Monkeyblues

Visit my Treasury Page on Etsy

2009-03-18T17:37:00.000-07:00

See the link below
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=46603

Happy Paddy's Days

2009-03-17T14:20:00.000-07:00

A whopping jolly top of the day to all yee!

RECYCLING: What can “YOU” do?

2009-03-12T10:13:00.000-07:00

That was a question I asked myself every day at work seeing the piles of paper that are thrown in the trashcan. I have to run and print a report everyday that’s about 30 to 40 pages long to see the detail but it’s just discarded. I always felt really bad just tossing it in the can. So I decided to take my report that is blank on side and cut it up into scratch paper. I normally use a small note pad or sticky notes. So I am helping out 2 ways not using any new paper and reusing the paper to the fullest.

Challenge your self “what’s something small you can do”?

It's a BOGO Thursday!

2009-03-05T09:10:00.000-08:00

Thats right Buy one item and get another of equal or lesser vaule at half price!
Today only so dont delay visit my etsy shop today.
www.monkeyblues.com
enter BOGO Thursday at check out and wait for a revised invoice thru paypal.
Any questions please feel free to ask.

Zachary's Birthday Sale

2009-02-26T09:39:00.000-08:00

In honor of my sons birthday, I am having a sale.
His favorite color is green so buy any item in my store with green in it and get 20% off.
Help me wish Zac a Happy Happy Birthday!

Artfire.com

2009-01-08T14:59:00.000-08:00

I am now on Artfire.com. Its a new site and still in the works but stop by and let me know what you think.
www.monkeyblues.artfire.com

My New Favorite Christmas Song

2008-12-10T09:06:00.000-08:00

I Want a Hippopotamus For Christmas

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
Only a hippopotamus will do
Don't want a doll, no dinky Tinker Toy
I want a hippopotamus to play with and enjoy
I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
I don't think Santa Claus will mind, do you?
He won't have to use our dirty chimney flue
Just bring him through the front door,that's the easy thing to do
I can see me now on Christmas morning,creeping down the stairs
Oh what joy and what surprise when I open up my eyes to see a hippo hero standing there
I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
Only a hippopotamus will do
No crocodiles, no rhinoceroses I only like hippopotamuses
And hippopotamuses like me too
Mom says the hippo would eat me up, but thenTeacher says a hippo is a vegeterian
There's lots of room for him in our two-car garage
I'd feed him there and wash him there and give him his massage
I can see me now on Christmas morning,creeping down the stairs
Oh what joy and what surprise when I open up my eyes to see a hippo hero standing there
I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
Only a hippopotamus will do
No crocodiles or rhinocerosesesI only like hippopotamuseses
And hippopotamuses like me too!
-- writing credits go to John Rox, copyright 1950.

An Old Bead: A New Necklace

2008-09-17T09:21:00.000-07:00

Well not that old since I made them about 1 ½ to 2 years ago but never used them. Lampworking beads were my first introduction to glass work but some where along the way I ended up fusing glass more and more often putting the flame behind me. I stored these beads in a box, which got buried in my bottom drawer. I just recently dug this box out and it reminded me of how much I use to love to make them. I don’t know why I never lit the torch again and why I pay a rental fee every month for the huge tank of oxygen other then I knew I would revisit it some day. So I finally decided to make some of them into jewelry so someone else can enjoy them as much as I do. Here I have taken 3 Lampworked hearts of clear and pink and wired wrapped with sterling silver wire to make a great dangle for my “Heart Throb Necklace”. I also added some small pink beads to embellish the sterling silver chain. A great necklace for that special occasion or even every day wears.
Heart Throb necklace available at www.monkeyblues.com

Fall For Glass Sale....... 3 Days Only!

2008-09-09T11:40:00.000-07:00

As a proud member of EGA I like to announce EGA is having a quick sale on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, September 9, 10 & 11. Participating shops will be offering 30% off select items in their shops.
Please use the code FFG (Fall For Glass) in the notes to seller field upon checking out so you can get the 30% discount. A great deal and a great time to get started on that holiday shopping list!
Participating shops in this mini sale are:
http://willowglass.etsy.com/
http://liskidder.etsy.com/
http://glasscat.etsy.com/
http://psodesign.etsy.com/
http://susanlambert.etsy.com/
http://chickadeebeads.etsy.com/
http://prizmatic.etsy.com/
http://studiomarcy.etsy.com/
http://mycabincreations.etsy.com/
http://paulasstressart.etsy.com/
http://monkeyblues.etsy.com/
http://jewelrybynatsuko.etsy.com/
http://sandree.etsy.com/
http://susansheehan.etsy.com/
http://leahpellegrini.etsy.com/
http://groovyglassgirl.etsy.com/
http://wendylee.etsy.com/
http://jochris12.etsy.com/
Thanks so much for your past business and support of our shops!

