Original Terra

Every now and then I like to play with new combinations.  These lovely pairs feature original Double Helix Terra from the studio's private stash, squirreled away for something special.  From left to right, the pairs increase with color saturation.  The intensity of fuchsia is quite vivid.  Sadly, the camera doesn't accurately capture the depth of lush color.

My World Defined

Glass Geek (noun) \ˈgläs gēk\
: a person who is extremely interested in glass.
: a glass enthusiast who finds the medium exciting when others may view the art as boring.

The latest reaction of CiM's test color gives me butterflies. The initial color is a transparent Emerald, but a reaction occurs when paired with a dark ivory that awakens the nutty glass nerd inside. Kind of like the joker's guttural laugh rising from my soul, but I digress.... back to the cool reaction which creates a new band of color between the emerald and ivory glass. This is not a moody metallic line of demarcation one might expect, but a rich avocado halo of awesomeness. Just another reason for flameworkers who love green to be counting the days until CiM's new color release date.

Fresh Beads

Cerise

 

Valhalla

Ambrosia

The spectacular silver reaction is much more lovely in person.  I think these are some of the most beautiful beads to come out of my kiln.  The pops of turquoise shimmer with a oyster-like luster.  Enjoy!

Before the Dawn

Assorted Head Pins

Kalypso

The Primrose Collection - found a good home

The Primrose Collection has been listed on Etsy.  A lucky beader will be thrilled with these lovelies.

Lucid

I have to apologize for the photography... it was unable to capture the beauty and depth of the Double Helix original Terra.  The luster of Gaia is also beyond lovely!

Surfacing

Gearing up for the "Day at the Beach" Workshop this weekend.  So many ocean themed focals coming out of the kiln, not enough time in the day to photograph it all!  Seriously, I need to take a second to tap the sand out of my shoes...

The expanded tutorial PDF with accompanying sketch packet will be coming soon to Etsy for those of you unable to attend the workshop.  Here's wishing you a sunkissed weekend!

The World is your Oyster

I have been working on sketches of sea life for an upcoming workshop titled "Day at the Beach".  I kicked around some thoughts on sea shells and taking them to another level of fun.  Our last trip to San Diego, while chasing miniature crabs, the kids found a slew of oyster shells in the sand.  The two seemed like a fun combination. 

After 6 sketches, ranging from silly to life like, I settled on something in between.  The exterior is a silvered ivory so to shimmer in the light, yet dark enough to cast a gray hue.  The oyster's open half is filled with one of my Double Helix favorites, Kronos.  The crab was formed from 1mm, bright red stringers.  Small doesn't begin to accurately describe the little guy.  Leg to leg, he measures 14mm x 15mm.  Total time to torch: 1.5 hours. 
The finished focal would look fabulous paired with a strand of shimmery pearls.  I could imagine him on display, surrounded by sand, beach glass and shells.  Or how cute would it be to incorporate the focal on the handle of an oyster knife!?  No idea where he will end up, but I love the thought of someone flipping over the shell to find the silly little guy!

Forest's Path

A secret door on the forest's path, covered in moss with weathered edge.  Where does it lead?  To another world, point in time, a far away place from the here and now?

Windswept No. 2

Smaller than the original focal, this smooth bi-cone measures approx. 50mm x 15mm.  Same glass as before, however one can see the difference in reactions.  The copper mesh took on a magenta hue, while the Double Helix Kronos is a jeweled sapphire with slight transitioning to a milky blue.