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

Organic Lampwork

On April 9, 2012September 1, 2012 By ccglassartIn Photos, What's Happening Now2 Comments

One of my most beloved styles of glasswork is ‘organic’. Simply put, organic design refers to a more free-form approach to bead making, allowing the materials themselves to dictate placement without getting too fussy over a perfect end result. At least that’s my definition of organic bead making.

In a nutshell, it just means allowing the glass to do its own thing. I’d say the biggest challenge with organic design is to know when enough is enough. Although, I am the first to admit sometimes I go overboard when the reactions I’m getting are just so spectacular that I think more is more. 😉

Either way, organic lampwork bead design is something I find myself gravitating back to time and again.