2.21.2018 - Honk, honk... I'm back... I hope you missed me. : )

.. SO sorry I missed you last week - I was on the tail end of returning from my visit to meet my new... granddaughter!
Can you believe it - I'm a granny? OMG... still toying around with names as that certainly won't do!!  But she's a doll - and I'm thrilled.  World, meet Merritt.  Isn't she lovely?  Word on the street from grateful parents was that she slept a full 8 hours last night!!  woot woot!!
She was a tiny little distraction - as have been other things... : )  BUT - I did manage to get my torching in this week, and am very pleased with the results.
 

I am honored to say that there will be an interview coming out in ISGB's online publication as the Spotlight Artist.  How cool is that?? OF COURSE I will provide a link for you when it's available.

AND - the news just continues...doesn't it?  I will endeavor to add a place on my website to allow you access to buy Lauscha glass.  Many of you may know that my father, Frank, AKA Glassdaddy, sold German Lauscha glass rods for a decade or more... and he closed up shop a little over a year ago. I could tell you that I got tired of rolling around in the endless supply of glass - but it honestly is more than I will ever use.  SO - what I'll do is try to add a few colors every so often for your perusal.  Maybe sometimes you see me using a color that you want - and it'll be there!  

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This leaf had dropped off my plant in the middle of a hot summer - and when I spotted it was in survival mode... repopulating. 

I am hand-shaping these pendants - and rarely get two that are alike... doesn't this remind you of the succulent leaf from summer?  It's made on a mandrel - so there's a hole, but in my never ending quest to delete the hole... I've succeeded by reducing it by half (well 50% in length)!  There's one hole at the top - into which I've epoxied a sterling silver bail... problem solved and the sleek profile-preserved! YAY

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I have taken the tapering earrings to a different level of elegance... hmmm.
Admittedly, lampwork can get 'crafty'... I've always leaned towards trying to make it elegant.  Sometimes that means less.  Less glass, less decoration, less "stuff"... you know... Less is ALWAYS more.

The effort to create elegance means rich saturated colors and an understated flash of silver.  Remember... my mantra about truth in materials? If it looks like silver - it's REAL silver.  Hence - why I don't work in gold... at least not yet. : )  I remember a feel I got in Santa Fe... I felt the style of color/nailheads was perfectly suited there.... So.  New colors, shapes and nailheads.

The silver work comes and goes... I have made a wonderful series of post earring findings - as shown below... and am bringing them out here and there... what do you think?  The earring profile is simple - and gives me a little leeway on going a tiny bit crazy on the findings! miles of smiles, Jill

2.7.2018 - Tenacious.

I've been on a mission for quite awhile to eliminate the bead hole.  I guess that wouldn't make them beads anymore... but, in certain circumstances - it seems a distraction.  When the glass is used solely for form - it IS a distraction. (for me.) 
Last week I made a series of crosses - most had only a top hole - into which I placed (epoxied) a well fashioned, very sleek sterling bail assembly.  This week, I am pleased to say that I was inspired by this very cool picture on Instagram...  I made this montage - but her name is Lyn Slater or  iconaccidental on Instagram... what a PISTOL.  I love the haircut her sense of self - and that she can carry off those earrings!!

So - while LOVING the look, I felt that they need to be adapted for those of us (me) who couldn't quite carry those earrings off! I'm sure you can, I just can't! ; )  I couldn't help but call these particular earrings Chanel.  Seeing as they mimic the styling of a patent tip to pumps that are lovingly called "Chanel Cap Toe".  Yes - there is a hole - it stops a bit above the transparent segment of the earring structure.  I thought about directly epoxying the earwire into the hole - but decided that the swing afforded by this finding would be more fun.  PLUS... for years these earwires were deemed to be so wonderful.  

I had thought about etching just the transparent tip... but that may be coming in the next version I make... I played with these seemingly hole'less earring pairs in the way I approach most of my endeavors. IN.ALL.MY.FAVORITE.COLORS... eyeroll.   I have several pair in the works... parchment & gray, but these were most finished. SOOOOO.... what do you think?  smiles, Jill
 

1.31.2018 - ... and so it goes....

