tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48976424187789972662011-09-21T11:58:36.514-04:00Handmade Lampwork Beads & Beaded Jewelry by Gillian SoskinGillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.comBlogger691100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-72841541503455506312010-12-23T08:54:00.006-05:002010-12-23T09:04:21.211-05:00

Well, we're right in the thick of the Christmas season, but as a lampwork bead artisan and jewellery designer it's always necessary to be thinking ahead. I've been making glass hearts for Valentine's Day designs, and I'd like to show you some of them.They make wonderful pendants for necklaces, paired with some Swarovski crystals for added sparkle.Each heart is unique...they are hand-shaped with

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-66057500032349985822010-12-22T11:19:00.006-05:002010-12-22T11:27:48.899-05:00

I ran out of fine silver foil last week, but my supplier came through for me, and I'm stocked up again!I made more of the silver-foiled beads, and quite a few of them have sold already (thanks everyone)...here are three pairs that are still for sale in my Etsy shop.Butter Pecan, Browns, and Blues Glass Beads - Handmade Lampwork PairButter Pecan & Silver Blue Swirls Glass Beads - Handmade Lampwork

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-28434922933830189292010-12-12T13:07:00.005-05:002010-12-13T08:21:41.250-05:00

Look at all these beautiful works of glassy art!Thank you so much JewelsbyJasmin, for including my "Aurora" lampwork focal bead in this beautiful Etsy treasury!

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-78230302795258344232010-12-05T17:46:00.005-05:002010-12-05T17:58:25.700-05:00

Purples, Aquas, and Greens Glass Beads - Handmade Lampwork Set of 5 BeadsYesterday there was no snow on the ground...this started this morning, and has continued all day! We're supposed to get 30cm (12") every 12 hours for another day and a half!!I live in London, Ontario....nestled in the middle of three of the Great Lakes (read inland seas): Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario. We get "

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-48060194441085820862010-12-04T16:57:00.006-05:002010-12-04T17:08:18.384-05:00

Butter Pecan, Purples and GreensButter Pecan & Chestnut BrownsButter Pecan & Montana BlueThese pretty beads were all made with a technique whereby you make a base bead...here using a lovely glass called Butter Pecan, then wrap each bead with pure silver foil and roll in a blend of small pieces of coloured glass, called frit.The frit melts into the silver foil, pushing the silver aside, creating

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-66053693888169994352010-11-28T20:33:00.008-05:002010-11-28T20:56:00.334-05:00

Well, Black Friday has passed...and CyberMonday is soon upon us.<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if !mso]> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-67857571066457922212010-06-20T18:14:00.006-04:002010-06-20T18:23:37.034-04:00

It's been a busy month with committee work and other employment-related things taking precedent, so I have been "itching" to get to the torch more often. Isn't it funny how when you can't do something as much as you would like to...you crave it even more.Here are some new pairs of borosilicate glass beads now listed in my Etsy shop....Light Green and Blue Glass Beads-Borosilicate Lampwork

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-91897508447107780972010-05-30T08:40:00.003-04:002010-05-30T08:47:29.966-04:00

I find that as I follow my creative inspirations I tend to gravitate towards some colour palettes, and forget about others.I decided to have a look more closely at this habit of mine, so I searched "blue" in my Etsy shop...and I found that 14 of my 57 current listings were blue, or had blue in them.I made a poster sketch of them because I thought they looked pretty all arranged by colour...I'm

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-21806471774810158752010-05-19T20:48:00.002-04:002010-05-19T20:59:39.220-04:00

Tomorrow is my 3rd Etsyversary...where has the time gone??? You may be asking yourself "What the heck is an Etsyversary?"Etsy is a fabulous online shopping site where you can buy wonderful handmade items...and I have had my Etsy shop "Gillianbeads" since May 20, 2007. I have had almost 1200 sales in that time and have had the opportunity to meet some terrific people, and made some good

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-38777894860697038692010-05-18T09:32:00.008-04:002010-05-18T09:46:25.682-04:00

