Reflections of 2007

Well, 2007 has been a fantastic year for me. This time last year I could never have imagined that I'd have discovered a whole new world of glass. I am now completely obsessed with melting glass and making beads, and looking forward excitedly to developing my techniques further in 2008. I have met some fabulous glass artists along the way, who have willingly shared their expertise with me, and I am extremely grateful for their generosity and encouragement. I have also been fortunate enough to have some very regular customers, and I thank you all for taking a chance on this newbie!

For those of you who have been disappointed by the lack of stock on my site over the past few weeks, I apologise. I had no idea quite there would be such a demand as Christmas approached, and I was ill-prepared. But do keep checking back, as normal service will resume in the New Year!

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.

My GORGEOUS bracelet, by Lynn Davy

I received the most GORGEOUS bracelet in the post today! Jolene, of one of the glassy forums I belong to, arranged a bracelet exchange. We all made a bracelet and sent it to her, and then we received a random bracelet back. I could not be happier with the bracelet I received! It was made by Lynn Davy, who is a very talented and much published bead artist. This bracelet is a work of art, the like of which I could never hope to achieve with my limited beading abilities. It incorporates buttons, which I've always had a bit of a thing about, so it's perfect! The colour and shape remind me of gorgeous pink coral. I haven't stopped grinning since I opened the parcel! Well, would you?

 

Bookmarks and Pendants!

I thought you might like to see some bookmarks I've made. I was definitely in-the-pink when I made these. They're all sold unfortunately, but I will be making more!

I made a few pendants too. The first one uses that wonderful Psyche glass, and was actually made for my Mum for her birthday today.  

Finally!

Ok so I'm a week late...... but I finally have the winestoppers in my Gift Shop  that I promised. Here are a few more I've made;

They make fabulous Christmas gifts as they're presented in beautiful gift boxes. Let me know what you think!

Christmas! Yikes!

I just thought I'd post a quick note to explain that the lack of new beads and jewellery on my site does not reflect the activity that's been going on in my studio! I have been very busy taking and making orders for Christmas. I wish I was half as organised as you all seem to be, but I haven't given Christmas a thought yet. The way things are going I shall be making all my Christmas presents on Christmas Eve... so if you're friends or family reading this, don't bother sending me a Christmas list this year, because if I can't make it from glass you won't be getting it!

I do have a couple of winestoppers going up on my site tomorrow, and more jewellery and beads will be appearing very soon with any luck. So don't give up on me! Keep checking back!

It goes without saying that if you would like an item made up, I would be happy to do that for you, but I would urge you to order in plenty of time as the Christmas rush is definitely in full swing.

Have a great weekend!

 

New Shapes

Well, my new presses arrived and I'm very happy with them! I spent yesterday making fabulous drop focals. They are a lovely shape to wear as they lie really flat. There's an even slimmer shape that I've yet to try, so check back and see how that goes. I've also been playing with a gorgous new Double Helix glass called Psyche. When it's worked in the flame it produces the most amazing array of colours, from blue to purple to green, and all accented with a stunning metallic sheen. The bead below is the result of combining my new press with my new glass!

I also took delivery of a brilliant heart-shaped press, and the results of my play with this are below;

I shall be making some hearts for the Beads of Courage  Charity, which gives beads to children suffering from serious illnesses. Each bead represents a different treatment milestone. If you would like to make and donate beads too, drop me a line and I will let you know how you can help.

 

Made from scratch!

I am very pleased with this necklace. It was a good way of using up some spare beads that I had, and it acts as a kind of sampler necklace. I keep looking at it because I can't believe I've actually created it all myself from just a few rods of glass and a length of sterling silver wire. I am thoroughly enjoying experimenting. The best part is that I have a legitimate excuse for making a lot of noise with a hammer and anvil! This design uses the same technique as the bracelet I made, so they match beautifully.

I keep waiting for the postman, as I have some fabulous new presses arriving soon from the US (hopefully!) I'm very excited as they're fabulous shapes.

