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Op shopping

Every now and then I go on a mission to find a particular type of glass.  It might be Green Depression Glass, or white glass (which is really hard to find by the way), or like the other day I was on a mission to find non-matching sets of glasses.

These non-matching sets of glasses are also known as Harlequin Glass.  They were really popular in the 1950’s.  It can be tricky to get a complete set of 6 glasses, and more often than not you’ll find at most 5 glasses left in the set.

I didn’t mind what I found.  I had an idea for a necklace in my mind, and I needed the glass to make it happen!

So, I visited all of the Op Shops in Murray Bridge, and managed to find a few assorted glasses.  I was really pleased with what I found, but wondered if I might be able to find some more on a trip to Mount Barker.  Like I said, I was on a mission!

We tried a couple of Op Shops before I found one with THE most helpful volunteer I’ve ever found.  She was more than happy to look out the back to see if she could find what I was looking for.

Success, she found a mis-matched set of 5 shot glasses.  The colours were great, but the glasses were quite small.  Still, it was better than nothing.

“I’ll take them,” I said.  “Don’t worry too much about wrapping them.”

She was a bit taken aback with that comment.  “You’re going to smash them, aren’t you?”

I smiled.  “Yes, I am.”

“Well, if you like recycled glass you have to take a look at this great exhibition at the City Library that is on at the moment.  It’s part of SALA.  The artist has made all of these beads from recycled glass, you should see some of the colours.”

I smiled again.  “That’s actually my work.”

True story!

We talked for a little bit longer, while she told me what her favourite jewellery was from the exhibition, and where all of the Op Shops were in Mount Barker!

Harlequin glass, incomplete sets.  I'll use these to make glass beads

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On my walk this morning…

It’s getting lighter in the mornings.  And brighter!  Hooray!

I am looking forward to being part of the Ink Crush market at Flinders Street Market on Sunday August 16.  I am working on a new range of beads and jewellery especially for the market.  I’ll share some pictures on Thursday!

SALA has been great fun.  From what people are telling me, they are enjoying their visit to the City Library to see my exhibition.  It really is a great space, and at the moment there is a lot of really interesting art in there.  Definitely worth checking out.

Thanks to everyone who supported my Etsy shop sale.  I really appreciate it.  The next sale in my Etsy shop will be February 2016.

Morning Walk Photo

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Colour of the Week – Green Depression Glass

I thought I would take a month to write about my favourite recycled glass colours!

It all started with Green Depression Glass!  I had never used recycled glass to make beads, it hadn’t even occurred to me, until it was time to come up with a brilliant idea for SALA 2009!  It was around the time of the Global Financial Crisis.  My daughter, Ciara, had just been born.  There was a lot of talk about the next Great Depression!  I couldn’t imagine what it would feel like for our family to live through that.

I have always loved Green Depression Glass, the colour is simply beautiful and very reminiscent of that era.  It also has a great story.  It was used in the Great Depression as a stimulus for the economy!

I put one idea with another….and my Anti-Depression Glass exhibition was created!  I exhibited this work at Lustre Galleries for the month of SALA.  I had (from memory) 9 different collections of work.  My favourite collection was the jewellery made from a Green Depression Glass platter.

You will see in the photographs below, the different types of Green Depression Glass jewellery that I have made.  Some of the photographs are of current work that is available, so if you would like to purchase any, simply click on the photograph.  I am taking you to my Etsy shop at the moment because I have a special 30% discount in there.  Simply use the code FLASH30 when you check out.

Long earrings.  Handmade glass beads made from a Green Depression Glass Platter  A Green Depression Glass platter was used to make the beautiful beads in this necklace.

GreenDepBracelet1

 

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On my walk this morning…

I had a wonderful weekend in Melbourne with my mum!  But I’m also glad to be back at home with my family.

  • I hope you get a chance to visit some of the wonderful SALA exhibitions that are on at the moment.  My work is on display at the Adelaide City Library, Pepper Street Art Centre and T’Arts.
  • The sale in my Etsy shop ends August 9.  The next sale will be February 2016, so if you were thinking about buying anything, now is a great time.  Use the code FLASH30 when you checkout.
  • It’s time to think about my next markets which will be at Flinders Street Market on Sunday August 16 and Saturday August 29.  Really looking forward to them, and I’ll have some new products available there.

Morning Walk

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Renew – SALA exhibition at Pepper Street Gallery

Renew Exhibition Launch

Recycled, Upcycled and Found Objects transformed into Art

South Australian Living Artists Festival (SALA) 2015

2-28 August

Opens Sunday August 2, 2-4pm

Renew celebrates the ingenuity of the artistic spirit.  Working within the theme of recycling, up-cycling, reusing and repurposing, 50 artists have viewed the world around them with fresh eyes and created exciting new works of art.

Using everyday and found objects, as well as taking inspiration from what we might normally regard as rubbish, the results will surprise you.  Each object is transformed from it’s former self to an intriguing, wonderful and sometimes barely recognisable creation.

Pepper Street Renew exhibition launch for SALA

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Colour Wheel Necklaces with fine silver wire details

This is my last post about the Colour Wheel.

I have really enjoyed playing with all of the different colours, and types of beads, and making all sorts of different pieces of jewellery.  I love the colour wheel, and I love playing with colours.

Thanks for giving me a chance to show you some new work.  Next month, something different again.  A closer look at recycled glass, and the different colours.

Colour wheel necklace with fine silver wire details by Julie Frahm

Love this colour wheel necklace by Julie Frahm

Etched colour wheel necklace with fine silver wire details

Etched colour wheel necklace with fine silver wire details looks great on!

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On my walk this morning…

Er, I have to admit, I did not go for a walk this morning.  Instead I was in my studio!  The day before I set up for my SALA exhibition, and I’m almost there, but it’s a bit chaotic!

I will be at the opening of my SALA City Library exhibition on Friday from 6.00-7.00pm.  Hope to see you there!

On my walk this morning...