These glass bead pairs are fabulous for earring designs...they are a nice size to use as accents with Swarovski crystals, sterling silver, copper findings, and pearls.The borosilicate glass lends a mysterious quality to the beads, and is best viewed in natural daylight...they really sparkle!These are all currently available in my Etsy shop...but don't wait too long, they go quickly!Blue and Black

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-34956841353396040002010-05-09T09:27:00.013-04:002010-05-09T09:38:32.935-04:00

Have you ever wondered what a lampwork glass studio looks like? Here are some pictures of mine....propane/oxygen torch, kiln for annealing beads, and LOTS of glass rods!My glass studioMy glass workbench, with torch in the centre, and kiln to the left.SOME of my glass rods...my dear hubby built the storage unit for me.My waxing and casting workbenchMy annealing kiln...gets up to 2000 degrees

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-22652583654997387022010-05-04T09:21:00.008-04:002010-05-04T09:33:25.933-04:00

These beautiful big hole glass beads fit Pandora, Biagi, and Troll jewelery...and also look great on a silver chain!The hole is big enough (5mm diameter) that it will slide over most clasps on a silver necklace you may already have! You can change the bead to match your outfit...Have a look in my Etsy shop for lots of great glass beads, and finished jewelry.Aqua Blue Glass Bead for Pandora

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-64573470968421023712010-05-02T14:49:00.012-04:002010-05-02T15:10:17.972-04:00

I think it must be because my hair is auburn (well, more grey these days but thank you L'Oreal), my husband's hair is red, and three of our four children have reddish hair, ranging from strawberry blonde to medium auburn.I LOVE the color orange!!!I have orange pants, an orange jacket, orange shirts galore...and I'm crazy for orange beads and gemstones!Here are some of the "oranges" in my Etsy

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-2724822704997693532010-04-27T20:50:00.005-04:002010-04-27T21:05:03.764-04:00

My husband is red-green color-blind and has great difficulty distinguishing between reds/greens, greens/browns, browns/yellow, and blue/purple. It's an X-linked genetic trait, and his brother has the same (dis)ability.There is a tremendously good book written by Dr. Oliver Sacks, Neurologist, entitled "The Island of the Colorblind", which discusses the trait in wonderful, compelling detail.One

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-13190452400089594342010-04-26T21:07:00.009-04:002010-04-26T21:26:57.881-04:00

I went for a bike ride at lunch today, down by the river, and all the wild Redbud (Cercis canadensis) trees were in bloom. I think they must be my favourite tree in the early Spring, with tiny, beautiful flowers which emerge directly from the stems before the leaves appear.It put a smile on my face all afternoon, thinking of the bright splashes of pink hidden amongst the other trees.I thought

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-10270340931726515812010-04-25T08:42:00.005-04:002010-04-25T08:48:48.278-04:00

These horse pendant necklaces are perfect for the horse lover in your life! Equine jewelry makes a great gift! They are available in my Etsy shop.These glass tile pendants are made from actual postage stamps mounted beneath a piece of clear glass and hang from a 24" silvertone ball chain necklace. The length of the necklace can be shortened at no charge at time of purchase.As a young girl I

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-61380278852913282812010-04-24T19:09:00.009-04:002010-04-24T21:15:44.680-04:00

I've had just over 1100 sales in my Etsy shop, and I'm approaching my 3rd Etsy-versary.I've met so many talented and wonderfully nice people through Etsy, and I thought I'd show you some of the lovely pieces of jewelry they have made with my glass beads.Don't forget, if you would like to keep up on all my new beads, hot out of the kiln, why don't you join me at Brilliant Beads on Facebook?This is

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-2904850524756848952010-04-22T06:19:00.006-04:002010-04-22T18:32:24.838-04:00

These are the latest borosilicate glass bead pairs in my Etsy shop...beautiful and unique glass beads for your jewelry designs.If you are not a jewelry designer yourself, and would like me to make a pair of earrings for you, just let me know.(Edited April 22, 2010: the bottom pair is sold)

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-86311282337625199752010-04-19T19:06:00.008-04:002010-04-19T19:16:52.206-04:00

