Friday, 24 January 2014

Grow Your Blog

Welcome if you've landed here via the Grow Your Blog event!

I'm Gaynor, a Chartered Accountant by day, and Glass melter by night, well, mainly weekends really!

After being introduced to lampworking back in May 2009, it soon became an addiction, and I now spend as much spare time as I can at the torch, and even dream about glass. I've a long way to go to get where I'd like to be with the art of glass, but I'm enjoying every mile of the way!

Here's an example of the sort of thing I love to make.

I have to thank some of the lovely artists who've given me lessons and helped me improve, in particular Kaz Baildon, Stephanie Gough, Sally Carver, and Claudia Trimbu Pagel. I had one very memorable lesson with Kaz and Steph over in Adelaide, where we were watched over by a pregnant red back spider!

I like to blog, although don't do it nearly often enough. It forms a sort of diary where I can chart my progress and look back and smile!

If you'd like to follow my blog by email, you can do so by signing up on the left at the top of the page.

To celebrate this blog hop, I'd like to offer a little prize of a set of lampwork beads in your choice of colour.Just comment on this post to be in with a chance to win, and I'll announce a winner on February 15th.

Right, I can't wait to get hopping and see what's going on around the blogs today!!!!
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57 comments:

  1. Shroo24 January 2014 at 18:17

    Oooooooooooo......such preeeeetty things! I'm so envious of your talent - the colours you've combined in these beads of yours are yummy! Glad to have found you through 'Grow Your Blog'. Best wishes with your blog and your artistic endeavours - Shroo:)xxx

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  2. Pookledo25 January 2014 at 00:29

    Hello! I already follow your blog, but I'm taking part in Grow your blog too It sounds like fun!

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  3. Laney25 January 2014 at 01:10

    I never knew you were a Chartered Accountant Gaynor just love you for that turtle :P I am now a follower of your blog :) Laney x

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  4. Marjorie's Busy Corner25 January 2014 at 06:37

    Nice to meet you Gaynor....love those beads!!

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  5. Unknown25 January 2014 at 08:12

    i'm a new follower - found my way here from the grow your blog party. love your beads!

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  6. Judith @ Lavender Cottage25 January 2014 at 08:49

    I'm visiting from the GYB party and love the name of your blog. Your beads are gorgeous, and purple is my favourite colour.

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  7. Donna Heber25 January 2014 at 10:57

    Hi Gaynor,

    I'm visiting from the Grow Your Blog party. It is so nice ot meet you. You have a very unusual talent. Your glass pieces are just gorgeous! I plan to look around a bit more and then be on my way to visit the others. I do hope you will stop by for a visit and enter my giveaway. Have a wonderful weekend! Hugs – Donna

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  8. Purple Cobwebs25 January 2014 at 11:05

    Thank you so much for all of the comments so far. I'm hopping away, visiting all of your blogs.....

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  9. Melissa25 January 2014 at 12:01

    Hi there! I'm an accountant too, only my craft of choice is sewing / quilting. Love your glasswork, such a cool hobby. A couple years ago we went to a glass shop in Colorado and got to watch him. It was beautiful!

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  10. Unknown25 January 2014 at 12:42

    I love the beads you create and enjoy reading your blog! Please include me in your giveaway.

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  11. gracie25 January 2014 at 13:43

    Hello, glad to meet you with this fun blog party. I so admire those who create beads of all kinds. Your beads look lovely.

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  12. jinxxxygirl25 January 2014 at 15:11

    Love, Love, love the name of your blog! Your beads look beautiful! I've never tried to melt glass. But i've seen some fantastic results. I hope you'll pop over and visit my blog during the blog hop! Please include me in your GiveAway! Hugs! deb

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  13. Emily C25 January 2014 at 15:36

    Wow. Love the beads, esp. the hearts. Love that little extra twirl of color. A light-med purple would look lovely.

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  14. Elizabeth Edwards25 January 2014 at 15:40

    those are amazing - what a bright color. i love how they can add to an outfit so. hi there. i'm Beth from E. Lizard Breath Speaks - so nice to meet you through the Grow Your Blog get together/party. ( :

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  15. Wendy25 January 2014 at 16:36

    your beads are amazing! thank you for the opportunity to win some of them.

