New Storm Beads to welcome in February!

In the focus of this blog post, I am reviewing my recent testing with new to me Double Helix glasses - Elpis 2 and UVX-963 Ultraviolet Aion.

First up. For this set of storm beads, I used Effetre 36 Aquamarine transparent, as the base glass.  

After adding a layer of ivory glass and layers of CiM Black Currant and stormed Double Helix new UV glass called UVX963 that was reduced and encased in clear glass portals. 

Double Helix's UVX-963 is not currently listed on the website but a note from Jed in my order states it as a variant of Aion. When stormed, it creates stands of golden ivory swirled like tornado clouds. 

Each bead was finished with dots of DH garage glass coded as CL.OD.e which when reduced shines with blue and pink metallic shine. 

Small aquamarine spacers along with glass facetted crystals complete this set.

For these next 2 sets, I used Effetre 916 Mint opaque, as the base glass. The first set was made on 1/16" mandrels.

After adding a layer of ivory glass and layers of CiM Gypsy and stormed Double Helix Elpis 2 that was reduced and encased in clear glass portals. 

Each bead was finished with dots of Elpis 2 which when reduced creates a metallic shine. Small mint green spacers complete this set.

The second set is a small set of big hole beads. 

The glass combinations are exactly the same and these would like great on a simple silver chain or those well known interchangeable bead bracelets.

Til next time,

#effetre

#italianglass

#silverglass

#nortel

#cimglass

#creationismessy

#doublehelixglass

#pendragonfyre 

#handmade

#handmadeincanada 

#lampworkglass 

#maker 

#lampworkbeads 

#glassbeads 

#lampwork 

#lampworker 

#beadmaker 

#softglass 

#handmadebeads 

#sodalime 

#craftsperson 

@nortel_glassgirl

@dubhelix

Winter Storm Beads for December's Etsy Offerings

For this set of 6 storm beads, I used CiM Boysenberry, a dense and saturated purple moonstone, as the base glass. 

After adding a layer of ivory glass and several layers of Double Helix silver infused glasses, each bead was encased in clear glass domes and dotted each bead with more silver infused glass and reduced it to a metallic shine. 

The multi-colour portals shine with hues of blues, yellows, pinks and purple.

Seven spacer beads of shiny metallic Double Helix silver infused glass are included in this set.

For this set of 5 Storm beads, I used Cobalt Blue, as the base glass. 

After adding a layer of ivory glass and several layers of Double Helix silver infused glasses, each bead was encased in clear glass domes and dotted each bead with more silver infused glass and reduced it to a metallic shine. 

The multi-colour portals shine with hues of blues, yellows, pinks and purple.

Two spacer beads of cobalt blue glass are included in this set.

For this set of 5 storm beads, I used a teal transparent as the base glass. 

After adding a layer of ivory glass and several layers of Double Helix silver infused glasses, each bead was encased in clear glass domes and dotted each bead with more silver infused glass and reduced it to a metallic shine. 

The multi-colour portals shine with a mother of pearl appearance.

Six teal spacers are included in this set along with the crystals in the photo.

For this set of 4 storm beads, I used CiM's rare medium brown transparent named Indian Summer, as the base glass. 

Multiple layers of silver glasses encased in clear glass portals and dotted highlights were reduced it to a metallic shine.

#effetre

#italianglass

#silverglass

#nortel

#cimglass

#creationismessy

#cimboysenberry

#cimindiansummer

#doublehelixglass

#pendragonfyre 

#handmade

#handmadeincanada 

#lampworkglass 

#maker 

#lampworkbeads 

#glassbeads 

#lampwork 

#lampworker 

#beadmaker 

#softglass 

#handmadebeads 

#sodalime 

#craftsperson 

@nortel_glassgirl

Getting All the Storms Out of the Way - Looking Forward to A Sunny June!

Some of my clients refer to these storm beads as "bumpy beads" or "goddess beads". 

When I started this style of beads, I was intrigued by the amazing reactions created by unique combinations of glass layers.

I would name each set after a goddess name and after over 100 plus sets, I ran out of Goddess names to use.

When I opened my Pendragonfyre Etsy shop in July 2023, I needed to come up with a new name to refer to these beads... and the storm style bead was the result.

Let me point out that not all storm style beads have silver glass striated reactions under the clear portals.

This first set uses a gold pink glass by Double Helix called Eros. This glass looks like a pale lavender in the rod under shop lighting, but when struck in the flame, the glass blooms to a pink rose.

For this set, the bead started on a base of Vetrofond Pink Rose #68 on which dots of CiM Creation Is Messy white opaque named Peace were added. A layer of Double Helix Eros was added and capped with Double Helix clear Zephyr. Highlight dots of the gold pink glass complete the bead.

Next up.
This set was created on a base of CiM - Creation is Messy's Byzantium. Layers of Ivory, CiM Vampire red, along with Double Helix Terra 2 create the portals captured under clear glass domes highlighted with reduced DH BE462 dots. 

The spacer beads are pastel and transparent shades of purple.

Last one for this post.
This set started on a base of Effetre 422 Orange Tangerine. On the layer of ivory, the combination was rare CiM Black Currant and rare Double Helix Kronos. 

Clear dots captured the brilliant blue colour. Dots of Aurae complete the bead. 

The spacers are Effetre orange tangerine.

#pendragonfyre 
#handmade
#handmadeincanada 
#lampworkglass 
#stormbeadsbypendragonfyre
#doublehelixglass
#creationismessy
#nortelglass
#maker 
#lampworkbeads 
#glassbeads 
#lampwork 
#lampworker 
#beadmaker 
#softglass 
#handmadebeads 
#sodalime 
#craftsperson 
#madewitheffetremurano
@nortelglassgirl

Is this Stormy Weather Good for us? Yes it is.

I think I’m beginning to grow duck feathers it’s been so wet here! 

Here on the east coast of Canada each weekend day has been filled with a gloomy forecast of rain.

Storms can have positive effects on our lives. They can:

• Strengthen us and cleanse our souls. 
• Provide water for many continents during the summer. 
• Wash away pollutants out of the air. 
• Bring rainfall to areas that need it and break up bacteria and red tide. 

All this stormy weather on my mind resulted in new storm bead sets to share with you today.

First up,
This set was created on a base of CiM - Creation is Messy's Boysenberry. Layers of Ivory, CiM Eden, along with Double Helix Psyche Light create the portals captured under clear glass domes highlighted with Aurae dots. The spacer beads are pure Boysenberry.

Next up,
This set started on a base of Effetre 39 Dark Purple Violet Glicine. On the layer of ivory, the combination was CiM Cleopatra and Double Helix BE 462 . Clear dots captured amazing silver glass storms. Dots of Aurae complete the bead.

#pendragonfyre 
#handmade
#handmadeincanada 
#lampworkglass 
#stormbeadsbypendragonfyre
#doublehelixglass
#creationismessy
#nortelglass
#maker 
#lampworkbeads 
#glassbeads 
#lampwork 
#lampworker 
#beadmaker 
#softglass 
#handmadebeads 
#sodalime 
#craftsperson 
#madewitheffetremurano
@nortelglassgirl

Was May 2025 the Stormiest Month on the Calendar?

After a week marked by overcast skies and rain, the data confirms what many have felt.

May 2025 could become the least sunny month in over half a century in my corner of the world.

May is usually a busy month with gardens being ramped up, seeds started in the greenhouse and hopes for a healthy fall harvest.

This month was COLD and WET, seeds continue to struggle to germinate, so my couple of Saturdays with free time were spent in my studio instead.

The result is more storm beads to share with you today.
In this post, I share a couple of big hold bead sets.

This set was created on a base of CiM - Creation is Messy's Boysenberry. Layers of Ivory, CiM Eden, along with Double Helix Psyche Light create the portals captured under clear glass domes highlighted with Aurae dots. The spacer beads are pure Boysenberry.

This set started on a base of Effetre 422 Orange Tangerine. On the layer of ivory, the combination was CiM Black Currant and rare Double Helix Kronos. Clear dots captured the brilliant blue colour. Dots of Aurae complete the bead.

#pendragonfyre 
#handmade
#handmadeincanada 
#lampworkglass 
#stormbeadsbypendragonfyre
#doublehelixglass
#creationismessy

#nortelglass
#maker 
#lampworkbeads 
#glassbeads 
#lampwork 
#lampworker 
#beadmaker 
#softglass 
#handmadebeads 
#sodalime 
#craftsperson 
#madewitheffetremurano
@nortelglassgirl

Starting off a new week in May with new Storm Bead Sets!

Starting on a base of Vetrofond Sweet Strawberry red brown opaque glass, I layered dots of Dark Ivory, CiM Lapis and Double Helix Terra 2 silver glass. 

Clear portal glass dots were added to capture the stormed reaction of the silver glass. Dots of DH Aurae complete each bead.

By adding clear portal glass dots to capture the "stormed reaction" of the silver layer, you're essentially freezing a moment of dynamic interplay between glass surfaces. This technique is reminiscent of capturing a fleeting moment in nature—a flash of lightning or a burst of turbulence—thus transforming each bead into a miniature work of kinetic art. 

Next up is a mini Big Hole Set with a focal storm bead using the same combination of glasses as the set above.

Last up is another mini storm set that I think would be lovely in a set of earrings. These are dainty with a fresh spring feeling. 

I coordinated them with some green spacers and crystals for this set.

Nortel is my Canadian supplier of Effetre, Vetrofond, CiM and Double Helix glasses for those Canadian bead makers who wish to purchase glass in Canadian dollars!

For Canadian bead makers, having Nortel as a supplier means access to these materials in local currency, simplifying procurement and supporting the local craft economy. 

#creationismessy 

#cimglass 

#nortel 

#doublehelixglass 

@creationismessy 

@nortel_glassgirl

"Despite the forecast, live like it’s spring.” – Lilly Pulitzer

April is my birthday month and each year as it rolls around I hope for sunny days. Spring is always a time for change and new opportunities in my life and this month was no different.

To be honest, my day time role has shifted significantly and requires my mind and soul to reflect, refresh and recallibrate my daily cadence. I firmly believe change is good and meant to be so it is important to embrace it body and soul!

It has limited my time in the glass studio so I have just a few new bead sets to share today. 

In this post, all the beads are big hole beads that will fit on traditional "P" style bracelets or a simple chain or leather necklace.

First up, a focal storm bead with coordinated beads and metal spacers.

The base glass is Vetrofond 994 Strawberry Sweet, a reddish brown opaque. 

Layers of dark ivory, CiM Lapis and Double Helix Terra 2 is capped under clear glass portals. 

Double Helix Aurae dots highlight the focal bead with a metallic shine.

This Vetrofond glass was part of a Nortel Odd Lots special that I was lucky to snag before it was all gone!

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and I look forward to sharing more bead sets in future blog posts this month!

Smiles,

Darlene 

#creationismessy 

#cimglass 

#nortel 

#doublehelixglass 

@creationismessy 

@nortel_glassgirl 

"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant" - Anne Bradstreet

This handmade set showcases a stunning array of beads in earthy tones, highlighted by intricate details and metallic accents. 

The beads feature a mesmerizing blend of soft blues, rich browns, and golden hues, with raised glass droplets that add depth and dimension. Delicate hints of iridescent purple and silver embellishments lends a luxurious feel.

Starting on a base of Effetre Pale Aquamarine transparent glass, I layered dots of Ivory, CiM Blueberry Muffin and Double Helix Psyche Light silver glass. 

Clear portal glass dots were added to capture the stormed reaction of the silver glass. Dots of DH Hyperion complete each bead. 

Nortel is my Canadian supplier of Effetre, Vetrofond, CiM and Double Helix glasses for those Canadian bead makers who wish to purchase glass in Canadian dollars! 

#creationismessy 

#cimglass 

#nortel 

#doublehelixglass 

@creationismessy 

@nortel_glassgirl 

Spring Green Storm Beads

Starting on a base of Vetrofond 216 Grass Green opaque glass, I layered dots of CiM Cafe Au Lait, blue transparent CiM Anchor and Double Helix Chloe silver glass. 

Clear portal glass dots were added to capture the stormed reaction of the silver glass. 

Dots of DH Aurae complete each bead. 

Nortel is my Canadian supplier of Effetre, Vetrofond, CiM and Double Helix  glasses for those Canadian bead makers who wish to purchase glass in Canadian dollars! 

#creationismessy 

#cimglass 

#nortel 

#doublehelixglass 

@creationismessy 

@nortel_glassgirl

"Blossom by blossom, the spring begins" - Algernon Charles Swinburne

This handmade bead set features an intricate combination of vibrant blue glass beads and ornate lampwork focal beads. 

The lampwork beads are adorned with rich brown and golden floral-like accents, encased in clear glass, giving them a striking three-dimensional effect. 

Starting on a base of Effetre Light Aquamarine transparent glass, I layered dots of Ivory, CiM Black Currant and Double Helix 2016 Garage Sale CL.ode (Clio related) silver glass. 

Clear portal glass dots were added to capture the stormed reaction of the silver glass. 

Dots of DH Aurae complete each bead. 

Perfect for those who appreciate handcrafted jewelry, this piece beautifully blends color, texture, and artistry. 

Nortel is my Canadian supplier of Effetre, Vetrofond, CiM and Double Helix  glasses for those Canadian bead makers who wish to purchase glass in Canadian dollars! 

#creationismessy 

#cimglass 

#nortel 

#doublehelixglass 

@creationismessy 

@nortel_glassgirl