Sunday, October 26, 2014

New Work - Hollows

Here's a sample of some of the new work I've been exploring - hand built hollows. I learned this with Stephanie Maddalena when I first learned how to create lampwork beads. For a while I used the "hollow mandrel' approach to making big, hollow beads but there are problems with that.

First, the mandrels are expensive. Unless you make your own (somehow using car brake tubes) they can get very pricey when you want to make more than a couple. I find that 5 beads make a nice necklace. You'd need at least a half dozen mandrels to start. Secondly, the mandrels crush easily. If the bead release decides not to release easily it's easy to smash the mandrel with pliers as you try and remove the bead. And it usually happens anyway when you use the mandrel a lot. It's easier and cheaper to master than hand built technique.

Here's a speckled set I did recently. The clear glass really sparkles and the chain really can't be seen due to the surface decoration.

Saturday, October 4, 2014

New Work

In more mixed media work I am trying to combine purchase beads, chain and handmade beads in a new way (for me)! I've done several of these and continue to explore this way of presenting shape/color combinations.


I'll be at the Fall Festival at Green Meadow Waldorf School in Chestnut Ridge, NY, this Saturday, October 11 from 10 - 6. You can get information here.