
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!) 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 shipping 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
All Items
Reviews
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Sue on Jan 23, 2023
5 out of 5 starsI absolutely LOVE your floral Lampwork beads. They are so well made, such talent! Came well packaged & shipped fast. The extra beads are so generous! Great customer service!
Annie Alta responded on Jan 23, 2023
Sue, what a beautiful creation! Truly one-of-a-kind jewelry that you make. Thank you for posting it! Val
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Sue on Jan 4, 2023
5 out of 5 starsBeautiful Lampwork beads! Such talent! The extra beads was such a kind gesture. Great customer service. Came well packaged & shipped fast. Wonderful seller!
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Sue on Dec 20, 2022
5 out of 5 starsGorgeous Lampwork beads, love the colors. Came well packaged & shipped fast. The extra beads were such a generous gesture! Great customer service!
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Rita on Dec 1, 2022
5 out of 5 starsAll of the beads are beautiful. Shipping was extremely fast. The handwritten thank you note and the freebies were so nice.
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Rita on Dec 1, 2022
5 out of 5 starsAll of the beads are beautiful. Shipping was extremely fast. The handwritten thank you note and the freebies were so nice.
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Rita on Dec 1, 2022
5 out of 5 starsAll of the beads are beautiful. Shipping was extremely fast. The handwritten thank you note and the freebies were so nice.
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Shana on Oct 24, 2022
5 out of 5 starsI love my custom bead sets! Val went above and beyond on this order and I couldn't be more pleased.💙 Thank you Val, I hope you get some much needed rain☔
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Sue on Oct 11, 2022
5 out of 5 starsThese beads are absolutely gorgeous, little works of art! Came well packaged & shipped fast. Excellent customer service, wonderful seller! * The extra beads were such a generous gesture*
About AnnieAltaBeads
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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 Anne, who loved to sketch flowers and trees, and Gramma Alta, a person of steadfast compassion, faith, love, and positivity to everyone around her. I spent my career in research, teaching, health care and software development. Now I'm retired and free to tackle the next big challenge - forming 3mm flowers in molten glass!
Many of my customers love encased floral lampwork beads set in simple beaded jewelry. Many are jewelry artists too. What fun to share this world with you all - jewelry lovers and jewelry makers. You are my oxygen and my inspiration.
Thank you for visiting. Be safe. Stay strong. Stay well. Remember what matters. We've all been through so much this year, and it looks like we've got some more ahead. 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.
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Cancellations: accepted
Request a cancellation: before item has shipped
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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.