More experiments with CiM Elixir!

Just a quick post to share a couple more bead experiments with CiM - Creation is Messy's Elixir.

The following beads were created on a base of CiM Elixir.

One bead has CiM's Peppermint Cream Ltd Run and combination of Double Helix's silver glasses Melia and Clio central dots.. the middle was encased in Zephyr and Melia was added to each end with silver wire and reduced.

The other bead was on a base of Elixir with twisted dots of CiM's Peppermint Cream Ltd Run, Double Helix's silver glass Melia and Zephyr. Melia dots reduced completed the bead. spacers are Elixir. 

Til next time, D.

Torch Session - Revisiting CiM Colors - The Blue Palette

CiM - Creation Is Messy’s extensive list of colors to a new beadmaker may seem overwhelming. Beautiful colors with amazingly creative names.

The best resource to seem some time getting to know the color ranges is the CiM website.
Kathy’s organization by hue palette has allowed me to mix and match color families easily.
Over the next few weeks, I will be testing  new colors and revisiting some that deserve a second look.

Today’s post are beads from the Blue Palette

This focal bead was created with one half of the bead with CiM Limelight Ltd Run that was sprinkled with Double Helix fine Aurae glass frit.  Limelight is a great base for silver glass.
The other half of the focal along with the two spacer beads are CiM Blueyah Ltd Run. This transparent blue is showing as sold out on the CiM website, but it may still be available via Nortel glass.

CiM Jet Stream Ltd Run is a stunning rich blue. It is a beautiful base for silver glass as well as silver wire as shown in the simple classic set below.

The 3 central beads in this set was created with CiM Slate Ltd Run sprinkled with Double Helix fine Aurae glass frit and reduced to a golden glitter.

As  shown in the two spacer beads, this transparent slate blue stayed true and did not fume in the presence of the silver glass.

Here in this set, the same CiM Slate Ltd Run was complimented with 99% fine silver wire. 
Simple and elegant!

CiM Birthstone Ltd Run is an aqua blue transparent that is currently showing as sold out at CiM.
Check with Nortel as they may have some stashed away in their archives.
The focal cube bead was dotted with dots of Double Helix Light Aurae silver glass. 

CiM Seamist is a limited run glass that is currently sold out and I am hoarding my supply of it as it was created as a specialty formula of a core of clear, encased in transparent blue, encased in clear. The result creates unique beads with a cloudy look that is very pretty.
In testing the glass with silver, I did discover that 99% fine silver wire created a reaction that was most likely because of the outer layer of clear on the rod.
The reaction lends to an antique look that would also work well for natural nautical looks.

I
CiM Seamist and CiM Jet Stream Ltd Run were paired in the focal bead below.
You will notice that the silver wire was added to the areas that were predominately Jet Stream and the reaction that we saw in the previous set was less noticeable.
The two spacers are made with CiM Seamist.

Til next time, the next post will explore the Green Palette.

D.

Double Helix silver glass - Rhea - A Ruby Gem!

Ruby, ruby ruby.... everyone loves the shade of pinky red for their jewelry designs!

In glass, this color is illusive and expensive to produce. In the past, Rubino Oro or Ruby Gold required gold to be added to the glass to create the ruby tones. Check out this article on the color elements in glass making.

As beadmakers, using the traditional formula restricted us in combining the glass with silver glass as the reactions resulted in muddy browns which basically defeated the purpose of using it in the first place.

For Double Helix, this recent offering called Rhea was a welcome addition to the beadmaker's palette. This glass was developed as a "lead free gold ruby that plays well with silver colors and survives a reduction flame without discoloration".

Jean at Nortel gifted me a couple of rods for testing and I am pleased to share the details of the results.

First up, this big hole bead has ends of Rhea with the centre  created with multiple layers of Psyche and Zephyr. Each layer was reduced and encased to create depth in the dots that almost seem to be floating around the centre of the barrel bead.

A few wraps of 99% fine silver wire finished off the bead ends.

As you can see, the ruby glass stayed true to color with no brown muddy reaction.

Below are a few more beads from the session.

Left Bead: Barrel BHB with a base of Rhea wrapped in silver foil and encased with another layer of Rhea. Melted ends with scroll and heart decorations of reduced Aurae Light.

Middle Bead: Alternate view of the bead described above.

Right Bead: Zephyr base with wrap of silver foil. Encased in Rhea with end cap wraps of 99% fine silver wire.

Based on these results, I suggest everyone try out a rod or two of this ruby color. 

Reach out to Jean at Nortel to order!

Happy Weekend!

D.

Playground Fun Sampler - Rainforest & Ocher

This week I am sharing the results of the testing of the glass colors contained in the Playground Fun Sampler pack of CiM - Creation is Messy colors from Nortel. 

These sampler packs are great for artists that:
- want to "try" a new color without the commitment of purchasing a minimum 1/4 pound of a specific color
- want to create multi-colour beads from a coordinated set of colors.

This CiM sample pack contains a spectrum of crayon-like colors:
- Poison Apple
- Limelight
- Frozen
- Bing 
- Orange Crush
- Blue Arrow Frog
- Ocher
- Rainforest

First up for testing, this set of silver wrapped barrels made with a combination of Rainforest and Ocher. 

Rainforest is a greenish teal opal and Ocher is a opaque yellow with a mustard seed undertone.

These two glasses kept their true color with no change in reaction to silver creating a earth based set of beads. Both glasses melt smoothly with no stockiness.

As always, I encourage you to reach our to Jean at Nortel to pick up a sampler or two.

More color results from this sampler coming up in new posts this week!
Stay Tuned.

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.

Spring 2018 - New CiM- Creation is Messy Colors - Merryweather

A beautiful new blue glass!


CiM's Merryweather is a blue opal that just seems to glow from within.

Here in this bead set, I simply used 99% fine silver wire to decorate the surface of the focal beads. As I wanted to make a full set of barrel beads, I paired Merryweather (right hand side of each bead) with an existing CiM glass called Pulsar, a transparent aqua blue.

The combination is stunning and the silver wire wrapped on the surface completes the set.
These blues melted smoothly with no bubbling.


Please note that Merryweather is a limited run color, so get it while is it available. You will not want ot miss out on this one!

Contact Jean at Nortel for Canadian supplies of CiM Glass!

Smiles,
D

New CiM Color for Spring 2017 - Yangtze

In response to requests for streaky rods, CiM - Creation is Messy created a new limited run color named Yangtze with "a core of clear, encased in transparent yellowish green, encased in clear."

The description doesn't sound all that exciting, so I was not sure what to test with it. When this happens, it is always better to go simple - less is more. So I paired it with 99% fine silver wire.
There was just a slight reaction to the silver with small trails. There was some scumming and micro-bubbles, but I encouraged it from the glass as it gave an antiqued sea glass glow even though I left them with a shiny gloss finish.

The result is a simple yet elegant set of beads that would be awesome in a ivory bridal set of silver jewelry.

A Study In Blues

I love the richness of CiM - Creation is Messy blue glasses. There is a great range of transparents and opaques ready to combine without searching for a common hue.

Below is an example. The barrel bead at centre is a combination of rare Halong Bay (an original batch) at centre with new Royal Ltd Run rings capped off by French Blue. 

A simple wrap of 99% fine silver wire and the bead is complete!

Complementing the focal bead are solid beads of the 3 glasses. 

Note how French Blue has a clear reaction to the silver wire while the Royal Ltd Run shows the silver clean and sparkling with no reaction marks.

French Blue and Royal Ltd Run join with CiM Peace, a white opaque, to create the patterned focal below.

Royal Ltd Run is a great base for fritted beads as shown in the beads below.

If you long for truly blue beads... look to CiM Glass blues to fulfill your longing!

Smiles,
Darlene
Pendragonfyre Designs

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.

A few new sets to kick off October!

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

This set of beads was created on a base of CiM Ltd Run, Frangipani, very pale opal purple.
Double Helix's Aurae frit was generously sprinkled and reduced the glass to a golden sheen and metallic shine!

Asiaq - Goddess Series# 158
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy, Effetre, Trautman Art and Double Helix Glasses

"Asiaq is a weather goddess (or, more rarely a god) and was quite frequently invoked by the angakoq for good weather, for instance if spring was late it was important content her to make sure she would send rain and melt the ice." 

On a base of CiM's Neon Blue Ltd Run, portals were created using layers of Dark Ivory and CiM's Trade Winds Ltd Run. Trautman's rare JD Mix silver glass creates portals in water hues. Each portal was encased in clear glass and dots of Double Helix Triton were added and reduced to bring out the shine of each highlight dot.

Silvertrails - Harvest 
Materials: Bullseye Glasses and 99% fine silver wire

This large set of 16 Silvertrail beads combine the colours of the Harvest wrapped with 99% Fine Silver Wire. Hues include Fudgesicle, Butterscotch, Cinnabar, Amber and Carnelian.
So rich and vibrant for Fall!

New Sets... New CiM Colors!

Paris Mosaic Frit Rounds
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy Glass and Glass Diversions Glass Frit

On a base of CiM's Mint Chip Ltd Run, a mixture of 2 Glass Diversions frit, Coffee Bean and Robin's Egg frit was generously sprinkled and melted into the surface.

Silver'd Peruvian Violet Frit Rounds
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy Glass and Glass Diversions Glass Frit

On a base of CiM's new Antique Lace Ltd Run, 99% fine silver foil was added and layered with Glass Diversion's Peruvian Violet frit and melted into the surface. The reaction to the silver created a golden brown silvered veining pattern with highlighted violet spots. So rich and vibrant for Fall!

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

This set of 7 encased round beads was created on a base of CiM's Tuscan Teal Ltd 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.

Emerald Glacier Frit Lentils
Materials: CiM - Creation is Messy Glass and Val Cox Glass Frit

On a base of CiM's Aloe Juice green transparent, Val Cox Painter's Series frit, Emerald Glacier, was generously sprinkled and melted into the surface. This frit has dots of Adventurine Green, which provides a sparkle of glitter!

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.

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.

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~!