Silver-filled silver wire -

Ed Ferner wants to share info on the new silver-filled wire he has been experimenting with and it sounds great! It is 2 pages long, so if you would like a copy, let me know and I will e-mail it to you! grace@gracefulcustoms.com

More Pics of Beads of Courage Get-Together

Thank you everyone for all the high calorie goodies we shared and thank you Lena for getting us involved, and Jelveh for sharing so many of her techniques!

Beads of Courage Get-Together

Well the weather was cold and dreary and raining, but inside we had a bunch of warm, happy, and talented beadmakers making plenty of colorful beads for this worthy organization! We hope all the children and families who receive these beads will feel the love and warmth that we all felt this past Saturday! Thank you to all our friends who made this happen!

Like Murrini? Learn to Make It with John Rizzi!

John Rizzi will be teaching a one day beginning complex murrini class at Graceful Customs Studio on Saturday, March 12, 2011, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Students should be intermediate level and have good heat control
skills as we will be working off mandrel.

John will be teaching at least 2 designs in class a basic 3- 4 color flower and a feather murrini in the afternoon. We will also practice different ways of murrini application. The class will focus on creating murrini on steal punties and heat control to get a good consistent pull of your cane. We will use basic tools and learn how to create pattern and design in murrini from the inside out.

John has been a lampwork artist for the last 9 years. He creates a variety of sculptural, wearable and decorative art pieces. John has a special interest in the art of murrini making, you can view more of his work at his website
http://www.johnrizziglassworks.com

Or view many of his murrini designs at his etsy shop
http://www.etsy.com/shop/JohnRizziGlassworks
Contact Grace at grace@gracefulcustoms.com for more info! Class size is limited.

Chain Maille Open Studio Class On March 26, 2011

Ed Ferner has graciously offered to be here for another chain maille class on Saturday, March 26, 2011, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm! He would like to have participants choose their own designs to work on, and samples will be available from his collections. The cost of this class is only $10.00 for the day and cost of materials which you will choose, either silver or copper wire, that Ed will have available.

The range for materials would probably range between $7 (for using copper) to $40 (for using .925 sterling silver). We will have a maximum of 7 participants, so first come first served! Please plan on bringing your own lunch, we will break for lunch for one hour in case you need to go out. grace@gracefulcustoms.com



I

NEW: Private Bead-Making Parties Here!

We have added a new activity here in our Studio! Last night was our first Party, with 8 people on the torches for the first time! If you would like to learn or show your friends lampworking glass bead making, you can schedule a small group to have a gathering, for instance, wedding shower, birthday, or other celebration here. Jelveh will give a short intro lesson on making glass beads and everyone can have the opportunity to make one or two beads on a torch. Supplies of glass & tools are provided. Bring munchies! We have available 2 hr. or 4 hr. sessions, check with Jelveh or myself for available days. This is a great way to try out glass bead making and if you like it, schedule a beginner's class on another day, of 5 hrs, with Jevleh! we can accommodate 8-9 people, a minimum commitment of 5 is required. Kitchen available to warm up food, frigerator is available also. In the summer, we may be able to barbeque outside!
Grace@Gracefulcustoms.com
Jelveh@Jelvehdesigns2@aol.com

New tool listings! Check them out at Etsy!

The Pinch-Me-Right Hole Maker is ready! Here is our latest tool, made for people like me who cannot make a straight hole in a bead. Somehow, the bead always moves. See our listing on Etsy:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/65617881/pinch-me-right-glass-hole-maker and thanks to Norma, our latest new student, for helping us with a great name, Jelveh and I were straining our heads for a new, catchy name and Norma just walked in and suggested it!
We also listed a pair of tubes, a lighter weight of stainless steel that Frank has purchased, and since we know you like to make more than one bead at a time, the listing is for 2! http://www.etsy.com/listing/65617881/pinch-me-right-glass-hole-maker