Have You Ever Wondered?
Let me tell you about why I am in love with Lampwork beads. Maybe you have wondered what inspires a jewelry designer to choose or even buy beads for new projects & designs? For me, Lampwork beads are like an artistic palette illuminated in glass and what is even more enchanting is that no two beads are ever alike. When held up to light, a spectrum of color shines through them.
These past 6 years beads have become a big part of my life. Presently I am having a love affair with Artisan Lampwork beads & I’m mesmerized by the colors & mixtures within the glass. After purchasing them, I can’t wait to start combining them into a design.
My first exposure to them was at a craft fair where a customer admired our selection of handmade necklaces and introduced herself as a Lampwork artist. She directed me to a group on Facebook & there I fell in love with beads made by Judith Billig. I became a frequent customer & get many compliments & sales from pieces using her Lampwork beads. These tantalizing beads are waiting for me on my work bench. I like to look at them for awhile & explore what I want to combine with them to enhance their beauty.
What are Lampwork Beads?
Lampwork beads are made by pulling glass through rods. The glass is heated over a gas/oxygen torch flame & it can be layered, sculpted, pressed and formed until it finds its final form. Once the final design is made it is then placed in a kiln to be annealed, & this process strengthens the glass bead to create a quality piece of glass art.
So Many to Choose From
At a recent trade/bead show I found another Lampwork artist called “2 Bead Sisters”. They sell to beaders like myself only by traveling from weekend to weekend across the Northeast to shows sponsored by different promoters. A website is up but so far they are not using it to sell their amazing handblown glass beads nor are they using social media. I am so happy I found them live at a local show.
Some of the Lampwork beads I recently purchased from 2Bead Sisters.
What’s Next
So many of us are hoping for an Indian summer & BeadZbyRoZ fall designs & color palettes will coordinate nicely. I’ve been working in earth tones using oranges, browns, greens, & rust to compliment your fall wardrobe. Some of our designs are in different shades of blue to bring in the color of sky & sea.
Give your outfits an effortless update at the perfect price with our colorful collection of nature inspired necklaces. Sometimes all it takes to spruce up your look is a new accessory. Here are a few recently completed & are now available on our website, earthandmoondesign.com.
Comments 14
Buying lampwork beads is highly addictive! Choosing them can be utter agony or heavenly ecstasy! I love how you bring out their beauty in your creations. You are such a talented designer, Roslyn!
Author
Buying Beads is highly addictive- I can open my own store Susan. Really appreciate your compliment coming from another artist.
That’s a really beautiful look!
Thanks for sharing the info and pics about Lampwork Beads. Now I can understand why they are so beautiful. Looking forward to seeing your lovey creations for the fall season.
Thanks! I didn’t know they were called lampshade beads! They are pretty and you are so gifted with your hands and creativity!
Yvonne Brown
Author
You made me laugh Yvonne because they are called Lampwork but lampshade beads could have worked too.
This was so beautiful Roslyn. I learn so much about your craft, and you do such beautiful work. Blessings to you! x0x
Author
Thank you Norma. My first year I blogged monthly about my journey into beading. When I arrived at a dead end I had to explore a new direction to continue to blog. I didn’t think I had it in me to ‘talk’ about my craft & slowly it is emerging.
I’ve loved Venetian glass since I started traveling to Venice on business in the 80s. And to see the beautiful lampwork beads you’ve discovered, no wonder you’re addicted! I looked up Judith Billig and 2 Bead Sisters online and I have just one question, Roz: how do you choose? 😉
Author
With difficulty Sharon. I overbought recently & haven’t even started using current selection. Then I have to sell my finished product before I buy more. It is very tempting all the time but I keep my spending related to my sales. Guess its called budgeting expenses.
Thanks for sharing this Roslyn
Wow! Very cool… I love learning so much more about your craft and all the thought and inspiration that goes into it 🙂
Such beautiful creations! The necklaces are sure to adorn any outfit. Where do you get such inspiration in your creation?
Author
THanks for asking Lorii. We are often inspired by nature, color palettes & often the beads themselves. I frequently post on my Facebook page a dual image- the inspiration & the necklace.