February Flashback - More Favorite CiM - Creation Is Messy colors!

CiM's Canoe Ltd Run is an opaque silver brown that changes tone as it is worked in the flame. This can create blushes of russet and red brown in the final beads. As shown in the photo below, each bead was wrapped with silver wire and the result was clean with no reactions.
It melted easily with no shockiness.

 

This mini set of Silvertrail beads were created on a base of CiM Peace, a pure white opaque glass. By wrapping 99% Fine Silver Wire around it bead, a reaction occurred to
fume a golden glow to the wire at the points were it adhered to the white glass.

This glittering set of beads was created with a base of CiM's Poison Apple green glass on which Double Helix Aurae Light was streamed with handmade threadlike stringers.
Each bead was then reduced to bring out the glorious metallic bling!

This glittering set of beads was created with a base of CiM's Halong Bay, a blue moonstone, on which Double Helix silver glass, Aurae frit was added and reduced to glittery goodness!

This set of 11 goddess series beads was created on a base of CiM's Marigold opaque glass. Each goddess bead was then layered with dots of Effetre Dark Ivory and a mixture of CiM's Hades and TAG Golden Emerald silver infused glasses.
The combination of the glasses create delicate storms captured under each clear glass portal. Double Helix OK 381, complete the metallic highlight droplets on each bead. Marigold spacer beads complete this set.

 

I have checked availability of these glasses as In Stock on Nortel Glass' online shopping cart.
Reach out to Jean or Jennifer at Nortel to add some of these glasses to next glass order!

#creationismessy
#cimglass
#ciminstock
#cimcanoe

#cimpeace

#cimpoisonapple

#cimhalongbay

#cimmarigold
#doublehelixglass
#nortel
#pendragonfyre
@creationismessy
@nortel_glassgirl

Silver Glass Reactions

Two quick sets to share today.

Starting on a base of CiM's Mockingbird Ltd Run, a transparent gray on which Double Helix Ekho silver glass frit was sprinkled and reduced.

Mockingbird is a great base for silver glass and assists in coaxing out metallic hues of blue, pink, silver and gold.

The set below uses the storming technique that I mentioned in a post a few days ago, but this time the storms were captured under multiple portals of clear glass around each bead.

The base glass is CiM's Prairie Grass Ltd Run. Each bead uses multiple layers of ivory, CiM Cleopatra Ltd Run, stormed TAG's Golden Emerald and a final clear encasement.
The result creates unique "storms" of green and purple in each portal. 
Dots of Double Helix Aurae glass were added to the shoulders of the beads for metallic highlights.

Silver Glass Storming - Revisiting a Technique

Today's post explores some experiments that I had with storming silver glass.

Storming is based on a tutorial by Amy Kinsch. The principle is to heavily reduce a silver infused glass and by manipulating the torch's mix of propane and oxygen you can create webbing designs when captured under a clear glass encasement.

In this set, I used combinations of TAG's Golden Emerald and Double Helix Psyche glasses.

The base of the beads is a new CiM color named Cleopatra. It is a dense and saturated transparent purple.

As you can see, there are lots of stormed reactions that make each bead unique.

This dense transparent purple base glass is very dark on its own.

For the round bead, second from the left, I used a clear core before adding Cleopatra purple in order to give the bead more definition by diluting purple. It created a great transparency for both the hue and the texture of the twisted storms.

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

Ramping up for Re-open of Artfire Studio!

Akna
Goddess Series - Limited Edition #154

In Inuit mythology, Akna ("mother") is a goddess of fertility and childbirth.

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

On a base of Vetrofond's Mauvelous, portals were created using layers of Dark Ivory, mixtures of CiM's Algae Ltd Run and TAG's Golden Emerald to create portals in green hues. Each portal was encased in clear glass and dots of Double Helix rare test glass, OX 459 were added and reduced to bring out the shine of each highlight dot.

Ekho SilverOrbs
Materials: Effetre, 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 and cream. Each result was then captured under a thick encasement of Effetre clear glass.

SilverBlue SilverOrbs
Materials: Effetre, Double Helix Glasses and 99% FIne Silver Wire

This set of 4 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.

Aurora SilverOrbs

Materials: Bullseye Glass and 99% Fine Silver Wire

This set of 5 encased round beads were created on a base of rare Bullseye silver glass, Aurora. As 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.

Ivory and Turquoise Dotted Rounds
Materials: Effetre Glasses

Effetre Light Turquoise is paired with Light Ivory to create the 6 dotted beads in this set. The dotted rounds are etched for a organic tactile feel and matched with 5 unetched light turquoise spacer beads.

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.

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.

Catching up on the news!

I had mentioned some wonderful news last week on my Facebook page.
CiM - Creation is Messy's latest newsletter featured my work and I was honoured to be included.
If you missed the issue, click here to read it now!

Here are a few sets to brighten your January days!

All sets within this post are NOW SOLD

Seafoam Opal Spacers
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy Glass

A delicate and rich hue of Seafoam in this set of 23 spacer beads. Simply elegant for your jewelry creations!

Dreams of India Frit Rounds
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy and Gaffer Glass

On a base of CiM's Submarine yellow opaque glass, this set of frit beads was created with a generous sprinkling of Gaffer mixed purple frit. The mixture pulls together rich India inspired hues of curry and light purples.

Turquoise, Coral and Ivory
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy and Effetre Glasses

The combination of CiM's Fremen, a light turquoise, and Phoenix, a bright coral orange create bright and colorful beads to brighten your winter jewelry. Highlights of Ivory were added for variety.

Aurora Whispers
Materials: Bullseye Glass

Whispers of silver rich rare Bullseye Aurora glass are captured within clear glass rounds.
Each bead is unique and unusual for a true one of a kind set!

Celestial Sky Frit Rounds 
Materials: Effetre Glass and Glass Diversions Frit

This set of 15 beads was created with a base of Effetre Sky Blue opaque glass sprinkled with Robin Koza's Celestial blend glass frit. A classic combination perfect for both casual and business jewelry designs!

Raspberry Cream Rounds 
Materials: Bullseye Special Production Glass

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

2012 End of the Year Orphans - 114 BEADS!!!
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy, Effetre, Trautman Art and Double Helix Glasses

This set of orphans are the various color and bead trials over the past 6 weeks. Lots created with silver glass and 99% fine silver foil and wire! Lots of shapes and sizes including barrels, crystals, lentils, flat tabs and rounds. There are beads with various size holes to allow for you to create jewelry or simply wear a single bead on a cord or chain.

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.

5 Weeks to the Holidays!

All sets within this post are NOW SOLD

Ladon
Dragonscales Series #13

"Ancient Greek dragon that guarded the golden apple tree of goddess Hera. It was killed by Herakles in order to steal the apples."

Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy, 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.

Peridot 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 peridot green super luster silver glass known simply as OX380, 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.

Saitada
Goddess Bead Series #142

"Saitada was a Celtic goddess from the Tyne Valley in England whose name may mean "goddess of grief.""

Materials: Effetre, Trautman Art and Double Helix Glasses

This set of 9 goddess series beads was created on a base of Effetre Pale Aquamarine 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.

Violet Frit Rounds
Materials: Effetre Glass and Gaffer Frit

This set of 15 beads was created on a base of Effetre New Violet opaque glass. Gaffer custom mixed frit was sprinkled and melted into the surface. Classic combination for your jewelry creations~!