wild with the Frantz catalog and ordere everything that sounded cool!!  $30. + $5 if you participate in the vitrograph.

The Hope Bracelet Project has been a huge success. I'm not sure how many sets have been donated yet, but I seem to have beads everywhere. I'll be packing them up and sending them by soon.

Congrats! to Ellen! My D.D.(darling daughter) is featured in Corina's new Spotlight, Beads for the Inner Child. Look for her critters on page 12, upper left.

3/26/04
Where is this spring going? Did we ever have spring?  Well the torches have been HOT at CCG!  The NEW classes are great - what wonderful buttons and pendants were made in the first class. All the torches have been used during Torch Time lately, so if you plan on coming up, be sure to get your name on the calendar!! The Hope Bracelet Project continues through the end of the month. 

3/05/04
Another week has gone by. Cave Creek is in the height of snowbird season with wonderful visitors from all over!  Last week I had a great group including Jill from Scotland.

The Mardi Gras Party was lots of fun. The food was wonderful!  Thanks everyone.  I wish that everyone could have seen the expressions when we exchanged beads. It was like each of us received the most precious gift!! Especially sweet was Cindy, who had just taken her first class, trying to choose which one to give and Barbara, Lynda's Mom, accepting it.

Check out the Class Schedule page for NEW CLASSES!!!  Buttons - Casing - Hollow Beads - Wire Wrapping & Stringing

FREE GLASS & TORCH TIME for the Hope Bracelet Project through the end of the month!!

2/26/04
Leah Fairbanks is wonderful!!   If you ever have the chance to take her class, DO! It was wonderful to be a student - Leah was sooooo nice and TALENTED!! Back at the studio, plans for the Mardi Gras Party are complete It should be FUN!! I've had lots of new students, classes have been full. I've even had extra classes for winter visitors. Last week, a gal from Scotland!  I'm behind on posting pictures, but I've got them all saved and will get them up. I PROMISE!

See you at the party!

2/16/04
MARDI GRAS PARTY!!!     BEADS - BEADS - BEADS!!!!
                 WHO: All CCG students past and present
                 WHAT: Pot Luck -Appetizers & Casseroles (drinks & King Cake by CCG)
                 WHY:  WHY NOT!!
                 WHERE:  Cave Creek Glassworks
                 WHEN:  6 - 9pm  Friday February 27th

*Bead Challenge - Purple (ooooh yah- Evil Purple too!), Green & Gold  - the gaudier the better!! we will vote on our favorite!!
*Show & Tell - What's every one doing??     Let me know if you'd like to demo something.
*Bring a bead to exchange
PLEASE  RSVP  BY  MON.  FEB. 23

2/12/04
Sorry everyone - I've been having problems with my computer.
No, this is not an excuse!! The new class schedule is up.
I hope that everyone had a good time in Tucson!  All the 'BIG DOGS' were there and one was friendlier than the next!!  I can't wait to take my class with Leah Fairbanks. She was soooo nice! Meanwhile, back at CCG, we're busy. If you plan on coming for TorchTime, get your name on the calendar. We've had a full house! MARDI GRAS PARTY for all students Friday Feb. 27th 6 - 9pm. This will be a pot luck. Drinks will be provided.  There will be a bead exchange, bead challenge, show & tell, contests & prizes! Complete info by Monday Feb. 16th. 

1/25/04
MY BAD!! I'm not starting out the New Year very well keeping this page up!! The good news is that it's been so busy at CCG - that I've been too tired in the evening to work on it - I'll try to do better!

There have been lots of new faces around CCG! Especially with Paul's boro and Lynda's Chineese knots classes. The first boro class filled so quickly, we had another one this past Sat. Welcome, new students Jacinta, Cheryl, Teresa, Bri, Janet, Donna, Betty, Amanda, Mary & JP! Check the 'pictures' page.

Barbara has been a wonderful addition to our classes(ALL of the classes!!) She is visiting from Iowa, and will become a regular visitor to the studio since she has her first grandbaby living in the area. It's been wonderful to have you around and I look forward to your return visits!! 

All the regulars have been around too. Carol, Lynda, Sabrina, Tari, Bobbie and Cha Cha. Not to forget the regular Sunday group, Dianne, Greg, Don, Brenda, Deanna. Lots of returning students now that the holiday is over. Welcome back Anne, Nancy, Deb,& Carol.

