Etched Desert Sun and Tree

It's been awhile since I've etched any glass and this is one of the things I did yesterday. The soft brushed finish, subtle and graduated shades of amber and the bright desert sun almost make this bead feel warm to the touch. A different kind of gnarly tree for me, but I really like the looks of it. Summer's here, feels like some hot weather coming soon. Too hot to torch a lot, so productivity is waaaaay down. Might be awhile until something else get's posted - I'm gonna go find a pool and jump in!

'End of Day' Ammonite Necklace

You guessed it, another Ammonite piece. Yes, yes, I know I said I'd stop. . . I lied. I just love these pieces and at the end of a day of melting it's really cool to gather up what's on the table and see how it melts together. Simple and classic, not a lot of bling, just a bit of sterling to compliment the bead. It's all about the beads, right?

'Painting with Glass' New Tree Pendant

Trying to add more depth to the tree pieces and I really like where this is going. Hopefully you can see some mountains in the background and some bushes up front. This was a first attempt, but I definitely see more for the future. I LIKE it!!! (But I held my breath practically the entire time making it . . . off and on, of course.)

End-of-Day Ammonite Pendant

Kinda got hung up on the new press that came, but this should be the last Ammonite bead for awhile. It might look like it's fall colors, but there's some blues and some spring green mixed in there too. I really like this pendant a lot.

Last Bracelet for the Day - End of Day Bead

Last piece for this day, just finished it and it's the only one I have. This pretty little bracelet bead was made using that new press mentioned previously. Beautiful shades of blues - sort of an end of day bead - matching spacer beads and crystals. Sterling silver bars and a sterling push clasp with weighted safety chain finish off the piece - really, really pretty.

Beautiful, Bold Bracelet

Jump right in 'cause this bracelet is not for the faint-hearted. Bold, black and ivory beads with a couple of funky silver beads make this bracelet complete - these beads match some of the one's in the totem pole posted about a month ago. Liked 'em so much, made some more.

Bodacious Neckwear - Beads & Turquoise

This is definitely a statement piece. Big beads with a bold shape and design, strung with turquoise and my hammered clasp - a great look, all year long.

FYI - FYI - FYI . . .

Just wanted to let everyone know I've re-opened my ETSY account - just showing beads for now, but after my last show of the year will probably list some jewelry and see how it goes. Not sure how to enter a link to just click on to take you to my page, so you'll have to copy and paste the following to find me: *** www.etsy.com/shop/grammyglass *** (but omit out the *'s)

Something New for the Summer

A new press I'd ordered from Germany came a couple of weeks ago and I finally found the time to give it a try. The spiral focal bead is coupled with some natural stones that perfectly match in color (of course, they're probably dyed - I should get out those lapidary journals again . . . . well, maybe later!) Anyway, I really like the look of the finished piece - it will make it's debut in Myrtle Beach.

More Mushrooms!

Took some better shots of these cute little mushrooms and wanted to post them and show them off a bit more! ALSO - for those of you who have been requesting loose beads and can't make it to the shows, I have re-opened my ETSY account and will be posting some bead sets, single beads and maybe even some jewelry. So check it out: etsy.com/shop/grammyglass - and Thanks!

Glass Totem Pole

Here's my attempt at a totem pole - how's it stack up??! Sorry, couldn't resist. Inspiration came from another bead artist's picture of almost 11 years ago, but it really impressed me. Of course these beads are totally different, but the idea of a stack of beads representing a piece of art work was intriguing. This piece will maybe make it to the shows, but only as a display I think! The total height is now almost 10 inches from top to bottom 'cause since this picture was taken, I've added a little back & ivory rooster to the top. Can you tell there are 16 beads? (17 now)

Newest Glass Project: Shrooms!!

Oh my gosh these are just the cutest things EVERRR!! So happy I don't have another show till August, 'cause I'm feeling the need to make a bunch more of these. Sure hope somebody 'sides me likes them, or everyone's gonna get one for Christmas! They just stick right in the potting soil of your favorite plant. Inside or out - super cool!!

Purple Spiral Bracelet

The purple color in this bracelet is so much prettier in person, sorry my photography skills don't shine - and it looks SO SMALL in this photo. Maybe the horizontal shot wasn't the best choice? But this pretty bracelet with sterling bars and trinkets is such a comfortable wear. Some purple lover is hopefully going to be very pleased.

