Weekend in the Woods

I spent last weekend up in the woods with about 20 crazy glass ladies. We had so much fun. Lots of glass, laughter, and food. I am so grateful to have so many fun people in my life; it just gets better every year!

1 Lab + 8 Rocks = $800

Part of what occupied my week last week was our lab, Kaylee. She's always been a handful; she's eaten sticks, pens, towels, blankets, and rocks. Everything has always made a, um, successful journey. Rocks she can usually hork back up the next day, but we always knew it was a matter of time before surgery was needed.

Well, last week the time came for surgery. One morning, the hyper three year-old lab went outside and just sat down. No running around, no barking at mysterious creatures in the woods. She just sat there, a sure sign something was wrong. Took her to vet, they took an x-ray, and sure enough, a belly full of rocks. They really wanted to avoid surgery, but after 24 hours the rocks were still there. Into surgery she went. Everything went well, and we are now the proud owner of an $800 baggie of 8 rocks.

Good thing she's cute.

Here is a picture of Kaylee & Xena staring out the window, guarding against evil hordes of chipmunks.

Here is a close up of our old lady, Xena.

Glassy Goodness

Attending Camp Dipwad at the West Michigan Glass Art Center two weeks ago may have kicked my muse into high gear, but it also left little time for the internet, Facebook, and my neglected blog.

I've spent the past two weeks making beads, creating jewelry, and taking care of our lab who had surgery to remove eight rocks from her belly (more on that later).

Here are few pictures from the WMGAC:

14 people can torch at the same time!

Here I am making my sweet paperweight!

Kicking My Muse in the Keister

Saturday, I spent the day at the West Michigan Glass Art Center. Twice a year, my local glassy peeps rent the lampwork studio for a day. They have about 14 torches, and we buddy up, melt glass, trade tips and tricks, and eat. And make beads. And eat. And eat.

This year, some of us also took a paperweight class. OMG. BIG heat. It was wonderful. Techincally, the glory hole temperature is "cooler" than the torch I use, but it is much, much bigger. I thought my face was going to melt off. I will post pics tomorrow, but here is a pitcure of my paperweight. I pick it up Thursday. I plan on carrying it like a baby at work on Friday. :)