Autodidact???

Are you an AUTODIDACT???

When I began making beads I didn't know where or who to go to to learn this skill.  My oldest son came up with a torch and my youngest son helped me buy a kiln.  The rest was up to me.

I found someone at a fair who made enamel beads and talked him into showing me how he did it in his garage over 100 miles from where I lived.  I drove there and sat with him for about an hour and a half for $40 to learn what he knew.  From there I bought a book by Corina Tettinger, Passing the Flame.  I was making beads in my mother's garage for two years before ever taking a class.  It wasn't until today I discovered that I am an autodidact as I continue experimenting, practicing and pursuing this passion I have for glass any way I can.  One day, I will be a master.

Some of the greatest people in history have educated themselves to a large degree using a process known as autodidacticism. This is something that's more easily undertaken these days with the great wealth of online tools available to anyone.

Whether you've gone to college or not, you can learn just about anything these days on your own. Want to learn about the classics? Carpentry and home maintenance? Philosophy or cooking? Chess or computer programming? It's all online, and with a little bit of excitement, you can motivate yourself to learn a subject in a growing number of ways.

Why self-education? Well, besides the obvious reasons of wanting to improve yourself, prepare yourself for success, and just learn as much as you can, self-education offers a few extra benefits: you can learn at your own pace, and in your own way. You can follow your passions, and learn about things that excite you. There's no price for failure, but there's every reward for success.

How do you go about becoming an autodidact? The answer is simple: any way you want. I would suggest you set aside just a little time each day to learn a specific subject, but that really depends on your learning style. Some people learn all in one great rush: they'll stay up late hours for a few days in a row, consuming everything they possibly can about a subject. Others are overwhelmed by an approach like that, and would rather learn a little each day.

Glass is a Curious Material

Yesterday at the torch...Heavenly.  It's just a bead.

xo

Suzanne

ARF ! WHO LET THE DOGS OUT???

Hey!  Who let the dogs out?????

Makin you smile this Saturday AM.  Love you!!!

Suzanne

Guess What???

Guess what I did yesterday?  Yes !!!  I finally found a bead I could master that Claudia Trimbur-Pagel showcases in her book, Glass Bead Trip.  I feel like a Genius...haha  I needed this to boost my ego which has been sorely in the pit lately.  Not that that's a bad thing.  Just not as much fun as soaring with eagles.

Another thing, I've finally taken the commitment plunge to do Precious Metal Clay on a professional level.  Getting off the fence has done a ton for my joy levels.  Now I can't wait for the materials to arrive from Cool Tools !!!  Yay.

Hugs
Suzanne

Detailed Stringer Work

Working on detailed fine stringer work since the arrival of Claudia Trimbur-Pagel's book "Glass Bead Trip".  I go to sleep looking at the pictures and reading her instructions.  The only answer to her wonderful world of glass beads...Practice...Practice...Practice.

I wake up in the morning excited to see what the results of yesterday's work is.  I run to the kiln in the sunroom to fetch the prize.  There is always room for improvement and it takes me a couple of days to appreciate what I've made because of that bugger - perfectionism.  There is always room for improvement and I have to work at appreciating where I am at right now.  Otherwise, I'll lose sight of the joy of my glass bead journey.  I AM happy with todays glass beads.  Now this afternoon, I'll hit the road a runnin and improve upon yesterday.

I'm willing, able and once again, inspired.

Hugs
Suzanne

Glass Bead Trip by Claudia Trimbur-Pagel

If  I were any more excited than I am right now,  I would not be able to type at all.  But, I want to share with you.

I just received Claudia Trimbur-Pagel's first book for advanced bead makers.

I was fortunate and one of few in the US to take a class from Claudia back in November of 2011 at my favorite bead shop "The Mandrel".  Claudia was brought in to teach from France, where she lives, by Donna Conklin and a few others across the United States.

