CiM - Creation Is Messy's Denim Glass with Double Helix Silver Glass Frit

Just a few beads to share on this mid July Sunday. 

The forecast here in New Brunswick is for rain which is a pleasant change from the heat wave over the past 2 weeks.

The glass frit bead set for this week is highlighting Double Helix frits and powder over a base glass of CiM - Creation Is Messy's Denim. It is described as a transparent denim blue.

As CiM Denim is quite saturated, I decided to create these beads with a base of clear glass with an encasement of Denim. 

Layers of rare Double Helix Kronos powder and medium grind frit was added and melted in. 

I then rolled the bead in Double Helix Zephyr coarse glass frit.

 

This technique set some of the base glass as pools of dark blue before I reduced the overall bead and encased fully with a rod of Zephyr.

The silver glass patterns emerged with shades of blues, greens and creams in lovely pools of light.

A final shape to rectangle and cubes finished these unique beads.

I made a few spacers beads of CiM Denim that are very dark but look lovely along with the beads and the faceted crystals that I added to each end of the string.

#creationismessy
#cimdenim
#nortel
#kronos
#zephyr
#doublehelixglass
#pendragonfyre
#handmade
#handmadeincanada
@dubhelix
@creationismessy
@nortel_glassgirl

CiM - Creation Is Messy 2023 New Color - Amazon Misty Ltd Run

Happy Saturday everyone!

The sun is shining and after a few days of snow this week, I am looking forward to warming up the studio and completing my 2023 CiM - Creation Is Messy color testing. I have been pleased with all the colors offered this year in their misty and milky forms.

I took the opportunity to get in a glass order of some CiM glasses that Nortel still had available to add to my glass stash including Eggplant, Barrier Reef and Raindrop. Those will be great for some of the bead sets that I have planned for later this spring.

For today's post I am sharing a quick set of CiM's new 2023 Amazon Misty Ltd Run as I tested it with Double Helix silver glass.

Amazon Misty was based on an older CiM color named Rainforest which is a greenish opal teal. Amazon is being offered in both a misty and milky version for 2023.

Below is a photo of the original Rainforest with handmade Raku shards from a post in 2018. Click here if you are interested.

For this big hole bead set, I started with a base of Amazon Misty on which I sprinkled and melted in from Double Helix Kronos frit and streamed some Notos silver glass. 

The mother of pearl and color striations were captured under an encasement of Zephyr clear glass. This flat barrel tab measures 27mm hole to hole.

The 4 spacers are pure Amazon misty to show the base glass in comparison.

I have checked availability of these glasses, at the time of this post, as In Stock on Nortel Glass' online shopping cart.

Reach out to Jean or Jennifer at Nortel to add some of these glasses to your new CiM - Creation Is Messy colors for 2023.

You may even be able to snag some CiM Rainforest as Nortel may have some in their inventory as well.

#creationismessy

#cimglass

#cimnewcolors

#cim2023

#cimamazonmisty

#handmade

#handmadeincanada

#nortel

#doublehelixglass

#pendragonfyre

@creationismessy

@nortel_glassgirl

February Flashback - Digging into the CiM - Creation Is Messy Archives - Part 1

Over the next couple of weeks, I am digging into the CiM Archives to flashback on sets of beads made with colors that are listed as Sold Out on the CiM website, but I have checked availability of these glasses as In Stock on Nortel Glass' online shopping cart.

I am a bit of a "spreadsheet nerd", so I created a chart to cross reference what rare colors are still readily available from Jean & Jennifer at Nortel.

Why a chart? 

I see so many "destash" groups on Facebook lately where our glassy colleagues are auctioning off larger quantities glass and in many cases the prices being paid are higher than simply purchasing the same glass from one our favourite distributors.

Nortel works so closely with our various glass creators that I really prefer to support them in order to keep our glass industry going!

In this first post, we are looking at glass pairings of CiM - Creation Is Messy with Double Helix silver glasses.
Each of these bead sets were featured in previous blog posts, so enjoy this stroll down memory lane.

This gleaming set is a base of one of my favorite glasses, CiM's Pink Champagne. In natural light, it is a rich pink. In other lighting, it can cast hues of a pinky purple.
In any light, it is simply gorgeous!

Shards and dots of Double Helix Aurae decorate these beads. Lots of variety in the shapes to allow for lots of art glass design options.

This gleaming set was created with a base of CiM's Sepia, a rich light brown amber.
Shards, swirls and dots of Double Helix Aurae decorate these beads. Lots of variety in the shapes to allow for lots of art glass design options.

This abundant 20 bead set was created with a new released color named Oz.
This rich green base by CiM is a true emerald green.