Remember, Reflect and Refine today!

2008-07-22T08:41:00.000-07:00

Inspirations come from many different sources and today I was inspired by a picture of triplets from a fellow Etsy Glass Artists group member and someone I would call my friend. I Believe we draw strengths from inside that we never knew we had and how we get thru tough times by the skin of our chin. We never remember how difficult it really was or most of us would be an only child. Instead we focus on happy memories or something that really sticks out and as I get older I can really appreciate all those things I heard older family members say that I never understood. Even when times are tough I know I have my terrific kids, a great husband and some outstanding family and friends to rely on. Some times it good to just stop, remember and cherish life for today and everything you have lived thru so far. So my philosophy for today is Remember, Reflect and Refine today!

The Perfect Un-Flaw

2008-06-26T14:10:00.000-07:00

When I hear the word flaw I want to scream!! Yes sure the word does belong to certain things like I hope the car or airplane parts don’t have flaws as this is cause for a dangerous situation. I am talking about when people look at art with a fine tooth comb and all they can see or point out are what some may call “flaws”. I am a firm believer in Un-perfection (no I didn’t spell that wrong). In Un-perfection there is no perfect or flaws just different. Your perfection may not be mine. So who is to say what’s perfect anyways. I love unexpected un-flaws that happen in glass

when I fuse such as air bubbles or an odd shape. These so called flaws give the piece

more character so in my eyes its an un-flaw. So to all you perfectionist out there instead

of looking at the negative find a positive first, it may open your eyes to a whole world you have never seen. Try some un-perfection today!

Happy Summer Sale!!!!

2008-06-20T09:01:00.000-07:00

Help me celebrate Summer by giving to you. From now until June 22 get a FREE 16 inch black or brown leather cord with the purchase of 2 glass pendants from my Etsy shop. It's a great time to pick up a gift for someone and then save one for yourself.

Happy Summer!

Glass And Silver Ooh La La!

2008-06-18T13:46:00.000-07:00

I personally am a lover of all things glass and beads are no exception and that’s why I want to share some beautiful beads made by Susan Lambert of http://susanlambert.etsy.com . I love her Italian Egg beads that have silver in them, which reacts with the glass and leaves such a nice look to it. She makes a base bead and then rolls it in fine silver and adds color dots to give them the finishing touch. Susan has been designing Jewelry since 1993, selling in galleries and art shows. She also studied metal smithing for 5 years. So why not stop by Susan’s Etsy store and say hello. You can also find Susan’s blog at http://northcarolinasusan.blogspot.com/orthcarolinasusan.blogspot.com/

And her flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/23799145@N04/

she is also a member of Etsy glass artists http://etsyglass.com

Fun, Whimsical and Full of Life

2008-06-11T10:23:00.000-07:00

Is how I would describe this talented Glass Artists, Shoozles, and her latest design is just that. Shoozles Fused Glass Robot Pendants are the cutest. With handmade fused glass bodies which she makes herself and then wire wraps with sterling silver wire to add the arm, legs and head. She then gives her special touch with specialized paint to add more character and attitude to the piece.These can be worn on a chain or cord or even hang from your rear view mirror. I am always amazed how fast Shoozles comes up with new designs that are always full of life and as her motto states Shoozles makes some great “Wearable Art”. www.Shoozles.etsy.com is where you can find her and all her fine Glass Artwork. Also a proud member of http://www.etsyglass.com/ a collective of fine glass artists.

