Gustav Cancels Art Market of New Orleans

I've finally heard that we will be canceling the Art Market of New Orleans in Palmer Park. The next market will be Saturday, September 27, 2008 from 10am to 4pm. This is our regularly scheduled market. I've got lots of new pieces - finished jewelry and loose beads. I've also taken a few of my older pieces apart and revamped them.
I'm going to start working on some Halloween pieces next. Anyone that likes my hollow beads will love the hollow pumpkins I'm making. Those kitties I made last year are rollicking around in my head too. Please let me know if you have a special color you'd like your kitty. You know I'll be making some black ones.
Till later - Stay High, Dry, Safe and Happy!
Flame On!

Gustav Breezed by New Orleans TG

I took the dogs for our walk this morning and other than having to climb over and around quite a lot of downed tree limbs and branches, Algiers Point seems to have escaped the worst of the wrath of Mother Nature once again.
The first block of Olivier off Opelousas was out of electricity. But just one block away in either direction porch lights were lit.
If you are reading this from out of town and would like me to go check on your house or a friend or relative's house please email me at debideauxATcoxDOTnet (replace the AT with @ and the DOT with a period). Be sure to give me the address and if you would like leave a phone number and I will call you back. You can also call me at fiveohfour threefourthree nineeight threeone.
AFAIK - There is still a curfew in effect for Orleans Parish but it is only from 8pm to 6am. Bob's been working around the westbank and sez there are several stores and gas stations open. But, he sez, the ones that are open are quite crowded.
Casey Jones Super Market is open. Home Depots in Gretna and Marrero are open. Sam's Club on Manhatten is open. The Walmart on Behrman Hwy expects to open Monday due to employees returning. The Rouse's on Behrman and Belle Chase is open and the parking lot is packed. The Winn Dixie on the WB Expwy in Marrero is open. I have heard that Wally's on Nunez stayed open the entire time.
This is a limited list of just the stores that Bob and I know are open. Just cuz I haven't mentioned other stores doesn't mean they are not open.
Here's a pic of Pooch, me and Boomer recovering in our motel room after evacuation. Actually, I'm blogging and emailing. Pooch is just napping as he usually does. But poor Boomer was very stressed out. I'm not sure he's still over it yet even though we are home. But I like to think he's happier than he would have been if we'd have stayed.

Till later - Stay High, Dry, Safe and Happy!
Flame On!

Home Again in New Orleans from Gustav Evacuation

Yea! We made it home! Safe and sound, high and dry! We still have electricity and cable. Some of our neighbors have lost cable but as far as we can tell most of the Point has electric.
The traffic on I59 to I10 was bumper to bumper but moving fast. A little scary but so good.
I'm beat so will post more later....
Stay High, Dry, Safe and Happy!
Flame On!

New Orleans Hurricane Info

I recently got off the phone with a very dear friend of mine that rode out Gustav at home in Algiers Point. All good news! They still have all utilities - electric, phone, cable, water. The storm didn't seem to her to be much more than a strong wind storm. Not much rain in the Point. The streets that she could see had no standing water.
More good news - My friend and her family tried to go out earlier to survey the area and check on homes of friends. They hardly got out their front door before they were stopped by patrols and warned to stay on their own property or they would be arrested. So we don't know how houses made it but we can rest assured, Algerines, the authorities are protecting our property from the two-legged hurricanes. Yea!

For anyone wanting to keep up with the latest info on NOLA and Gustav, I've found the best resource is the WWL talk radio. You can listen from your browser at http://den-a.plr.liquidcompass.cc/etm_plr/audio_player.php?id=WWL&playerType=wmp\
You need to have Windows Media Player but if you don't have it it's a quick download.
Our local TV stations are also doing a great job of keeping us informed online -
http://www.wwltv.com/video/?nvid=57429&live=yes
http://www.wdsu.com/video/17357480/index.html
http://www.fox8live.com/www/Video/NewStream.asp?v=%27high%27
I've been having trouble loading the fox8 stream. Maybe you'll have better luck.
I don't have a favorite but like to switch between all 3 and the Weather Channel.

