Welcome to 2009! A new year filled with change and challenge. The economic situation has affected each and everyone of us in some way. It really is amazing what a domino effect it has. But I have also noticed something....people are still buying beads! I think it is partly do that beads make us feel good. So in an uncertain time, a little splurge on something that makes one feel good, what ever it is, is going to happen. On the other hand, those of us who make the beads, know how good THAT feels...so all I have to say is Happy New Year and KEEP MAKING BEADS!

We had an amazing holiday meeting! Hayley Tsang was such a delight to have as our guest artist. She was friendly, informative and her presentation was professional and filled with eye candy! Hayley had at least one bead made with her favorite Double Helix colors and went into depth on how to achieve the reactions in her beads. It was quite the treat! And speaking of treats, thank you John Williams (owner of Pacific Art Glass) and Paragon for donating a kiln for our auction. Judy Beard was lucky winner! Plus there were over 30 other prizes given away including a Retro Tool bead liner, tons of glass, books, tools and much, much more. Each member received a sample bundle of Double Helix glass too. Did I mention the food?? A spread of holiday cheer including a beautiful cake decorated with the SCFS logo! (thank you to Bindy for her cake deco skills!) Be sure to check out the website to see pics from the meeting.

Bindy not only can decorate a cake, but she can make beads too! (like we didn't know that!) Check out Bindy as our newest Featured Artist, Bindy Lambell, the Mad Beader, on the SCFS website. Barbara Birbeck once again has written an outstanding article which includes plenty of photos of Bindy's beautiful beads! Will you be next? :)

This month, Heather Trimlett is a busy gal! She will be in town for a class at The Mandrel (www.themandrel.com) plus she, along with Kristina Logan will be hosting a Trunk Show at the Blue Dolphin in San Diego on Thursday, January 22nd. Kristina will also be teaching that weekend which is a wonderful opportunity! For more info: http://heathertrimlett.com/classes/index.htm#anchor23121

Next month is the "BIG" show in Tucson. Many of your favorite lampwork artists will be displaying their goods at one of the biggest "all over the city" shows in the country. Most of the bead shows are the first week of February.
For more info on shows and locations:
www.jewelryshowguide.com/event/guide/tucson_show_guide_2009

Our first meeting of 2009 will be held on March 21st at Glass Obsessions in Yorba Linda. This will be the first time Glass Obsessions (GO) will be hosting a SCFS meeting and we are very excited. GO has a complete hot shop set up and a full line of glass supplies. They also offer many classes. Check out their website for other upcoming events.
www.glassobsessions.com
More details regarding the March meeting next month.

Thanks again for your support in 2008. Together, let's make 2009 a great year for our club! If you are interested in volunteering (we promise it doesn't require too many hours!), please respond to this email and I will give you more details.
We hope to see you in March!

Cheers~
Judy Carlson
So Cal Flame Surfers
www.socalflamesurfers.org