There's nothing I like better than to tie my hair back in a ponytail once Spring and Summer arrive...easy to care for, keeps it out of my face, love it!That's one reason I like to wear earrings...a little bit of adornment when my hair is back, a little flash of color around my face.Here are some lampwork glass bead earrings that are available for purchase on my website.Look under earrings in the

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-35454892058253352652010-04-16T21:25:00.006-04:002010-04-16T21:40:06.582-04:00

As a jewelery designer and dentist who's primary focus is Head & Neck Cancer patients, I recognize that there is a need for people who have had a laryngectomy, or who have a tracheostomy stoma, to be able to have a decorative covering for their stoma. These vintage filigree silver-plated stampings are available on my website in a variety of shapes and styles, all measuring between 1 1/4" and 2"

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-9949400094869417332010-04-15T07:46:00.008-04:002010-04-15T08:12:39.605-04:00

Italian Silver bracelets are all the rage right now. There are several brands available, Pandora, Biagi, Troll, Camillia, as well as "replicas". You can design your own, add or remove beads and charms, change your color palette to suit your mood, or your outfit...and have a lot of fun with them!I am having a great time making glass lampwork beads that fit these bracelets. Here are some that I

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-88402879910058171942010-04-13T07:38:00.006-04:002010-04-22T06:17:24.097-04:00

I have some new glass leaf pendants on my Brilliant Beads website......this leaf is made with "seeded" glass so it's full of tiny bubbles...and this leaf is full of rich, earthy tones of deep reds and forest greens...and this leaf is a spectacular blend of deep caramels, with jewel tones...and it developed a beautiful metallic sheen in the kiln! (Edited April 22, 2010: This leaf is now sold)

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-85926254129654958932010-04-11T20:37:00.007-04:002010-04-11T20:44:09.167-04:00

A woman that I work with asked me to make an earth goddess glass bead for her...she and her husband have been trying to have another baby, and she was hoping that this would be a "fertility" bead for her...I'm so pleased how she turned out...she's made with German Lauscha glass and some special handblown glass shards that I made.

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-79867166003099112312010-04-10T16:02:00.006-04:002010-04-22T06:14:42.068-04:00

Do you know how the feel of a smooth stone between your fingers can soothe you? I find that the feel of lampwork glass beads against my wrist do the same thing...and you can fondle them with your other hand.I love the tapered shape of lentil beads...they lie nice and flat against the wrist, and go well with other round or oval-shaped beads.Here are some bracelets that are available on my website

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-68333319555971676822010-04-08T21:14:00.008-04:002010-04-10T16:01:23.239-04:00

I love to use my handmade lampwork beads as focal elements in necklaces...they really stand out and are one-of-a-kind.Here are some examples...these are available for sale on my website.

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-25024771941062208592010-04-07T19:43:00.006-04:002010-04-08T21:14:28.180-04:00

Well, you can imagine my (pleasant) surprise when I opened the kiln yesterday......I had sculpted this leaf pendant and when I finished it was a rather dull brownish colour with some bluish streaks running through it.I thought...sigh, I'll probably have to melt it down and start again...I was astounded to open the kiln this morning and find this vibrant beauty inside...thank you kiln fairy!!This

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-65019548233599372852010-04-05T20:47:00.005-04:002010-04-05T20:53:47.982-04:00

Well, I can admit that I have a serious boro (borsilicate glass, aka Pyrex) addiction going here!I go to bed thinking about it, and wake up thinking about it...planning my next torch session.Sunday was busy with all things Easter, and we had 21 people over for turkey, ham, and lasagna...and during supper what was I thinking of? ....you guessed it, boro, and the next beads I wanted to make.Here

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-40858477277902865992010-04-04T09:15:00.005-04:002010-04-04T13:43:12.485-04:00

I just can't believe how versatile borosilicate glass is....time-consuming, but well worth the effort.I'm making the foray into off-mandrel work, and I'm happy how these leaves turned out!They're listed in my Etsy shop as pendants...you can use them with up to a 5mm cord, chain, or beaded necklace.