Till later - Stay High Dry Safe and Happy!
Flame On!

Fresh From the Flames

From Fresh From th...

It's been a while since I've posted a FFF. It's not that I haven't been torching. It's just that I haven't had anything real inspiring to post. Till now!
I love these rings. I worked extra hard with the polisher to clean up the bead release and as a result these two are the best so far.
The upper left came out darker than I'd planned but still looks impressive. I modeled it after the "flower berry" pendants I made last fall, with the rows of colors overlapping the row before it. But since it came out so dark a lot of the detail is lost.
Upper left is a clear base with pea green topped with pale rose gold domed with more clear and surrounded with raised dots of plum silver. This one is my favorite so if you want it you might hafta pry it off my finger. LOL
And now we come to the saga of the Goddesses! If you've been reading my blog for while you know that I've been trying for a while now to plump up my Goddesses and they keep refusing to be plump. Well I found a tutorial from a great glass sculptor, Teresa Laliberte. You can find her tutorial on Etsy http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5146440
I followed her tut mostly except I used Raku frit, rose gold for the nipples and instead of wrapping the silver wire around her body I wound the silver in a spiral and laid it on her belly. I won't be selling this Goddess since She is not truly my own design. But I will be using what I learned here to incorporate in my own Goddesses.
My next market is The Arts Market of New Orleans, Saturday, August 30, 2008, 10 am to 4 pm, Palmer Park, S. Carrollton and S. Claiborne Aves Uptown. Till later- Flame On!

Fresh From the Flames

From Fresh From th...

Click on the image to be taken to a larger version of it at my Picasa album.
Upper left is my Copper Green Fairy Goddess. She came out quite loverly with her pale lavender and rose gold wings. You'll notice she has the rounder bottom I've been aiming for recently. She also has a head but no arms. I originally wanted her to have arms raised in the "Exalted Prayer" position but when I started to add them I found she was getting away from me. I guess she just wanted to pray with her wings. Hhhmmm.
Upper center is an amethyst ring with a clear bubble over poked Terra. The Terra glass turned pale shades of green.
Upper right are a couple of booboos that should not be in the photo.
Center right is Holstein the Turtle. Holstein like the cows - get it? Hehhehheh. He's cute.
Lower right are 2 Nebula beads from the tutorial in the ISGB's magazine. The lower, smaller one was made just as the tut outlined and the upper one was encased in clear before the final ends were added. I just couldn't keep the pitting out of the center no matter how much I preheated my marver.
Lower center was a group of beads I made when I sat at the torch and didn't know what I wanted to do. I usually sit down with at least an outline of a plan. Something that's been on my mind for a while, or something I saw during the day that inspired me. But this day I just wanted to do something mindless. So I picked 2 colors - pale emerald and medium amethyst and just did it. The two booboos in the upper right were part of this session. The long thin one was going to be a bi-color Goddess. I still have one of those in my head so look for one soon.
Look for me at The Arts Market of New Orleans, this Saturday, July 26, 2008, 10 am to 4 pm, Palmer Park, S. Carrollton and S. Claiborne Aves Uptown. I hope to see ya there. Till then - Flame On!

Fresh From the Flames

Clicking on the images will take you to a larger version in my Picasa Album...

From Fresh From th...

Red Fish - Front View

From Fresh From th...

Red Fish - Side View
I had so much fun making this Red Fish. He's a hollow bead from transparent red with Raku frit. Fins are transparent red to transparent orange to transparent yellow. His eyes are aqua (of course LOL). Next time you see him he will be wired with fine silver and few Swarovski crystals and hanging from a chain. I think he would look grand as a fanpull.

From Fresh From th...

Here's a little green turtle. I think at least once every market someone asks for a turtle. I can't believe it took me so long to get to making one. He was so easy and fun. What he lacks in size he makes up for in cuteness.

From Fresh From th...