Abstract Enamel

The colors in this enameled focal are just great, deep and rich, a nice focal for any time of year. Something with a moon in it seems to be the trend so far this year. So this little abstract focal is here to tempt you, but there's only one . . . just sayin' . . .

Beach Blast Beads!

Summer will be here before we know it - which is what inspired this little variation on some previous beads. Don't you just love the beach? I do, in small doses - give me some air conditioning on those really hot days. Anyway, a cool ocean night time bead, wavy waters, kinda romantic maybe? Think I'll make more of these too.

BHB Cluster

This big hole bead (BHB) is a layered technique that's fairly labor intensive but the result can be impressive. Might have to make this one again!

The Frit Hits the Fan!

Two new bracelets - sorry for that goofy title. Anyway, had some complaints that I didn't have many things using purple. Kinda funny 'cause that's my favorite color. Maybe I've just been saving all the purple pieces for my own stash . . .? Anyway. Silver heavy on the shell bracelet, really like this one. And the big frit disc bracelet has some chunky coordinating beads that are pretty cool. Hope you like.

The Owl Eyes Have It!

This little guy was made using a layering process I hadn't done in quite a while. But a request was made at "BeadCamp" in Florida for a particular kind of flower petals - not exactly these, but almost the same process. Anyway, hadn't done it in some time and thought applying to an owl body would make the perfect 'feather' layering. This was the result. The eyes turned out a little off, but he's still a pretty cute fella.

Davidson Delights!

First time in Davidson for a show - thankfully the weather held out all weekend! What a great little downtown area - quaint little shops, friendly people, well organized parking (!), and a city that supports the arts. What more could you ask for!! We'll definitely be back.

Wings from Florida!

Just in LOVE with this piece. Since it's the only one (till next year) - it's MINE!!! All last week I was teaching in Florida at BeadCamp. Enjoying a little sun (in the driveway) I noticed some pretty shells that were used as 'gravel' in the driveway. So I used one to make a simple impression in some dark ivory - which works with ANYthing - and out came this pretty little bead that looks like it has angel wings on the surface. There's a tiny little heart in the center too, but it's a little hard to see. Anyway, since I won't be back in Florida to teach for another year, guess I'll have to wait till then to make another!

Here's a cute little heart using some Double Helix frit on the surface that turned out pretty well. Trying to get some new things together for a show in Georgia this coming weekend. This one turned out so well, think I'll make another!

Trees - You Guessed It, Another Variation!

Well, you can't blame me. Just trying out some different techniques for trees. This slender off-set tree with new trunk colors and a very pale sun is what came out of the kiln today. My photography skills are a little on the down this time, 'cause this little knotty tree looks a whole lot better in person . . . sorry.

Hey Little Froggy!

As mentioned below, I've forgotten some of the cutest beads I've made in the past. At BeadCamp in Florida this past week, we covered frogs and here's a picture of what now will be an added feature in the whole repertoire. He is kinda cute.

Color, Color, Color - and the Ocean!

One Florida bead camper really loved bright colors when thinking of her beads. I'm just putting this picture I took of my sun bathing nieces for inspiration. Look at all this color!!! I'm not mentioning any names, (Margaret), but I hope she sees this shot!

Spring Has Sprung! Again!

After coming home from teaching at BeadCamp in Florida, I was reminded of some beads I've made in the past but for some reason stopped making them. Soooo going back to some old roots and bringing the older designs forward. This little bird house is the first one to be seen this year. Very cute.

Never Ending Forest of Awesome TREES !!!

No matter how many new pieces are posted there will always be a 'forest' of trees available. All colors, all seasons, all shapes and mostly the same sizes! This is another, simply named "Awesome Tree" in my files. The new show season is about to start. Please keep posted where I'll be and come see me if you're close by. Some new shows are added this year - looking forward to meeting and making new friends. Going to try to bring loose beads to every show this year. Thanks to all who helped make last year what it was. Come See Me!!

These Lightweights Are Heavy on Style!

"Lightweights heavy on style" - I know, pretty darn corny . . . but it's true! These little bracelets pack a punch. They're lightweight to wear - so comfortable - and lightweight in the price point too!! (Yea!) But super fun and funky to look at and play with. Match 'em up, bunch 'em with others or wear just one.

