New twist on Shards !

Glass shards are made by making a large hollow bead - some as large as a Christmas Ball - decorating them, layering them with dots or silver, then breaking them ! Ouch! The shards are then added to the surface of a bead. Trying to be creative, and come up with something new, I found some glass I'd had for awhile, had no clue if it was compatable with any other glass I had, so I added some shards to the surface, left them raised, and popped the bead in the kiln. Ta Daaaaa - out came this beautiful bead. A new technique added - hope you like.

Happy Fourth of July Everybody !

Here's a great special order bracelet that came together today. Pardon the glare from the lights, but I think it turned out pretty well - Just in time for the Fourth of July. I'd wear it any time, how 'bout you?

Beautiful Change A Bead Ring

Brand new ring for this summer and it is absolutely gorgeous! And it's changeable too - what more could you ask? Beautiful sterling silver design, right down to the tiny little screw on the side. All you need do to change the bead is use a little screwdriver (like the one used with glasses) to loosen the screw on the side, and the sterling rod that goes through the bead comes out, put on another bead and VOILA! - you may have a different ring for every day of the week . . . that is if you have enough beads. And they're always available from Grammy Glass. This particular bead is made using my favorite color boro glass 'Blue Moon'.

Hummingbird Pendant

Excited about this new piece - right before hummingbird time! Filling the wild bird feeders last week, I wondered when was the proper time to fill the hummingbird feeders with sugar water. . . . which got me to thinking about something I could do with some hummingbird pieces I'd ordered last year and never found the inspiration to use. Voila! - inspiration. Amazing what spending time outside can do. I think this little birdie is going up on my etsy account today. If you like, I can always make more, or you may visit the etsy account: etsy.com and check under my seller name: Grammy Glass. Thanks!

New Hand Stamped Rings With Hand Made Beads!

More new rings with stamped messages on the sterling bands. Each one is different - the dragonfly has "Earth First", the tiger bead has "Fierce", the one in the back right has "Get Over It". Another has "Plays With Fire", and "FOCUS" . . . Will definitely be making more of these.

Newest Metal Work - Copper

So excited to finally get this out of my head and into the world. My own bead caps. These are bright and shiney copper - a really nice combination with the silver. Had to practice on the copper before jumping into making my own sterling bead caps, but I really like the two-tone look. Still experimenting with the stamping on the surface, trying everything right now. Thanks to my darling husband (DH) for his help in these. It takes four hands to cut out the disc so I couldn't do it without him. Check out more later. It'll be awhile before I update again - have lots of shows coming up. But check back in a couple of months to see what else is new. Thanks.

Boro & Byzantine

This one's a stunner. Boro glass coupled with a Byzantine chain - Awsome! The Byzantine link is nice and thick and shiney. The boro glass bead is clear encased and 'melon' shaped, a really nice color and design combination. This two piece set is a one-of-a-kind design, 'cause I don't have any more jump rings and it'll be awhile before I re-order any! Don't think this one will be around too long once my Spring shows get started.

Cupcake Anyone?

Who doesn't like sweets? My sweet tooth gets out of hand every now and then. That's how the idea for this pendant originated. The "No" charm dangle beneath the cupcake is hopefully a gentle reminder of what and what ISN'T permitted. Not sure if it'll do any good where my sweet tooth is concerned, but it sounded good at the time. This application is also available with cake too - my personal favorite!

Heeeeeere's Joey !

Here's Joey - cute, huh? Our oldest dog, Joey is 14 this year, and he's still the man! Of course the other two four-legged hooligans don't think so, but he'll always be top dog as far as we're concerned. Bright orange and yellow base bead. Light and fluffy white hair all over his body. Two little blue flowers on either side. On the back the ever present "Woof" which Joey does - an ear piercing version - every morning at 7 and every evening at 6 just to let me know it's time to EAT!

Here Kitty, Kitty !

Here's a really cute little kitty, up to no good by the look on his face. Bright turquoise blues on the base bead, coral flowers on both sides and a heart on the bottom for all you cat lovers out there. On the reverse side of the bead is written "Meow". Just like the dog bead has "Woof" on the back. Had a picture of it around here somewhere, but I had a senior moment and it strangely disappeared! Unfortunately, that happens more and more often. Hope you like this sweet little kitty. Several different color choices are available in the kitty.

Earrings - Earrings - Earrings

Take your pick ! I'll make more. Lots and lots of earrings for spring - or any time of year. All different, all sterling and Swarovski.

Monster Dragonfly !

This is HUGE ! and absolutely beautiful. Large dragonfly bead - unusual neck chain application. One of a kind here, folks.

Boro Disc Necklace

Really pretty, and unusual, necklace made using my favorite color of boro glass - Blue Moon. Such a shiny fun piece. Matching earrings are somewhere - sorry.

Hot Stuff !

Beautiful deep red boro make up the beads in this necklace. I wish the camera could catch the glow in each bead. Much better in person than in picture.