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-29468173163035095462010-04-03T07:18:00.007-04:002010-04-03T07:33:44.121-04:00

Just before Christmas I decided to upgrade my lampworking torch to give me more heat and power. I bought a Nortel midrange torch with a minor torch mounted above it. I tell you the first time I fired up the big torch I almost singed the back wall of my glass studio, LOL.I bought some borosilicate glass, aka "Pyrex", and decided to practice. Well, as anyone who uses "boro" can tell you, it's a

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-18921244198609378822009-07-23T21:04:00.005-04:002009-07-23T21:17:39.454-04:00

I'm heading off tomorrow to Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia, Canada, for a friend's wedding.It's going to be a bit of a whirlwind....work in the morning, head to the airport for a flight from London - Toronto - Halifax (the trains are going on strike tomorrow so I have no idea how/if it will affect air travel), arrive in Halifax and stay overnight, drive across Nova Scotia to reach Tatamagouche,

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-27590402427607752832009-07-04T20:37:00.007-04:002009-07-04T21:05:21.900-04:00

Well, those of you who know me, know I do not need another hobby/addiction/compulsion...but I have to admit that I'm just a bit "over the top" since I've discovered digital scrapbooking.Now of course, this is only new to ME....(I tend to be a bit slow picking up on new trends, LOL).I've done some family photos....but I want to show you some pages I've made for my lampwork beads.Both of these are

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-81922180449383849502009-06-17T19:19:00.009-04:002009-06-18T08:06:26.890-04:00

time2cre8BeadazzledofOregonjustforyoubygailSandFibers

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-35696464319180054042009-06-16T07:45:00.011-04:002009-06-16T07:51:24.623-04:00

Woohoo!!Today is Toonie Tuesday in my iCraft.ca shop!!I've listed 9 lampwork focal beads, each at $2.00, buy one, buy them all!!I don't discount my lampwork beads any other time of the year, so stock up today!Sale is only for Tuesday, June 16....once they're gone, they're gone at this price!Have fun!

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-25296297223666278012009-06-15T20:47:00.007-04:002009-06-15T21:05:23.371-04:00

Metal, whether precious or base, can be cold-worked, forged, cast, welded...so many techniques!Here are a few pieces I've selected for this week's "Metal Monday"...metalsmiths rejoice!By crowsnestmountain, these beautiful "Spring Stacked Rings"...By Jewelry Without Borders, this fabulous Lapis Cabochon Pendant...By CanadianRockies, these stunning turquoise hand-forged earrings... These are all

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-50979121033767681722009-06-12T17:25:00.007-04:002009-06-12T17:44:55.748-04:00

Today I am featuring a wonderful jewellery artisan....Beau Monde of Toronto, Ontario.Her iCraft.ca shop is full of fabulous pieces of handmade jewellery, and I'll show you some, but to see them all you must visit her shop.Beau Monde's jewellery pieces are created with unusual findings, vintage beads, vintage redux, precious metals, gemstones and Swarovski crystals.She creates jewellery that is

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-64222656554904244782009-06-10T22:23:00.006-04:002009-06-10T22:30:22.751-04:00

Five FortyAdornyouStringmealongNancy Wallis Designs

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-25268454964388500942009-06-09T19:41:00.003-04:002009-06-09T19:47:07.223-04:00

iCraft.ca, the Canadian-based on-line venue for beautiful handmade items by Indie Artisans has teamed up with IndieSmiles, another on-line group of Indie shops, to cross-promote each other.iCraft.ca has been running a Seller’s Bootcamp, a great 28-day program to help sellers learn more about promoting their crafts in an on-line world. As one of the vendors participating in Bootcamp I can tell

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-75181468358319927642009-06-07T06:56:00.020-04:002009-06-07T11:07:22.653-04:00

<!--[if !mso]> v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-54459804693688015142009-06-06T05:50:00.023-04:002009-06-06T07:50:49.440-04:00

I've rediscovered my love of seedbeads. These tiny little marvels were my introduction to jewellery making when I was a mere 8 year old at summer camp, back in the 1960's when Flower Power ruled. We would make flower bracelets with thread and tie the bracelets on each other's wrists.Over the years I've come back to seedbeads, first as an embelleshment for the bodice of my wedding gown, which I

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-27483338454711433432009-06-04T07:18:00.010-04:002009-06-06T05:48:33.944-04:00

