Mardi Gras Beads

As soon as these beads came out of the kiln I knew exactly what they should be named – Mardi Gras! This week’s beads include my new encased florals which I am having so much fun making. I used rich colors of amethyst, burnt orange, and yellow ochre glass with touches of soft green.

Mardi Gras focal bead
Mardi Gras spacer beads
Mardi Gras round bead pair

Flowers, Scrolls and Hearts – Lampwork Beads

Introducing several new designs! Dimensional beads, scrolls, encased florals and hearts 😀

Lampwork Beads with Antique Scrolls

The older I get the more I appreciate and am drawn to older things. They remind me of an era gone by and seem to hold so much more value than something brand new since they are already well used.

With this new scroll design, I have tried to recreate that antique feel and old-fashioned look of yesteryear. I look forward to incorporating this pattern into many more of my beads! 🙂

Antique Scrolls Oval Bead

Embedded 3D Flowers – New For 2012

I have decided to challenge myself to develop new designs by trying new techniques and learning new skills in 2012.

This journey begins with embedding three dimensional objects in glass as in this organic floral bead. This style bead is created in several parts which are then carefully assembled to make the final piece.

I had to first create a special pulled cane for the flower’s stamen. I then used the cane to create the flower bud. There is also a small implosion in this bead at the base of the flower so that needed to be made separately as well.

Then the base bead was made and shaped to allow room for the floral elements. Once formed, the flower was applied to the base and embedded inside lots of molten crystal clear glass to make it look as though it is suspended in mid air.

It is a lot of work and takes quite a while to put all these elements together – and although the process is a challenge it is so much fun! I will definitely be making more of this style bead 😀

"Snow Drop" Lampwork Focal Bead