Marble Madness

Image 1: Marbles in a milk glass bowl

I have loved and collected marbles since I was a child.  Today I thought I would share with you some modern "Artist marbles" that I bought this year at the 2011 Bead Show in Milwaukee Wisconsin.  These marbles combine two of my loves - marbles and glass.   

Image 2: Lampwork Marbles - View A

'Artist Marbles' are the name I call marbles created one at a time by contemporary glass artists.  These artist marbles are not bargain priced objects, unfortunately.  (How I wish they were, sigh...)  The artist can spend more then one hour on a single marble, and so these marbles are usually in the two digit price range.  I consider each marble a tiny art work, and so I supported artists by purchasing them.  Just doing my part to support the economy.  (That's what I told my husband....)  (In the first photo I have my marbles in a milk glass bowl that I bought at a rummage sale, so there is my thrifty portion of this post...)

Image 3: Lampwork Marbles - View B

Why are marbles being sold at a bead show?  Because many beads are created from glass, and some glass artists also make marbles, lucky for me... 

The 10 marbles I bought at the Bead show where the first artist marbles I had bought in a decade or more.

(I probably haven't bought artist marbles since before I had children, and my oldest child is 17.)

It was very exciting for me to see the 'state of the art' glass work which is being done today, some of which you can see in the marbles I bought.  

Image 4: Lampwork Marble made by Joe Holford

Walking through the show, I could see an explosion of glass talent first hand.  I felt I was observing a renaissance of glass creation.  Thousands of today's glass artists are creating with the material and energy and knowledge that was unavailable in previous centuries.

Image 5: 2 views of a Marble (made by Joe Holford)

In the last 1-2 decades, glasswork has become a form of art available to hobbyists.  Equipment, specialty glass, and instructors (and even video lessons) have resulted in the number of glass artists exploding.  These people, at many different levels of skill, experiment and create glass objects.  Glass workers are re-discovering techniques and processes, (glass working has been around since 2000 BC); and experimenting with new ones.  Today's glass artists are creating in a new world - a time with access to energy and materials and knowledge unavailable to glass workers of the past. 

Here are some example: Working glass requires temperatures from 900-1800 degrees C.  In previous centuries, the fuel required to heat glass (mostly wood) competed directly with the fuel needs of people for heat and food.  Glass working was sometimes banned because of the amount of fuel required to heat glass.  Another example is the ability for today's glass artists to order their glass materials with precise chemistries - centuries ago, workers often formulated their own glass.

Image 6: 2 views of a Marble (made by Joe Holford)

I love touching and looking at these mini marvels of glass work.  I am looking forward to seeing what the glass artists create next year.  

Here are some notes:  

• For my other post on marbles, click here.
• I am interested in knowing which of the photo mosaic you like more - Version A or Version B.  Let me know if you have an opinion. 
• Seven marbles in this post were made by Joe Holford
• Three marbles in this post were created by Frank Scott - The green one, the one with stars, and the one with flowers.

Click on any image to see it larger

If you enjoyed this post you might also like:

Marbles

Angel Window

Stained Glass

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I am linking to these parties:

Little Red House: Mosaic Monday (Entry 24 of 80+)

Running with Glitter Mon 22 (Entry 58 of 217).

Boogie Board: Masterpiece Mon 33 (Entry 4 of 26.)

Dittle Dattle: Amaze Me Mon 37 (Entry 60 of 288).

BNOTP: Metamorphis Monday 134 (Entry 99 of 255.)

Mod Vintage: Mod Mix Mon 12 (Entry 2 of 48)

Roses: Show off your Cottage Mon (Entry 11 of 71)

Making the World Cuter (Entry 9 of 128) h

Coastal Charm: Nifty Thrifty Tues 75 (Entry 56 of 229.)

Uncommon Slice: Tues Treasures (Entry 7 of 161.)

* Stroll Life: Table Top Tues 77 (Entry 33 of 98).

* House of Grace: Twice Owned Tues (Entry 22 of 55)

Sassy: Trash to Treasure Tues (Entry 1 of 108)

Diamond: Time to Shine 31 (Entry 74 of 89)

Anything Goes 30 (Entry 70 of 121.) 

Savvy Style: Wow Us Wed 27 (Entry 21 of 282.)
Beach Cottage: Good Life Wed (Entry 9 of 115)

No Minimalist Here: Open House (Entry 24 of 123) 

Very Merry Vint: Share the Love Wed (Entry 1 of 54).

