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.
Now and then I accumulate several beads that for one reason or another did not meet my extremely high standards enough to be sold individually. They’re each still beautiful in their own way, made with all my best materials, properly kiln annealed and thoroughly cleaned, but they just did not turn out as I had originally planned. So they go into what I call an ‘Odd Lot’ set.
This particular Odd Lot collection includes some great large size focals and three fully lined Pandora style charm beads!
This very special glass gets its name from the gemstone that has the same unique characteristic. Both have a tendency to change color right before your eyes depending on the lighting conditions.
This Italian imported glass can shift from a light lavender to a pale violet when taken from natural/incandescent light to florescent light.
As a bonus, Alexandrite glass will also fume beautifully when it comes in contact with silver glass.This creates a rich, deep honey color on the surface.
This set and focal both begin with a base of magical Alexandrite glass.
Keeping up with this blog is obviously not my strong-suit. I can give many excuses as to why I am so neglectful of it – such as how busy I am, how life just gets in the way, etc. Truth is, I often simply don’t know what to write about. At least, nothing that I think anyone would be too interested in reading.
But I will try to be better this year and come up with some new topics to post now and then. To start, I have ‘produced’ a new Flash gallery of beads I’ve made to date. Here it is…if you have a few minutes, check it out 😉 Enjoy the show!
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In my house it’s been a bit chaotic as we’re getting ready for the new school year. We even have one starting college this year!
It’s times like these when I’m so grateful for the time I get at the torch when I can clear my mind and just focus on melting glass.
I have four bead sets up for auction on eBay this week. I didn’t realize till later that I named each of these sets after different vacation spots. Maybe I’m subconsciously trying to tell myself something – lol!
ARCTIC DAWN
I have been wanting to use Opal Yellow and soft dove grey together for quite some time. The combination of these two shades is so soothing yet still vibrant since they contrast so well with each other.
HILO
Years ago my family visited the big island of Hawaii (Kona) and took a road trip to the opposite side of the island, Hilo, to tour the Botanical Gardens there. This place is well known for it’s unbelievably gorgeous flowers and foliage. That trip was the inspiration for this collection.
CABO SAN LUCAS
Though I’ve never been there, almost everyone I know has and the images I have in my head of Cabo were brought to mind once I saw this collection of beads all strung together. Even the silver spacers have a very latin feel to me.
NANTUCKET
The soft shades of light blue and pale avocado in this set just reminded me of a beach landscape. Especially with the way the striped Raku cane took on the appearance of seagrass blowing in the breeze.
Have a wonderful weekend –
Until next time,
Christie / CCGlassArt
CCGlassArt 