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  16. Bluefinch 25 January 2014 at 17:40

    Hello! So glad I found your blog on the GYB party! Your beads are amazing! I am your newest follower so I don't miss a post. I also hopped over to your store too and I will be back! Do you ship to the US? Hope you will stop by my blog too.
    Rachel

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  17. Winter_Pixie25 January 2014 at 23:28

    Hi there! You make such lovely glass! I can't wait to see what you create this year! :D

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  18. Purple Cobwebs26 January 2014 at 04:16

    Wow, I 've woken up to so many new visitors! Welcome all!!!! Thank you for all of te lovely comments. Yes, I certainly do ship to the USA. So far my beads have been sent to the UK, Europe, Australia, America, Canada, and Singapore! Right, a hopping I will go while the kiln heats up for my next torch session! You are all in the draw! Check back on the 15th to see who's the winner. x

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  19. Unknown26 January 2014 at 09:00

    wow! love your beads! found/followed you from the gyb party. can't wait to see more!

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  20. Tanya 26 January 2014 at 10:01

    A Glass Melter! - Something I have always envied, and oohed and ahhed over, and would love to try my hand at, if only I didn't dabble in so many OTHER things!!! Count me as a new Follower - off to check out more on your blog. Happy Creative Sunday - Tanya

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  21. liniecat26 January 2014 at 13:02

    Lampwork is that what its called?
    Love the beads you've featured!
    Would love to see more of your skills!

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  22. Maggie26 January 2014 at 14:15

    Love your glass beads! Seems so labor intensive, with beautiful results. Love those polka dot chartreuse ones in your photo...wow!

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  23. Cache-Mire26 January 2014 at 16:51

    Glad to meet you at the party! Your glass beads are lovely! Hugs, Terri

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  24. Pamela26 January 2014 at 18:41

    What beautiful beads you make! I love making jewelry but I've never tried lampwork. I admire artists like you who do it well. Thanks for sharing your lovely and inspiring blog.

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  25. Unknown26 January 2014 at 20:35

    Awesome beads! I've been making jewelry for a while now but never actually attempted making the beads themselves, lol! Beautiful! I love your blog name, too!!! I am following you now! :)

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  26. kathyinozarks27 January 2014 at 10:11

    Good morning, I am visiting from the Party. I just love love lamp work beads-they are beautiful and amazing to me-I really appreciate this art-when I am on etsy I just admire all the gorgeous glass beads.Yours are so lovely
    I am Kathy and live in rural Missouri. I work mostly with natural fibers in quilting, rug hooking, hand dyes and more-I am retired so I am always working on something now. so glad to meet you and I love your blog name! I am a new follower. Please stop by for a visit when you have a chance
    Kathy

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  27. Christine28 January 2014 at 05:42

    Hi Gaynor, it's nice to meet you. You beads are absolutely stunning

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  28. Sarah and Dan28 January 2014 at 09:32

    Took a glass-blowing class for the first time last year. Fun fun fun, but way harder than it looks!

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  29. Treasures by Louise28 January 2014 at 11:47

    Hi Gaynor, I'm a new follower, from the GYB party, and love your beads. I make jewelry and love to collect beautiful beads. I also do other crafts, a little bit of many things. I blog about it at Lily and Jasmine Treasures

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  30. J Honda28 January 2014 at 16:24

    Hi! Lampworked beads are beautiful, and you are an SRA artist as well :) It is a pleasure to follow your blog and enter the giveaway! Thank you! ~Jennifer
    http://kippyssomature.blogspot.com/

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  31. Thistle Cove Farm28 January 2014 at 16:57

    those glass beads are Beautiful! I'm too dumb to know what lampworked beads are so please forgive if I've made a mistake. Visiting via Vicki's GYBP and enjoyed your post.

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  32. Roses, Lace and Brocante29 January 2014 at 00:14

    Hello Gaynor
    How lovely to met you as part of Vicki's party!
    Oh your glass work is exquisite - the colours and pattern so vibrant.
    I'm wondering how you got started and what inspired you.
    You mentioned you attended a workshop in Adelaide so I'm assuming you're in Oz! I'm just across the ditch - not too far away!