Ginger: Wow Me Wednesday 12 (Entry 23 of 351.) 

Designer Garden: VIP Party 24 (Entry 36 of 94) 

From My Porch: Treasure Hunt Thurs 19 (Entry 4 of 18)
Brambleberry Cottage: Time Travel Thur (Entry 12 of 77)
Col Lady: Vintage Thingies Thur (Entry 9 of 33)
Bloggeritaville: Thrifty Thur (Entry 4 of 92)
Shabby Chic: Transformation Thur (Entry 120 of 201)
Somewhat Simple: Strut your Stuff (Entry 126 of 220)

Charm of Home: Home Sweet Home 28 (Entry 49 of 82)
Thrifty Grove: Thrifty Things Fri 21 (Entry 15)

French Country: Feather Nest Fri (Entry 146)
* Common Ground: Vint Inspiration 51 (Entry 95)
* Romantic Home: Show and Tell (Entry 94)
White Iron: Treasure Chest Fri (Entry)
Chic: Flaunt it Friday 67 (Entry 58)

Shabby Nest: Frugal Friday (Entry 118)
Picket Fence: Inspiration Fri 28 (Entry 140) 
Find Fab: Frugalicious Friday (Entry 117 of 147)
Tatertots: Weekend Wrap Up (Entry 476 of 699) 
Hodgepodge Friday (Entry 31)
Cherished Treasure: Sun Blog Love (Entry 26)

Under the Table: Sunday Showcase (Entry 141)

The Tablescaper: Seasonal Sunday (Entry 17)
I Heart Naptime: Sundae Scoop (Entry 144)
Library Adventure: Flea Market Finds (Entry 16) 

37530

China Finds

Rosenthal's Garden Caprice plate

 

There is a sign I love at one of my favorite stores.

 

My grandma used it, 

My mom threw it, 

And I bought it.

 

Rosenthal's Garden Caprice pattern

So fun and true for me! 

 
The sign is at my favorite consignment shop, Legacies, Ltd. in Fox Point, Wisconsin.  The shop features fine antiques and collectible treasure and furniture. The turnover at Legacies is fast, so visiting every month or so is like visiting a different antique store, with items beautifully displayed.  I think most pieces displayed are washed and cleaned, dusted, etc. as well.  Every month the price on remaining pieces drops 15%, so older items are discounted.  If you really want a piece, buy it quickly, otherwise you can hope the price will drop when you next come in, if it is still there. 

Caverswall china Edith Holden 'April' plate

Shopping at Legacies is an adventure in finding treasure.  The three plates I am showing in this blog post are plates I bought at this store.  The two Caverswall china 'month' plates were under $10 (I know I got both discounted - they hung around for 1-2 months).  The Rosenthal plate was probably $12. (Full price, I bought it the first day I saw it.)

 

 

 

Caverswall china Edith Holden 'June' plate

After I have bought an item, I sometimes get around to researching the piece on-line (usually for a blog post ;)  

 

I haven't seen all of the other months from the Caverswall monthly plate series (from 1981-1982), and I am not going to go out of my way to collect them, but I enjoy the two I found.  The color and graphics are so fun.  The backs of the Caverswall plates have quite a bit of information on them.  Apparently the plates were inspired by an illustrated book.  Read the back inscription - it's funny how many people wanted their name on the back, and it makes it harder to find these plates on eBay.  

Caverswall china Edith Holden 'June' plate back

Replacements.com indicates the Rosenthal Garden Caprice pattern was discontinued around 1930. I love the exuberance of this plate, but I really wouldn't have the space (or money) for a full set, so I am happy to have this one plate.

Click on the images to see them enlarged.


If you enjoyed this post you might also like:

My Collection of all Hutch Posts!

 

 

 

 

 

I am linking to these parties:

Mosaic Monday (I was entry 36 of 101).
Masterpiece Monday (Entry 26 of 77).

