Kristen Orr Featured in New Book, Masters: Glass Beads

Okay, so I have to brag. My mom, Kristen Frantzen Orr, is one of 40 artists featured in the new Lark Books publication, Masters: Glass Beads, Major Works by Leading Artists. There is a beautiful 8-page spread inside the book showcasing several of her lampworked glass beads from throughout her career (she also has a bead on the cover of the book, second from the left).

She got into beadmaking when it was still a fairly new art form in the US, and she has persevered and thrived during the explosion in popularity that glass beadmaking has seen in the past few years. I am very proud of her! Definitely check out the book if you are at all interested in glass beadmaking. And to see more of my mom's work, visit her site at: http://www.kristenfrantzenorr.com/

Earth Day 2008

Check out these beautiful Ranunculus! We saw these fields a few weeks ago while visiting California to celebrate our 3-year wedding anniversary and Amanda's big 3-0 birthday! Many more images to come from this trip if/when I get caught up.

I thought it would be a nice image to share in honor of Earth Day. I could easily wax poetic about all the reasons Earth Day is so important to me but I'll spare you the politics. Just get outside and enjoy it!

Incredible Home "Theater": Architecture Photography in Phoenix

When most of us think of a home "theater", we picture a cozy living room with a big flat screen TV, surround sound, and plush seating. This home theater, built by Nikon Custom Construction, takes the home theater concept to a whole new level, complete with a ticket window, movie posters, bar and concessions, auditorium style seating, movie screen and a bluetooth-enabled digital projector! The theater was built by excavating beneath an existing home through the garage floor. Bill Nikon's custom construction projects include just about anything you can imagine in your home; kitchen, bath, study, etc.! For more information, call him at: 602-692-8429.

BEad inspired this Saturday, April 5th at the Borgata

Come support the Beads of Courage program this Saturday, April 5th at the Borgata from 4 - 7pm, at BEad inspired, a fundraising event to help children coping with cancer. Food, wine tasting and the chance to design a handmade beaded bracelet are included in the ticket price. Art jewelry and handmade glass beads will be for sale. The event also features live music, a silent auction and a bead historian! For more information visit www.beadsofcourage.net