Double Helix Arke 2 - A Closer Look!

After the first test of Double Helix Arke 2, I decided to take a closer look at this surprising glass at a recent session at the torch. 

Arke 2 is a transparent cobalt luster color that develops a variety of exterior metallic finishes and holds it’s luster under a clear encasement. 

It’s the lightest of our three cobalt silver glasses; Arke 2, Triton and Iris. 

What got me thinking was Jed's note about variations in flame chemistry, exposure time and temperature alter the color of the exterior luster.

The first two barrel shaped beads were created on a base of Effetre Superclear with a surface encasement of swirls and scrolls of Double Helix Arke 2.

I allowed gravity to move the glass around and after reducing it in the flame, I encased it again in Superclear.

I was pleased with the patterns of blues and greens that resulted in the beads.

This set of 3 round beads would be lovely as focal points in a necklace.

These were also formed with layers of Arke 2 captured between layers of clear glass.

It is a great way to use up shorts of clear glass and economically use the beautiful silver glass!

#effetre

#arke2

#doublehelixglass

#silverglass

#nortel

#pendragonfyre 

#handmade

#handmadeincanada 

#lampworkglass 

#maker 

#lampworkbeads 

#glassbeads 

#lampwork 

#lampworker 

#beadmaker 

#softglass 

#handmadebeads 

#sodalime 

#craftsperson 

@nortel_glassgirl

Double Helix Arke 2 - How Did I Miss Not Ordering This Before?

I am so glad I included a half a pound of this Arke 2 glass in my last order! 

When I try a new glass, I usually order Jed's second quality as it is more economical. 

I see that it is now showing as out of stock, so I was lucky!

What are seconds? Double Helix second quality rods are less than perfect and are sold at a 25% discount. They may be too large, too small, too short, chipped, twisted or have an inclusion. They have passed our compatibility test and our color test, but not our pretty rod test.

Arke 2 is described as a transparent cobalt luster color that develops a variety of exterior metallic finishes and holds it’s luster under a clear encasement. It’s the lightest of our three cobalt silver glasses; Arke 2, Triton and Iris. 

The beads within this post highlight how I used Arke 2 in a few initial beads and I am very pleased with the results!

This focal bead has a clear base with a layer of Arke 2 stringer wrapped around and "knife cuts" before reducing the glass.

When it was encased with clear glass, it captured a beautiful patterning with blue green and ivory patterned mother of pearl reactions.

I had the matching facetted crystals in my jewel box and I think they match perfectly!

This next set of round beads used a similar technique as the bead above and again, Arke 2 did not disappoint!

The swirls and patterning is stunning in these beads and the gleam from the color patterns from each angle is incredible!

Last but certainly not least, here are a couple more test beads using the layering technique of Arke2, Effetre White and Clear. These need more investigation, but definitely have me thinking and ready to try at my next torch session.

#effetre

#italianglass

#silverglass

#nortel

#doublehelixglass

#pendragonfyre 

#handmade

#handmadeincanada 

#lampworkglass 

#maker 

#lampworkbeads 

#glassbeads 

#lampwork 

#lampworker 

#beadmaker 

#softglass 

#handmadebeads 

#sodalime 

#craftsperson 

@nortel_glassgirl

@dubhelix

Starting Off 2026 With New Double Helix Silver Glasses!

Towards the end of 2025, I decided to treat myself to some "new to me" silver glasses Jed at Double Helix.

This was the first time in ages that I had placed an order as I was concerned about the whole doing business south of the Canadian border.

As I prefer to testing and experiment with new glasses, I usually opt to order half pounds of seconds as it is most likely when I fall in love with a specific glass, it sells out quickly.

Jed describes them as the following:

What are seconds?

Our second quality rods are less than perfect and are sold at a 25% discount. They may be too large, too small, too short, chipped, twisted or have an inclusion. They have passed our compatibility test and our color test, but not our pretty rod test.

In my experience, they are perfect to me... and allow me to really experiment while keeping my glass expenses within budget.

This time I chose Elpis 2, Hydros and Arke 2.

I am honored and excited that Jed added in samples of Iris, Clio and Ultraviolet Aion for my testing!

These are lovely glasses!

Over the next few blog posts, I will share my first set of experiments. 

By the way, I have also indulged in Double Helix Garage Sale boxes in the past. These glasses are not always labelled, so it challenges me to discover what each rod truly is.

Believe it or not, I am still working on glass that I got back in 2015 and 2016 Garage Boxes.

This set below was created with a simple encased round of a glass coded CL.OD.e (related to Clio). 

So simple but so beautiful!

 

#silverglass

#nortel

#doublehelixglass

#pendragonfyre 

#handmade

#handmadeincanada 

#lampworkglass 

#maker 

#lampworkbeads 

#glassbeads 

#lampwork 

#lampworker 

#beadmaker 

#softglass 

#handmadebeads 

#craftsperson 

@nortel_glassgirl

@dubhelix