AnnieAlta

Lampwork Beads and Jewelry

Bellevue, Washington 14 Sales On Etsy since 2017

5 out of 5 stars (7)

AnnieAlta

Lampwork Beads and Jewelry

Bellevue, Washington | 14 Sales

5 out of 5 stars (7)

Shop owner

Contact

Request Custom Order
Contact shop owner
14 Sales
32 Admirers
 

All Items

Annie Alta

Contact shop owner

Annie Alta

Announcement    Hello and welcome to my Etsy page.

For ten years I've been crafting one-of-a-kind lampwork beads here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. I sell individual beads and finished jewelry at craft fairs and here on Etsy.

One could string handmade jewelry to the moon and back, so why is Annie Alta jewelry different? The beauty is in the lampwork beads themselves. Like a good portrait or photograph, each bead and necklace is a unique creation. I can create the bead, then craft the jewelry around that bead to make colors, shapes, and the overall design work together.

The lampworking process begins with choosing glass-compatible colors and composition. I form the bead in a 4800-degree oxygen/propane flame, decorating it in layers and applying shaping and rounding techniques. When it looks good, I cool the bead over 8 hours to stabilize the molecules.

Been working with hot glass for ten years now and love the constant challenge. Making something beautiful for you or someone you love is my very happy place. So blessed to be able to live this creative life with my fellow lampworkers, jewelers, and customers.

Thank you for stopping by. An extra special thank you for supporting handmade Etsy sellers. You are our oxygen!

Announcement

Last updated on Jul 1, 2019

Hello and welcome to my Etsy page.

For ten years I've been crafting one-of-a-kind lampwork beads here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. I sell individual beads and finished jewelry at craft fairs and here on Etsy.

One could string handmade jewelry to the moon and back, so why is Annie Alta jewelry different? The beauty is in the lampwork beads themselves. Like a good portrait or photograph, each bead and necklace is a unique creation. I can create the bead, then craft the jewelry around that bead to make colors, shapes, and the overall design work together.

The lampworking process begins with choosing glass-compatible colors and composition. I form the bead in a 4800-degree oxygen/propane flame, decorating it in layers and applying shaping and rounding techniques. When it looks good, I cool the bead over 8 hours to stabilize the molecules.

Been working with hot glass for ten years now and love the constant challenge. Making something beautiful for you or someone you love is my very happy place. So blessed to be able to live this creative life with my fellow lampworkers, jewelers, and customers.

Thank you for stopping by. An extra special thank you for supporting handmade Etsy sellers. You are our oxygen!

Reviews

Average item review
5 out of 5 stars
(7)

About AnnieAlta

Sales 14
On Etsy since 2017
  • Start with glass - Every color in the rainbow. Need to know how each color reacts to the heat and other colors.
  • Squish, decorate, shape the hot glass. Pull strings of glass to decorate the bead. First the earth, then the flowers...
  • Round the bead then maybe encase with clear glass. Patience... but if you hold your breath, you turn blue!
  • The torch with the flame on is such a peaceful place.
  • Finally, create the jewelry. String and re-string until the colors, shapes, and sizes are just right.

The Story of Annie Alta

In one of my last conversations with mom before passed, she spoke of her wishes for my life. She was direct: “You've always been an artist, now please become an artist.” Life is short, she knew. Oh, how she knew. She also knew women's practical sides can perpetually squish our dreams as we take care of everything and everyone before our heart's deepest yearnings.

Fast forward a few years. An artist? Yes. Create in glass? Yes. Love the daily challenge of melting glass and making beautiful beads. Love the flame. How can melted glass be so obstinately stubborn and un-malleable, then poof! - beads of breathtaking beauty appear from the flame? Magic. No other explanation.

My name is Val. My shop's name (Annie Alta) pays tribute to Aunt Ann, who loved to draw flowers and trees, and Gramma Alta, who was the essence of steadfast compassion, faith, and love.

I hope you like what you see here. If you are a jeweler and want a special bead, let me know and I'll take a stab at it. If you want a custom necklace, a mom/daughter necklace set, something for the wedding party in your wedding colors, let me know. I'm a torch-kinda girl these days, and could make something strong and pretty.

Thank you for visiting. Be safe. Stay strong. Be kind to you always.

Around the web

Facebook

Shop members

  • Annie Alta - Val

    Owner

    Lampworker since 2011. Living a blessed life working with hot glass, jewelry, and my wonderful customers. Gaining wisdom, patience, and adrenaline one bead at a time.

Shop policies