Encased beads

I've been making lots of encased beads this week! In fact, I can't seem to stop! Here is a necklace I've made using a set of them.



I made my own end-caps, using a doming block and dappers to shape them. There is something quite therapeutic about hammering!

This is my favourite set, just waiting to be made into something gorgeous.



Let me know what you think!

Wow! How lucky am I?!?

Just look at the gift I received in the post today! This beautiful necklace was made for me by Lynn Davy as a RAOBK (Random Act of Beady Kindness). Lynn has cleverly incorporated one of my own lampwork beads, and it just happens to be one of my very favourites, and one which I was sad to let go in the first place. So now it's come home again!

I just love how Lynn has reflected the pattern in the lampwork bead in her beaded tubes, right down to the sparkly silver detail! I have been wearing this necklace all day, and I can see that my entire spring wardrobe will be selected specifically with this gorgeous piece in mind!

So thank you very very much Lynn. You are a star!

Hot Glass Weekend

I had an absolutely brilliant time last weekend at Ray Skene's studio. Ray has a superb studio within the Model House at LLantrisant. The Model House is home to a number of outstanding artists, using a variety of materials to produce wonderful works of art. If you're in the area be sure to pop in and you'll find silver jewellery, felt items, stained glass and a whole host of other crafts. Don't forget to say hello to Ray too! If you're lucky you'll find him busily melting glass.

It was great last week meeting other lampworkers. Ray did some superb demonstrations, and everyone was very generous in passing on their techniques to others. I met some lovely people and now I'm busily putting into practice the tips and tricks I learned! I think I have finally mastered the art of encasing beads, so I'm very happy!

The next glassy gathering that I'm looking forward to is the Flame Off at Towcester on April 19th. I can't wait!

Chains & Charms

At long last I have launched my first maille chains with interchangeable charms. I have been intending to do these for ages. Where does all the time go?? Now I need to work on producing some more charms in all colours and styles. This is going to be fun!

I keep forgetting to show you all my very first tree bead! It's inspired me to have a go at a few more, and I'm developing some ideas.

This weekend I'm going to visit Ray Skene in his studio for a Hot Glass Weekend! Ray produces fabulous pieces, both on and off mandrel, so I can't wait to see him at work. It's a good opportunity to catch up with some fellow glass-heads too!

Triplets

May I introduce you to my glassy triplets? Loris Peterson generously published her tutorial for creating "kidlets", and one of the glassy forums set a challenge, so here are my attempts. I had a blast making them. The more observant of you will notice that they have no noses. So? I don't actually recall the Camberwick Green characters having mouths, so I don't think the lack of a nose should hinder these kidlets' career prospects too much!

These kidlets are a lot less hassle than the real things. They've been no trouble all day, and they don't need pocket money!

Twisted!

Well, I have finally managed to get some new beads on my site! I've been working on sets this time around. It's funny how sometimes I feel compelled only to make focals, and on other occasions I like the repetitive nature of making sets. I've been getting some fabulous colour reactions from some of my new reactive frits. I hope you like them too.

Yesterday I had a session of making twisties. It's great fun melting lots of glass and randomly painting it onto a glass paddle, and then pulling and twisting... pulling and twisting... until a gorgeous glass candy cane is formed.

I'm taking part in a tree bead challenge with some beadmaker friends, and I've been really encouraged by my first efforts. The weather has been dreadfully dull, and it's been difficult to get decent photos recently, but I will rush and take one to show you the minute the sun reappears. So that'll be about May then!

I have lots of ideas for a new series of beads which I'm quite excited about. I'll let you know how they develop shortly. I will also be putting more jewellery on my site soon too. Look out for my new range of silver bracelets with my glass bead charms, coming soon!

 

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.