The really great thing about all this is that everyone wants MORE MORE MORE!! I am developing NEW classes (and taking classes so that I can keep up with my students!) I working on buttons, vessels, hollow beads -FISH!!(my new love), flower and leaf beads!

1/4/04
HAPPY NEW YEAR!! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!  I know that lots of you got stuff for your new glass addiction! I was Santa's elf!!

Check the schedule - all of January's classes are posted.

12/23/03 
I'm Back!!! British Columbia was beautiful. We landed in crisp sparkling snow and by the time we reached town it was overcast - didn't see the sun again for six days!! And then people on the street were making shadow puppets with their mittens. I don't think this desert rat could get used to so little sun - the sunset was at 3:30pm!!!! (ask me again in August) I was, however, warmed by the glow of the hot head torch I took - don't ask how I got through security.
Prince George has a thriving arts community headed up by Virgina Sprangers at Studio 2880. They have two community art buildings that house many different art groups and a gallery. I was lucky enough to be able to demonstrate one day in their gallery, and to give a workshop the following day hosted by the Prince George Potters Guild. I met two wonderful potters Elizabeth Boswell and Vanessa York.
They were kind enough to let me throw a pot - remember I was a potter years back. It was wonderful, just like riding a bike. The next evening, on very short notice about 30 people showed up for the workshop - 15 made their first bead!! I know several are hooked!! 

12/10/03
Lynda's Chinese Knotting class last night was so much fun. I wish that I'd had the time to sit down and do it too!  Gail and Sabrina's pieces are gorgeous!! Lynda even made me a piece for the studio so you can all see how great this technique is with glass. In the torch room, Gail and ChaCha joined me, and I even got to make a bead or two. I've had so many beginners these past few weeks that just keeping up with cleaning and stringing those precious first beads has been a full time job.

Carol Hewitt will be having Torch Time next Tues. Dec. 16th. 6pm - 9pm
I'm headed to the 'Great White North', or as DH Gerry says "almost to the Arctic Circle".
I will be receiving e-mail and if my fingers aren't too frost bitten, I'll get back to you! I will be back in the studio Mon. Dec. 22nd.

12/7/03
It seems that I've really run short of time lately and I've not kept up with this page. There have been some major schedule changes for the month of Dec. Check the schedule. It was another FULL weekend at CCG. Saturday, Nancy brought another class of beginners. This time it was the teachers from her children's school. What a gal!!!!! Nancy picks them up - with coffee and Krispy Kreems and after class, takes them to lunch!! This week she brought Kevin, Beth, Mary and Brooke. Every kid should have teachers as nice as these folks! Today's new students Don, Greg and Dianne. I'm pretty sure that they're hooked since they wouldn't leave until I scheduled their next class!  Also today Francesca joined us. She is a former student of Sue Lewis in Prescott, and is currently finishing classes at the Mesa Art Center. Welcome Cha Cha!

11/30/03
I can hardly believe that Thanksgiving is over and tomorrow is Dec.1!  I hope that everyone had a nice holiday.  I left my camera up at our cabin so the recent class photos will be posted when my neighbor mails the disk down, but their beads  are on the class photos page. I've concluded that only nice people want to learn to make beads. Don, Marsha, recently retired to Anthem and Debbie, a hat pin maker, took Basic Bead on Tuesday. Don and Marsha's daughter, Cappy, bought them this class as a Christmas gift!! Karen  and friends Deborah, neice, Heather and Georgia took a class on Wed. and tested my flexibility as a teacher by asking to learn foil beads as their basic bead class. Except for not having enough stringers prepared, I think the resulting beads were a complete success. Be sure to check them out! These are probably the BIGGEST BEADS any of my students have ever made!!

11/23/03 -
Another teaching marathon for me!! Yesterday, Pat brought three of her friends - all art teachers - to come and play with fire and hot glass! FIVE art teachers in one class. Cheers to Paula, Connie and Linda. What a bunch of wild women! CAROL sat in for torch time and spent a little time in the afternoon with me making sure that I had some bead making time of my own! See their beads and class photo on the class photos page. Today, Anne, her son Josh and friend Josh came up to the studio. It's always so nice to see glass beads through the eyes of guys. They have a different vision - no lady beads!! 
Josh was especially creative!! HA!  One of my favorite students, Nancy was there too.
I have 2 more classes before the holiday. The studio will be closed for Thanksgiving weekend.

