My Shards

for sale at http://www.kitzbitzartglass.com

My Twisties

Some examples of my lampwork twisties

My Princess

This is Baby Ruby, my pride and joy

Fantastic Lampwork tutorials to buy on the net

There are some amazing brand spanking new tutorials out and about at the moment and so thought I would link them all here

http://www.glassbysarah.com/ebooks/thinkpink/

by Sarah Hornik

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13136926

Chaos Babies by Sherry Bellamy

http://www.everafterartistry.com/apps/webstore/products/show/148578

Pansy tutorial by Laurie Donnette

http://www.everafterartistry.com/apps/webstore/products/show/168677

Sweet heart Rose tutorial by Laurie Donnette

Frit Happens treasury - Picks by Toadstooljewels

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=53355

Etsy treasury picked out by Leeanne - Toadstooljewels

Collaboration Art Jewellery

Lampwork beads by Vicki Honeywill


Lampwork beads by Ilona Ruttle


Lampwork beads by Ilona Ruttle


Lampwork beads by Diane Turton


Lampwork beads by Josephine Wadman


Lampwork beads by Diane Turton

My Colaboration Lampwork Art Jewellery is now exclusively available in

The Art Gallery -103 Victoria Road, Ruislip Manor, Middlesex, HA4

http://www.artgall.co.uk

My Jewellery exclusively available on the High St

A Select range of my jewellery is now exclusively available in

The Art Gallery -103 Victoria Road, Ruislip Manor, Middlesex, HA4

http://www.artgall.co.uk

My Aqua Shard beads 4 Sale on ebay

http://search.ebay.co.uk/_W0QQsassZkitzbitzartglassQQfrppZ50QQfsopZ32QQfsooZ2QQrdZ0

My bead collection - odalisque releasing a butterfly

http://sheilamorley.wordpress.com/2007/08/27/releasing-a-butterfly/

I was abosolutely thrilled to stumble across this entry in Sheila Morley's Blog as I was browsing for tutorials and information on murrine today. The bead is odalisque releasing a butterfly.

My Wonderful boyfreind gave me this beautiful bead as my Christmas gift this year :)

Frithappens Tag Team Bracelet Exchange

Check out the latest batch of wonderful creativity from Frithapppens forum members. This tag team swap has taken the form of two parts, firstly creating the beads and then secondly creating the bracelets. Working in teams of three people, each member of the team received a swap bracelet which was a collaboration of the work of the other two members of their team.

http://www.frit-happens.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=4659.0

PINKDOODLE - Come and take a peek!

Lurve Lampwork?
Check out http://www.pinkdoodle.com/SearchByCategory.aspx?catid=891&tag

PINKDOODLE UK's ETSY!

Tag Team Exchange Lyric Quiz

Tag Team Lyric Quiz

“I must confess, I still believe”

“To the extreme I rock a mic like a vandal
Light up a stage and wax a chump like a candle”

"I ain't got time to discuss the weather
How long it's gonna last"

“Spaceman, I always wanted you to go, Into Space man”

"You said I wasn't cheap
You paid me twenty pounds
You promised to put me in a magazine
On every table in every lounge"

“Not happy like I used to be, Loneliness has got the best of me”

"Something's comin' over, mmm mmm
Something's comin' over, mmm mmm
Something's comin' over me"

http://www.frit-happens.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=4659.0

Baba Scan Pic

This is one of the photos from my dating scan this week. Awwwwwwwww

The baba is only 69mm long and 13 weeks old

http://www.babycentre.co.uk/stages/0113/

Baba Ticker

FHF Tag Team Bracelet Exchange Movie Quiz

Tag Team Movie Quiz

“Stop trying to hit me and hit me!”

“I can't believe this.
My doctor said that I'd be up and on my feet in five days.
He was off by a-hundred-and-ninety-nine years”

"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya.
You killed my father.
Prepare to die!"


“I've done some things in my life I'm not proud of,
but this is the first time I've ever felt in real danger of hell.”

"Gentlemen, congratulations.
You're everything we've come to expect from years of government training."

“You have the manners of a goat. And you smell like a dung-heap!
And you have no knowledge whatsoever of your potential!”

http://www.frit-happens.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=4659.0

Wigwam Bam, Thank You Mam

This is me learning how to make a wigwag stringer! This pic is from my visit to the glassworks studio in Belgium in Novemeber last year where I was fortunate to meet Sarah Hornik. I was not lucky enough to be take her class though!

Below is my very first tube bead made with my very first attempt at a wigwag!

FHF Bracelet Exchange 2007

I love to organise and get involved with swaps and exchanges. Here are the fabulous results of the first jewellery exchange that I ever ran

Jo x



















http://www.frit-happens.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=3814.0

My Etsy Mini 02/03/08

Etsy Buy Handmade kitzbitz

Lets Twist Again - Beads on Ebay

It has been a good long while since I posted last. I have been crazy about beads and living in my garage/studio in waiting as much as possible over the winter months.

