Pandora / Troll Style Big Hole Glass Beads

On February 15, 2012May 30, 2012 By ccglassartIn Photos, What's Happening NowLeave a comment

One of my goals this year has been to challenge myself with new designs I haven’t done before, or bring back designs I haven’t done in a long time.

It began with creating more florals in glass, and is continuing with making large hole beads that fit those popular European bracelets like Pandora, Biagi, Troll, etc.

I have made this style bead in the past but did not have the special tools needed to professionally line the large holes with solid sterling silver coring for that really beautiful, jeweler’s finish – but now I do!

Introducing my new line of Pandora-style glass beads fully lined from end to end with genuine sterling silver tubing:

‘Sweetheart’ Pandora-style large hole bead

Mardi Gras Beads

On February 11, 2012May 30, 2012 By ccglassartIn Photos, What's Happening NowLeave a comment

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.

Flowers, Scrolls and Hearts – Lampwork Beads

On January 20, 2012April 13, 2012 By ccglassartIn Photos, What's Happening Now2 Comments

Introducing several new designs! Dimensional beads, scrolls, encased florals and hearts 😀

Embedded 3D Flowers – New For 2012

On January 12, 2012February 22, 2012 By ccglassartIn Photos, What's Happening NowLeave a comment

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 😀

Snow Drop Focal Bead — "Snow Drop" Lampwork Focal Bead

Crazy For Glass Dots!

On November 2, 2011January 20, 2012 By ccglassartIn Photos, What's Happening NowLeave a comment

As a lampworker I have always preferred to create freeform designs with my beads, only dabbling a little bit in fine dot placement. But recently I find myself drawn to carefully applying tiny dots to my beads with as much precision as my hands will allow. I guess in some ways it’s a new challenge and a sort of discipline to attempt to do it with relative symmetry.

So lately I have been immersing myself in creating beads with lots and lots of tiny dots and have been loving every minute of it! Something I never thought I’d hear myself say! 😀

This week’s listings include all dotted bead designs in rustic, weathered colors of fumed dark ivory, butternut, dark colbalt and deep red to give these beads an Old-World look.