Blonde Goddess - She's a little curvier than the Goddesses I usually make. I was trying for even rounder hips but this is what she demanded to look like.
Don't forget - My next market is The Arts Market of New Orleans, Saturday, July 26, 2008, 10 am to 4 pm, Palmer Park, S. Carrollton and S. Claiborne Aves in Uptown. I hope to see ya there.
Till later - Flame On!

Fresh From the Flames

Top left is a ring in red with a Double Helix Terra bubble. Top right is an aqua fish. I think he is destined for greatness as a fan pull. Lower right is Roses on Ivory - 4 lentils and 2 rondells. I'm thinking earrings and bracelet for a young lady. Lower left is a landscape heart. It was going to be a flat landscape but it kept pulling down so I finally stopped fighting it and let it be a heart.
Those of you that are familiar with my Goddesses will find that I'm dabbling with making her a little rounder. I love the ancient Goddess figures such as the Willendorf with her big beautiful rounded body. So look for some like that soon. Also I'm working on a turtle figure, for those that have asked for it.
I'm hoping to learn something about new classes at NOCGI around July 12th. Look for a week for the kids and more classes for the adults. Don't forget, I'm always available for a private torch session in my home studio.
My next market is The Arts Market of New Orleans, Saturday, July 26, 2008, 10 am to 4 pm, Palmer Park, S. Carrollton and S. Claiborne Aves in Uptown. I hope to see ya there.
Till later - Flame On!

Art Market of New Orleans Saturday, June 28

From Fresh From th...

DebiDeaux Designs will be at the Art Market of New Orleans in Palmer Park on Saturday, June 28, 2008, 10am to 4pm in the usual spot.
I've made lots of new beads this past month, many to be sold loose. I have added a few more rings to the collection. I've also expanded my selection of earrings especially the ever popular flower drops in some requested colors. I just love those bead pens. I'm tempted to keep one for myself.

The Art Market is celebrating the return of the streetcar to the traditional route and will be hosting a special ceremony to welcome it back.
There will be oral histories by conductors and an exhibit of vintage photographs.

The Porta-Puppet Players present Vatican Lokey in “Dr. Seuss on the Loose” at 10:30 am in the Kids Tent. Puppet making crafts after the show. Also, streetcar storytelling and coloring in the Carrollton Area Network booth.

Live performances in the Music Tent by Loose Marbles at 1:00 pm, followed by the Kaya Martinez Quartet at 2:30 pm.

I hope to see you there. Please mention that you read my blog and get 10% off your purchase.

Till tomorrow - Flame On!

Fresh From the Flames

Okay, maybe not so fresh...
My apologies to my dear readers for not posting for so long. My only excuse is that I've been concentrating on my art and not my computer. And now on to the beads...
Upper left is the large layered bead I made in my class a few weeks ago. Next to it is another that I was trying to duplicate the first.
Upper right are some rings I made with my new extra large mandrel. The size is 9 1/2. I think they make nice thumb rings.
Upper center is several bead sets that you will probably find in the loose bead sale bin, except I might make a bracelet from the orange and magenta set.
Front center is a garden full of flowers. You'll notice they are in sets of two - I will be making earrings from them.
This Saturday, June 28 at Palmer Park is my next market. The streetcar is also having a big grand opening that day. So it should be a great time for all. Mention that you read about it in my blog and get 10% off your purchase.
Till then - Flame On!

Art Market - Saturday, May 31, 2008

This Saturday, May 31 is the Arts Market of New Orleans in Palmer Park. I'll be in my usual spot. I've got lots of new pieces. I've added some cool new wine stoppers to my line. I'm working on some new rings and lots of cool new earrings. Be sure to stop by to see me.
Special - mention this blog and you'll receive 10% off your total purchase!
Till next time - Flame On!

Fresh From the Flames

From Fresh From th...

