Beads With New Homes!

Catching up on the blog!
The bead sets within this post are Ebay post from last month that have gone out to their new homes.

All sets have been SOLD

Cybele - Goddess Series# 160
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy, Effetre and Double Helix Glasses

Myth name of a Phrygian goddess of fertility adopted by the Greeks and Romans. The true meaning of the name is uncertain; the traditional derivation is "she of the hair." 

On a base of CiM's Cookie Dough Ltd Run, an opaque beige, portals were created using layers of Dark Ivory and White. Double Helix silver test glass named KA-357 creates portals in pink and blue hues. Each portal was reduced and encased in clear glass and dots of Double Helix Aurae were added and reduced to bring out the shine of each highlight dot.

Treasure Relics
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy and Double Helix Glasses

This set of beads was created on a base of CiM's Ltd Run, Gooseberry, a milky yellowish green moonstone. Double Helix's Aurae frit was generously sprinkled and reduced the glass to a golden sheen and metallic shine!

Luna - Goddess Series# 161
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy, Effetre, Trautman Art and Double Helix Glasses

"Roman myth name of a moon goddess, meaning moon"  

This miniset of 5 beads were created on a base of CiM's Linen Ltd Run. Portals were added with combinations of Effetre Dark Ivory, White, and Trautman's Fire Lotus silver glass captured under a dot of Effetre Clear. Dots of Aurae create the metallic highlights on these beads.

End of Autumn Mix
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy and Effetre Glasses

A colorful mix of autumn hues in this 14 bead set of patterned beads. Colors include: CiM's Alley Cat, Nutmeg and Hazelnut Mousse Ltd Runs coordinated with Effetre's Wine Red, Dark Chestnut and Red Roof Tile. Two 5mm dark amber spaces frame the set.

Meadow Silvertrails 
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy and Effetre Glasses with 99% Fine Silver Wire

This large set of 18 Silvertrail beads combine the colours of a Meadow wrapped with 99% Fine Silver Wire. Hues include Effetre's Mint Green Opal, CiM's Appletini and Aloe Juice transparents and CiM's Cardamon opaque glasses.

Dragonscales Duo - Rainforest
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy Glass, 99% Silver Foil and Val Cox Glass Frit

On a base glass, CiM's Rainforest, 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.

Black with Raku Shards
Materials: Effetre Glasses with Handmade Pendragonfyre Raku Shards

This set of 10 beads were created on a base of Effetre Black and decorated with hand-blown Raku shards.

Silver Orbs - Ekho
Materials: Effetre and Double Helix Glasses and 99% Fine Silver Wire

This set of 5 encased round beads were created on a base of Double Helix silver glass, Ekho. This glass starts as a beige transparent, but when each bead core was wrapped in 99% fine silver wire and reduced to create the dramatic hues of blues, golds, greens, ambers and cream. Each result was then captured under a thick encasement of Effetre clear glass.

CiM New Colors

I have the pleasure of testing the latest colors from CIM.  If you haven't had the chance to see the preview palette, certainly check it out here!

I have more color tests underway and beads ready to photograph!

Sets within this Post are NOW SOLD.

Spanish Relics
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy and Double Helix Glasses

Inspired by ancient relics from the Spanish Armada!
On a base of CiM's new Radio Flyer red sprinkled with Double Helix silver glass, Aurae, resulting in shiny goodness in metallic hues of gold to silver blue creating the antiqued look!

Aphrodite - Goddess Series# 155
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy, Effetre, Trautman Art Glass and Double Helix Glasses

"Risen from the foam." Greek myth name of the goddess of love and mother of Eros, composed of the elements afros "foam" and dity "dive; rise."

On a base of CiM's new Green Lantern Ltd Run, portals were created using layers of Dark Ivory, mixtures of Double Helix and Trautman Art silver glasses create the watery blue portals. Each portal was encased in clear glass and dots of Double Helix rare test glass, OX 383 were added to bring out the shine of each highlight dot.

A step at a time to full studio restocking!

Amethyst and Amber Flowers
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy, Double Helix and Effetre Glasses

Five Hand-formed Flowers created with CiM Thai Orchid, Effetre Medium Amethyst and Light Amber. Highlights of Double Helix Helios shine in the centre of each flower.

Goddess#153- Nemesis
Greek myth name of the goddess of justice and vengeance, meaning "retribution; righteous anger."

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

This set of 7 beads were created on a base of CiM Hades Ltd Run#2. Portals were added with combinations of Effetre Dark Ivory, Trautman Art's Oxblood and Double Helix Aurae Light captured under a dot of Effetre Clear. Dots of CiM Gunmetal create the highlights on these beads.

