As a recovering lampwork glass addict (I still have the
torch, the kiln and all the glass in my garage workshop!) I have a soft spot
for fabulous handmade lampwork glass beads. At a bead show, my first instinct
is to check out which glass bead artists are there and see which treasures I
can scoop up to add to my growing collection of artist beads. So imagine how thrilled I was a few weeks ago when, during an episode of insomnia, I was lucky
enough to stumble across a few great treasures from the Beadin' Path's online
bead store.
Now, I don't usually recommend shopping for beads at three in the morning when you probably aren't possessed of reason, but these beautiful lampwork glass beads were too good for me to pass up! Look at the beauties that I added to my stash that sleepless winter night:
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Mix lampwork glass beads with beadweaving in Colorplay Bangles by Barbara Richard from Beadwork magazine 2010! |
The
real test came when my package of beads arrived a few days later -
would I be as happy with my beads in the harsh light of day as I had
been in the middle of the night? I was pleased to discover that yes,
these beads were just as beautiful in person as they had been on my
computer screen while I was half asleep!
Now comes the fun of figuring
out how to use these beautiful lampwork glass beads! It's always a
challenge to mix off-loom beadweaving with gorgeous glass beads like
these, but having a great resource for all things beadweaving like Beadwork magazine definitely helps.
Of course, if you're like me, you find yourself going back to your copies of Beadwork over and over again for techniques, ideas and inspiration. If you're worried about how those magazines will hold up over time, there's good news: now you can get all six 2010 issues of Beadwork magazine on a searchable CD! All of those fabulous projects, tips and techniques from the experts at Beadwork magazine in one, convenient CD. It'll take up less space on your shelf and leave you more room for - what else? - beads! Pre-order your copy of Beadwork 2010 on CD and find out why it's so convenient to go digital!
Do you have a favorite glass bead artist? Tell us about them and share a link to their online store or website here on the blog! Let's spread some beady love around!
Bead Happy,
Jennifer