Late Summer Rounded Bicone Lampwork Focals

Long time, no beads!

It has been one long, hot summer here in L.A. – and unfortunately, for us, it’s not over yet. In fact, we’ll get many more 100+ degree days until October or so.

Because of the heat, and because I just needed a break, I have been on a beadmaking hiatus. But, I have been inspired to get back to the torch lately so I was very lucky to catch a tolerably warm morning and make some new beads!

Here is the start of a new series of beads in a lovely new shape, a rounded bicone.

CALYPSO - lampwork focal bead
CALYPSO – lampwork focal bead
KEY WEST - lampwork focal bead
KEY WEST – lampwork focal bead
LEO CARRILLO - lampwork focal bead
LEO CARRILLO – lampwork focal bead
ROSARITO BEACH - lampwork focal bead pendant
ROSARITO BEACH – lampwork focal bead pendant

New Lampwork Bead Designs

After a little hiatus I am back with some new designs! I think most artists get a form of ‘writer’s block’ now and again, and I’m no different. Occasionally the ideas stop coming so the choice becomes whether to revisit previous designs or to just take a break and allow time for something new to take root.

For me, it was worth taking time off because a few new ideas came to mind which gives me a fresh perspective and a renewed motivation to get back to the torch.

This week’s beads include a couple of my new ideas…with more to come soon! 😀

Meteor Rocks - lampwork bead set
Meteor Rocks – lampwork bead set
Oceania - lampwork bead focal
Oceania – lampwork bead focal
Mystic Heart - lampwork bead focal
Mystic Heart – lampwork bead focal

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

1″ Sized Bead Focals on Etsy

I have been having a lot of fun creating these medium sized (and more modestly priced) lampwork focals for sale on Etsy.

They are not quite as labor intensive as my larger sized focals that I list on eBay. So I am able to have time to experiment with different color combinations and glass interactions – as well as incorporate some of my favorite design elements from the past.

Carnivale 1" lentil focal bead
Supernova 1" lentil bead focal
Gilded Rose 1" lentil focal bead

New Lampwork Beads on Etsy!

Something I haven’t done in a long time is post beads to Etsy for sale. But I have had several requests to list beads on Etsy for those that don’t enjoy the auction format of eBay.

So I am offering this collection of beads ready for immediate shipment on Etsy.com. 😀  I’ve included a few medium-sized focals (1″) along with a cute, petite mini focal as well as a round bead pair – all in some of my most popular designs, colors and patterns:

Sea Grass 1" focal bead
Mossy Stone round bead pair
Sea Urchins mini focal bead
Lake Moss 1" bead focal
Mossy Stone 1" bead focal