Who write poems?

“It is the formidable character of the species to routinely seek the improbable, the difficult, even the impossible, as a source of pleasure and self-justification. Who would try to write poems, or novels, or paint pictures unless he is an optimist?” - Lionel Tiger

Organization or not

It seems I struggle with creativity and in an effort to try and keep on track I've been organizing a creativity board...........or not.

I truly had a wonderful cork board in mind with loads of inspiring images, and quotes. But instead I have piles of this. Well not quite this bad but mess, and I am not a fan of mess.

So my goal this month (July) is to try and get the machining room completed in the metal studio and get the cabinets hung, mess cleared out and inspiration boards hung up!

Think I can get my husband on board? He needs to get the water finished in the studio and hang cabinets, all in all maybe a 3 hour job.

Favorite Tool - Opening Skylight

As the weather gets hotter I really do appreciate my opening skylight. I have it behind and above my glass work bench and it really helps with the air flow in my studio. My out take air is directly behind my torch and with the fresh air intake being behind me it really makes for a "clean air" studio. We are often windy here so there is usually a breeze too. Look into opening skylights if you are building a studio, or for that matter any home.

Lessons we learn

Spending time at Bead and Button has made me learn a valuable lesson. I need friends! I am reminded again how lonely living on Vancouver Island can be. It's a big Island but our friends have all moved off it and I often feel isolated.

I'm planning a escape in August to connect with a group of friends in Washington and I can't wait. I feel more energetic, creative and happy when I've got smiling friends to connect with!

Bead and Button 2011 is over, and what a show it was!

I had the pleasure of being the teaching assistant for Andrea Guarino for the masters class. We had a four day class, one set of students for the first two days while the other set of students worked with Michael Barley then the students swapped instructors. It was a interesting and fun class. It was great to see old friends and make some new ones.

The show itself was whirl wind. Meet the teachers night is wed, going till 11PM yikes! The next night is the show preview night, then the "open to the public" show starts. Sales were steady, and I did get a chance to check out some booths I wanted to see.

It was a pleasure to be in booth #10 with Andrea again. I didn't take any photos (I know I'm a bad blogger).

I'm home safe and sound, but I'll admit a bit exhausted!

We are all gifted

“We are each gifted in a unique and important way. It is our privilege and our adventure to discover our own special light.”

Mary Dunbar

Favorite Tool - Rainbow Maker

While this isn't really a tool I adore it! I actually have two in my metal studio and need to get a couple for the glass studio. They are solar powered unit that spin when the sun hits them, spinning and sending rainbows all over the walls. Mine start to work at about 5 in the afternoon, the time of day I normally start to run out of steam. They always make me smile and I usually work for at least an extra hour or two once they start up. I've seen them on amazon!

What's your favorite blog?

Do you have along list of favorite blogs? How about sharing a few favorite links?