I'm still stuck on hearts and flowers. Now I'm adding ruffles and encasing dichroics. The large bead in center right was made in my class a few weeks ago for demonstration purposes. I usually give my demo beads to my students but when no one asked for it, I really took a liking to it and am thinking of stringin it up to the fan in my studio. This bead has 3 layers of encasing. The first layer is the core and green frit. The next is over the vine cane and the last is dichro chips, millifiore, and rose canes. The yellow bead was just a color and encasing experiment.
The flower beads on the center left were also an experiment. Both have small imperfections and the lower one lost a petal while cleaning it. The ruffles are something I've done lots of but for some reason I seem to be having trouble getting them right.
NOCGI has a glass demo tomorrow night. Aedh Carrick will be demonstrating hot sculpting techniques in glass Friday, May 16 6:30pm till 8:30pm.
Till later - Flame On!

Fresh From the Flames

From Fresh From th...

Hearts, flowers and seashells - does that show where my brain has been lately? The barrel in the upper left has a few dichro chips in it. There's a nice glow that doesn't show in the photo. I don't know where I'm going with the flower. I've got quite a little pile of them now. I think I'm working up to something a bit more complex. I saw a step by step somewhere once where they made all the petals first then attached them to a bead. She made some very beautiful roses this way. I think I'll give it a try.
Till later - Flame On!

Fresh From the Flames and Art Market in Palmer Park

From Fresh From th...

You've seen some of these before. The layered dots in white, blue and green heart, and the head for the kiddle was done a while back. Upper left, beached heart. Lower left multi layered crunch (you won't see this one for sale cuz I noticed what looks like a hairline crack in it). Center left, 2 wicked dark amethyst hearts.
I've added several earrings and bracelets to my show inventory this week, including the ever popular cocktails. I am currently working on a multi colored necklace that I'm hoping to finish for the show (or possibly at the show).
I hope to see you at the Art Market of New Orleans in Palmer Park tomorrow, 10am to 4pm. There's a great lineup as usual and you'll find me in my same spot.
Till later - Flame On!

Fresh From the Flames & Yard Sale

From Fresh From th...

Oops, I'm a day late on this one. I took the pics and forgot to upload them. I can't say I'm terribly impressed with any of them anyway. Maybe it was a Freudian thing.
I played around with flowers and ladybugs. All on 1/16 mandrels. The yellow flower came out nice except for one of the stamens popped off. All the ladybugs came out nice but none turned out the same.
I will be hosting a yard sale this Saturday. So, anyone in the neighborhood, stop on by. I plan on putting on a spread and chilling some beers. So, even if we don't sell much at least we'll enjoy it. C'mon down.
Till later and Flame On!

Fresh From the Flames

From Fresh From th...

I sure did miss my torch for those 2 weeks that my oxycon was down. I got a new Devilbiss from Pyronamix and I'm quite happy to be back in the fire. For the record this new oxycon seems to be a bit steadier and more consistent flow.
The knobs are some color tests for a custom order for a lady rebuilding in St. Bernard. The Beadcap complements one of the ones from a few weeks ago in my Happy Hearts series. I'm going to put them together in a multi-strand necklace.
The blue and white heart was a test from the Deanna Griffin Dove book, "Dots, Dots, Dots". The one in the book was an oversized bead. I just wanted to do something with the heart mandrel.
Yes, those are martini and cosmo beads. I've had so many requests for them that I've decided to make a few more. Besides, I'm not so bored with them anymore.
Just above the cocktails is my newest series that I am tentatively calling "Gumbo YaYa" because it is a "gumbo" of techniques. "YaYa", just cuz I've always liked the word. You can't really see in the pic the true depth of the bead. It is a dark ivory base with chunks of dichro covered with various murrini, rose cane and millefiori, and then encased in clear. It looks pretty neat but I think I'm gonna play with the technique a bit more.
Just to the upper left of that one is 2 test beads - a base of periwinkle with opal yellow and purple blended stringers encased in clear.
Yesterday was the last day of French Quarter Fest. Bob and I cruised around for a while and enjoyed the sights and sounds and of course the eats. We stopped by Bodacious Beads on our way through the French Market. It was such a pleasure to meet the brilliant glass master, Jan Burrows! It was the highlight of my day.
Till later - Flame On!