Seasonal Sundays 42 (Entry 43 of 43).
52 Weeks of Happiness (Entry 55 of 55).
Amaze Me Monday (Entry 209 of 274).
Nifty Thrift Tuesday 56 (Entry 73 of 278).
Tuesday's Treasures (Entry 35 of 95).
Wow Us Wednesday 8 (Entry 74 of 274).
Good Life Wed (Entry 75 of 127).
What Ever Goes Wed 59 (Entry 196 of 533).
Wow Us Wed 8 (Entry 74 of 274).
Whassup Wed (Entry 59 of 209).
Thrifty Thur 107 (Entry 28 of 120.)
Vintage Thingies Thur (Entry 22 of 43).
Time Travel Thurs 38 (Entry 12 of 51).

Vintage Inspiration Fri 31 (Entry 49 of 116).

Show and Tell (I was entry 98 of 363).

Feather Nest Fri 29 (I was entry 64 of 200.)

Favorite Things Fri (I was entry 6 of 68).

Inspiration Fri 9 (I was entry 59 of 176).

Weekend Wrap Up (I was entry 244 of 835).  

Library of Congress

Image 1: Library of Congress Interior

The Library of Congress in Washington DC, USA is housed in a spectacular building.

Image 2: Library of Congress interior, Washington DC

Beautiful details are everywhere you look - in the mosiacs on the floors, the stained glass on the ceiling, and the wonderful pillars, carvings and paintings on the walls.

Image 2: Library of Congress ceiling Angels, Washington DC

I enjoy stained glass windows - below is a close-up of one of the stained glass panels from the ceiling.

Image 4: Stained glass window in the Library of Congress

Mosaic floors are so decorative - the floors here are incredible.

Image 5: Mosaic floor in the Library of Congress, Washington DC

The Library of Congress is one of the great places to explore in Washington DC.  There are so many great sites to see in Washington DC that this building is often missed by tourists on their first visit.  If you can find the time - don't miss it. 

Click on the images to see them enlarged.

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If you enjoyed this post, you might also enjoy...

Japan Memories

Canada Autumn

Italian Garden

NYC Christmas

Paris Museum

Yellowstone

Canada Lake

Chicago Xmas

Gr Canyon View

NYC Windows

El Capitan

Paris Reflections

Wash DC

Las Vegas Night

Gr Canyon Ruins

Running Rapids

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I am linking up to these memes:

This is my 11th entry to Mosaic Monday (I was entry 32)

This is my 9th entry to the meme Scenic Sunday (I was entry 50).

And in April 2013: Tablescaper: Oh the places I've been Thurs (Entry 21).

Christmas Tree Pins

Today's photo mosaic was created with some of my costume jewelry Christmas tree pins.   Most of these pins are probably the 1950's or 1960's, although a couple are much newer.  


The one above is probably my current favorite.  It is unsigned.


This one is a contemporary pin from the last decade or so.  I think my Dad gave each of my sisters and my mom this same tree pin.

Click on the images to see them enlarged.

If you enjoyed this post, you might also enjoy...

Tree Pins

Christmas pins

Butterfly pin

Floral Pins

Angel Window

Madonna Window

Beveled Window

Stained Glass

Christmas Hutch

Book Treasure

Garden Horses

Antique Trunk

Marbles

Eggs of Stone

Egg-stavaganza

I linking up to the following memes:

This is my 10th entry to Mosaic Monday (I was entry 14 of 83)

Hooked on Houses for Holiday House Tours (I was entry 211 of 240.)

Roses for Show off your Cottage Monday (I was entry 44 of 49)

Naps on the Porch for Metamorphis Mon 99 (I was entry 274 of 300.)

Coastal Charm for Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays 42 (I was entry 23 of 145.)

House of Grace for Twice Owned Tuesday (I was entry )

Shabby Chic for Holiday Home Tour (I was entry 56 of 180)

Laurie for Favorite Things Sat (I was entry 16)

Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration (I was entry 38 of 63)

Colorado Lady for Vintage Thingies Thursday (I was entry 12 of 27)
Bloggeritaville for Thrifty Thursday 94, (I was entry 29 of 63)

Brambleberry Cottage for Time Travel Thur (I was entry 3 of 16).
Romantic Home for Show and Tell (I was entry 36 of 209)
French Country for Feathered Nest Fri #10 (I was entry 33 of 92)

Jessica for Favorite Things Friday (I was entry 24 of 100).  
My Cottage Charm for Trinkets and Treasures (I was entry 3).
A Picture is Worth for 2nd Time Around (I was entry 11)

Linda for A La Carte Finds 7 (I was entry 20).
Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wed 146  (Entry 57).