Made of Win!

Remember a couple of weeks ago when I won the drawing for a tripod from Leah Glass? Well, here it is - proof positive that it was a fo-sure fo-real deal. There stands my brand new (and it really was NIB) tripod.

I've used it a couple of times now and it has really improved my pictures. I rarely have to retake shots because they are blurry. Seriously, if you were on the fence about using a tripod before, I'm here to tell you to go ahead and get one. This thing is awsome!

Now, before you get down on yourself for missing out on the prize, Leah does give-aways all the time. The current one is for a really cool boro pendant. All you have to do is visit her blog at http://leahglass.blogspot.com/ and make a comment. Go for it! You might be the next lucky winner.

Columbus Day Plans

Tomorrow is a Federal holiday and that means I get to work in my studio. Whoopee!! Number 1 boy will be in school and number 2 boy will be at the sitter's house. I have tons of plans. There are beads to anneal, a custom sushi plate to cut and fuse, a lamp to reassemble and a bunch of recycled beads to make into a project.

Plus I need to clean the shop and run some errands. Clearly, I have more projects than time.

Jogging my Creativity

For the last two weeks, I haven't had much gumption to get out into the shop. Life has been a whirlwind of boy scout meetings, homework and chores after work. By the end of the day, it feels like I've left all my creative instincts behind.

Sometimes the best thing to do in such situations is go with the flow. Forget about trying to force art. It's always a waste of time to go out into the studio when I'm not motivated to try something new or carry out an established plan.

Today, however, I had a great conversation online with a couple of other glassies. We were exchanging tips and tricks and now I have a whole slew of great new ideas to try.

Unfortunately, my husband is catering a wedding tomorrow and my friend Amy is helping him so I will be with my boys and her daughter all day. Instead of going out into the shop, I will be going to a picnic and probably a street fair if there is still time. With luck, I'll still have some energy tomorrow night to go out and get some things done.

On Fear

I got my flu shot today. Actually, I forgot it was flu shot day but fortuitously managed to wear a short sleeve top anyway. My friend who works here is terrified of needles, but hates the flu more so I went with her to distract her from the process. She has nearly passed out before.

This year, my friend did very very well. She got a little pale and shaky, but no nausea or dizziness. I have very proud of her, both for doing so well and for sucking up her fear and getting the shot.

Sometimes we just have to suck up our fear if we want to get what we want. Right now, I need to get out into the shop and create, but I am afraid that I won't come up with anything good. I really need to spend some quality one on one time with my concept book and just go for it. We'll see how it goes this weekend.

Camera Fail

I bought new batteries today and was trying out my new tripod when I discovered that the flash on my camera isn't working. I suspect it is burned out. Time to find out if I can fix it without replacing the camera.

It's always something.

I am in desperate need of camera batteries. I go through them like candy corn on Halloween. I've tried all sorts from rechargables all the way up to the uber-expensive specialty lithium batteries particularly recomended by the manufacturer and I still only get about 45 minutes of battery life. *Sigh* I have new product, but I can't get it listed until there are pictures.

These first few weeks of school have challanged my ability to work in the shop. I have a repair, two commissions and two windows to make, plus new items for the Etsy shop and shows. Perhaps I will just buy some NoDoze and not sleep until Christmas. LOL!

I have all sorts of new things I want to try, including metal enameling and silver bezel setting, but time is my enemy. All I want to do is go out to my shop, get it organized again and create until I fall asleep. Sometimes I resent having to go to work.

I'm a winner!!!

Faithful readers will recall that I referred to a fellow glassworker's journal a while back. Leah was giving away a tripod and all you had to do was post about it and comment in her blog. You can read the details here: http://leahglass.blogspot.com/2008/09/tool-o-day-tripod.html .

Last night, I got the message that she had the drawing and I won!!! She is sending me my very own tripod free of charge! And guess what? Leah is having other giveaways too. In fact, she's giving away some cool glass pieces right now so hop on over and check her out.

Better pictures, here I come. Thanks Leah!!