Lampwork + Gemstones = COLORPLAY

One of the funnest things about creating jewelry is the color play involved. Gemstones are full of natural color. Pearls can be naturally colored, dyed or heat-treated to attain wonderful colors. And lampwork beads? Where do I begin to describe the amazing colors and combinations thereof that are found in these art glass beads?

Just about a year ago, I purchased a bunch (49 to be exact) orphan lampwork beads from Firelily on etsy. Here's a photo of the whole lot.

They are amazing and they've been sitting on my worktable for a full year. I would occasionally fondle them or just peer into their awesomeness. Inspired by something I saw on etsy the other day, I finally decided to use some of these works of art.

First, I sorted through them to separate out the pairs, to be saved for earrings. I know they are all supposed to be orphans, but I definitely found lots of pairs. With some of the remaining beads, I made a series of pendants. Each bead is paired with a gemstone (also orphaned) and made into one of two styles of pendant. In one style, the lampwork bead and the gemstone are wired together in chain-like fashion, making for an articulated pendant. The other style hard-wires the two elements together.

These photos capture most of the 21 necklaces I made.

I do not plan to list these in my etsy shop, so if you see something you like (or would like to see more photos of), let me know and we can work something out. Enjoy the colors!

Lampwork Obsession

Yes, my obsession with lampwork glass beads has abated over the past few years, but I still cannot resist when I see something super special.  Something I have not seen before.  Something outside my color comfort zone. 

Against my better judgment, I went to the Best Bead Show while in Tucson.  The reason this is problematic is that I know I will not look at gemstones there -- it's not the show to go to for gems.  The primary reason to go to that show is for the lampwork.  Like I need more lampwork to ogle.  You see, I rarely use lampwork beads in my jewelry because I can't seem to part with those lovelies.  Most of them become part of my private collection.  And I admit that I love having them in my studio. They make me smile. They make me happy.

I defy you to say this bead does not make you happy:

 
Yes, it's really, really long:

I don't even know how I would use it in a finished piece if I wanted to!  But not to worry -- the rest of it's life is dedicated to making me smile.

The artist is Dvora Silberman.

Ballet Slipper Pink . Lampwork . Earrings

These soft pink lampwork beads are from my Artisan Beaders teammate Deronda. Definitely feminine, definitely understated, definitely pretty.

I placed the beads on decorative headpins and topped them with a "rolled" style Thai Hill Tribe silver bead. They hang simply from sterling silver earwires, which have been left bright and shiny.

These are perfect for the girly girl on your shopping list. Don't forget, free worldwide shipping in my etsy shop through year-end!

Fun and Whimsical Lampwork Necklace

I recently started using some of the wonderful lampwork beads I purchased from my friend Marcy. They are incredibly lifelike and the food beads make me drool!

This necklace is on sterling silver textured chain and I made the circle from fine silver wire.

The beads are a beautiful slice of watermelon, a chocolate ice cream cone and a miniature sand dollar. Aren't they amazing?

You can click on the photo to go directly to the listing in my etsy shop. And be sure to visit Marcy's etsy shop.

Farmer's Market Necklace!

I purchased these adorable lampwork vegetable beads from Studio Marcy. She's an amazing glass artist. Be sure to visit her shop. I've been enjoying these vegetables for quite a while now, and finally decided to combine them in this simple necklace, which is perfect for the gardener in your life.



Peas and carrots happen to grow very well in Alaska, because of the relative coolness. It is said that we grow the sweetest carrots for that very reason. There really is no comparison between a supermarket carrot and Alaska grown carrots!

Catie's Blue - Jewelry Inspired by Color

Today I'm featuring one of teammates on the Artisan Beaders Street Team, the very talented Brandi of Catie's Blue. I'm thrilled to have a good reason to stalk her shop! I do it everyday anyway, just to see what's new. Brandi is one of the sweetest, smartest and helpful people I have met on etsy and I'm proud to call her friend as well as teammate.

Brandi's use of color and materials is incomparable. Have a look at this gorgeous necklace. The artful combination of natural stones, artisan lampwork and precious metals is impressive.

These earrings also feature lampwork and gemstones that complement each other perfectly.When you are in need of a jewelry fix, please be sure to visit Caties Blue on etsy. You will NOT be disappointed! Brandi has also opened a shop on Artfire.

Happy Thanksgiving ... Don't Eat This Turkey!

My very talented friend Marcy Lamberson (you may remember her from my Breakfast Necklace post) has done it again! What better way to start Thanksgiving Day than with this adorable and incredibly realistic turkey bead.

If turkey isn't your thing, or if you're a vegetarian, she has plenty of other foods for you to enjoy, like this key lime pie. If you go to her etsy shop, you will also find cupcakes, an ice cream sandwich and some other yummy pies slices!

Breakfast!

Yes, I have a fascination with fake food in all forms. I made this necklace from glass beads that I purchased from an amazing glass artist, Marcy Lamberson. She creates the most amusing and whimsical glass beads I have ever seen.

I guess I was extra hungry when I put this necklace together. I usually only have 2 eggs!

Marcy says a cup of coffee is on it's way!

Visit Marcy's fun blog to read all about glass beadmaking, bacon and vikings.

Featured Artist - Elise Strauss of Koi Creek Beadworks

Elise Strauss of Koi Creek Beadworks is one of the sweetest people I know. She is a lampworker extraordinaire and an outstanding jewelry designer. Elise had a booth at our Bad Girls of the North Craft Show in Fairbanks this past weekend. I think it was her first time showing in Fairbanks and I'm sure the crowd was as excited as I am by her lampwork. She creates amazing wildlife beads. Please check out her etsy shop and you'll see what I mean.

New Lampwork Earrings!

Now that the State Fair is over, I can get back to concentrating on my jewelry making. Here's my latest pair of earrings featuring some beautiful lampwork beads that I purchased in Tucson.
These beads contain so many colors, but the colors are subtle and work so well together. Sitting on the surface of the beads are raised swirls of black glass, deftly applied so as not to hide the colors below.

I have suspended them from sterling silver leverback earwires. Hanging below is a collection of 4mm Czech glass beads in coordinating colors.

These earrings are for sale in my etsy shop.

Lampwork Earings

I started with lovely lampwork beads from Deronda Designs. They are of and indescribable golden hue, with touches of aqua and soft pink. Emerging from the bottom is a collection of glass beads in coordinating colors, including some tiny aqua colored vintage glass beads.

These earrings are 1 1/2" (3.6 cm) from the bottom of the sterling silver leverback earwires. They are available for sale in my
etsy shop.

Striped Lampwork Earrings

These artisan lampwork beads feature stripes in shades of golden yellow and cinnamon-y orange. I have surrounded them top and bottom with amber beads.

From below hangs a chain: each link of the chain holds a bead of amber, ranging in color from a rich, buttery yellow to a pale honey color, finishing with warm cinnamon. Some of the amber is transparent, some is translucent and some are completely opaque.

All of the silver is sterling. Length from the bottom of the leverback earwires is 1 3/4" (4.5 cm).