New Tumble Etched Dragonscale Bead Sets

Hello, bead lovers! Today I want to share with you some of my favorite dragon-inspired beads. I have always loved dragons and their magical abilities, so I created these beads to reflect their beauty and mystery.

These beads are made with a special technique that gives them a textured and matte surface, like the scales of a dragon. They come in different colors and shapes, and each one has its own personality. I think they are perfect for making unique and whimsical jewelry pieces.

Do you like dragons too? 

What do you think of these beads? 

Let me know in the comments below!

The first set of beads is based on the idea of a green dragon with golden scales. 

I used Effetre Army Green opaque glass as the base and applied 99% fine silver foil on top.

Then I sprinkled some Val Cox Purple Rose frit over the silver and melted it all together. 

The result is stunning: the silver foil creates a shiny contrast with the green glass and the purple frit adds some depth and texture. The beads look like they have tiny golden scales that sparkle in the light. The spacers are pure Effetre Army Green glass.

The second set of beads is inspired by a pink dragon with metallic accents. I started with Moretti Tongue Pink opaque glass as the base and wrapped it with 99% fine silver foil. 

Then I added some rare Val Cox Purple Rose frit on top and melted it in. The effect is amazing: the silver foil forms a metallic layer around the pink glass and the purple frit creates a pattern of "dragon scales". 

The beads look like they have a delicate golden coating that reflects the light. 

The spacers are pure Moretti Tongue Pink.

I hope you like these dragon-inspired beads as much as I do. I'm sure Nortel has the best selection of glass for your projects. Jean & Jennifer will be very happy to have you as a new or returning customer!

Thank you for reading and stay tuned for more Pendragonfyre Tales adventures!

#effetrearmygreen

#morettitonguepink
#effetre
#nortel
#valcoxfrit
#99%finesilverfoil
#pendragonfyre
#handmade
#handmadeincanada
@nortel_glassgirl

Dragonscales Beads - Can you imagine a dragon?

Can you imagine a dragon? If one existed, I imagine it look like the beads in today's blog post.

I want to share with you some of my latest creations inspired by these majestic creatures. 

This is a bead style that I regularly made several years ago.

I have always been fascinated by dragons and their mythical powers, so I decided to make some beads that capture their essence.

Note: I have left these beads with their glossy surface for today. 

To create a more tactile bead, I usually will pop these in the rock tumbler for a few hours to create a matte surface.

The first set of beads is based on the idea of a green dragon with golden scales. 

I used Effetre Army Green opaque glass as the base and applied 99% fine silver foil on top. Then I sprinkled some Val Cox Purple Rose frit over the silver and melted it all together. 

The result is stunning: the silver foil creates a shiny contrast with the green glass and the purple frit adds some depth and texture. The beads look like they have tiny golden scales that sparkle in the light.

The spacers are pure Effetre Army Green glass.

The second set of beads is inspired by a pink dragon with metallic accents. I started with Moretti Tongue Pink opaque glass as the base and wrapped it with 99% fine silver foil. 

Then I added some rare Val Cox Purple Rose frit on top and melted it in. The effect is amazing: the silver foil forms a metallic layer around the pink glass and the purple frit creates a pattern of "dragon scales". 

The beads look like they have a delicate golden coating that reflects the light. 

The spacers are pure Moretti Tongue Pink.

I hope you like these dragon-inspired beads as much as I do. I'm sure Nortel has the best selection of glass for your projects. Jean & Jennifer will be very happy to have you as a new or returning customer!

Thank you for reading and stay tuned for more Pendragonfyre Tales adventures!

#effetrearmygreen

#morettitonguepink
#effetre
#nortel
#valcoxfrit
#99%finesilverfoil
#pendragonfyre
#handmade
#handmadeincanada
@nortel_glassgirl

Queen's Court Sampler - Part 3 Results

This post will cover the last of the test beads using the CiM - Creation Is Messy glass colors within the Nortel Queen's Court Sampler pack.

This first set of crystal  and barrel shaped beads were created with stripes of the following Limited Run colors:
Ocher, an opaque yellow
Monarch, an opaque yellow orange
Budgerigar, a misty opal kiwi green
Oobleck, an opaque vibrant acid green
Each bead was sprinkled with Val Cox rare Purple Rose made with Z-99 glass frit. 
I rarely use my small supply of this frit as it is no longer available for purchase.
A few beads got a wrap of 99% fine silver wire which was melted in for a tactile feel.

These fine silver wire wrapped beads were created on bases of CiM Butter Pecan, a creamy non reactive opaque beige and CiM Maroon Ltd Run, a dense maroon red. 
The glass melted smoothly and there was no adverse reaction against the silver so colors stayed true.

These mini beads were created on bases of CiM Red Alert Ltd Run, a bright red and CiM Blue Arrow Frog Ltd Run, a bright opaque blue. 
Simple dots of CiM Peace for a classic look.

The next few posts for this blog will review some colors within another Nortel Sampler named Bountiful Harvest as well as previewing new 2020 CiM color releases!

Stay Tuned and thank you for following Pendragonfyre Tales!

Smiles,
D.

New CiM Color for Spring 2017 - Troll

I am down to only two more new glass colors to test for this spring. 

It was an awesome experience to play with the CiM - Creation is Messy colors and I hope you have enjoyed seeing the creations!

In this post the featured color is CiM Troll Ltd Run.

Described as an opaque gray green. Doesn't sound that exciting at first glance.

I wanted to really test it against silver, so I created some beads with a coating of 99% fine silver foil and a sprinkling of my handblended Pendragonfyre frit. 

Normally I would tumble etch these "dragonscale" style beads, but they are pretty with the gloss finish.

My frit has rare purple rose mixed with raku and a few extra ingredients that when layered on silver foil brings out the micro-dots of silver in veined patterns and the rich tones of purple, magenta and blue.

An interesting discovery and a new set of Goddess beads!

In testing some CiM - Creation is Messy glasses, I came across an interesting discovery when combining CiM Cobblestone with a favourite black, CiM's Hades.

On a base of Cobblestone Ltd Run, an opaque gray, dots of Hades were added and the reaction between these two glasses created an interesting metallic halo ring around each dot.The other beads were dotted with Effetre Red Purple and White opaque glass that created no reactions.
For those looking to experiment more, this is definitely something to explore!

In trying out CiM's Mahogany Ltd Run proved it to be another versatile glass, which I love.

This glass is a true red opaque glass whose hues tend on the reddish brown area of the color chart without being orange.

Combined with 99% silver foil and Pendragonfyre blended frit, these Tapestry series beads create golden droplet frames around dots of raku and purple rose. The silver foil creates droplets of silver among the portals of tapestry like colors.

As a base for my Goddess series of beads, this glass is also a favourite of mine.

On a base of CiM Mahogany Ltd Run, storm portals of Double Helix silver infused glasses were captured under clear glass dots.  Dots of silver glass were added to highlight each bead.

Two Pendragonfyre Classic Sets

Dragonscales
CiM - Creation is Messy Glass, Silver Foil and Val Cox Glass Frit

On a base of CiM's Ocher Ltd Run 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.

Pale Green Love Sonnet
Effetre Glasses and Pendragonfyre Frit

Starting on a base of Effetre white encased in Pale Yellow Green transparent, handmixed Pendragonfyre Love Sonnet frit including Gaffer and Raku was sprinkled to create these 10 romantic beads. These have been etched to provide a smooth tactile feel to each bead.

New on Ebay! Autumn Goddess Orphans and MORE!

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

This 19 bead orphan set is an eclectic assortment of various Goddess beads.
The uniqueness of each goddess bead allows the designer to 
create a truly one of a kind piece of precious glass jewelry.

Each bead uses an base of Effetre or CiM glass with portals of silver infused glass encased in clear to capture the richness of each silver droplet.

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

This large set of 20 Silvertrail beads combine the colours of the Ocean wrapped with 99% Fine Silver Wire. Hues include Effetre's Light Aquamarine, Light Turquoise, and Light Teal as well as Pale Aquamarine and CiM Seafoam Ltd Run.

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

This set of 7 encased round beads were created on a base of rare Double Helix silver glass, Psyche Light. This glass starts as a deep purple, but when each bead core was wrapped in 99% fine silver wire and reduced to create the dramatic hues of blues, purples and cream. Each result was then captured under a thick encasement of Effetre clear glass.

Purple Rose Barrels and Rounds
Materials: Effetre Glass and Val Cox Glass Frit

On a base of Effetre Dark Lavender transparent, Val Cox purple rose frit was generously sprinkled and melted into the surface of each barrel and round bead in this set.

A Little This and That! Catching up!

Eos - Goddess Series# 156
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy, Effetre and Double Helix Glasses

""Greek myth name of the goddess of dawn, meaning "dawn."

On a base of CiM's new Raindrop Limited Run, portals were created using layers of Dark Ivory, drops of Double Helix's luster silver glass, Ossa creates the watery portals. Each portal was encased in clear glass and dots of Double Helix rare test glass, HE379 were added to bring out the shine of each highlight dot.

Belgian Linen on Pink Frit Rounds

Materials: Lauscha Glass and Val Cox Painter's Series Glass Frit

Starting on a base of Lauscha pink transparent glass, Val Cox Belgian Linen frit was sprinkled to create these 10 romantic beads.

Etched Tapestry Organix Mixed Set
Materials: Vetrofond and Effetre Glasses, 99% Silver and Assorted Glass Frit

Various bases of Effetre glasses were combined with fine silver foil and wire and sprinkled with my own hand blended glass frit  to create this organic set of beads. Glasses include Effetre Sedona, Opal Yellow, Light Turquoise, Copper Green, New Violet, Coral, Light Sky Blue and Vetrofond Mauvelous. These beads were etched to a matte organic feel with the silver microdots sprinkled among the tapestry patterning.

Nemesis - Goddess Series# 157
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy, Effetre and Double Helix Glasses

"Assyrian myth name of the most prominent female deity in the Babylonian pantheon making her the leading one." 

On a base of CiM's Nutmeg Ltd Run, portals were created using layers of Dark Ivory and Medium Amber, mixtures of Double Helix silver glass to create portals in autumnal hues of orange, amber and brown. Each portal was encased in clear glass and dots of Double Helix Aurae were added and reduced to bring out the shine of each highlight dot.

Purple Rose Frit Rounds

Materials: Effetre Glass and Val Cox Glass Frit

 

On a base of Effetre Rose Quartz transparent, purple rose frit was generously sprinkled and melted into the surface.

Testing 3 new CIM glasses... with wonderful results!

These 3 sets are already gone to their new homes, but I wanted to share how CiM's new colors mix well with other glasses!


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

This set of 6 encased round beads was created on a base of CiM's Lavender Water Limited Run 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.

Etched Garden Love Sonnet
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy, Effetre Glasses and Pendragonfyre Blend Glass Frit

Starting on a base of Effetre white encased in CiM's Limited Run transparent, Green Tea, handmixed Pendragonfyre Love Sonnet frit including Gaffer and Raku was sprinkled to create these 10 romantic beads. These have been etched to provide a smooth tactile feel to each bead.

Purple Rose Frit Rounds
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy Glass and Val Cox Glass Frit

On a base of CiM's Lichen Limited Run, Purple Rose frit was generously sprinkled and melted into the surface.

Fresh Sets...

Silver'd Frit Rounds

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

On a base of CiM's Hippo, 99% fine silver foil was added and layered with Val Cox Pink Lipstick frit, a fine mix of pinks. The combination was then melted into the surface.

The result is a golden peachy-rose brown silvered pattern on each bead. So rich and vibrant!

Golden Emerald

Materials: Effetre and Double Helix Glasses

This gleaming set was created with a base of Effetre Dark Emerald transparent

Shards, swirls and dots of rare Double Helix silver glass, OX 459, decorate these beads. Lots of variety in the shapes to allow for lots of art glass design options.

Blue Windows

Materials: Effetre Glass and Pendragonfyre frits

On a base of Effetre Pale Lavender, mixed blue frit  was generously sprinkled and  melted into the surface.

Silver'd Sand

Materials: Bullseye Glass and 99% Fine Silver Foil

Five organic stone inspired beads draw the eyes in this set. Bullseye French Vanilla glass wrapped in 99% Fine Silver foil and then sprinkled with mixed frit to create the jewel pools within the sand. Each bead was encased in Bullseye clear to magnify the design.

Etched Tapestry Organix Mixed Set

Materials: Effetre Glasses, 99% Silver and Assorted Glass Frit

Various bases of Effetre glasses were combined with fine silver foil and wire and sprinkled with my own hand blended glass frit to create this organic set of beads. Glasses include Effetre Light Turquoise, Copper Green, New Violet, Coral, Light Sky Blue and Vetrofond Mauvelous. These beads were etched to a matte organic feel with the silver microdots sprinkled among the tapestry patterning.

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.

New Sets this week --- Two with Rare CiM - Creation is Messy colors!

I like to stop every so often and look through my glass stashes and pulling out rare editions that I have been hoarding!
This week, I played once again with my cherished CiM Halong Bay and Razzleberry!
I will be sad when my stash is gone as I LOVE these glasses!

All beads within this post are NOW SOLD.


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

This glittering set of 13 beads was created with a base of CiM's no longer available Halong Bay, a blue moonstone, on which Double Helix silver glass, Aurae, frit was added and reduced to glittery goodness!
Perfect for spring and summer jewelry designs!

Delia 
Goddess Series #148

"Greek myth name borne by Artemis, referring to her place of birth, meaning "of Delos."

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

This set of 8 goddess series beads was created on a base of CiM's rare Limited Run, Razzleberry, a transparent pink that shifts to opaque when reduced. 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.

Azhi Dahaki 
Dragonscales Series#19

"Azhi Dahaki was a three headed Persian dragon."

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.

Woodland Silvered Frit Rounds
Materials: Bullseye Glass, Pendragonfyre glass frit and 99% fine silver foil

This set of silvered foil and frit beads was created on a base of Bullseye Woodland Brown opaque with a generous sprinkling of Pendragonfyre custom blended glass frit.
Perfect for spring and summer jewelry designs!

Spring Rose
Materials: Effetre Glass

This set of 15 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.