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Welcome to my website. I have been making lampwork beads since 1998. These rain-inspired beads are made one at a time in my island glass studio in the Northwest. The large hole (approximately 5mm) through Silver Rain Charm Beads accommodates European-style, big hole bead (BHB), add-a-bead charm jewelry. To make glass beads I heat canes of transparent and opaque glass to 1450 degrees Fahrenheit in an oxygen-propane flame. The molten glass is wound onto a stainless steel rod treated with separator. Glass is layered and melted together to create the bead. Shaping the bead involves heat, gravity, hand tools and patience. While still hot the bead is drizzled with fine silver to create raindrops reminiscent of Washington's weather. It is immediately moved from the flame to a kiln for digitally-controlled cooling. This cooling process anneals the beads making them strong and resistant to breakage. The bead is removed from the rod, cleaned of separator and ready to be enjoyed. Barbara Matteson |
Birthstone ColorsJanuary - Garnet
February - Amethyst March - Aquamarine April - Diamond (clear, yellow, brown) May - Emerald June - Pearl July - Ruby August - Peridot September - Sapphire October - Tourmaline (black, dark green, pink) November - Topaz December - Turquoise |
Neutral ColorsBlack
White Ivory Metallic Black Transparent Grey Brown Other Offerings |
Glass Bead RingsMy bead rings are available in children's and adult's American whole sizes 1 through 9. Using sterling silver wire, I wire wrap each bead to make the range of sizes. Because each lampwork glass bead is individually made they do vary in shape and size.
A ring size conversion chart to American sizes is available at http://findmyringsize.com/en/conversiontable.aspx |
I add new colors of beads from time to time