Saturday, April 25, 2009

Copper Leaf in Beads

I have been playing with copper leaf in my beads. The first on the left in the photo below was my first attempt. It is turquoise blue and ghee (cim) wrapped with the copper leaf and then super heated. The middle bead is turquoise with some white and transparent turquoise blobbed on. I did not heat the bead enough to fully cook in the copper so I ended up with some grey spots. I added the transparent raised dots to see what it would look like encased in parts - there was no difference under the encasing. I may etch this bead to see how that makes it look. The bead on the far right is bubblegum pink wrapped in copper leaf. I added a few scribbles of silvered ivory to see what would happen. I love the blue/gree color on this one. This bead is my favorite. I used a base of periwinkle and added a few swipes of opal yellow. I super heated this one very well. I just love the green color the copper made on the opal yellow! I squished the bead and added some flowers down the sides.

Copper leaf is fun to play with. I just suggest being cautious with breathing it in because it can be harmful. Also you want to really super heat it. It takes some time to really cook it in. It will spark in the flame which is kind of fun to watch.

That is it for now. I broke my camera and I have to send it in to get it fixed so I'm not sure when I'll have more pictures.
But for now, have a great weekend!!!!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

April is sure flying by quickly!

Since Easter I have been trying to spend more time at the torch. I've been in a gravity swirl mixed with organics mood lately.

Here are a couple of my latest beads:


I've been so busy making beads to stock my display at the local bead shop that I have been neglecting my etsy and artfire shops. But rest assured that now I'm working on filling up my shops. I had a much needed photo shoot today and will be listing several items during the week.
I will be back soon to discuss my attempts at working with copper leaf.
I hope everyone has a wonderful week!!!!

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Happy Easter!!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter!!!
We have had a fun weekend so far. My 4 y/o daughter got to cheer at a Chicago Slaughter, indoor football game, at half-time tonight. So that was super fun. I was productive and got my website updated and all up-to-date info added to it. You can see it here if you'd like.

I've also been busy making some jewelry. I created this necklace around the focal bead I made:



Here is a close up of the focal bead: (I plan to make more like this next time I get to the torch)


Well, I think I hear the Easter Bunny thumping at the door, I better go let him in or the kids will not be happy. Have a great day!!!

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Sunny Saturday

What a beautiful day here. Spent all day with the kids, doing Easter eggs, playing, went to the park, and did some shopping. I'm exhausted.

I've made some beads recently and thought I'd show some pictures. These two are a couple of large focal beads:














I also made a set of beads that match a pair of socks. I am hosting a fun sock/bead exchange with a group of friends from Wet Canvas and this is one of the pairs of socks and beads that will be in the exchange:

New news... I have updated my website and it now includes the ability to sign up for the classes I am teaching directly from the website. Check it out under classes at sundaisyglass.com

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!!!