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.

Roslyn

I loved going to work each day for 30 years as a professional career counselor. When I retired, I explored my creativity and regard for crafts until I discovered beading. At age 68 I turned my new found passion- jewelry design, into a business. At age 72 I took on learning about social media marketing and developing my computer skills. I am sharing my journey from inception, to frustration, to elation -in the hope of inspiring others that 'it is not too late to start again'. Welcome to my re-invention!