Char Ouellette~Designs in Glass & Silver

Our new bundle of joy is here!

2009-08-27T20:44:00.000-07:00

Our daughter Christen went into labor with our 4th grandchild Saturday morning, Aug 22. William John Kolberg was born at 8:20 a.m. He was 8 lbs 8 ozs. and 20 3/4 inches long and is a sweetheart!

Mom and baby are doing great!
Will's big brother Grant loves to hold him as you can see by the picture.

We are so blessed to have another beautiful child in our family.

I just applied for the 2009 Sisters Harvest Faire

2009-07-20T14:59:00.000-07:00

Well, I got my pictures together and my cover letter to apply for this years Sister Harvest Faire.

I was lucky to get accepted last year and was pleasently surprised at how well I did, considering the turn in the economy. So this year I decided to apply again. What fun it is to get instant feedback on your work, and to share the processes with interested people. Everyone was so nice and meeting new people is always fun!

The jurors changed what they wanted in the way of photos of your work this year. They also want pictures of your workspace as well as the process you go through to make your craft. So here is one of the collages I put together showing my work and the process to get there. Hopefully these photos will help!

I have also been asked to teach a class next year at the annual Sister-in-Sisters event. I was honored to be asked. It will probably be a byzentine chainmaille bracelet that I choose to teach. It is easy and beautiful. I will have lots of time to get everything together since it will be Sept. 2010.

I will be donating 3 of my Sisters necklaces to the event this year for a raffle. It seems fitting to donate my Sisters necklaces to the Sister-in-Sisters event.

I made a little movie of my studio and jewelry and also incorporated some of these collages in it. I will post that next.

Thanks for stopping by!

Char

I wasn't going to do it!

2009-02-28T10:00:00.000-08:00

Told myself I wasn't going to do it. I work at a high school and do not need any more high school drama. But once I started I couldn't quit.

I picked up the first "Twilight" book at my daughters while babysitting, just to flip through the pages. Grant was sleeping and I thought I would just take a look. I was really surprised how quickly I got sucked in. I had heard all the same hype about Harry Potter, which I could not get into, and thought this would be similar.

Four books later and I am waiting for the fifth to be written. Will I go see the movie...oh probably? But I kind of hate to wreck the vision I have in my mind how the characters really look. So in less you want to keep your nose in a book for the next couple of weeks...don't pick up that first one.

It's been a long time since I posted!

2009-01-30T18:50:00.000-08:00

Wow, I didn't realize It has been so long since I posted last. The family is growing, and all is good! Our kids make us very proud because they are such good parents and just good people. The grandkids are awesome, and I am sure the cutest and smartest kids ever.

Here is a picture from Thanksgiving 2008.

Lots has happened since my last post, a trip to our nieces wedding in Wisconsin and side trips Chicago, and Iowa, the end of summer and back to work.

Christmas was very busy and quite rewarding. I am so pleased with the great response I have received on Etsy, the perfect venue while still working full time. I am over 200 sales now! It took awhile for sales to take off, I guess we all gave to pay our dues, but now sales are more consistant.

This weekend I am taking another ring casting class. It will be a sort of reunion with people who I had taken classes with before. Evie, Bob, Debbie and Diane...I can't wait. Now if I could only make enough to afford all of the casting equipment.

That's it for now....I'm down to the barn to feed the horses.

OK...so this has been a really good day! A Wahoo day!

2008-07-09T15:51:00.000-07:00

My biorythms must be in sych!

Woke up and checked my site and started to post the new necklace below. I noticed my hearts on Etsy kind of went wild (increase of about 30 or so). I figured something was going on. That's when I checked the treasury I had been in and found out it went Front Page..no wonder! And the item that was in it had over 500 hits. This is the first front page I have ever had! Wahoo #1.

Later I received a convo from a person that wanted one of my rings in a larger size...she paid for it as soon as I put up her custom listing! Wahoo #2.

I got it made for her and it is in the tumbler.So I had a minute and thought I would check my site. I had a new convo...this time from Adam from Etsty Admin.
This is his convo:

Hi! This is Adam from Etsy marketing. We are going to be featured in Mary Engelbreit's Guide to Creative Living. Alongside the description of Etsy, we get to include a photo. I would love to send them the photo of your ZIG ZAG Blue and Green Handmade Glass Lampwork Bead Set (listing #7594472) as a representation of great things that are available on Etsy. I just wanted to check with you to make sure that is ok. The only bad thing is that I don't think they will able to credit your shop directly. Please let me know!Thanks,Adam

Well, needless to say I couldn't type fast enough with my thanks and that would be honored! Wahoo #3

I feel very blessed to do something I love to do and also get the Kudos to go with it!

