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The Purple Cat
Damage
Expensive
Lampwork beads
New jewelry
Changing a design
Sizing a piece
One of a kind
Q: The Purple Cat
Is Lester really purple?
A:
In the picture on the About Us page, he is. But in real life, Lester the pester is an orange tabby.
Q: Damage
Will the lampwork beads break?
A:
Yes, they are glass and they will break, however, the beads I buy have been through a process called annealing. The artists cool the beads slowly in a special kiln. This makes them much more resistant to breakage. Some of the first lampwork and glass beads I purchased were Chinese. I don't think they were annealed because I have several glass foil beads break in half. In fact, I do not buy Chinese lampwork any longer. The craftsmanship is just not the same as the American/Australian/European artists from whom I purchase beads.
The beads are strong enough to withstand Lester batting one across a tile floor. Mind you this was a simple bead with no embellishment. The most likely problem to occur is that dots or stripes or little flowers could pop off.
Q: Expensive
Why is the lampwork jewelry so expensive?
A:
Each bead is unique and handmade. Lampworking takes skill and lots of practice (from what I've read.) Somewhere in the price is payment for that experience. Also, I try to buy the best beads I can for the price. I've become very selective. There are some artists who are so skilled that it is not economically feasible for me to purchase their beads.
Q: Lampwork beads
What are lampwork beads?
A:
Lampwork beads are glass beads made by an artist using a torch and glass rods. The artist puts the glass rod into the flame in order to melt the glass. The glass is wound on a wire stick called a mandrel. The bead is decorated using a variety of techniques. The beads are made one by one.
I do not create the lampwork beads in my jewelry. I hope to learn someday, but I know it would take a long while before mine would look like theirs and right now, I want pretty beads.
One of my favorite lampwork artists and one of the best in the U.S. is Kim Miles. Go to her website to view pictures of torching. www.kimmiles.com
Q: New jewelry
Is your jewelry new?
A:
My jewelry is new. It is tempting to "borrow" a piece from inventory now and then, but I resist. Girl Scout's honor. I want you to be the first person to wear your new design. I do try all pieces on and I may wear them while I sit and work just to make sure that it feels right and something isn't quirky, but I put it away in storage trays when I'm satisfied with the design.
Q: Changing a design
Will you change the design of a piece at my request?
A:
Surely. I want you to love the jewelry. I have changed toggles, beads, the number and order of beads, and clasps. I know what it is like to think something looks great except for that one thing that isn't right.
Q: Sizing a piece
You say that pieces can be sized. How do you do that?
A:
When I resize pieces to make them smaller or larger, I basically start over and restring the piece. Sizing smaller requires removing enough pieces to get the desired size while still keeping the design. Sometimes this is tricky. Take my bracelet Beachcomber, for instance. Removing any bead would change the balance of the design. Also, many times small beads are needed on the end so that the toggle works easily. Resizing pieces to a larger size is easier. Beads are added to compliment the design. Usually a tiny 4mm Swarovski crystal or two can be added to each end to get the desired length.
Necklaces are ususally much easier, but not always.
Q: One of a kind
Is your jewelry truly one of a kind?
A:
Yes, most pieces are because the lampwork beads can't be exactly duplicated even if the artist sells the exact pattern, style and color again. The next batch is slightly different. Each bead is different. I have found that some artists repeat designs and vary the colors while others create distinctive beads with each set. I tend to look for those that I can't find again even if I wanted them.
Some of the pieces that do not have lampwork beads could be reproduced, but materials vary. I might have more materials on hand or be able to find them and then, I might not. All this considered, I just don't want to make another of the same.
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