JillSymons

2010-12-21T00:08:00.009-05:00

back in the saddle...

2010-03-08T09:31:00.007-05:00

Last month I brought out a new style of bracelet, one that is easy to wear, adjust and is pretty darn amazing! Above are pictured two of the later styles - what do you think?

2009-11-22T00:12:00.003-05:00

2009-09-03T12:27:00.002-04:00

Meet Steel Blue - it's a Glassdaddy color that has been waiting patiently to be discovered. All I can say is that it was the first set to jump off the pages last night. It plays wonderfully with copper green and violet - I'll be playing with it more - but seriously need to put a little distance between myself and this shape bead. SERIOUSLY.
The challenge for me this coming week will be to keep in the forefront of my mind/intention to steer myself to beads as I used to make them. Hand Shaped. No presses. PERIOD
We've grown accustomed to using them almost without a thought - and it'll be fun to see what comes of this. I see a few sets of hollows - maybe even shaped hollows, a revisit to hearts

on a side note: I will be doing a demonstration this month at BlueMoonGlassworks' September Fireflies meeting on how to make my hand-shaped hearts. Time to get some practice in, eh?!!

2009-09-01T23:06:00.004-04:00

OH... my - how time flies.
I love the smell of newly sharpened pencils and Scotch Tape... for it means school has started - and now - I can torch to my heart's content - and not feel terribly guilty!

The updates are in full swing again - as I've weathered a cross country move... been unpacking boxes for the past few weeks - and life is finally settling back in... LIFE IS GOOD. What exemplifies that - other than hollows... it's sort of like stretching after exercise... it just feels good.
Look for more of a regular presence here - as I've missed you guys too.

I have to tell you. Glassdaddy's Steel Blue has finally been paired up with it's perfect match. I've got a set that will go on the update tomorrow night on the website - that will have you crazy... they're wonderful. I can't wait to use this color combo again - and show you what else it's capable of! Tune in tomorrow - and I'll post a picture.

2009-08-13T02:14:00.002-04:00

Tiny canvas for art!
Reminded once again - how I love creating on a background of black... I revisited this
style set, and wasn't disappointed in the least. If you click on the image - you'll see the
larger version. I love this style bead for its simple almost childlike scribbles.. and the fact
that the design has been flattened in the same mold as the base bead - same curve exists.

Although I like elegant encased beads - sometimes the inner child just needs to sing her song!

2009-08-11T01:56:00.003-04:00

This picture was included in a book by Jeri Warhaftig last year - I chose it tonight because, it'd been such a LONG time since I'd seriously made hollows. I sat down and started to refresh my technique... better stated. I dusted it off. Layers of dust. I had a few failures - as in I didn't get all the holes sealed up and the hollow deflated. BUT - then hit the zone.
How long do you think it should take to make one? I don't know if I've ever talked about the self-imposed time limit I have.

OK, here we go.
I don't believe that a bead should take me longer than 20 minutes to make. I'm not all rah-rah on beads that I hear take people a couple of hours... how can they do that??? My attention span is roughly twenty minutes. YOU have a good 'read' on whether the bead is turning out as planned after about 10 minutes... I figure you're half-way there.

IF after 20 minutes - you've made a huge mistake or absolutely hate it - you can bail, and not feel too bad, as not that much time was invested. I don't like to prolong failure. *or for that matter - repeat it* I learn pretty quick what I did wrong and make note.

Oh... the time on the hollow was 2min. 55 sec. but I got it down to 2 min 15 sec. that's pretty darn amazing.

2009-08-10T12:03:00.003-04:00

Austin inspired fun set - Kellie - a sophisticated mix of colors that play beautifully upon each other - emphasizing color relationships and causing that great visual 'pop' when an otherwise ordinary color is placed adjacent to one that makes it just come to life. 1/2" diameter rounds with 1/16" mandrel holes are a useful size that lend themselves to earrings, bracelets or necklaces... perhaps *if you have not already noticed* my very favorite shape!!

2009-08-09T10:53:00.002-04:00

Simple shape - basic color... FLASH of richness. The contrast between the predictable shape, the basic black... and the random edges of the gold leaf make this set pop. It invites exploration and awe and surprise.
I love to find ways to awaken curiosity - maybe make the viewer have to 'work' to earn the right to enjoy the totality of the design, and hopefully - at the end, the overall experience outweighs the 'work' expended!

