Saturday, April 3, 2010

Beads in Spaaaaaaaace

This just in: Glass bead makers from all around the world are vying for a spot on the next space shuttle. It's true! But the space they're competing for is less than 30mm long on every side. Surely even the tiniest glass bead maker can't fit in a spot that small. That's because that tiny spot is actually reserved for a space-themed glass bead. There are approximately 35 small spots on the next space shuttle - set to launch on May 14 - for beads. Lampworkers are being encouraged to make space-themed beads, and the ones that are chosen by a panel of judges will get to ride the rocket into outer space. And when they come back? They'll be bead heros, of course! Then they'll be distributed to children in hospitals undergoing treatments for various illnesses. Those kids will have these wonderful little souveniers that have gone where no bead has gone before. How cool is that?

This entire program is being spearheaded by TEAM Beads of Courage - Beads in Space, which collects beads for children in hospitals to string as they finish treatments. The beads that don't make the cut for the shuttle launch will still go to the children, so it's a win-win for everyone! Lampworkers: there's still time to make your space-themed beads! Bead entries are due by April 12. I'm so excited to see the entries!

Here's my entry. I channeled my love for Wallace and Gromit's A Grand Day Out, and made a space dog that looks a little like Gromit. If you haven't seen this short film, I highly recommend it. Wallace runs out of cheese, so naturally he and Gromit build a rocket to fly to the moon to stock up. But I digress . . . I also made a rocket ship and an alien. I'm not expecting one of my beads to make the cut, but I really had fun stretching my imagination and trying something new. That's what it's all about. And either way, these beads will soon be in the hands of little kids, and that's just plain cool.

10 comments:

  1. That sounds so amazing! Excited to see some of the entries... and your winning one of course :)

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  2. This is so exciting! What an awesome idea to send beads into space! The Grommit you made is adorable Lauren!

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  3. How could they NOT pick one of these spectacularly spaceworthy beads? What fun these are and whoever is leading the Beads of Courage program too!

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  4. we love wallace and grommit at my house, miss maybeads!! you did a good job! the kiddies are going to love them. :)
    *woof*
    the booker man

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  5. woooow that so pretty

    kissslobbers
    El'bow & Hauwii

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  6. LOVE these!

    We really need to check out your store :)

    Chasing my tale...
    Addie, Lucie and Hailey

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  7. I must say, these beads are GREAT! My daughter is the reason these beads are getting to space, she is the Sydney that is mentioned on the Beads of Courage website. The final beads were mailed to us just last week for my husband to deliver to the proper people that will make this work. We were able to look at each bead that was sent. Of all the beads, yours is her favorite! She wants YOUR bead to be her own once it comes back from space....So, job well done!

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  8. Thank you, everyone! I am so excited that my space dog bead was picked to ride the shuttle - how cool!

    Cynthia - thank you so much for your comment! I'm thrilled that your daughter likes space dog. I've been riding high since I got the news that he was picked, but I was even more excited to hear that Sydney chose my bead as her favorite. I sure hope she has some pull (sounds as if she does) and will wind up with it. Thank you again!!!

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  9. We just received Space Dog's sister in the mail today! She is in love with her! She also loves the butterfly choker you sent. It will go great with so many outfits!

    We have already been promised that Space Dog is Sydney's to keep when he comes back from space. His sister will be anxiously waiting for him to hop on her Beads of Courage necklace next to her.

    We really appreciate your gifts...You are so kind.

    Cynthia

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