Becky Congdon

Butterfly Beads

2009-12-12T15:49:00.000-05:00

NEW Butterfly Bead!

I am so excited my new sculptural bead. I did this at a request of a client of mine for a pink butterfly pendant. I had never done this before, and as you all know I struggle liking pink. So after many failed attempts at implosion techniques and other encasement trials, I came up with this sculptural version. I a very happy with this. It looks great as a focal pendant. If there is interest in this, I will add this to my line. Let me know what you think at info@beckycongdon.com . Thanks!

Perspectives Exhibit Traveling

2009-12-11T15:04:00.001-05:00

"Three Amigos"

By Becky Congdon

I am happy to announce that my "Three Amigos" aquarium lampwork glass bead selected by the International Society of Glass Beadmakers for their Perspectives: Traditions and Innovations in Glass Beads exhibition will be traveling. The Perspectives exhibit will now be moved from Corning, NY to the following venues:

Jan 5 - Feb 26, 2010 - Ohio Glass Museum / Columbus, OH
Jun 8 - Jun 13, 2010 - Bead & Button Show / Milwaukee, MN
Jun 26 -Aug 1, 2010 - ISGB's The Gathering Conference / Rochester, NY

There are over fifty beads in the exhibit. I hope you all have a chance to view the exhibit which displays a great depth of techniques in contemporary flamework beads.

Annual Holiday Studio Sale at CMOG!

2009-12-04T12:23:00.001-05:00

December 5 & 6, 2009
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m
The Studio at Corning Museum of Glass

For one-of-a-kind glass pieces, The Studio offers an annual sale of original glass art made by the nationally and internationally known artists who come to Corning to use The Studio throughout the year. I'll have my new items in this show. This is the last show of the year for me. You'll find original works in glass at reasonable prices—a perfect place to start your holiday shopping! Proceeds from the glass sale support the Studio's scholarship fund and residency program. Also, stop by to say Hi! I am helping with the Holiday Sale.

The Studio is located across the street from the Corning Museum of Glass. Guests can also make ornaments and flowers at the furnace, as well as icicles at the torch at a reduced cost of $5 - $10 for each item. These items require overnight cooling. They may be picked up after 3:00 p.m. on December 8. Contact The Studio at 607.974.6467 with any questions.

NEW SHOW & Winterfaire Canceled!

2009-10-07T07:50:00.000-04:00

Ok, some good news and bad news... Boy, don't I sound like a manager!

GOOD NEWS.... I will be at another holiday show, "Golden Benefit Charity Holiday Arts & Craft Show". The show is sponsored by Friends of the Neuromuscular Disease Center at UR Medcial Center and Friends & Families Muscular Disorder Foundation. I will have my art glass (non-jewelry items) like ornaments, wine stoppers, canape knives/forks, key chains, bookmarks, cell phone lanyards, etc, etc. It will be a nice indoor event and SANTA will be there! =) Lunch is also available there. So mark your calendars for:

Golden Benefit Holiday Arts & Craft Show & Sale
Saturday, November, 21
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Quality Inn
4242 Lakeville Road(Rt. 20A)
Geneseo, NY
FREE!!!
Proceeds from this event going to the Neuromuscular Disease Center at the University of Rochester Medical Center & Friends & Families Muscular Disorders Foundation.

Bad news ... Event organizers sent out a notice yesterday that the holiday show "WINTERFAIRE" at Bristol Ski Resort has been canceled. I had postcards at my Open Studio Trail stating that I was going to be there. I apologize for any confusion here.

For holiday shopping for my art glass jewelry, please check out my web site shop OR call for an appointment. Thank you.

Open Studio Trail - THANK YOU!!!

