Monday, January 19, 2015

Bead Porn!

It's been a while since I have "shared my finds"....so this is some of what I have recently acquired.  I was a little scared to type Bead Porn in my title...goodness know what a google search will do with that name.  Oh well...

First up are these gorgeous lampwork beads made by Susan Kennedy of Sue Beads.  It's no secret that blue is my favorite color.  But, when it is this deep and rich, and accented like these, well...'nuff said!


The next set of pretties are lampwork by Judith Billig of Icarus Beads.  Her etsy shop is in "vacation mode"...but I bought these  from an online auction on one of the way-too-many Facebook Groups that I belong to.  Her Facebook page, where she updates her beady goodness, can be found here.  Anyway, these beads have just a touch of pastel, encased in a thick, thick layer of clear glass, in an awesome square/dice shape.  I have named them Pastel Icicles, 'cause I think the name fits!


This next set of beads - a very large set as a matter of fact - is by Jenelle and her husband Daniel of Beads and Botanicals fame (link to their Facebook page here) .  Again - another auction win!  They contain her "famous" sea salt blends...Winter White is the title.  Swoon!


This last set of lampwork finds is from Catherine Steele.  Yes - another Facebook auction!  I was online the instant she posted this picture, and let me tell you, I had to fight to win this one! :)  I had seen her beads in matched sets, so I felt lucky to find this one!  Each bead is different and has intense colors...and I just love the bicone shape!  A link to her Facebook page is here.  


I am on quite a few email lists, one of which is Dakota Stones.  This is dangerous! :) Well, last week Dakota Stones announced that they had begun carrying large-hole gemstone beads.  While I adore gemstones, the holes are so tiny and not big enough for my first love - wire (except the thinner gauge wires, which don't hold up for what I make).  I don't tend to string beads with beading wire - I love the look but I hate crimping (HATE!) :) Most people prefer large hole beads for fiber or leather.  Not me....I instantly saw wire going through these beauties! 
From Top to Bottom: Picture Jasper, Yellow Jade, Faceted Sunset Dumortierite, Impression Jasper, and  Sky Eye Jasper
So far, I have made these earrings with the Impression Jasper.  I just love all the colors flowing in that awesome heishi shaped bead!


I finally felt well enough (worst flu EVER) to attempt to solder.  So, going through my stash of cabochons, I was so pleased to find this little Picture Jasper.


And, I used some of those Picture Jasper large-hole gemstones and some 18 gauge sterling silver wire.  I am a happy girl!


I am happy to report that I finally used the Flex Shaft to polish up the pendant.  OMG!  What a difference from using a Dremel!  With the big fat Dremel, I had to hold it in my left hand, with the jewelry in my right hand (I am right-hand dominant).  But with the Quick Change Hand piece I purchased (link here), I was able to switch - in seconds - from one mandrel to the next to polish this quickly.  And, this handset is so darn slender - and I held it in my right hand - so, again...I am a happy girl!


Today is Monday, which means errands (ugh).  But, I am happy to report that my mother is finally well enough to leave the house and wants to go shopping with me.  So, I will joyfully run those errands today!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I love to read your comments!!

xo
Patti

13 comments:

  1. Wow - those beads you received are stunning! You are going to be creating some gorgeous pieces as usual! Love those earrings and the necklace is STUNNING!
    I am so glad your mom is feeling better. Have fun shopping.

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  2. Oh, wow! Those are some gorgeous beads you got. How fun. Thanks for sharing. And I love the pieces you made. I'm glad your new tool is working so well, and that you and your mom and on the road to full health.

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  3. Those beads are fantastic! I love the etched winter white ones and the bicone ones. I'm glad you're having fun with your flex shaft! And, also that you and your mom are on the mend, or almost all mended!! My husband and I have a terrible cold but thankfully not the flu! Oh, and just so you feel better about the title of your post, knitters post, or did post, about their yarn porn! Enjoy your errands!

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  4. I so hear you about the "way-too-many" FB auction sites, Patti (I think I am trying for bankruptcy LOL). Glad you are over the flu and back to creating with all these beauties :)

    I have my dremel in a large tabletop clamp so I can polish at ease. Whatever we need to make the task more enjoyable!

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  5. Wow, you really found some treasures! I'll look forward to seeing what you do with them. And, I love, love, love that necklace---shared it on my Pinterest board. Glad you and your Mom are doing much better. I was sick for about four weeks also and still have a little congestion and cough---it just doesn't want to go away. Feel pretty good now though. xoxo

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  6. Great stash of treasures, and beautiful jewelry! Love those earrings!

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  7. I just got back from Monday errands and had to choose between the treadmill or visiting blogs...you see what won out ;-) Serious porn here!!! Those bi-cone beads with the orange and blue and green ~ I would co-star in a porn with them!!! GORGEOUS!!! The necklace you made is beautiful and earthy and the silver makes the jaspers really pop. Glad to hear you and your Mom are feeling a lot better. May the rest of the winter be kinder to you both.

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  8. gorgeous pieces Patti! I absolutely love those earrings and that necklace with jasper and silver is just dreamy ... totally laughing at your hatred of crimping. I do it, but I do not like it. So I only use when it is the only technique that seems to fit a design!

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  9. Yay! Porn!! It has been so long since I have seen any proper porn (which must contain beautiful beads). Those beads just make me sigh in envy! Great finds and/or wins.

    I just love my flex shaft. My hands wouldn't hold up to using a dremel. It was just too heavy. My only regret is that I didn't get one with a quick change handset. That is one upgrade that is on my list.

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  10. Damn, but those beads are sexy! You're just feeding my bead-hoarding with posts like this you know.... *sigh*. You're right. I NEED more beads.

    Thank you for your comments on my bloggy blog - I've left a reply for you there :) Still in love with your jewellery. I'm going to go away and drool some more now! Big hugs - Shroo:)xx

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  11. Beautiful beads! Love the necklace and your work on the pendant is terrific! I must add that the earrings are AWEsome...love the colors of the beads with the copper. So glad you are all well and out and about! Oh Happy Day!

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  12. Bead porn is right! Love your new stash Patti, and what you create with them is amazing as usual. Glad you are feeling better!

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  13. Those bicones are my favorite shape!

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