2009-08-04T01:52:00.004-04:00

Today, it's all about color and simplicity... OH WAIT... it's always about that! I've just found a new way to bring it forward - with as little distraction as possible. It's lovely disks of color - that swing from your earlobes. Perfectly perfect. ... Lauscha Lemon and Tangerine transparent glass... as if I needed to call it out! ; )

Below is dark blue-lavender... etched.... mmmm nice.

2009-06-14T09:24:00.001-04:00

2009-05-28T11:49:00.003-04:00

That was quite a small lifetime to leave this blog just 'sitting', eh? No - the world hasn't stopped and I'm still spinning around, faster in fact - and quite a bit happier! I'm going to post some of the pieces I've made of late just to give you some eye candy - so you'll perhaps forgive the long silence, it'll be proof that I was hard at work.

Thanks for checking in - I've missed being here...

2009-02-03T19:36:00.001-05:00

I've always loved this bead. It just looks like it's been captured in a jar - sealed at both ends. Interesting pinky color splashes happened inside too!

2009-01-30T21:04:00.001-05:00

2009-01-27T21:21:00.010-05:00

I'm unleashing a new type *for me* of update tomorrow evening, Jan 28th - it'll showcase just a dozen items and offer smaller 'large thumbnails' that will hyperlink to full size shots and information on another page. The goal is to have it set to go weekly on Wednesday evenings. I think smaller goals than the huge and infrequent updates are more my speed.

So - it's all ready to go - and I have a whole 'nother day before my deadline... ouch! I just strained my arm as I reached over to pat myself on my back~! snicker....
Here are some of the thumbnails... come see for yourself tomorrow at 9pm EST -

It'll go live from this link: Wednesday Weekly Update , see you!! smiles, Jill

2009-01-17T23:45:00.006-05:00

bead update on my main website... jillsymons.com tomorrow evening at 9pm. I'm pretty psyched, have quite an inventory and am anxious to see what different people find fetching. *love that word*.

Do you see a red theme here?? snicker!

2009-01-10T09:51:00.000-05:00

2009-01-09T08:44:00.004-05:00

Always so dramatic. I continue to love R4. The other days was one of focals - and it was such fun... I thought it would be appropriate to display them in a neighborhood group shot... the one on the left end is about the size of your pinkie... and so on.

Another celebration in copper green and ivory - always etched, dictated by some necessary rule of the soul. (??) but they do 'shine' in their own, eh? Here's the flip shot...

2009-01-01T10:33:00.003-05:00

I love this new set - it's soft, and very sweet.

2008-12-06T21:37:00.005-05:00

playing with silver foil again - I forgot how elegant it can be. Nice set though - Prussian, purple and black with reduction frit and twisties.
Elegance.

2008-12-02T21:37:00.002-05:00

Beauties, eh? I tried some different things with this set. Side to side feathering - floating R4 ring over the mint... that is THEN encased... Palladium core with floating R4... Vortex, then Palladium floating over R4, R4 core with a wrap of copper wire... a fun mix. 15mm lentils and as is the standard of late - 1/16" mandrel holes!

I just found out my buddy Jeri Warhaftig (*Happy Birthday this Sunday!!*) is teaching next year at Bluemoon Glassworks in Austin... you GO girl! That is awesome.

2008-11-28T10:28:00.003-05:00

While finding those image, I revisited the array of toggles that were made back in May of 2007, at this time I was playing with texture - and texturizing the barrel of the toggle as well as the complementing rings.
For those of you who aren't familiar with toggles, they're made like beads - but it's a two part process - involving making/annealing/cleaning the rings one day - then putting them into a cold kiln and brought up to working temperature. While this is happening - you create a long bead barrel with one tall disk at one end... while it needs to be hot enough not to crack, yet cool enough not to have the rings stick to it, you carefully retrieve the rings from the hot kiln and slide them onto the barrel and quickly make the other end disk. Try to gently warm it a bit - then tuck it into the kiln.