Lynda Orescanin's Chinese Knot class is Tues. evening Dec. 9 from 6pm - 9pm  ONLY ONE SPACE LEFT!!

11/17/03
Fountain Hills was great! I met so many nice people who are interested in lampworking. When I got into the studio this morning I had 6 phone inquiries about classes and about that many e-mails! Several people just stopped in to get gift certificated for Christmas gifts!! I warned them that's how I learned (DH Gerry bought me a gift certificate for Mother's Day), and look at me now!!

Check out the Class Photos page for pics from last Saturday's fusing class + a pic of our new CCG sign!
  
11/15/03
Never a dull moment at CCG! Paul Blasi and I are exhibiting at the Fountain Hills Art Fair  this weekend. I'm promoting the school and finding out what people are interested in learning. Lots of interest in beadmaking(of course), but also in boro after folks saw Paul's work. The show is               packed with shoppers! Paul's work is getting rave reviews. We've decided to have Paul teach a series of boro classes starting in Jan.

Last night was the second ART NIGHT. It was quiet but I had some very interested guests (some came out to Fountain Hills to see us today) and I enjoyed making silver foil and tiger beads for them. AND LORI GREENBURG STILL HASN'T HAD THAT BABY!!  She stopped in, I think that  Steve was taking her on all the bumpy roads!!

And speaking of new classes, Buddy Hewitt taught his first fusing class at CCG today. It was awsome! Gail, Frank, Barbara and Ann learned so much. Unfortunately, I had to leave before the class was over,  so I didn't get to see the final results of their creative endeavors.

And last but certainly not least, the CAVE CREEK GLASSWORKS SIGN went up!! Again, I haven't seen the final result due to my early departure, but DH Gerry says it looks great!
   
11/10/03
It's been a whirlwind around CCG. Our first ART NIGHT came and went. We had lots of visitors, thanks to all my friends who stopped by.
The Corina Page is up.  Lots of great photos of intense bead making.  Everyone was so  overwhelmed with new information, that I postponed all my classes just so that everyone could practice!
   
Corina asked my daughter, Ellen, to submit photos of her process for her "Puppy Eyes" beads to possibly be included in Corina's next 'Spotlight On'. I personally like the new series of bugs that she's working on. (see above left) I can just see them as lapel stick pins!
   
11/06/03
Over a week has passed with out an update!! My Bad. So much has happened (and is happening) that I'm not quite sure where to begin.

Corina Tettinger was here Nov. 1 - 3rd. I'm not sure how she did it, but she brought the weather from the Northwest with her. We all loved it, but I'm not sure that she did! I've decided to create a Corina Page with pictures of all the classes. E-mail any that you want to share too.(thanks Gail)
   
10/25/03
YEE HAW!!!! Wild West Days in Cave Creek!! Our Sat. began, as many do these  days with Nancy and her gang arriving (with Krispy Kreams!), for Bead One. I had so much fun with this group.  Victoria, Tracy, Val, Sandy, Jen and Nancy are definitely hooked! They're making some  fantastic beads.  I believe that Nancy's new goal in life is to have everyone in Mesa, Chandler  and Gilbert learn to make beads, or at least look at hers!

Wild West Days' Poker Ride started about noon. We had over 100 horses and riders stop by!! Much thanks to my daughter Ellie, who dealt the cards for me. Ellie is the creator of the 'Puppy Eyes' beads. Be sure to check the pictures from Sat.

10/24/03
WOW!! Yesterday we took some giant leaps forward. NEW cold working equipment  arrived with our talented fusing instructor, Buddy Hewitt. A Diamond Tec Bevel Max lap wheel for  faceting jewelry, a Gryphon diamond wire saw, a Glastar grinder and the BIG BOY, a 10" - 2 1/2 hp diamond tile and glass saw!  Did I mention, his class had 4 of 6 spaces filled before I posted it?? I know I did, but I just had to brag - he's just that good!!

