I got these really cool pink opal briolettes last week and I've been dieing to use them. A lux pair of earring in the bright and fun colors that I love (available in my Etsy jewelry store). I of course has to include a pair of my handmade lampwork beads. The beads are made with a reactive glass that gives them a milky, wispy color. And then I popped in a bunch of carnelian dangles.

I was looking to make something funky this weekend and here's what I came up with. I started with this really cool milky clear funky donut beads and connected them with my galaxy beads. It's finished off with tiny sterling silver faceted beads and chain. I offer galaxy rondelle beads in a variety of colors in my Etsy store and the bracelet and earrings will be available at my jewelry site.

Well, it seems as though I've been obsessed with etched beads lately. It was actually quite difficult for me to get used to the etching process. I'm very attached to the beads that I make and they all look delicious after they come of the kiln and are cleaned. How could I subject them to the harsh etching process and take away their beautiful luster? Wouldn't I be betraying their trust? However, after a certain point, you need to take the plunge and etch the beads. Luckily for me, my husband, Harry, is the etcher in the household (like the bad cop). He takes the beads into the laundry room, he etches them, and they come out with a beautiful matte finish. I think they are lovely! They work really well with shiny gemstone beads for a lux look. On the other end of the spectrum, they also work well with ceramic and polymer clay for an earthy look.

Me and My Helper

Harry and I are two weeks in to the basement and glass studio remodel. In the meantime, I'm making beads on a temporary set up. Morty, the dog is very busy helping as you can see! The remodel is moving along quickly as it is mainly painting, trim, and installing new cabinets. However, there's tons of stuff in the basement that needs to be moved around as we paint. I can't wait to for my new setup!

Focal, Disc, and Rondelle Sets

I've been making these really cute disc sets that include one focal, two discs, and two rondelles. These are great for designers who are looking to make a necklace with matching earrings! I currently have these listed in my Etsy store.

Large Hole Discs

This was a fun project. I got a request from a designer to create discs with a larger hole (approximately 5mm). The larger hole accommodates 2 strands of cord, seed beads, ribbon, etc so they can be used as a pendant. Each large hole discs is 20mm in diameter and costs $3. Please contact me directly to order.

Minty Treasury

My Minty Green Discs were included in an Etsy Treasury created by bythewayside today. Minty green discs are an old favorite of mine. They are a great color especially for spring jewelry. I currently have over 20 colors (transparents and opaques) of discs in my Etsy store. Stop by to check them out! You should also check out the store of bythewayside. She is currently selling vintage goods. Thanks for including me in your treasury!

A Day at the OCEAN Treasure - Etsy

My Metallic Juicy Beach Glass Rondelles were included in an Etsy Treasury created by Jennifer of pinklilypress today. These newer beads featuring black metallic reactive glass are some of my favorites and they work really well with blue and green ocean colors in Jennifer's treasury. My metallic series is currently only available on Etsy, so stop by to check it out! You should also check out the store of pinklilypress. I love the designs and illustrations she uses on her stationery, greeting cards, and other paper products. Kudos on the Treasury Jennifer!

Easy Beading Volume 5

Just a reminder that my disc bead bracelet is going to be in Easy Beading Volume 5. This is the same bracelet that was in the July 2008 issue of BeadStyle magazine. I'm very excited! I'll be having a sale to celebrate in this spring. Those of you who get my mailing list will get details on this soon. If you'd like to join my mailing list just email me!

Wacky Chunky Discs

Wacky chunky discs are thicker and larger than I normally make my discs. They are all hand-formed. I do not use a press or other tool when I make these...just gravity and heat. Each discs is made up of several different colors, which makes each discs really unique. I would not be able to exactly remake a set, there are just too many variables. The size lends itself well to necklaces and chunky bracelets. I'm currently selling these in my Etsy store.