Barbara [Svetlick] Wilson

Blogamatically Challenged

OCTOBER 7TH

I finished my 17th Violin with Iris and Wildflowers. I have 2 unfinished violins, 1 on the way, and 3 not mailed to me yet. They are all used, some are in great condition and some are worn but I will not do anything to the actual violin because I think the wear is important to the final art. I am working on a mandolin at the moment that is broken [stepped on or something] but instead of trying to fix it, I will use the large crack to my advantage.

The biggest score this weekend at a garage sale was a box of small finished mirrors for displays. Lewis paid $10 for a box of over 50 mirrors and in all shapes and sizes. I also bought a book on Pueblo pottery in New Mexico. Some Pueblos did not decorate their earthware where others have very intricate designs. New Mexico is a very interesting state. The little mirrors will be used with my boro flowers and picture frames.

Fall is here. I had to put on my hoodie to go outside this morning to get photos of a hot air balloon going over the neighborhood. I did make it to Santa Fe last week to buy Bullseye Glass Rods. It is a shame that their color palette has shrunk over the years but if lampworkers don't buy a product make for glassworkers than there is no incitive to make more or expand the palette. I read an article by CIM Messy Glass that they as well have seen a decline in lampworkers as a whole and customers. Their prices will rise due to tariffs as I imagine that Moretti will see a rise in prices. Living on your art is becoming harder and harder but I hope those artists who do lampworking as a job survive and live to see their great work resurge.

Well, another Monday and Christmas looming and I am procrastinating. Life is just wash, rinse, start over.

Barb