I've had a shop online, Brilliant Beads, at iCraft.ca for over one year now. It's a Canadian-operated site featuring only handmade products, from all over the world.Recently I've been participating in "Bootcamp", a program organized by Christine, of PillowThrowDecor. Christine has been showing us how to cross-promote our products, and providing us with such valuable tools and new ways of

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-42273170789724606232009-05-18T09:01:00.010-04:002009-05-20T07:34:36.176-04:00

<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if !mso]> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } <![endif]--> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-83163391476091713442009-05-17T17:46:00.003-04:002009-05-17T17:58:01.930-04:00

...and there are Apple Blossom festivals all over North America!The 77th Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom festival in Nova Scotia takes place from May 27th - June 1st, and their theme is:"Applelicious Valley: a celebration of everything apple"I love the sight and scent of apple blossoms, so today I decided to make an apple blossom lampwork bead...I only wish I could add scent to it, then it would

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-67399139199068691172009-05-11T17:15:00.003-04:002009-05-11T17:23:01.662-04:00

Oh, I do love springtime...the garden is greening up, birds are arriving at the feeders, a time of hope and promise for us all!I've taken all this inspiration and made two pretty lampwork bracelets using floral themes.Both are available in my Ruby Lane shop, with lots more closeup pictures.Can you smell the roses???

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-6034079253958333142009-02-28T16:58:00.004-05:002009-02-28T17:02:15.424-05:00

This is a pretty flower I made with Odd Lot Orange Sherbet, Butter Cream, and Tangerine Sparkle...swirled together, and with transparent medium teal hand pulled leaves.The leaves are pulled separately, off-mandrel, and kept warm on a coffee warmer/hot plate so they don't crack. They are then carefully heated in the torch and added one by one to the flower base.I think the colours in this pretty

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-85234586029854214432009-02-22T15:11:00.007-05:002009-02-22T15:18:37.329-05:00

Do you remember the sea turtles from "Finding Nemo"? Well, I had a customer ask me if I'd make a sea turtle lampwork bead for her...she loves turtles.I'm really happy how he/she turned out... what do you think?It took me about 1 1/2 hours to make, in two separate kiln firings, then overnight in the kiln to anneal. Can I tell you how happy I was when I opened the kiln, and it wasn't cracked?!!

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-43542272986499826212009-02-20T19:49:00.004-05:002009-02-20T19:55:24.666-05:00

"Grape Delight"....Amethyst and Silver Plum Lampwork & Swarovski Dangle EarringsThese dazzling earrings are made with beautiful lampwork beads I made in my home glass studio.I used transparent medium amethyst coloured glass for the base and decorated them with light silver plum glass dots which I left raised for greater interest.I have accented the lampwork beads with Swarovski bicones and glass

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-77764070602559496272009-02-07T19:07:00.003-05:002009-02-10T08:06:37.150-05:00

These lovely creatures are representations of some of the fantastic, and extinct, fauna from the Cambrian Explosion which occurred approximately 530 million years ago.These have been sculpted by hand in wax, then cast in gold by the lost wax technique.Please note, they are not done to comparitive scale...Anomalocaris (lower left) is thought to have measured 3 feet in length!!A labour of love, we

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-7487206800258321452009-02-01T08:10:00.008-05:002009-02-01T08:33:47.769-05:00

...from WikipediaValentine's Day or Saint Valentine's Day is a holiday celebrated on February 14 by many people throughout the world. In the West, it is the traditional day on which lovers express their love for each other by sending Valentine's cards, presenting flowers, or offering confectionery. The holiday is named after two among the numerous Early Christian martyrs named Valentine. The day

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-8245483966965237612009-01-20T07:06:00.002-05:002009-01-20T07:10:04.291-05:00

I have always loved bright, shiny things and as a child collected all sorts of pretty stones, shells, and beach glass. I still have many of those cherished objects.Beads have fascinated me for years and I have been embellishing clothing with them for a long time. I made my own wedding dress and beaded the bodice and sleeves in a vine and leaf pattern.In my professional career as a dentist, I work