2009-10-05T18:18:00.000-04:00

Wow! What a great weekend for the Naples Open Studio Trail (Oct. 3-4th). My husband and I were busy getting ready the Friday before the event. It takes alot of work to setup for this. Here is a picture of my handsome helper (aka. husband, Shaun). I invaded his studio/garage for the displays of my work. Shaun is showing the "before", and the demos were in my studio which is attached to the building on the right. I was busy working up to the last minute, and my studio was a mess!!! Here is a before and after picture.

It may not look that messy... but glass was everywhere!! Anyway, we pulled everything together and had a fun show. See below for final displays.

Here's my helper...ready to greet everyone!! =) Thanks to all who stopped by. Hope you all had a great time. I look forward to opening my studio again next year with new items. (This year it was ornaments!!) Mark you calendars for next year, first weekend in October. Take care. Arrivederci!

Glass Flameworking Demo - Sept. 26th noon-3pm

2009-09-17T08:50:00.001-04:00

I will be demonstrating glass flameworking at Mill Creek Café on Saturday, September 26th from noon-3pm in Honeoye, NY. While talking about the process and glass, I will be using a torch and Italian glass rods to form beads, ornaments, marbles, and pendants. Come learn about the exciting art of glass flameworking and about the upcoming Naples Open Studio Trail!

Come grab a coffee, lunch, or ice cream! I will have my latest glass items for sale. Hope to catch up with you all soon! Mill Creek Cafe is located on Main Street in Honoeye, NY. http://www.millcreekcafe.com/

OPEN STUDIO - October 3rd-4th

2009-09-08T08:08:00.000-04:00

Come join me and 19 other artists for the Naples Open Studio Trail, October 3rd-4th from 10am-5pm . I will have my glass studio open for viewing as well as....

My latest creations (ornaments, jewelry, cutlery, etc) for sale.
Flameworking Demos
Only time my "Orphan" beads are for sale. Come adopt a bead!
Munchies & beverages provided!

Have a fun day driving around visiting the various artists studios in the lovely Finger Lakes / Naples area. This is a FREE EVENT!

Click on BROCHURE(pdf) for details & directions. For a hardcopy of the brochure, go to www.beckycongdon.com/contact.html and enter your address, request a brochure, and hit submit. A brochure will be mailed directly to you. Hope to see you soon!

Mill Creek Café September Show

2009-09-07T15:38:00.000-04:00

A sampling of my latest handmade glass items are on display the month of September at Mill Creek Café. Get a jump start on your holiday shopping. Peruse my new "implosion" pendants, hollow jewelry, frogs, etc. You can also pick up a brochure for my open studio event coming in October. Come enjoy a great meal or a quick coffee or ice cream at Mill Creek Café. Mill Creek Café is located on Main Street in downtown Honeoye, NY. http://www.millcreekcafe.com/

Paul Stankard's "Miniature Paperweights" Class

2009-09-07T15:02:00.000-04:00

I had the honor to be Paul Stankard's teaching assistant for his class, "Miniature Paperweights" at Corning Museum of Glass, July 27th-August 1st! It was a pleasure working with Paul & the class. We had an international and very talented class. Students hailed from Japan, Israel, as well as the US. It was so much fun working with everyone. I hope stay in touch with all my new flameworking friends. Here are a few of the snap shots from the class. For more information about Paul Stankard, please see Paul's Website at http://www.paulstankard.com/ .

Emilio Santini & Alex Hamilton's Class

2009-08-27T06:15:00.000-04:00

I had the great opportunity to attend on scholarship Emilio Santini & Alex Hamilton's class at Corning Museum of Glass this summer! The class was one of the best classes I have ever taken. There were so many new techniques shown such as goblet making, figures(in boro & moretti), "sweet-sweet" ribbon cane & plaid, use of the lathe, encalmo, pendants, bugs, etc., etc. What made it even better was the class participants were great to work with. I am so excited to work on the techniques that were shown and incorporate them into my work. You'll see alot of ornaments and more sculptural pieces this winter. If you ever get an opportunity to take a class with either instructor, I highly recommend taking the class. For more information on either artist/instructor, please see:

Emilio Santini:
Emilio's Website
Emilio's Sculptural Flameworking Video (from CMOG, wmv)

Alex Hamilton:
RIDEAU GLASS STUDIO
5512 Main Street
P.O. Box 100
Manotick, ONTARIO
CANADA
K4M 1A2

Perspectives Exhibit

2009-06-14T07:44:00.000-04:00

I am happy to announce that my "Three Amigos" aquarium lampwork glass bead has been selected by the International Society of Glass Beadmakers for their Perspectives: Traditions and Innovations in Glass Beads exhibition and part of the Glass Art Society Conference in Corning, NY.

The exhibit is being held at Corning's Radision Hotel from June 5 to September 7.

As explained by Kendra Bruno, President of ISGB, “This juried exhibit presented by ISGB, represents the endlessly captivating styles, techniques, and processes used in contemporary glass beadmaking. Unique color, form, and textural elements were combined to highlight the infinite possibilities of glass, as expressed by our members. Artists were encouraged to create a bead that best captured their inspiration, innovation, and personal ‘voice.’”

My “Three Amigos,” is one of over fifty beads presented in the exhibit.

I hope you all have a chance to view the exhibit. You may also visit http://www.isgb.org/info/article_256.shtml to view a slideshow of the exhibit.

SIMPLER SPACES

2009-04-30T16:22:00.000-04:00

I've been organized! ..........

I had to share with you all a great experience. Like many artists and craft people, my art process had taken over my house (much to my husband's dismay). In addition, my parents downsized their home, and we had "inherited" many things that had not found a "home". So, I received a great Christmas present of a gift certificate from "Simpler Spaces", a professional organizer. Nancy Blackmore of "Simpler Spaces" came to my house over a weekend and worked with me to organize my basement area. She worked with me in a professional and yet humorous way to get through something I had been dreading. I couldn't even walk to my bench easily. Here are some after pictures. Notice... no clutter and labeled boxes.

As one of her client's aptly put it, "This is alot cheaper than marriage counseling." and I agree whole heartily. Now my husband has his basement area again. He now uses the term "I need to do a "Nancy" on this room/area" to refer to organizing. I have my sanity back because I can find things!

I highly recommend her for any organizing operation needed.... Maybe my next project with her will be my office! For more information, please contact:

Simpler Spaces

Nancy Blackmore, Professional Organizer

nlblackmore@verizon.net

2009-04-27T18:14:00.000-04:00

Tea & Bead

Please join me at South Bristol Cultural Center, Saturday, May 2nd at 2pm, for the 3rd Annual "Tea & Bead". I will give a presentation about how I create my intricate beads, then participants will have the opportunity to use pre-made glass beads to make a pair of lilac earrings and/or a lilac necklace using sterling silver beads/findings. Tea and cupcakes will be served. Space is limited!

For more information & to register, please call South Bristol Cultural Center on Fridays-Saturdays at (585)396-5950. Price is $36.00 for earrings or $42.00 for necklace or both for $70.00 which supports the South Bristol Cultural Center (a non-profit organization supporting the arts). Class will be held at South Bristol Cultural Center 5323 Seneca Point Road in Canandaigua. Hope to see you soon!

Fall Foliage Class Fun!

2008-10-23T06:32:00.000-04:00

FALL FOLIAGE CLASS - SEPTEMBER 25, 2008

Thanks to all who attended my Fall Foliage Jewelry Class at Springdale B&B on September 25th. It was a beautiful day in the country! I had lots of fun demoing my glass. We had a nice luncheon. Then everyone put together these great Fall Foliage necklaces and Acorn earrings. I hope to see you all soon.

Mill Creek Gallery Display and Demo - Saturday, September 27th

2008-09-14T12:17:00.000-04:00

My latest handmade glass items are on display the month of September at Mill Creek Café. I will be demonstrating glass flameworking at Mill Creek Café on Saturday, September 27th from noon-3pm. While talking about the process and glass, I will be using a torch and Italian glass rods to form beads. Come learn about the exciting art of glass flameworking. Mill Creek Café is located on Main Street in downtown Honeoye, NY.

