Lake Erie Beach Glass

Lake Erie Beach Glass LEbg Cobalt Blue Heart

2011-07-19T14:58:00.000-07:00

Sea Glass, Beach Glass hearts are such special pieces to find. Often, collectors and artists will hold on to these treasures to add to their personal collection. Every once in a while you can find sea glass hearts offered for sale by the individual piece or by purchasing a beautiful piece of jewelry that was created from it. I happen to be commissioned to create a beautiful pendant out of a Cobalt Blue beach glass heart that was found by one of LEbg's own from Lake Erie. The following pictures will show you the progression, or steps it took to create the pendant from beginning to end.

This is what sterling silver looks like with fire scale on it. It is ready to be "pickled" in a solution that will remove the fire scale.

"The Finished Piece!"

This particulat pendant was created with a certificate of authenticity that I collaborated on with Justin Lazarz, an invaluable asset to LEbg. He is a dedicated graphic design artist who has excellant ideas but is open to indivuality as well. Check out his site by clicking on the certificate below. Thank you Justin!

Get Fit and Healthy with the help of a Fitness Professional...Josh Szymanowski

2011-04-14T15:55:00.000-07:00

I think many of us agree that being fit, losing weight, or being healthy in general is always on the back of our minds. For some, its in the front and nagging at us continually. Dieting and paying attention to the nutritional values of foods can be difficult, exhausting, and down right confusing. I struggled with losing weight and being healthy for years. I went from 115 pounds out of high shool and into my Freshman college years gaining at least 20 pounds. I started a family and gave birth to 4 lovely children. Recovering my weight and health had been difficult to say the least. I also developed GERD-Gastroesophageal reflux disease and at age 35 I weighed in at 155#. I decided to join a gym. Joining the gym alone did not give me much help. I began going regularly for about 2 weeks and then became infrequent to not going at all. I just couldn't do it by myself. So why do it by yourself?! I asked for help.

Becoming fit and healthy isn't a diet plan and it isn't an exercise plan. It is a lifestyle change. That is the first thing I learned. Secondly, having support is crucial to acheiving results. I'm talking about CONTINUED support. Someone who believes in you and what you can accomplish. Someone who has had similar experience and knowledge to help you acheive goals and someone who has enough grit and "stick to itness" to push you along or make changes as necessary. Josh Szymanowski has been that person for me. I know weigh about 125# with lean muscle. I feel energetic and happy and I no longer have GERD! Josh helped me devise a plan of fitness along with teaching me appropriate nutrition. He has continued to recheck my plans, offer advise, and help me make necessary adjustments. I am very greatful for his professional help and I reccomend him very highly. He is compassionate about health and fitness and has the drive and experience to help anyone achieve their appropriate fitness goals. So, a little bit more about Josh?

Here is his story:

"My name is Josh Szymanowski and I recently graduated from the Indiana University of Pennsylvanis with a bachelors' degree in Exercise Science. I am certified under the American College of Sports Medicine as a Health Fitness Specialist. I graduated from Girard High School where I played basketball and football. I was always active through sports so exercise and diet were not high on my priority list. Two years into my college career I had gained 55lbs and was completely out of shape. I knew I needed to make some changes in my life. I changed my major to Exercise Science and absorbed as much information as I could. The knowledge I gained of the body, nutrition, cardiovascular training, and resistance training combined to give me all the tools I needed to achievea healthier lifestyle and a healthier me. In about 14 months I lost 50lbs and 20% body fat while increasing lean muscle mass. I wish to share this knowledge with anyone willing to put the work in and help others achieve what I did. If you have motivation and an open mind...the sky is the limit."

I asked Josh what his goal was for the future. I have to admit for selfish reasons that I never want to lose my trainer...lol! His response was this, "My future goals are simple. Build my Advocare business to a level of income that frees up more time and allows me to be debt free and live life on my terms. This will allow me to put more time and effort into clients that really matter. The ones that are committed to their health and that need my help. I love what i do but working with people that are not committed is exhausting and takes away from those that are. I enoy more than anything the happiness and excitement people receive when they accomplish something they didnt think they could. Something that took blood sweat and tears to achieve. That is the most rewarding feeling I have ever felt. To be a part of changing someones life for the better is special and I never take it for granted.

If you are interested in having Josh help you with your fitness and nutritional needs you can contact him through Snap Fitness in Fairview or through his web site here....ADECIDEDHEART.COM. Thank you, Josh for everything you've helped me to achieve and to continue to maintain.

Adopt an Artist 18th Annual Art and More Auction!

2011-03-28T19:27:00.000-07:00

LEbg is proud to be a continueing contributor to the Adopt an Artist Art and More Charity Auction for Fairview Middle School. This year's event will be held Friday, April 1st, 2011 at The Lake Shore Country Club. Admission is Free with doors opening at 6:30pm to preview auction items and art. There is a cash bar with light appetizers, and a silent auction. The live auction will open with a live performance of speed painting to music at 7:00 p.m.

Lake Erie Beach Glass is donating a unique, handmade, genuine beach glass necklace and earrings set made by owner Jodie Pastor. This set features a beautiful and OLD piece of beach glass that has embedded seaweed and air bubbles. It has been mounted in a sterling silver prong set with matching handmade, textured, and antiqued links.
Come and support your local artists and the Fairview School District's Arts program, while enjoying an evening of artistic sights and sounds!

Hurry Hill Maple Farm Maple Syrup Tour 2011

2011-03-20T17:20:00.000-07:00

March 19th and 20th 2011 brought about that Spring feeling with our local Maple Syrup tours. By far, our favorite sap farm to visit and tour is Hurry Hill Maple Farm in Edinboro, Pa.
This beautiful farm, located at 11380 Fry Road, as ran by Janet Woods who has taken the task to continue her family's production of yummy maple syrup products.

Why is THIS farm our family favorite? Its because of Janet.

Janet is a retired school principal and her social personality and knowledge is remarkable. Children and adults alike are attracted to her positive energy and the welcome feeling that shines through the entire farm and its volunteers. Janet provides a spacious and free roaming adventure upon arrival. Tractor hayrides and sometimes horses too, will take you back on a trail through the tall tapped Maple trees and leads right up to the sugar shack. There is a welcome tent for visitors with FREE hot maple chocolate to drink and other maple product samplings. Delicious Smith hot dogs are always available for sale and there is a tent for the little ones where they can sit and listen to stories be told. The sugar shack is an educational site where Janet gives a historical and informational talk about the Native Americans, the colonists, the history of the farm, and demonstrates how the syrup is made right there in front of an anticipating crowd. Little ones are drawn in and always full of questions. Janet engages them by involving them with hands on demonstrating and tasting, or course.

The boys scouts also have a demonstration on the premises utilizing a large black kettle and cooks the sap in similar fashion to what the Native Americans and colonists would have.

Upon conclusion at the sugar shack, one can take another hay ride back to the main house and museum or walk the beautiful path lined with blue bird houses. The museum is set up to be hands on and kid friendly with several stations of games and art projects. Maple products are offered for sale here as well.

Janet is open on Sundays until December where you can visit the museum from 2-5 and even get your own personal tour. It is a really nice family oriented day for something fun to do!

Earth Day Eco Etsy Auction Soon To Be Here!

2011-03-02T16:49:00.000-08:00

Spring is arriving! I can feel it! February has come and gone and March certainly has made its lion like appearance here in Erie Pa. With Spring the new beginings of nature begin to poke their little heads up from the slumbering earth. And with the awakening of the earth comes the time for EARTH DAY!

What IS Earth Day anyway? Earth Day is a day to promote awareness, to show appreciation, and to spark an action of good for the Earth's environment. It will be held on 22 April, 2011 this year.

With the upcoming event this year Eco Etsy, a team of crafters and artisans with a focus on using recycled and/or upcycled materials in their projects will hold their 2nd Annual Handmade Earth Day Auction begining the first week of April. As a team, Eco Etsy will be participating by donating the proceeds of out auction to an earth conscious non-profit organization. The voting for this organization is occuring this week and the results will be posted on the Eco Etsy blog site soon!

Each Monday for the first 3 weeks in April an auction will be presented for bidding on the Eco Etsy team blog (http://blog.ecoetsy.com/). The auction for that day will contain the entire grouping of items pertaining to that category. Bids may be left throughout that week in the comments box of that category's blog post in the same manner as last year. The auction will be open for the entire week and closed on the following Monday as the new auction is revealed. The three auctions are as follows:
• April 4th- Home - home related items
• April 11th- For You - anything that goes on a person's body
• April 18th- For Kids - kid related items

Lake Erie Beach Glass is proud to be offering items for auctions being held April 11th and April 18th.

Please check out Eco Etsy's blog for additional information and other eco minded tips, ideas, and items for sale.

Cleveland Handmade's Last Minute Market a Success!

2011-01-07T16:00:00.000-08:00

I have to give a lot of credit to "SMASHING"

otherwise known as Kathy of our Etsy team, Cleveland Handmade. It takes a lot of time and effort to organize shows such as the LMM...Last Minute Market.

She did a fantastic job and I thought it was a lot of fun to both participate in and shop!

