I've been busy making beads and wigwags for a sale in August. I want to have something that is affordable to everyone and am trying to think of the best way to string single beads.

Twisties and wigwag twisties.


These are the beads I've made using the twisties -

I have to say having a bulk tank is wonderful - what a difference to the little cannisters. I have no idea how much I'm using or how soon it's going to run out, but I do like it. One thing I've noticed is that my moretti black is getting some smearing on the surface, not sure if that is due to the excess heat or what. I'd like to try some Vetrofond next as I hear it's better. In the meantime I think I'll try etching some of the black beads, I'm sure they'll look quite nice.

Today I had a breakthrough! I read a tutorial on how to make twisties that helped me no end. Until now my twisties have been about four or five inches long, I can now make them 12+ inches in length! And also I've been trying the wigwag twisties that seem very popular at the minute, here's a picture of a regular and a wigwag. I think if you click on the picture you'll see a bigger version.

Busy work week so not much time at the torch so far. I have been trying some Russian doll beads without much success, certainly not good enough to post. I like the idea but need to work on the process and figure a good way of doing their faces because they are pretty tiny. Elly in Etobicoke shipped me some of her Satake glass - thank you Elly!! I tried some of the pink, I love the way it melts, but price would be a big consideration as it's quite a bit more expensive than the Moretti I am using. Maybe when I get really good I can consider making some with Satake.

Yesterday I discovered Bigger Is Better! I upgraded to a bigger gas tank and can't believe the heat I'm getting from my torch even with the tank barely opened. It's like the difference between night and day, or a toaster oven and a pizza oven!! I'm even finding the flame is bushier too which is good because it keeps bigger beads warmer easier.

Here are yesterday's barrel beads, if I was a martini drinker I'd be wanting the 'olive' one ;o)

I'm feeling inspired with the lovely Spring weather, green grass, budding trees and spring flowers! My favourite time of the year. You'll notice a few changes here as I try my hand at customising this blog to match my website, hopefully I won't do anything too dastardly.

Watch this space for new beads!

Here are a couple to whet your appetite -


I don't do florals, but was pretty pleased when I tried and this was the result.


This is a little hollow bead with millefiore

Finally, finally!!! Spring (or Summer) has arrived - what a relief after a cold, damp, snowy April so far. It's going up above 20c today.

I got my hose for a bulk tank yesterday and have everything moved into the sunporch, now I just need to get the gas and I'll be away. My goal is to really try and spend as much time as possible torching to improve on my techniques and hopefully start to get an inventory of saleable beads.

In March I won second place in a contest that Artistry In Glass was running, I entered my very first bead in a bead, and won a $50 gift certificate. I'm not sure whether to put it toward 'Passing The Flame', tools or glass... Too many things to choose from.

Beadwise I've been working on hollows mostly, trying to get them bigger. Every now and then I feel like I'm in some sweet spot where the glass flows like honey just where I want it, so I know it can be done.

Pictures? Ummm, let me see what I have I can post..

A new cat design which makes them look like they are hanging over whatever they're threaded on


This is a hollow, squashed with suneye on it, for my daughter Jess' birthday


A charm for her to hang in her house.

We are well into March and I've been busy getting my website online. It's done for now, more pictures to add and I'm sure I'll be reworking it as I go - www.fireseed.ca

Earlier in the month I attended a symposium for artists/craftspersons wanting to sell their wares. It was fun, I made a couple of contacts and learned some new things too.

When I went to pick up my last batch of annealed beads, the store owner told me I had some pretty neat stuff and that if I could make them a bit bigger he'd be willing to have some in his store on consignment. That was quite exciting as he's a glassblower and has been in business for quite a long time I believe. So.... my goal is BIGGER beads!

What I really need is for the weather to warm up, I find often the wind is in the wrong direction and blowing right in the window I'm trying to exhaust fumes out of, let me tell you it just doesn't work! The heat is lost too quickly and I have a job to get the glass melting consistantly. I am in envy of folks with decent places to torch, mixed fuel torches and kilns - yep that's it, I just want it all!!

What's new for beads? I've been trying some hollows and had a really good day when by some fluke of the stars I managed to make a bead inside a bead. That has become my proudest accomplishment, especially as I haven't achieved another since.

I've also been doing more faces, dots and cats. I get a lot of comments about the faces, I think because they are colourful and a bit different. They are fun to do too, and I want to make these bigger also.

My bead inside a bead!!





Funny Faces


The grey and white one is our cat Raffi.