A chronicle of the meanderings, false starts (which in retrospect, while sort of embarrassing turned out to be highly instructive), epiphanies, selective apathy (still evolving), wild mood swings, opinions (subject to frequent change), and life lessons of an inveterate dabbler (and her latest dabblings).

Sunday, February 21, 2010

My New Local Dealer Lampwork Provider

I was feverishly scrabbling through Etsy the other night looking for a place to get my next lampwork fix some beads (I like to spread my business out between dealers artists, you know, so they don't think I have a problem feel all pestered) and lo and behold there was a lampwork artist in the town where I work. Holy crap, I said. Score! I said. No way! I said. I wonder if she's still awake right now? I said. Etc.

So I sent her a convo asking if I could shop with her in person. Of course she said yes.

Everybody, meet Pat Redinger of BeingBeads! As described in her profile, she is a self taught glass beadmaker and has studied with Kevin O'Grady, Al Janelle, Andrea Guarino-Slemmons and Jim Smirchich. She has also studied wire work with Lynn Merchant. I have no idea who any of these people are but I am sure you glass types will be impressed. She is also a delightful lady, and I'm not just saying that because she has boro beads.

I arrived at Pat's house a little after noon on Friday, and after pawing through her stash, I clutched the beads below to my breast and wrote out my check with my other now less trembling hand. I drove back to work, with the beads clutched tightly in my hand (it was kind of awkward because I drive a stick), enjoying a mellow glow. The glow lasted well into the afternoon (these beads pack a punch), until I saw Barbara Lewis' enamel giveaway. Then it was shot all to hell. Thanks Barb.







Loving this "lizard skin" pattern. I love lizards.





I forced myself to buy these blue ones. They're gorgeous, but I'm at a loss with blue. Might have to just hoard them.



Fortunately, taking photos of them brought some of the glow back. This instant gratification shopping--being able to actually fondle the beads BEFORE you buy them, and WHILE you're buying them, and then IMMEDIATELY AFTER you buy them--is beyond compare. I highly recommend it. Pat is going to make me a special set for a project I have in mind. But shhhh--I'm not telling you what it is. I don't want you all breathing down my neck if I don't do it right away. You're like that.

10 comments:

  1. OMG a local deal... ahhh artist! How cool is that? Love what you found - they are gorgeous! You still have that little fancy "cigar lighter" right? I think you need to try metal clay... you can torch it with a butane torch... and it could open a whole new addi... ahh artistic medium for you (ya... artistic medium... now where did I put my "artistic medium" ... )

    ReplyDelete
  2. acutally, i have been thinking copper clay bezels might be something I could do easier than soldering (and I DO have a propane torch now too)...

    ReplyDelete
  3. beautiful beads! local dealer ha? well, i think you're in trouble now.

    ReplyDelete
  4. You are a wicked woman turning me on to your boro dealer like that!

    ReplyDelete
  5. So. When are you going to show us pics of that special project? And what about pics of projects with these new beads from Pat? Huh? When? :D

    ReplyDelete
  6. Those beads are delicious. I want to eat them up! You are so lucky to live next a great bead artist!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hello Keirsten....just saw your piece featured on Shiny Pretty Things blog...your new necklace is absolutely gorgeous!! :-) I've been working on an asymmetrical design too, and for me it's not easy! Yours flows just perfectly...and as always, I love your wirework!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh, I've ordered from her before. How cool that she's right there where you live. So now you can make special requests ;)

    ReplyDelete
  9. i'm featured??? holy cow, better go check it out.

    ReplyDelete