Sterling Dragonfly

Have made a few of these recently, but couldn't get a picture taken before they sell -which is a good thing, I guess. Very unique - the beads are always different. Thanks to my friend Nikki for the introduction to her wire wrapping - this is my twist on the lesson. Very comfortable to wear.

You Are "FIERCE" !

A new twist to the ever popular "Cluster" pendants. This one has "Fierce" stamped on the sterling circle - on both sides. Really think this one will be well received - hope you like it.

Boro Frit and Flowers

Absolutely beautiful colors in this boro pendant. Blue Moon glass, frit and clear raised flower petals make this a stunning piece. I may have to keep this one for myself.

More Spring Flowers

This years version of my old stand by purple flowers (purple rocks!). I love the way the ivory on the base beads creates tiny threads of color. A really pretty pendant on a sterling silver chain with a built-in 3" extender.

Trilliam

The spring flowers are trying their hardest to bloom, if the cold winter air would just go away it would make it so much easier. This is my effort to hurry spring - a beautiful Trillium blooming just in time.

Seaside Shells & Starfish

This is something I've been wanting to try for quite some time. I'd originally wanted to make a starfish bead using boro, but it seems I need more practice. Anyhoo - here's the first attempt mixing boro beads and my Moretti starfish. Shells and silver vines, a couple of pearls, lots of Swarovski and silver, there's even a faceted topaz in there. A beautiful free form gathering of some beautiful stuff all wire wrapped on a sterling silver bar and strung on a sterling chain. I am really ready for some warm weather now !! Better email me if you like this one 'cause it was really hard, and I don't anticipate doing it again any time soon!

New Boro Earrings

Beautiful earrings made using another of my favorite boro colors - blue moon. Lots of layers, frit and a clear spiral overlay too. Heavy embossed silver, sparkly dangles & Swarovski make these earrings goose bump material! Have some more to post, but I'm just too tired - six or seven posts today is enough. Later - check back soon and see what else is new.

Sun for the Spring and Summer

This was such a fun set to make - lots and lots of brightly colored beads and lots of silver and Swarovski. The sterling silver 'sunburst' on the necklace was the inspiration for the entire design. Bright yellow and summer smooth turquoise shine with just a little black peeking through - this makes up a wonderfully designed piece. Three matching pieces are shown (necklace, bracelet, earrings), but each piece can easily stand alone. Very striking - very fun.

New Ring for 2009

Here's my new ring for 2009. It's a slight variation of something I learned at Bead and Button a couple of years ago. Just took me some time to implement it. The heavy sterling band is stamped, the organic style bead has fine silver beads on the surface. Hope to make several more of these soon - but no two will be alike. Very comfortable ring to wear.

Peacock Boro Lampwork Set - Awesome

Here's a stunning set to start the new year. Peacock blue Boro is the base for all these pieces. The bracelet is heavy with silver and spiral wrapped beads as are the matching earrings - a total one of a kind pleasure. The matching pendant is another "you won't see another coming at you on the street" piece. I love working with boro this year - learning so much, and enjoying every minute.

My Favorite Boro Cluster Pendant

Right now, this is my absolutely favorite cluster pendant for 2009. The base is an amazing tel grean color, then luminous dots of blue moon are sprinkled all around. Clear boro 'petals' cover the surface on both sides to make up this substantial piece. Swarovski crystals, a smaller boro bead and a sterling 'wagon wheel' finish up. What's not to like !? Awesome !

Boro Carmel Candy Cluster Pendant

I LOVE this color - looks lake drops of carmel on the surface of the base bead. Then, clear boro 'petals' surround this large bead on both sides. Sterling, Swarovski, boro, and even a real faceted topaz round out this cluster pendant. New for 2009, a variation of last years ever so popular 'Cluster Pendants'. Still love making these things. And here's something else that's new. All these pendants now include a sterling chain that has a built in 'extender' for those who like the longer pieces.

Skate Key and Lampwork Lariet

This is actually one of my old skate keys. Coupled with some lampwork beads, made into a really long necklace - it makes quite a statement. Don't worry, I kept another key to make one for myself.

Silver and Coral - YUM !

This beautiful piece is just stunning - a large sterling focal, ornately carved. Red lampwork sprinkled with raku frit and matching coral beads make this piece hard to ignore. This is the third and last piece with this design - it won't last long.

A Bevy of Bracelets !!

A bounty of bracelets graced our tables this fall. Most of these are sold, but they looked so beautiful on the tables. See something you like? I can always make some more.

Southern Christmas Show - Charlotte NC

This year the Southern Christmas Show proved to be another great year. Sales were a little off from last year, but that's to be expected. A nice surprise was to be given honorable mention for our booth decoration - I think it looked pretty good too.