Many vendors set up shop for one day in Lakewood's Screw Factory on the east side of Cleveland to showcase their wares.

The old warehouse building was unexpectantly huge and full of other local artists studios
as well as a floor of old antique cars!
There was plenty to see and to do. Thank you to all who participated and to all who came to take a look!

Black Friday and Cyber Monday Shopping Lake Erie Beach Glass Style!

2010-11-25T16:29:00.000-08:00

Wow! I am constantly surprised by how many custom orders I receive. I have so much inventory stock to list, I find myself a bit overwhelmed and not enough help to get them all visible to you! Regardless of how much I am able to list, I have decided to run a sale from Black Friday through Cyber Monday in my Etsy store at http://www.etsy.com/shop/lakeeriebeachglass . I would be HAPPY to offer 10% off ANY item/items in my Etsy store at this time. Upon check out, just simply type in the coupon offer code CyberMonday2010 and Etsy will calculate the discount for you!

Here is what I've been up to in the area of custom orders...

Have a safe weekend and remember to enjoy the time you have with family! :0)

NEW "CHARMING" Beach Glass Necklaces for Waterford Heritage Days!

2010-07-10T13:47:00.000-07:00

Waterford Heritage Days Festival is coming up fast and I am SOOOOO NOT ready for it! I am way understocked so am hitting the block as fast as I can hammering out findings and creating new pieces. Today I was able to create 6 brand new "CHARMING" necklaces. I love these necklaces and they are an great seller. The idea of the necklace is to be able to slide the charms on and off as you please, creating several different necklaces in one! I provide three charms per necklace and they can be worn as singles, doubles, or all three at once. Hope you like what you see!

Green Machine Etsy Teams!

2010-04-30T13:19:00.000-07:00

Every since I found Etsy, an online venue selling handmade and vintage items, I have been ecstatic! I simply LOVE Etsy and communities that have developed within. I belong to several teams that have formed based on commonalities or focuses in life. We share the same ideas and thus support and help promote each other. I am very proud to be a member of all of my teams, but a few were mentioned most recently in a wonderfuly written Storque article. Please follow the link HERE to see the original article that features Eco Etsy, Trashion Team, and The Etsy Recycler's Guild.

The Etsy Recycler's Guild will be featured on Craftopolis begining May 2 - July 12!

To see some of our team blogs, just click on our logos below! :0)

http://clevelandrocksetsy.blogspot.com/

http://etsyrecyclersguild.blogspot.com/

http://blog.ecoetsy.com/

Custom Order Jewelry using YOUR OWN Beach Glass!

2010-04-23T12:42:00.001-07:00

I have been doing custom orders for a very long time now and my most recent project involved using some of my customer's own finds. Making a piece of jewelry or art using the pieces you find can be very special and rewarding. It can however, be a challenge. Not all pieces of beach glass are well suited to specific styles of jewelry, like bezel setting.

The pieces that were used were a challenge due to the size of the pendant and the curved shapes and surfaces of the earrings. Most pieces that I choose to bezel are flat on the bottom, more uniform in shape, and with as little curves as possible. These aren't cabachon's that you would buy at a bead store or make with dichro or fused glass. Those forms seat very easily into a bezel cup or custom made bezel cup. The differing heights and slopes of beach glass make the custom bezel a challenge and a purchased bezel cup near impossible. So, here is the finished product and I hope my customer is happy with her pieces!

The third piece is wire wrapped in sterling silver and is much more accomodating to the random curves that natural beach glass developes. :0)

On a side note, I want to thank Justin Lazarz for doing an awesome job on redisigning my business cards! Justin is a Senior student at Edinboro University and is majoring in graphic design. He's also an excellant black belt in Tae Kwon Do at Park's Tae Kwon Do in Erie, Pa. Thanks again Justin!

2009 Lake Erie Beach Glass Year In Review

2010-04-15T18:23:00.000-07:00

Thank you, Jason for setting up this You Tube Video for me!

My son has been a tremendous help to me! My life seems to keep getting busier and busier and I haven't had time to complete some things, like my yearly you tube video. He has graciously taken on some of my roles. Here is the result...

2010 Let's get back to Glassing!

2010-03-13T09:14:00.000-08:00

Wow! It has been a REALLY long time since I've posted anything to the blog. I appologize! First, Let me say that the 2009 Sea Glass Festival was awesome but very exhausting. I found that I really needed to take a break for glassing for a little while, regroup, and then come back to it fresh minded. What better way for me to get back into creating then to be contacted by our Fairview Middle Schoolto contribute a piece to the yearly Adopt An Artist program.

The auction was held Friday March 5th at The Lake Shore Country club and featured the live performance of artist Molly Glover. Molly's performance captivated the audience as she painted the portrait of Albert Einstein on a 4 x 6 foot canvas in just under 3 minutes. Her piece sold for over $2,000.00 that night! Way to go Molly! For those of you who may be new to Molly's art, she is a beautiful young teenager who paints these beuatiful portraits usine her hands while listening to music!

My donated piece is the first in my spring line of Sea Flora. Although my piece did not auction for $2,000.00 I was pleased with its performance any way!

Here is to a new year of happiness and plenty of glassing!

LAKE ERIE LIVING MAGAZINE, The Sea Glass Festival, and little ole me.

2009-10-02T07:46:00.000-07:00

This year has been flying by and I've been feeling pulled in so many directions that my brain is just about to go on the fritz and over load. Whew! It is almost over! All though I am looking forward to the sea glass festival, I will be relieved when it is over and I'll be able to relax some more. I'm sure all the other glassers out there are feeling the same way. It's nerve racking but at the same time so very exciting to be pariticpating in this huge festival.

I was interviewed several months ago by Lake Erie Living Magazine and then photographed for the magazine at the beach in Geneva, Ohio. My hands seemed to be what made the article but the article turned out very well done. When I saw that the article had hit the stands, my anxiety level went up slightly as I am realizing that the festival will be here in TWO weekds! Yes! Two weeks! Ahhhh!

I have so much work to do! I still need to create more pieces for the festival and booth design? I have NO idea what I'm going to do for that yet. I suppose I need to set a mock up and tweak. My husband will be thrilled when he comes home to see the mock up all set in the family room. Oh well, it must be done!

I also don't want to neglect my gallery owners and need to give them both a little love and attention. Kada gallery in Erie has an upcoming gallery night on October the 9th so I will focus on them first. Hopefully I can get some new desings in there of which I also plan on presenting at the festival. Kada is an awesome gallery for Erie. Joe and Kathy D'Angelo are some of the kindest people I've ever met and they really do care about their artists.

So, in retrospect I guess I need to get off the computer and start working on more jewelry! :0)

I MADE ETSY'S ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY GUIDE!

2009-09-24T12:21:00.000-07:00

I can not even begin to tell you how excited I am to find that I made the front page of today's (September 24th, 2009) Environmetally Friendly Guide on ETSY! I had just listed that ring only an hour prior to the guide's posting. Etsy is such a wonderful on-line venue for both artists AND for those who are just looking for handmade or vintage items. I have fallen in love with Etsy.

Maker's marks are the company stampings or logos that you would find underneath your china and pottery plates, cups, and saucers. They are amoung a favorite of mine to find when beach combing the shores of Lake Erie.

This particular piece was set in a sterling silver bezel with an adjustable band. It turned out awesome! I plan on taking it to KADA Gallery in Erie, Pa. where I have several pieces of my work on hand. I'm just wondering if Kathy, the gallery owner will become the new owner of this piece because if you know Kathy you know she has a soft spot for rings! :0)

Several other great items that are eco friendly also share the lime light! Go ahead and click on them if you find one of interest to you. :0)

The Eco Friendly Way Of Obtaining "The Mother Load Of Envelopes!"

2009-09-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

I woke up a little early today due to a nuisance of a cat meowing at the top of his lungs to be let out. There he was at 5am sitting at the window and again shortly after 6. We do not let our cat out of the house but he does try and can be very sneaky at times. He is a beautiful all black Siamese mix and well, that makes his meow quite loud. Any how, after sending him down to the basement and finally falling back asleep, my daughter's alarm went off at 7:00! Can I catch a break today at all? So, I'm up! I'm up I say!

I made myself some much needed coffee and sat down to read the threads in many of the on-line groups that I belong to. I came to one thread in particular in my Eco Etsy group that made me smile from ear to ear! I loved the ideas that my fellow Eco friends were posting that I thought I would share them here as well. Who would have thought about recycling envelopes in these ways?!

Idea No. 1:
"Recently, I've come to be the owner of a huge amount of used envelopes and bubble mailers and wanted to share how I got them, in case any of you also have this opportunity."

"My husband went to a local indie type of radio station here in town to do an interview last week. I told him to ask them for bubble mailers while he was there, because I've seen them post on freecycle that they save all envelopes they receive demo CD's in, which get mailed to them every day."

"Sure enough, they showed him boxes full of envelopes. All sizes, shapes, types, you name it. They gave him a garbage bag and told him to have at it. And like a good husband, he took them all and brought them home to me."