Seboh .....New to Etsy

2008-05-12T14:37:00.000-07:00

Not just another artists but in my opinion the best Stencil Artists on Etsy. Seboh is the name of his Etsy shop where Stencil Artists Sebastian Mercado flings his masterful artwork to the world. He is based in Southern California were his creativity comes to light. He really brings pictures alive with shadows in just the right colors. He just opened his store and so far only has a few paintings to offer but don’t worry he will be adding more. Lets give him a warm welcome and lots of Etsy love. Vist his shop today
www.seboh.etsy.com

Stamp It, Sell It, Bag It

2008-05-08T10:46:00.000-07:00

What do you get when you take an ordinary white bag and a beautifully made custom stamp? A great bag for your products and a promotional item at that. See how this plain white boring bag transforms into a great personal business tool. I got this awesome custom stamp from http://www.terbearco.etsy.com/. I can’t say enough about Terbear she really took the time to explain things to me and didn’t blow me off when I kept changing my mind. If you do festivals or craft shows this is a must. Did I mention the prices are very affordable and they all come beautifully packaged.

Monster In A Box

2008-05-05T14:53:00.000-07:00

Ever feel like screaming but can't, let this Monster In A Box do it for you. This caged beast isn’t holding back with his wide open mouth and bulging blue eyes he is ready to go with you any where. He makes a great pet for those who have no time or don’t want to do all the extra work. The box is a two tone base metal with openings on all sides except top. The monster inside is a lampworked bead, made by me of course. Who doesnt need a Monster in a Box!

"Happy Days" Spring Sale

2008-04-28T14:24:00.000-07:00

Going on now
Dont miss it 20% off all Glass Items at
www.monkeyblues.com
Sale starts 4-28 thru 5-4
Also if purchase $100 or more get free shipping. With Mothers Day right around the corner its a perfect time to buy and save.
Also stop by http://www.etsyglass.com/ to see my fellow Glass artists who sales.

A Story and a Pendant

2008-04-14T13:43:00.000-07:00

This is part of a new story and pendant line I am now making. I hope you enjoy the adventure of our great Warrior Zachius, as there will be more to come.

The Lost Pendant Of Warrior Zachius

Zachius was a young but well traveled warrior who fought and won many battles. Fighting for the right to make and sell handmade items. Some thought the battle was lost since Zachius was never seen again and his pendant that he wore for good luck was found while excavating in Antas, the last reported battle he fought in. As you can see the pendant is not whole after many years of battle not to mention being hit by an arrow to save Zachius's life more than once, this is all that remains. But if the rumors are true Zachius is alive and well and still fighting under an assumed name.If you look close you can still see The Great Warrior staring back at you. Help support this warriors cause and buy handmade.

It is wire wrapped with antiqued copper wire, strung on a 26" black leather cord with a leather and bead accent.

I’m in the mood for some………

2008-04-03T16:16:00.000-07:00

Dangles and this True Rings Green Fused Glass Necklace is just the ticket. The green glass has flecks of sterling silver foil for a tad extra sparkle. The three rings in the center really high light this necklace but don’t forget about the gems that hang from the sides of this sterling silver chain. Oh and did I mention the gorgeous sterling silver wire that wraps the centerpieces of glass. I love this piece and I hope you do too!

Wind of Change Fused Glass Necklace

2008-03-18T09:48:00.000-07:00

I try to come up with different designs and concepts to use my fused glass pieces in. This Wind of Change Necklace has it all glass, color, metal, sterling silver and wire. I am also including the double wire necklace or cord for the completed look. Different color wire cords are also available in 2 to 4 strands in many different colors and lengths.

Luck of the Irish

2008-02-21T10:23:00.000-08:00

Just in time for St Patricks Day my gorgeous Green Fused Glass four leaf clover. Who doesnt need a little luck?

Front Page of Etsy

2008-02-21T10:19:00.000-08:00

Here's a screen shot of my very first debut on Etsy's front page.

Ready, Set, Fuse

2008-02-08T12:06:00.000-08:00

I was feeling energetic and decided to load up the Kiln with each color of my new glass my husband bought me for Christmas. Did I mention it was a huge glass pack and came with an assortment of transparent and solid colors in fact 45/lbs of glass. I start cutting and get thru the solid colors and decide I will only do them on this trip. For each piece you normally use 3 pieces of glass.
The bottom piece – usually consisting of a solid so you cant see thru the piece or any color of your choosing
The Middle piece- is the decorative piece like dichroic glass or a transparent of any color. Remember this will sit on top of your bottom piece so see what looks best.
The top layer - most the time its clear to give depth and brilliance to your work but sometimes you can change it up a little and use what I call wispy glass or glasses with frit inside.
It’s really all up to you and it fun to experiment and try out new ideas and combinations.
On this trip I made 47 pieces each consisting of 3 layers so in all I cut 141 pieces of glass. Cleaned each piece one by one as I set them on the journey for there first firing. Here is picture of my loaded kiln.