Thanks for a great Fest! & New Class

Old Algiers Riverfest was a great success! Thanks to all the friends and neighbors that helped to make it so.
My oxygen concentrator died on me and I'm waiting on a new one to be delivered. I'm missing the flame so much, I'm seriously considering digging out the old hot head. I should anyway so I can remember how to describe the difference to my class.
This Thursday is the last class for this group. I'm looking forward to starting a new class soon. If you've been thinking about it, think no longer - Give Jenny a call - 504.482.6003. For more info see the link in the sidebar or click http://www.debideaux.com/classes.html
Till later - Flame On!

Old Algiers Riverfest

I'm getting ready for the Old Algiers Riverfest.
It will be both Saturday, April 5 and Sunday, April 6 from 12 noon to 6 pm. The fest is held in the street across from the Old Courthouse on Patterson (river road). It's just a stone's throw from the Algiers Ferry Landing.
I'm hoping to see lotsa old friends and new. The music lineup sounds fantastic. The weather sounds like it will be great. Be there!
Flame On!

Art Market of New Orleans

Arts Market of New Orleans

An open air festival of creativity presented by the Arts Council of New Orleans
Saturday, March 2910:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Palmer Park
Corner of S. Carrollton and S. Claiborne
Admission is Free
Discover a market brimming with exciting pieces from the region's best artists. Showcasing painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, glass, jewelry, woodwork, and printmaking. Plus handmade clothing, soap, and more.
Your favorite local restaurants in our food village.
Live Music starting at 1:00 with Washboard Chaz
followed by Some Like it Hot at 2:30.
Live music sponsored by New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation and Renew Our Music.
Audubon ZOO Mobile visits at 10:30 a.m.
Followed by Animal Themed Kids Crafts all day.
Kid's area sponsored by Target.
Bring your Arts Council membership card and and get free refreshments in our new membership tent.

This announcement was taken from the email announcement by the Arts Council of New Orleans. I'll see you there! Flame On!

Fresh From the Flames

From Fresh From th...

From the top left - Pale emerald heart, 2 Cross My Happy Heart beads, Ocean Swirls focal and 2 spacers (can be found on sale at Etsy), pale emerald bead cap with roses and irises, lotsa spacers in lemon yellow and pale amethyst and a Fleur di Lis lentil bead.
I think I might have come to the end of this "Happy Heart" series. I wasn't real happy with the last several attempts. Someone else saw them and loved them, so maybe it's just me being too critical. Or maybe just bored with these colors. I am really liking that pale emerald and pale amethyst. The aqua and uranium yellow of the Ocean Swirls series makes me feel good, too.
Happy Spring and Flame On!

New Etsy Shop!

Yay! I finally got my Etsy shop started. I only have one item in it so far but will try to add something new every few days. I am more than willing to take requests, too. So if you've seen something in my Picasa Gallery that you like, please leave a comment with a description of the item and I will be sure to put it in my Etsy store. This was fun but I think I'll rather - Flame On!

Fresh From The Flame

From Fresh From th...

I'm still stuck on the Happy Hearts series. But I think it may be winding down. I'm not too happy with the lentils. I put a swirl under the heart but neither came out well. One you can't see under the heart and the other is too thick and started to melt into one blob. I do like the way the beadcap came out - green dots and red hearts. The large heart is turquoise with green dots topped with red.
The knobs are raku frit on transparent pale emerald. They have a nice glow.
I'm getting ready to start my shop on Etsy. I will start with just a few finished pieces of jewelry but hope to eventually include loose beads. Stay tuned for the news.
Till later - Flame On!

Arts Auction for Old Algiers Riverfest

I've agreed to donate one of my pieces to the charity auction for the Old Algiers Riverfest. I'm having a difficult time deciding what to donate. So I've decided to ask the blog reading world. If any out there intend to bid at the auction and you know of something I have that you would like to bid on, please leave a comment and let me know. I would like to make my decision by next Monday, March 17.
Thanks in advance for any considering this.