"Call your local radio station and ask them if they save their envelopes, and if you can come pick them up! Or better yet, tell your husband to do it for you! Who needs flowers and chocolate when you can have a garbage bag full of bubble mailers instead, right!?"

Jennifer
iwunder.etsy.com

Idea No. 2:

"We've been dumpster diving for a couple of years now at Home Goods. I spoke to the manager about bubble wrap because they throw out bag fulls each day. She said - anytime you want some - just go around to the back and have fun!
Joel and I have brought home SOOOOOOOOOOOOO much of it which we use to wrap all our clipboards, etc that go out.
But wow......... a radio station for bubblewrappers is such an awesome tip!
Thanks a million!"

Debby
Dinner Time Chimes
Buffalo Gal's Soap

Idea No.3:
"<> I also dumpster dive at the post office. I totally go to the trash can by the PO boxes and sift through the trash, people dump their junk mail (usually unopened) all the time. You know all those things you get in the mail asking you for money? They all have a return envelope inside. Yes, I take those. I cover the writing with stickers and whatnot and use them for mailing. And I give them to my husband to use to make his daily bank deposits. Why not, right?"

"And I sometimes find manila envelopes in that trash can as well, or boxes sitting beside the trash can. I try not to be too obvious about it but I am such an envelope fiend it is not even funny. I haven't bought envelopes of any sort in years."

Jennifer
iwunder.etsy.com

...And, ask at your local library! They get lots
of books in bubble mailers.

Eco Etsy is a wonderful group of artists and eco consciouse men and women who are full of awesome tips and merchanidise for sale with the intent on being eco friendly! Check out our Eco Etsy Blog here!

HERITAGE Studio and Gallery is now OPEN!

2009-08-04T13:40:00.000-07:00

I have recently been approached by Amy of Heritage Studio and Gallery in Canal Fulton to be a part of their family of artists. The opening reception was held Friday , July 31st and was an absolute success! All of the hard work that both Amy and David (the owners) put into this facility really paid off. The gallery is just beautiful and the event was a lot of fun.

I was so pleased to find that their were 3 other artists from my own Etsy Street Team, CLEVELAND HANDMADE, that were participating. Joining me at Heritage is Chris Zielski of Copper Leaf Studios, Gina DeSantis, and Melissa Muir!What an awesome representation of Cleveland area artists.

Heritage Studios and Gallery is located at:
2381 Locust Street #3
Canal Fulton, Oh. 44614
#330-819-4268

LIVE STRONG ~ Tour De West County July 25th 2009

2009-07-27T08:42:00.000-07:00

Tour De West County is an annual family geared fundraiser for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. The goal of the event is to raise awareness and to help others liveSTRONG with cancer. This year's event was held July 25th at Pleasant Ridge Park in Fairview, Pennsylvania.

The event kicks off at 8:30am with a 25 and 50 mile bike tour and several other shorter rides geared towards families with young ones. The rides are followed by a fun family expo including a dunking booth, bike polo, frisbee dogs, and many more demonstrations and attractions. Plenty of food and drink will be available and a silent auction featuring an autographed guitar by Grammy award winning Pat Monahan of Train!

This year's LEbg contribution to the event is an entirely handmade toggle front necklace featuring rare yellow beach glass. The toggle is inscribed with LIVE STRONG.

Other artist's works will be available for bid as well as day spa packages and other items of interest. For more information regarding the annual Tour De West County event please visit the site here.

C TOWN BEAUTIES! Cleveland Revisited

2009-06-12T08:16:00.000-07:00

I love living right smack in the middle between three great cities: Buffalo, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland! I would say that Cleveland is my favorite, though. She has a special place in my heart and I enjoy visiting her on a regular basis. I was taken a bit by surprised, the other day, when I read a post in virtual land regarding Cleveland as a dirty trash pit and the Cuyahoga River fire was specifically mentioned. It is true, Cleveland has had its problems (as well as many other cities) and the lake as well. However, we have come a long long way since that disaster and are continuing to beautify and take care of our beautiful Cleveland and abundant lake!

In fairness, a little history needs to be brought to the fore front. The year was 1969 when the Cuyahoga River, which is a main tributary river flowing through Cleveland, Ohio had caught fire. Industrial pollution that had been dumped into the stream had become so thick that the flame retardant quality of water was overcome. The entire country seemed to turn its noses up at us with jokes about planting grass on the lake to make it a golf course and one-liners about using the mercury saturated fish as thermometers. What was once the most productive fresh water fishing grounds bountiful with sturgeon know was a desolate waste land.

During the 70's groups of environmentalists,government municipalities,industries, and many many caring volunteers began to help Lake Erie and Cleveland come back to life. Those results are evident today with the numerous amount of sport fishing that takes place nearly year round on the lake and rivers. I implore you to come take a look for yourself. The Lake has beautifully clean beaches open to swimming, tasty, clean, fresh fish caught from her waters and served to you from the beautiful city of Cleveland. I love my Cleveland and hope you will come visit her and fall in love with her, too!

This is my Etsy Tribute to my fellow Cleveland Artists who love Cleveland as much as I do! They see the beauty of Cleveland and continue to make efforts to keep her a clean and beautiful place to live.

LEMONADE! LEMONADE! 25 CENTS!

2009-05-27T05:59:00.000-07:00

Do you remember when you were a kid and you wanted to build your own lemonade stand, make some lemonade, and make a whole lot of money so you could go to the toy store and buy your favorite toy? After my little girls came to me in wind storm of excitement over their newly discovered and unique idea, the memories came flooding back to me. For me, it was those plastic little hasbro ponies with the big eyes, colorful hair, and pretty little symbols on their rump! Yes! You got it! My Little Pony from the good ole 80's. I am dating myself and I digress a bit but am jerked back to the present with little hands pulling on my shirt and bringing me out of the clouded world of memory.

"Why not?", I thought! So, the girls and I went to my husband (the handy wood crafting guy) to see what he had for scraps to make a lemonade stand! The girls helped put the stand together and even created and painted the designs on it! The older two also helped but don't corner them and ask because they'll never admit it!

So, the final product was ready for its curb side trial. All that was needed to complete the project was the lemonade and a trusty little jar to hold the profits!

Look at how well the girls did! They enjoyed themselves so much and our community was extremely supportive! I'm just glad that our township officials didn't stop by to ask us for our permit! Eeeek!

PULL TOGETHER ERIE! Review of the Erie Yacht Club Benefit for Pennsylvania's Flagship Niagara

2009-05-06T06:04:00.000-07:00

What a well attended event to benefit the Niagara! I was excitingly surprised to see the local support of the Brig come together at the Erie Yacht Club on Tuesday evening May the 5th. It was very surreal to see that the tall ship had indeed made it's maiden voyage and docked at the club with its beautiful, "Don't Give Up The Ship!" flag blazing wildly in the wind. How many opportunities to you get to see and touch such an icon of beauty? I was blessed to get the chance to view her at this benefit.

Ever since the PA Historical and Museum Commission decided to cut funding for the Niagara sailing program, volunteers, yachtsmen, sailors, citizens, and people of all walks of life have become concerned that the ship will not sail and her demise would be eminent with time. The Erie Yacht Club is the first to come to her side by offering the, "Pull Together Erie!" benefit and live auction for this unique tall ship.

The local TV stations were present for full coverage as well as many locally known political candidates,socialites,doctors,lawyers,businessmen, and the concerned community. We were all enlightened as to the exact problem that is occurring with funding, what has been done and achieved thus far, and notified of future plans to help raise funding for the brig.

The program was supposed to open with remarks by Mayor Joseph Sinnott who conveniently was not able to attend at a last moment's notice. Being very disappointed I am not surprised since the Mayor is the one who has proposed the 170Mill spending through out the city of Erie without one lick of it going toward the ship! For myself, and I am sure others, this is yet another demonstration of his lack of concern for our local icon. (I wish to say more about this but will hold my tongue!)

What did I learn from the benefit and can share with you?
The US Brig Niagara is a coast guard approved Sailing School Vessel! Plans are in place for students to earn school credit while sailing and working the vessel for a two week period of time. (Makes me wish I were in school again!) Of the one million dollar needs of the brig, $800,000.00 is used for the overall maintenance of the vessel itself. It takes about 30 volunteers (NON PAID) to man the crew of the Niagara. The brig brings in 10's of thousands of dollars in revenue when it travels to other ports with 2 hour long lines of people who are excited to board and tour this historical reminder that, "We have met the enemy and they are ours!". **Of the funds collected only $250,000 more is needed to save this ship!**

This remaining portion of funding will hopefully come from corporations, granting institutions, special events, and caring individuals of the Erie community and across the nation.

HOW CAN YOU HELP SUPPORT THE FLAGSHIP NIAGARA?
1) Outright Donations: When making outright donations to the ship they are put to work in preparing the ship as an educational and training platform for the people of Erie, as well as representing our city in both American and foreign ports. Pledges for periods of up to three years are welcome.

Securities are also accepted as donations and can be valuable for tax-planning purposed.

As individuals, outright tax deductible donations can be made. Many local corporations have pledged to match these donations such as PNC, General Electric, Mellon Financial Corporation and Exxon-Mobile.