Her work with glass and with Precious Metal Silver Clay is absolutely the most exciting, inspiring class I have ever taken.  So I will be reading and reading again until I have a much better understanding of glass and Precious Metal Silver so my work will take an even sharper turn than it has lately and be even more facinating than it is right now!!!!

So, get ready, cuz here I come...

Lovin you all because you all are lovin me !

Suzanne

My Inner Chihuly - by Suzanne

I seem to be drawn to making these delicate flowers on copper lately.  Not sure why I'm making them or what they will become.

The ideas will eventually come...must be my inner Chihuly.  (Dale Chihuly the glass guru from Seattle).

What do you think they will be?

xoxo
Suzanne

I AM Refreshing - Lampwork Bead and Copper Necklace by Suzanne

One-of-a-Kind 

This pendant is as refreshing as the deep blue sea and as pure and white as snow. This beautiful lentil shaped bead carries with it the refreshing clarity of mind that comes with cleansing your soul. The two headpins gracefully hanging from the bottom of this bead signify the eyes of our Creator watching over you as only a Father can with love and acceptance.

Wear this piece knowing you are loved and accepted for exactly who you are right now with no expectations and that you are being well taken care of in secret.

Enjoy!

Hugs
Suzanne

The necklace comes in a gift box ready for giving. A card with regard to the artisan (me) is also included. ;o)

xo
Suzanne

I AM Effervescent - Pendant by Suzanne

This pendant is infused with an iridescent piece of dichroic glass that sparkles beneath the surface of an already beautiful lentil shaped bead.  I felt keeping the piece simply strung was important for the character of the glass to shine.

This is a new technique I am trying out after purchasing a tutorial from Astrid Riedel, one of my very favorite glass artists.  This is a yummy, marshmellowie, blue with a pea green and black stripe twist covering half the bead.  Very unusual and amazing.

Enjoy!

Hugs
Suzanne

I AM Aspiring - Yet another Necklace/Ring

OK I think I'm hooked !  This is a size 5.5 ring as well as a necklace.  So if the ring size is too big or too small, it doesn't matter at all.  Wear it as a necklace and pretend you are going steady with the man or woman of your choice!!!  How about that.   This piece is prettier than the camera can pick up.  It begins with a multi-silvered expensive specialty glass made into a flat disk upon which the next silvered disk sits on and then yet another speckled (kinda looks like a bird's egg) on top of that.  Sandwiched between the speckled bead and the freely hanging fleur de lis is a small copper bead.

The ring shank aka bail is hand forged, antiqued and hand burnished copper 16 gauge wire on a copper ball chain approximately 17" long.  Perfect length for a V-neck t-shirt.

I'm liking making these a lot.  Stay tuned for more tomorrow!

Have a great day.

I AM Playful - It's a Necklace - No - It's a Ring

One-of-a-Kind 

This is such a PIECE with a Topsy Turvey Playful attitude. Not only is it a pendant on a ball chain - it is also a size 8 ring !! WAY... I love this piece. It has two of my lampwork beads. One disk shaped specialized silvered glass bead on top of the pendant or the bottom of the ring. And one ruby red round lampwork bead balancing on top the silvered disk. Also an enameled headpin hanging loosely from the bottom or again top !! 

Set comes with the copper 17" ball chain for use as the pendant.

All beads are separated by hand cut and burnished, etched, domed and antiqued copper disks. 16 gauge copper wire also antiqued forming the bail or in this case also the ring shank.

All for so much fun depending on your mood for the day. Wear it as a necklace or as a ring.

The necklace/ring comes in a gift box ready to be wrapped by you for giving. A card with regard to the artisan (me) is also included. ;o)

xo
Suzanne

I AM Charismatic Necklace

I've been expanding my skills, as many of you know,  as of late in making my own findings - clasps, etc. out of copper, steel and sterling silver.  There is a lot of work involved as you can see in Shannon LeVart's video on her blog.   It looks easy as pie and I mean, after all, isn't it just a circle of copper and some wrapped wire?  Yup, but what all happens to that little piece of wire before it looks like this is a whole other story.    I won't go into detail because Shannon tells it all in her video.

