I was able to catch a cool day recently so I hopped on the torch and made these fun beads for my Gazing Ball pendant necklaces. I had been away from the torch for so long and it felt great to be able to get back to it! 😀
I am checking the weather report daily hoping for another break in this heat to be able to play with glass again 🙂
For now, here is the latest batch just listed on Etsy:
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.
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 😀
CCGlassArt 