Sunday, November 22, 2009

Well, my last market of this Christmas season was yesterday. I can say that I really do enjoy meeting people and getting to know what kind of home my beads are going to. I have plans to sell more online but I think I will miss chatting with people too much to sell online only! Feel free to view the latest market photos and more on my Flickr account

I'm wondering now if I shouldn't hold one more (small) open door before Christmas....I'll keep you posted

Thursday, November 12, 2009

My Musings About Beads!! (and other nonsense)

I'm busy preparing for markets this weekend and next so I'm posting a little letter I have available on my table at markets and shows. It is kind of a 'meet the artist' thing. I hope it lets you get to know me and my passion for beads a little better:

I’m quite chatty and I never miss the opportunity to rave about glass beads! So I thought I’d take this chance to ponder the mystery of beads with you.

For most lampwork artists (myself included) making glass beads is a passion. I’ve thought a great deal about this and I just marvel at the important role beads have played in human history. Beads have been used as currency, to assert social status, as talismans and to express personal and religious beliefs.

Throughout history various cultures have used beads to protect children, win lovers, and buy livestock. We have decorated ourselves, as well as our spears, bows, horses and homes with them. We’ve even buried our ancestors with them so that they can pass comfortably into the afterlife.

When I went to India in 2008 and 2009 I took a big bag of my ‘practice’ beads with me. It was truly amazing how they helped me connect with people. I actually traded them for souvenirs and trinkets! But the main thing they brought was human interaction! Magical!

What is it about a little piece of stone or bone (or glass for that matter) that you can string on a bit of…something…and wear? What is this connection? Whatever it is and whoever you are; fellow lampwork artist, jewelry designer, equipment supplier, or fellow human with a bead interest, I’m very happy to make your acquaintance.

For me making friends and building a network of like minded people is an important part of my work. So you can keep an eye on me (some would say I need watching) on Facebook, Blogger and Etsy. (links are available on my site www.bydelana.com.) You can also request to join my email list.

Wherever your interests in beads take you I wish you an enjoyable journey!

Delana

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

International Montessori School Christmas Market



Savoorke, Bergestraat 24, 3080 Tervuren

Saturday 21 November, 2009 10.00 to 17.00

A Christmas market with the emphasis on beautifully handcrafted presents. Feel free to invite your friends or pass this information on to anyone you feel may be interested.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

I have uploaded a whole batch of photos on Flickr. Enjoy

I'm still playing around with the new world of 'blogging' so I thought I'd post a link to my first ever interview..In the Brussels Bulletin

Also: In case you weren't aware, dear reader.....I also have an online shop and a facebook page.

By Delana on Etsy

By Delana on Facebook
The muse is calling me but I have no time to get down to the studio because my dear mother-in-law is visiting....sigh....I just can't work when I have house guests! I have tried to think of it as 'going to the office' but just can't concentrate...I've made one bead since the Flame-On. That was this morning and I just can't get in the groove....I have all of these ideas floating around in my head but just can't sit at the torch.....GRRRR!

Rant over....back to enjoying the moment and looking forward to next week when I can get back to my usual routine!

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

The Flame On was an absolute blast!!! It was great to meet fellow lampwork artists as well as jewelry designers, bead shop owners, glass suppliers etc. I will certainly do my best to be at the next one in 2010.