ABOUT MY BEADS: I find inspiration in nature, my extensive travels, almost anywhere and everywhere! My style is varied ranging from organic to bling! I love to experiment with shape, color and design with wonderful results. Other lampworkers describe my beads as ‘different’ and ‘unique’.
All glass beads are handmade in the studio using traditional lampwork techniques. I use soft soda lime glass COE 104 along with metals, foils, frits, and shards. The centuries-old lampwork technique involves melting glass in the flame, manipulating it onto the mandrel, and determining shape, color combinations, and design. Each bead is a unique work of art even when it’s part of a series. All beads are kiln-annealed (cooled slowly in the kiln to realign the molecules) to assure stability, strength and durability of the finished cleaned bead. I use 3/32" mandrels unless otherwise specified.
ABOUT ME: My company name is Sheila Checkoway Designs, and CheckowayGlass on Etsy. You can follow Sheila Checkoway Designs - CheckowayGlass on Facebook - learn about my sales, see stories of my glass bead inspirations. My home and studio is in eastern Massachusetts. My beads are available on Etsy and at shows (see schedule).
More than 20 years ago I began working with hot glass in sand-casting at a Corning NY studio, but switched to lampwork when I became mesmerized by the tiny creations. Inspiration comes to me from nature and organic materials: the sea, mountains, plants, stone, canyons, sky, rusting metals, archeological structures, textures.
My studio is at Elsie Kaye Gift Shop & Artisan Boutique where I work among the contagious energy of glass-making friends and teach bead-making. I’ve met a wonderful cadre of lampworkers – folks who share their knowledge and expertise willingly and enthusiastically.
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Lisa on Mar 26, 2026
5 out of 5 starsI am so glad these were still available after the show. I couldn't stop thinking about them. thank you, Sheila
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Sandy on Dec 22, 2025
5 out of 5 starsGreat hand crafted lamp-work beads. Beautiful colors and exactly as advertised!
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Kathleen on Dec 9, 2025
5 out of 5 starsOMG! ALL of these beads are extraordinary and beautiful. I love them!
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Kathleen on Dec 9, 2025
5 out of 5 starsOMG! ALL of these beads are extraordinary and beautiful. I love them!
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Linda on Nov 25, 2025
5 out of 5 starsThe length that they came is the perfect length for me! Thanks, Sheila. Look forward to wearing one soon.
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Lindsay on Nov 20, 2025
5 out of 5 starsTruly unusual and very inviting beads. Anything they become part of will be so special.
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Lindsay on Nov 20, 2025
5 out of 5 starsFascinating and very special beads. Matte surfaces are so wonderful. Well-packed and arrived fast.
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Randy on Oct 29, 2025
4 out of 5 starsVendor was very courteous with my concern. Hopefully this will still be a great Christmas gift
About CheckowayGlass
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Sheila Checkoway
Owner, Maker, Designer, Curator
Making glass beads is my passion since 2008. I teach lampwork to beginners and advanced students at Elsie Kaye Gift Shop & Artisan Studio in Westborough MA. I'm a member of ISGB International Society of Glass Beadmakers – New England Chapter.
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