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!

Spring Has Sprung - Bird & Butterfly

Different butterfly bracelet and bird pendant for the season. The colors of the bird are a soft rosy sort of coral with some sub tones of yellow - really pretty. A funky sterling nest with some more boro beads and dangly charms beneath. A sweet piece that's definitely unique. The butterfly is an eye catching bracelet for sure, a stunner everyone will notice! And the little dish used underneath is a beautiful little piece my mother painted so many years ago. Love !

The Dark Side

Had a little fun today trying to use some skull beads. Bracelet, pendant and earrings - the bracelet has different colored silver glass swiped over the surface of each bead for a different look, but the color didn't photograph well. I think they're all pretty cool. We'll see how receptive show attendees are . . . .

Looking forward to going to Hilton Head for the first time to do a show this year. Hope the weather's nice to us. Bringing my daughter and granddaughter to help with set up and break down. Here's hoping I'll get to spend a little time in the ocean too!???!

'BeadCamp' Comin'

Exciting news! I've been asked to be an instructor in Florida at 'BeadCamp' in February 2013. Five full days of instruction by your truly. If you'd like more information please contact Marley at: marleybydesign@nc.rr.com for all the details. Class is limited to 10 students. Just contact Marley and inquire about "BeadCamp with Janie Jones". Or you may check out Marley's new web site: beadcamp.com - - - We're gonna have so much fun!

Lampwork Classes - Lampwork Classes - Lampwork Classes!!

Lampwork classes are given in my home studio in Charlotte, NC, weekday or weekend, whenever we both are available. Please contact me for available dates. Golden opportunity for Lampwork Classes in Florida! Please see below for specific details. Details in lampwork classes in March 2012 and February 2013 for "BeadCamp" - lampwork, wire wrapping, making bead caps, silver stamping, chainmail, lots and lots of stuff going on! Check it out below!

"BeadCamp" in Florida this MARCH (2012) and February (2013)

Exciting news. I've been invited to 'BeadCamp' in Florida again in February 2013. The Camp went so well in March of 2012, we're gonna do it again for five full days of instruction. Learn lamp work - the art of glass bead making - in a perfect environment! If you'd like more information please contact Marley at: marleybydesign@nc.rr.com for all the details. We'll have the web site up soon. Class is limited to 8 students, so get a move on! My class will be for the beginner to intermediate person who wants to establish sold basics and learn multiple design techniques. We'll learn various shaped beads with balance and good 'pucker'. We'll cover encasing, layering, stringers & twisties. You will develop problem solving skills and learn flowers, cupcakes, hearts, organics, fishes, 'end of day' & melon beads and even MORE! But most of all you'll learn to make BEAUTIFUL BEADS!!! And, we're gonna have so much fun!!!

Last Show of 2011 - Yipee!

Thank goodness the last show of the year is over. I am one tired cookie. Thanks to everyone who helped make another year of melting glass and fooling around with metals possible. Now for a little down time, after the holiday incoming of course, then it's on to 2012. Thanks everybody!

Getting Ready for the Cold Weather!

Just a little something quick to show the new 'snowflake' design. Now I gotta get back on the torch and MAKE MORE BEADS!

Awesome Etching !

Brand new for the Fall shows. Am so excited to see how these new etched pieced are received. Solid brass bullet shell casings (yes, they are real) have been etched with a design, then a bead of mine is displayed at the end of the casings. These two might look as if they're ready for Halloween, but they could certainly be worn all year. Here's hoping they are well liked, 'cause they're fun to do and pretty unique!

Watch out for the Octopus !!!

This thing is just awesome, what else can I say? So far the octopus (octopi?) have been very popular - this new neck piece sets off the bead very well. A heavy braided leather looking thing with an interesting latch - a perfect compliment for this chunky piece of twisted tentacles. By one of my favorite glass artists.

Sea Shell for Myrtle

Getting ready for a show at Myrtle Beach - hoping this sea shell will make a pretty good impression. Rather large, and a lot of detail to this piece. A hollow bead, so altho it's a pretty big piece, it's not overly heavy. Love the colors on this one. These shells are a surprise, by one of my favorite glass artists.

Recycle, Reuse, Repurpose

Spent brass shell casings are used in these funky little trinkets our grandaughter (21) has dubbed "Tennessee Bullets". I like that name. And the beer bottle caps are now a set of refrigerator magnets. They came with zany little sayings in each one, sure hope my younger son will send me some more!

