firekin's Shop Policies

Welcome

We are known by two names.... FIREKIN is the name for our handmade beads. VORTEX is the name of our line of hand made jewelry. For the record VORTEX came first in 1988 - we started making glass beads in 1998. Most of our work is sold in our home town and surrounding areas by consignment or at art shows and whole life expos.


About Firekin Beads
All Firekin beads are properly kiln annealed for strength and durability. We use Moretti (Effetre) glass for our designs all inclusions or surface effects are compatible products such as dichroic glass, luster powder, leaf, enamels, frits, etc. Our unique and eclectic handmade beads and jewelry go great with wearable art clothing like Blue Fish, Alchemy, and Steel Pony. All of our beads are one of a kind we do not offer production work although we may offer similar beads from time to time.

About Firekin Bead Sizes

Here is a good way to remember the sizes of Firekin beads. Beads compared to money ( hey in ancient times beads WERE money!)
Quarter = 22mm
Nickel = 19mm
Penny = 17mm
Dime = 16mm

About Firekin Bead Hole Sizes

Bead size and hole size:
Beads and hole size are measured in millimeters
Small 1mm
Medium 2mm
Large 4mm
XLarge 5mm to 7mm
XXXLarge 10mm

Crave unique jewelry?
Firekin/Vortex designs are one of a kind many are never made again. We find that the designs we create are "meant" to be with certain people...we just allow the process to happen. If a piece of our artwork speaks to you please consider giving it a home. Our designs range from contemporary to ancient. Vivid to serene. Every component for our jewelry is individually selected or crafted by the artists. Many designs contain Firekin artist made glass beads that we create one at a time in our studio.

Words to describe our art
wearable
prayers
bohemian
spirit
sacred
adornments
alchemical
energy
inspired
self expression
art
initiation
eclectic
luminosity
magical
colour

Artist Statement
Using the ancient technique of lampworking we individually create each bead . The molten glass is worked in a propane oxygen flame at temperatures in excess of 2000 degrees . We use Moretti Effetre glass imported from Italy and dichroic glass which is a dazzling mix of colours that changes before your eyes. Molten glass is wrapped around a stainless steel rod, (called a mandrel) which has been dipped in a clay based bead release, to prevent the glass from sticking. Layers of glass, color, detail and shimmering effects make each bead like no other.
To embellish and add intricate details we use gold, silver, luster powders, enamels, and ground glass to enhance the look of the vessels and beads we create. The fluidity and movement of the molten glass is frozen in time as the surface and core temperature is gradually lowered and then each bead is annealed in a kiln overnight for lasting strength and durability. After soaking the beads in water to loosen the bead release, the beads are removed from their stainless steel mandrels and cleaned of the separator using diamond files.
Historically Beads have been the basis of most primitive economies, as well as a strong root for culture and ritual of ancient communities. Every important archaeological dig has proven this by uncovering beads and ornamentation of some sort. The contemporary art glass movement has seen a wonderful resurgence of this ancient and respected art form.
Our inspiration is derived from myriad sources geometric, cellular, molecular, and genetic structures to more abstract concepts of space/time and spirituality. Creating art beads is a deeply meditative practice for us each microcosm of glass is imbued with intention and spirit. We enjoy teaching others the ancient art of making beads - to dance with fire, molten glass and their own creative spirit.

Payment

Paypal is preferred. We are unable to accept personal checks please do not bid if you unable to pay electronically. Sales Tax: Pennsylvania State residents please add 6% sales tax to entire order including the shipping costs, unless resale number is provided.

Shipping

Items will not ship until payment clears. Shipping and Handling: Buyer pays all shipping costs we ship USPS Priority or regular Mail ONLY. Firekin will spring for Delivery Confirmation but we will combine shipments with no extra service fees. Parcels are usually shipped within 3 days of receiving payment. Shipping rates will vary by item size and weight as well as buyer's location. Contact us about International shipping.

Refunds and Exchanges

Return Policy: We guarantee our artwork against breakage under normal usage conditions. If beads or jewelry break we will refund your money but remember common sense is required when wearing art beads and jewelry. If you take care of your treasures and respect them you will have a lifetime of joyful wear. Don't wear it at the gym, during strenuous outdoor activities like wrestling wild boar, or on a hiking trail looking for Sasquatch where they might get lost. Our jewelry is not replaceable due to the artistic process involved and due to fact the it is always one of a kind. Components may be vintage, in limited supply, or one of a kind and we are never going to find them again.

Additional Policies and FAQs

Because of the nature of our artistic process we have chosen not to take custom orders.

Last Updated April 08, 2009

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