Hand pulled stringers of Double Helix Triton create the hand drawn scrollwork on each bead. The Triton was reduced to a glittery goodness of gold and silver blue.

This set of 9 goddess series beads were created on a base of CiM's emerald transparent glass, Oz, with layered dots of Effetre Dark Ivory and a mixture of silver glasses. 

Double Helix's Kronos and Olympia Rain silver glasses creates the multicolored portals captured under each drop of clear glass.

Oz green transparent spacers (4) are included in this set.

In checking CiM's site just before posting this blog, I do see this glass is readily available and it is one of my favorites with silver glass. It is a fresh spring green that we need in the dead of winter!

On a base of CiM's Appletini, dots, scrolls and streams of Double Helix golden Aurae silver infused glass, decorate each round bead.

This glittering set of 10 beads was created with a base of CiM's Appletini transparent green glass on which hand drawn streams of Double Helix Aurae were added and reduced. 

Each bead was then reduced to bring out the glorious metallic bling!

CiM - Creation Is Messy 2022 Color - Buttercup Ltd Run Part 2

CiM’s new bright transparent yellow named Buttercup Ltd Run was based on a request from glass artists for an alternate transparent yellow.

I made a set of beads previously with Buttercup as a base - check out that post here.
Buttercup is a lovely color that instantly called me to think of the Ukraine and the heartbreak of that country's recent events.

As I paired it with swirls of Double Helix's rare blue Kronos silver glass and a wrap of 99% fine silver wire. Each bead was encased in Zephyr to capture the glittery goodness.

This test resulted in 2 lovely hearts and a coordinating round bead.
My hearts and prayers goes out to the Ukraine.


#creationismessy
#cimglass
#cimtesting
#cimbuttercup
#cimnewcolors
#cimglass2022
#nortel
#doublehelixglass
@creationismessy
@nortel_glassgirl

Testing 2019 CiM Colors with Silver Glass

This post carries on with more CiM - Creation Is Messy glass combinations with silver glass.

First up is a barrel bead made with a base of CiM's Aiko Ltd Run in the centre and CiM Emperor ends. 

This bead has surface treatments of several silver glasses including Double Helix glasses including Kronos 2, Skiron and Aether in powders and shards. The bead was completed with a generous wrap of fine silver wire. The spacers are CiM's Aiko.

This bead has a base of CiM's Enchanted Ltd Run, with stripes of CiM Aiko. Double Helix Skiron shards were added and gently warmed to a golden glow. The spacers are matching Aiko.

This last bead was testing how Double Helix Skiron silver glass would react on a base of CiM Little Boy Blue. I superheated the bead and it produced highlights of purples and magenta. Definitely will be trying some further testing with these two glasses. The spacer beads are CiM's Little Boy Blue (now Sold Out).

Finally, this barrel bead made with a base of CiM's Egg White with a generous wrap of Skiron and 99% fine silver wire. 

Til next time,
D.

Spring 2019 - New CiM Color - Little Boy Blue

Today's new 2019 CiM - Creation is Messy color is Little Boy Blue Ltd Run, a muted opaque blue with gray tones.

When I first read the description I immediately thought another boring blue... but when I realized it is a new attempt to recreate/replace now sold out CiM's Duck Egg Ltd Run, my enthusiasm restored as Duck Egg did some beautiful things with silver glass.

On a base of Little Boy Blue I rolled it in Double Helix Kronos powder, added some layered flowers of CiM Peppermint Cream Ltd Run and Double Helix Clio. The spacers show the true color of Little Boy Blue with slight streaking, which I personally like.

Kronos powder blushes the bead blue for an antique look. The flowers with reduced Clio over the CiM Peppermint Cream Ltd Run bloomed in golden rosy petals. 



Perfect for spring. 

CiM's website is my go to resource for information and previews of each color in their extensive color offerings. 

All the new CiM colors are available through www.nortelglass.com. Contact Jean for your glass needs!

#creationismessy #cimtesting #cimnewcolors #cimlittleboyblue #pendragonfyre #doublehelixglass

Spring 2019 - New CiM Color - Budgerigar Ltd Run

Today's post highlights one of the many new CiM - Creation Is Messy green colors for Spring 2019.

The beads below were created from CiM's Budgerigar Ltd Run.
Described as a translucent lime green which is bright and cheerful for spring.

It plays nice with silver glass whether it is on the surface or as a base with silver glass frit encased in clear.

The first focal bead was created with a sprinkle of Val Cox new frit, Flora. It was then encased with Double Helix Zephyr clear glass. 
You will see a wrap of 99% fine silver at the centre of the bead that was melted in to create the silver droplets suspending in the glass.

The second focal tested encasing Budgerigar with DH Zephyr and layers of Double Helix silver glasses, Kronos 2 and Helios. 

