AnnieAltaBeads

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