L i s a  K a n  D e s i g n s
                                                         . . . infinite possibilities
fine art glass beads  |  metal art  |  finished jewelry
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The Challenge

PLEASE SUPPORT
Lisa's San Diego 3-Day 60-Mile Susan G. Komen Walk for the Cure
November 21-23, 2008
(please click the banner to read about my story and  mission to Walk for the Cure.
Help me with your generous donation.)

The Book

Bead Romantique: Elegant Beadweaving Designs

I embarked on a fantastic journey, challenge and opportunity late August 2006.  How often does one of the largest craft publishers, Interweave Press,  ask you if you want to write a book and give you the freedom to create your vision?  I am thankful to all the talented Interweave staff whom have touched this book and helped me bring it to fruition.   And, after nearly a year's hard work "behind the scenes", in between exhibiting at shows, writing articles, traveling and making beads too, my first book is NOW available on Amazon.com

If you would like to order an autographed version of the book directly from me, just email me your request.  The book will be $24.95 which will include FREE media rate shipping.  (You can upgrade to Priority mail  and if you are an international customer, I will pro-rate your shipping fee.  Insurance is encouraged but optional).   I will also be offering the book at select 2008 shows.  Since I exhibit at most Interweave shows, the book will also be available at Bead Expo and BeadFest events.  

*****

As the book ships worldwide, there will no doubt be a number of beaders who have questions on the projects and will begin emailing me. Please feel free to do so as I welcome any commentary, positive or negative.  But also note that I will be unable to personally answer ALL emails.  I will try my best.  As I start receiving your questions, I will be posting FAQ and their answers on my BLOG. So please check on the blog for additional commentary and do not be disappointed if I can not respond immediately nor personally to your inquiries.  I wished I had several clones but unfortunately it is just me here!  Also we did not include seed bead numbers in the book, as this is a standard to not favor one company over another, but also because bead stores do not have consistent nomenclature.  But we did provide suggested colors. You are NOT locked into the colors I used for each project, so have fun creating your own versions of my designs!  I know some of you feel more comfortable using the EXACT colors in the book, therefore I will be working on creating a list of ALL seed bead color numbers used in Bead Romantique SOON.  Please give me some time and the info will be listed on this site and the blog.  The information will also be supplied to the San Gabriel Bead Company, Out on a Whim Beads and Jane's Fiber & Beads.  All of them can ship seed bead orders to you, if you can't find the exact colors at your LBS (local bead store).  Sometimes substitutes may result but the colors will be close to the originals. 

Also, if you are seeking out the 4671 14x14mm square octagon rhinestones for the project on the cover of Bead Romantique, Gregory Benson still has the West German versions of this shape.  Don't avoid these just because they are NOT Swarovski.  The shape is the same so will work wonderfully.  The trick to cleaning old vintage glass beads and rhinestones is good old vinegar. It makes the glass SPARKLE and also removes the antique foiled back (just soak the rhinestones in vinegar overnight and MAGIC!). Here is the link to Greg's Ebay listings for the 4671 14x14mm West German Square Octagon Rhinestones.  He is running out of lots of colors, so stock up before he is totally out, as I KNOW a lot of you wanted to make this necklace OR you can switch over to the 14mm Swarovski 1122 Round Rivoli too for a similar look.

I recently stocked up on TONS of rhinestones from Greg, before I made this announcement here (4/24/08).   Gotta get my share of sparkles, for my personal stash, before you folks go crazy over at Greg's! haha.

In the meantime... HAVE FUN! with all the projects.
Thank you kindly for all the wonderful emails I've received
on your impressions of my book!
I'm TICKLED PINK that you love the designs!

Bead Creatively!
Lisa

P.S.  Hey, I'll let you in on a little secret but promise me that you'll keep it to yourself, okay?  I'm working on the first kit from this book.  Look for the Pearl Mesh Bracelet AND Necklace kit coming soon in Winter 2008, in 6 to 8 colorways!!  Because you asked, I'm working hard to get this first kit out to you all.  This will be the first of MANY kits to come, some from the book and others brand spankin' NEW. (wink)

The Tools

Professional Precision Tools (PPT) - Made in Japan, COMING SOON but you can pre-order your set NOW to reserve your own personal kit!

5 tools for the amazing price of $125 + shipping 
(long chain nose, bent chain nose, round nose, flat nose, and flush cutter)

Made with Japanese CUTLERY grade Stainless Steel SUS420J2
and
A Lisa Kan Designs EXCLUSIVE offering
THE tools with the lucky RED handles!

