{ pretty little things } :: artisan lampwork

Have you ever looked really closely at an artisan lampwork bead? They're stunning. So detailed with brilliant flashes of color- some even change colors depending on the light. They really are little works of art you can wear. And they're one of my favorite pieces to use in my own jewelry designs. Here are a few of my favorite designs from some other jewelry artists:

1 - Circle Ring in Gray by Kristin Perkins Glass Jewelry
2 - Caramel Swirl Earrings by Andy Justy
3- Orbit Earrings by Pole Star
4 - Bird on Branch Earrings by Alisha White Designs
5 - Linear Circles Earrings by Sterling Crystal
6 - Alanna Necklace by Catie's Blue

It's mine! All mine!

I couldn't resist this speckled raku lampwork flower ring by Angelfire Art Glass on Etsy. It took me exactly 2 seconds to snap up this beauty. I can't wait for it to arrive in the mail next week!

PS- You can still get your own. There are plenty of gorgeous rings in the shop and they're custom made in your size when you place your order.

A little bit obsessed with artisan lampwork glass

I really love artisan lampwork beads. Really, really, really. I stumbled upon them a little less than a year ago while perusing for jewelry supplies in the pages of Etsy. I was immediately captivated by the intricate, swirling colors and designs created by such talented artisans. So, of course, since I was on a supply hunt, I snapped up a bunch of these delicious beads (see a small selection from my collection in the picture to the left).

Most of my collection consists of borosilicate beads. Borosilicate, more commonly called boro beads, are made of Boron, a very hard glass that can also include a variety of metals. Boro glass creates extraordinary bright colors and it appears especially saturated in natural sunlight and less bright indoors. But whether in natural or artificial light, boro beads are fantastically beautiful and talented lampwork artisans bring out their most vibrant shades.

For more about boro beads, visit the Artbead Divine Jewelry blog on 1000 Markets where Mary of Sandcastle Jewels writes a very interesting explanation. For a history of lampworking, visit another blog post on the Artbead Divine Jewelry blog by Sharon of Bijoux Jardin.