Delicious Autumn

Delicious autumn!  My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.  ~George Eliot

This one needs to remain mine, at least for a time. It feels wonderfully natural on - comfortable even, with lots of little bits to fiddle with. Incredibly long, so long in fact that there is no clasp - perfect with a cozy warm turtleneck sweater. Preferably handknit in a sumptuous silk. Dreaming.

Oh, Hello There

Happy Friday. Enjoy a small dose of cuteness.

                                                                                         Source: None via Marissa on Pinterest

                                                                                        Source: flickr.com via Marissa on Pinterest

                                                                                          Source: flickr.com via Marissa on Pinterest

                                                                                         Source: weheartit.com via Marissa on Pinterest

Glass Clay

I was recently given the opportunity to try out Paula Radke's Glass Clay. The three pendants above are my first attempts at using the clay. It's a bit rough in spots, as I was having some problems getting the consistency just right. I'm pretty sure I've got the hang of it now, and hope to work on some new molds to create my 'own' pieces - as opposed to using purchased molds.

I think this first batch was underfired a bit. I'd really like to see the glass a bit on the shinier side. The glass was supposed to shrink by about 25%, and I didn't see anywhere near that kind of shrinkage. I'll leave these ones as they are, and make up a new batch to compare the two.

The dichroic cabs are fired in place, and should I think have been pushed in slightly more - they appear to just be sitting on top, and I think they would look far better if they appeared to have some sort of bezel around them.

All in all, I'm curious enough to see what else can be done with the clay that doesn't look completely hideous. Google glass clay under images, and you'll see what I mean ;-)

Happy Fall

I was thrilled to discover that I was featured in a gorgeous treasury made by Heather Powers on the Art Bead Scene Blog. Tons of gorgeous autumn inspired beads!

'Autumn Art Beads' by humblebeads

Artist created beads inspired by the hues and symbols of the season.

Pine Cone Lampwork Beads suzoom $18.00	Handmade lampwork glass bead... MayaHoney $29.50	Lampwork Carnelian Dragonfly... kerribeads $95.00
Small Ginko Leaf Pendant shaterra $8.50	Parched handmade stoneware b... ChelleV2 $11.00	Acorn Bead Pair Jangles $16.00
Oak Leaves Pendant - Yellow ... humblebeads $18.00	Leafy Tree Pendant earthenwood $10.00	Ceramic Bead Donut Pendant P... MarshaNealStud... $10.00
SALE Naos Glass - Indian Sum... Na0sGlass $99.00	Brand New Autumn Bittersweet... marylockwood $5.00	Autumn Delight Leaves - Hand... Melissabeads $29.00
Handmade Lampwork Glass Bead... mermaidglass $8.00	AUTUMN DROPS - Set of 6 Hand... HavanaBeads $10.50	Autumn Harvest - handmade l... jennifertough $30.00
Lampwork Glass Handmade Flow... mermaidglass $16.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

In other news, Marg from beadFX recently gave me a sample kit of Paula Radke's Art Glass Clay to play with. I've got a batch in the kiln as I write. Fingers crossed that it turns out ok. One of the pieces chipped just before I got it into the kiln. :-(

Using Art Beads

This morning, I was  thrilled to discover that Shannon LeVart of MissFickleMedia featured some of my worry beads in a blog posting at Art Bead Scene - I was quite surprised, as of course I haven't listed much on etsy in quite a while...You know all the usual excuses (kids, no camera, blah, blah, blah). Now I must go get busy and try to get a few new things listed, and attempt to do it on a more regular basis.

Question of the day - Do you purchase art beads? If so, do you primarily purchase a certain type, or do you like to collect all different types and mediums?  Personally, I'm usually drawn to beads or components of a type that I don't personally make myself. Ceramic, wood, polymer clay, lampwork beads that are way out of my skill range, are just a few of the ones I covet.

Forgive me if I've asked this one before - It's quite possible ;-)

Next, we want to see which beads you love the most. We all love eye candy! Post links in the comments below so that we can all see.

Here are a few of my favourites:

Itty Bitty Bird charms - mixed media by MenagerieStudio

Love these huge hollows by Wandering Spirit

Gorgeous autumn inspired ceramic beads by Kylie Parry

Autumn Bliss for beadFX

Just finished this one this evening - I think I need to make one for myself! Posted on the Inspiration page.