11.2.11

... parcels in the post

... are a very exciting part of my day - yes, very sad but true! Earlier this week I received 2 packages that made me very excited.

Package #1:
Some new double helix glass Helios for testing - yay for me! Many thanks to Kerry from Affordable Inspiration for allowing me to play with this before its official release next week.

... strikes to a platinum/gold finish in a heavy reduction flame

This new silver lustre glass, in its natural state is a lovely honey/amber colour. As you continue to apply heat, it changes from this to a deep pink/orange shades.
In a heavily reduced flame, the glass develops metallic lustre properties that allows the surface to change to a mirror finish - in this case an almost platinum in colour. Continue this process for a little longer and the colour develops to a copper gold finish.

... reduced and encased and further reduced!

These beads were reduced and then encased in Effetre super clear 006. I used fine stringers pulled from the rod to add surface details to the beads, which was then reduced to achieve the super gold lustre finish.

I have a little more glass left to play with and I've used it on some large focal heart beads that I will share with you on V day!

Package #2:
My bead soup package from Karyn of Releases by Rufydoof. Karyn and I were paired up for the Bead soup event organised by Lori Anderson. Something that at first appeared to be quite easy turned into a difficult event. I was really worried about what to put together for Karyn but the feedback was good and so I'm happy!


Karyn's goodies arrived in a silver draw string bag - complete with gorgeous slumped cabochon, silver star dust accent bead, a silver bail and toggle set, rose lumi/lustre mix Czech beads (my absolute favourites of all time) an amethyst assortment of small rounds and a mix of seed beads! What a great assortment - I'm looking forward to challenge of making jewellery using components that are not normally part of my repertoire (2011 resolution # 7 - think outside the box!).

It has been a super busy week and I will post again over the weekend. See you soon - Liz x

2 comments:

Marlier Designs said...

These beads are beautiful Liz! I can't wait until I get a chance to play with this glass too :)

Pretty Things said...

LOVE those colors! I'm excited to see what you make!