2)Join the Flagship Niagara League.
3)Donate via Facebook.
4)Purchase "KEEP NIAGARA SAILING" tokens at area businesses for personal use or resale.

Companies can support the ship with outright donations and becoming a corporate member.

To Learn More, PLEASE contact the Flagship Niagara League:
Ms. Julie Wagner
150 East Front Street, Suite 100
Erie, Pennsylvania 16507
#814-452-BRIG (2744) Ext.222

Thank you for all who attended this event and to those who have contributed and who will contribute to this cause in the future. The Erie Yacht Club was able to raise over $30,000 from this event!

Let's keep the cause going and, "DON'T GIVE UP THE SHIP!"
Photos are property of CMS, The US Brig Niagara League, John Baker-ship Photographer, and The Erie Maritime Museum.

ERIE YACHT CLUB Charity Regatta Event To Support THE BRIG NIAGARA!

2009-04-21T08:27:00.000-07:00

The Erie Yacht Club will be hosting an evening reception and charity regatta to help support the Brig Niagara. This "PULL TOGETHER ERIE" benefit is set for Tuesday, May 5th, and is open to the public. This "Pull Together" event will be the first of two events to be held by the Yacht Club for the Brig.

PULL TOGETHER ERIE will be an evening cocktail reception that will commence at 6:00 p.m. in the Grill Room of the Erie Yacht Club. The evening will include a cash bar with Hor d'ouerves, a silent auction of Flagship Niagara artwork, and a keynote address from the noted maritime historian and Senior Captain of the Flagship Niagara, Walter Rybka. Local politicians and area business leaders are expected to be on hand. The evening will conclude around 8:30. A suggested donation of $10 per person is strongly encouraged by the organizers.

The first annual FLAGSHIP NIAGARA REGATTA will be held on August 9th. The regatta will actually use the Niagara as the committee boat with the entire EYC racing fleet sailing around the ship that will be docked in the middle of Presque Isle Bay. The Erie Yacht Club has extensive experience conducting charity regattas, some of which have raised funds in excess of $50,000 for the non-profit benefactor for a single day event.

The Erie Yacht Club is proud to be an eager supporter of the Flagship Niagara. Many of us who appreciate the Brig's important part of the community are very grateful to the Erie Yacht Club for its efforts in supporting the ship. I you, as a reader, also want to help support this ship but are unable to attend either of these events, please consider signing a petition that will be sent to Governor Rendell, the members of the Pennsylvania Legislature, and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission to help keep the Flagship Niagara sailing and preserve her sailing programs.

BRIG NIAGARA PETITION

For further information on the Erie Yacht Club events please contact the following:

Erie Yacht Club
Mr. Douglas Boldt, Event Chair and EYC Board of Directors
T: 814-602-1554
E: douglas@boldt.us

Flagship Niagara League
Mr. Brian Scott, Board Chair
T: 814-440-4084
E: bscott8@adelphia.net

Presque Isle State Park Spring Clean Up!

2009-04-17T16:24:00.000-07:00

Its that time of year again! The sun stays out longer, the leaves start unfolding, and the flower begin to bud. Every year after the harsh storms of winter have passed it leaves quite a large amount of debris and trash on the shores. This year's clean up at Presque Isle State Park will be held April 25th from 9am - 1pm. (Stay longer if you want to!) The Presque Isle staff, The United Way, and Take Pride in America will be hosting the event. Registration will begin at 9:00 am at the Rotary Pavilion. There will be food provided and door prizes at 12:00 pm. Make sure you are prepared for our Erie weather and bring a long the kids! This is a wonderful event to involve kids of all ages and organizations!

Lake Erie Beach Glass and family will be out and about on the beaches of the park a long side other volunteers who care about keeping the beaches clean. If you are local or maybe even live a bit further away, we would love to see you help out. If you spot one of us, make sure you stop and say hi!

Erie's Brig Niagara, "DON'T GIVE UP THE SHIP!"

2009-04-01T10:21:00.000-07:00

I was so saddened to see the headliner of The Erie Times News last Wednesday, March 25th that read, "Plans for U.S. Brig Niagara's sailing season could be sunk." The large vessel that Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry once sailed during the war of 1812 has been sailing the Erie Bay and visiting ports all over Lake Erie and the Eastern Sea Board for a decade now. That battle turned the tide for the American Naval fleet who ended up winning the war. It's beauty and inspiration as you see it glide by the beaches in full sail is like no other. It takes your breath away. State government cuts threaten the brig's ability to sail and its future.

Many who live in Erie probably remember the brig when it was dry docked and viewable on land. It fell into disrepair and was almost completely lost. The restoration of the brig created excitement and hope. The brig IS a symbol of Erie and the Lake itself. In economically hard times, we need a symbol such as the brig and letting her go would be like giving up.

The brig needs 1 million dollars of funding for upkeep, maintenance, and sailing. It is currently docked at the Erie Maritime Museum, located on Erie's bayfront at 150 E. Front St. When docked, the ship is available for museum visitors to explore. What a wonderful opportunity to see the inside of the ship and to get an idea of what the men under Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry and Perry himself would have experienced while sailing the flagship.

One million dollars seems like a lot of money, I would agree. But, when I saw the very next day's headliner in the paper it didn't seem like such a large amount and I became angry. The headline reads, "Sinnott presents $170M wish list." The mayors wish list from the estimated $170 million stimulus funding does not include the Brig's mere 1 million. Instead the list includes renovations of Tullio Arena, Perry Square, Griswold Park, and a NEW EMTA garage among others. You mean to tell me that in this plan there isn't any room for 1 million to go toward the symbol of Erie?

It is my hope that as many citizens who love the brig as much as I do will become aware and get involved with saving our ship. There is a facebook page dedicated to the cause. Help us save the Brig Niagara. Let your thoughts and feelings be heard. Visit the cause site and remember, "DON'T GIVE UP THE SHIP!"

CLEVELAND HANDMADE~Spring Challenge Winners!

2009-03-22T15:40:00.000-07:00

The votes are in and have all been tallied! The winners of the Cleveland Handmade "SPRING CHALLENGE!" are:

FIRST PLACE:
Spring Fling Asymmetrical Earrings by SassyFrass

SECOND PLACE:
Alight by Smashing

and
THIRD PLACE:
Tulips by Photohale

Take a look at these shops and you'll find more awesome home made goodies by fabulous CLEVELAND are artists!

ETSY~CLEVELAND STREET TEAM SPRING CHALLENGE!

2009-03-19T10:17:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm a day too late for this one but at least I can post about it! The Cleveland Street Team is a group of local artisans that sell their handmade goods on Etsy. We have grouped together to help support, promote, and interact with each other. I am a proud member of this fabulous group.

This SPRING CHALLENGE was sent out to the members of the team to create something springy and have it voted on by the public. Here is a sampling of what was created. If you would like to take a peek and vote just follow the link here!

Here is a treasury sample full of Cleveland Handmade goodies titled, WEARIN THE GREEN!

Thank you Photohale for creating this beautifully green treasury!

LEbg SERENITY~ Art & More Auction to Benefit Fairview Middle School!

2009-02-27T12:01:00.000-08:00

Fairview Middle School's art department is gearing up for it's annual Art & More Auction. This art auction is a fundraiser to help aid and support the arts through hands-on classroom presentations, an annual artist in residence program, student artwork framing, the purchase of fine art prints, and to sponsor the Adopt An Artist program as well as many art-related field trips.

I am very excited and proud to have been asked to participate by submitting one of my own creations. SERENITY is the piece I have created specifically for this auction. It is comprised of a hand cut sterling silver diamond with circular cut out. The feature of the pendant holds a beautiful teal green piece of genuine sea glass found on Great Lake Erie that has been bezeled in the mixed metals of fine silver and copper. Decorative wire swirls accent the piece with a hammered texture. I can't wait to see how the piece is received at the auction which is to be held Friday, March 6, at the Lake Shore Country Club in Fairview, Pennsylvania.

zJayne ™ A Talented & Insiprational Artist & Friend!

2009-02-15T16:59:00.000-08:00

Have you ever come across someone that just makes you want to smile all the time? There are some in this world who have such a postive out look on life that it is reflected in their personality through every thing that they do. Their infectious and contagious nature draws you to them and their happiness overwhelms you. These are the kind of people you want as a friend. They inspire you and make you a better person, too.

I have such a friend. Her name is Jayne Pierce aka zJayne! I met Jayne on-line through eBay of all things. We were fellow artists who happen to join a group of artisans specifically creating ACEO (Art Cards Editions & Original) Art work! I was drawn to her art, purchased a few for my own collection, and began asking her questions. She has always been extremely helpful and has become a source of inspiration for me! Let me show you what I mean!

I love the originality that Jayne has put into these copper ACEO art cards! I had to have her do a custom for myself!

Thus, THE SNOW KISS became....

...SNOW KISS!

Her creativity doesn't stop there, either! My favorite form of art that Jayne created are her altered art dolls!

So, another custom was created!

My grandmother Gottsch...

