I'm looking forward to having my own studio for a variety of reasons. I have been working out of our unheated garage for a few years now. The idea of having a heated space will make those winter days torching that much more enjoyable.

Also, I will be switching from MAPP gas canisters to having a natural gas supply. This should save money and be healthier for the planet. The number of canisters I go through in a year is around 60 ($8 a can when I buy bulk), so it can get a little costly. When you are 3/4 of the way through a bead and run out of gas, it can be very annoying.

This is also the perfect opportunity to upgrade my torch. All these years on a hothead have definitely taught me patience, but some of the larger beads I do take 1.5+ hours. I have ordered an Oxygen Concentrator which when combined with the natural gas will create a much hotter and cleaner flame. With the new torch I hope to be able to increase productivity as well as perhaps be able to do larger beads than I have in the past. I am extremely excited!!

The walls are covered in Tyvek Homewrap to help protect against wind and rain. The roof is done and it's dry inside... as long as the rain doesn't blow through the open doorway.

This year was the first year that I have done Christmas Tree Ornaments. I started with snowmen, which I think are really cute, but I wanted to try for something a little more elegant. After several attempts, I've come up with a design I'd be happy happy to put on my own tree.

The last week has been a bit slow going on the studio front, but I'm a little slow at posting so it's all good. Here they were starting the roof.

It's kind of like knowing what you are getting for Christmas, but still the anticipation of being in my own HEATED space for the winter is soooooooooooo exciting. It brings a smile to my face. :)

It doesn't look like much now, but this is the beginning of my studio. The contractors poured the foundation, and I'm getting more excited by the day. What I've pictured in my head (and my sister has designed) is actually becoming a reality. Stay tuned to see our progress!