Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Silver Glass Gemstone Beads

At long last I have tried something that's been brewing in my mind for a few months: silver glass beads that look like precious metals and gemstones.Elven Pendant The pendant is made with Psyche, Triton and a big dot of clear. I love how the clouds and blue sky are reflected in the "moonstone." I'm so happy with the way it turned out! Here's the back:Elven Pendant - Back I made a set of beads that go with it:Elven GemsI'm planning on putting these in my Etsy shop tonight. If I can part with that pendant, that is. I'm trusting I can make more like it.

A little side note: I'm a big Lord of the Rings fan, and I've recently discovered the unabridged version of the trilogy on audiobook. I've now also gone out and bought The Silmarillion on CD, which is a long book by Tolkien that tells the history of Middle Earth... I am obsessed! I was listening to The Fellowship of the Ring audiobook when I made these beads... I think it had an influence!

Audiobooks are a great way to pass the time while making beads!

8 comments:

rosebud101 said...

OMG! That is a gorgeous pendant! You really are the queen of the silver glasses!

Karolen said...

Thanks for the sweet comment, rosebud!

Kim said...

That is one truly AMAZING work of art!

Karolen said...

Thank you Kim!

Patty said...

Karolen, that is unique and *very* cool. It looks just like a jewel in a fancy setting!

Anonymous said...

Is that really glass? It looks like metal. Beautiful.
We've been getting into Art Clay Silver over here, but I've always loved the idea of making glass beads.
Looks pretty hard work though.

Karolen said...

Patty and Rob, thanks for your comments!

I've never tried silver clay, but I've always wanted to. The inspiration for this pendant comes in part from the desire to work silver in some other way besides with solder.
I'm truly a terrible solderer!
Finally with this silver glass technique I can make "silver" jewelry again. I bet PMC would be a lot of fun for me, too.

Making these glass pendants takes some intermediate or advanced lampworking skill, mostly because of the detail, the awkward angles I have to work at when applying the decorations, and keeping the whole piece warm while I'm working so it doesn't crack.

Thanks again everyone for your comments!

Anonymous said...

Wow..! That pendant is marvelous.!!