Handmade Murrini & Underwater Aquarium Glass Beads

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

Even though making these beads takes a long time, a lot of work and concentration, (and can even be downright stressful at times!), they have become my all time favorite beads to make….thus far. 😉

No two of these beads are exactly the same so each of them is a one-of-a-kind, very special piece.

I build them murrini by murrini, rarely choosing the chips in advance. I like to be spontaneous and pick the murrini chips as I go along building the bead. Here’s a picture of the pile of murrini I have to choose from as I make a bead:

I also regularly make new murrini to add to my stash of chips to choose from. Here are some recent designs I made (these are currently available on Etsy):

Below are more encased murrini beads that were made in the past couple weeks. Many of them are still available on Etsy.

Coral Reef Encased Murrini Lampwork Beads

On February 27, 2014April 16, 2014 By ccglassartIn Photos, What's Happening NowLeave a comment

Another batch of my reef series encased murrini beads hot off the torch!

All available now on Etsy:

Bimini Reef - encased murrini bead necklace — Bimini Reef – encased murrini bead necklace

Paradise Reef - encased murrini bead necklace — Paradise Reef – encased murrini bead necklace

Pink Sand Reef - encased murrini bead necklace — Pink Sand Reef – encased murrini bead necklace

Port Royal Reef - encased murrini bead necklace — Port Royal Reef – encased murrini bead necklace

Starlight Crown - ornate focal bead — Starlight Crown – ornate focal bead

Sunset Reef - encased murrini bead necklace — Sunset Reef – encased murrini bead necklace

Treasure Reef - encased murrini bead necklace — Treasure Reef – encased murrini bead necklace

The Obsession Returns – Encased Murrini Beads

On January 14, 2014April 16, 2014 By ccglassartIn Photos, What's Happening Now2 Comments

Just when I thought I’d gotten tired of making these little gems, the obsession has struck again!

I usually like to make at least one or two of these types of beads to test new murrini and see how they look under encasement. The other day I was on a roll and made several – I still really enjoy making these beads! They are so challenging and in many ways they have a mind of their own, so the final result is always a bit of a surprise for me.

This week I have 5 new encased murrini beads, and 1 bubble crown bead. This bubble crown bead came out a little bigger than the ones I made before, it has 6 bubbles on top instead of 4, as well as an intricate swirled core of striped glass and shimmering dichroic. 😀

All beads are currently available on Etsy:

Avalon Reef - encased murrini bead necklace — Avalon Reef – encased murrini bead necklace

Cambria Reef - encased murrini bead necklace — Cambria Reef – encased murrini bead necklace

Carnival - glass bead pendant — Carnival – glass bead pendant

Great Barrier Reef - encased murrini bead necklace — Great Barrier Reef – encased murrini bead necklace

Pink Peony Reef - encased murrini bead necklace — Pink Peony Reef – encased murrini bead necklace

Wailua Reef - encased murrini bead necklace — Wailua Reef – encased murrini bead necklace

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

Late Summer Rounded Bicone Lampwork Focals

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

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.