Maybe it’s the warmer weather (we were in the 90’s the other day!), but this week I was inspired to make a few large hole beads with my handmade flower murrini. These particular murrini are incredibly painstaking to make because they involve so many steps – but the results are worth it. When encased in clear glass they come alive and have so much detail and beauty. 🙂
I hope you enjoy them as much as I have enjoyed making them –
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Something new for me lately is the combination of metal components with my lampwork beads.
I have been exploring making my own bead caps, experimenting with different metals and different techniques, and finally developed a way to stamp and finish them that works well with my bead designs.
So far I’ve been working mainly in brass and copper as I love the rich coloring of these metals, and the way they look when antiqued.
I recently stumbled upon a neat trick that transforms simple colored glass frit into a washed watercolor effect on a reactive glass base! The technique produces translucent pools of color that take on a unique, one of a kind look with every bead. 😀
BOUGAINVILLEA – big hole beadFLAMENCO – big hole beadPAINTER’S PALETTE – big hole beadROSE GARDEN – big hole beadSEA WIND – big hole bead
Here’s a bead I made using an old tried-and-true technique which always produces great results and a unique look – combining dark ivory glass with fine silver foil. It turns ordinary glass into what looks like natural stone.
Officially it is Fall, although you’d never know it stepping outside into 95 degree heat, but it is here. I do notice a distinct chill in the air in the early mornings, though. That little bit of crispness that tells you the season is here (or almost here in our case).
I am SO ready for the weather to change and for that chill to be in the air all day long. I can’t wait to see the leaves change color (yes, where we live in SoCal they actually do that – something to do with it getting cold enough here in the Winter I think…)
I really can’t believe that the holidays are right around the corner though – how are we already here at this time of year again?! These days, I seem to have to make a special effort to slow my mind down so I am sure to enjoy everything and not let it all go by in a blur.
In the meantime, as I pine for Fall and prepare for the holidays, here are a few new Pandora-style beads to brighten your day: 😉
Barnacles – big hole beadBlue Daisies – big hole beadHappiness Is – big hole beadHydrangea Buds – big hole beadSummer to Fall – big hole bead