Jayne created three altered art dolls using this original picture. I gave these art dolls to my mother and her two sisters as a unique and special way to remember their mother, my grandmother.

zJayne's altered art dolls have become a signature representation of her art! She is featured in a book: The Vision Board:
The Secret to an Extraordinary Life
by Author Joyce Schwarz
Published by Collins Design (Harper Collins)

Jayne is also widely known in the art community for her desire to help keep the earth green! Take a look at what she can do by recycling old T-shirts!

Jayne says, "zJayne's Shop Announcement
Paper or Plastic? How about neither. It takes as much petroleum to make 14 plastic bags as it does to drive a car one mile. Upcycled T-Shirt Market Grocery Shopping Bags, Pouches, Wristlets, Lunch Sacks, all handmade from reycled tShirts."

You can learn more about zJayne (Jayne Pierce) and view her work through these links:
Jayne's Blog
Jayne's Etsy Shop!
1000 Markets!

THUNDER CAKE & WIRE FORGED HEART PINS!

2009-02-08T08:53:00.000-08:00

As many of you who follow my blog already know, I am a home schooling mom. My 5-year old, Jordan chose the book THUNDER CAKE by Patricia Polacco to read for our reading circle. The book was really cute and involved a little girl's fear of thunder storms and a wise grandmother's idea of curing her grand daughter of this fear. The Thunder Cake must reach the oven before the storm arrives. The list of ingredients is long...and the storm is coming closer all the time! The fearful child has to over come other fears while gathering the ingredients. Collecting eggs from Nellie peck hen and milk from old kick cow are just steps in over coming her fears. The book was a lot of fun and really captivated my children's attention. The enjoyed the book so much that we decided to use the provided recipe in the back and give it a try for ourselves. You might be surprised by some of the ingredients but the outcome was more than a pleasing and delicious cake! The children and me enjoyed a beautiful story, ate delicious cake, and created a new memory I hope they will cherish for all time! Here is the recipe for Thunder Cake if you should so desire to make one for your self!

THUNDER CAKE

Cream together, one at a time:
1 cup shortening
1 3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 eggs, separated (Blend yolks in. Beat whites until they are stiff, then fold in.)
1 cup cold water
1/3 cup pureed tomatoes

Sift together
2 1/2 cups cake flour
1/2 cup dry cocoa
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
Mix dry mixture into creamy mixture.
Bake in two greased and floured 8 1/2-inch round pans at 350Degrees for 35 to 40 minutes.
Frost with chocolate butter frosting when cool. Top with strawberries.

While enjoying a second piece of Thunder Cake and while the girls were napping, I decided to flip through my latest Art Jewelry Magazine March 2009 issue. There is a beautiful wire forged heart brooch pin on the cover and the instructions on how to make it on the inside.

My dear Aunt Carol from Omaha, Nebraska has recently found out that she has breast cancer and has been going through a gauntlet of chemo therapy and medications. I've been wanting to send her something special that was different than flowers and something unique. This was perfect! I had all the supplies anyway, so I gathered them up, set it all out, and got to work. The end product is superb! I can't wait to send this little piece of love her way!

Identifying Sea Glass Marbles at the American Toy Marble Museum!

2009-01-22T11:49:00.000-08:00

What fun it was to get together with Michael Cohill of the American Toy Marble Museum this past weekend! A man with a passion for marbles meets up with a woman with a passion for Sea Glass marbles!

In the years that I have been collecting sea glass it is always most pleasurable to find out the history of a piece. The mystery that exists when finding a piece of sea glass leads to the excitement of a possible journey. I have many sea glass marbles that I have collected through out the years and was just waiting for the chance to meet someone who would be able to help me identify them.

So, I found Michael Cohill! I can't really give the experiance justice by retelling it. It is something you would have to experiance yourself. But, Michael helped me identify a yellow Akro Agate Co. marble with a cork screw shape inside,
what is called a "Girl Scout" marble due to its green and yellow color, several opaque pieces which he believes were "game piece" marbles, and a highly desireable "chalky"!

Picking this fella's brain was a lot of fun and I am truly hoping that he will be a guest speaker at the next North American Sea Glass Festival that will be held in Erie, Pa. October 17th-18th 2009. He would have an excellant display of marbles, would contribute much knowledge on the area's marble history, and may even have a kids interactive area where they could learn how to shoot marbles! To learn more about the museum, please visit their site here!

Thank you, Michael, for all your help and I look forward to my next visit with you soon!
Jodie~LEbg
Lake Erie Beach Glass

HAPPY ANNIVERSAY 50's Pin Up LEbg Style!

2009-01-15T10:40:00.000-08:00

Finding the perfect anniversary gift for my husband always seems to be such a challenge! Most items he ever mentions liking, he ends up purchasing for himself. When you ask him what he would like, or course he will say "Hon, you don't have to get me anything at all!" . So, I've been watching him closely and we both like art deco, the era of the 40's and 50's, and particularly those pin up ads right around WWII. So, I decided that I would get some pictures done of me with a 50's pin up look. That was a lot easier to think of than it was to orchestrate the whole ordeal. Geesh!

So, I called on my good friend Kathy Paton, better known as SMASHING on Etsy. Kathy is a fellow metalsmith artist and photographer. We set up a day and time and I got busy looking for vintage clothing appropriate to the era. I found some AWESOME finds at a local second hand store called The Sassy Peacock. I spent under $80.00 and came home with several beautiful outfits that I know I will wear again. Then, I came across some "kickin" high heeled saddle shoes at a thrift store for only $3.00. I can't believe they fit! All I needed where a few accessories including some beautiful fascinator combs from BORING SYDNEY off of Etsy, and schedule my hair and makeup appointment.

I found a fun and friendly hair stylist at the JC Penny hair salon in Erie by the name of Amanda. We did a mock up hair style and scheduled the "real deal" look for Saturday morning the 10th of January. My friend Nicki, HANDMADE, helped me secure a MAC makeup artist at the Crocker Park Mall in Cleveland.

In the mean time, I was also invited to attend the local Pittsburgh Belly Dancing performance the very same evening as a vendor. Now the day was REALLY jammed pack!

Saturday came and there were snow warnings all over Pa. and Ohio! I had to go, so I set out for my hair appt. first. Amanda did a wonderful job and I traded some jewelry work as part of my tip. Take a look at her beautiful bracelet! :0)

Off to Cleveland for makeup and a photo shoot! The roads were terrible and it took me nearly 3 hours to get to the appt. Now I was late! We finished makeup and I headed over to the photo shoot. By the time we were finished and reviewed some of the pictures it was already 5:30pm. The Belly Dancing Performance was to start at 6:00! Thank you Andrew and Jennifer (husband and sister-in-law) for taking my wares to the show, for setting up, and for manning the table until I got there! I took me 2 1/2 hours to get back home and to the show. What a day! But, it was all worth it because in the end, my pictures turned out really fun and cool and my husband was ecstatic! :0)
I owe a BIG THANK YOU to all of the people who where involved in helping put this together! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Jodie

PASTOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES is at it again!

2008-12-23T14:06:00.000-08:00

I am so proud of my husband, Andrew! He has his own business, PASTOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, and does trim and paint finishing for newly constructed homes and remodels. He has worked with several contractors and always seems to be in high demand for projects all over the Erie area. Andrew,my son Jason, and Grandpa Pastor all shared in this doll house bed and play center for my youngest girls. They created this piece of functional art with in a week's time while still working for the contractors. The time they shared building it will be memories they will share. It was such a nice project and the girls absolutely adore it! Thank you Grandpa, Andrew, and Jason for all the hard work you put into this amazing piece!

"FISHMAN" How to Ink Art by Jane/ katat0nik eBay

2008-12-19T19:16:00.000-08:00

I was recently cleaning out my favorites section on the computer when I came across several HOW TO's and WIP's including this one! katat0nik is an excellent artist who sells on eBay. This how to tutorial was posted in the ATC & ACEO Enthusiasts group and I thought I would share it here as well. I encourage you to check out all the fine artists both on eBay and Etsy by using key word search ACEO!

"Fishman" - by Jane/katat0nik
Medium: Red BIC ball-point pen (aka biro)
Paper: Acid free 100lb Smooth Bristol scrap

I did not use any pencil on this...
TIP: stick a Post-It on your desk and use it to wipe the tip of your pen on...this will keep ink from building up on the tip & you won't get ink globs on your work.

1. Simple sketch

2. Fishman comes to life

3. Two faces appear as his body developes

4. Finished Fishman

This one sold, of course! :0)

Lake Erie Beach Glass presnte~LOVE AT TWILIGHT

2008-12-07T13:40:00.000-08:00

Pink sea glass is so very delicate and pretty looking! Much of this color of sea glass comes from old depression glass. Some are pale while others are brighter and may even take on a peachier color. When I found this piece I really started thinking about the depression era, our economy now, and that movie, TWILIGHT! This piece is a mixture of those thoughts.

I cut a piece of sterling silver, shaped it, sanded it, and stamped it with the words love several different times. I added a swirl bail on the back and antiqued it. I strung it on 18" of sterling chain that I antiqued to match and gave it a handmade clasp. Thus, old meets new! I love how it turned out and I think I'll be making some more of these in the near future!