2008-11-27T19:02:00.008-05:00

I love all the different shapes that the presses allow - and getting nicely squared edges without the distortion of the design is the 'goal'... but no matter how lovely the bead - it's incredibly hard to photograph them AND give them the honor due for being a beautiful bead. (I will search my archives though and try to find a photograph that utilizes the shadow that was thrown - as it shows how sharp the corners are and straight the lines.) These show much MUCH better in person - unfortunately, for most of my sales are online. Very pretty though!
I found some more images while I was hunting for the one above... so - the show continues...This bead is called "Portals" because the large droplets of clear act to amplify what's underneath... and sometimes the view into the bead has to be sought - and what better to look through, than these viewing portals. Love this look, and I do have four additional that I made - if you're interested in owning one - just email me!
My love affair with R4 glass continues... this pendant shown above has some of the most glorious swirls and also - the most beautifully executed color transformation of this R4 glass. Neat, eh?

AND finally - the last one - "Ventana" meaning windows - it was reminiscent of a window I saw on the island of Murano. It looked as if the glass were just slices from some large glass cane. I left the chill marks on the beads - as they really seemed to add so much to the design.

OK, one more - these are my firs beads ever. Note how many were burned, cracked right in two - lopsided or what. I shake my head now... but I was darn proud of them... uh, about 11 years ago.

2008-11-24T22:05:00.005-05:00

so - they dangle, but they're posts... my Mom has been asking for post earrings FOREVER... do these qualify? They're fun, all handmade components - save the post and clutch. I've got four pair set to go - pricing? hmmm. dilemma - suggestions?? *oh, and yes - there are a "pair" of errings!* The smaller rings are 14ga, the larger ring is 12ga - soldered shut.

2008-11-23T16:15:00.003-05:00

Instructions: "click above image to fall in" ; )
I was wishing that there would be better light today - as these new sets are absolutely stunning. But - this is what I got. I had to string them quickly - as otherwise, I'm sure they'd be bracelets by now!

And, these just went on as the Daily Bead on my site.

2008-11-22T18:37:00.003-05:00

Two new bracelets - both holding their own in my heart... what do you think of the new silver caps? Obviously, my love affair with the R4 glass continues - I don't think I'll ever tire of it. : )

2008-11-20T18:40:00.003-05:00

Dressed up for the holidays - in glitter and glam, why didn't we try this one sooner?

2008-11-15T23:34:00.002-05:00

sometimes the old favorites just feel good. I always forget how luscious a glorious red IS... remind me to remember it more often!?

2008-11-11T20:13:00.002-05:00

2008-11-11T20:06:00.001-05:00

Introducing "Gingerspice".

2008-11-09T23:21:00.002-05:00

you know me, I can't stand NOT to add some copper flowers. I love the shape of this bead - like a large Mozanilla Olive, also - love the nice bead holes. Does it make you smile?

2008-11-08T21:25:00.004-05:00

mmmm. Electric Raspberries on black, I love the contrast. I love the richness.

2008-11-05T20:16:00.000-05:00

Newest offerings on my other site - jillsymons.com - shimmer pendants.

2008-11-04T14:44:00.001-05:00

Neat little pile of necklace sized large hole beads in purples and woodland brown, my faves of late.
: )

2008-11-03T10:59:00.002-05:00

A variation of the vortex shimmer beads I had recently as pendants, these are 13mm rounds. Quite fetching if I do say so myself! Next experiment is to see what they look like lentilized. Next session perhaps.

2008-11-02T14:28:00.002-05:00

Again, it just enchants. I'm loving the warmth that the brick brings to the grouping, and this time opted to leave out the gray beads and swap in teal. Click on it for the full experience. ; )

2008-10-26T13:17:00.003-04:00

I received a huge compliment...it was a comment asking why I don't make ugly beads... (sweet) because I know you come here for inspiration - and I'd hate to have you not come back. Last night we had the website update - it was a long time coming, actually something like two months - it was very successful. Giving me 'permission' once more *after invoicing/shipment* to create. Aside from the sales, it gives me a good reading on what is popular, so back to the original question... it's important for me to make what you like AND to enjoy my time at the torch making what you like! SIMPLE, eh?!

This site as well as my others are about promoting the beauty in glass - discovering the limitations of the material as well as limitations of the users' imaginations in creating with my beads. So far, I've discovered very few implied limitations from the material - and continually find myself agreeably working within self-imposed parameters (... like - if it's meant to be worn, make it wearer-friendly. OR my beads shouldn't overpower, they are meant to compliment - not restate the person). I know when stated as such, it seems so obvious - but sometimes I think we lose sight of the basics.

