|
I began making one-of-a-kind
jewelry pieces several years ago, using semi-precious gems,
stones, and glass, fitted with silver and gold.
Once I began making my own
glass beads, the nature of my work changed dramatically. Each
bead is hand made, using a propane torch, kiln and Murano glass.
The glass rod is melted in the flame, and wound around a steel
mandrel to create the stringing hole. Colors are mixed together
while the glass is molten, then the bead is formed into the
desired shape. It is painting with melted glass!
Often I enhance the beads with
pure silver, palladium or 22-carat gold foil. When each bead is
finished, it is annealed in the kiln.
Only then are the beads made
into jewelry. I combine glass beads with semi-precious stones
and sterling silver or gold-filled findings. I use a variety of
stringing and wire work. The final product is a beautiful,
wearable piece of art. |