Lunch and Glass Jewelry at Historic 1820 Springdale Farm

2008-09-13T15:38:00.000-04:00

Please join me on either Wednesday, September 17th, 2008 @ 11:30am – 2:00PM OR Thursday, September 25th for an afternoon just for you! Enjoy tea sandwiches, appetizers, and sweets, sun brewed natural iced tea, apple cider. Explore your own creativity, making your own jewelry. I will be explaining and demoing about how I make the glass flame worked beads. You can then choose either or both of the projects to complete: (1) Acorn Earrings and or (2) Fall Foliage Necklace. Both projects use my handmade beads, sterlings silver beads/findings, and the necklace is strung on hand-dyed silk (color-your choice).

Price including lunch :
$32.00 (lunch, Demo and Earring Project only)
$37.00 (lunch, Demo and Necklace Project only)
$48.00 (lunch, Demo and Both Projects)

To reserve your sport of more information, please contact Springdale Farm Bed and Breakfast at: 585.924.5952. Springdale Farm is just 5 minutes from downtown Victor, NY.

Mother's Day Tea & Bead - May 3rd

2008-04-13T07:36:00.000-04:00

Mother's Day Tea and Bead

Saturday, May 3rd
Please join me at South Bristol Cultural Center, Saturday, May 3rd, for "Mother's Day Tea & Bead". I will give a presentation about how I create my intricate beads, then you will have the opportunity to use pre-made glass beads to make a pair of orchid earrings or an orchid pendant on an adjustable Chinese knot necklace. Tea & cupcakes will be served!
For more information, please call (585) 396-5950. Hope to see you soon!
Becky Congdon

My "Pure Heart" Lampwork Necklace Featured On Etsy!!

2008-01-24T07:54:00.000-05:00

This past Sunday, January 2oth, my handmade lampwork "Pure Heart" necklace was featured on the front page of Etsy (http://www.etsy.com/)! Etsy is a website of shops dedicated to handmade items. Here is the front page feature image (third row, 1st item):
I am busily working on Valentine's items (for your or someone special). Please check out my shop at http://beckycongdon.etsy.com/. More to come! Take care.

WINTERFAIRE ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW

2007-11-27T07:23:00.000-05:00

WINTERFAIRE ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW

Bristol Mountain Ski Resort

Dec. 1st 10am-5pm

Dec. 2nd 10am-4pm

Enjoy peaceful shopping in a nice intimate setting at the Sunset Lodge at Bristol Ski Resort. Need a gift for a neighbor/co-worker/family member? How about one of my art glass wine stoppers with a bottle of wine OR a canape/cheese knife with a specialty spread or cheese...etc...etc.. I will have my art glass wine stoppers (aquarium style, grapes, etc), cheese/canape knives and forks, bookmarks, spinner coffee mugs, key chains, fan pulls, and of course my one-of-a-kind art glass jewelry. Let me be your holiday helper. I still am taking custom orders for the holidays. So stop by and say "Hi!". Take care.

Arriverderci!

Becky Congdon

171 Cedar Arts Center - HOLIDAY CAFE

2007-11-19T09:56:00.000-05:00

November 16 to December 22

Hours:

9-9pm M-F

9-2pm Sat

3-6pm Sun

Coffee, chocolate and crafts form the basis of 171 Cedar Arts Center’s third Holiday Café, a seasonal shopping opportunity and fund-raising event in the Center’s Houghton Gallery. My glass jewelry and art glass housewares are on sale here. Enjoy holiday shopping in a peaceful/artful environment. Arriverderci!