2008-10-23T15:04:00.005-04:00

My current favorite! taking me back to the days of Glassdaddy's stash - purples, blues and rich opaque glass for fall favorites. I'm known to carry sets around for a few days *or so* until I have sufficiently bonded with them to 'let them go'... this is one of the sets. I am just so drawn to it... click the photo and fall in!

2008-10-17T12:12:00.002-04:00

yeah, the right set of beads and the right afternoon lighting, stunning. It's a good thing I managed to snap some photos yesterday - as today is rainy again. Must be monsoon season! ar.
Seriously - it's been such a dry year - that I hate to wish it away... Glorious wet rain - gotta love it.

2008-10-09T21:26:00.001-04:00

I'm loving the 'feel' of the copper - but struggle with feeling I need to solder the rings. ugh. Fun, nonetheless.

2008-10-08T23:13:00.002-04:00

Button, button - whose got a button?

2008-10-06T15:08:00.003-04:00

In her many personalities... we've opened Pandora's Box. Unleashing color - in wisps and also full gale force. Here is a rather demure set of rondelle beads - hand shaped and encased in clear to amplify what she has brought forth.

2008-09-30T22:02:00.007-04:00

Revisting an old friend. The toggle bead - this one with a wonderful encased ring floating effortlessly on the barrel of this bead/sculpture. I've mentioned before the process involved making this bead, but will quickly revisit.

The toggle barrel is created and one end is attached - a ring made in another session that has been annealed, cooled, cleaned and brought up to temperature in the kiln is quickly slid onto the barrel/one ended bead (that is sufficiently cool so that the glass barrel is not 'sticky'... and yet still warm enough so that it will not suffer thermal shock...) the second end of the barrel is attached (quickly). Pop back into the kiln - and start breathing again!!

I've made these Toggles before with up to 6 rings - but - 3-4 is really quite enough to cause a stir.

2008-09-26T17:46:00.004-04:00

I have soldered together a specially made bail that will be expoxied in, this one-holed wonder is pretty darn captivating! YES. Still loving this look - still spiraling out of control. ar. Note the cool sunspot (I once was asked how I managed to get those... as if they were something I had added to the images. You actually CAN, I just hadn't.) , and decidedly deliberately placed finial bubble. cool.

2008-09-25T12:15:00.005-04:00

There she sits - magestically reigning over the page... I think I'll leave her for a few days...
very pretty.

2008-09-24T10:54:00.005-04:00

I'm working on revealing the limits of Pandora - it's Double Helix's new silvered glass...
Bill Thornton - Moretti and More has asked for a photo of what I am able to do - this is just a work in progress... but - it's great fun to use.
OK, let me clarify. Pandora is luscious, and I have found that it 'shines' best when it's encased...but an entire set of encased gorgeous mauvy/peachy/pink beads is a bit 'dull'....
This set has some accompanying beads that are in the same flavor - but punch it up with a bit of diversity. Such as the purple base disk with a sprinkling of raku frit... and the chocolate brown ones. I think the Raku is a very nice companion to this glass. I will continue to play - but just wanted to give you an idea of what it is capable of producing.

2008-09-16T20:55:00.002-04:00

Is this just not beautiful? I now am a bit more convinced *not that I needed more convincing* that Less CONTINUES to be more. Rich R4 bluesy greens and clear clear clear Lauscha encasing glass. In a vortex type corkscrew. I love it.

2008-09-14T23:01:00.002-04:00

Isn't it amazing what color and visual texture can do for a set of beads, huh? Etched to a soft sheen, this copper green, coral and silvered ivory set embodies softness. Soft glass has taken on a whole new meaning when used in the description of this set!

2008-09-10T21:12:00.011-04:00

I've taken a shift to the heavy patina on copper and brass... it just seems so much more earthy and warm. Here is a new pair of earrings in the Ancients Series, a new shape called drops - dark ivory with silvered ivory stringer in a drippy droppy enticing new shape.

Next - is a new Double Helix glass called Pandora - again, the warmth of metals and the new sleek droplet shape.