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-54564546072290313102009-01-17T15:16:00.004-05:002009-01-17T15:22:22.896-05:00

Is that LOVE in the air?It's snowing, there are geese honking overhead, and we have a cozy fire going in the fireplace!Valentine's Day is coming soon, and for that most romantic of days, I made a hollow lampwork heart bead....now THAT was a labour of love!I made this hollow beauty with Bullseye Raspberry Creme glass...first as a large round hollow bead, then gently coaxed the sphere into a lovely

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-65115016556402354872009-01-16T06:37:00.004-05:002009-01-16T06:55:48.586-05:00

I am very honoured to be chosen by Misty of GemmaBeads for this award. Thank you Misty!Here's the story behind this award: The authors say that blogs who receive this award are exceedingly charming. This blog invests in the PROXIMITY in space, time and relationships. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that even

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-54367498908049109022009-01-10T11:36:00.004-05:002009-01-10T11:47:01.577-05:00

Over the Christmas holidays myself, my husband, and our two sons went to Jasper National Park for a week. We have been there in the summer but this was our first winter visit.The weather was clear but very cold....minus 36...hurt to breathe through your mouth!Like anything, if you dress for the weather it's not a problem...there was no wind.The boys went snowboarding and my husband and I

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-65807794189861831412008-11-22T10:00:00.005-05:002008-11-22T10:11:12.268-05:00

A colleague at work asked me to make three lampwork glass wine stoppers for her...this is the second one. I used a light topaz base, accented with ivory and Raku swirls, then encased in clear to magnify the fabulous colours, and textured to give a good grip.I love it when the Raku "sings"....blues and greens and browns and reds...

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-59971936791393576582008-11-10T21:45:00.004-05:002008-11-10T21:54:29.702-05:00

I have to admit....ever since Grade 3 when I "graduated" to using ink instead of pencils, I've always had a thing for pens!Being left-handed, I learned early on that fountain pens left me with ink all over the side of my hand (pushing, not pulling), but that didn't stop me...I just had a black hand often, LOL. There's nothing like the haft of a nicely balanced, weighted pen! Thick enough so your

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-48275914703275439742008-11-02T19:58:00.003-05:002008-11-02T20:06:03.784-05:00

Well, today was my husband's birthday and since he loves football (North American) so much I decided to bake him a cake in honour of his favourite sport!I had to get a picture of it before it got devoured....interesting to cut it into pieces too! We had a lot of fun!

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-17085996609142472362008-10-19T18:42:00.002-04:002008-10-19T18:51:59.650-04:00

I had a bunch of stale bread left over from Thanksgiving (our Canadian version) last weekend, and had put it in the freezer until I decided what I could do with it.DH suggested that I make bread pudding, so I thought I'd try out a new recipe....well, it is the BEST bread pudding I've ever had!!I thought I'd share the recipe: (from Cooks.com)BREAD PUDDING & WHISKY SAUCE1 (10 oz.) loaf stale French

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-51286904882586755512008-09-28T21:38:00.006-04:002009-01-26T07:51:16.942-05:00

I had an order for the filigree butterfly stoma cover...and after discussing the length, I decided to make it up with a doubled aqua satin cord, with a chain extender to adjust the length if needed.Here's a picture...these are custom made of course. This example would be $15. This is the link to my website, showing the stoma covers that are currently available. You will find a section called

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-50139985603218235482008-09-23T07:52:00.005-04:002008-09-23T08:01:32.522-04:00

I can't believe it! I set up my shop on Ruby Lane back in August, and am really enjoying it there.Last Thursday, I received an email from Ruby Lane, a newsletter that I had subscribed to, which is mailed out to thousands of others around the world.Imagine my utter astonishment when I scrolled through the newsletter to find out that I had been chosen to be in their "Artisan Spotlight"!!!!

