To mix it up a bit between tutorials, we thought it would be nice if you had a chance to meet more of our members. (Besides, learning a new crafty project every week is tough).
Without further ado, I like to introduce the first RNEST member of this interview installment :
Francesca DeCaire, of Francesca DeCaireTell us about your craft
My lampworking fascination began in 2005 when I learned to make blown vessels from borosilicate glass rods and tubes. My first torch was a National. Today I use a GTT Lynx and soft glass. I typically use Effetre glass, but I'm loving the unique colors that CIM has brought to the table. I enjoy making beads, cabochons and rings. Occasionally I'll break out with a marble or small vessel.
What inspired you to start an Etsy shop?
Etsy seemed to have the best online store presence and reputation. I felt my work was maturing, that it was time to offer it for sale via the internet.
What is your favorite item from your shop?My current favorite item in my shop is my Baby Penguin Bead. It fits on those cool charm bead bracelets that everyone digs.
What art/craft tool you simply could not live without?My tungsten pick is great for poking and dragging glass, although I couldn't live without my brass paddle or my mashers.
What craft or skill you've always wanted to learn?Working from a furnace with a huge gather of molten soft glass would be amazing.
What artist/craftsperson/designer inspires you?Dora Schubert, she is a glass goddess.
What's you favorite color?Green is what I would have said as a child. I'm not sure anymore. My mind is much more complicated and I think about it too hard.
How long have you lived in the Rochester area?:All my life, aside from being born in Michigan. My family moved to Rochester before I was even a toddler.
What attracted you to RNEST, and what would you like to bring to table?When I first looked into RNEST I knew it was perfect for me. I saw a happy team of artists and craftsmen that were motivated. Helping the team network comes natural to me. Our team promotes one another like wildfire! I follow my teammates closely, they are a powerful source of inspiration. Anytime I meet someone who is artistic I speak of RNEST.
What do you do when you're not crafting?I play with my handsome son Lucas. He’s big into pots and pans.
Any pets?Dondi (AKA Big Dumb Dumb) and I haven't been too active together since Lucas came into the world. We used to hike Tryon at least 4 times a week. Hopefully in the spring we will pick up where we left off. There are also two cats, the brown one (bad cat) and the gray one (good cat). They are OK, they came with Jason, my computer dork better half.
Anything else cool you'd like to tell us about yourself?I'll be moving my all over the place crazy set up into my new studio at the Hungerford Building, 1115 E Main street, suite 216. Come visit me during First Friday (first Friday of every month, 6pm - 9pm). You may also schedule an appointment with me, call (585) 789-1761 or inquire at
francesca@francescadecaire.com. Stability, at last!
Make sure you check out
Francesca's Etsy Shop,
Blog,
Facebook page, and
Twitter to find learn more about her work!