I first found Shannon's work in the the art jewelry magazine called "Belle Armoire Jewelry".  I've been following her work ever since.

The behind the scenes preparation is, antiquing in Liver of Sulfer, tumbling overnight in a tumbler to remove the black crust formed by the antiquing, hand burnishing to get that antiqued warm copper glow and then sealing the wire findings with a finish all before it even ends up in the piece of jewelry you see above.  Why is handmade artisan jewelry expensive - because it is not manufactured by a machine by the millions in China.  Thus, the wonderful energy these pieces of jewelry exude when wearing.  I love it.  I wore my new copper bracelet to yoga on Friday and I swear it made me stronger...haha  no really!  I could feel it - I swear.


At any rate, I love the look of this kinda western - I am from Wyoming after all - style of jewelry.  And you will more than likely be seeing more it it included with my glass beads.    tra la la la !

If you care to see the behind the scenes dirty low-down on making hand forged metal findings for jewelry - click on the link...

http://missficklemediacom.blogspot.com/2012/09/kitchen-finishing.html

ShowCase at Bikram Yoga Manhattan Beach

Such a long time since posting - I've been working on my new website and pulling most of my hair out by the roots.  Ha ha.  Making some new designs with my lentil beads and was happy to take a new set in to the Yoga studio today.

This matching set is with my lampwork beads, leather cording and silver African Trade Beads. I've handmade the closure of steel wire and earwires are hand formed silver wire.  This is a 'pure' artisan set.  Nothing manufactured in China here !!!  Totally made in the USA.

It looks beautiful on the counter where practicing yogi's sign in for class.  Kudos to Tiffany, owner of Manhattan Beach Bikram Yoga Studio, for her belief in and support of this artisan jewelry designer.  It is so nice to have good solid peeps who believe in you.  I told her today her belief in me as an artist is making me soar to new heights.  And that, is the truth.  She is such a high powered YOGI !!!  I love you Tiffany!

My goodness, got lost in my praise there for a moment.  I AM calling this necklace set "I AM Centered".  The upper half of the lampwork bead is a lovely silvered glass that shimmers burgundy and cloudy whispers of ivory with blueish undertones.  The lower half is silvered ivory with a twist right in the middle joining both top and bottom with lapis - blue - dots encasing the twist.  Well, let me say, it is just beautiful.

Have a great day!

Suzanne

Yogi of the Month

Excerpt from Manhattan Beach Bikram Yoga Newsletter... "Yogi of the Month" Suzanne Hansen    Suzanne embodies the yoga spirit, she donates a portion of her jewelry sales to Uprising Yoga, a non-profit that brings yoga to youth in juvenile hall. Congratulations Suzanne! A letter from Suzanne: After graduating from high school in late sixties I packed my bags and headed for San Francisco where all my hard work had earned me a scholarship at the San Francisco School of Ballet. Yahoo ! I loved dancing with all my heart but coming from a small town in Wyoming when I arrived in San Francisco, wild eyed and bushy tailed, there was a whole lot more going on than ballet. Haight Ashbury was calling my name and before I knew it I was a flower child instead of a ballerina.  After years being away from ballet and raising a family, my husband passed away from cancer and I was suffering from depression. I found I had left a part of me on the dance floor that gave me an inner strength and independence I no longer enjoyed.  My, now 33 year old youngest, son suggested I take a Bikram Yoga class with him. He said, "If you like it mom, I know it will be so good for you." From day one I was smitten. I couldn't breath, my face was beet red, pride was all that was keeping me in the room. My mind was going crazy "What's wrong with you? You can't even stand on one leg for more than 2 seconds; You used to be able to do that; for crying out loud - you used to balance on your toes and leap over skyscrapers at the jump of a hat." I couldn't run out of the room because my son was standing next to me. "With bulldog determination something rose up inside me that said "I CAN DO THIS". It didn't come overnight that I could catch a glimpse of myself in the front mirror when I twist into a pretzel, or that I could raise my leg in standing bow above my head, I still can't hold it there for long ;o), or that I could hold camel for a full minute. Each time I come to class, I do the best I can and I'm seeing something in myself I haven't seen for, well, 40+ years. Depression is gone, low energy has been replaced by high energy and I'm accomplishing things I wouldn't even let myself dream about BBY (before Bikram Yoga) to coin a phrase. I just finished the 30 day challenge and I'm so proud of myself that I bought a new Yoga outfit as a reward. (I feel pretty snazzy). I'm so grateful to be a part of the Manhattan Beach Bikram Yoga family because that is truly what it has become. I have new hope for a very bright future. Thank you from the bottom of my Yogi heart.