2008-08-31T17:35:00.006-04:00

I've been photographing again, I had to share my favorite necklace that I wear all the time. It's a lampwork cabochon that I set in a bezel setting made of silver. For the photograph - I doubled up a multiple strand cable necklace that has a cool bayonette clasp that fits so nicely through so many beads.

Back to the other beads - seems more finished pieces this go 'round... earrings and necklaces - some silver bezel pendants etc. and thought I'd share some here. Below - this is a variation to the paddle earrings - with the bullseye imprint. I've chosen to make the smooth side the primary side. What happens is the sunlight bounces around in the impressions and it looks like it's lined with a silvery metal...

2008-08-28T22:36:00.003-04:00

It seems appropriate that these are called Aqua Drops... doesn't it? Graceful little drops - made en tandem on a single mandrel - to make sure they match. A sure feat of concentration and determination to watch as molten glass drips like honey - to just the right shape/size.

2008-08-27T09:50:00.003-04:00

I'm liking this method of eliminating the need for a headpin in certain instances - it's silver wire looped up from the bottom - over the outside of the bead, then wrapped around and around below the bail. It also has the possibility of becoming a self-bead cap... by winding the wire in a concentric circle at the top... time will tell what comes of this!

2008-08-24T13:44:00.001-04:00

I had a brief stint back 2004-2005 where I took a silversmithing class *loved it* and started making cabochons... and bezel settings - I loved it, but soon found that I really couldn't recoup the $ it took/hours it took to create these. I still have a handful around... but don't know if it's something I'll be dabbling in again anytime soon.
This particular piece is stunning because teh cabochon seems as if it has a life of its own. Created with Prussian blue, purple, black and silvered ivory... PLUS a heavy layer of encasing. It's very very pretty.

2008-08-20T08:48:00.001-04:00

What do you think? I know you saw the beads - but - what do you think of the whole package - on a brass ball chain? It's a different look... kinda high tech... warm from the color of the metal... nice.

2008-08-15T23:45:00.001-04:00

...and the process continues - I'm liking what I'm seeing - don't know how everyone else will - but it's pretty. It's still hard to limit the size of the beads - with the requirement that the holes be shaped so perfectly to be able to seat a nice core. It almost dictates the size of the bead.

N says that in her opinion, the size of the bead is more important than the fact that it's lined. That's an interesting point of view, as I'd be happy to make small intricate UN-lined beads - after all - small is my forte!!

2008-08-08T12:29:00.001-04:00

Knowing that my photographic skills have improved, I re-photographed this set - and will re-post it to my gallery on my website. I remember telling Glassdaddy that Prussian Blue would be his biggest seller... it's just a shame that the factory couldn't ever reproduce that same exact color...

2008-08-03T20:37:00.002-04:00

I was just leafing through my favorite places to hang out on the Internet - and was looking at the Treasury listings on Etsy... this is where people act as curators and put together a grouping of other artists' work, to allow viewing in the Treasury gallery. It's near to impossible to get to be a curator - I've had some work featured in a few. I just found this one, and am flattered to be featured.

Etsy Treasury - For the love 'o' glass!

2008-08-02T22:12:00.001-04:00

I've been working on the Pandora bracelet style beads lately... some experimentation yesterday showed me that the standard size hole I've been using - WITHOUT - any metal core added fit nicely over the threaded points on the bracelet... but - when adding a core - I need to make a slightly larger hole in the bead. Which means that if I want to keep the beads 'wearably sized' I need to pay attention to getting as much into the bead as possible and stay conscious of the growing size of the bead.

2008-07-31T22:31:00.001-04:00

Here's the latest color combination - a series of dark rich purple, taupe and violet - encased lentils. It's a shape variation on a few of the 'Wilma Rocks!' Necklaces that will be hitting the screens soon... I've also experimented with etching these - and it's a more casual but equally stunning look!

2008-07-28T08:39:00.000-04:00

I was asked recently about fall colors for these shaped sets... did I hit my mark? Makes me want to spend another torch session making variations of these!

2008-07-22T10:54:00.000-04:00

I've mentioned before how I am always unscrewing things looking for cool findings to outfit with my beads... I think also, that once you've gone through such a search, your beads ought to enhance the item even further. This means cohesive design and well fitting beads, pleasing to the hand as well as the eye.