Copper and Brass and Beads - Oh My!

Brand new for 2013 is this little line of neckwear using solid brass and solid copper findings. They just set off the beads so well and are so very comfortable to wear you'll hardly know you've got 'em on!

New Beads - New Bracelets

Bracelets are a go to for casual or fancy. Must admit I tend to go with the colors that go with every color combo of clothing as well as what compliments for any season of the year.

Always Got Me Some Clusters!

Always have clusters of some sort or another. They're just so popular and go with absolutely everything. So there's more of them to see this year too!

"Tweet" 2013 Variation of Bird in a Nest

Just a little variation to last years popular 'bird in a nest'. This year the nest is tucked inside a glass 'nest', with a bit more detail. Still sweet, even made a mini one-of-a-kind version too. We'll see how long that one lasts!

Fall Favorite

One of my favorite trees of the year. It represents the fall I see so often in Vermont, or the North Carolina Mountains. Of course the full moon is an added bonus! Very gnarly trunk and roots, vivid fall colors - awesome!

New Trees for 2013 !!!

Oh you're gonna love these! At least I surely hope so. They are soooo much fun to do, and each one is different from the one before. This is truly 'painting with glass'. Raised design in multi-layered detail that just grabs you! I love them and will probably be doing so many more. 3-D at it's BEST!! Enjoy!

Floral Cluster

This floral cluster uses an implosion flower as the focal. So dimensional and lifelike - I think there's a flower in nature that looks just like this . . . . there's one in my head anyway!

Waves

The last of Summer brings the ocean and lakes to mind and all the wonderful trips with the family. Layers of double helix glass gives lots of dimension to the dots on the surface.

"Turr-Duhl"

One of the first words our youngest grandson mastered was "Turr-Duhl", so this little sea turtle is in honor of Emmett's continuing fantastic word development.

Fall Has Come!

A leaf cluster made with silvered glass, a delicate little piece that is so sweet. Our Vermont son just sent us a picture of all the beautiful colored leaves . . . hence this cluster. I just added some silvered touches here and there!

Whoooo's A Favorite?

A bright little owl with a hearted chest. Whoooo can resist?

Asymmetrical Necklace

This piece just kinda fell out of my head, the parts just went together from what was on my work table. The focal - a 'flower' interpretation, has lots of layers: enamel, stringer work, layered dots. Lots of work went into this one, I really like it - something different.

Goes With Everything Necklace!

Made a similar necklace this time last year and it was a real hit. Pretty for Fall, but with classic colors to go with every outfit - any season. Chunky beads with Raku frit and layers of fine stringer work. Great results!

Fallen Leaves

'Fallen leaves' for this etched tree. A bit different from the rest of the trees I've done, but pretty cool.

Enamel Me !

I love this enameled focal, I don't work with enamels much, so this one was a labor of 'why not?' - a surprise in the end, but it turned out really well. Hope somebody likes it, if not - won't mind keeping it myself!

Throwing a Disk

This organic disk has silver foil and lots of dangles to make it a one of a kind piece . . . except I made two! Of course each one is slightly different - but both very earthy cool!

Falling Leaves

Seasonal Inspiration - Falling leaves, a cluster of beautifullness (can I say that?). Pretty silvered glass and frit add to the individual look of this leaf with lots of pretties dangling above. A soft delicate piece that would glam up any outfit, or grace the casual style.

PONIES !!!!

You're gonna love this piece if you're an enthusiast for equine! I have five of these 'cause they're just so darn CUTE. Each one has it's own personality, each one is a different breed - I even have one unicorn!! You can bet your goosebumps they won't be around very long, they're just the cutest things EVER!

Dog Lovers Unite

Calling all Dog Lovers! What a great little cluster pendant. A doggie bone, some sterling silver accents, Swarovski crystals - this was so popular at the last show I made two more! Something I don't do very often - duplicates. So, get it while I got it!

I got the "BLUES"!

Simple boro beads made into a classic pair of beautiful earrings. Just enough movement added with some silver at the bottom. This popular style of my ear wires will continue to be a staple in my stable (he-he).

Guess What's New???

Answer: Trying my hand at Kumihimo. And boy is it a challenge. This beautiful focal is the center of attention for this piece, but I think the beaded necklace adds just the special touch. Hope someone likes it at the Fall shows this year!