Artist Demo & Halloween Beading

2007-10-18T07:47:00.000-04:00

South Bristol Cultural Center will be hosting me on Saturday, October 27th from 1-3pm. I will introduce you to the art of flameworking. I will explain & demostrate the process I use to make my intricate and colorful beads. Afterwards, I'll step you thru basic beading projects using my beads. You'll go home with a special pair of "Calorie-Free" Candy Corn earrings and/or a pendant/necklace using one of my festive beads (choice of ghost, bat, or pumpkin if you register by October 20th).

COST: $17 for earrings OR $32 necklace and earrings (SBCC members)/$22 for earrings OR $37 necklace and earrings (nonmembers).

CALL TO REGISTER: (585)396-5950

South Bristol Cultural Center

5323 Seneca Point Road, Canandaigua, NY

Just fifteen minutes from the heart of downtown Canandaigua!

http://www.southbristolculturalcenter.org/

Catch the Fire Bug! - "Beginning Beadmaking Class"

2007-10-01T09:36:00.000-04:00

Yep, I am beginning to teach classes in my studio. I will be doing "Beginning Beadmaking Class" starting in October. Each class is 1 day session from 9am to 5pm, semi-private (2 seats /class). The class sessions available are:

October 13th
October 20th
November 18th

Class will include instruction + hands-on torch time + moretti glass for $80.00. To reserve your space, please contact me at congdonr@rochester.rr.com with name, phone number! Additional private/custom classes are available. Please email me for more information.

NO PLACE LIKE HOME...Naples Open Studio Trail

2007-10-01T07:14:00.000-04:00

Come join us for the Naples Open Studio Trail, October 6-7th from 10am-5pm . We will have my glass studio open for viewing. I will be demoing and have items for sale. Also, munchies will be provided! Have a fun day driving around visiting the various artists studios in the lovely Finger Lakes / Naples area. For more information/directions, please see the event website at http://www.naplesopenstudiotrail.com/ . Hope to see you soon!

Interview/Article in Canandaigua Magazine!!

2007-09-25T19:51:00.001-04:00

Yep, I was interviewed as part of an article on the Naples Open Studio Trail this year for the Canandaigua Magazine. Marci Diehl did the interview and article. Very nice writeup for all. The magazine is on stands now. You will see pictures of some of the various artists (Suzanne Frazer/pottery is on the cover) and their works. My little aquarium bead is in the article. For more information on the magazine, see http://www.cdgamag.com/. The Naples Open Studio Trail is October 6-7 from 10am-5pm. I will be opening up my studio for tours, demoing, and selling some of my work. Munchies will be provided =)!! So if you are in the Finger Lakes area, hope to see you soon. For more information, please see http://naplesopenstudiotrail.com/ . Thanks!

1st Outdoor Show - "Arts in the Gardens"

2007-08-28T07:14:00.000-04:00

Wow! What a great experience. We just finished our first outdoor show. Thanks to all who visited our booth! It was great to see smiling faces we knew as well as meeting new friends.

Our first day was a scorcher (See the sun in the booth photo)! Thought I would see my husband melt away. (He doesn't do well in heat.) The humidity was horrible. My clever husband rigged up the fan to hang in our booth for a little breeze. He kept telling folks that we had a fan (I think that's how we got people into our booth). I tried to do a glass lampworking demo outside, but between the sun and heat I gave up. I couldn't even see the flame (kind of dangerous..yah think?). =)

Sunday was much nicer. It was a little breezy and overcast, so not as hot. I think the crowds were bigger Sunday too. Well, thought I would show you some pictures. This is on Sunday (don't I look exhausted...notice the coffee cup...NEED CAFFEINE!)

Well, off to fill my kiln with more glass for the next show. I will be at "Three Brothers Winery" in Geneva, NY this Saturday, September 1st for their grand opening (see link: http://www.3brotherswinery.com/ ). Please come out and enjoy a glass of wine in the beautiful Finger Lakes region. (P.S. Will be at Clothesline in Rochester, NY, Sept. 8-9 , see link: http://mag.rochester.edu/clothesline/). Take care. Arriverderci!!