These 'beads' are in excess of 5" long - and took a great deal of painstaking attention to make sure that they survive their creation in the flame.

2008-07-16T20:28:00.001-04:00

Again how light plays in and around, through the glass - here is a simple paddle style pair of earrings - but - with the stampings in the glass - it appears almost as if there is a silver lining. I like that effect, I love the way the light bounces around - and best of all - there is all this happening inside earrings that are very forgiving to wear. I mention this because it seems so many lampwork earrings are endless... beads, silver, dangles... more beads. Gosh - how much can one earlobe support?? Less is more - I always strive for that type of design... and these embody it.

2008-07-13T15:03:00.000-04:00

I've never been able to pass up the opportunity to search for/buy findings! You'll forever find me in the stores unscrewing things - trying to see if whatever they've threaded on to the item can come OFF - only to be replaced by my work. As a result of this, I've got a good variety of goodies ranging from ice cream scoops, cake knives, cake servers, bottle openers, spreaders, bookmarks and such. Now, to figure out a way to make focal size beads more lucrative threaded onto a handle - than dangling beautifully as a pendant. sigh...

2008-07-09T08:37:00.000-04:00

Serene and colorful, aqua and glassdaddy purple - married into one set that shows off their best qualities. Love the shapes. As you know, with transparent glass, the more light that passes through - and the more uneven surfaces that throw the light around inside the bead - giving it sparkle.

2008-07-07T21:33:00.000-04:00

This was the first bead I had ever made that combined the characteristics that copper green, palladium foil and copper wire/mesh. What I found was that the palladium pinked up the copper green... What I think is so amazing about this bead is the way that the black ends are so crisp and definitive.

I've held onto this bead now for about three years. I think that happens because we worry that if we sell what we consider to be our masterpiece, there is a chance we won't progress to make something even more spectacular. MAYBE, if we always sell our best - our abilities will progress even faster!?

2008-07-06T20:02:00.000-04:00

We all know drama and content are great fun... but - sometimes it's simple as colors and shapes. I've been smitten this summer by the gorgeous transparent glass out there, and the way that they interact with each other when forced to snuggle up. Nice combo, eh?

2008-07-04T23:02:00.000-04:00

I find this pendant especially fetching because of the shape of the focal bead. Although I love the design of the bead itself... in the color and encasing - most often, I make them so that they're entirely round. I like that it's not - the flat plane top and bottom create drama that otherwise wouldn't be there... also, the stacked daisy spacers create a 'pile of silver' beneath the bail... altogether, a stunning and yet rather and simple pendant. nice.

2008-07-03T20:16:00.000-04:00

Isn't this glorious? It's a focal lentil - with a layer of palladium foil, then encasing and trailings of R4 glass. I love the brightness from the under layer, and the drama from the designs on the top layer.

2008-06-27T18:48:00.000-04:00

Beads of the season, eh? This set is currently on Etsy, in fact - it's been featured in a Treasury...
this is like a little gallery - where the 'curator' selects 12 items from the vast seas of Etsy to showcase. This will be featured here until Monday at some time... I love this style and am thrilled they're getting some exposure!

2008-06-26T09:12:00.000-04:00

I was talking about reactive colors the other day... how wonderful they are. But, then there's heavily silvered glass - my favorite is R4 glass - by playing with the oxygen/propane levels of the flame, you can coax a huge range of colors from this glass. The bead shown above is called "Neptune" it just seemed like a good strong name for a bead that has such a presence. Pretty darn dramatic.

2008-06-25T21:53:00.000-04:00

I know this is out of season... but. I had such fun when I first learned how to make buttons, guess what time of year it was? This red is from Germany, it's Lauscha and it's the most wonderful lipstick opaque red. The problem with most reds is that the longer they're worked, the darker they get - so there are streaks. Not with this wonderful red...

2008-06-24T07:17:00.000-04:00

Part of being a lampworker is that undying desire to 'find new glass', not just new colors - but what they're calling reactive colors. That is, when one color is put onto or up against another color - some sort of chemical reaction takes place - and there is some drastic change in state.

This focal bead is one such example. For one of the glasses to achieve it's calling in life - it has to have an oxygen rich flame, whereas the other needs a propane rich flame. Since there is no pleasing both because of their close proximity... one 'suffers'. The original idea was to try to please both, but in the end, the effect was rather dramatic and pleasing.

