photos of my new studio

artsymartha · #1 2008-11-27, 9:29pm

I think this is my first post here at LE. So hello!

I have been lampworking for about 3 years, I was renting studio time the entire time at Flame Kissed Beads in Cary, NC, but sadly they closed. So my awesome husband converted our former carport to a studio for me! It had already been screened off so the 2x4's were already in place at the front and back walls.

I have a Lynx with oxygen tanks. Here are some photos:
http://artsymartha.com/studio.htm

Luckily the FKB folks are still selling glass so I don't need to store any like y'all do.

The room is actually quite large but I only take up the far wall as you see. I need to add more photos to show the whole room, huh.

I have an A/C installed for the summer time. Right now I have a space heater for my feet and another little room heater. I'm quite warm in there even with the window cracked and the fan on, it's insulated quite well.

ladymeme123 · #2 2008-11-27, 9:42pm

Martha thats a really nice setup! Way to go.

Michelle

wendybritt · #3 2008-11-28, 7:00pm

I love the FUN COLORS!!! Is the countertop painted?

Jenfire · #4 2008-11-28, 7:05pm

How fun! Congratulations, you have ventilation and everything! Have fun out there.
Jen

beybey · #5 2008-11-29, 2:01pm

I like. What type of fan is that that you are using for your ventilation?

artsymartha · #6 2008-12-02, 4:52am

Yes the countertop is painted and sealed, it is just a door from Home Depot repurposed as a tabletop. I told my husband not to go nuts on the paint since it would probably get messed up but he's an artist so he had to get it right.

Regarding the fan, it's whatever bathroom fan you can get at Home Depot and it's the slightly stronger one...? We did a smoke test and it pulls the air out just fine. I'm quite lucky to be an an outside wall, no need for duct work.

Cherine Perrin · #7 2008-12-02, 5:12am

Very nice studio. How do you like your bluebird kiln? I'm thinking about buying one.

beybey · #8 2008-12-02, 8:52am

Martha, Thanks for sharing. Very nice studio.

jensy · #9 2008-12-02, 2:47pm

WTG, it looks great.

Jen

artsymartha · #10 2008-12-03, 5:09am

I like the Bluebird. Flame Kissed Beads had a big Arrow Springs brick kiln, so I was hesitant to go with something new and different. But I didn't want to spend that much and I wanted a digital controller. I saw a few positive reviews of the Bluebird and I figured I'd just go for it.

Learning to program it was frustrating but I've finally gotten it down I think. Just follow the directions to the letter. It cools down a lot faster than the brick ones (duh!) but I programmed a cooldown segment so I'm good to go now. I was just turning it off at first but that made me nervous once I saw how fast the temp went down.

swamper · #11 2008-12-03, 7:35am

Very nice - now that you have broken the ice and posted, can we expect to see some of your work in the S&T? Please........

jewelsbyldesigns · #12 2008-12-03, 9:31am

So organized and fun... lovely work space! I love the idea for the mandrels too... we are using yoga blocks, works but it isn't as pretty as your bowl of sand.

cdmaam · #13 2008-12-03, 6:45pm

Hi, It looks wonderful! I'm envious. I am a newbie and live Chapel Hill too. I rent studio time but with two young kids I don't get to do as much as I'd like. I thought Flame Kissed Beads totally shut down and the mall was to be demo'ed. Do you mind me asking, have they moved locations/ where are they selling glass? I would love to be able to just run to a store and buy some glass. I can only dream about a studio like yours right now, but maybe someday... Congratulations on your set up!

artsymartha · #14 2008-12-03, 10:04pm

Yes FKB totally shut down the retail store. I think the mall is still standing at the moment.

But Mike will continue to sell glass out of his garage as long as he can, thankfully! Just email him mike@flamekissedbeads.com. Mike helped design my studio set up, he is awesome.

swamper, I will post on S&T, thanks for asking. But my photography leaves much to be desired

cdmaam · #15 2008-12-05, 2:21pm

Thanks for the info about FKB I really appreciate it!

Cherine Perrin · #16 2008-12-06, 8:49am

Quote:

Originally Posted by artsymartha

I like the Bluebird. Flame Kissed Beads had a big Arrow Springs brick kiln, so I was hesitant to go with something new and different. But I didn't want to spend that much and I wanted a digital controller. I saw a few positive reviews of the Bluebird and I figured I'd just go for it.

Learning to program it was frustrating but I've finally gotten it down I think. Just follow the directions to the letter. It cools down a lot faster than the brick ones (duh!) but I programmed a cooldown segment so I'm good to go now. I was just turning it off at first but that made me nervous once I saw how fast the temp went down.

Oh wow, I didn't realize that the inside wasn't kiln bricks. Well as long as you have the cool down schedule right you should be fine. I can't wait to get mine soon, my kiln is ancient!

heartofdragon · #17 2008-12-08, 2:05pm

Artsymartha,
Very nice setup, very well laid outfor the space. Wanted to ask , my girlfriend has been lampwork for several years on a carlyisle mini? and wanted to buy the "Bobcat", I suggested that i help her but the "Lynx " instead, wanted to know your opinion of it.
Also, I just bought her the Bluebird for christmas. I am interested, and amazed at what she can do with glass, Im very proud of her. Thank you, and keep burning the beads.

artsymartha · #18 2008-12-08, 4:13pm

I learned on a Minor and FKB had a Lynx around and said I could use it. I LOVE THIS TORCH!!!! Can't say enough good things about it. I have never used a Bobcat or a Mini so I can't compare.

I was lucky enough to find a new one for sale on eBay when I was ready for it. Otherwise it was going to be a few weeks directly from GTT (and I was doubtful they'd be ready to ship at that time). So plan ahead if it's what you want.

heartofdragon · #19 2008-12-09, 10:45am

Artsymartha,
Thank you, I still need so much stuff, that it will be spring, or beyond before everything comes together. Later, when my girlfriend gets here, I would like to have one setup for her,( like she cant go a single day without burning a fews,

) , but i am so proud of what she can do, and I'm hoping to try alittle myself. So my plan will be to get the lynx and a bobcat, so we can both burn. I will be happy to just give her new ideas and directions. Again, thank you. Sweet dreams, Jim.