You can find this piece for sale in my etsy store here. :0)

Meet the Artist~LAKE ERIE BEACH GLASS

2008-12-03T11:03:00.001-08:00

HI! I am Jodie Pastor, a wife, a mom, a homeschooler, a business owner, and artist all wrapped up in one.

Lake Erie Beach Glass is where I freely express my artistic side and my love for nature. The jewelry and art I create range from traditional and classical styles to one of a kind, unique, and sometimes "way out there" pieces of art.

My family has dubbed me the "moody maker" because my jewelry and art often reflect a mood or feeling that I am having. One day I sat down and decided to make romantic looking swirls for earwires while on another day I slow fired copper to give it a rose patina, work hardened it, and hammered it for a rougher look!

I grew up in the small town of Spencerville, Ohio and often spent summers on Lake Erie swimming, boating, and of course beachcombing. The draw to the water was always very strong for me and I’ve always found myself with my head down wandering the beaches looking for interesting finds.

It wasn’t until I met my husband Andrew that I started seriously collecting sea glass among other beach found materials. Andrew grew up in the town of Erie, Pennsylvania where we reside now. My family and I enjoy weekly visits to our local beaches where we collect sea glass, melted aluminum, drift wood pieces, stones, and what we like to call, "flotsem and jetsem". Flotsem and Jetsem is the trash that gets left behind carelessly that can hurt our beaches and water. We try to collect as much as possible when we are beachcombing to give a little back to that from which we take.

Together, my family and I make up Lake Erie Beach Glass. We have found everything from Native American trading beads to antique black marbles and fragments of vintage shipwreck lanterns. Part of the intrigue of a sea glass hunt is trying to figure out what the pieces were and where they came from! I enjoy searching through antique dealers looking for example patterns and maker's marks from which a piece could be. I also spend much time researching online and in various libraries and historical societies to further enhance my knowledge of glass history.

I have been collecting glass for over 8 years now widening my area from the western part of Ohio, Pennsylvania and now to the shores of New York state. We have traveled as a family of six to the shores of the Pacific, the Chesapeake, and to the shores of the Atlantic. I’d love to make it to Puerto Rico some day!

My educational history is varied as I have studied fine arts classes at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio along with continued metalsmithing courses in Erie, Pa and in Cleveland Oh. I am currently embarking on a quest to catalogue the unique colors and rarities of glass found within the confines of the shores of Great Lake Erie.

Lake Erie Beach Glass jewelry is displayed at Glass Grower’s Gallery and KADA Gallery in Erie, Pennsylvania and at Pure Art Gallery in the Cayman Islands. I am an active member of The North American Sea Glass Association. I also have jewelry and art listed on eBay and Etsy under lakeeriebeachglass.

ETSY'S MSIA SEEK, FIND, AND WIN CONTEST!

2008-11-29T08:06:00.000-08:00

MSIA (Metal Smiths In Action), an awesome Etsy Street Team that I belong to is offering a contest and a chance to win handmade items to all of YOU! The contest starts NOVEMEBER 28th and runs through DECEMBER 12th. 25 prizes are available and the contest is open to anyone! That means our International friends as well! We have hidden 3 icons in our shops that you must seek and find. When all three have been found, you get to choose a cool handmade prize from one of the participating shops. Visit the MSIA web page HERE to get more details and see all of the participating shops. Take a look at a MSIA Treasury Feature!

To see a detailed photo album of the prize pool click HERE!
I am one of the participating shops in this contest and my donated prize is a pair of handmade genuine sea glass earrings in cornflower blue and lime green. The head pins were hand fired and polished and all metal is made of sterling silver.:0)

My Etsy shop, LAKE ERIE BEACH GLASS is offering FREE shipping throughout the US and Canada through the end of December! :0)

Etsy TRASHION TEAM Trunk Show~BLACK FRIDAY!

2008-11-27T09:55:00.000-08:00

Team Trashion Encourages Shoppers to GO GREEN on BLACK FRIDAY!

Going back as far as the 1960’s, the day after Thanksgiving has held the unfortunate title of Black Friday. The name was given due to the madness that happens in highly commercialized places of commerce, but mostly because of the heavy traffic on that day. Folks are at the mall before the sun comes up, cars fill freeways and parking lots, money is burned on mass produced products and the gas it takes to get to them. It can get ugly.

Team Trashion, a unique, eco friendly, international group of artisans on etsy.com visualizes a different sort of Friday following Thanksgiving. Team Trashion wants to encourage families to keep the car in the garage, leave their slippers on and curl up with loved ones and a second helping of pumpkin pie. Doesn’t that sound great?

On Friday, November 28, Team Trashion will provide holiday shoppers with a unique opportunity to shop for one-of-a-kind gifts that are innovative and eco friendly. Buyers will be able to connect directly with sellers at a virtual Trunk Show on www.etsy.com. Over 30 Team Trashion artisans will be showing a varied collection of handmade treasures all created from upcycled, repurposed or otherwise abandoned materials. The Team Trashion Green Friday Trunk Show will be overflowing with holiday shopping opportunities that would make Mother Earth proud. You will not want to miss it!

The Team Trashion Green Friday Trunk Show is at 7pm est – just the perfect time to grab a cup of tea and do a little shopping in the comfort of your own home. Here’s how you get there:

1 - Log on to www.etsy.com If you do not have an Etsy account click here it's free to join, and you'll be glad you did!

2 - Choose the “community” tab at the top of the home page.

3 - Choose the “Virtual Labs” tab at the top of the community page.

4 - Choose the GREEN Treehouse “room” within the Virtual Labs.

5 - Sit back and enjoy the Trunk Show!

It will be great to see you there.

I Made The Plain Dealer?!

2008-11-19T12:41:00.000-08:00

Wow! Imagine my surprise when a fellow Cleveland Etsy artist notified me of this write up!

FASHION AND STYLE
Latest reviews, shopping and beauty tips & more...

To read the entire article and more click hear to go to THE PLAIN DEALER.

You can see more of the Etsy Cleveland Street Team's work by visiting us at Mojo's on Sunday, November 23rd or by visiting us individualy on Etsy! Search for Clevelandteam!

Recycled, Upcycled, Gourd Art by Patti Owens!

2008-11-19T09:28:00.000-08:00

Patti Owens aka Lily-Puts Art is well known for her whimsical creations of folk tales through the recycling or upcycling of gourds! I happen to proudly own several pieces of here work including The Cow That Jumped Over The Moon and a children's painting on recycled wood. Patti sells some of her work both on eBay(type in her id as lilyputs-art) and on Etsy.
Here's a little bit about Patti...
"I started doing art as a child, but I wanted an eclectic whimsical feel in my home so I started creating again. I love wacky designs and mix-matched art in an environment. Once I re-found art I was unable to stop. Driven by a wonderful compulsion I continued to expand my ideas and art to share with friends and family. I have shown my art in a gallery in the resort area near my home with much success But being a full time special education teacher and part time after school supervisor, time did not permit me to continue with the projects. As you may have noticed I am inspired by childhood events and carefree times that once sparked my imagination. Finding the internet as a perfect venue for my whimsical creation has given me the freedom to make what I want, when I want without any expectations. Today my goal is to promote my own art and other green artist in the US. I started this little online shop to expand on my own without timeline and fuss." Check out Patti's art in her Etsy shop here.

Lebg Custom Wire Wrapped Amethyst Pendant!

2008-11-18T12:17:00.000-08:00

I received a phone call from a customer who owned a beautiful 12.11ct Amethyst that she wanted wrapped in sterling silver. The Amethyst is trillion cut and is very deep. She tried to have it set but was given some difficulty and hi pricing so she thought maybe a sterling silver wire wrap would be best. Thus, I received the custom order.

The stone IS absolutely beautiful! I knew I could do the setting but there would be some new challenges to face. The angle of the stone with not much of an edge made the wrap very difficult to achieve. I did however bend the cage wrap at an angle that the stone would sit right in it like a normal prong setting would. I pulled the wires over, gave it a bail, and then decorated the top with swirls. We both agreed that we wanted the face of the Amethyst to show as much as possible. This is what I came up with. I think it turned out really beautiful!

Lake Erie Brings Us More Than Just Beach Glass!

2008-11-13T07:14:00.000-08:00

Combing the Southern Shore of Great Lake Erie is like treasure hunting! Although we collect mostly sea beach glass that has washed ashore we do enjoy finding other objects as well. Occasionally we are surprised by a specific find of interest. My son Jason found this piece of drift wood off the coast of Lake Erie in North East, Pa. Upon further examination of the piece it definitely looks to be part of an old ship wreck. How awesome of a find is that! I will be doing quite a bit of research trying to figure this one out but if any of you maritime historians out there want to lend us a clue, we would be greatly thankful!

This piece is heavy and measures about 8 inches in length about 5 inches wide and about 1 1/2 inches thick. It was evidently mounted with wooden dowel rods as one of them are still stuck inside the piece. I have been studying Lake Erie shipwrecks on the South Shore Quadrangle for some time now and can't help but wonder if this came from one of the 1800 Wooden Schooner vessels that met their fate in an infamous Lake Erie Storm! Maybe its time to take a trip back to the Erie Maritime Museum with our piece!

