I've been mulling... it's typically a Fall spiced drink, but for me - it's a state of mind. I make these beads - oh heck, I could make them in my sleep... so - it's a good thing to keep the hands occupied while the mind is elsewhere. I guess I'm lucky - because I love the results.

I used to think there was a set series of designs I use... but I'm pleased to announce that there are new designs of late. The daisy & snowflake were new additions a few months back, but of late are the stylized swirl (*rosebud) with pair of leaves reaching to back of bead to connect with another rosebud - and then, an accompanying bead of random leaves.

It's taken me twenty years of lampworking - but through the encouragement of a fellow lampworker - I think I'll be participating in an art festival in a local art festival. SO - while today's beads are loose, by next week - I will be making them into finished necklaces. Today's update has five new ones... all varying combos of three or four colors... all with a pendant and closure button *if you choose to go that route.

These beads are generally 1/2" diameter - with 3/8" rounds & thin disks added as accents. The button closure is about 7/8"D, and the pendant is made on a cabochon mandrel - so the designs are only on the front. I have managed, of late, to fire polish the back - but there is no design on the back.
I am working on a signature cane to add to the back - but that's not something I have right now.

I remember years ago - my pal Corina was lamenting at how making a small bead wasn't necessarily any easier or cheaper - it was just smaller and more painstakingly detail oriented...
Last week someone asked for a bracelet focal - and while I made these... I also made a small strand of 3/8"D beads - (think pea sized)... to go with them... doesn't it make you smile?