2007 SHOW SCHEDULE - CRAZY!!

2007-08-13T23:06:00.001-04:00

My Crazy 2007 Show Schedule is about to start here. I am diligently working (at least in this photo) on new art glass designs for the shows. Below is my current "crazy" schedule. Please check back soon for my classes (both in my studio and off-site). Hope to see you at my shows. Take care.

Arriverderci!! ~ Becky ~

Aug 19 "Glass Demo & Grape Pendant Project" / South Bristol Cultural Center / Canandaigua, NY
Aug 25-26 "Arts in the Gardens" Show (Booth: G1) / Sonnenberg Gardens / Canandaigua, NY / link: http://www.artsatthegardens.org/aboutus.php
Sept 1 "Three Brothers Winery - Grand Opening" / Geneva, NY / link: http://www.3brotherswinery.com/
Sept 8-9 "Clothesline Festival" (Booth: 407/Pink Section) / Memorial Art Gallery / Rochester, NY / link: http://mag.rochester.edu/clothesline/
Oct 6-7 "Naples Open Studio Trail" / Becky's Studio / Honeoye, NY / link: http://www.naplesopenstudiotrail.com/
Oct 27 "Halloween Demo & Project" / South Bristol Cultural Center / Canandaigua, NY / link: http://www.southbristolculturalcenter.org/
Nov 8-10 "Artful Holidays Fine Arts & Craft Show & Sale" / The Campus House / Geneseo, NY
Nov 24 "American Red Cross Holiday Arts & Craft Show" / Geneseo Armory / Geneseo, NY
Dec 1-2 "Winterfaire" / Bristol Ski Resort /Bristol, NY

Lampwork Demo & Grape Pendant Project (August 19th)

2007-07-27T19:36:00.000-04:00

COME JOIN ME FOR SOME GRAPE FUN!!

South Bristol Cultural Center will be hosting me on Sunday, August 19th from 1-3pm. I will be demonstrating the process of making my ornate, one-of-a-kind beads. Afterwards, I'll step you thru a basic beading project. You'll go home with a gorgeous pendant perfect for strolling around the Naples Grape Festival or a day of wine-tasting!

COST: $20 for SBCC members/$25 for non-members
CALL TO REGISTER BY AUGUST 10th at (585)396-5950
South Bristol Cultural Center
5323 Seneca Point Road, Canandaigua, NY
Just fifteen minutes from the heart of downtown Canandaigua
http://www.southbristolculturalcenter.org/

ConneXtions Exhibit - "Venetian Pepper Mill"

2007-07-21T12:09:00.000-04:00

Hi! My husband (Shaun) & I designed this piece "Venetian Pepper Mill" for the ConneXtions Exhibit. ConneXtions is a joint venture between AAW (Association of American Woodturners) and ISGB (International Society of Glass Beadmakers).

Shaun did the wood turning and assembly here. Pretty great for only his second time wood turning! Don't you think? It is maple and zebra wood. I made the hollow beads in filigrana to represent the pepper. The top of the pepper mill is a hollow fish bead. All
glass used was Moretti/Effetre .. very Italian!!

The exhibit is in St. Paul, MN running thru December, 2007. If you are at ISGB's 2007 Gathering conference, please check it out!! For more information on the exhibit, see www.woodturner.org/gallery Please check out my other Venetian fish, fun jewelry, & other glass items at my shop, beckycongdon.etsy.com Arriverderci!

I'M PUBLISHED!!!

2007-07-19T08:53:00.000-04:00

Big NEWS!! I am published!!! One of my recent aquarium beads was published in the Summer 07 issue of "The GlassBead" publication, "Eye Candy" article. My "Beta Fish" bead is displayed as part of article. "The GlassBead" is a quarterly publication by the International Society of Glass Beadmakers.

To see more of my aquarium and fish beads, check out my shop at beckycongdon.etsy.com.