
Announcement
A note to my customers. We often assume that the attributes of women – kindness, steely strength, intelligence, loving generosity – are inherent. Yet now we come to a time when these attributes are being tested from all directions. When we’re shaken down to our roots, our roots are where we start again. When our love, intelligence, common sense and generosity is strong, nothing and no one can get past us – no pandemic, economic or political upheaval, no cruelty or inhumanity or apathy can upend who we know we are, what we know we can do. Nothing can affect how well we can take care of each other. A friend recently joked that if the last few years was a disaster movie, no one would think it was believable. Yet here we are.
My heart is with all my customers and their amazing kindnesses and generosity toward people and critters who need them. During these rough times, please take care of you. Creativity is good for reducing stress, so keep creating. My wish is that every day you and yours affirm who you are and what you can do. To find joy in the simple pleasures when you can. One step at a time, we’ll get through this.
I'm a retired nurse educator. My passion is creating encased floral glass lampwork beads. I fire up a Bethlehem brand Alpha Bravo torch hooked to an oxygen concentrator and propane to melt glass into stringers. I use these stringers like paintbrushes to make pretty beads (and always a few wonky beads. Laughing!). An old coffee grinder serves as the perfect frit maker to make custom frit color combinations - just the right size for the encased beads.
Each glass color has a different viscosity, different levels of heat tolerance, and different reactions to heat and nearby other colors. Building tiny layers of glass requires a steady hand and attention to detail in the flame. Encasing with clear needs patience and no smooshing the flowers! All beads are kiln-annealed overnight, washed, and drill cleaned.
I offer free shipping over $35, and will gladly combine shipping. My studio is here in Washington state and I ship from here. I use Pirate Ship to keep the cost as low as possible.
If you would like to swap a clasp from one type to another (magnetic to claw for example) let me know. I'll always include pony lacing cord with your bead order so you can line the beads for a snugger fit. Or, I can pre-line your beads, let me know!
An extra special thank you for supporting lampworkers and valuing our products. You truly are our oxygen.
Hugs,
Val
Announcement
A note to my customers. We often assume that the attributes of women – kindness, steely strength, intelligence, loving generosity – are inherent. Yet now we come to a time when these attributes are being tested from all directions. When we’re shaken down to our roots, our roots are where we start again. When our love, intelligence, common sense and generosity is strong, nothing and no one can get past us – no pandemic, economic or political upheaval, no cruelty or inhumanity or apathy can upend who we know we are, what we know we can do. Nothing can affect how well we can take care of each other. A friend recently joked that if the last few years was a disaster movie, no one would think it was believable. Yet here we are.
My heart is with all my customers and their amazing kindnesses and generosity toward people and critters who need them. During these rough times, please take care of you. Creativity is good for reducing stress, so keep creating. My wish is that every day you and yours affirm who you are and what you can do. To find joy in the simple pleasures when you can. One step at a time, we’ll get through this.
I'm a retired nurse educator. My passion is creating encased floral glass lampwork beads. I fire up a Bethlehem brand Alpha Bravo torch hooked to an oxygen concentrator and propane to melt glass into stringers. I use these stringers like paintbrushes to make pretty beads (and always a few wonky beads. Laughing!). An old coffee grinder serves as the perfect frit maker to make custom frit color combinations - just the right size for the encased beads.
Each glass color has a different viscosity, different levels of heat tolerance, and different reactions to heat and nearby other colors. Building tiny layers of glass requires a steady hand and attention to detail in the flame. Encasing with clear needs patience and no smooshing the flowers! All beads are kiln-annealed overnight, washed, and drill cleaned.
I offer free shipping over $35, and will gladly combine shipping. My studio is here in Washington state and I ship from here. I use Pirate Ship to keep the cost as low as possible.
If you would like to swap a clasp from one type to another (magnetic to claw for example) let me know. I'll always include pony lacing cord with your bead order so you can line the beads for a snugger fit. Or, I can pre-line your beads, let me know!
An extra special thank you for supporting lampworkers and valuing our products. You truly are our oxygen.
Hugs,
Val
Items
Featured items
All Items
Reviews
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Shana on Apr 15, 2022
5 out of 5 starsBeautiful and versatile set of beads. The extra beads are so pretty and very much appreciated! Thank you Val💕
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Tracy on Apr 5, 2022
5 out of 5 starsLove these charms. Beautifully done and great quality. Customer service is impeccable. Very prompt shipping
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Sheila on Mar 30, 2022
5 out of 5 starsLove, love, love! Thank you for the beautiful work of art. Also, I love the extras you added to my package.
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paula on Mar 28, 2022
5 out of 5 starsGorgeous beads. Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness in every order I receive from you. Love the gift also. 🎁💕 Thank you too on your very fast shipping.
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Sue on Mar 25, 2022
5 out of 5 starsBeautiful Lampwork beads, such talent! The colors are amazing, will make a beautiful bracelet. The extra beads were so generous. Came well packaged & shipped super fast. Great seller, highly recommend!
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paula on Feb 17, 2022
5 out of 5 starsThese are GORGEOUS. Love your store. Thank you so much for the beautiful gifts too. Super fast shipping.
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willow on Feb 15, 2022
5 out of 5 starsMore awesome beads just came in. I'm gonna have fun creating with these! My favorite Etsy seller!
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willow on Feb 15, 2022
5 out of 5 starsI just love these beads! Val makes the nicest beads and I keep coming back for more!
About AnnieAlta
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Start with glass - Every color in the rainbow. Need to know how each color reacts to the heat and other colors.
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Squish, decorate, shape the hot glass. Pull strings of glass to decorate the bead. First the earth, then the flowers...
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Round the bead then maybe encase with clear glass. Patience... but if you hold your breath, you turn blue!
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The torch with the flame on is such a peaceful place.
The Story of Annie Alta
I Love the flame. I love painting tiny pictures with hot glass.
Hello, my name is Val. I started lampworking in 2010. The shop's name (Annie Alta) is part Aunt Ann, who loved to sketch flowers and trees, and Gramma Alta, a person of steadfast compassion, faith, love, and positivity to everyone around her.
Many of my customers are jewelry artists. If you want a special bead or bead set for a project, or want colors or color combinations, drop me a note. If you're planning a wedding, birthday, holiday or special occasion, jewelry made with unique artisan lampwork beads is truly a keepsake.
Thank you for visiting. Be safe. Stay strong. Stay well. Remember what matters. We've all been through so much this year. Be kind to you always. - Val
Shop members
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Annie Alta - Valerie Coxon
Owner
Lampworker since 2011. Living a blessed life working with hot glass, jewelry, and my wonderful customers. Gaining wisdom, patience, and great reflexes one hot bead at a time.
Shop policies
Shipping
Customs and import taxes
Payment options
Returns & exchanges
I gladly accept returns, exchanges, and cancellations
The following items can't be returned or exchanged
- Perishable products (like food or flowers)
- Digital downloads
- Intimate items (for health/hygiene reasons)
I accept returns I do not accept returns
I accept exchanges I do not accept exchanges
I accept cancellations I do not accept cancellations
Because of the nature of these items, unless they arrive damaged or defective, I can't accept returns for:
Privacy policy
More information
Frequently asked questions
Custom and personalized orders
Would be happy to extend the length of any necklace by adding a color-coordinated chain at the neck.
Would be happy to change any clasp from a magnet clasp to a color-coordinated toggle, lobster, or hook and eye.
Will gladly create a necklace or bracelet from any bead set listed here.