Farmer's Market and Mom

Mom is in Los Angeles visiting from Seattle.  Yea! Mom!.  Her 89th birthday is on Tuesday so we will find some place fabulous to go for dinner and celebrate.

We headed out this morning for the Farmer's Market in Mar Vista and picked up some outstanding Heirloom Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Avocados, Hard Sour Dough Bread.  Yummy my favorite Tomato Sandwich for dinner.

So here we are.  Mom is the one on the right

We ended our experience with ice cold coconut water, mmmm how refreshing on a hot summer day at the market.  The coconut itself was so heavy I didn't know if mom was going to be able to carry it.  But she is a strong woman.   Can you believe, by looking at her, that she will is 89 years old?????  I love her..

I love going to the market on Sunday morning.  I stay strictly to the Organic Veggies just after I buy a pastry full of sugar and usually chocolate and do a taste off from all the vendors walking around with non-organic slices of nectarines, peaches, cheese, bread with pesto on.  I'm very strict about what goes in my mouth at the Farmer's Market NOT!!!  I cheat on myself on Sunday.

The rest of the week, I'm a good girl shopping and buying at Whole Foods.  Have I ever told you that I am a Certified Nutritional Consultant through the Global Institute of Alternative Medicine?  Just another not well known factoid about me that you probably will never need to tap into.  However, from time to time, I will mention some stored knowledge I have learned about Living Well and Feeling Better.


Well, just offering a bit of fun til I'm back at the torch or jewelry bench tomorrow.  Wonder how much work I'll actually get done while mom is here.  We'll see.  I'm certainly not going to worry about it.  She is my number one priority.

Love you
Later then,
Suzanne

How did that get from this...to that????

I thought it might be fun for you to see how some of the bobbles are made in my jewelry wears.  For instance...   How does this

become a tiny little button closure on these wrap bracelets...

And so, the process begins...

I hand cut 4" pieces of steel annodized wire from a wrap of wire approximately 50' long.  Sitting at the torch the ivory stick of glass pictured is melted to around 1500+ degrees and becomes liquified.  While working with the glass in this form it is wound onto the steel wire at one end.  At the same time, the glass is shaped into a small round bead type button on the tip of the wire.  While the glass is still hot I "shmush" the glass into a little pile of glass frit [crushed glass] purchased from my favorite glass shop "The Mandrel". 

SIDE TRIP:  My friend Donna Conklin is the owner and a fellow glass buddy.  I take all my classes at "The Mandrel".  It is a great place to learn the skill of lampworking.  Donna always picks the cream of the crop to come teach us at "The Mandrel".  OOPS got off on a tangent there...

At this point the tiny buttons looks like this...

After annealing in a kiln, stabilizing the glass in the cooling process for durability, the headpins (called headpins and not buttons at this point) are ready to be wrapped into the button shape to be used in the "Yogi" wrap braceletes.  

Another Side Trip:  I may be changing the name to "Namaste'" braceletes.  I just can't make up my mind because my darling dog's name is Yogi and he should have a bracelet named after him.  Maybe I'll make up another bracelet or necklace and call it the "Namaste'" bracelet...or necklace.  Whew !  So, "Yogi" Wrap it remains.  Thank you for helping me make that huge decision.  How could I have even questioned it.  I hope "Yogi" didn't hear all that.  Now I feel guilty for even thinking it.  Kisses "Yogi".  Mamma wasn't present for a minute.