    Thank you for offering such a beautiful giveaway.

    I'm following you - and I would love you to come over and enter my Giveaway - a vintage fabric and lace collage.
    I'll be back to read your blog once the party finishes - have fun and enjoy the party!
    Hugs
    Shane

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  33. macmillanmarie29 January 2014 at 06:45

    Hi, great to meet you. I am a jewellery designer / maker. I have tried to make my own glass beads but I must admit it is easier said than done so keep it up. You have a talent. Happy hopping!

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  34. Purple Cobwebs29 January 2014 at 09:31

    So many lovely comments. This blog party has been such an amazing experience!
    I'm actually based in the UK, but arranged a lesson over in Australia whilst over there visiting family. That's how strong the addiction to glass is, even on holiday I'm wanting to melt glass!!!
    Shane, well, how did I get started? I've always enjoyed crafting. As a child one of my favourite Christmas presents was a box that my Mum put together of various bits of card, paper, pens, scissors, glue etc...
    As life progressed, uni, and then work meant that such things took a backseat. However, once I'd finished my Accountancy exams, I returned to crafting and started making greetings cards. Well, I bought little beads and charms to add to my cards, and soon progressed to making jewellery. This went well, and my stash of beads expanded. Then I saw some handmade glass lampwork beads, and thought how amazing it would be to make my own. Well, an introductory course later and I was well and truly hooked!

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  35. Jocelyn29 January 2014 at 10:43

    I've been blogging for about 5 years and, it's fun to see where everyone comes from. It's so nice meeting new friends through the GYB hop. You do beautiful work.

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  36. Silke Powers29 January 2014 at 11:34

    It's so nice to meet you and see your beautiful beads! Just gorgeous!! I'll be back to visit... xoxo Silke

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  37. Gill29 January 2014 at 12:34

    Hi Gaynor
    Good to meet you - I'm visiting from England!

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  38. Carole29 January 2014 at 17:11

    Wow Gaynor, glass melter by night, that sounds totally awesome and what beautiful work you do. So lovely to meet you and I will be back.

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  39. Caitlin @ Naughts Cross Stitches29 January 2014 at 18:10

    those beads are gorgeous :D Nice to meet you.

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  40. Tisha Dolton29 January 2014 at 20:29

    Thank you for sharing your blog/ story! I hope to visit again soon. Please consider coming over & visiting my embroidery/ redwork blog. I'm in the 1st set of the GYB list.

    Lovely beads.

    aprilsongstress

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  41. Unknown30 January 2014 at 06:45

    Your beads are stunning! What a talent and a wonderful way for you to relax after a long day at work. Yellow is my favorite color so I am especially drawn to the beads in this post. My daughter loves your blue's and purples. It has been nice getting to know you.

    Hugs
    Caroline

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  42. Tammie T Everly30 January 2014 at 16:17

    I am in awe of lamp workers, what an amazing talent. I love using handmade 'lampies' in my work. I'm now a follower. Hope you'll pop by my blog as well. Regards, Tammie Everly/TTE Designs tammie@ttedesigns.com

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  43. Wendy31 January 2014 at 12:35

    Nice to meet you! I would love to try lampworking and I've been meaning to go to a class with my mum. Maybe that'll happen in 2014

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  44. Cindy1 February 2014 at 08:06

    Your lampworking beads are amazing. I've wanted to get into glass blowing and bead making for the past two years. Good job I have a husband that keeps me grounded as I might be dabbling i that my now. He said I do enough with what I have and I agree. I'd love to have some hand made beads that you make and you asked for colour, red and gold if I had the option of choice. Ya I'm picky, but it amazes me to see to colours linked together.