Wholesale inquiries from instructors and beadstores
are welcomed.


News

In this section, you will read the latest and most updated news on the happenings here.  Visit my BLOG for more personal commentary and answers to FAQs from my articles/projects in beading magazines too.  I hope to give you a more personal view of what drives this crazy girl to create and write so much! I'll have periodic entries, not daily ones like other bloggers, can write.  Time needs to be reserved for creating glassy treasures.  You'll also have a chance to view photos from the shows and I'll periodically have technical commentary since I can't escape that engineer in me.  Then there are the Thursday Tease post, where I'll share some eye candy on color and texture to inspire you, and periodically break things up with some animal humor in between.  I hope we will learn and discover together! 

Update 05/06/08:  I want to send my usual Thank You's to those who visited me at Bead Expo Phoenix.  I had a great time and you'll be able to see/read how great of a time I had on several BLOG posts. Come check it out throughout this week.  The first post regarding my trip documents my debut TV appearance on ABC 15 Sonoran Living show.  Wow, was I nervous.  Lots of neat stories to tell too.

Update 05/05/08:  Now that I am back, I'll be getting back into the studio to start preparing for Bead and Button.  This is the first time I am exhibiting at this venue, helping my friend Jannell Botto of Specialty Beads, who has generously given me one table in her corner booth to fill with goodies.  I will be updating the website with recent publication highlights SOON.  So many wonderful updates to share with you all. Lampwork orders (All except Luft, Serenity and Ginkgo in-Stock colors) are on HOLD.  I will not be able to open up the show stock inventory until after Bead and Button since I am low on stock. (fingers crossed).  Everyone who placed orders originally will not be forgotten so I'll get back to you soon.  THANK YOU to all for your enjoyment of my art. Everyone has been SUPER DUPER and patient, thus far, as this is and will be a crazy exhibit year for me promoting Bead Romantique.  I appreciate you all.

Update 04/22/08:   I will be working on the seed bead numbers for all the projects in Bead Romantique after Bead Expo Phoenix. This information will be posted here,  on my blog, and supplied to the bead stores in the resource section of the book.  Please note that often the bead numbers are not listed in magazines and books due to the inconsistency of nomenclature between bead stores.  I will get you setup soon, but won't have time until mid May. Thank you for your patience and for purchasing the book.  Your response has made Bead Romantique a top selling book in Amazon's Beadwork and Jewelry categories.  THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
 

Only the upcoming four month's shows are listed on a rolling basis here. Visit the Show Schedule for the entire year's list of where I'll be exhibiting.  I look forward to meeting everyone at each show. Come visit and let's chat.  (Be forewarned that I talk as much as I write. (smile))  If you can not make it to a show, please support your local bead store that carry my work.  Visit Where to Buy for listings by state. If your local beadstore does not carry my work, have them contact me and let's see what we can do.

Bead and Button Show, June 5-8, 2008 Milwaukee, WI (representing Specialty Beads at their BOOTH 822)

Puget Sound Bead Festival, July 11-13, 2008 Tacoma, WA (Booth 146)

San Diego Bead Society Bazaar August 2-3, 2008 San Diego, CA 

Interweave Bead Fest Philadelphia August 22-24 2008 Valley Forge, PA  Booth 405

Bead Renaissance Show, September 11-14, 2008 Denver, CO  Booth 3

Note 1: I have FREE passes for Bead Expo and Bead Fest shows.  If you will be attending these shows and want to save some money to spend on beads, just email me your mailing address and I'll drop a pass  in the mail to you.  First come, first reserve but you'll have to promise to drop by my booth for a personal visit!  I'll be in Portland, Miami, Phoenix and Philly this year.

Note 2: An update for my NorCal customers:  The 2008 Bead Society of Northern California Bazaar date conflicts with my book promotion show at Bead Expo Phoenix (May 2-4), therefore I will miss seeing you all until the BABE show in November.  This year I am also unable to exhibit at the Softflex Sonoma show because the date falls on the same weekend as the San Diego Bead Society Bazaar.  August is a crazy busy month for me! I'll be back at both shows in 2009 if schedule dates permit.  If you ever need anything and can't wait, you can always reach me via email to place an order.

If you are a bead store interested in carrying my glass beads or the premium electroformed leaves, please email me on wholesale pricing qualifications.

Luft (German for "air") is a hollow series that plays with minimal texture for visual appeal and is a special transparent metallic finish that is similar to Sandstorm and Strata Metallic. It was introduced at Tucson 2008.  Hollow beads are ideal for beadwork design because they are light but durable, so you can use MANY of them, if you wish.  The minimal texture adds a tactile feel while allowing the metallic finish to shine as the main feature.  The metallic finish compliments iris, AB, satin and luster beads well.  Surface decorations will range from batch to batch but may include dots, flatten dots, swirls or any combination of these. The Luft bead accents your design, but attempts to not take center stage, adding just enough subtle pizzazz with it's glistening finish. There will be MANY colors available overtime. At times, non-metallic Luft beads may be offered at shows, when I test out new color combinations or surface decorations.  What magic a poof of air can add to two joined disk beads! These beads will be periodically offered at shows.

"Sandstorm" Focal Series

Sandstorm is based off of the Strata and Strata Metallic series and introduced at Tucson 2008. A mix of transparent and opaque glass are used to create a floating sandstorm maelstrom that swirls about with small earthy inclusions that traverse down the center of the tube bead. It's metallic finish compliments iris, AB, satin and luster beads well.  These tube beads range from 1.5" to nearly 3".  These beads will be periodically offered at shows.

I have been developing the ginkgo leaf in my dreams for awhile now - nearly two years, since 2005.  I had always wanted to interpret my appreciation for the beauty of the ginkgo leaf in glass but it was not yet the right time. I had to think and mull over how I would sculpt and technically execute the leaves because I wanted to "do it justice". I wanted the leaf to be just right and a close facsimile to the real thing.  March 19, 2007 was finally the right time to give the glass ginkgo life! And here it is.  

This series is an extension of the Serenity leaf series.  The ginkgo symbolizes hope, peace and a better future to the Japanese.  The ginkgo leaf is amongst my favorite  motifs in Art Nouveau and is often utilized in many art mediums.  It's fan shape is so romantic.  The ginkgo is a plant species unlike any other as it has it's own plant classification.   It is a living fossil dating back over 270 million years.  To learn more about this leaf, visit the Ginkgo Leaf Museum website.

Overtime, this series will compliment the many colors available in the Serenity and Serenity Milkglass series so that the leaves can be designed and implemented together if you wish. The series will also have it's own unique limited colors, from time to time.  Each leaf is individually sculpted therefore shapes will vary in each strand, as no two leaves are the same in nature.    After studying hundreds (maybe even thousands) of ginkgos, I would have to say that these are sculpted very close to the real thing.   What do you think?  It's a real joy to see a ginkgo leaf form in the flame with careful sculpting under my guiding hands.   I LOVE making them.   These leaves are perfect for a necklace or earrings.  Use them as you would the Serenity leaves.   Many more fantastic colors are yet to come and will be added to the online catalog as they are developed.  

I dream a lot about beads  if you haven't noticed. 

I have been dreaming about making the Nouveau pendant series since early 2006.  I had explored the drop shape in March 2006, creating several smaller prototypes with abstract designs, but had to leave the concept behind to move forward with other impending projects and deadlines.  This is how long an idea can germinate because if it's not "perfect" it is not ready for you.  I had just finished submitting the first 10 project proposals for my book, Bead Romantique, so romance was still definitely on my mind. One week prior to exhibiting in Tucson 2007, I decided it was time again to bring forth my original drop pendant concept.  The Nouveau pendant series pays tribute to the Art Nouveau age which I love the most.  It embodies the stylized flowers that were popular in the era.  Each drop pendant has six stylized crocus-like flowers seemingly dancing and floating around it's circumference.  The custom blended colors bring the 3-D flowers to life and create additional depth.  Each pendant has a sterling silver bail (sometimes I offer gold-filled too) with a 2.5mm ring.  It takes 3 days to make each pendant, from the custom blended floral canes, to the execution of the pendant and lastly, the finishing of the bail.  The Nouveau pendant can be easily woven into beadwork, strung with ribbon, or incorporated as a pendant with an addition of a jump ring.  The use of two or more complimentary transparent glass colors in the base drop add visual depth and the satin finish provides an internal vintage glow.  On rare occasions, the pendants are left un-etched because the clarity of the Italian glass should be left un-altered to shine on it's own.  These pendants will be periodically available at my shows.  Additional pendant shapes may be added to the series over time. 

The Nouveau pendant is featured in a festoon necklace in my Bead Romantique book, utilizing beaded quatrefoils and Vintaj brass findings/chain.

The art of Haiku poetry was officially born in Japan at the beginning of the Tokugawa shogunate (1603-1770).  This poetic form has always consisted of three-lined verse of seventeen syllables, arranged in alternating lines of five, seven and five syllables each.   Having traveled to Japan on several occasions, I am deeply drawn to their arts and esthetics.  You will see the Japanese influence in my glass work often.  This series was inspired by the changing seasons and the beauty of nature portrayed in classic  Japanese Haiku poetry.  The focal beads are my interpretation of the changing seasons and of the falling leaves/blossoms floating in a pond.  The variety of colors in the Haiku series were also influenced by beautiful silk kimonos.  The focals in this catalog are only a sampling of some of the fabulous colors now available (violet, coral, aqua, lavender, cranberry pink, soft pink, denim,  teal, and more colors are continually being developed).  There are 7-8 different steps and multi-layers of glass combined to create the depth in the Haiku beads.  Every angle you look will tell a different story.   The shape of the Haiku bead is reminiscent of the Inro box worn on the Obi (kimono sash) which held small objects and trinkets.   The finished necklace and lariat above provides you two of many design options for the Haiku focal.  For a more expansive selection, visit me at one of my shows or email me to select from the show stock when I open it up between shows.

In April 2007, the Haiku bead was chosen as an editor's pick and two of the beads graced the cover of Beadwork's Annual Beads 2007 issue.  Jean Yates' Passion's Poem, featuring a Red Haiku bead, graces the cover of Simply Beads April 2008 Magazine.  The Haiku beads have also been featured in a number of publications since it's creation in 2005, my first Tucson show.

 
"Mesa" Focal Series

The Mesa series was created for Tucson 2005, my first major show.  Since it was the first time I attended and exhibited my glass work in Tucson, I wanted to create a focal series to pay tribute to the Southwest.  As a fan of turquoise and silver, it is no surprise that I am also a big fan of Southwest arts and crafts.  Each focal contains a painterly approach of my interpretation of the Southwest.  The colors in this series are predominantly burnt oranges, tans, turquoise blues, raw umber and sienna.  Each bead is framed with a black border as if the bead was a painting.  The colors lend themselves well when combined with turquoise beads and whether just strung up or in a crochet rope design, you will have a little bit of the Southwest near you at all times.  The focals are very fun to make because of the randomness of the swirls (as if the wind was blowing)  and the unpredictability of the final colors.   Some of the Mesa beads are etched to give them  a soft worn look and feel.  These tubes range from 1.75" to nearly 3".   The finished necklace above provides you one of many design options for these long tube beads. These beads will be periodically offered at shows.

A careful mix and special recipe of Italian glass and metal colorants creates the ceramic like appearance of the Fusion series.  The surface decorations often times appear metallic due to silver fuming and repetitive flame reduction.  The shapes are generally flatten oval tabs with smooth edges or scalloped edges on one or both of it's sides.  Sometimes, there are etched and non-etched versions with streams of color transparent glass around the tab, which are offered periodically at shows.   This series attempts to mimic my love of ceramics in glass and is made with Italian glass.   

The Fusion bead was featured in the Spring 2006 issue of Stringing Magazine, my first time writing for Interweave Press.  My River's Edge necklace was selected for the cover of this issue.  What occurred thereafter, was pure magic.  Today, I continue my collaboration with Interweave and now write for Interweave's various magazines and publications.   The finished necklaces above provide you two of many design options for these flat tabular beads.   These beads will be periodically offered at shows.

The Le Fiore Vive series was born on Sunday 12/29/02 and averages 1.25 to 2.50 inches lengthwise - a miniature canvas - as I like to work on the small scale.  Le Fiore Vive is Italian for "The Living Flower".  And in glass, the beauty of these flowers will indeed live forever.  Many of my creations are inspired by mother nature's colorful palette. All the flower colors are custom blended to create the 3D effect and depth.  It takes 2 days to make each bead, from the custom blended floral canes to the execution of the bead itself.  Using glass as my paintbrush, 2.5mm to 3mm custom blended canes, are slowly "painted" on petal by petal then stem/leaf canes are added carefully, while keeping the surface decorations un-melted for a 3D effect.  I hope you will drop by often to see the numerous flowers I intend to add to this series over time.   The beads are fully decorated on the entire circumference of the bead surface.   This series has taken a metamorphoses and improved over the years.  Sometimes, I offer this series in watercolor versions using enamels (fine powdered glass).  For the time being, since Tucson 2006, I re-introduced this series with new shapes (vases and tubes) and longer stem freesia-like flowers.  Previous pieces to this  series can be viewed in the Gallery.  These beads will be periodically offered at shows.

In April 2003, the Le Fiore Vive beads were selected to be part of James Kervin's Book More Than You Ever Wanted to Know About Glass Beadmaking, 5th Edition.  In February 2005, Lark Books also selected the Le Fiore Vive beads (watercolor versions) for inclusion in Kimberly Adam's, The Complete Book of Glass Beadmaking.

"Strata" and "Strata Metallic" Focal Series

Strata are bands of different colored or differently structured material exposed in cliffs, road cuts, quarries, and river banks.  Living in a mountain community, there are many cliffs and mountains nearby.  I was inspired to capture the striations of the cliffs in glass,  thus the name of this series.  Some Strata beads are etched for a soft worn feel and resemble agate slices.  For Tucson 2008, while prototyping the Sandstorm series, the Strata Metallic series was born. This new variation with it's metallic finish compliments iris, AB, satin and luster beads well.  These tube beads range from 1.5" to nearly 3".  These beads will be periodically offered at shows.

You will be able to find my articles and projects  in beading magazines starting  in 2006.   I LOVE TO WRITE as much as I love creating beautiful glass and beadwork.   I am excited and fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with the editorial team, at each of the respective magazines, and hope to continue my collaboration as a writer/designer.  From time to time, other wonderful artists also use my glass beads and products in their designs through collaborative efforts.  I also write periodically for Softflex Company's monthly newsletters.  For additional information about other publications where you'll find my work, visit the Publications page.  Below only lists the most recent publications as I am somewhat of a prolific writer/designer. Just read this website and visit my BLOG.  Can't you tell that I can write a novel sometimes?

  Lots more Publication Highlights will be posted soon!  I have been busy traveling.

 
Simply Beads Magazine: April 2008
"Passion's Poem"
Designed by Jean Yates

Time for celebrations.  YAY. Hooray.  Whoopee.  (jumping up and down!)  My excellent pal and fellow designer, Jean Yates, never ceases to amaze me. In our latest collaboration, Jean's Passion's Poem for Simply Beads April 2008 Magazine, features a Red Haiku bead.  The Haiku bead has been made in many colors but the red version is extra special.  Red symbolizes different things in many cultures.  However, what is most common in most cultures is that the color symbolizes love and passion.  In Chinese and many Asian cultures, the red color also symbolizes good fortune, luck and prosperity.  Although generally pertaining to wealth in the monetary sense, for me the Red Haiku symbolizes my good fortune, luck and prosperity of creating wonderful friendships through my beads. And Jean was able to exude this feeling in "Passion's Poem".  THANK YOU Jean. This is the second cover that Jean and I both have been on together.  We first met through Jamie Hogsett and Stringing Magazine Spring 2006 issue, where we both shared that cover!  YAY!
 

    
Step by Step Beads: March/April 2008
100 Fabulous Focal Beads
"Mesa" prototype

The March/April 2008 issue of Step by Step Beads features 100 Fabulous Focal Beads.  Many of the focals featured are handmade artisan beads.  On page 20, you will find my Mesa prototype (before the final look was solidified.) shown as #35.  I want to thank Leslie Rogalski, the editor of Step by Step Beads, for featuring my work in this compilation of "fabulous" focal beads.  Are you up for the challenge of designing with a fabulous focal? I hope you'll consider an artisan-made bead for the challenge!
 

Vintaj Designer of the Month: February 2008

My friends at Vintaj have selected me to be their February 2008 Designer of the Month and featured my book, Bead Romantique, in their latest newsletter. Read more by clicking the image above to enlarge. The necklace you see is one of the three projects I designed for my book, which incorporated the beautiful and versatile Vintaj findings.

Okay so your keen eyes have found that there is an extra "h" in my name. Actually that is how you pronounce my name. I have MANY identities, under different circumstances, depending on who's asking or looking for me. (hehe) In case you're wondering, I don't always look that glamorous, but with some help, proper lighting and under the expertise of others, I can clean up quite well. The beautiful photo was taken by the talented Henry Wang, hairdo by my sisters, and makeup by Yoyo (yes that is her name).

I want to thank Vintaj for an excellent product and the inspiration I find in every one of their findings. Oh, the possibilities, if I had more time on my hands.  I hope to have more time to play with all the wonderful new findings they have sent me and are launching in Tucson. Yes, I am one lucky girl and have them right here on my desk already! I can't wait to design some beautiful jewelry with these new additions.

    
Beadwork Magazine: February/March 2008
"Deco Collar" & "Marguerite Chandelier Earrings"

There are lots of photos to share this time around and you can get a larger view by visiting my BLOG.  Beadwork Magazine's Feb/Mar 2008 issue has a preview project from my new book, Bead Romantique, (Interweave April 2008).  In this issue, you'll get a chance to preview my Deco Collar project (pages 52 to55).  This design utilizes an odd count tubular peyote/netting  stitch using 15/o and Toho triangle beads.  The stitch is similar to but NOT the same start as what some beaders know as the Russian Spiral.  Those who are familiar with the Russian Spiral will notice that the start of my tube is slightly different because I had to compensate for the 15/o and triangle bead size differences. I actually didn't even know the existence of the "Russian Spiral" when I was prototyping this necklace.   I was just playing around with odd count tubular peyote after referencing Carol Wilcox Well's Creative Bead Weaving book, which noted that the effect would spiral naturally with no need for a step-up.  The first 15/o bead after the initial start is treated as the high bead in the peyote round.  The stitch can also be perceived by some as an askew "spiral netting" but the technique and beading motion is more like peyote with multiple beads to me.  The Russian Spiral is similar but starts out initially through the first 15/o bead whereas my tube starts through the SECOND 15/o bead.  By doing so, helps align the triangle beads much better, I think.  All this goes to show you that there are always more than one way to achieve a similar look.  The things you learn!  You can even use the African Helix or Dutch Spiral to get a similar effect.  Or why not substitute your favorite tube technique for the collar portion. If you experiment, keep in mind the tube diameter, as it has to fit snuggly into the cubic zircon beadcaps.

Speaking of the cubic zircon findings, the beadcaps (CA25) and clasp (CL36) are from my friends at Ezel Jewels.  You can see that I couldn't stop at one necklace, as usual, and made a second version with rhodium over sterling versions of the findings utilizing aquamarines.  Both versions I think are equally beautiful.  How decadent and  beautiful would this necklace be for a formal event? I can even see something like this for a wedding, in different  shades of white or cream.  Hmmmm... something to think about.

The earring project, Marguerite Chandelier Earrings, (pages 68 to 69) in this issue also uses Ezel Jewels' floral earring posts (ER4) and is a good match to a cuff bracelet from the book.  You'll have to get the book for the seamless cuff, but I promise you'll love it, as it is one of my favorite projects.  Again I couldn't stop at only one pair of earrings and have three other color-ways to share with you.   Visit Amazon to order your own personal copy of my book or email me to pre-order an autographed version.

For additional finished pieces and eye candy, please check the Gallery.  This is just a fraction of some of the beadwork that I've created since 2003.  I will add to the gallery from time to time, as my designs get published in various beading magazines. Unfortunately at this time, I do not have the time to offer my designs for sale since I am focusing in offering them to you through my articles. Your input and constant inquiring at shows in purchasing kits or buying the finished pieces, are a constant encouragement for me to continue sharing my designs through my articles. I enjoy teaching through this platform, as I do not have time to teach in a classroom setting.  Besides, I want to encourage everyone to explore their own creativity and build a "Beading Nation" in the process  Let's hear it for handmade!  I hope you will explore beading on your own and enjoy the craft that has bought me so much pleasure (and if you are up for the challenge, use all size 15's in your beadweaving. I love 'em!)

    
The Dragonfly Maidenhair

My friend, Dee Perry of Clasp-on Clasp-off and Bead Need, designs some of the most beautiful clasps available in the market.  I simply love how she  transforms buttons into clasps.  She was very generous to gift me with a few of her clasps while I was at  BeadFest Miami.  I'll have to give full credit to the dragonfly 3- strand Y clasp as being the key feature that made this design come together so well.  The ginkgo is also known as the Maidenhair Tree.  You can view  a close-up of the necklace on my website's opening page and in several of my  Beadwork Magazine ads.  The lavender necklace on the left is in my personal collection and the blue version on the right is my gift to Dee.  The double drilled triangle pearls is a unique finishing touch to the collar and are stitched in alternating orientation.  The graduated fringe incorporates three of my ginkgo leaves as well as clusters of pearls.  I hope this necklace provides you further ideas on how to incorporate the  Ginkgo leaves into beadwork.  You can also create a similar look with the Serenity series with any 3-strand Y clasp.  

Aha! You folks think I DON'T sleep and you are almost right.  Did you know that I've mastered the art of beading with one eye shut and one eye opened?  Here are two alternate versions of the Pearly Mosaic necklace featured in the June/July issue of Beadwork, with graduated circles and pushed up a few notches to show how you can create a different look with the same techniques.  The design reminds me of crochet circles.  I can also see the same technique used to weave random floating circles around the neckline or converted to a smaller bracelet design. Hmmm... more ideas to get me into additional beady trouble.

I designed these necklaces to showcase the flexibility of using borosilicate beads mixed with the Serenity leaves.  All silver used in the Serenity Blossoms necklace are Karen Hilltribe Thai Silver with the exception of the daisy spacers which are from Bali.  The Merlot necklace has a mix of Toho cranberry seed beads, ruby rondelles, faceted garnet and iolite rondelles with vermeil Bali daisy accents.  It is not the easiest to photograph borosilicate beads and you won't find these beads in the online catalog but only at the many shows I have scheduled.  The colors on computer screens simply do not do justice to the way boro (aka pyrex) glass glows in proper lighting.  This glass has two different personalities.  In fluorescent light, it is muted and neutral in appearance.  But under halogen or in sunlight, the beads appear to glow from within.  The colors just "pop"!   You will be able to  fully appreciate  the nuances of this glass in person because the eye does not lie.  I specialize in LIMITED production, custom blended small rondelle and disk shaped borosilicate beads to accent all those larger focal beads you may have collected from other artists.  The beads are perfect for bracelet designs too or anywhere you want a small punch of color

The rondelle versions were used in the Berrylicious bracelet from the Spring 2006 issue of Stringing Magazine.  I also challenged the editors of Beadwork Magazine to design with the disk versions  in their November 2006 issue.   Since colors are custom blended in small batches, the selection will differ from show to show.  If you see a color you like, it is best to snatch it up because I can not guarantee I can duplicate the same colors later!  The borosilicate beads have also been featured in a number of other publications.

I have always admired Michael Barley's glasswork so imagine how thrilled I was when I had the opportunity to schedule a workshop in Port Townsend, WA in July 2005.  The trip was extra special because just a few months before (May 2005) I took the leap to pursue my glass full time.  I don't regret that decision a bit!!   Up to that point, I had isolated myself by being self-taught to develop my own personal style but it was time to venture out and take workshops to fine tune my techniques.  Michael is a meticulous and patient instructor.  I consider him to be one of my two mentors that have influenced my work the most, even if I only studied under him for TWO days.  (My other mentor is the fabulous Kim Osibin, whom I've been fortunate to spend 2 days with on two separate occasions.)  I admire Michael's attention to detail, form, function and technique.  The bead above was a "practice" bead I made in his class.  I had thought to just keep it in a box for memento sake but the bead screamed to be made into this vibrant necklace.  The necklace is in my personal collection and is  a 5-strand design utilizing various shapes of Carnelian beads, both smooth and faceted, for added textural effect.  Faceted lemon jade, hessonite garnet and olive quartz also added color variation to spice things up with a hint of Bali vermeil findings.   You will find a profile on Michael, written by me, in the October/November 2006 issue of Beadwork Magazine.

For the time being, since May 2005, I decided to set aside my metalsmithing and enameling (with the exception of the two workshops I attended with my friend Kelly Russell in 2006, on PMC - see below) to focus 100% on glass. However, this is just a temporary reprieve and you will see some interesting offerings in the future.  I know I'll be unable to stay away from metals much too long.  I can't commit to a timeframe of when you'll see products in this category again.  A girl has only so much time in the day to create but I use every second of every moment!  In the meantime, you can view some of my previous work and get a sense of my style of metalworking to see what exciting things may be in store. 

 
     
Dragonfly Summer

(October 2006) It took a year for her to get here but I was able to convince my friend Kelly Russell, to come into town to teach two workshops at the San Gabriel Bead Company.  I've been toying with the idea of playing with PMC more and combining it with my glasswork.  I made the above double sided bead (which also serves as a pendant) with Kelly's guidance.  I LOVE the effect of the single dragonfly camouflaged behind the wisteria leaves.  Textures were created by using Gwen Gibson's tear away technique. We used the ancient Korean technique of Keumboo to apply 24kt gold foil to the fine silver bead.   A nice patina was added using liver of sulfur.  What fun!  I have some exciting ideas I'd like to explore when I have more time to play and more equipment!  Kelly is a GREAT instructor and if you have a chance to take one of her workshops don't miss it!