It's Hip To Be Square

These earrings are really pretty cool, so there is more than one pair ready for the end of summer and fall shows. Hope somebody out there will like them . . .

Time on my hands . . .

Time on my hands . . . okay, that's pretty bad. But I did have some time to kill (sorry) and this is what fell out of my head today. I really enjoy when there's time to play (sorry, again - can't seem to stop). Anyway, it's just for fun.

Last Look @ Luscious Boro Color

The color in these beads is really, really great. What can I say? ... Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. This time it worked great! But I gotta leave boro for awhile and get back to makin' LOTS of beads. Soft glass is just more consistent for me.

WAAAAAAY Cool Earrings

These really are something else. And this is IT - found only one pair of these silver ridged pieces, so when these are gone, it's adios!

Copper Picken's

Trying out some sterling & copper findings. My torched beads, natural stones, copper & sterling - made a really nice combination in the neck/earring set.

Double Boro

Had a request from 'Beth' for another double boro pendant, pretty pleased with the results - hope she likes it.

Leather & Sterling & Boro Beads - Oh My!

Oh Boy! I love something new. Trying to design something new and different, but still cutting the price by being selective with sterling silver use. These are sooooo comfortable to wear, and they have a natural, organic edge. Little sterling details finish off awesome boro beads and leather. Enjoy.

Spiral Earrings

Some new silver is credited for these new spiral earrings. Really dresses up a pair of bumpy beads. The longer drops on earrings continues to be the most popular of most of my customers. Thanks, every body.

Aztec

Gently etched beads dangle from these Aztec looking earrings made of lead free pewter. Wires are sterling, tho. A pretty nice looking pair of earrings, even if I do say so myself.

Something for the 'Girly Girls'

Pretty in pink, and more pink. A light and airy feel to this set, very pretty.

Wavy Focal

Different, for sure ! An unusual long and wavy focal mixed with Jasper make this a stunner. Getting ready for the end of summer and fall shows. Check out the show listings.

Funky Earrings

I love the new silver glass made by Double Helix - a surprise every day. I never know what's gonna come out of the kiln. But these organic looking beads made some pretty funky earrings.

Fun Rings for Pretty or Play

These are two rings shown using a wire mesh design that's pretty easy to make. I LOVE the skull ring, it's just way cool. They're really easy to make, and can actually be done with only the mesh showing, or most any flat stone, crystal or pearl. Although I usually work only in sterling, any other metal may be used. Fun, fun, fun, or classic & elegant when sterling is used. Come take a class and learn how to do these for yourself!

End of May Bracelets

Every now and then I try to make something of the beads, silver, stones, & any other table top left-overs I have. These two bracelets are just that - they are a mix-match of shapes, colors, bits and pieces . . . . and I LIKE them. Pieces like these are the most fun to build, trial and error, a culmination of 'gee, wonder what it'd look like with this in there' efforts. 'End of day' glass beads use up the left over bits of glass left on the table after a day of making beads. So these bracelets are "End of May" bracelets, 'cause it's what was left on my work table at the end of May.

Not Just Knots !

Price of silver chains, just like everything else, is skyrocketing! Sooooooo, here's a sampling of some efforts with knotting. I'm likin' the outcome and think I might venture into teaching some knot classes, whadaya' think? Altho these two knots are similar, they are tied differently to product two different looks, one just a little more detailed then the other. Have a preference? The more detailed knot at the top, or the little heart shaped (sort of) beneath it . . . send me an email & let me know what you think. I'm always up for constructive criticism and suggestions . . . . constructive or not !!

Paper Surprise !

A nice surprise in the Charlotte Observer this morning. HEY !! Look who's there!!!

What Do You Do With A Broken Bead?

This bead was made over a year ago. When it came out of the kiln the colors were so vibrant it was love at first sight! But it broke right in half when it was being cleaned. COULDN'T throw it away … but I could wrap it! Don't know why I didn't think of it sooner - duh. Turned out pretty well I think.

Funky Fish

This little fishy looks like he could swallow the whole hook in one try - much fun to make and, as always, love the bright colors.

Totem Pole Owl

My take on a totem pole figure - at least that's what I was aiming for. All my beads, natural stones, silver & crystals … an impressive piece to treasure for a very long time.