We have been in our house here in the Atlanta area for just over 4 weeks now, and we really love it! It IS hot, though. Our outdoor thermometer read 105 on Tuesday-ouch!

We have met many of our fabulous neighbors, dined at the famous Marietta Diner, and unpacked a bajillion (and I’m not exaggerating!) boxes.

I am SO lucky that we live so close to not one but TWO wonderful lampworking resources: FlameTree Glass in Roswell, and Beads by Design in Marietta. (my house is almost equidistant between the two!)

Last night I attended my first Southern Flames meeting at Beads by Design. The Southern Flames is a local chapter of the International Society of Glass Beadmakers (ISGB). It was so nice to be among fellow lampworkers, and I got to finally meet my on-line friend and very talented whimsical lampwork artist, Marcy Lamberson! What a sweetheart-she let me talk her ears off for almost an hour after the meeting. She had so many great suggestions for me about the area: for my kids, for gardening, shopping, and lampworking. I feel so blessed!

AND, I got to sign up for a class in October with Jen Geldard-I am so excited! I got my email confirmation this morning, however there are still openings so the class will be cancelled if it doesn’t fill! So, if you are anywhere in the area and are interested come take her class!

October 6-7 & 8-9, 2011 at Beads by Design
Cost: $325 / 2-day class
The Art of Play – Surface Design – Form and Structure

Join Jennifer for a class which covers surface design, form & structure and good old fashioned “play” too! Starting with the surface techniques- Enamels, shards, metals and creating surface design elements that will produce unlimited possibilities when combined.

As far as my studio goes, well, it isn’t yet. I have a GREAT room in our basement, with an exterior door perfect for my customers! But, it has a closet, a door, and carpet that I DON’T need, lol! So I am getting bids on the renovation, and I will keep you posted on the progress!

I’m also working on getting a business and tax license for Georgia, so I can start selling again. Hopefully I will be able to re-open my Etsy and Artfire shops soon. Everything always take 2 1/2 times longer than you originally estimate, doesn’t it?

AND, my website should have a new look very soon! Darcy at Graphically Designing is hard at work putting the final touches on the new design. Stay tuned… 🙂

Amy