    I studied accounting and although I didn't put this into my profession it helps with just about everyday life, ethics I think have a mathematical base. I live in Prince Edward Island Candad where I host my blog, craft in my room, serve tea in our tea room and host guests who visit the island. I have a givea wy and hope you will come visit. Cindy

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  45. hula-la1 February 2014 at 16:05

    My my...your beads are wonderful! Having a great time at the blog party. It's the perfect winter time activity. Hope you'll stop by for a peek at my blog. Enjoy the party! Aloha

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  46. Pinnylea Creations1 February 2014 at 21:04

    Hello; great to know a little bit about you. Your beads are gorgeous. Thanks for the chance to win some.

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  47. judith2 February 2014 at 22:01

    Your beads are beautiful and well I like green. I hope that you get to where you want to be soon, so you can enjoy all that you have to give. Enjoy the party thru GYB. Must keep hopping or I will never see all the blogs.lol

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  48. Unknown3 February 2014 at 12:18

    Your beadwork is beautiful. Good luck in your pursuit of this craft, you are well on your way. Jackie

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  49. Anonymous5 February 2014 at 08:36

    Hi Gaynor, great to meet you through GYB! Your glasswork is beautiful, you really have a talent! I hope you continue to enjoy the journey it takes you on. x Keli x

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  50. Purple Cobwebs6 February 2014 at 11:08

    Thank you everyone. xxx

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  51. WhoMom7 February 2014 at 18:31

    Blog Hopping is so much fun! I'm getting nothing but I am enjoying many lovely pictures, art, crafts and peaceful thoughts. Your glass in lovely. I can't imagine working with glass but live in a city with many Chihuly pieces and the museum.

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  52. Patty Antle10 February 2014 at 17:13

    Oh, the beads are gorgeous. I'm so impressed! Nice to meet you Gaynor.

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  53. Lija Broka13 February 2014 at 08:37

    Hi Gaynor! Welcome to the party. To admit the truth I am a little jealous of you. It is my dream to be a chartered accountant! I have half the exams done, and just need to secure a training contract (I know I am doing it the wrong way around). Oh well, there is still time. Though I wish the economy crisis chose a different moment to hit.

    Love your beads! Lampworking definitely needs to go on the list of potential hobbies. So far I do cross stitching (hence the blog), jewellery making (relatively new ... but it is so hard finding gorgeous beads), art dolls (ehm in progress ... if I spent 5 days sewing individual hair strands on and that was not enough to do the entire head ... imagine how long the doll will take!), cooking and baking for special occasions, card making, and painting. Things I'm looking into: polymer clay and soap making ... and now lampworking. Will look forward to your updates!

    Anyhow before I get too far distracted, enjoy the party!

    Lija
    http://stitchingincrossesandmore.blogspot.co.uk/

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  54. RedSetter14 February 2014 at 15:55

    Hi Gaynor, still getting round the GYB blogs and loving yours and will be following you. Hoping I'm still in time for your giveaway and love purples, pinks and turquoise.
    Love and best
    RedSetter
    Craft blog http://gonebeading.blogspot.co.uk/
    Cat blog http://pepsimaxaddict.blogspot.co.uk/

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  55. Purple Cobwebs16 February 2014 at 07:41

    Apologies for the delay in announcing a bloghop winner yesterday. Unfortunately the stormy weather in the UK took out our power yesterday, so I couldn't get online!!!! Today the power is back, and the sun is shining, so all is good! So, without further ado, the winner of my giveaway is......Kathyinozarks! There were 56 comments on my post, so I used random.org to generate a number between 1 and 56, and it came up with 27. So, fingers crossed that I hadn't posted comment 27, down the list I went, counting as I went, and comment 27 landed on Kathy's post!!!! Kathy, let me know your favourite colour and your address, and I'll pop some glassy love in the post to you!!!!

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    Replies
    1. kathyinozarks16 February 2014 at 08:54

      I am so excited to win your gorgeous beads-thank you so much. I could not find how to contact you with my address. I do have a contact form on my blog (you are a no reply blogger) if you send me an email there I can reply with my address.
      I love all of your beads but for a choice, I am getting ready to make a crazy quilt wool purse, and am collecting beads, buttons, and threads for and underwater scene in embroidery so if you have any blues that would be awesome-otherwise your choice.
      thanks Kathy

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    2. Purple Cobwebs16 February 2014 at 09:26

      Fantastic, blue it will be.....

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