Flip Side Lace!

You may recall I made a "Lace" bead a few weeks ago, and I wasn't sure if I should etch it or not - in the end the customer decided. But while I was pondering, it was suggested to me to etch just one side. I held this thought in my mind, and when I made this bead I decided to give it a go!

Now I appreciate that it's hard to tell from this picture, but it really is quite surreal. I've got the best of both worlds here. One one side it's frosted and shows up the lace really well, and on the flip side it's still got the shiney look - it's quite amazing!! Why didn't I think of this before???

You know, this bead is a keeper but I will be having another go!

Trudi x

Stevie's Lace .... A Comparison

Stevie's Lace, A Comparison, originally uploaded by Glittering Prize - Trudi.

When I made this bead I did wonder what it would look like etched (also known as frosted or matt) - trouble is, once you etch it, that's it ... you can't undo it!)

It was suggested to me to get an idea of how it would look - was to put it in the fridge for a few minutes, take it out and breathe on it! Well that does give you a little idea but I wasn't sure still! So I thought, I'm not deciding - I'll put it up for sale and whoever buys it can decide (I did show a picture of a much smaller bead part etched). That was a good move, the decision was out of my hands!

It was bought and my customer asked for me to etch it, leaving the murrini glossy. WOW, I loved it, the etching does bring out the colour more and shows off the lace effect, and leaving the murrini glossy really adds a new dimension to the overall effect. Don;t get me wrong, I still love the glossy effect too, but now I have the best of both worlds, knowing what it will look like!

Happy days.

Hydrangea Twist

Hydrangea Twist , originally uploaded by Glittering Prize - Trudi.

I haven't played with my murrini and shards for ages, but I got some lovely spring coloured murrini from Michelle at Sundoor Beads, so a great excuse for a play!

Now, do I sell it or keep it for me????

Golden Vortex

Golden Vortex 2, originally uploaded by Glittering Prize - Trudi.

Well the weather has been kinder these past few days for sure! In fact, yesterday was just delightful.

I was out in the studio melting glass, as is my want!! And on Saturday I was playing with my new lentil press that I love. Looking forward to some sunshine I grabbed some topaz, some goldstone and threw in some silver glass frit and murrini - and this is the result!!
And do you know what ................. I'mgoing to keep it.

Infact, I'm wearing it now!!

Creations

Well, I'm always busy making beads and jewellery for other people, so I decided to make something just for me!!

Using the theme Chinese Water Garden (see previous posts) I made the shell (I can't capture it on here but the shell does contain silver glass that sparkles and reflects the light!). And then I found a swarovski starfish in my stash, and I came across the Jet Swarovski fish while "just looking" on Jilly's beads - I just had to have it. I put it together and strung it simply on black rattail - very soft! So there you have it, it may not be summer, but I love wearing it!

I've also been busy in the studio making some focals:

What do you think?

These ones I made, inspired by autumn - and the Acer Tree in my garden

(aren't the colours in the tree just gorgeous!)

These proved to be popular as they were bought by the same lady at Harrogate! It's a new technique that I was working on, and I'm quite pleased with the results!

Once again, thanks for reading my rambles!

Trudi x