New friendship necklace

2008-07-09T12:16:00.000-07:00

The friendships in my life are so very important. I have some very dear friends who over the years have been with me through thick and thin. We celebrate the good and commiserate the bad. We support each others accomplishments and hold each other up when needed.

True friendship doesn't happen often, as my aunt says, you are blessed if you have a handful of true friends in your life. I have created a necklace that celebrates these friendships. A symbol of someone special in ours lives. Be it a girlfriend, mom, grandma, aunt, teacher or any other meaningful woman in our lives, it is nice to let them know that you care.

I wrote a little saying to put in the gift box with each necklace to let our friends know how we feel about them.This piece holds a special place in my heart and I hope it will for someone else as well.

You can see the necklace on my site http://www.charouellette.etsy.com/

We're taking a new class!

2008-06-24T11:38:00.000-07:00

Oh, I love having summer's off of work! Deep breath....I am doing some really fun stuff. This is my reward for sending 9 months out of the year with teenager's!!!

First, I started an Agility class with my girl Sophie.Sophie came to us 2 years ago by a fluke.

She had been running wild for over a month in our community. One of our staff came to me and asked me to see if I could catch her. No one had been able to get near her although she took shelter at our elementary school, where she lurked and got free handouts.I was dog sitting my son's chocolate lab, Obie at the time and thought I would take the loveable guy with me to see if we could catch this dog. When I got to the school I saw a beautiful yet very thin, scruffy German Shepard. She took to Obie right away but when we would come close she would run. I decided to just sit in the grass with Obie and just be still. She would come several yards away and lay down. Then a little closer. I thought if I lay down maybe she would not be intimidated, and soon she was closer. I slowly put my arm out, careful not to make eye contact and was able to touch her briefly, but then she would run. I told her that if she would let me touch her, she would never regret it.

Finally on the second day of trying to catch her we tried a new plan. I knew dog control was coming the following day and I was so afraid she would be euthanized because of her lack of social skills. We decided to lure her into an enclosed area with Obie. It worked, now we only had to catch her. We finally cornered her. Now I knew this could be dangerous but I had a feeling it would be OK. We got her cornered and I put the leash around her neck. She just shook. It was so heartbreaking, I just cradled this poor dog on my lap and rocked her like a baby. When I felt she had calmed down I then picked her up to put her in the back of my SUV, concern that she could bite me in the face during this maneuver, but she just layed quietly, shaking with Obie. I was hoping that I could keep her long enough to get her socialized and find a good home for her.

I spent my childhood in Southern California three houses down from Rin Tin Tin's trainer, Frank Barnes and grew up with Rinney (as my sister and I called him) and Frank's other German Shepards, J.R. and Bear Heart, so I have a soft spot in my heart for these wonderful, intelligent dogs.I got home and put on a collar and leash and she had no idea how to walk on one. She circled and circled me wrapping the leash around my legs. When my husband came home I got an idea of some of the things that had happened to her. She was so deathly afraid of him when he wore his baseball hat. I know that she had been abused by someone, most likely a man in a hat. I worked with her and slowly she started to come around. I took her to obedience classes where she did very well, although she was still very scared of things around her. I could tell she just wanted to do whatever I asked of her but at times the fear took over, she wanted to be around people and trust them but was very jumpy and fearful. I was amazed with the fear that she wasn't a fear biter or aggressive at all. She would even let our other dog eat from her bowl and in fact, would not even eat when I left the room, instead she would follow me wherever I went.

I was falling in love with her and so was John although he told me "Char, we don't need another dog" and my response was "No, but she needs us". Well that did it! She is a wonderful part of our lives and a real blessing. She is kind hearted and wants to do anything to please us. She is very kind to her 14 lb. Schipperke sister April who rules the roost. I named her Sophie because when I looked up German names "Sweet" came up for it's meaning. That describes her, SWEET.

ANYWAY....She is doing great in her agility class...going through the tube (A big stretch for her) and over jumps, a ramp and weaving through the obstacles. She even has done it off leash at her second class. She is not motivated by treats like the other dogs, Sophie just wants to make me happy and will do whatever I ask.
It is wonderful watching her confidence grow!

I AM HAVING A YART SALE!