Goddess#154-Si-wang-mu

Si-wang-mu, who lived eternally in the Jade Mountains, was a Chinese mother goddess or Mother Queen of the West."

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

This set of 10 beads were created on a base of CiM Elphaba Ltd Run#1. Portals were added with combinations of Effetre Dark Ivory, CiM's Black Currant and Double Helix Olympia Rain captured under a dot of Effetre Clear. Dots of Aurae Light create the highlights on these beads.

Simple Spacers in CiM Seafoam Ltd Run - An opal green resembling beach glass
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy Glass

Simple Rounds in CiM Desert Pink - An opaque pastel pink.

Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy Glass

Simple Spacers in CiM Atlantis - A bluish teal opal.
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy Glass

Simple Rounds in CiM Maraschino - A dense transparent bright carnival red.
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy Glass

Simple Rounds in CiM Poison Apple - A dense and saturated opal green
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy Glass

Simple Spacers in Tangerine Orange
Materials: Effetre Glass

Back to basics.... Practicing for the perfect spacer bead!

Over the past few months, I have been so busy with life that stealing time at the torch has been a real balancing act!
Now that spring is on its way, it has been warm enough to work in the studio without building a full fire in the studio's wood stove.

As a spring tradition, I always like to revisit the basics of beadmaking... the spacer bead. Over the next few weeks, I will be offering some round spacer sets in bright spring colors!

Enjoy your week and add some bright colors into your world to celebrate spring!

All sets in this post have been SOLD.


Maraschino Cherry Rounds 
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy glass

Created from CiM's Maraschino, a dense striated bright carnival red. The striations of transparent and opaque glass created depth and richness in each bead.

Poison Apple Rounds 
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy glass

Created from CiM's Poison Apple, a dense and saturated opal green that appears almost opaque after working. Perfect for spring and summer 2013!

Tangerine Orange Rounds 
Materials: Effetre glass

Created from Effetre's Tangerine, a bright juicy orange.

Manasa - Dragonscales series#20

"Manasa is a Naga from Hinduism and is a goddess of fertility."

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

On a base of CiM's Electric Avenue, an electric blue opal, 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 shiny glow.

Hippolyte - Goddess Series #149

"Feminine form of Hippolytos, meaning "horse-freer." Greek myth name of the daughter of Ares"

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

This set of 9 goddess series beads was created on a base of CiM's Lapis, an opaque deep blue violet. Each goddess bead was then layered with dots of Effetre Dark Ivory, and combinations of Double Helix and TAG silver glasses, Kronos and Juno. The reaction has created portals that shift from golden cream to blues storms captured under each clear glass portal dots.
Dots of Double Helix Aurae, also adds a metallic sheen to the droplets on each bead.

English Garden
Materials: Effetre Glasses and Pendragonfyre Frit

On a core of Effetre white with an encasement of light grass green transparent. A generous sprinkling of custom blended Pendragonfyre frit was added and each bead was tumbled etched for a smooth tactile feel. Ten transparent spacers are included in this set.

Dragonscales Duo #13
Materials: Vetrofond Glass, Fine Silver foil and Val Cox Frit

On a base of Vetrofond rare Mauvelous, an creamy pale 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 shiny glow.

Results of Latest CiM Limited Run Testing!

This last couple of weeks, I have been able to fight the East Coast cold and snow to get to the studio to test some new CiM Limited Runs!

This posting is the result and I have to say the latest runs are great pairings to silver glasses and frit mixes!

All sets within this post are NOW SOLD

Golden Violet Berry
Materials: CiM-Creation is Messy and Double Helix Glasses

This glittering set of 7 beads was created with a base of CiM's new dark purple, Berry Mist, on which Double Helix silver glass, Aurae, frit was added and reduced to glittery goodness!
Perfect for spring and summer jewelry designs!



Silvered Frit Rounds
Materials: CiM-Creation is Messy Glass, Glass Diversion glass frit and 99% fine silver foil

This set of silvered foil and frit beads was created on a base of CiM's Limited Run, named Oyster Mushroom, with a generous sprinkling of Glass Diversions Peruvian Violet glass frit.
Perfect for spring and summer jewelry designs!



Pinga - Goddess Series #147

"In Inuit mythology, Pinga ("the one who is up on high") was a goddess of the hunt, fertility and medicine."

