Lampwork beads by Bead Fairy
Picasso Jasper
Have you ever watched a lampwork artist at work? They make it look so easy, but I'm here to tell you that to create the level of glass artwork you see in these pairs of earrings it takes a lot of practice and focus. Years ago when I was first starting out in jewelry making I took a few classes from the internationally known artists Kim Osibin and Leah Fairbanks. I learned from that experience that either one is a master at art glass beads or one buys these little treasures. Since I am also in love with stones and combining all sorts of things into artisan jewelry it was an easy choice. I'm a buyer of these little treasures. I hoard some for awhile (ahem, maybe forever on some) until my muse speaks and says it's time to go out into the world and be worn.
Lampwork by Lori Lochner
Orbicular Jasper
The first piece of jewelry I made that made me think I could actually create pieces that folks would love to wear featured a glorious art glass bead by Kim Osibin. She was inspired by the streams in New Zealand. I went tropical with it.
Tropical Paradise
(SOLD)
Lampwork by Kim Osibin
Chalcedony, turquiose, carnelian, vintage German glass, jade, amethyst, pearls
The combination of art glass (lampwork) made by an artist's hand with semi-precious stones that have taken millenia to form is a constant source of inspiration to me.
Lampwork by Bead Fairy
Wave Jasper
Growth
(SOLD)
Lampwork by Numinosity Beads
Hemimorphite
Lampwork by Irena Samek
Chrysocolla, Amethyst
Hollow lampwork by Alisha White
Chrysocolla with Quartz, Labradorite
"A gem cannot be polished without friction,
nor a man perfected without trials." Lucius Annaeus Seneca