What are you getting for Valentines Day?

2008-01-23T14:43:00.000-08:00

Or giving your significant other. Yep its almost February and the 14th is right around the corner so don’t wait until the last minute. I have a whole shop full of items that would be a great gift to give or receive.
I am also having a buy 2 get

free shipping sale.
Here are some of my fabulous fused glass hearts I have made up and ready for gift giving.

Extending the 20% Off Sale Another Week

2007-10-16T11:20:00.000-07:00

I am extending the birthday sale 20% off for one more week. The Holidays are right around the corner so why not take advantage of the savings. I have an array of glass jewelry for anyone on your list even tie tacks for men. So stop by and take a look.

It’s a Birthday Celebration Sale!

2007-10-08T09:11:00.000-07:00

In honor of our Etsy Glass Artists Group 1 year anniversary we are celebrating by passing on some savings to you our valued customer. The Sale will start October 7th and run thru the 13th. Now is the time to start that holiday shopping we all have been thinking about in the back of your mind and save a little while doing it. To see participating members visit etsyglass.com. I hope you also will come by and browse my shop for all kinds of Handmade Fused Glass and Lampworked Jewelry pieces.

Time Flies and So Do Witches

2007-10-04T10:21:00.000-07:00

I cant believe its already October Month

of the googleys and goblins.

Witchey Poo wanted to remind you

when you make up a fresh batch of that

witches brew leave the broom at home

we never drink and drive. Witchey Poo

also wanted to introduce

you to her friends Bitsy and Splinter Hare.

A wacky

bunch of characters that don’t take them

selves to

seriously and enjoy a good laugh even if its

on there

behalf. Read more about Bitsy and Splinter

at www.monkeyblues.com.

Superstar's

2007-07-30T12:48:00.000-07:00

I am always trying to come up with new ideas to apply to my glass work so i started a new series called Superstars and heart breakers. I have a only a couple listed so far all Superstars. Don't you want to be a Superstar

Don't forget to visit etsyglass.com to enter the monthly newsletter sign up and the business card contest. You could win a fabulous glass prize.

Etsy Glass Artists Business Card Contest Sponsored by the Etsy Glass Artists Street Team

2007-07-16T08:08:00.000-07:00

Etsy Glass Artists Business Card Contest Sponsored by the Etsy Glass Artists Street Team The Etsy Glass Artists (EGA) Street Team is sponsoring a business card design contest. The contest, details for which are online at http://contest.etsyglass.com, invites participants to design the official business card for the Team. The grand prize winner will receive artisan glass items valued at $350. Two runners up will each receive a $10 gift certificate to use in any EGA member Etsy shop. Individuals wishing to enter the contest should create a unique business card design that effectively promotes glasswork on Etsy and conveys the mission of EGA. Submissions will be accepted through the website beginning July 5 and must be received by August 15, 2007. Winners will be announced in late August 2007. Etsy Glass Artists is an Etsy.com Street Team comprised of glass fusers, glass blowers, lampworkers and stained glass artisans dedicated to fostering an appreciation for the handmade glass arts. Etsy.com is an online marketplace for buying and selling all things handmade. Complete contest rules and technical specifications can be found at the contest website, http://contest.etsyglass.com.

2007-07-09T09:20:00.000-07:00

Who has the Vacation Blues..........I do! I am back at work today after having 5 wonderful days off, darn it I have the vacation blues. Who else has the ...don't want to get up and go to work blues. I even took a mini vacation away from my dearly loved glass work and now must get with it to get my customer order done that I have been lagging on. Hope to have some new items coming in my shop and since I have lite my torch again be on the look out for some great lampwork creations.

Thanks

2007-06-26T08:37:00.000-07:00

I want to thank everyone who participated in the BOGO Sale which was a great success. I especially want to thank all the Etsy Glass Artists who made this sale a success and all my customers . A big shout out Thank You! Now that the sale is over keep an eye out for our business card contest coming soon! Be sure to check out www.etsyglass.com for more details.

BOGO Sale! June 16th - 23rd

2007-06-15T17:42:00.000-07:00

Join me and most of the members of Etsy Glass Artists in our Summer Solstice BOGO sale. That's buy one at regular price and get the 2nd of equal or lesser value at 1/2 off. Yes Half off!
Come on where else can you get a fantastic deal like that!
Type in Summer Solstice for your Bogo discount.