2008-06-11T10:34:00.001-07:00

An Artistic Slant to a traditional Yard Sale.

~~~~~ Wednesday, June 11- Friday, June 20 ~~~~~I am celebrating the coming of summer with many other Etsy artisans.
All items in my shop are 10% off!!!!
*Just contact me in my Etsy shop about the item you want and I will adjust the price for you!*Or you can purchase and I will refund 10% of the items price through PayPal.
Enjoy......

Lucky Day!

2008-06-07T20:22:00.000-07:00

I won a $20.00 gift certificate today and got a treasury west!

Indiecojewelrydesign offered $20 in her shop for whoever could come up with a slogan for her shop. I looked through her shop to get a feel for it and her wording and came up with the winning slogan, ~IndieCoJewelryDesign...Make an Impression~
I am getting a pair of her cute little earrings. I haven't worn anybody elses jewelry for so long this will be fun. She is a new seller so take a look at her shop.

I also got a treasury west and featured one of her pieces in it. http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=12387

Maybe I should buy a lottery ticket because I am having a lucky day!

Beginning Lampwork Kit

2008-06-05T19:26:00.000-07:00

For those that would like to try lampworking but do not want to invest too much into it until you know if you will like it, here is a great set-up for under $100.
I was reading in the Lampwork etc. forums http://lampworketc.com/forums and found this supplier.
http://www.howacoglasssupplycompany.com/torchwork_beginners_kit.html

The Kit includes:

Hot Head Torch
AV 2000 Safety Glasses
Fiber Blanket
4 oz EZ Bead Release
Hot Head Clamp Set
Bead Rake
6 - 1/16th - 9 inch mandrels
6 - 3/32nd - 9 inch mandrels
10 Slot Rod Rest
Graphite Paddle - 2" x 3"
20 piece Glass Pack
Clear (T-004)
Dark Amber (T-016)
Medium Grass Green (T-022)
Teal (T-026)
Light Amethyst (T-040)
Dark Blue (T-056)
Black (T-064)
White (P-204)
Nile Green (P-214)
Periwinkle (P-220)
Dark Ivory (P-276)
Light Lemon Yellow (S-404)
Coral (S-420)
White Filigrana Rod (F-208)
Teal Green Filigrana Rod (F-218)
Black Stringer (T-064-S)
White Stringer (P-204-S)
Pea Green Stringer (P-212-S)
Dark Turquoise Stringer (P-236-S)
Violet Stringer (P-272-S)

No, I have no affiliation to this site...they were just recommended on the forums.

Have fun! Char

I finally got to play with some of the Trautman glass!

2008-05-29T18:47:00.000-07:00

Things are winding down at the high school Media Center where I work and we got the seniors checked out today, the rest of the students will be checked out next week....then only a few more school days and I will have more time to create!!!!!! YaHoooo. It is always hectic around this time of the school year, my least favorite time, anticipating some time off to do what I really love doing.I did get a few hours to experiment with the new glass I got at the ORBS meeting. I concentrated on just one glass called Taxco and it's beautiful turquoise blue that seems to have an oil on water effect when used with ivory. I love the organic shapes and the contrast of the ivory (which turned to a caramel color and showed some webbing) and the oil slick blue which is naturally outlined in a darker shade of blue. Now I just have to come up with a name for these beads and post them on Etsy. Any ideas?

I went to a great meeting today

2008-05-18T18:45:00.000-07:00

Today was our ORBS (Oregon Regional Beadmaker's Society) meeting at Aquila Glass in Portland. The special guest Jenny Newtson.Jenny has been working with and promoting Trautman Art Glass. (TAG) If you have never heard of TAG you really need to check out their web site. (listed below) Jenny demonstrated the range that this glass can achieve. For more information about the glass read below:The guy who first manufactured colored borosilicate glass is now applying his innovative color science to the new, reactive silvered 104-coe soft glass and we all had the chance t try them after the demo.Paul Trautman has been producing boro glass in the Portland area since the 1980's and now has a line of 9 regular soft-glass colors for bead makers and sculptors. You can see the glass now at www.taglass.comTAG makes a soft-glass version of the popular boro "amber-purple" style glass, called "Tibet", and a version of the changeable boro "caramel" colors called "Dalai Lama." One color, "Zeus," appears colorless until it's reduced -- then struck! This one also changes greatly depending on the background color. Some colors reduce to a beautiful metallic sheen, like "Taxco Silver Turquoise" and "Cezanne." TAG also makes a "Black Cherry" that is a kiln-striking red. This gives the bead maker control over how dark the glass gets, and prevents livering, no matter how long you worked it in the flame.Long-time bead maker (and ORBS Member) Jenny Newtson has been working with these colors as the in-house TAG 104 tester. She demonstrated how to work these striking and reducing colors to best effect, and included tips on getting the most out of your purchase. TAG provided samples of glass, and had experimental colors, odds and shorts for sale at a deep discount.We had a great time and I bought lots of glass. Hopefully I will be making some treasures soon and posting them here!

