Recycled Glass Beads

I always wondered if it was possible to actually recycle glass for beads.  Recently I was contacted by Jenny at the Bead Chest to check out some of their recycled glass beads.  You know me I love to check out all new beads to be so I immediately said yes.

Here is what they sent me.

Look at the cool color!  I have been trying to come up with something to make with them but frankly I just see pretty right now.  They have a very organic shape and are rather large for what I am used to playing with.

I encourage you to check out the unique selection that they have you may find something that strikes you.



Hugs
KK

Product Review - Suburban Girl Studio

I wasn't planning on doing another product review so soon but when I saw that she was doing an update in her shop today I knew I needed to let you all know about her beads!

Introducing Diana of.....

Yes Yes YES!  You need to go check out her shop.  Diana creates beads in porcelain, stoneware and clay (which may all be the same but baby they look so different to me) 

I first met Diana back in February of last year when she was looking for design team members.  I had not yet been able to work with any of the artisan beads of this caliber so I threw my name in the mix.  I wasn't sure if she was looking for a seed bead designer but I had to give it a shot and much to my surprise she picked me.  This was the first piece I got to work with.

I have to tell you at the very moment I opened the package I was completely hooked.  I loved the texture, glaze, shape, and color so much.  I have always been drawn to clay in some way but have never had the opportunity to work with it and so this was the first time I held such a treasure.  I created this piece for that first reveal and guess what?  Yep she snagged it for herself and wears it often.  

She even asked me to create some pieces for her to display at Beadfest last year and because of that I was able to attend and a tradition was born as well as a friendship I value beyond words.  Here are some other pieces I have created using her yummies...

How much do I love her beads?  Well you know I am on a strict budget right?  But ........

Yes that is my personal stash of beady goodness and inspiration.  So why do I love them?  Well first there is the uniqueness of her designs.  She is even making ancient looking pieces...

There is the fun factor....

But the main reasons are that she puts so much of her time and talent into each one.  There is a process of making the initial pieces, firing, then sanding then glazing and firing again.  She even creates her own stamps.  Each piece has beautiful texture, color and uniformity in such a way that you just fondle them and inspiration pops right out.  Her love of her craft shows through in each one. I am so happy to be able to work with such amazing artisan beads in the true sense of the word.

Here are some of her newest pieces (yes they are my favs by the way!) and oh yeah do not forget she is having a shop update today and it is not to be missed.

I hope you enjoyed this review and that I have again introduced you to someone you need to know!

Hugs

Kristen

Product Review - Starry Road Studio

I told you all I was expanding my reviews right?  I have decided to also give you product reviews.  I think it is important to tell you all what products I use and why I am loyal to them.  Also I may be lucky enough to introduce you to someone new.  Now I will also tell you that these reviews are in no particular preference order and I have not contacted the designers prior to posting it.  These are all strictly my opinions based on what I like or dislike about them.

So with out further ado I present you with my first Product Review of the lovely Karen Totten of Starry Road Studio!

Karen works with ceramic and metal and her pieces sometimes combine the two to make the most amazing art beads.  I was lucky enough to meet Karen last year at BeadFest during the swap.  She is also a member of the Art Jewelry Elements blog team.  My first experience in using one of her beads was during the AJE Component of the Month Hop. 

She sent this amazing little pie bead that just sent my creativity in a whole new direction. She did an amazing blog post on how she created them and I was in total awe.  At that moment I was hooked.  As I played with the pie bead and having read the blog post I was given the opportunity to really understand what goes into the magic she creates.

My second experience with her beads is when she asked if I would create some pieces for her display this year at Beadfest.  I was so excited and honored that she would ask! 

As I looked at these new pieces I was again drawn in to the creative process.  The glazes, the texture, the feel.  And if you are a beadweaver and looking for a fun cab to play with her pieces are so beautifully flat on the back you will have no problem embroidering it!  I just about lost myself in designs I created to showcase her components. 

So if you are looking for another unique artisan component go to her shop and browse around.  ( I have done a bit if browsing for you)  and pick out one that speaks to you.  I promise you will find her pieces so spectacularly made you will want more!

I hope you like this review and please give me some feedback on what you liked about it.  Do you want to see more of them?

Hugs Always,

Kristen