Hello Bead Makers and Flame Surfers. Just a quick reminder that the theme for the March meeting bead exchange is hollow beads. I found a link for a tutorial on how to make hollow beads (http://andiesglass.wetcanvas.com/andies_glass_013.htm). It's a great excuse to try a hollow if you never have! Hope to see you there with your beautiful hollow beads!

A letter from the Beads of Courage President

I wanted to get in touch with you to let you know that the Beads of Courage Ambassador Training has been set!  I am so excited!  The training for City of Hope staff will be January 17th, 2006 from 11:30-2:30 PM.  I hope that we can connect and that you can attend.  I also need to contact artists who are members of the LA Bead Society to see if any of them are available to attend the training.  I will forward details (where) on the Training as I receive them. For more information please go to www.beadsofcourage.net

So Cal Flame Surfers Meeting ~ December 3, 2005

What a wonderful meeting to end our first year! The holiday spirit was certainly in the air on December 3rd at Pacific Art Glass. Thirty-six So Cal Flame Surfers got together to talk about glass, look at beads, watch demos and eat! Each attending member received a glass goodie bag full of frit samples! (Thanks to Charlie!) Doesn’t that sound like a great afternoon? And I haven’t even mentioned the raffle prizes yet!

Our president, Diane Olsen welcomed the group with a big smile and then told us about the list of raffle prizes, which got everyone fired up! She thanked John for once again allowing us to have our meeting at Pacific Art Glass. Someone asked where the money from the raffle and admission fee goes to. Diane explained every dollar goes into an account and will be used for things in the future, like help with getting well known glass artists to visit our meetings, or a SCFS group booth at a bead show, and maybe a banner with our logo. Speaking of... we are in need for a logo for the Flame Surfers and we may have a contest for anyone interested. Got any ideas? Details coming soon!

Diane and our vice prez, Cathy, did an excellent job pulling together raffle prizes for the Christmas meeting, which included a minor torch AND a KILN! Check out all of the great prizes and sponsors who contributed to this fun day!

Our demonstrators for the day were Joyce Rooks and Kati O’Meara.

Joyce demoed gorgeous Pink Planetscape focal bead consisting of ivory and rubino glass with copper leaf. Check out more of Joyce’s beautiful work here!

Kati showed us how to make an off the mandrel pendant with a twisted design using boro glass. Kati also brought everyone a sample pack from . Thanks Northstar and Kati!! Kati O’Meara works at Beadmakers of North County (BNC) in Escondido. Be sure to check out the BNC website for more info and great workshops!

If you unfortunately missed this meeting, we hope you’ll make the next one on March 4th at Pacific Art Glass. Be sure to check the website often for updates on meetings and guest artists!

Best wishes to everyone for a safe and very happy holiday!