2008-06-23T12:44:00.000-04:00

This bracelet is one I call 'portfolio' simply because it holds some of my very favorite style beads - ones I'm proud to say represent my favorite style beads. It lives with Margaret in Chicago, when I gave it to her, she seemed awestruck - and I like that reaction.

Wirework here is pretty simple, each bead is wired with loops on each end, and then hooked together with our hammered silver rings. They are work hardened, so no soldering is needed and they make up a very nice, sparkly - and sturdy bracelet. (can you tell I'm proud of them?)

2008-06-20T06:56:00.000-04:00

Glorious transparent hollow beads - light as fairy wings... just simply very pretty.

2008-06-19T08:45:00.000-04:00

Another beauty - this one with Czech Denim glass - Hilltribe silver, LOTHR's Hammered Rings
my lampwork and bronze pearls, again strung on silk and knotted between everything. The bracelet seamlessly joins the necklace with the hammered silver rings or they can be worn as separates, see if you can tell where the necklace stops and the bracelet begins...

2008-06-18T22:52:00.000-04:00

I don't usually make jewelry of this nature, but - I had a brief period where I made some very lovely pieces. Where I introduced a little lampwork, but because they were held in check - they didn't overpower the piece. Too bad, a few of these were stolen while on vacation... aside from the obvious loss, I guess I have to feel 'honored' that someone though they were nice enough to steal... yeah... that's gotta be it.
This set is strung on silk cord, knotted in between each pearl, and silver bead... there are even little raspberry colored seed beads threaded through the center of the hollow bead. Just click to enlarge and see the detail. One of the nicest 'features' is the ability to merge the bracelet with the necklace to make a longer, more drapey necklace. The custom link & closure fit together so nicely that the joint becomes 'seamless'... quite a nice effect.

2008-06-18T07:09:00.001-04:00

I have always preached how the light sets the colors free in this wonderful transparent glass... do you see what I mean? Also - I've been playing around with the light - not making it easy for an escape from the bead - bouncing it around... creating reflecting surfaces and visual texture. There is nothing quite like transparent glass. Although I use a few different sources, my favorite transparents are still from Germany - Lauscha Glass to be specific.

My reasons are two-fold, one - something about the formulation allows this glass to be heated at a higher temperature - making a 'gather' so much more quickly than the boil-prone Italian glass. I must not be the most patient lampworker out there - and I appreciate this aspect. Two - when I discovered Lauscha, we were living in Germany... when it came time to come back Stateside, I was in a quandry as to how I would get this glass - as it had been imported years ago - but wasn't available on a consistent basis... with a little encouraging, and a Father's Day gift of the domain name http://www.glassdaddy.com we were off and running. My favorite glass was available from my very own glassdaddy!

2008-06-17T14:02:00.001-04:00

I call these toggles, not because they can fasten things - I just like the way the rings rattle back and forth as they're locked onto the glass spindle.
It's an amazing process - by which the rings are made one day - annealed, then put back in a cold kiln to bring up to temperature. Then a base bead is made with only one end, and while it's still hot enough not to shock and crack - yet, cool enough not to have the rings stick to the hot glass, you retrieve the rings from the hot kiln, slide them onto the base bead and QUICKLY add that second end to the base bead... locking the rings onto the bead. Quickly, it's back into the kiln to anneal... then you say a prayer, in hopes that you did it right (and fast enough) and nothing cracks between then and the time when you pull everything out of the kiln after cooldown. Then and only then, you take a deep breath.

THAT is why they bring the $$ they do. Plus, aren't they just beautiful??

2008-06-16T18:15:00.000-04:00

In honor of my very first day on Etsy, I thought I'd gear up a site that is solely in honor of the glory of glass! Glass beads especially... Above is a superstar in my book, with a glorious core of the heavily silvered R4 glass, that has been encased and dotted with copper cutout flowers - then encased again.

This adventure I've been on with this glass has lasted a few years and I'm amazed at what is still possible, as well as what comes out of the kiln!

Although the set shown below has been sold, I am posting this picture because I was so taken by the power of the glass. I continue to have a fixation regarding how the light is transmitted through the rich transparent glass - and seemingly releasing jolts of color. In this - I especially love the richness of the greens & purples.