 
Sunken Treasures and Gargoyle Rings

(October 2006) The results of the second workshop with Kelly Russell are shown above.  We explored PMC hollow forms using both lump and sheet clay.  The Keumboo application and antique patina gives the ring a lovely worn appearance, as if found from some archaeological excavation.  I simply LOVE it!   A stone can be set in the center, but I loved the patina so much, that I think I'll leave it as is.  I had made an extra ring shank so decided to create the Gargoyle Ring from a borrowed mold.  The possibilities with PMC are endless  and exciting.   I have lots of exciting ideas to add this medium into my repertoire and look forward to exploring PMC further but for now, I better get back to focusing on  glass beadmaking and preparing for all my shows.

(May 2002) The Lizard King was inspired by a friend who is  a Jim Morrison (Doors) fan.   Using two of my favorite components - silver and turquoise - from my vision became  it's reality.  "I am the Lizard King.  I can do anything."  This was a perfect birthday gift and I enjoyed creating this piece for my special friend.  I have MANY unset carved turquoise cabochons and pendants, featuring different animals but mostly lizards, that I've collected over the years.  I have so many that I  may consider offering some  at shows later, if I can part with them.  I'm still thinking about parting with them...  STILL THINKING.  Hmmm... For now they are securely stowed away and protected. Ha ha - and all mine.

 
Dichroic Scroll-Linked Sterling Silver Bracelet

(mid 2004) Jan Small, a fabulous fused glass artist and instructor from Florida, gifted me with a bunch of her fused cabochons in 2004 when we met through Ebay.  I have rarely seen fused glass as beautiful as Jan's and her gift inspired me to bezel set the cabs into this creation.  Each bezel is hand fabricated.  Beaded silver wire was used to adorn the cabochons and the beaded rings were individually soldered onto each bezel setting.  The bezel set cabochons  were then linked together with two delicate scrolls which were hand wound with simple hand tools.  It was a challenge to solder the scrolled links to the bezel setting and there were many trials and errors but the results were well worth the effort.  Since less is more, the bracelet ends with a handcrafted hook closure.  Thanks Jan for this inspiration!  (Click the pictures for a larger view)

(mid 2004) I designed this bracelet for the Orange County Fair's Jewelry Design Exhibit in 2004.  The entire bracelet was hand fabricated down to the round and square wires that were curled by simple hand tools (not on a jig).  I had to even make the square wire from round wire because I didn't have time to order it pre-made.  Thanks to drawplates and a few strong fellows who helped me get that round wire squared!  There are 3 dimensional flowers that were individually sawed out (not cast) and each layer soldered individually with a genuine blue topaz bullet cabochon  adorning the center of each flower.  On the ends of the cuff bracelet are two 8mm round blue topaz cabochons to finish the look.  The scrollwork is actually based  off of an old wrought iron gate design book from my extensive reference library and each scroll is  terminated with soldered silver balls that I made from jump rings.   (A trick for getting the same sized ball, I learned from my metalsmithing mentor,  Bounyou "Bon" Paphatsarang.  If you ever get a chance to take his workshops and learn from this master, he is a walking encyclopedia of metalworking genius.)  This was a VERY challenging bracelet to make and it is part of my personal collection. 

(winter 2004) I am a novice  enamelist and above is my favorite enameled plate that I've made thus far,  in 2004.  I'm enjoying making decorative metal art pieces that are not associated with jewelry in abstract designs.  In the above design, I used liquid flux enamel which was left to dry on a fully coated copper plate.  The freehand design was later scratched off  with a pointed tool (aka a high-tech bamboo skewer stick).  The thinly coated areas created an organic break where copper was exposed in the first firing.   Some of the firescale on the  exposed copper were left  to create the interesting organic results.  Powdered flux enamel was then sifted onto the plate.  The plate was fired a total of 4 times.  I had fun experimenting, achieving and creating organic textures with enameling.   Enameling has allowed me to mix  my love for glass and metals together into one medium.  How exciting!   I am sure there will be interesting developments in this area in the future.  But I had to set the enameling aside since April 2005, and for now, it's 100% focus on glass beadmaking and preparing for all my shows.   I shall explore enameling in the future again, so it's NOT goodbye forever.  (Click the picture for a larger view)

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Last modified: May 8, 2008