Fused Glass Molds & Enamel

Glass Teardrops from a mold by Delphi Glass. I felt rather limited when I wanted to hang them, but worked out a simple peyote strap. I could have used a black cord, but instead I crocheted the chains.

 

 

 I was experimenting with silver foil and enamel. My first piece was rather fried. The silver is under the green circle in this copper focal piece. I was happy with the second piece, I layered the silver between light enamel and ivory transparent enamel.

 

Right now I am working on a 3 wire viking knit chain. Variety is the spice of life!

 

Wire Crochet

Wire!

I enjoy doing a few things with wire. I usually like heavy gauge wire, but this week it's been 28 gauge. I came across Yoola on the Internet and became inspired to do some wire crochet. Her jewelry is lovely!

Click here: Wire crochet jewelry, Wire crochet patterns , DIY jewelry kits - Yoola

 

 I have made one necklace from Parawire, and one pair of earrings.

 

 

In the past I was taught to do Viking Knit. I didn't think it was too much fun, but it can be a wonderful chain to showcase items. This chain is brass with Luger shell casings as end caps. The Swarovski and pearl rondells are from a Bead & Button pattern.

 



I am looking forward to enameling!

Winter Can Be Fun!

Winter in Arizona is a time for creativity. Last winter I made two queen sized quilts, this year I have been working on two more. I like fabric almost as much as I like beads. My large quilt has yet to be machine quilted. I do that myself. I can't say that I love my color choices this time and so call it 'Sour Lemons".

Four years ago I planned on making my granddaughter a flannel rag quilt, I did finish that one. It's 80 x 80" and cozy. 

 



Where Does Time Go?

What have I been doing for four years? From 2008 to 2012 I've been beading and enameling and sometimes fusing! I took another lampworking class, it's not for me.

When I started this blog I was still selling beads. I did love it, but it was time to move on. A few years ago I became inspired by Barbara Lewis who had a necklace on the cover of Handcrafted Jewelry by Beadwork published 2010.

I had some of the supplies but was not really sure how to proceed. I ended up taking an enameling class at the Mesa Arts Center in Mesa, AZ. I bought a bracelet pattern from Art Jewelry Magazine by Angela Gerhard, cut the metal, and enameled it. I do not do strictly torch firing, but a mixture of that and kiln firing.  I joined the Painting With Fire Ning Group online which continues to inspire me.

I still travel back and forth from NH in summer to AZ in winter. We have a little park model in NH with a porch. I torch enamel on my porch there. In AZ I have a bigger space with more equipment.

  

Web Site

I just finished updating my web site. http://www.lalasjewels.com It only took me 3 days, not bad since I hadn't done it for 3 years.

I use http://www.coffeecup.com. If you buy the html editor, you get free upgrades for life. It's easy to use and includes a free ftp program.

Beading. I am going to be taking a bracelet class at the Phoenix Bead Expo in May. That should be fun.

My First Blog

Learning new things creates new neural pathways in the brain. Guess I'll help my brain by learning to blog!

I am a bead stringer and bead sales lady on eBay. I prefer to sell Peruvian animal beads because I love them.

I have become a "Snowbird". Winter in Arizona and summer in New Hampshire. New Hampshire is my first love, but snow, ice and cold weather doesn't agree with me anymore. I am also a retired RN, but that was another life.