Rings: A Great Accessory

2007-06-05T15:25:00.000-07:00

What a better way to show off your new outfit or even your freshly manicured hands by wearing a ring. My rings come in all different colors with an adjustable ring base to fit any size finger. Like a little shimmer get one with dichroic glass, which is a coating that gives glass that extra sparkle. I make them in many different shapes, sizes and designs.

Faces: I like’em a lot

2007-05-18T14:32:00.000-07:00

I don’t know why but Faces really interest me. Maybe its because there are so many features in a face and how much character each part adds. You can tell so much by looking at someone’s face. I also do a little watercolor and find my self always painting faces and trying to catch that glimmer of whatever emotion I am trying to convey. Since my passion is for glass, of course I have to figure out a way to incorporate faces. So I made my first face pendant. Although this face pendant might look more like a mask I still think it emits a personality. One of these days I hope to do more sculptural pieces in glass but for now I will continue to strive to capture that glimmer in everything I make.

Mosaic: What I learned the hard way

2007-05-09T14:36:00.000-07:00

I have a new respect for all you mosaic artist out there. I was out at a yard sale this weekend and found this great Cart to use in my studio. I decided I would mosaic the top for some extra character since I had been wanting to do it for a while. My sister (thanks Lisa) had given me some tile a couple years ago. I have some advice for those of you who want to try it. It takes at least double the time to make it than you think it will. The grouting process is very messy and much more time consuming wiping and rinsing and wiping and rinsing and wiping and rinsing and wiping and rinsing…you get the picture. I also used black grout so I had black everywhere. I started with gloves but since they were to big and kept falling off I just took them off. So now I have black in every crack and crease of my hands not to mention in my fingernails and cuticles…I even scrubbed with a brush and it is still there. So here are some things not to do when mosaicing that I learned the hard way:
Don’t think you can hurry up and do it plan on the whole day depending on size.
Don’t mix the grout with your hands if your not wearing gloves (especially if the grout is black)
Don’t use a towel when wiping down of the grout instead of a sponge as this will take twice as long and hold to much water and keep wetting the surface just smearing the grout all over where you just wiped.
Don’t rub your bare hand over the surface trying to get grout in the cracks, as you will find all the shape points in all that tile you just smashed up with a hammer.
Don’t wear clothes you plan on wearing again!

Mothers Day is fast approaching

2007-05-01T11:48:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple facts about the word Mother:

Familiar or colloquial terms for mother in English are:

mum or mummy, usual in the UK, Australia, and parts of Canada;
mom or mommy, in North America (especially the U.S.), and in the Midland areas of England.
mam or mammy, North Wales, the South Wales valleys , Ireland, Northern England and The Netherlands;
mama and ma, in parts of the middle east, Latin America and other Spanish-speaking cultures

In many other languages, similar pronunciations apply; maman in German, mamma in Italian, or mama in European. In many south Asian cultures, the mother is known as amma or oma or ammi, or variations thereof. The "M" sound seems to be near universal to the word mother in many different languages; this is thought to be related to one of the first sounds an infant learns to control, the smacking of its lips together as it comes off the breast Many times these terms denote affection or a maternal role in a child's life.

Brag Pages of Bead Bugle

2007-04-29T11:29:00.000-07:00

I am so excited! ......I just found out I am in the lastest Brag pages of BeadBugle.com online magazine. Here's the link if you would like to see
http://www.beadbugle.com/html/brag_page_-_current_month_.html

2007-04-27T07:55:00.000-07:00

OK its a new day and so far its it has been a good Friday!
We have a glass challenge for the month of April in the Etsy Glass Artists Group I am in. the challenge was to make something emotional so I made this.

Melt Down pendant

Alot of random stuff

2007-04-26T11:55:00.000-07:00

OK I know alot of random stuff going on.....
So whats up! Right now I am concentrating on getting all my glass work out there for whoever wants to see it and of course purchase it. I have mostly been fusing glass lately but originally started with lampworking beads. man I haven't done that in forever and I miss it but there doesn't seen to be enough hours in the day to do everything I want to do. So I have to take it day by day. I have projects on the back burner waiting for a couple of months that I cant seem to finish. I am a procrastinator always start and seldom finish.

2007-04-26T11:38:00.000-07:00

I am almost there ...setting up my new blog...