I received this very nice convo today through my Etsy site

2008-05-16T06:39:00.000-07:00

I received this very nice convo today through my Etsy site:
*********************************************************************************************************

Hi there,

We featured you on our blog. We hope you approve of what was written. We *finally* checked our email yesterday and are so glad you wrote to us! Your stuff is fantastic!

http://www.handmadefinds.com/char-ouellette-poetry-in-silver/2008-05-16/

If you approve and you have a banner, we'd proudly display it on our blog. If not, we can just add you to our links. (All banners are free of charge.)

Best wishes,

Beate
16 May 2008

**********************************************************************************************************

Are you kidding me...I am thrilled!!! Please take a look.

What poetic writers they are! They made me want to buy my own jewelry....

Just had to get out a little of my excitement...thanks for listening...you are listening aren't you?
Char

I am honored to be invited to join a choice group of artists!

2008-04-07T15:43:00.000-07:00

View my page on Considerations - The Art in Marketing

Bummer

2008-03-29T18:45:00.000-07:00

So I went in for allergy testing because I had 4 colds in the last 6 months. I knew I had allergies because I was on medication that just doesn't seem to work anymore. I got the poke tests and they said I reacted to nearly everything they tested me for. Especially trees and grasses...well this is just peachy because we live in the trees and grass! I said, "Please don't tell me horses and dogs, because there is no way they are going anywhere?" Well yep I am. This helped me make my decision to start on "The Cure" which is desensitization shots for about 5 years. They said it is only 80 percent that are cured but I thought it was worth a try.

So on March 12th I started my two shots, three times a week. The shots aren't the bad part, the drive is. I have to drive an hour round trip into Clackamas, after work, to go get poked. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I am one of the 80 percent...

Bright and Shiny

2008-03-06T10:18:00.000-08:00

Silver and copper are beautiful when clean and shiny, but it doesn't take long until before they start to oxidize and feel a little gummy.

I think everyone who has silver should have a tumbler. I know, you probably think they are expensive, but I found mine for around $25.00 at Harbor Freight (my new favorite hang out). I purchased some stainless steel shot from http://www.jatayu.com/ (it is spendy but a one time purchase). A few drops of Dawn dish soap and just tumble for an hour or two. Things just sparkle! It also work hardens my chains to help their durability.

I would be careful with soft stones you are not sure of (no pearls or opals). I have put my lampwork beads in there without a problem. Always check the manufacturer first before tumbling!

Sunshine polishing clothes are great for a quick touch-up!

I am loving the new class I am taking!

2008-02-28T18:44:00.000-08:00

"Jewelry as Sculpture"... I wasn't sure what to expect. I was offered a free voucher from the nearby college because the high school I work for partners with them, I thought why not. I am learning all sorts of fun things to do with metal which I hope to incorporate into my designs and start selling on my site.

My husband, a building contractor, teases me the I have more tools then he has. Little does he know I have my eye on several new ones, now that I am spoiled with all that are available at the college.

Who would have thought I would ever open a catalog and be drooling over disk cutters, Flex Shaft Systems and presses. My nail lady thinks it's great because I am making her a lot of money with nail repairs after filing, chipping and grinding the darn things. I am not giving them up! I need a little girly in my life! What with horses, metal and hot glass it's a challenge.

Look at that little beauty above...now that's a pinup!

ORGANIC MERLOT Sterling Silver Red Garnet Handmade Bracelet and Earring Set

2008-02-25T17:56:00.000-08:00

I had so much fun making this set for an Etsy friend (http://www.favormakers.etsy.com/) who's mother was having a birthday in February. View the other photos on my Etsy website under sold items.

We emailed back and forth until we decided on something mom would really like, since she doesn't wear a lot of jewelry. I came up with this design and Chandra was thrilled.

It made me really happy to be able to design a custom set for her mom!

Here is the feedback that she left for me:

These are so stunning and delicate. Char you're so talented! Thank you for taking my custom request. Your input throughout the whole process was wonderful. I know my mom will love these. Lovely packaging. Highly recommended seller!

Jack Ryan has arrived!

2008-02-18T21:03:00.000-08:00

We have a new grandbaby! Jack Ryan was born on Dec. 21st. 7 lbs. 2 oz. and 22 inches long.