Here is a small selection of beads that I have had listed for sale recently on ebay!

My bead collection - Patchwork too by Beverley Hicklin

Patchwork Too by Beverley Hinklin
http://www.beverleyhicklin.co.uk

My bead collection - stunnng focal by Francesca Cerreta

Tan and brown Focal by Francesca Cerreta
Website http://www.siriodesigns.com

My bead collection - Dotty Hollow by Mike Poole

Bumpy Hollow by Mike Poole
Website http://www.tillerman.co.uk

My bead collection - Imagine by Linda Podkova

Etsy Shop http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=65291

Wonderful inspirational stringer work by Linda Podkova
Photography by Linda Podkova

My first off mandril leaves

http://www.lampworketc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3913

These are the results of my first attemts at off mandril work using a great tutorial that I found on LE

Planet Jupiter

I have been neglecting my blog for sometime now in favour of spending time in my spider filled shed with my Hot Head torch. This is my favourite lampwork creation so far....Planet Jupiter aka. Nora (as it is the colour of grandma tights)

My Bead Collection - EllaElla by Lizajayne

I have begun collection Lampwork beads in a massive way. Ella-Ella is the very first bead in my collection!!

My beautiful ladybug is the cutest of the bunch!! Check out Ella-Ella, shes the minx in the middle.

Artist - Eliza Zelachowski
Photography by Eliza Zelachowski
website - http://www.beadalittledream.com
Etsy shop http://lizajayne.etsy.com

Lampworketc Bracelet Exchange Oct/Nov 2007

http://www.lampworketc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66866

This is my contribution to the LE bracelet exchange for Oct/Nov this year.

I have created it with a variety of Quartz beads, Swarovski crystal and freshwater pearls.

I am very excited to see what surprise braceletmy exchange buddy comes up with for me all the way from the U.S of A

My Bead Collection - Rainy Day by Sarah Hornik

Rainy Day is the second bead in my collection....a bit of a "oh well it is payday" extravagance but just so so beautiful!! This beauty has been created by Sarah Hornik, the photgraphs were taken by Sarah too.


EtsyShop http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=85969
Website http://www.glassbysarah.com

My bead Collection - Ruby by sandy at Spheresofglass

Ruby is the most adorable liitle bead. Thank you so Sandy at spheresofglass for making her and for letting me use your photograpy to show her off....

Sandy's Website http://www.spheresofglass.com

Renee Macintosh / Art Nouveau Inspired Stained Glass

Renee Macintosh inspired stained glass, a little inspiration for Mum

These images are from Quoizel Art Glass, Hamm Glass studio and the Stained Glass Guild.

http://www.stainedglassguild.co.uk/artnouv.htm
http://www.hammstudios.com/portfolio/windows/080.html http://shopping.msn.com/results/shp/?bCatId=4849,av=2-121586

Uk Made Bead Presses

Finally!!!! Lampwork bead presses made in the U.K delivered to you in 2 or 3 days (not 2 or 3 weeks!) and with out additional customs charges!




New shapes are being added all the time to the small range currently availiable - so get in there with your requests for shapes - you never know - Sandy might just have your ideas made up for you!

http://www.spheresofglass.com/page27.html

Stupid Newbie Mistakes for Laughs - link to lampworketc thread

http://www.lampworketc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29880&highlight=Rubino

I found this fantastic thread on http://www.lampworketc.com/ started by Laurie Hyatt (http://www.heavenly-gifts.com/)

and laughed my socks off!!!! Even though I have been working with glass and my torch for 6 weeks I have to admit that I *Blush* am guilty of quite a number of these Newbie Bloomers already!!!

I am especially guilty of picking up hot stringer....my fingerprints will just never be the same agin :0)

Adventures with frit

My Fourth attempt at bead making!! I am really happy with these little beads. These are made from Ivory Effetre glass with BeadySams Raku Riot frit. The beads are smaller than those I have attempted to make before but better rounded. The small spacers are much more even and their holes much more central and the whirl spacers are just lovely. All in all I am quite chuffed :)

Marmalade Bracelet

This is my second go at lampwork bead making. It is my entry for Beadfreaks Facebook forum August beading challenge. Beadfreaks is a fun little group for those of us who ar Mad 4 Beads!

The theme is “Citrus” and so I have made themed beads from zinging Effetre glass. I used Striking Orange, Striking Yellow and Grass Green glass topped with Beadysams Strawberry Marmalade frit.

To visit BeadySams shop and see the superb range of range of Frit she has to offer

http://www.beadysamglass.com/

Freeform Wire Wrapped Cabs - Rhodacrosite

This free form bezel is based on a project I saw recently in the “Step by step Wire Jewellery” summer issue 2007. The tutorial is by Lisa Niven Kelly. You can purchase the full kit from her including the magazine at

http://www.beaducation.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=318

You will also find a number of free beginner wire wrapping tutorials on this website.