OK, so - you KNOW that the transparent glass IS calling my name - right?  I was distracted this week by the fun of these sets.  It's a lighthearted take on a traditional cross... which can also be elegant and serious in glass...   These sets are ALL petite.  the rounds at LARGEST are 3/8"D.  So, it's a very delicate look and not much weight.  I've strung these temporarily for photographing them, but don't envision anything much more complicated for a final piece.  All the crosses - except the Pistachio colored one have only one hole - and will have a sterling bail epoxied into the hole... an unobtrusive one - just to allow securely attaching a soldered loop... then they can be threaded onto the stringing material 'quietly'.  

I've always been a creature of 'options'... and since most of these sets contain around 4 colors... I've shown the variety of choices one can have - AND the different looks you can achieve with different colors... 
I have to go build the update page - but wanted to show  you that I had taken a detour this week... and it was fun.  smiles, Jill (see below)....

I did get some time to create in transparent glass as well.... : )

1.24.2018 - Evolution... the process.

As it usually happens - things start out one way and evolve into other things.  Last week I had declared that the disk as the center of my proverbial universe... and that everything evolved from there.  This week, I still agree, and will carry that a bit further adding the flame assisted slump to the bead evolution.

I had decided that while three petals was alluring - five was a bit ambitious.  Four it ended up being.  But to get all four to slump to desired angle was a bit tricky.  Practice makes (more) perfect... so.
 

I find this picture especially alluring.  I think it's because I don't often work with striking glass (Certain colors of glass that change from one color to another once heated, then cooled a bit and then brought back into the flame to strike to that different color).   Yellow, Orange, and Red transparents are typically what I'm referring to.  I found it fun to strike the centers of the two end beads to more of an orange, and leave the edges yellow... (the original rod color was yellow... and it was to strike to orange)...

They actually started out as a version of a Snowdrop flower... but - sometimes such definition doesn't translate well to glass... and so it became a "reasonable representation with an artistic license to modify"....
; )
 

As is typical of my MO, I try it in a myriad of different colors - then start to look at opaques... wondering what if...  then head to silvered glass... OMG... I made so many.  THEN wonder how else it could be utilized... maybe as a bead cap? hmmm.  I think the set could be pretty stunning.  I strung it this way to show how they could back up to each other - but also toye

I strung it this way to show how they could back up to each other - but also toyed with the idea of taking the pairs and stringing them close to the pendant in a column of nesting petal beads - being careful to separate them by a few small seed beads so they wouldn't hit each other.  Do you think I got it out of my system? I hope so.  Smiles, Jill

1.17.2018 - Tall-ish Thin-ish Disk-ish

I've often said that my favorite tool is the micro-mashing tweezer.... that so much can be achieved pinching small malleable drops of molten glass.... So therefore the thinness of glass makes for light's ability to flow through it, and for the color to be more visible.
 

So then one would assume that my favorite shapes are the tall thin ones...YES.  Tiles, disks, slumped caps, cut flowers, splats, Freefall... only today did I realize how many shapes are derived from the ability to make a tall thin disk.  Mind you - this tall disk, with all the tugging and maneuvering in the flame is holding onto the mandrel only by a footprint of glass that's the width of the disk.  Maybe 1.5mm.  So - it's a gentle process, after all some of the disks are 30mm in diameter.

I've cut these into flowers, slumped them into Freefall beads, glass bead caps, tortured them into submission to make them square... and most often flame polished each side to 'allow' light and easier access.

Oh, I forgot - take two of these, and span the distance with glass - and that's a hollow bead.  While I write this, it makes me think this is probably the most important building block of beadmaking... and I never quite thought of it that way before.  

I wonder what else is possible? 
smiles,
Jill

1.10.2018 - Hard Shift...

So, last week I said I was going to provide more loose beads here on the website.  Yet I spent all my torch time making tile sets.  I like to provide a variety, yet lately have noticed an uptick in the sales of this particular type of set.  AND.THAT'S.A.GOOD.THING... why? Well - because as far as I know - I'm the only one making them... Spring is coming (yeah, I promise it is!) and I'm flexing my transparent glass muscles after the long opaque chill of 2017's wintery season.

When I mentioned last week about doing more art fairs, I had to start looking at my work in the sense of finished pieces.  Yet - too much "additional hardware" certainly detracts from the sleek beauty of the lines and the color of my work.  I found that several of my submissions for the jury to review for show admission were simply strung.  

I love the simplicity of a cable necklaces with a small bayonet clasp.  You can find ones that have an end that fits nicely EVEN through beads made on 1/16" mandrels.  I will use some sort of a rubber O ring to make sure a slip of the hand won't land you a pile of shards... but will lock them safely on the cable.