He is such a easy baby, very content to just be held. Sister Brooklyn just loves him and is really helping mom & dad take care of him.

We are so blessed to have such a great family!

I've been bad!

2007-12-19T09:33:00.000-08:00

About blogging that is!

I have been trying to work getting new pieces up on my Etsy site for the holidays and neglected posting. And you know that darned work thing gets in the way of the art and Etsy.

A new grandbaby is on his way on the Friday, December 21st. We are so excited for his arrival. Our kids won't tell us his name yet, so it will be a surprise on Friday. What a wonderful Christmas gift he will be!

Happy Holidays to all!

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

2007-11-24T17:19:00.000-08:00

Life is good when you are with family and friends!

We had a great Thanksgiving at my sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws house. Their daughter was home from college and our son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter and mother-in-law were there. Also, our grandson who will be making his appearance into the world sometime in December. We missed being with our daughter, son-in-law and grandson. We had to share them with our son-in-laws family out of town this year and missed having the whole family together.

We had a delicious feast and of course had mom's famous pie. Chocolate cream is one of my favorites. Of course we all ate too much and were miserable afterwards.

I am thankful for so many things in my life:

The love of family and friends
A wonderful loving husband and children
Good health
The ability to express myself creatively
A good job and co-workers I admire
The kisses and laughter I get from my grandkids
Our beautiful dogs, April and Sophie

Happy Holidays!

What is Etsy you ask?

2007-10-22T06:40:00.000-07:00

What is Etsy?
Etsy is an online marketplace for buying & selling all things handmade.Their mission is to enable people to make a living making things, and to reconnect makers with buyers.
Their vision is to build a new economy and present a better choice: Buy, Sell, and Live Handmade.

To me Etsy is:

An affordable place to showcase my lampwork beads and sterling silver jewelry. I set the price and don't rely on getting the price I want through an auction. I know what I spent to create what I made and can ask a fair price for it.
A community of like minded people always eager to help support a fellow artisan.
A wealth of information to help encourage growth and success.

Everyday I am amazed at the new information that is available for sellers on Etsy. From Team Etsy to the Storque they are there for you to learn and stretch to new heights.

Thank you Etsy for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this great community!

Here is a cute little YouTube video about Etsy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2g31xjdfhQ

Who is this woman?

2007-10-20T15:54:00.000-07:00

I just got to thinking...

No one knows who you are when you post a blog.
Well here goes...

I am the wife of a great, loving guy.
I am a mom to two amazing grown people.
I am the mother-in-law to two equally amazing people that love my kids dearly.
I am the Me-ma to two adorable, lovable, beautiful, children, with one on the way in Dec.
I am the daughter of two incredible deceased parents, (Dad raced cars and Mom was a dancer).
I am the daughter-in-law of an amazingly talented woman.
I am the aunt of some incredible people.
I have 270 kids at my work that I don't always like but usually love.
I love my family!
I love animals!
I love my friends!
I love to laugh till my cheeks hurt (right Sally?)
I love surprises!
I like to know what is expected of me.
I love pine trees!
I love to create!
I love to be loved!
I love to learn new things!
I love to travel!
I love humor!
I love to try new things!
I love ice cream!
I love to melt glass and weave silver!
I love peaches and powder sugar!
I love mornings near the water!
I love the color of sunsets!
I love meeting new people!
I love to ride my horse on the beach!
I love hugs! Sounds corny but true.

I finally did it!

2007-10-19T20:55:00.000-07:00

I finally did it! I started my Blog.

It wasn't that long ago I didn't know what a blog was, but here I am, and hopefully I don't bore you to tears.

This is the perfect weekend to start posting since we are away in Sisters, Oregon at our cabin, the weather is cold and I have a cold. Feeling kind of moldy, and laying around playing on the computer is about all I feel like doing.
I wound and cut about 10 feet of sterling silver wire into jumprings before we left home so that I could sit and work on a new bracelet design I wanted to try, but I couldn't concentrate enough to even get it going so here I am typing away. And for anyone who knows me it isn't a fast process. Typing has never been one of my strong points. I do however love making lampwork beads and sterling silver jewelry. So... if you haven't already please visit my new Etsy site at http://www.charouellette.etsy.com/. I also have a website at http://www.charouellettedesigns.com/
Drop me a comment or a convo, I would love to hear from you.