My take on Lisas innovative tutorial is this freeform entangled bevel for my rhodacrosite cabochon using lashings and lashings of sterling silver wire.

Superb Lampwork Tutorial on You Tube

Check this guy out!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIobh-SsyVE

I have recently been surfing the net for beginner tutorials and techniques for making lampwork beads. Ross Manion is superb! He very generously gives out clear step by step information on some fantastic techniques with easy to follow home filmed footage of the whole process. He posts under the name Hotglass and adds new tutorials from time to time......very inspiring and well worth a look!!

My first lampwork bead

I am pleased to share with you my very first lampwork bead. It is the only surviving bead of 4 that I made in the makeshift studio at the bottom of my garden. The first 3 cracked into several pieces when I removed them from their mandrils.

After flicking through the trouble shooting guide in the back of Cindy Jenkins book - Making Glass Beads I suspect that I made the rookie mistake of letting the surface of the beads cool too much before placing them in my fiber blanket. It was excellent fun working with my torch for the first time though and this one made it through!

Beads for A Cure - Shari Slonski

This wonderful lampwork bracelet has been hand crafted by Shari Slonski who makes hand blown glass beads and creates stunning & original handmade cancer awareness jewellery. You can see more of her startlingly beautiful beads and jewellery at www.BeadsForACure.com

Shari is currently in the running for SavvyMom of the year Mompreneur award

To cast your vote please visit http://www.mompreneuraward.ca/MomBio.aspx?momID=376

Don't forget to email Shari to let her know that you have voted and be entered in her prize draw info@beadsforacure.com

On a personal note, Shari thank you so much for your encouragement and advice with my own adventure into lampworking. I wish you the very best of luck with the Mompreneur Award :)
Jo

Woven opal sculptured pendant

www.kitzbitz.co.uk

Here is a little candid snap of my pal Rosie. She is wearing a beautiful opal and sterling silver woven pendant that I have created for her Birthday this year. This lovely piece was created using a tutorial by D.K Heath and can be found at http://www.studioheath.com/tutorials.php

This particular tutorial is very complex but also wonderfully illustrated and easy to follow…..it also costs $25.00……

There are free tutorials on this site also and it is well worth a look for those who are interested in wire sculpture

Elleart - Support my local bead shop

I am very lucky to have a fabulous bead shop on my local high street. Run by Ellie Travis, this little haven is a marvelous place to get arty and crafty. There are is a super range of activities to take part in including:
* Beginners` classes in jewellery-making and mosaics
* Hot Fix Hen Parties
* Fashion/costume and fine jewellery classes
* Drop-in craft sessions for jewellery-making, mosaics and hotfix
* Children’s parties

Ellie is also a superb jewellery designer and specialises in the creation of fabulous tiaras and wedding jewellery and offers a bespoke design service

Visit http://www.elle-art.co.uk/shop/ to find out more

Bruce St.John Maher

A few months ago I purchased a bulk lot of Jewellery and bead making magazine back issues. In Beadwork June/July 2001 issue there was an article by Barbera McLean about a fabulously talented Bead artist called Bruce St.John Maher. I was absolutely blown away by the pictures I saw in the articles and ever since I have been hankering after a special Bruce St.John Maher bead to have for my very own!!!!

Just to give you an idea of what I am talking about I have searched out some images on the internet to show you how beautiful and inspiring his work is.

http://www.gemcutter.com/maher.htm

Lords Prayer Millifiore

I have recently been reading "Making Glass Beads" by Cindy Jenkins. In her book there is a section on making your own alphabet cane and signature millifiore where she mentions a glass work artist called Dick Marquis.
Richard Marquis has gained international acclaim in the bead making community by creating alphabet murrina that contains the entire Lords Prayer. As there was not a picture of this incredible thing in Cindy Jenkins book, I searched the internet to find an image of Dick Marquis’ Lords Prayer murrina.

http://www.richardmarquis.com/index.php?page=historical_work_detail&workID=79

I have enjoyed looking around Dick Marquis’ website so much that I would like to share a link to it here on my Blog

http://www.richardmarquis.com/index.php

Kitzbitz Competition Time - July 2007

Join in the fun and show off your creativity with Kitzbitz Competition Time

This competition is free to all Kitzbitz Ebay customers and all entrants will receive free P&P on their next Ebay order just for entering.....so there is nothing to loose.

To enter simply email a picture of your creation to: information@kitzbitz.co.uk

All entries must contain at least one bead or finding purchased from Kitzbitz ebay store
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/kitzbitz.

The best entry will receive this fantastic "Blue & White" bracelet created using handmade Lampwork beads and sterling silver.