So, while the category I applied under was Jewelry - it certainly is leaning heavily on glass!

...and my mantra continues to be glorious transparent glass - let it shine! 
smiles,
Jill

PS - (and of course, I feel compelled to add... it's glass - it doesn't bounce) 

1.3.2018 - Happy New Year - 2018!

This year marks two decades of lampworking for me and I absolutely love what I do. Watch out if you get me talking about glass... I may never stop!

Lately though, I feel my work has grown in a different direction.  This picture is called "Shore Me Up"... for years I thought I needed something/someone to lean on - but my confidence in my work has grown and I realize I can do it.  (sell face to face at shows)

Many of my recent sets are overwhelmingly ALMOST complete to the point you just add a clasp and it's a necklace.  I had called these sets SNW (string N wear) to designate this.  In November there came a necklace series that had a small herd of 1/2" beads, a dozen 3/8", and appx 25 thin disks.  Priced separately this necklace would've been outrageous - a little over $300.  I had them on my site for $165.  NOW.. I do realize that it is not so easy to sell finished items online - we all have the desire to touch and try on... so.  

This week, after the flurry of the holidays, I spent my torch days - instead - putting the final touches on an application to participate in a fine arts juried show.  YOU HAVE NO IDEA what a hurdle this is for me - why? Well - when I've always been on this side of the monitor - you all come here each week and pour over the goodies I've put up.  I rarely hear anything negative - yeah that's the nice thing about being web based - if people don't like my work - they just leave.

My wise friend Jane had said "make your own findings it'll give your work a certain distinction".  So, I have for years... but last week I embarked on making sterling silver chain... as I was unable to find it in the style & weight I wanted... then I spent time designing custom clasps for the chain... I'm loving this... what did I have to lose?  

So -  the rub, for me, had been standing behind a table while people pour over what I have to offer.  I don't cringe at my pricing anymore... I know that the quality is there - and more often than not - my pricing is pretty reasonable for artisan handmade lampwork  beads & finished pieces.  As my confidence grew, my fear lessened....  that.is.just.so.cool.

If this goes well, (keep your fingers crossed, as the jury is out right now on the applications). - I may be coming to a town near you!! OMG. smiles - Jill

PS - no, I'm not breaking up with you - just explaining what's going on.  I'll have certain things here for you, as always - but the finished pieces may be held back.  Let me know what you think of this.... as I'm not a mind reader. : )

12.20.2017 - Thinking... and RE-Thinking.

First of all - Happy Birthday Glassdaddy Frank! He proudly turns 82 today, and misses your many chatty emails & being your Lauscha supplier.

I spend about 15 hours, minimum, at the torch every week.  My hands move as my mind directs them... but there's a lot of time just spent thinking.  How to rework things, how to perfect the small things, how to build the big things, get rid of the holes, improve wearability, introduce light/sparkle, and really to push the limits of what we think is actually possible.

The only drawback to this time is that it's solo - meaning no sounding board.  Last week I had some time with a friend from college, and she mentioned one significant issue she has with most earrings that dangle from wires.   She felt that they emphasized the pierced ear hole - and how (often times) over the years - it has changed shape.  I reworked some of the findings this week for just this case - then tested them with my droplet beads.  Even though I've not worn post earrings in decades...  this particular design works quite nicely.  The findings magically give us the pierced ears of a 20yr old!  Sharing ideas is a good thing, improving design is a good thing, and perfection should always be a goal, not an option.

I've just re-joined ISGB (International Society of Glass Beadmakers) as this is the next closest thing to NOT working in a vacuum.   I look forward to more connection with other artists and a renewed view of the big picture of what others are doing... I am always interested - although often I'm marching to my own bead*(LOL - beat).   smiles - and December sunshine, Jill

12.13.2017 - Make That Mandrel Hole Disappear!

Pure uninterrupted color, clarity and sparkle... no, I'm not talking about a diamond... but I've often called this type of earring the "New Diamond Stud"!  The go-with-everything, lightweight, droplet that moves with you and doesn't tire you out. (doesn't weigh much).

As usually happens when the weather cools, my inner silversmith emerges... and this time it was to make custom findings for my earrings.  Long ago my friend Jane had said that I should eventually fabricate my own findings - thus giving my work a OOAK uniqueness.  I've been making ear wires & headpins for years, but no decorative parts for the earrings.  I'm quite pleased with these - and will bring more out soon.  (waiting on a delivery of silver sheet!!!)