The next part is the hardest part for me.  Haha.  I have to make a loop and then begin wrapping the rest of the wire around and around itself forming a neat little protective chair for the button to sit in while it is being a button on a bracelet.  

I'm very particular with this wrapping process and it has to be button worthy.  I like things right, straight, neatly wrapped.  If it isn't, well, then, it just doesn't make the grade for a bracelet.  Since I love every little button I make, I take great care to wrap them perfectly so none are lost in the process.  Which would be a dog gone shame.

Viola!   The Yogi Wrap button is born and ready to become the most important security portion of it's very own bracelet.  A very important job.  The closure, so the bracelet doesn't come UNDONE and fall off an unsuspecting arm during what could be a very important conversation with a friend or foe, or just walking down the street while window shopping or worse, during a purchase right in front of a  clerk!!!!!!!!!!!!! or the PostMaster while mailing a letter.

Well, none of that will be happening here.  

This  -   ta ta ta ta...is the finished tiny little button we have come to know and love.

I hope you have enjoyed this journey into a bit of my world.  I know I babbled but it was fun for me.  Sometimes I am just a bit of a babbler too.

xoxo

Suzanne

A Clever Way to Organize Earrings

I found this article poking around on the internet and I thought you creatives might enjoy it. Maybe even make one or two or three.

If you are anything like me you have tons of earrings!!!

A Clever Way to Organize Earrings

By Yolanda Wikiel

Learn how to showcase your gold hoops, pearl drops, and crystal earrings.

Flaunt Your Jewelry

A frame lets you see the big picture when choosing which pair goes best with an outfit. Besides, isn't it a shame to keep pretty baubles tucked away when they could be adorning your dresser every day?

Do It Yourself: 3 Steps

Step 1

Gather a wooden frame (without the backing and the glass), piano wire, small eyelet hooks (two for each wire), pliers, and a ruler.

Step 2

Mark where you want each wire to hang. Screw in the eyelet hooks. Using the pliers, pull the wire taut and twist it around the hooks.

Step 3

Hang your earrings from the wires. Either mount the display on a wall or place it on a dresser.

Hope you enjoy! Of course I will need a 3' X 5' frame to begin with....;o) hearts

Suzanne

Obsessed - Return of the Wrap Bracelets

Obsession - I've discovered that I can use chain as well as precious gem stones to make these little wrap bracelets.  I can just sit and wrap this thread around the leather and through the chain and not think about a dog gone thing!!!  I love it...Just meditate and play around in the zone.

These little treasures go with everything - little dresses, T-shirts, jeans, cut-offs, city shorts, you name it these will dress-up whatever you choose to wear them with.

The colors are just makin' me want 'em all.  I've made a very small handmade glass button headpin with reactive frit that, in my opinion, goes with all colors and adds a touch of nature to each bracelet.   Do you think it also lends a brand to my particular wraps.  You'll only see them on MY wraps...Yea!!!  I'm branding!!!  ;o)  They are so everyday boho hip.  I wear mine everywhere all the time.  They make you feel so "Yea - that's right - it's me bein' cool - that's right - I'm cool - I'm boho cool"  haha

These are 3x wraps.  I'm going to make more that are 5x wraps as well maybe stick some beads on them with the chain.  ooooo  I like that.

The green one I've been wearing around with the blue and the purple.  Stacking them is just so "movie star".  Stacking them up both arms is especially cool.  They have really hit the scene here in Los Angeles - especially Hollywood.  Stacking, stacking stacking is where it's at.  I certainly want to be where it's at.  Now you can too!!!   Together, we can make it happen.

xoxoxo

Suzanne

Pan Size - That's what we called 'em in Wyoming

Remember this picture a couple of weeks ago and a promise to post the end result???

