23 days to Christmas! A few last minute bead sets!

Life has gotten so busy over the past month and as a result, torch time is reduced!
This week has a few new sets, but I expect over the next few weeks, the torch will be quiet waiting for 2013 beadmaking instead.
So if you are looking for last minute beads for the season, definitely check out this week's Ebay offerings!

All sets within this post are NOW SOLD

Sea to Sky - 53 Spacer Beads!!
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy and Effetre Glass

There are two sets of spacers in this set for a total of 53 BEADS!!!
Set 1 is CiM's Poseidon, a sky blue opal, left with a glossy finish.
Set 2 is Effetre's Pale Aquamarine transparent which has been etched for a smooth sea-glass effect.
Classic combination for your jewelry creations~!

Triton Bubbles Trio
Materials: Double Helix and Effetre Glasses

This set of 3 encased round beads was created on a base of rare Effetre Marine Wave on which encased plunged bubbles of Double Helix silver glass, Triton were added. Each of these bubbles was reduced and encased to create the subtle variations in color. Each result was then captured under a thick encasement of Effetre clear glass.

Encrusted Teal
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy and Double Helix Glass

This set of  beads was created on a base of CiM's greenish opal teal, Rainforest. Surface decoration of Double Helix's silver rich glass, Aurae was added as fine droplets and reduced to a glimmering metallic shine.

Metallic Sugar'd Ruby
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy  and Double Helix Glass

This shimmering set of beads was created on a base of CiM's red named Sangre. Surface decoration of Double Helix's silver rich glass, Ehko was added as fine frit and reduced to a glimmering metallic shine.

Apalala
Dragonscales Series #14

"A water dwelling dragon who was converted to Buddhism by the Buddha"

Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy Glass, Fine Silver foil and Val Cox Frit

On a base of CiM's Dirty Martini opaque glass, 99% fine silver foil was added and layered with Val Cox Purple Rose frit. The combination was then melted into the surface and the beads were tumble etched for a smooth tactile feel. Each micro-drop of silver has taken on a golden glow.

Aulanerk
Goddess Bead Series #143

"In Inuit mythology, Aulanerk is a friendly sea goddess who rules over the tides, waves and joy."

Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy, Effetre, Trautman Art and Double Helix Glasses

This set of 7 goddess series beads was created on a base of CiM's Ink Blot Limited Run. Each goddess bead was then layered with dots of Effetre Dark Ivory, and combinations of Double Helix and Trautman Art silver glasses and its storms were captured under each clear glass portal dots. Dots of Double Helix Aurae, also adds a metallic sheen to the droplets on each bead.

5 Weeks to the Holidays!

All sets within this post are NOW SOLD

Ladon
Dragonscales Series #13

"Ancient Greek dragon that guarded the golden apple tree of goddess Hera. It was killed by Herakles in order to steal the apples."

Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy, Fine Silver foil and Val Cox Frit

On a base of CiM's African Grey opaque glass, 99% fine silver foil was added and layered with Val Cox Purple Rose frit. The combination was then melted into the surface and the beads were tumble etched for a smooth tactile feel.  Each micro-drop of silver has taken on a golden glow.

Peridot Silvered Shimmer Crystals
Materials: Effetre and Double Helix Glasses, Fine Silver Wire and Foil 

This set of 7 encased crystal beads were created with combinations of rare Double Helix peridot green super luster silver glass known simply as OX380, 99% fine silver foil. After wrapping the core with 99% fine silver wire, it was reduced to create the intense variations in color. Each result was then captured under a thick encasement of Effetre glass.

Saitada
Goddess Bead Series #142

"Saitada was a Celtic goddess from the Tyne Valley in England whose name may mean "goddess of grief.""

Materials: Effetre, Trautman Art and Double Helix Glasses

This set of 9 goddess series beads was created on a base of Effetre Pale Aquamarine transparent. Each goddess bead was then layered with dots of Effetre Dark Ivory, and combinations of Double Helix and Trautman Art silver glasses and its storms were captured under each clear glass portal dots. Dots of Double Helix Triton, also adds a metallic sheen to the droplets on each bead.

Violet Frit Rounds
Materials: Effetre Glass and Gaffer Frit

This set of 15 beads was created on a base of Effetre New Violet opaque glass. Gaffer custom mixed frit was sprinkled and melted into the surface. Classic combination for your jewelry creations~!

November is here and new bead sets too!

All sets within this post are NOW SOLD

Dragonscales Duo Pair #10
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy Glass, Fine Silver foil and Val Cox Frit

On a base of CiM's African Grey opaque glass, 99% fine silver foil was added and layered with Val Cox Purple Rose frit. The combination was then melted into the surface and the beads were tumble etched for a smooth tactile feel. Each micro-drop of silver has taken on a golden glow.

Peruvian Violet Frit Rounds
Materials: Creation is Messy Glass and Glass Diversions Frit

This set of 10 beads was created on a base of CiM's rare Butter Pecan. Glass Diversions Peruvian Violet frit was sprinkled and melted into the surface.
Classic combination for your jewelry creations.



Peachy Silvered Ivory Nuggets
Materials: Creation is Messy, Effetre Glasses and 99% Fine Silver Foil

This set of 12 nugget beads was created on a base of CiM's Peachy Keen transparent. Silvered Ivory stringer was added to create the striped and swirled design around each bead. This bead set was tumble etched for a sea-glass like finish.

Tumbled Organix Crystals
Materials: Creation is Messy Glass and Glass Diversions Frit

This set of 9 crystal shaped beads was created on a base of CiM's Hollandaise Limited Run. Glass Diversions Vineyard Vines glass frit was sprinkled and melted into the surface. 10 Hollandaise spacer beads are also included in this set. This bead set was tumble etched for a distressed organix stone like finish.

Aqua Silvered Shimmer Crystals
Materials: Effetre and Double Helix Glasses, Fine Silver Wire and Foil 

This set of 7 encased crystal beads were created with combinations of rare Double Helix sapphire blue silver glass known simply as OX383, 99% fine silver foil. After wrapping the core with 99% fine silver wire, it was reduced to create the intense variations in color. Each result was then captured under a thick encasement of Effetre glass.

Saphira - Dragonscales Series #12

"Eragon's blue dragon from Christopher Paolini's "Inheritance" trilogy."

Materials: Effetre Glass, Fine Silver foil and Val Cox Frit

On a base of Effetre Cobalt Blue opaque glass, 99% fine silver foil was added and layered with Val Cox Purple Rose frit. The combination was then melted into the surface and the beads were tumble etched for a smooth tactile feel. Each micro-drop of silver has taken on a golden glow.

Morana - Goddess Bead Series #141
"Slavic myth name of a goddess of death and winter, meaning "death.""

Materials: Effetre, Trautman Art and Double Helix Glasses

This set of 8 goddess series beads was created on a base of Effetre Light Teal transparent. Each goddess bead was then layered with dots of Effetre Dark Ivory, and combinations of Double Helix and Trautman Art silver glasses and its storms were captured under each clear glass portal dots. Dots of Double Helix Triton, also adds a metallic sheen to the droplets on each bead.

CiM Testing This Week - 3 New Limited Runs!

All sets within this post are now SOLD

Bright Organix 
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy Glass and Effetre Glasses

This set of 9 beads was created on a base of CiM's Daffodil Limited Run. Silvered Ivory stringer was added to create the striped and dotted organix beads. This bead set was tumble etched for a smooth stone like finish.

Tranquil Organix
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy Glass and Effetre Glasses

This set of 11 beads was created on a base of CiM's Shrubbery Limited Run. Silvered Ivory stringer was added to create the striped and dotted organix beads. This bead set was tumble etched for a smooth stone like finish.

Nemausicae
Goddess Bead Series #140

"The Celtic mother goddesses of fertility and healing."

Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy Glass, Effetre and Double Helix Glasses

This set of 10 goddess series beads was created on a base of CiM's Ink Blots Limited Run. Each goddess bead was then layered with dots of Effetre Dark Ivory, and combinations of several Double Helix silver glasses and its storms were captured under each clear glass portal dots. Dots of Double Helix Aurae, also adds a metallic sheen to the droplets on each bead.

Mulberry Frit Rounds
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy Glass and Glass Diversions Frit

This set of 13 beads was created on a base of CiM's Plum Unique #2. Glass Diversions Wild Mulberry frit was sprinkled and melted into the surface. This bead set was tumble etched for a smooth stone like finish.

Silvered Frit Rounds
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy Glass, Fine Silver foil and Valerie Cox Frit

CiM's Desert Pink Unique #1 was rolled in 99% fine silver foil and sprinkled with Fleeting Beauty frit from Val Cox. This frit includes the rare Z-99 Purple Rose,  that blooms to beautiful purple hues.The frit has webbed among the microdrops of silver to create a rich set of 10 round beads. A timeless classic for both casual and business fashions!

Psyche Light Silvered Crystals
Materials: Effetre and Double Helix Glasses, Fine Silver Wire and Foil 

This set of 9 encased crystal beads were created with combinations of rare Double Helix silver glass known as Psyche Light, 99% fine silver foil. After wrapping the core with silver wire, it was reduced to create the intense variations in color. Each result was then captured under a thick encasement of Effetre glass.

CiM's Moana, Leapfrog, Lemon Drop and more!

All sets within this post are NOW SOLD

Teal Glimmer
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy and Double Helix Glass

This set of  beads was created on a base of CiM's opal Teal, Moana. Stringer surface decoration of Double Helix's silver rich glass, Aurae was added and reduced to a glimmering metallic shine.

Green Raku Frit Rounds
Materials: Creation is Messy Glass and Raku Frit

This simple set of CiM's Leapfrog Limited Run green opaque glass sprinkled with Raku frit to create an organic webbed pattern. These beads were tumbled for a etched look and a smooth feel.

Creme Caramel Spacers
Materials: Creation is Messy Glass 

A set of 40 spacers in variegated hues of caramel and burnt sienna created with a rare version of CiM Pumpkin Unique #1.

Aurora
Goddess Bead Series #139

"Roman myth name of a goddess of morning, meaning dawn"

Materials: Creation is Messy, Effetre and Double Helix Glasses

This set of 8 goddess series beads was created on a base of CiM's Lemon Drop Limited Run. Each goddess bead was then layered with dots of Effetre Dark Ivory, and combinations of several Double Helix silver glasses and its storms were captured under each clear glass portal dots. Dots of Double Helix Clio, also adds a metallic sheen to the droplets on each bead.

Terra 2 Bubbles
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy , Double Helix and Effetre Glass

This set of 5 encased round beads was created on a base of CiM Pink Champagne Unique#1 on which encased plunged bubbles of Double Helix silver glass, Terra 2 were added. Each of these bubbles was reduced and encased to create the subtle variations in color. Each result was then captured under a thick encasement of Effetre clear glass.

Galeru
Dragonscales Series #11

"A giant rainbow serpent from aboriginal mythology."

Materials: Effetre Glass, Fine Silver foil and Val Cox Frit

On a base of Effetre Sky Blue opaque glass, 99% fine silver foil was added and layered with Val Cox Purple Rose frit. The combination was then melted into the surface and the beads were tumble etched for a smooth tactile feel. Each micro-drop of silver has taken on a golden glow.

Silvered Exotic Rounds
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy Glass, Fine Silver foil and Glass Diversions Frit

CiM's Chai Limited Run #2 was rolled in 99% fine silver foil and sprinkled with Exotic frit from Robin Koza. The frit has webbed among the microdrops of silver to create a rich set of 12 round beads. A timeless classic for both casual and business fashions!

This week's new CIM colors - Thunder Egg, Honeycomb!

                                      All sets within this post are NOW SOLD

Etched Twilight Garden
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy Glass and Pendragonfyre Custom Blend Frit

This dark and brooding set was created on CiM's Thunder Egg Limited Run, a blue opal glass that strikes in variations of grey to mink hues.
Each bead was sprinkled with Pendragonfyre frit, a custom mix of raku, purple rose and pinks. These beads have been tumble etches to a smooth finish.

Ataksak
Goddess Bead Series #138

"Ataksak is a goddess in Inuit mythology. She is the ruler of the sky, and represents the light in the world that brings joy and happiness to the people."

Materials: Creation is Messy, Effetre and Double Helix Glasses

This miniset of 6 goddess series beads was created on a base of CiM's Honeycomb Limited Run. Each goddess bead was then layered with dots of Effetre Dark Ivory, and combinations of several Double Helix silver glasses and its storms were captured under each clear glass portal dots. Dots of Double Helix test glass, OK 376, also adds a metallic sheen to the droplets on each bead.

Silvered Java Rounds
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy Glass, Fine Silver foil and Glass Diversions Frit

CiM's Hippo Limited Run was rolled in 99% fine silver foil and sprinkled with Coffee Bean frit from Robin Koza. The frit has webbed among the microdrops of silver to create a rich set of 12 round beads. A timeless classic for both casual and business fashions!

Dragonscales Duo Pair #9
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy Glass, Fine Silver foil and Val Cox Frit

On a base of CiM's Hollandaise opaque glass, 99% fine silver foil was added and layered with Val Cox Purple Rose frit. The combination was then melted into the surface and the beads were tumble etched for a smooth tactile feel.  Each micro-drop of silver has taken on a golden glow.

Dragonscales Orphans
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy Glass, Effetre Glass, Fine Silver foil and Val Cox Frit

On various bases of opaque glass on 1/16" mandrels, 99% fine silver foil was added and layered with Val Cox Purple Rose frit.
The combination was then melted into the surface and the beads were tumble etched for a smooth tactile feel. Each micro-drop of silver has taken on a golden glow.

Getting back to Normal...

Even though I completely enjoyed my vacation and looked forward to settling back into a routine when I returned, I seemed to have lost the glass muse when I sit at the torch.
When this happens, I reach for my test glasses and familiar designs.
Each test glass can surprise and test my skills and out of each test new ideas will grow.

"We should take inspiration from the autumn leaves. They drop off the old and work through the winter, storing energy to become new in the spring."

Over the next few weeks, you will see the results of my testing and I can share with you new CiM glasses used in these sets. Many of the glasses are limited editions, so if you are quick, you just might get some to try as well!

All sets within this post are NOW SOLD

Athena
Goddess Bead Series #136

"Greek myth name of the goddess of wisdom."

Materials: Creation is Messy, Effetre and Double Helix Glasses

This set of 10 goddess series beads was created on a base of CiM's new transparent red-orange glass, Macaw. Each goddess bead was then layered with dots of Effetre Dark Ivory and
Vetrofond's Orange Punch. Double Helix Aurae was added and its mother of pearl-like storms were captured under each clear glass portal dots. Dots of Aurae also add a golden sheen to the highlight droplets on each bead.

Dragonscales Duo Pair #8 
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy Glass, Fine Silver foil and Val Cox Frit

On a base of CiM's Hollandaise opaque glass, 99% fine silver foil was added and layered with Val Cox Purple Rose frit. The combination was then melted into the surface and the beads were tumble etched for a smooth tactile feel. Each micro-drop of silver has taken on a golden glow.

Uzume
Goddess Bead Series #137

"The Shinto goddess of joy and happiness, and good health. Uzume brought Japanese sun goddess Amaterasu back from her cave."

Materials: Effetre and Double Helix Glasses

This miniset of 7 goddess series beads was created on a base of Effetre Dark Cocoa Each goddess bead was then layered with dots of Effetre Dark Ivory and White. Double Helix Kalypso silver glass was added and its storms were captured under each clear glass portal dots. Dots of Aurae also add a golden sheen to the highlight droplets on each bead.

Dragonscales Orphans 
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy Glass, Effetre Glass, Fine Silver foil and Val Cox Frit

On various bases of opaque glass on 3/32" mandrels, 99% fine silver foil was added and layered with Val Cox Purple Rose frit. The combination was then melted into the surface and the beads were tumble etched for a smooth tactile feel.  Each micro-drop of silver has taken on a golden glow.

A couple of new CiM greens!

All sets within this post are NOW SOLD

Cardamom and Tarragon
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy Glass and Glass Diversions Frit

On a bases of CiM's new pale greens, Cardamon and Key Lime Pie, Glass Diversions French Tarragon frit was sprinkled with to create this 15 bead set.The combination was then melted into the surface. These beads were etched to a matte finish and a tactile feel.

Pink Apricot Frit Rounds
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy Glass and Val Cox Frit

On a base of CiM's Peace, a white opaque glass that was sprinkled with a mixed pink frit by Val Cox created the beads in this 12 bead set.The combination was then melted into the surface. These beads were etched to a matte finish and a tactile feel.

Dragonscales Duo
Duo Pair #7

Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy Glass, Fine Silver foil and Val Cox Frit

On a base of CiM's now sold out Hollandaise opaque glass, 99% fine silver foil was added and layered with Val Cox Purple Rose frit.
The combination was then melted into the surface and the beads were tumble etched for a smooth tactile feel. Each micro-drop of silver has taken on a golden glow.

Sirrush
Dragonscales Series #10

"The Babylonian dragon of chaos"

Materials: Effetre Glass, Fine Silver foil and Val Cox Frit

On a base of Effetre Turquoise Copper Green glass, 99% fine silver foil was added and layered with Val Cox Purple Rose frit.
The combination was then melted into the surface and the beads were tumble etched for a smooth tactile feel.  Each micro-drop of silver has taken on a golden glow.

And now for something completely different! Vacation at Last!

I have been scarce on the blog over the past few weeks. It was time for a REAL VACATION!

It had been 6 years since our last real one, and it was time to head out to the west coast for a true refresh for my hubby and I.

This post is not about beads for a change, just some fun vacation photos from our trip!

We kicked off the vacation with a great weekend in Calgary. Enjoyed our visit with our daughter and we took in a couple of day trips.

Sunday was Calgary Zoo visit, below are a couple of photos of my favourites:

Lowlands Gorilla. 

I got down at floor level with him as he was eating. He looked up 2 times, but seemed very comfortable with me watching him.

Timon!  The Meerkat! 

Sadly, this hippo is in mourning. There were 2 hippos until Aug 22 when one had to be put to sleep due to health issues at the age of 45. So this one was pretty lonesome but spent a bit of time in the water.

Mom and her cubs that were born this year having a snooze in the sun! 

This is my FAVORITE from the visit. A SMILING TIGER!  He made me smile too!

The view from our front door, first day in the mountains and the sun is just coming up.

Before we checked into the hotel, we took in a Banff Lake Cruise at Lake Minnewanka. This lake is glacier fed, so the water is a beautiful blue green. 

In the distance is the "u-shaped" opening that points to Calgary. 

There was a lightning strike that started a fire on the mountain, but later that day, the rain was working at putting it out .

As we entered the valley before the town of Cache Creek, the terrain completely changed. It felt like we were in Arizona desert. 

We pulled over to one of the rest stops and were met with this caution sign!

Can you spot the moose in this photo? He was standing in the ditch and another car frightened him, so he hid behind a bush and pretended to be INVISIBLE!  LOL.. I spoke to him and thanked him for the photo!

We arrived in Wells, BC and met this car on the main street!

Welcome to the town of Barkerville. This is the historic town that gave birth to the Gold Rush, named after Billy Barker who struck it rich in gold!

We arrived early so the town was just waking up. 

Woodstoves were starting up for the day and the general store owner was out chopping wood to warm up his place!

In one of the houses, they had a treadle sewing machine set up. I have the exact same one at home, it was my grandmothers and mine is in much better shape too!

Need dental work done? Not sure if they are covered by our dental plan, but the promise of no pain seems a bit scary.

Here is the BC Stage Coach company.

It was a good tour of the town, but takes a lot of coordination to get up and settled in to the coach and I was in comfortable jeans!

Can't imagine climbing into this with a Victorian full skirt and bustle!

We bid adieu to the Gold Rush trail and headed toward the coast for week two of our trip.

A stop at a 3000 foot waterfall in Yoho National Park was breathtaking!

If you look close, you can almost see a dragon face emerging from within the waterfall's centre!

A couple day trips to Vancouver were on the agenda! 

Palm trees growing in Vancouver, I had no idea the climate was that warm!

A visit to Stanley Park and the Vancouver Aquarium!

 A ride through Stanley Park with the enormous trees and over the famous Lion's Gate bridge completed the day!

We made our way back through the mountains and spent our final weekend in Calgary, refreshed and with lots of memories. 

Hopefully it won't be another 5 years before our next BIG ADVENTURE!

I will be back in the studio this weekend and new beads will be coming up over the next few weeks!