Cleveland Etsy Street Team Trunk Show at Mojo's!

2008-11-11T08:12:00.000-08:00

Some of my fellow Cleveland Etsy Street Team members and myself are getting together for a trunk show and some chit chat at MOJO'S November 23rd, 2008 from 10am-4pm. At least 12 members will be displaying their wares including:

Jill Slaby * Lake Erie Beach Glass * LaPetite Fleur * Virtual Lori
Lazy T Crochet * HandmadeGoods * Beautiful Era * Ramona
Petite Libellule * Stargazer Designs * Smashing * Leah Ana Designs

We hope to see you there! :0)

"PING" The Orange Hobnail Duck!

2008-11-06T08:51:00.000-08:00

Look! Its the Holy Grail Find in the Sea Glass World! There I was just walking along the coast line of Great Lake Erie when I saw a little sunny sparkle of orange. It was a ways into the water and at first, I thought it was the corner of a brightly colored fall leaf that had gotten trapped under some pebbles. Then, I second guessed myself and thought I should bend over to take a closer look. Of course a gentle wave was about to take that fiery little object away. I quickly grabbed the sparkly with a handful of pebbles and a wet cuff and shoe. Too my amazement it WAS the elusive and beautiful ORANGE sea glass that all sea glass enthusiasts covet! I ran down the beach toward the rest of my family with the biggest grin plastered to my face. They of course shared in my excitement but also pointed out that I must have pee'd my pants a little bit. Thank goodness for little children as my youngest daughter so cleverly changed the subject back to the glass by pointing out that it looked like a duck's head. Such incredible imaginations come from the littlest of ones! Thus, "PING" was born!

I have only collected 3 worthy pieces of orange in my life time up to this point and this is definately the best of the finds for me. It is well rounded and smoothed. The characteristic bump (of head of the duck) leads me to believe that it came from a decorative orange hobnail piece. In researching the piece I came across OODLE, a site that sells antiques including a beautiful Fenton Orange Hobnail Fairy Lamp! Being the impulsive buyer that I am, of course I have to have it to add to my collection! :0)

2009 SEA GLASS FESTIVAL is in ERIE PA!

2008-11-04T07:01:00.000-08:00

The votes have been taken and tallied and it is now official! The 2009 North American Sea Glass Festival will be held October 17th & 18th, 2009 in my home town of Erie, Pennsylvania! The Bayfront Convention Center, overlooking Erie's Bay will be the venue to house the festival. The natural light will shine beautifully through those windows making it the perfect spot to display hundreds of unique sea glass collections from around the world, beautiful classic and unique creations of jewelry and art, informative lectures, and more! For room deals at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront, next-door to the Bayfront convention center, please call the Sheraton Erie Bayfront - (814) 454-2005. Limited rooms available. Don't forget to mention you'd like the “Sea Glass Festival deal”.

The 2008 festival that was held in Lewes, Delaware was a huge success with thousands in attendance! When the tickets were sold, we distributed name tags for entry and when those ran out, we just simply marked the hand with an X! It was an incredible show! Here is a snap shot, above, of the 2008 festival and I'm looking forward to being a part of the 2009 festival as well!

For more information on the 2009 sea glass festival visit the North American Sea Glass Festival site here.

Sea Glass Photo Stands!

2008-11-02T14:42:00.000-08:00

I thought I had heard of everything! But sea glass photo stands are new to me. Tracey, a friend and fellow sea glass enthusiast has her own shop on Etsy like myself. We often find ourselves in friendly competition with each other but I have to tell you, she is always coming up with something new, fresh, and funky!

I loved this idea so much that, of course, I had to blog it! What a terrific idea for a gift, for your desk, or for any of you sea beach glass crafters out there (and I know there are a lot in Erie!)who want to display it a long with your favorite sea glass find photo right in your studios! You can check Tracey out in her shop, SteppingStones or her bio here.

A Crown Fit for a Queen!

2008-10-29T07:38:00.001-07:00

WOW! When I saw what my fellow MSIA (MetalSmithsInAction) team member created, I knew I had to blog it! Tess is a talented MetalSmith and Jewelry Artist. This Bridal Crown was created for a close friend who is about to be married. I think the bride of this piece is lucky to have such a talented friend!

Please visit Tess's shop on Etsy at NovaDesigns. Here is her Bio:
"I was born and raised in beautiful Sweden, with the sea and forests just around the corner. Where children still played outside instead of playing video games... A childhood that encouraged you to use your imagination and creativity. With an artist mother I was consistently exposed to design, art, the joy of making things but I also learned that being talented doesn't always bring food to the table...

So I decided to take my artistic heritage and turn to graphic design in the hopes of actually having a job... I always wanted to explore USA so when I was offered to move as a graphic designer for a large swedish furniture company (you know... the big blue box...) to Atlanta in 2005 I accepted packed my bags.... I later moved to Philadelphia where I now live.

After staring at a computer for almost 10 years (yikes I am getting old!) I needed another outlet. Something more real. So I started my jewelry designs. And needless to say it's really hard to find the same joy in front of the computer as I do with my beads, silver wire and leather...

So I am hoping that this will be the beginning of a creative and inspirational life ahead of me."

Acution for A Cause Update!

2008-10-26T10:45:00.000-07:00

The Auction isn't over yet! There is still time! Get your bids in before October 30th,2008 to win a beautiful basket full of handmade eco-friendly items! There is a ton of loot in this basket that is great for gift giving or to just pamper yourself and the proceeds all go to The Nature Coservancy, a worthy charitable cause! Take a peek at just a few of the artist's items in the basket!
Lake Erie Beach Glass (us) Genuine Sea Glass Earrings!

Lil Fish Studios donated this beautifully fun bouquet made entirely of buttons that have been recycled from old vintage clothing and leather recycled from an old purse!

FashionGreenTeaBags donated these adorable recycled T-shirt wristlets which are awesome for grocery shopping, storing things in, and beach combing with!

SteppingStones (my dear friend)donated a beautiful earthy genuine beach stone unisex necklace.

These are only a FEW of the artists that have donated to Eco Etsy's AUCTION FOR A CAUSE. For more information on how to bid and to few other items that are offered in this basket please click here.

MetalSmiths In Action!

2008-10-21T07:46:00.000-07:00

I'm very happy to have been accepted to a great group of MetalSmith Artists and MetalSmith Artists in Training on Etsy! Check us out at http://metalsmithsinaction.webs.com/index.htm This will be an excellant source of encouragement, support, and knowledge. I work best when I have others to bounce ideas off of so I'm excited to be a part. Maybe! Just Maybe I might be able to offer some advice, too! So, I'm excited to start encorporating more metal work into my jewelry designs beyond bezeling!

I look forward to posting items soon! Here is a simple, fun, and versitile piece that uses a little bit of MetalSmithing technique.

This CHARMING necklace is offered for sale in my Etsy Shop with a few others that are similar. The purpose of the necklace is to use beach found objects including sea glass, drift wood, melted aluminum, beach stones, or any other cool objects found on our beaces in a "CHARM' style so you can intermix the pieces at will. You can wear one, two, or a whole bunch together as they easily slide off the leather cording and are replaced in different ways. I have handmade several of the sterling silver findings and the copper rings. The copper rings were forged and slowly fired to achieve a rose type finish. These were fun to make and are just as fun to wear. :0)

Team Eco Etsy AUCTION FOR A CAUSE!

2008-10-19T13:58:00.000-07:00

Auction for a Cause is a collaboration of TEAM ECO ETSY sellers who have come together to auction their wares in order to promote handmade, eco-friendly goods and to support a worthy organization. This auction is entirely a non-for-profit auction and all proceeds will be donated to THE NATURE CONSERVANCY.

The benefit auction started preparations in the spring of 2008, and each participant that
donated to the auction basket were required to follow a set of rules for their items:
● Every item is Eco-related in some way. These include repurposed, recycled, up-cycled,
and eco-friendly products.
● Every item is handmade.
● Every item includes a small card that describes the item and how it relates to ecopractices.
More than 60 individual items are contained in this beautiful, eco-friendly auction
handcrafted by people who care about nature and our environment. The total of all donations
is valued at more than $300 retail.

AUCTION DETAILS:
Donation photographs will be available beginning October 20, the first day of the auction.
These photographs can be accessed by viewing the album at
http://ecoetsyauction.myphotoalbum.com/
Auction Start Date: October 20th, 2008
Auction End Date: October 30th, 2008
This auction is open to US residents only. This is to prevent any legal issues as well as prevent
shipping issues that may arise due to regulations that other countries have.
Bidding: Bids may be placed on the auction basket by emailing promo@ecoetsy.com. Updates
will be announced regularly on the EcoEtsy blog (http://ecoetsy.blogspot.com/) with the
highest bidding amount.
Please n ote t ha t t he mo n ies rai sed wil l a lso be u sed to s h ip t he do na t io n b asket to t he wi n ner.
The highest bid placed by 9 PM MST (-7 GMT) will be awarded. The auction basket will be
shipped within one week of bid payment receipt – payment details will be sent to the winner
after the auction via email.