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-33591156352936718902008-09-07T09:22:00.004-04:002008-09-07T09:27:22.989-04:00

Here's a picture of a copper cuff bracelet I made a while ago.I used 28 gauge copper wire, and tiny steel knitting needles...a little at a time because my fingers got so sore from pulling on the wire to get the tension even. This cuff took me a long time to make!Because the edges were a little uneven, and to give the cuff more strength, I made copper sheet edging, folded over, and hand-riveted,

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-78141248308086375752008-09-05T21:09:00.006-04:002009-01-26T07:48:34.372-05:00

As a jewellery designer and dentist who's primary focus is Head & Neck Cancer patients, I recognize that there is a need for people who have had a laryngectomy, or who have a tracheostomy stoma, to be able to have a decorative covering for their stoma. These vintage filligree silver-plated stampings are available in a variety of shapes and styles, all measuring between 1 1/4" and 2" in diameter.

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-72924026486137296472008-09-01T09:12:00.003-04:002008-09-01T09:46:26.654-04:00

Well, it's September 1st and although it's shaping up to be a nice weather day here, fall is definitely in the air, and thoughts turn to children returning to school. We have 3 of 4 returning to school this fall: 1 starting Dental Hygiene, 1 starting Gr. 12, and our youngest starting Gr. 9.Do you remember your anxiety and excitement starting Secondary School? I sure do...a whole new chapter of

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-90318068118818037872008-08-31T09:58:00.002-04:002008-08-31T10:07:20.151-04:00

Well, as I slowly get a "handle" on this whole blogging thing, it's time to add some links to other bloggers who have done a wonderful job! My Etsy friends are a natural place for me to start!! Watch for it on the right side of my blog page!

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-12402589094384833362008-08-30T07:25:00.005-04:002008-08-30T07:40:31.635-04:00

I finished a bracelet last night that I'm so happy with. It was one of those pieces that I just couldn't get to come together in my head for the longest time...I kept going back to the beads lying on my table, stringing them, tearing it apart, trying a different combination.Then finally, I hit upon a combination that just seemed to work for me, and here it is!It's listed in my RubyLane store.The

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-29405750795181826652008-08-28T20:28:00.003-04:002008-08-28T20:31:55.985-04:00

I was asked by a woman at work if I could make her some chainmaille earrings, and she liked them so much she then asked for a necklace! Wow, that's a whole lot of little rings....I made them all myself, from about 36' of 20 gauge wire. Brother, were my fingers sore! LOL.I'm pleased how they turned out...what do you think?

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-44405795466060243922008-08-26T21:54:00.004-04:002008-08-26T21:59:28.463-04:00

As you can tell, my New Year's resolution has been a bit of a bust! Wow, is it ever hard for me to keep up blogging...my colleagues would be astounded to hear that I'm at a loss for words when it comes to my blog, LOL.I'd like to announce my newest venture, my Ruby Lane shop.Pop by and have a look at the jewellery I have listed there:www.rubylane.com/shops/brilliantbeadsPictured above are my

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-55780454973144560162008-01-08T06:38:00.000-05:002008-01-08T06:44:31.882-05:00

I've had some requests from customers and friends to expand my range of glass items. I made a glass wine stopper over the holidays...here's a picture of it. It's made from a beautiful Bullseye glass called Seabreeze; I'm very happy how it turned out! Next project...buttons!!

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-5003632755500894792008-01-06T07:13:00.000-05:002008-01-06T07:15:48.268-05:00

Here's a picture of my glass studio...

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-19121676754668561832008-01-06T07:09:00.000-05:002008-01-06T07:12:47.967-05:00

Well, everyone must be sick of making resolutions but one of mine is to keep up my blog...didn't do well last year.After a wonderful 2 weeks off work, with lots of time for beading and lampworking, it's back to work on Monday. I'll bet everything is waiting on my desk, just like I left it!I'd like to wishe everyone a safe, healthy, happy 2008!

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4897642418778997266.post-31167610000176361222007-08-27T17:33:00.000-04:002007-08-27T17:41:22.732-04:00

I'm pretty inexperienced with "blogging" so please bear with me...my first post. I'm a part-time glass artist, making lampwork beads and beaded jewelry. Our Etsy street team, etsyBEAD, is promoting "wedding bells" this week, and have featured some beautiful jewelry for the bride, bridal party, mother of the bride, and guests who want to look stunning for the big day.Please stop by www.etsy.com

Gillianbeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970244167565929812noreply@blogger.com0