I almost forgot! This little fish was the result of a glassy doodle just the other day. I can't really take the credit as he just seemed to emerge all by himself! I'm quite certain that he's not anatomically accurate, but he's spurred me on to have another go!

 

Well....

the bracelet held up to a hard day at the office! In fact I think the bracelet held up better than I did! I have lots of ideas for designs, and I'm about to spend a few hours at the torch making the beads I need. I haven't forgotten the winestoppers I promised either. The stoppers are en route from the US, and I'm busily making beads to pop on them.

Have a lovely weekend!

Wirework Experiment

I've been experimenting with wirework techniques this week. This is an experimental bracelet that I've made in copper, which I've hammered. The intention is to use sterling silver and my own handmade glass beads to make completely unique and totally made-from-raw ingredients jewellery. I'm very excited and I can't wait to get started!

 It will be interesting to see how long it takes before this copper bracelet becomes patinated, and whether it turns my skin green! I've read that copper can be cleaned in lemon juice, so I'll let you know how it goes.

Silver and Lampwork Bracelet

I've made my first sterling silver bracelet with my own lampwork beads. I'm really pleased with how it's turned out, and I shall wear it tomorrow to see how it holds up! I think I shall be exploring the world of wirework a whole lot more, because it really seems to suit my beads.

 

Having Fun... it's what matters most.

I've had a really lazy afternoon, and it's been lovely! I made a few beads, and they're currently cooking in my kiln. I've also had a rummage through my bead box and actually made something for myself, which is quite rare! It's just a simple bookmark using one of my own raised flower lampwork beads, but it was fun to make, and after all that's what making beads should be all about.

Wow!

I love to see what you've all created with my beads. Julie Fountain, of Ruby's Jewels made these beautiful pieces with my Silver Melt Pebbles. Aren't they stunning? Take a look at her website to see more of her creations.

If you would like to send me any photographs of what you've created using my beads, I'd love to see them. With your permission I will feature them here, with a link to your website. Just contact me!

Busy busy busy!

Ok, so I know I'm a week late with the beads, but they're in the shop now! I've been using my new spree press to make gorgeous graduated sets. I have more new shapes coming soon as soon as I get time to have a play. I've lots of jewellery to make for Robin's gallery today, but I'm hoping to get some torch time in over the weekend too.

I made more winestoppers, and a beaded pen too. I hope you like them.

Worcester Festival

Worcester Festival  is taking place over the next three weeks, until 27th August. The Festival incorporates the Riverside Artists' Market, which takes place on the South Quay on Sunday the 12th, 19th, 26th, and Bank Holiday Monday 27th.

Robin Jackson, friend and talented abstract and contemporary artist is there exhibiting his fabulous paintings. Robin has a real eye for colour, and his textural pieces are outstanding. You can see his work here.

Robin is very kindly exhibiting a selection of my jewellery, so if you want to see it "in the flesh" pop along to the Artists' Market and look out for Robin's stand.

We had a lovely time at the riverside today. The weather was perfect and there was a lovely relaxed atmosphere. Let's hope the weather is kind to us for the next few weeks!

Here's Robin, looking ever so handsome;

My jewellery! Apologies for the less than perfect photograph......

Vessels

I had fun making vessels yesterday! I have a yearning to make some blown vessels, but thought I'd try first making some on a 1/8 mandrel. Coincidentally there is a challenge on one of the glassy forums this month to make a vessel in this way, so here are my entries.....

They're far from perfect but better than I thought they'd turn out! I shall keep practicing until I'm brave enough to have a go at blown vessels.

Welcome to my Blog!

I thought I would create a blog so that I have somewhere to share with you what I'm working on, and any latest experiments.

It was my husband's birthday recently, and I was determined he wouldn't escape a glassy gift! Now gifts for guys are notoriously difficult, but I think I've come up with a solution for all those wine-drinkers out there. I made him a bead, in what seems to have become my signature colour combo, and decorated a winestopper with it. Result!

It looked so good I made another!

Look out for beaded winestoppers in my shop soon. They make ideal gifts!