The winner will also have a picture of their winning entry posted on http://stores.ebay.co.uk/kitzbitz here on http://www.kitzbitz.blogspot.com and onwww.kitzbitz.co.uk for all to admire.

CLOSING DATE 30th July 2007

Best of Luck, Jo

Kitzbitz Competition Time - June Winner

Congratulations to Tracy Fletcher for her winning Kitzbitz Competition Time entry for June. The inspiration to create this headdress comes from the hairstyle worn by Padme in her Lake Gown in Starwars episode 2 Attack of the Clones. Tracy is also having a gown made which you can see at http://www.padawansguide.com/pastel.shtml

My Lampworking!

My glass and tools and torch are now all here!!! All I need to do now to get started...(and it is a pretty big all)....is to create a safe work space! Ventilation, heatproof surface, fire extinguisher and then I'm good to go!!!

Can't wait to melt my first glass rod and get bead making :)

Kitzbitz Competition Time - June 2007

Join in the fun and show off your creativity with
Kitzbitz Competition Time

This monthly competition is free to all Kitzbitz ebay store customers

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/kitzbitz

To enter simply email a picture of your creation to:

information@kitzbitz.co.uk

All entries must contain at least one bead or finding purchased from
Kitzbitz ebay store.

All entrants will receive FREE P&P on their next purchase from http://stores.ebay.co.uk/kitzbitz.The winning entry will receive this fantastic one of a kind woven Swarovski crystal necklace free!!

The winner will also have a picture of their winning entry posted on next months kitzbitz ebay competition page, here on www.kitzbitz.blogspot and on www.kitzbitz.co.uk for all to admire.

CLOSING DATE 29th JUNE 2007

Best of luck, Jo

Happy Flowers

Beautiful and yet crackers! These are so wonderful. Thank You Q xxx

Re-play Music Festival

www.kitzbitz.co.uk

This set is a special one that I created as a gift for re-play music festival for their charity raffle. It was inspired by a classic goddess form in Opalite and Black pearls with sterling silver.

RE-PLAY MUSIC recycle old and broken instruments and donate them back into the community to support music workshops for the young and the elderly, we run workshops with Mencap and also donate to a number of music therapy groups such as Core Arts and Soundminds to name a few

In addition to all this, they promote world music and youth bands to break down barriers within the community.

The festival this year was a massive success and I will the re-play team every success for the future with their fund raising for such a worthwhile cause.

Check them out at:
http://www.myspace.com/replaymusicfestival

Thanks, Jo

Flip Flop Fun

Hi all,

I have just had my Birthday recently…turning 30! What a pain in the butt!

Still it wasn’t all bad because I got the funnest cool present from my pal Tamala (Ages 4+ Adult supervision may be required!) called flip flop fun where your basic flip flops turn up in a box with all sorts of shiny things and paint and glue and you get to decorate them all up for yourself. Brilliant!!!!

Jolene

Mad 4 Beads

www.kitzbitz.co.uk

Hi there!

My name is Jolene Wolfe….and I am Mad 4 Beads.

It all started so innocently. One day browsing on ebay I stumbled across a make your own memory wire beaded bracelet kit and from that day forward I was hooked. I now get up before the post arrives in anticipation of the bubble wrapped delights that might drop through my letter box. My obsession with beading and jewellery making has gone from strength to strength, searching out for new materials, interesting shapes, new design ideas and techniques. Threading! Crimping! Sculptural wire wrapping.….There are endless possibilities and inspiration everywhere!

I am lucky to have amazing support from my friends and my patient and understanding boyfriend Andy who puts up with the little bowls and bags of gorgeous beads and “projects in progress” that litter almost every flat surface in our house.

I have been designing and creating my own jewellery now for just over two years and have a small store on ebay http://stores.ebay.co.uk/kitzbitz to provide beads and findings for others who are similarly afflicted with the beady bug.

Recently I have opened my own online jewellery boutique www.kitzbitz.co.uk which I am very excited about. It has been a steep learning curve…..finding out how to submit to search engines, and take and edit my own photographs. Critique, hints, tips and advice would be most welcome :)

For me and my beading obsession, great plans are afoot. I am setting up a small studio work space and planning to have my first hothead torch set up and running in the next few weeks so that I can begin to make my own Lampwork beads from Effetre glass. Cool.

Well that about wraps it up for my first Blog entry….bye for now

Jolene

Swarovski Crystal Snowflake

Here is a little pic of one of my favourite necklaces. This is a special necklace I put together for my good friend Donna. The snowflake is created entirely from woven Swarovski Crystals and is based on a design by Takako Samejima from her book “Bead Fantasies II”

Her website is:
http://www.crystalloid.co.jp/takako_samejima/

And her work is very inspirational and well worth checking out!!!

Catch you later, Jolene