It's interesting the process I use to make these beads means I'm balancing a gather of glass on a tiny rondelle that's 1mm x 3mm D, it brings to mind that quote of balancing a dollop of honey on a toothpick.  To add insult to injury - I make two beads to a mandrel so that they pair match... I find that I hold my breath as I'm working on the second one - hoping I remember to flash it in the flame - so as not to thermal shock the first one!  

The one thing I did want to mention is that the clarity & viscocity of the glass is key.  You all know that I work mostly with Lauscha because it can tolerate the heat and not scum or boil, and this glass also tends to be a stiffer glass to work with - often people say they like it for sculptural work as it doesn't move so readily as the Italian glass.  This is so evident in these beads.   

I have always been a proponent of lose-the-hole mentality... and of late have been working to eliminate all signs of it on a transparent (non-off mandrel) pendant... but need to modify some of my tools to achieve this. WORKING ON IT!  as always, smiles - Jill

When I start working - on a new direction, I usually like to work in multiples - below are the pairs (all wired up as matching pairs, as they were made as a matching set) Here are three color groups  I have, while the photo below that shows them shortly after I cleaned them - strung on a wire...
I will sell the beads solo or made into a finished product.

12.6.2017 - Brrr - said with a SMILE!

I've been making those 1/2" diameter beads with scrollwork and designs done with these stringers.  I'm holding 15 of them here...  I apply the design just as if writing on paper... (only much hotter).  I just am hooked, for now.  You know me, I'll transition to something new when it happens... in the mean time... I am having fun!

OK, I know it's Wednesday - and I'm sorry, no update tonight - I made only what brought me joy this week, and it looks a lot like what brought me joy last week.  ONLY I'm much better at it - you know... repetition & refinement!  So.  I'm firing up the oven instead of the torch since the temps have dropped about 35 degrees these past few days - I feel quite like baking.

I'm grateful for a gas stove/oven, I've always felt at home there... and somehow when the world looks so cold... I'm quite content to bake.  Oh... I forgot to admit - I did turn on the A/C last week so I could make soup (oh, and yes - biscotti), I guess I felt the cold coming!

As far as what's been coming from the kiln, I'm working on refining a cabochon based pendant  with a hanging hole, but making it polished on both sides.  It involves some cold work and another torch session... and so far - I can report that it is less successful with the dip in temperatures we've had this week (think temp shock going from kiln to torch).  It's been in the works the last few sessions - with tweaks each time.  I had a fight with my Twin-Spin grinder this morning, but - I am pleased to say that I won!! more on this next week perhaps.

I feel that the beauty of transparent glass is slightly lessened IMHO by a mandrel hole.  I have fought this for years - trying to obscure the hole when wiring a pendant... or obscure the hole by making it disappear - polishing it... but I think I'll be truly satisfied when it's simply *not there*.

See how beautiful this pendant is? Uninterrupted color and transparency? Plus the fun optics... that's where I'm going.  Of course more on that later too.  

I drove to Gilbert AZ a few years ago to pick up a used OXY Generating and holding tank system.  I'm pleased to report that I just (ahem, finally) ordered/received a new gauge... so will be tinkering with getting that up and going as well.  AND a new Oxy regulator so my Smith Little Torch will once again be up and running for those silver projects.

I know... this sounds like a lot, but these are the little projects that are on the horizon and... I'll keep you posted! smiles and shivers... Jill

11.29.2017 - Still LOVING Them... sorry for the visual fatigue* ;)

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?

11.22.2017 - I LOVE these...

It's been a journey to get to these finished pieces... Sets - focals -  assembly.  But - all being said, if I were to be defined in opaque glass, I'd be happy to be known for these. : )

I've added these to tonight's update - simply because they bring me so much joy....  These beads are all 1/2" rounds and are decorated with kitten-whisker thin stringers of pale ivory - left slightly raised... I KNOW they're a little busy for a lot of you - but... I just love them.  

The pendants are mostly single hole, traditional pendants - but there are two that have two holes - a more contemporary look... they're strung on wonderful quality cording - and are length adjustable.  Mostly in the 18-23" range (20" seems to be a nice length to allow a nice display).
Let me know what you think - smiles - Jill