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

This set of 9 goddess series beads was created on a base of CiM's Limited Run, Mediterranean, a transparent denim blue. Each goddess bead was then layered with dots of Effetre Dark Ivory, and combinations of Double Helix silver glasses, Kalypso and Aurae. The reaction has created portals that shift from blue to magenta pink captured under each clear glass portal dots. Dots of Double Helix Aurae, also adds a metallic sheen to the droplets on each bead.



Golden Seashell
Materials: CiM-Creation is Messy and Double Helix Glasses

This glittering set of 6 beads was created with a base of CiM's new Seashell, on which Double Helix silver glass, Aurae, frit was added and reduced to glittery goodness!
Perfect for spring and summer jewelry designs!



Spring Violet
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy Glass and Glass Diversions glass frit

This set of round frit beads was created on a base of CiM's Dried Sage, an opaque green with a generous sprinkling of Glass Diversions Spring Violet frit.

Frost and Ice
Materials: CiM-Creation is Messy and Effetre Glass

This set of 21 beads was created with bases of Effetre Extra Clear  and CiM Clear glass. Five beads were sprinkled with fine clear glass frit. Eight clear round beads were tumbled etched with eight remaining left transparent.

Silvered Emerald Mosaics
Materials: Effetre Glass, Pendragonfyre glass frit and 99% fine silver foil

This set of silvered foil and frit beads was created on a base of Effetre's transparent Pale Aquamarine with a generous sprinkling of Emerald based handmade mixed glass frit. There are 4 barrels and 8 round beads in this set providing lots of options for your jewelry designs.

Spring Rose
Materials: Effetre Glass

This set of 19 round beads was created with a base of transparent pink rose Effetre glass, known as Rose Quartz. These beads were tumble etched for a smooth tactile feel.

Finally back at the torch! Testing CiM Glass too!

Gosh!... It seems like forever since my last blog post!
Life took an interruption just after Christmas 2012 that resulted in lots of time away from the torch and quality time with my family.
Although the break was somewhat "forced", it was a great time to spend with my 80+ year old dad as he got a brand new knee! In less than 4 weeks after his surgery, he was walking without a cane and moving along faster than me!
Moving in with him for 5 weeks, including my remote office for my daytime career, was a great adventure. Unfortunately EVERY weekend in February, we had major snowstorms resulting in NO time in the studio!

I am now back home and settled back in and my first session at the torch was to test new CiM Limited Run glasses. The results are below.
Let me know what you think...

Smiles,
D.

All sets within this blog post are NOW SOLD

Spring Silvered Ivory Mix
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy & Effetre Glasses with 99% Fine Silver

Combinations of new CiM Limited Runs, Sherbert and Honey Mustard are mixed with Effetre Light Turquoise, Pastel Ink Blue Violet and handmade Silver Ivory stringer decorations.
Lots of bead shapes for your lampwork creations in this 21 bead set.

Apophis 
Dragonscales series#18

"In Egyptian mythology, Apophis was the serpent-like dragon that daily attempts to catch and destory the sun god Re."

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

On a base of CiM's Limited Run, Truffle, an opal brown 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.

Valli
Goddess Bead Series #145

"Hindi myth name of the wife of Murugan, meaning creeping plant."

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

This set of 9 goddess series beads was created on a base of CiM's Limited Run, Breeze, a transparent teal. Each goddess bead was then layered with dots of Effetre Dark Ivory, and combinations of CiM's Hades black and TAG's Taxco Silver Turquoise glass. The reaction has created storms captured under each clear glass portal dots.
Dots of Double Helix Aurae, also adds a metallic sheen to the droplets on each bead.

Malina
Goddess Bead Series #146

"Malina is a solar deity in Inuit mythology. She is found most commonly in the legends of Greenland that link her closely with the lunar deity Anningan, her brother. Malina is constantly fleeing from Anningan and their constant chase is the traditional explanation for the movement of the sun and moon through the sky."

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

This set of 10 goddess series beads was created on a base of CiM's Limited Run, Dark Velvet, an extremely dark purple opaque. Each goddess bead was then layered with dots of Effetre Dark Ivory, and combinations of Double Helix silver glasses, Kalypso and KA-357. The reaction has created portals that shift from blue to magenta pink captured under each clear glass portal dots.
Dots of Double Helix Aurae, also adds a metallic sheen to the droplets on each bead.

Griaule
Dragonscales series#17

"A massive dragon from the work of Lucius Shephard, Griaule was frozen in place by an ancient spell."

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

On a base of Effetre Mint Green Opal 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.

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.

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.