Unfortunately, I spent too much time playing with the decoration and the glass cooled too much and resulted in a crack. Not the fault of the glass, it was definitely the artist.

Definitely a very pretty color and I am looking forward to further testing this with other silver glasses.

All the new CiM colors are available through www.nortelglass.com. Contact Jean for your glass needs!

D.

#creationismessy #cimnewcolors #cimbudgerigar

New CiM Color for Spring 2018 - Sacre Bleu Ltd Run

This post is devoted to one of the CiM-Creation is Messy colors for Spring 2018!


It is another beautiful transparent blue aptly named as Sacre Bleu Ltd Run described as a bright luminous blue and it is does not disappoint!


If you like this color, I suggest that you order some quickly before it sells out!


I tested it with lots of 99% fine silver wire and Double Helix silver infused Kronos frit. The encasing to capture the silver glass reactions was done with Double Helix Aether clear glass.

This set of beads are one of kind, each unique in its look and combinations. To see the true hue of the Sacre Bleu Ltd Run, check out the spacers.

New CiM Colors for Spring 2017 - New Green Hues

This post will introduce you to more new green hues that CiM - Creation is Messy has released this season.
Note that these colors are limited runs, so grab them up while they last!

First up, CiM's Peridot Ltd Run. 
Described as a "transparent gemstone green". It is a yellow green almost pale in hue.
I wanted to test it against silver glass, so I sprinkled one of my "go-to" fine frit, Double Helix Ekho.  With the frit coating, you don't see the micro-bubbles that occur when you work the glass in a warmer flame, so if you want crystal clear beads, definitely work in a cooler flame.

Next up, CiM's Eel Grass Ltd Run.

Described as a "natured inspired transparent green". I love this green as it is not too yellow and not too blue. Just right as a spring green.

I paired it as a base in my goddess style beads with layers of Effetre Light Ivory, CiM's rare Black Currant Ltd Run and some Double Helix mystery silver glass (maybe a Terra). 

The portals ranged in pinks and blues with some micro storms. 

The single bead on the right side shows the color of the glass alone. The silver glass didn't fume and the green shade stayed true.

Next up, CiM's Inchworm.

This is a juicy bright opal green!

I wanted to run it through several tests so making some bigger hole beads were in order.

This set from left to right:

1. Single spacer bead showing the true color in all it's glory!

2. Wrapped in DH Triton silver glass shards.

3. A Goddess bead with DH Kronos portals

4. Simply wrapped in 99% fine silver wire. 

5. Single spacer bead

6. Barrel bead with streams of rare DH Kronos melted in.

This glass works beautifully with silver with no adverse reaction lines. It seems to have an inner glow that is bright and cheerful for this spring and summer!

Spring is here and the greens have it!

Have a great week!

Necklace bead sets

This post highlights some necklace beads that display a few more new CiM - Creation is Messy colors for 2016.

This watery blue themed set uses CiM’s Jet Stream Ltd Run as a base with silver infused Double Helix glass named Kronos. It was swirled and encased with Effete Superclear. Bubbles were created by implosion dots sealed with clear glass. The spacer beads are made of CiM's Jet Stream and Slate blue transparent.

This photo switches out the focal bead and adds a round barrel bead with a base of CiM Jet Stream Ltd Run with sprinting of Double Helix Gaia frit that was reduced and encased with Effetre Superclear.
























The final set features CiM’s Limelight Ltd Run. The focal bead was sprinkled with Val Cox Rio Nights frit melted into the surface. The spacer beads are simply the lovely lime transparent 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.

July's Heat Results in a Few New Sets

All Sets within this post are NOW SOLD

Ryujin
Dragonscales Series #5

" The Japanese dragon who is god and king of the sea"

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.

Ancalagon the Black
Dragonscales Series #6

"The mightiest dragon from J.R.R.Tolkien's "Middle Earth"."

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

On a base of CiM's black Tuxedo, 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.

Glitter Teal
Materials: Effetre and Double Helix Glasses

This glittering set of 9 beads was created with a base of Effetre Light Teal transparent on which Double Helix silver glass, Ekho, was added and reduced to glittery goodness!

Rainbow
Silver Trails Series # 74
Materials: Effetre Glasses and 99% Fine Silver

This beadful set of 21 Silvertrail beads combine transparent rainbow tones wrapped with 99% Fine Silver Wire. Hues include Medium Amethyst, Medium Blue, Light Grass Green, Yellow, Orange and Red.

Ocean Spheres
Materials: Effetre and Double Helix Glasses

This encased set of 8 beads was created with a base of Effetre Light Teal transparent on which Double Helix silver glass, Kronos, was added and reduced. Each bead was then encased with Extra Clear glass to capture the ocean like patterns!