We are back from Lewes Delaware!

2008-10-18T17:42:00.000-07:00

The North American Sea Glass Festival was HUGE this year! The weather was perfect for the venue and the line to get in was long! There were many wonderful vendors with unique exibits and beautiful jewelry to sell. I was a part of this venue last year when it was held in Santa Cruz, Ca. and was amazed then! This year's festival added new and exciting things a long with some similarities to the Santa Cruz festival.
Lectures were offered from expert sea glass hunters and collectors. Collectors of old bottles and beautiful Japanese floats that wash up on the Alaskan coast were set up for viewing.

Several authors including Richard LaMotteof Pure Sea Glass were on hand to sign books and answer questions.

And the Shard of the Year contest brought in some of the most beautiful and unique pieces of sea glass, pottery, and stoppers that I've ever seen.

I know this was a very successful festival for sea glass enthusiasts alike! To view a slide show of the festival visit NASGA'S on-line magazine The Sea Glass Journal. So, where will next year's festival be? I've been listening to the crowd of customers, the sellers, the collectors, and the many members of NASGA and there is talk of having it back in Lewes or in my neck of the woods here in Erie, Pa. The official votes will be counted around October 30th so we will know for sure after that date.
On a second note, one might think that we would be tired of sea beach glass after such a huge event but not us! We went right back out to the beach the first chance we got and what does my daughter Hanna find? A marble, of course!

The NORTH AMERICAN SEA GLASS FESTIVAL is almost here!

2008-09-08T16:17:00.001-07:00

With summer coming to an end and fall being just around the corner, the kids are now in school and I'm their teacher! With so much going on, I'm having a difficult time getting ready for the festival! YIKES! The NORTH AMERICAN SEA GLASS FESTIVAL is almost here! This year's event is being held Oct. 11th and 12th at the Virden Center in Lewes Delaware. Creating enough of an inventory and trying to be as creative as possible has been a challenge. There will be vendors from all over the US as well as Canada and Scotland! I am hoping that my designs will stand out as fun, unique, and different. These are just a small sampling of some of what I will be offering. Hopefully, I will be adding a new blog post after the festival of photos of vendors, authors, and events, along with a little note of success?!

The Handbook To Handmade Vol 7!

2008-07-28T19:18:00.000-07:00

The Handbook To Handmade is a monthly book compiled of talented artisans on Etsy! I am proud to be a featured artist in the upcoming Volume 7 of this series. These coffee table books have been very successful as conversation starters, promotional tools, and as works or art themselves. Creator Timothy Adams of Timothy Adam Designs is the brain behind these books. He is also a well respected metalsmith artist and an asset to his trade. Please check out his work and find the book for sale along with previous issues in his Etsy Store at www.TimothyAdamDesigns.etsy.com :0)

Hullabaloo Boutique

2008-07-23T11:30:00.000-07:00

OH MY GOODNESS! I just HAD to feature Hullabaloo Boutique this week because of the fabulous job Nicci did on my girl's Sassy Pants Tea Party custom order outfits! They are just too adorable! Nicci is another artist on Etsy who makes handmade items to sell. I love shopping for handmade boutique items because I have three girls that are difficult to by matching clothes for. Besides, they don't always like to exactly match. So, when I purchase from someone like Nicci, I have the choice to switch things up a bit so that each outfit is unique to each girl's personality but still match when it comes down to the BIG picture. Thank you so much Nicci! The girls and I love them!

Tour de West County July 19th, 2008

2008-07-15T08:24:00.000-07:00

Tour de West County is a local fundraising event supporting The Lance Armstrong Foundation. TdWc is being held Saturday July 19th, 2008 at Pleasant Ridge Park 8289 Barker Road, Fairview Pa. and starts with a bike tour(8:30 am with shotgun starts) which includes a shorter ride for families and a 25 and 50 mile tour for more experienced riders. The ride is then followed by a Family Expo (11am till 3 pm), which includes:
Local Business Sponsors
A live performance by King Cobra Karate
An awesome dunking booth
A live performance by Tad Bowen and his frisbee dogs
A Dino-jump for all ths kids to enjoy!
A DJ, LIVE MUSIC, and GREAT FOOD!
AND A silent auction with numerous items including:
A Pat Monahan Autographed Guitar by Grammy winning TRAIN (Donated by Pat Monahan),Genuine Beach Glass Jewelry by Jodie Pastor of LEBG, A Willie Parker Autographed Football (This is an official game ball now used during practice...PRICELESS Donated by the Pittsburgh Steelers!) ,Kevin-John Jobczynski must see lithographs, and so much more!
For more information please visit http://mysite.verizon.net/mspelce/tourwest.htm!
Thank you Mike Spellacy for ALL your involvement and leadership in making every year of Tour de West County such a success! :0)

Sea Talent!

2008-07-11T12:05:00.000-07:00

This lovely item was a treat to see in my inbox! This handmade SandDollar Vintage Style Necklace was created by Em's Gems using My Sea Glass! I recently sent her some great pieces of genuine sea glass, predrilled, and ready to go. Look what she made with them! This awesome piece is so beautiful and so Sea worthy. I appreciate seeing what others do with the glass that they purchase and this really was a nice treat to see.

Faceted Sea Glass Beads, Handles, Stoppers, and Figurines!

2008-05-30T18:11:00.000-07:00

There are some pieces of Sea Glass that the avid collector will cherish! These are a few that I hold dear to my heart. It is so exciting to walk the local beaches and collect sea glass then come across a faceted glass bead, a handle to a mug, a stopper to an apothacary jar, perfume bottle, or decanter, or to find a face to a figurine. All of these items at one time were intact and had a useful purpose. When their purpose was fulfilled, they were tossed out where the water could find it, reshape them and give them texture then throw them right back at us as little gems. Here are a few of my little special gems!

Faceted Glass Beads

More Faceted Glass Beads

Faces of Figurines. Is that Washington or Bach?

My Favorite Little Perfume Bottle Stopper!

Other Stoppers and Handles!

Wearable Art 3

2008-04-16T12:21:00.001-07:00

LOOK! I've been Blogged by Bonghi Natura!

2008-04-14T13:18:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful blog set up Bonghi Natura has! This blog features a different Etsy seller each week. I was lucky enough to have been chosen to be featured this 3rd week of April. I'm feeling the love and hope I can pay it forward! To read the entire interview and view the blog just follow the link! Thank you Bonghi! :0)
Bonghi Natura

Visit her shop here:
Bohghi Natura Etsy Shop!
Speaking of paying it forward...I'm not one to believe that by doing good to others that there is a mystical or universal force that generates the good you've done back to you BUT...I do believe that by giving, doing something good for another, and by maintaining a positive outlook that it is contagious and people will naturally be drawn to you and you will be happy and successful. :0)

Milk Glass, Canning Lids, and Sea Glass!

2008-03-20T13:10:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite sea glass colors to find is opaque white! Opaque white sea glass often comes from antique milk glass that used to be a vase, tableware, ink bottles, barber bottles, and more. I recently came across an antique canning jar lid that still had the milk glass insert so I sifted through my milk glass collection and look what I found!

Working with Metal and Sea Glass

2008-03-16T11:34:00.000-07:00

I was able to use a very beautiful piece of multi colored sea glass as the focal point of this sterling silver soldered ring. I enjoy workign with metal and incorporating sea glass into the designs. This is what I spent most of my time on ,Saturday. I'm very pleased with its out come!

Pink Depression Glass and Sea Glass

2008-03-09T14:46:00.000-07:00

OK, So many of you who visit already know that I am an avid beach comber and particularly collect sea glass to make jewelry with. One of the more rewarding aspects of collecting sea glass, for me at least, is to be able to identify my pieces. I found this lovely little pink piece that has a floral design on it. Then on another day, I found another lovely little pink piece in the shape of a pointy shoe. I didn't realize that the two pieces have a similar history until I went antique shopping! I recognized the pattern on a pink depression glass plate to match the piece of sea glass that I had found. It is the Cherry Blossom pattern. I brought the plate home and lo and behold the second piece of sea glass also matches the plate! What a find!! There is so much undiscovered history in pieces of sea glass!

"Mandala" Photo Art of the Lunar Eclipse

2008-03-08T19:49:00.000-08:00

My husband, Andrew love looking at the stars. During the recent lunar eclipse he was able to take some awesome pictures through his telescope! Me, having artsy connections took that picture and gave it to my fellow friend and artist, Rob/PlayNature to turn it into something special! Here is the original photo and the gorgeous Mandala's that Rob made!

To view more of Rob's work you can visit his store on Etsy at:
www.playnature.etsy.com

Snow Birds

2008-03-07T12:40:00.001-08:00

So the Winter Storm has arrived and the birds are getting ready to bar down the hatches. I am feeling guilty since I realized that I was out of suet and that is why my lovely woodpecker friends are on the regular bird feeders. What an array of birds we have today!

2008-03-05T14:44:00.001-08:00