Silver Cored Artisan Beads On A Chain

These sterling silver cored beads are so much fun to make I can't seem to stop. They may be worn on the popular Pandora, Biagi or Troll bracelets as pictured below, but I love them on a sterling chain. They are such attention getters, and no two are alike. They come in all different colors, something for every outfit. They each come with their own 18" sterling silver chain and range in price from $35 to $48. Email me, if you're interested, and I'll send you a picture of what's available, because let me tell you, these are proving to be very popular and sell out very fast - but I MAKE MORE! WUHOO.

Pandora, Biagi, Troll Watch Out - Here We Come!

Beautiful lampwork beads all with a silver core lining - all will fit Pandora, Biagi and Troll bracelets, and any other bracelet that requires the same size hole in a lampwork bead. As you can see, there aren't alot of duplicates - because they're so much fun to make. They slide right on your bracelet, or look quite unique placed on a silver chain by itself, or with a couple of partners.

Lampwork :: "Cluster" Pendants - Brand New

I am in LOVE with these pendants! They just kind of fell out of my head a few weeks ago and I can't stop making them. Must credit the name to a customer . . . very apropos I think. Large holed beads coupled with Swarovski, more beads, charms, all on a sterling chain. They look fantastic! All different colors and designs and sizes. No two alike and each one just sparkles. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them. Gotta go make some more . . . . .

Lampwork Bracelets Abound

Getting ready for the Fall shows has inspired a bountiful supply of beautiful bracelets. These are only three. Some chainmaille in these: byzantine in the starfish bracelets (first) and some silver rosettes in the second and third. The last is a favorite of mine made with 'Psych', a wooooonderful glass. This one just might not make it to the show table!

Lampwork Necklace :: Fall Colors

What a beautiful necklace - especially for the fall favorites. Amber chips and black lampwork spacers finish this wonderful combination. Bringing 2008 to a close, but certainly may be worn throughout the coming years. Just a sampling of what's new - but as you know, I don't make alot of duplicates, so first come first serve.

Funky Flowers Necklace

Sorry for the poor quality of this picture, but it's the only one I had the chance to get before this bright and funky necklace sold at the Taste of Charlotte show this month. The pendant has vivid colors in the background and rosebuds showing on the front of the focal - on the back are daisys. It's such a great piece, just wanted to share. Thanks for looking in.

Taste of Charlotte - Hot! Hot! Hot!

This is our tent at the "Taste of Charlotte" this June. It was soooooo hot - 100+ temps every day ! We all kept icey towels on our necks (my husband's idea). Was a great show and we hope to be back again next year.

The Byzantine Bonanza

I told you I was loving this new Byzantine technique and would be using it often. I LOVE both of these bracelets - two totally different glass art beads (mine) for two totally different looks. The byzantine lends itself so easily to any style, enhancing the look significantly. Makes you kinda want to get started on you own, right?

Newest Bracelet Design

I love this new design! In fact, this is the bracelet you'll often find on my own wrist. Beautiful reactive glass is used in all these beads. Pure silver high lights are in the center of the focal which is surrounded by a beautiful hammered sterling silver ring. Several different applications of this particular design effort are offered ranging in price from $60 to $120. If interested, please email me for a picture of what's currently in-stock.

New Byzantine & Lampwork Application & Class

The Byzantine chainmail is an intricate weave that produces a striking result when mixed with beautiful glass art beads. Shown above is the newest offering for this month. Classes will be taught using easy to follow steps to make a beautiful and timeless piece - several variations offered for bracelet, earrings, and neck pieces. Classes in my home studio in Charlotte now, and soon at NC State University in Raleigh.

New for 2008 :: Viking Knit

The Viking knit is a striking and sturdy design utilizing one of the oldest forms of knitting which originated in Scandinavia. This very forgiving technique yields a beautiful, strong and versatile rope that may be drawn to a variety of thicknesses and used with various sized beads and applications. I absolutely love this technique and will be using it alot. Please email for pictures of currently available pieces.
All made with sterling silver and hand made art glass beads. No two alike, each piece an individual expression of creative endevors.

Personalized Stamped Rings

Your choice of sayings, famous quote, children's names, special date. Most popular right now is a ring stamped with your pet's names! How cute is that!? The best order was recently placed by a dog groomer - the quote she requested on her ring? "Bite Me". So far, that's the most creative request.

You're Seeing Double !!

Studied and studied a popular ring design to come up with an idea I could call all my own - and I love the results. Two little designed beads per ring - with a little silver between them for just a little bling. They are SO CUTE, being received very well so far - but their main debut will be at the Gallery Crawl at the "Boulevard" shop in NoDa this Friday afternoon and evening. Wish us luck, hope you'll all turn out to take a peek at everything that's new.

Newly Designed Fish Necklace

Turquoise beads and branch coral really come together to set off this fish pendant. Lampwork beads throughout the necklace tie the entire piece together. It's really a great way to dress up our little fish beads.

Spring Rings !

A customer had purchased a dragonfly ring at a show last year and wanted to add to her 'organic' collection. Brand new butterfly and frog rings will soon be on their way to her. They turned out pretty cute, huh? I think we'll be seeing more butterfly and frog rings at future shows . . . .