Always interesting to see how new glass melts in the flame. I like to make small test beads to start with. I don’t know yet why these two beads turned out different. I would need to make more to see what the typical bead was! Thanks to my lovely customer Joan for letting me try this special piece of glass.
A bracelet featuring beads made from Green and Pink Depression glass with wine bottle beads in between.
A necklace featuring beads made from a Hendricks Gin bottle. I do love silver and gold together.
Earrings made from a @banrockstationwines wine bottle. Hand formed longer style hoops for something a little different. The beads sparkle in the light.
Inspired by Monday. Ok, it’s not actually Monday here, I am a day behind on my project, but I did make some pretty Pink Depression Glass beads last week and I was happy to use the leftover beads to make this cute pair of earrings.
Just a lovely mix of recycled glass beads from all sorts of glass objects including gin bottles, harlequin glasses, a vase and a wine bottle.
I said to someone the other day that making glass beads from recycled glass sources was “quite a process” and when I went on to explain it all to them, they agreed! It all starts with a glass object, usually a bottle, that needs to have labels removed and cleaned. Then once the bottle is clean and dry I put it into a pillow case and use a hammer to break the glass. I warm the glass on a hot plate before I put it in the flame, otherwise there would be shattered glass everywhere. Well, there still is a lot of glass everywhere, but warming it up helps the transition to the flame. Next step is making the bead! The fun part. After the bead is made it goes into the kiln, goes through an annealing process and the next day I can take the beads out, take them off their mandrel, and then clean the holes. THEN….they are ready to make into jewellery!
I honestly would have said the glass was purple but it turned out the most pretty shade of grey! I have etched the beads to give them a softer look.
It was nice to find these recycled glass beads in my collection this morning. Making this bracelet was a lot of fun. Beads are from a Banrock Station wine bottle and decorated with purple frit.
Loving this mix of recycled glass beads. From wine bottles, to old glasses, to Green Depression Glass! The little splash of purple keeps this fresh, and the coloured wire adds to the interest of this necklace.
