Me and My Torch – Reunited! :D

On July 10, 2020February 11, 2021 By ccglassartIn Photos, What's Happening Now4 Comments

Hello, hello! It has been quite a while since I last posted any new beads.

Life, for me, has taken many twists and turns during the past several months (nearly a year). From other projects taking my time and attention, to a big and complicated move to a new home, not to mention Covid, etc.

But now, finally, I am back making beads regularly and cannot tell you how happy it makes my heart to allow my creativity to flow once again.

You know how much I LOVE working with little murrini chips in my bead designs and, of course, these new beads are no exception.

I am very excited to share a few photos with you of some of my newly made beads:

Encased murrini bead with brass bead caps Encased murrini big hole bead with brass bead caps Encased murrini handmade lampwork glass art bead Handmade murrini encased glass bead with big hole sterling silver core

Christina C.
CCGlassArt

Spring is here! The flowers are blooming…and so is a batch of NEW BEADS! :D

On April 9, 2019February 11, 2021 By ccglassartIn Photos, What's Happening NowLeave a comment

Hello! I hope this message finds you enjoying the first weeks of Spring and all the new flowers blooming! 😀

This has truly been one of the most glorious spring-times I can remember in all my years here in Sunny SoCal.

We had SO much rain this winter that the hills and mountains all around us are completely covered with thick carpets of green grass and beautifully colored wildflowers everywhere!

My family and I recently went out to visit a Poppy Reserve. They were experiencing a ‘Super Bloom’ this year and it was absolutely SPECTACULAR! The hills were exploding with bright orange flowers as far as the eye could see. Here is a photo I took of one particularly densely packed hillside…

california poppy reserve

All this color around me has inspired a new batch of beads, many with a floral theme. I finished most of them with silver, brass, or copper bead caps as well. I think the caps finish the beads so nicely making them perfect to wear all on their own, if you choose.

Here is the latest batch of beads available now on Etsy:

Thank you for looking!

Until next time,
Christina
http://www.ccglassart.etsy.com

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

More Bubble Crown Beads

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

I sense another addiction coming on! 😮 LOL!

These little beauties are so fun to make – I have so many variations for these swimming around in my mind. Can’t wait for some more torch time to experiment 😀

Click on the links below to be taken to Etsy for a detailed description about each bead.

Pink Frosting - bubble bead — Pink Frosting – bubble bead

Rosarita - bubble bead — Rosarita – bubble bead

Tidepool - bubble bead — Tidepool – bubble bead

White Daisies - bubble bead — White Daisies – bubble bead

Spring Meadow, Fallen Feather Bead Set & Kailua Reef Encased Murrini Bead

On March 8, 2013March 19, 2014 By ccglassartIn Photos, What's Happening Now2 Comments

Though I love a good storm, and we definitely needed the rain, this storm brought with it chilly temperatures I thought we’d seen the last of a couple months ago. So I was inspired to make these beads which all reminded me of the warmer weather to come. 🙂

Just added to Etsy today: