Getting All the Storms Out of the Way - Looking Forward to A Sunny June!

Some of my clients refer to these storm beads as "bumpy beads" or "goddess beads". 

When I started this style of beads, I was intrigued by the amazing reactions created by unique combinations of glass layers.

I would name each set after a goddess name and after over 100 plus sets, I ran out of Goddess names to use.

When I opened my Pendragonfyre Etsy shop in July 2023, I needed to come up with a new name to refer to these beads... and the storm style bead was the result.

Let me point out that not all storm style beads have silver glass striated reactions under the clear portals.

This first set uses a gold pink glass by Double Helix called Eros. This glass looks like a pale lavender in the rod under shop lighting, but when struck in the flame, the glass blooms to a pink rose.

For this set, the bead started on a base of Vetrofond Pink Rose #68 on which dots of CiM Creation Is Messy white opaque named Peace were added. A layer of Double Helix Eros was added and capped with Double Helix clear Zephyr. Highlight dots of the gold pink glass complete the bead.

Next up.
This set was created on a base of CiM - Creation is Messy's Byzantium. Layers of Ivory, CiM Vampire red, along with Double Helix Terra 2 create the portals captured under clear glass domes highlighted with reduced DH BE462 dots. 

The spacer beads are pastel and transparent shades of purple.

Last one for this post.
This set started on a base of Effetre 422 Orange Tangerine. On the layer of ivory, the combination was rare CiM Black Currant and rare Double Helix Kronos. 

Clear dots captured the brilliant blue colour. Dots of Aurae complete the bead. 

The spacers are Effetre orange tangerine.

#pendragonfyre 
#handmade
#handmadeincanada 
#lampworkglass 
#stormbeadsbypendragonfyre
#doublehelixglass
#creationismessy
#nortelglass
#maker 
#lampworkbeads 
#glassbeads 
#lampwork 
#lampworker 
#beadmaker 
#softglass 
#handmadebeads 
#sodalime 
#craftsperson 
#madewitheffetremurano
@nortelglassgirl

Is this Stormy Weather Good for us? Yes it is.

I think I’m beginning to grow duck feathers it’s been so wet here! 

Here on the east coast of Canada each weekend day has been filled with a gloomy forecast of rain.

Storms can have positive effects on our lives. They can:

• Strengthen us and cleanse our souls. 
• Provide water for many continents during the summer. 
• Wash away pollutants out of the air. 
• Bring rainfall to areas that need it and break up bacteria and red tide. 

All this stormy weather on my mind resulted in new storm bead sets to share with you today.

First up,
This set was created on a base of CiM - Creation is Messy's Boysenberry. Layers of Ivory, CiM Eden, along with Double Helix Psyche Light create the portals captured under clear glass domes highlighted with Aurae dots. The spacer beads are pure Boysenberry.

Next up,
This set started on a base of Effetre 39 Dark Purple Violet Glicine. On the layer of ivory, the combination was CiM Cleopatra and Double Helix BE 462 . Clear dots captured amazing silver glass storms. Dots of Aurae complete the bead.

#pendragonfyre 
#handmade
#handmadeincanada 
#lampworkglass 
#stormbeadsbypendragonfyre
#doublehelixglass
#creationismessy
#nortelglass
#maker 
#lampworkbeads 
#glassbeads 
#lampwork 
#lampworker 
#beadmaker 
#softglass 
#handmadebeads 
#sodalime 
#craftsperson 
#madewitheffetremurano
@nortelglassgirl

Was May 2025 the Stormiest Month on the Calendar?

After a week marked by overcast skies and rain, the data confirms what many have felt.

May 2025 could become the least sunny month in over half a century in my corner of the world.

May is usually a busy month with gardens being ramped up, seeds started in the greenhouse and hopes for a healthy fall harvest.

This month was COLD and WET, seeds continue to struggle to germinate, so my couple of Saturdays with free time were spent in my studio instead.

The result is more storm beads to share with you today.
In this post, I share a couple of big hold bead sets.

This set was created on a base of CiM - Creation is Messy's Boysenberry. Layers of Ivory, CiM Eden, along with Double Helix Psyche Light create the portals captured under clear glass domes highlighted with Aurae dots. The spacer beads are pure Boysenberry.

This set started on a base of Effetre 422 Orange Tangerine. On the layer of ivory, the combination was CiM Black Currant and rare Double Helix Kronos. Clear dots captured the brilliant blue colour. Dots of Aurae complete the bead.

#pendragonfyre 
#handmade
#handmadeincanada 
#lampworkglass 
#stormbeadsbypendragonfyre
#doublehelixglass
#creationismessy

#nortelglass
#maker 
#lampworkbeads 
#glassbeads 
#lampwork 
#lampworker 
#beadmaker 
#softglass 
#handmadebeads 
#sodalime 
#craftsperson 
#madewitheffetremurano
@nortelglassgirl

Starting off a new week in May with new Storm Bead Sets!

Starting on a base of Vetrofond Sweet Strawberry red brown opaque glass, I layered dots of Dark Ivory, CiM Lapis and Double Helix Terra 2 silver glass. 

Clear portal glass dots were added to capture the stormed reaction of the silver glass. Dots of DH Aurae complete each bead.

By adding clear portal glass dots to capture the "stormed reaction" of the silver layer, you're essentially freezing a moment of dynamic interplay between glass surfaces. This technique is reminiscent of capturing a fleeting moment in nature—a flash of lightning or a burst of turbulence—thus transforming each bead into a miniature work of kinetic art. 

Next up is a mini Big Hole Set with a focal storm bead using the same combination of glasses as the set above.

Last up is another mini storm set that I think would be lovely in a set of earrings. These are dainty with a fresh spring feeling. 

I coordinated them with some green spacers and crystals for this set.

Nortel is my Canadian supplier of Effetre, Vetrofond, CiM and Double Helix glasses for those Canadian bead makers who wish to purchase glass in Canadian dollars!

For Canadian bead makers, having Nortel as a supplier means access to these materials in local currency, simplifying procurement and supporting the local craft economy. 

#creationismessy 

#cimglass 

#nortel 

#doublehelixglass 

@creationismessy 

@nortel_glassgirl

Is it spring yet?

The weather hasn't exactly felt like spring lately on the east coast of Canada. 

New Brunswick really hasn’t been making it easy to soak up any golden rays lately! Grey skies and constant rain can feel like an energy drain, especially when creativity thrives on warmth and light. 

Being a tech admin during the work week, I always hope for sun on the weekends and lately have had my hopes dashed.

I haven't had many opportunities to spend time in the studio over the past 8 weeks with my day-time role capturing my waking hours and my creativity has been replaced with sleep and rest.

Being immune compromised, I rely on balancing my energy with rest with spoon theory.

Spoon Theory is a way to explain the energy limitations faced by people living with chronic illness. It uses "spoons" as a unit of measurement for energy, with each activity in life requiring a certain number of spoons.

It’s a great way to frame energy management when health demands extra mindfulness. Prioritizing rest is just as valuable as creating, and it is a thoughtful method for pacing yourself.

Even with the limited studio time, I am still bringing new bead sets to life! 

I hope my Pendragonfyre family will enjoy seeing what I have been able to craft during these fleeting moments in the studio. 

I share these in this post with you and these will pop up on Etsy tomorrow.

Created with rare Bullseye Special Production glass named Raspberry Cream, these round beads have striations of dark raspberry pink and streams of creamy white. 

This glass is no longer in production and my stash is getting smaller each time I pull a rod.

A spring floral inspired glass frit bead set! 

Starting on a base of Bullseye Dense White, a sprinkling of Glass Diversions Spring Violet glass frit was melted into each bead. 

A couple of medium purple spacers complete the set.

In case you needed extra small spacers, this set of CiM Creation Is Messy Poi purple opaque would be great in earrings!

A few new Big Hole Bead mini sets using 99% fine silver leaf and Glass Diversions Praline glass frit. These unlined beads will fit the popular "P" style jewelry.

First up, on a base of CiM Creation Is Messy Osage Wood wrapped in silver leaf and Praline frit. The spacers are the caramel colored Osage Wood.

Next up, on a base of Bullseye Carnelian with same combination of silver leaf and glass frit. Spacers are dark carnelian glass that seemed to strike dark in the kiln.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and I look forward to sharing more bead sets in future blog posts this month! 

Smiles, Darlene 

#creationismessy 

#cimglass 

#nortel 

#glassdiversions  

@creationismessy 

@nortel_glassgirl

"Despite the forecast, live like it’s spring.” – Lilly Pulitzer

April is my birthday month and each year as it rolls around I hope for sunny days. Spring is always a time for change and new opportunities in my life and this month was no different.

To be honest, my day time role has shifted significantly and requires my mind and soul to reflect, refresh and recallibrate my daily cadence. I firmly believe change is good and meant to be so it is important to embrace it body and soul!

It has limited my time in the glass studio so I have just a few new bead sets to share today. 

In this post, all the beads are big hole beads that will fit on traditional "P" style bracelets or a simple chain or leather necklace.

First up, a focal storm bead with coordinated beads and metal spacers.

The base glass is Vetrofond 994 Strawberry Sweet, a reddish brown opaque. 

Layers of dark ivory, CiM Lapis and Double Helix Terra 2 is capped under clear glass portals. 

Double Helix Aurae dots highlight the focal bead with a metallic shine.

This Vetrofond glass was part of a Nortel Odd Lots special that I was lucky to snag before it was all gone!

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and I look forward to sharing more bead sets in future blog posts this month!

Smiles,

Darlene 

#creationismessy 

#cimglass 

#nortel 

#doublehelixglass 

@creationismessy 

@nortel_glassgirl 

"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant" - Anne Bradstreet

This handmade set showcases a stunning array of beads in earthy tones, highlighted by intricate details and metallic accents. 

The beads feature a mesmerizing blend of soft blues, rich browns, and golden hues, with raised glass droplets that add depth and dimension. Delicate hints of iridescent purple and silver embellishments lends a luxurious feel.

Starting on a base of Effetre Pale Aquamarine transparent glass, I layered dots of Ivory, CiM Blueberry Muffin and Double Helix Psyche Light silver glass. 

Clear portal glass dots were added to capture the stormed reaction of the silver glass. Dots of DH Hyperion complete each bead. 

Nortel is my Canadian supplier of Effetre, Vetrofond, CiM and Double Helix glasses for those Canadian bead makers who wish to purchase glass in Canadian dollars! 

#creationismessy 

#cimglass 

#nortel 

#doublehelixglass 

@creationismessy 

@nortel_glassgirl 

Spring Green Storm Beads

Starting on a base of Vetrofond 216 Grass Green opaque glass, I layered dots of CiM Cafe Au Lait, blue transparent CiM Anchor and Double Helix Chloe silver glass. 

Clear portal glass dots were added to capture the stormed reaction of the silver glass. 

Dots of DH Aurae complete each bead. 

Nortel is my Canadian supplier of Effetre, Vetrofond, CiM and Double Helix  glasses for those Canadian bead makers who wish to purchase glass in Canadian dollars! 

#creationismessy 

#cimglass 

#nortel 

#doublehelixglass 

@creationismessy 

@nortel_glassgirl

"Blossom by blossom, the spring begins" - Algernon Charles Swinburne

This handmade bead set features an intricate combination of vibrant blue glass beads and ornate lampwork focal beads. 

The lampwork beads are adorned with rich brown and golden floral-like accents, encased in clear glass, giving them a striking three-dimensional effect. 

Starting on a base of Effetre Light Aquamarine transparent glass, I layered dots of Ivory, CiM Black Currant and Double Helix 2016 Garage Sale CL.ode (Clio related) silver glass. 

Clear portal glass dots were added to capture the stormed reaction of the silver glass. 

Dots of DH Aurae complete each bead. 

Perfect for those who appreciate handcrafted jewelry, this piece beautifully blends color, texture, and artistry. 

Nortel is my Canadian supplier of Effetre, Vetrofond, CiM and Double Helix  glasses for those Canadian bead makers who wish to purchase glass in Canadian dollars! 

#creationismessy 

#cimglass 

#nortel 

#doublehelixglass 

@creationismessy 

@nortel_glassgirl

Silver Glass Big Hole Beads - Magical Silver Glass Reactions Captured!

This big hole bead set used a base of Effetre Light Aquamarine transparent with stormed Double Helix OX380 over dots of CiM Black Currant. 

Each storm dot was encased with portal dots of DH Zephyr. Dots of reduced DH Aurae Light completed the focal beads. The spacers are Effetre Light Aquamarine. 

This big hole bead set used a base of Effetre Light Gray transparent with stormed Double Helix Psyche Light over dots of CiM Blueberry Muffin. 

Each storm dot was encased with portal dots of DH Zephyr. Dots of reduced DH Hyperion completed the focal beads. The spacers are Effetre Light Grey.

The sets below are combinations of various Double Helix glasses with Effetre glasses.

These fit the well known bracelet. 

Enjoy the variety of beads that created beautiful eye candy for your glass creations! 

Visit my Etsy shop for new beads as we post new items each week! 

#nortel

#creationismessy

#cimglass

#pendragonfyre

#handmade

#handmadeincanada

#doublehelixglass

#etsyshop

@creationismessy

@nortel_glassgirl

@doublehelixglass

Pink Lemongrass - Elegance for Spring 2025!

Soft, elegant, and full of delicate charm, this set of  beads is a true testament to beautiful lampwork glass.

The rounded cube glass beads showcase a mesmerizing mosaic of warm peach, pink, and golden hues, reminiscent of blooming spring flowers or a painter’s brushstrokes on a canvas.

Subtle hints of green and white add depth, creating a nature-inspired palette that feels organic yet refined. Small, faceted crystal accents between the beads catch the light, adding a gentle sparkle that enhances the bracelet’s elegance. 

Whether these beads are worn in a statement accessory or paired with other jewelry components, these beads are a celebration of craftsmanship and timeless style.

#pendragonfyre 

#handmade

#handmadeincanada 

#lampworkglass 

#maker 

#lampworkbeads 

#glassbeads 

#lampwork 

#lampworker 

#beadmaker 

#softglass 

#handmadebeads 

#sodalime 

#craftsperson 

#creationismessyglass

@glassdiversionsfrit

@nortelglassgirl

Retro-Style Dotties!

Handcrafted glass beads are more than just a piece of jewelry or an accessory—it’s a piece of art, a story, and a reflection of individuality. 

This retro-style set of beads is a perfect example of how color and texture come together to create something truly special. Featuring rich peach pink-hued glass beads with playful yellow and purple accents, the design exudes warmth and creativity. 

Each bead appears to have its own personality, with intricate circular patterns and tiny air bubbles trapped within, adding a sense of depth and uniqueness. 

The pops of yellow and lilac contrast beautifully against the earthy peach pink base tones. 

Finished with delicate silver dragonfly accents and small purple seed beads, this bracelet is a celebration of thoughtful design—perfect for those who love one-of-a-kind, handcrafted treasures.

#pendragonfyre 

#handmade

#handmadeincanada 

#lampworkglass 

#maker 

#lampworkbeads 

#glassbeads 

#lampwork 

#lampworker 

#beadmaker 

#softglass 

#handmadebeads 

#sodalime 

#craftsperson 

#creationismessyglass

@nortelglassgirl