'Storylines❷' handcrafted glass beads

'𝕤𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕪𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕖𝕤 ❷'

A bit of an unusual palette of dense teals, mauve and aquas. This very original clasp has been fabricated with a piece of gilded glass set into sterling silver. Two beautiful pieces of Sonoran turquoise stone. Back is old brass. The connecting hook is locking. All glass, stone, sterling and brass. One lucky fish. Measures 7.5" 

Bohemian and wonderfully unique.

~❁~𝙷𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚌𝚛𝚊𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚒𝚗 𝚋𝚎𝚊𝚞𝚝𝚒𝚏𝚞𝚕 𝙱𝚒𝚛𝚌𝚑 𝙱𝚊𝚢, 𝚆𝙰

I've been creating jewelry for myself and others for more than a decade. Many hours of work go into one piece since many of the components are created by myself.

With the creation of each glass bead, all of the jewelry begins in the flame of the torch. There is a lovely meditative energy here and I like to think that this magic must infuse the jewelry itself.

~Beads created in the fire of the torch and have been annealed in a kiln for strength and durability, then cleaned with diamond coated drill.

~Made by me in my home studio.

~Comes to you in a sweet gift-able fabric pouch

~All pieces can be re-sized

What is flame work?

Flame work [traditionally referred to as Lampwork] is an art that has been around for a very long time. Glass beads have been found dating back to 1st century BC.

"This glass-making technique is an offshoot of the ancient core-forming technique, but instead of a beehive furnace, the soda-lime glass rod is heated using an oil-burning lamp with a glass chimney, called an "argand lamp." Once in a molten state, the glass beads are shaped around a metal core using a combination of heat, gravity and manipulation by pressing the bead, or using tools such as paddles, mashers, picks or tweezers. .. " [fr 'all about gemstones']

Today a dual fueled torch is used to dramatically speed the process..but the art remains the same. My own discovery of this wonderful art began in 2005. I became enthralled with glass after seeing a few simple pendants in a boutique. I bought a little Hothead torch, a chili pepper kiln and some long pencil like rods of soda lime glass and began a love affair that continues to enrich my life.

What's with the bird?

The bird that you see in some of my photos and in the carding is there for my grand-daughter who came to me with a drawing she had made of a green bird. She had painstakingly surrounded the bird with random words that she haltingly read out to me; "This green bird is trying to fly. And one day he flew."I loved it and used her drawing to make a photoshop brush that I use as my logo. I Love having that bird perched around my studio.

Created by my grand-daughter and approved by my grand-son! ;-)

What inspires you?

I have a love for anything organic. Movement, flowing line.. subdued colors that mimic nature. Anything that is earth inspired moves my muse the most.

Who makes each piece?

I make each piece from beginning to end. Each bead is properly kiln annealed and cleaned before becoming part of any creation. The wire wrapping and lately a bit of silver smith work are all my pleasure. The inspecting, wrapping and shipping is done by me. My husband is my beloved photographer and web site designer maintainer.

What materials are used in your work?

Each piece is different and calls for different texture color and line, but I like to stay with organic media and some of my favorites that you may see over and over are agate or jasper stone, oyster and spiny oyster, and my favorite, Turquoise. Favorite metal at the moment is sterling silver..usually oxidized to warm and age the look. Copper is another favorite. I try to choose unique artisan made clasps and have a few artists that I return to time and again. Many of the bezeled or forged clasps are my own.

How do I care for my new Jewelry?

Flame worked beads have been known to last for generations however they are delicate and should be treated with care. Always put on your jewelry after you have used products such as perfume or hairspray. Store flat and avoid sharp crimping of necklaces and bracelets. It's best to store jewelry with metal components in an airtight bag to slow down the tarnishing process. Please do not use harsh or abrasive cleaners. A soft cloth or silver polish cloth works well. Sometimes a light swish through a mildly sudsy detergent solution, such as blue Dawn, is needed.