Fresh From the Flame

From Fresh From th...

I'm still stuck on the "Happy Hearts" theme. I really like the "cross my heart" beads. I think I'll make more of them. I also made a beadcap to go with the lentil beads. Can the heart shaped bead be called a bead? Hhhmmm, I'm not sure. I was going to keep going with the decorating on it and had to stop myself. The knobs were a request from a shopper at last month's Art Market of New Orleans. The next one is on Saturday, March 29th.
Till later - Flame On!

Fresh From the Flame

From Fresh From th...

I was thumbing through an old magazine a few days ago and came across a pic of an old Coke carton. It was painted bright red with bright yellow lettering. That image stuck in my head and I just had to let it out at the torch yesterday. I really like the way the colors pop. I am little disappointed in the pea green stripe though. It looks really washed out in the photo and it is washed out just not quite that bad. I'm gonna try it as the base color and the heart color next time.

Fresh From the Flame

From Fresh From th...

The heart bead is a cobalt blue base with pale rose covered in magenta (rose gold). I don't think I like this batch of RG much. It tends to be a bit cloudy and not nearly as brilliant as other batches. Next is the latest in the line of beadcaps I'm making for my line of tassel beads. Like last time, I think the rose gold dots are still a bit larger than I wanted. I'm thinking I might turn the colors around - orange base with magenta and green dots. To the right of the beadcap is a representation of a Turkish Evil Eye bead that was requested at my last show at the Art Market of New Orleans. My research shows that the blue is the most popular but that the yellow is also very prevalent. I really enjoyed making these so expect a few more. I'm thinking I will probably wander away from the traditional colors. Lower right and lower left corners are cobalt blue skull and pale emerald skull. The skulls were also a request. This time from one of my students. Look for the requested red soon. The rose on cobalt in the center was going to be another eye bead but the rose cane jumped into my hand and demanded to be used on the cobalt.
I seem to be stuck on the cobalt blue today so I think I'll head back to the studio and play with fire some more. Flame On!

Whoo... I finally got my 'puter reformatted. Yikes, those updates takes forever. It's already behaving better. Thank goodness. Now I'll have to spend less time on 'puter and have more time for Flame On!

'Puter's Going Down for a while...

Aaarrrggghhh!!! I can't get around it anymore. I'm gonna hafta reformat my 'puter. I will probably be out of touch for a short time. If you don't hear from me right away, be patient.
Oh, yeah... I've been clearing out my stash of beads and craft goodies and have put 2 and 1/2 pounds of Chinese Lampwork beads on eBay. Check it out.
Till later -
Flame On!

Fresh From the Flame

From Fresh From th...

The pups are for Jenny of NOCGI. They are supposed to be representitive of her dog Lola. Since I've never met Lola I made two to choose from. I'm not real happy with the one on the left. The eyes got a little wonky. On the lower right is a basic ivory rose bead. On the left is a rose stripe on pale emerald. The leaf, of course. Lower center is a bead cap. I am not real happy with this one. The rose dots came out too large. So I will make another with much smaller dots. I do like the way the colors came out on this one. These make wonderful tassels. Till later -
Flame On!

New Mandrels for NOCGI

I'm headed for NOCGI this morning. Jenny and I are gonna cut and grind some new mandrels for the classes. We worked out a new class schedule too. Look for me to post it soon.
My last 6 week class extended for 4 more classes. Yeeha! I so enjoy working with this bunch. We still have one torch open for any intermediate flameworkers. You should at least know your basic set up and safety and how to wind a bead on the mandrel. Most of the techniques in these classes will be students' choice. Call (504-482-6003) or email (jenny@nocgi.org) Jenny. She will work out a special deal for you.
I really liked that beadcap bead I made last week and think I will work on a series of those. I wish I'd gotten a pic before I gave it away. Bummer. Anyone got special color requests? Leave a comment and let me know.
Till later - Flame On!