OK - Here is the finished necklace - Promised.  A few changes, I admit.  But talk about FUN!!!  This necklace just kept evolving.  First I had to find a way to make my fish a Rainbow Trout.  Which meant of course I had to add color.  hmmm  Could this be the beginning of a new medium???  Could I be getting into "alchohol inks".  Yes, I could.

Tell me what you think.  His little eyeball is enameled, then a concave washer and then a baby blue handmade headpin.    The clasp is in the front - of course, it is the hook that also attaches to the lure, handforged etched copper disk, copper tubing made into a bead, steel wire with - looks like a bit of worm to me curling up and out from the lure.  Then there is the color - handmade beautiful lampwork blue bead wrapped in clear spun glass.  Going on up a brass wire bead made using a drill and winding the wire on the bit.  Interesting...I thought so too.

The beautiful ribbons are thin pieces of "Sari Silk" - so there's your good Karma.

Oh there is even two or three ways to wear this artful find.  You can drap the silk back around your neck and let it hang down as in the pic above.  OR - if you have a flair for the dramatic - let it drape down your back over one shoulder.

I think everyone should have a "Fly Fishin" necklace...Just for Fun?  ;o)

Uprising Yoga

"THE MOMENT YOU VALUE YOURSELF, THE WHOLE WORLD VALUES YOU."
- YOGI BHAJAN

UPRISING YOGA IS A ORGANIZATION BRINGING YOGA TO AT-RISK YOUTH. WE ARE CURRENTLY TEACHING IN JUVENILE HALL AND CREATING A PROGRAM IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY FOR CSEC (COMMERCIALLY SEXUALLY EXPLOITED CHILDREN).

OUR MISSION IS TO CREATE AN EMPOWERING PROGRAM OFFERING TO HEAL AT RISK YOUTH, CREATING A SAFE PLACE TO CONFIDENTLY CONQUER CHALLENGES.

www.uprisingyoga.org

Suzanne Hansen and Jill Weiss

Jill Weiss, her fiance' Nick Ippolito, and I met last Sunday for 10:30am yoga at Bikram Yoga Manhattan Beach (Yea! BYMB) and after brunch at "Rock'n Fish" in Manhattan Beach, CA to get better acquainted and express our passion for "Uprising Yoga" to each other.

Jill, as the Founder of Uprising Yoga and herself a "Bikram Yoga" Instructor at BY HDQ, is pioneering this amazing non-profit organization.  She has put together a handful of talented, volunteer "BY" instructors including herself, who are going to Juvenile Hall once a week and teaching yoga to help the young people regain self respect and dignity so they can go out into the world with new hope for a better life.

This yoga practice is making a deep emotional and spiritual impact on the young people who make a choice to join in the classes.  They, for maybe the only time in their lives, are learning they are valuable, they have purpose, and they can rise above circumstances that have been beyond their control.  This yoga empowers them to see themselves as Overcomers!

Diane Stein
Jill's beautiful mom
Wearing Heart Necklace 

My goal, is to provide support for this program, through the sales of my jewelry.  I donate 40% of my sales in hopes that the program will grow beyond Los Angeles and find its way across america and into the world helping more and more children.  The fulfillment you have when you wear my jewelry is knowing that you are Rising Up to help victims of child sex trafficking.  The jewelry is an opportunity to tell someone else about the program that they may join in and support UPY as well.

I have been involved in Bikram Yoga for a relatively short period of time.  August 7, 2012 marks my practice regularly for a full year ;o).  The stability, peace of mind, strength of mind, body and soul has made such an impact on my life that I know, personally, the positive effect it can and does have on these young people.

Jill calls me Uprising Yoga's "Ambassador".  I'm honored.  I shy away from titles but this one - makes me happy.  Thank you Jill for making this program available for me to be called an "Ambassador".  I couldn't be more proud to be part of your endeavor.  I will spread the word in any way I can to help you succeed.

Namaste'      (The Spirit in Me Honors the Spirit in You)