SRA, What it Means

There has been alot of discussion in the lampwork community about SRA handmade lampwork beads versus mass marketed lampwork beads.The letters stand for Self Representing Artist and is comprised of a large group of individuals who make the beads in their home studios. Being an SRA member means they are selling the beads they made and pay close attention to detail with every bead from making the bead, properly annealing the beads and cleaning them of all bead release before selling them. When shopping for lampwork beads, try to search for SRA artists. To learn more about this group or look up the members list, click on the link below.
http://www.self-representing-artist.com/index.htm

New Website

After a year long journey to create my own website (long story) I finally have my own website! It has lots of pictures of my beads and jewelry and even a cool slide show in the gallery section.Check it out and let me know what you think.
http://stonedesignstudio.com/

New Bracelet

"Rustic Manor" bracelet was featured in the March issue of Bead Trends magazine!
I love the simplicity and earthy feel of this bracelet. When I opened my latest issue of Rena Klingenberg's Jewelry Business Success online newsletter I found it also in the Highlights from the Handmade Jewelry Gallery. If you do not recieve Rena's newsletter, here's a link to a wonderful, informative newsletter for the jewelry community.
http://www.home-jewelry-business-success-tips.com/newsletter-168.html

Dahlia Bracelet

I love it when a customer takes the time to let me know what they have made with the beads they purchased from me. This adorable bracelet made by Diane Scott combines one of my lampwork lentil focals with seed beads and assorted Czech glass beads and pearls. I love it!!
You can view more of her work at:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/DichroDivaDesigns

More about one bead...

Here's another bracelet my niece, Lisa Suver made with one of my lampwork "orphan" beads. I just love it!
Be sure to check out all the participants of Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Blog Party going on today!
http://networkedblogs.com/uGXnb

One Bead?

I often include one pretty lampwork bead as a thank you gift when people purchase beads from me. I want to suggest a few design ideas using one bead. First...here's a link to my nieces adorable bracelet made with one of my lampwork beads.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/81663560/lampwork-bangle-bracelet-silver-black
She has made a cute bangle style bracelet with the bead as a focal and coordinating beads on each side.
Some other ideas include making the popular purse charms. Use a large lobster clasp and make a dangle with the bead and some coordinating crystals and metal. The same can be used for key chains, zipper pulls on clothing, diaper bags, backpacks even fan pulls and mini blind pulls.
Use in a mixed media designs for an eclectic look that's so "in" right now.
Of course, one beautiful handmade bead makes the perfect pendant, adorned simply and strung on a chain, leather cord or satin ribbon.

Winning Bead

I was so excited to learn that my "Northwest Sun" bead was chosen to be a part of the ISGB (International Society of Glass Beadmakers) virtual tour for the Venture exibit running from March 1st through July when the beads will be displayed at the annual Gathering in Bellevue, July 25-29,2012.The beads were judged in 2 categories, Under 2 years experience and Over 2 years.Mine is in the first category. My score was 59 out of 75.
If you would like to view the beads, here is a link to the ISGB website:
http://www.isgb.org/