NEW LISTINGS - JEWELRY

I have not listed any jewelry for a while as I had everything stored up for the Farmer's Market. I have taken pictures and started listed some of that jewelry. The earrings above are the favorite ones I made for the Farmer's Market. I was surprised they didn't sell as they are super adorable. These are called "bird bath."

This is the favorite necklace I put together with a handmade lampwork bead and vintage enamaled chain.

Click on the pictures to be taken to the item for sale.

MORE DISCS

I blogged before about making disc beads. I have not stopped and just love them and just can't seem to stop. No mater that they aren't selling. I'm still having fun. I have finally (after a decade) figured out how to get them round (well mostly). I just have to tell myself to slow down and work cool (I tend to work really hot).

Tips for making the discs:

- Work slower and cooler, but if it does get wonky, melt into a round and you have some matching rounds to go with your disks (I have a lot of these)

- Heat up more of the rod than just the tip so that as you continue building the disc, you don't have to stop and heat the rod.

- I find that rocking the rod up and down helps me keep a smaller thread of glass and not create a big blob (your results my vary).

- If you get it off center, make a heart by creasing the top and pulling out the bottom to a point.

I have discs on my Website, Etsy and ArtFire. Click on the photos above to see them for sale. Click on my links to the right to find more disc sets for sale.

Disc Beads

I love disc beads. Having not been able to make them for years I have looked fondly at those that could. My favorites are: http://www.blueseraphim.etsy.com/, http://www.kpglassbeads.etsy.com/ and the very first disk beads I saw many years ago were done by Carolyn Driver at http://www.blueheelerglass.com/.

This year one of my goals was to learn to make disc beads. I have made a few and am getting better. I do have problems getting the consistent sizes and the perfectly round shape, but am continuing to try.

What I have learned is to turn down the heat as I like to work really hot, make sure I have enough glass melted when I start and, to learn to like the finished product, even if not perfectly round.

My goal is always to make matching shapes and sizes to use as earrings, however, I have yet to make a set that is the same. I have been using those beads to make pendants for necklaces. They look really good. The different shapes and sizes turn out a interesting pendant and one that is touchable and fun.