Nov 062011
 

Wow! These blossom beads are addicting. Stick around for more color combos, I’ll be posting beads like this all week. Since they are so fun to make, I’ll also consider color requests, just shoot me an email. Oh, and don’t forget to check out my new nugget bead size reference here.

Three blossoms are applied to the front and back of the bead.

Details
Glass:
• CIM Thai Orchid, Effetre Periwinkle, and Effetre Light Brown.
Approximate dimensions:
• 15mm square x 8mm thick.
• 2.5mm hole.
Available for sale in the Bead Boutique.

Jun 222011
 

The aventurine speckles are sparkly like glitter, I can’t seem to capture it in a photo.

Quantity:
• 4 beads
Color:
• Moretti Grass Green base with Green Aventurine frit
Approximate dimensions:
• (2 beads)15mm × 15mm, 8mm thick, tapers to edge
• (2 beads)18mm × 18mm, 8mm thick, tapers to edge
• 2.5mm holes
For sale via Etsy.

The name aventurine derives from the Italian “a ventura” meaning “by chance”. This is an allusion to the lucky discovery of aventurine glass or goldstone at some point in the 18th century. Although it was known first, goldstone is now a common imitation of aventurine and sunstone. Goldstone is distinguished visually from the latter two minerals by its coarse flecks of copper, dispersed within the glass in an unnaturally uniform manner. It is usually a golden brown, but may also be found in blue or green.

The majority of green and blue-green aventurine originates in India (particularly in the vicinity of Mysore and Madras) where it is employed by prolific artisans. Creamy white, gray and orange material is found in Chile, Spain and Russia. Most material is carved into beads and figurines with only the finer examples fashioned into cabochons, later being set into jewellery.

Main markets for aventurine are landscape stone, building stone, aquaria, monuments, and jewellery.

Jun 132011
 

Color:
• Blue & Black
Approximate dimensions:
• 15mm × 9mm
• 2.5mm hole

Jun 122011
 

Color:
• Purple, Periwinkle, & white
Approximate dimensions:
• 15mm × 9mm
• 2.5mm hole

Jun 112011
 

Color:
• Green, white, & yellow
Approximate dimensions:
• 15mm × 9mm
• 2.5mm hole

Jun 042011
 

Color:
• Red & Green
• Approximate dimensions:
• 10mm × 13mm
• 2.5mm hole

May 272011
 

Color:
• Green and very pale green dots
Approximate dimensions:
• 9mm × 12mm
• 2.5mm Hole

May 202011
 

Painters Pallet Bead Pairs make cute earrings.

Color:
• Black, Grey, Green, & Multicolor Speckles
Approximate dimensions:
• 8mm × 112mm
• 2.5mm Hole