Lynda Orescanin previewed her Chinese Knotting class project for me.  What a beautiful way to  show off those great beads!  Can't wait to try it myself.  Check out the pic on the 'Class Photos' page and watch  the schedule, this one is sure to fill quickly, too!

I forgot to mention that I was interviewed on GLASS TALK RADIO on Tues. It's archived - 10/21/03 - segment 1.

Today, it's back to clean up - fix up. With Corina coming, I want to have the place really nice!

10/22/03
Last night was the BEST! after 5 classes in 4 days, Lynda & Sabrina came in for torch time. I SAT AND MADE BEADS!!  It was such a nice evening, thanks to my bead buddies!

Today reality hit - Corina is coming in 8 days!! (Nov. 1), Cave Creek Carefree Art Night starts on Nov. 7th, CCG will be open every Friday night 6 - 9pm with a featured flame worker each week. Torch time will also be available these evenings. Our first Featured Flameworker will be Paul Blasi.

Paul and I will also be at the Fountain Hills Art Fair Nov. 14 - 16. Come see what he has been  working on, fantastic!!

And just to make life interesting, Buddy Hewitt will teach our first Fusing Basics at CCG on  Sat. Nov.15 from 9 - noon.  Imagine this: Buddy's class had four students signed up  BEFORE I posted it.

Thanks to everyone who makes my life happy.(if not hectic!)

10/20/03
Another fun day at Cave Creek Glassworks.  Sisters, Carole & Kathy, returned for  day two of their bead marathon. Also returning was Ann, a graphic painter who is experimenting  with her designs translated into glass.  She brought photos of her work today - fantastic!  Gaylan joined us too.  We had a 'fantastic foil' day.

10/19/03 - The new torch table is really getting a workout!! Yesterday, we had that fantastic  dentist, Nancy, and her crew come for Bead One. Once again, I'm amazed at the original ideas that all my students have.  See 'Class Photos'

Today was sisters day with my old friend Lynda and her sister Kathleen, and new sister  students Carole & Kathy.  Also joining in on the fun was Ann.  Carole has flown in from Calif. to take  Three classes in Three days!!  Marathon beadmakers for sure!!  Marathon teaching for me!!
   
Most classes are full until Corina Tettinger comes Nov.1 - 3rd.  Torch time is still available on Thursdays from 11 - 4pm.  Call to reserve your space.

10/14/03
The new torch table was christened tonight. See the photos on the pictures page. Again, thanks to all that helped make this wonderful improvement to CCG.

10/12/03
It's been a very long weekend at CCG, but it was all worth it!!  Just look at the photo of our beautiful NEW TORCH TABLE!! Pictured on the right is DH Gerry, woodworker extrodinaire,  and Buddy on the left, gas plumber and all-around handy man. Buddy will also be teaching fusing soon. hey both have put in extra hours to get CCG back up and running.  I would also like to thank Paul for helping in the demolition of the old table. (We figure that the old table top weighs about 600 lbs., it was almost impossible to move) And Keith from the Mother Lode Gallery for helping me  "eyeball the tile" on Sat. night.  The new table is beautiful, functional and really sparkles in the torchroom.  

10/06/03
We all can't believe that in less than a month Corina Tettinger will be here.  So many of my  students practicing, especially on those 1/16" mandrels!!  Cave Creek is buzzing with anticipation  of the Fall season.  So much is going on with "Wild West Days", Oct. 25th (we will be a stop on the  'Poker Ride'), and the start of Art Night, Nov. 7th, galleries including Cave Creek Glassworks will be open  Fridays 6 - 9pm.  We will feature a different artist each week.

Buddy Hewitt is busy creating new fusing classes. Fusing suppplies arrived this week!  Sample projects are in the kiln! Long awaited classes to hit theclass schedule SOON! 

Paul Blasi has moved into the studio until his new place is built. WELCOME PAUL!  Even though he will be moving his studio closer to home, he will still be a part of CCG during torch time  on Thursdays and on Art Nights.

DH Gerry has just about completed the new torch table, which will be installed next weekend, so we will  be flameless for a few days.We will be back up and running hopefully by Tuesday the 14th.

My submission to Lark Books, Lots of Dots, was selected for publication in their next book, 500 GLASS BEADS. (Fall 2004)  I'm especially proud of this since these were the study beads for my class fo the same name.