Video: Making a Reactive Silver Glass Raised Dot Bead

On November 2, 2018November 1, 2018 By ccglassartIn Tips & Tricks, VideosLeave a comment

In this video I demonstrate how I create an encased silver glass bead with tiny raised dots on the surface.

With the right type of flame, the silver in the silver glass is brought to the surface of the bead causing it to develop a slightly metallic sheen. Once I see that sheen I quickly and carefully capture that luster beneath a layer of crystal clear glass.

After encasing, and shaping and smoothing the bead, I apply three rows of alternating dots with a silver glass stringer pulled thin.

It takes a steady hand to get the dots just right! 😀

Once applied, the raised glass dots are spun through the heat of the flame just enough to allow them to melt about half way down. If they were not melted in far enough the dots would be at risk of being popped off when worn. But melting them too far down can cause them to lose their dimension and disappear into the bead altogether. It’s a tricky balance between too much and too little heat.

I hope you enjoy watching me work at the torch! 🙂

Christina
CCGlassArt

NEW Handmade Encased Murrini Bead Necklaces & Pendant

On April 16, 2013March 19, 2014 By ccglassartIn Photos, What's Happening NowLeave a comment

My obsession – going strong… 😀 You’d think after a year and a half of being consumed with making encased murrini beads I’d be tired of them by now. But no – there are so many endless design possibilities that I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of this style bead. Occasionally I do venture out and do different things, but I always seem to come back to these. What’s a girl to do? 😉

COZUMEL REEF - encased murrini bead necklace — COZUMEL REEF – encased murrini bead necklace

PANAMA REEF - encased murrini bead necklace — PANAMA REEF – encased murrini bead necklace

KEY WEST REEF - encased murrini bead pendant — KEY WEST REEF – encased murrini bead pendant

HONOLULU REEF - encased murrini bead necklace — HONOLULU REEF – encased murrini bead necklace

More Swirled Core Marble Beads With Murrini

On January 2, 2013August 29, 2013 By ccglassartIn Photos, What's Happening NowLeave a comment

I made a few more of these in pretty colors of peridot green, and fuchsia pink (which comes from Rubino Oro glass). I also made one that is swirled with different silver glasses for a more opaque look but with multiple colors running throughout the design. I even embedded some sparkling cubic zirconia stones to catch the light! 😀

All beads currently on Etsy:

Pretty In Pink - marble focal bead — Pretty In Pink – marble focal bead

Spring Breeze - marble focal bead — Spring Breeze – marble focal bead

Whirlpool - marble focal bead — Whirlpool – marble focal bead

New Swirled Core Marble Beads With Murrini

On December 24, 2012August 29, 2013 By ccglassartIn Photos, What's Happening NowLeave a comment

Learning new techniques then mastering them is what keeps me having fun with glass! 😀

I’ve been involved with many crafts and hobbies over the years, from soapmaking to acrylic painting, and while I’ve enjoyed them all there was a point where I felt I learned all there was to know about it.

For me, I love the challenge of learning new skills then practicing over and over till I get great results. Working with glass, I feel like I haven’t even scratched the surface of learning all there is to know in this medium. There is so much to it and so many different places you can go with it.

I recently learned a new technique which combines swirls of transparent and opaque glass with hair fine stringer and multiple layers of crystal clear glass which greatly adds to the inner illusion of the twisted core.

Of course, I couldn’t help myself by adding some murrini to the surface of the beads 😉

All beads are now available on Etsy: