Lampwork Glass Bead Making

A few years into my beading (and bead collecting), I became fascinated with the idea of making my own glass beads. I started working with a lampwork master, Faith Davis Ferris, to begin to create my own art glass beads in 2007. I worked with her for 4 years, learning and renting studio space, before taking a break to start my family. Now she is taking a break and I am yearning to get back to the torch. Here are a few of my creations from my time with her:

Two Flower Beads

Snowman Beads

Round Flower Bead

Rectangle Flower Bead

   

Cone Beads

I love making finished jewelry with my own handmade beads.

Cobalt Heart on Wire with Crystal

Ruby Heart on Wire with Crystal

 

  

I have found a new studio and I am looking forward to having more lampwork creations this fall!

Book Review - Simply Modern Jewelry

Simply Modern Jewelry

By Danielle Fox

Rating: 6

When it comes to simple bead books, I really like Simply Modern Jewelry. There is more here than just bead stringing, but most of the techniques are very basic. It is a good way to get started beading and build up a collection of beautiful pieces. There are also a lot of ideas in here for more complex projects. Looking at the designs, it is easy to see way to embellish and evolve the pieces into something one of a kind.

My favorite thing about this book is the uses for many different size and shape beads. It takes some everyday techniques and gives them a unique spin. This book has some good basic techniques, alongside some very interesting designs.

This book will not be for everyone. The pieces have clean lines and a very modern style, and it is named as such right in the title. It does not have any complex bead weaving or ornate pieces. Still, it is a book I enjoy having in my collection.

New Photography Setup

I finally bought a light tent and real photo lights! I had made my own light tent from PVC pipe and connectors, white muslin and pins, several years ago, but it was not working that well. My pictures were still looking too dark without a flash and glare was a big problem. I was looking for lights to replace my clip on lights that I had tried with a variety of bulbs but none of my pictures were improving, even with a nice, low light camera. The light tent got rave reviews and was not that expensive, so I decided to try the whole package and I am so glad I did. 

 

In just one test run, the whole set up works amazingly better than my past attempts at photographing my jewelry. I will need to practice with the new set up but I am really looking forward to getting some better shots of my work. I foresee a lot of time behind the camera in my future!