Rain nor Sleet Stopped THIS Get-together!

We were hoping for no-rain, but alas, it rained on our parade, (no sleet) but once everyone arrived, (Welcome newcomers came from Watsonville and Half-Moon Bay and Philadelphia!) we were comfy, warm, and had plenty of food to nibble on. April brought her already-made jewelry and loose faceted gems and necklaces to sell (I restrained myself from buying one more ring), Jelveh demo-ed beads and one vessel, (Frank now has to cut some more tubing as Misty wants to try blowing glass at home real soon); one brave newie got on the torch with Jelveh's help, and I demo-ed an idea I had, making silver links. I wanted to show how simple links can be made using a hand torch and silver wire, and it takes less tools then lampworking (oops I forgot to show how to simple it is to make a headpin with the torch)! We thoroughly enjoyed seeing new designs, sharing ideas, and meeting new friends! Thank you all for braving the elements and we hope to see you again next month! Frank, Jelveh & Grace

March Get - Together, Spring is Here

We welcome any Lampwork Glass Bead artist or Jewelry Artist to come join us for our monthly get-together this Friday at Graceful Customs Lampwork Glass & Jewelry Studio at 10730 Center Ave., Gilroy, Ca 408 848-5598 to learn and share ideas and techniques that make YOU happy and that can make US happy! We have been busy this new year hosting lampwork classes and now plan a Chain Maille class, see our blog for more info! Anyone is welcomed, our artists may also display and sell their goodies! We love shopping!

Spring is here!

Wow, what a weekend, we had 11 students here for 3 days of learning Corina's latest "floral designs." Some were previous students, others were new to our Studio. All seemed to enjoy themselves, devoting 3 days of more than 8 hrs each day, to total emersion at the torch. We took care of their basic needs, (cooking meals on-site) as one student commented, and allowed them to concentrate on learning and practicing new foral designs that Corina developed just for us! One student stayed an extra day (she slept over), because she did not want her "special vacation" to end! She made the trip from Florida! Corina is soon on her way to Hawaii (with Bonsai) to teach the same techniques and sit on the beach! A well-deserved vacation for her after her week here. Jelveh & I will be here practicing what was learned! Thanks Jelveh for helping put this weekend together!

Feb. Monthly Open House, "Green" theme

This Friday, Feb. 12, 2010, 2:00 pm to 7:00 p.m. will be our monthly get-together at GracefulCustoms Studio. Come see our newly remodeled area! We have been busy improving the seating and lighting areas and adding a splash of color, hope you like the cheerful yellow paint! Jelveh will be demoing her latest designs in lampwork glass beads. Open torch time! I will be happy to show anyone the Viking weave to make a silver bracelet! We've added more glass rods to our inventory and some very "happy" colors in anticipation of Spring and our "Floral" class later this month with Corina Tettinger! Refreshments served, bring any jewelry/bead related to "green" and a drawing will be held for $25.00 worth of glass or tools. Congratulations Garnet for being last month's winner!

Wire-Wrapping Class this Sunday, Jan. 17, 2010

Reminder to all, let me know if you are planning to attend our wire-wrapping class with Jennifer Le this Sunday, 2 classes, pendant wrapping 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Rings 1:30 (or 2:00pm) to 5:00 p.m. 10% discount if you sign up for both classes. Or $75.00 for first class, $55.00, second class! Grace, telephone number 408 848-5598; Graceful Customs Lampworking Glass & Jewelry Studio, 10730 Center Ave., Gilroy, CA

First "Get-Together" Friday, Jan. 8, 2010 2-6:00 pm

This is will be our first monthly get together, "show, tell & sell." The goal is to bring together a group of artists that share similar interests & addictions, making beads and jewelry, for instance. Have a few fun hours of sharing and learning from each other! Open torch time! Please bring a "heart" related bead or art or jewelry to share for this month's meeting. Refreshments will be served. Names of participants will be entered for a drawing of $25.00 towards glass, studio jewelry, or tools at 6:00 p.m. And bring suggestions for naming our monthly get-togethers! contact me at grace@gracefulcustoms.com, or 408 848-5598

Jennifer Le Returns to Wire-Wrap Rings and Other Things!!

Jennifer Le returns to Graceful Customs Studio on January 17, 2010 to teach her delightful wire wrap style. She will teach two classes as follows:

9:00AM - 1:00PM Basic Wire-Wrap Class and the project is a pendant. She will have materials available, some free, some (such as precious metal) at cost. She will have cabochons(polished natural stones), but you are welcomed to bring your own.

1:30pm-4:30pm Advanced Wire-Wrap Class, and the project is a ring. Same as before, she will have materials available, free or at cost.

After a mere four years of experience in wire wrapping, Jennifer’s designs have drawn the attention of many people in the area. Her designs are elegant and attractive. Come and see her work, take her class and learn for yourself the pleasure and satisfaction of fine wire wrapped jewelry.

The cost of the class is $75.00 for the 4 hr. class, $55.00 for the 2nd class, 3 hrs., or both class for 10% off, or $117.00, instead of $130.00 total.

Jennifer is a patient and thorough teacher who can make sure that you get the most out of the learning experience. Her designs are stunning. You will learn the fundamentals, then how to extend and expand on your own designs. e-mail me or call me at 408 848-5598 if you are interested, classes are limited to 10 students. All needed tools available and a light lunch provided for those staying for both classes.