ITALIAN MORETTI GLASS BEADS

Glass Beaded Wrap Bracelet by Star Candy Designs
http://www.starcandydesigns.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=1237

Bracelet also converts to a necklace!
http://www.starcandydesigns.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=1237

I first started making jewelry back in 2004 when I discovered hand-made GLASS BEADS.  I was browsing the internet and came across a website that showcased the work of glass artists from around the world.  I had no idea there were so many glass artists in the U.S. and so many different styles and techniques!  It fascinated me.  Every artist had their own individual style - some better than others.  I learned that hand made glass beads were formed on a torch with melted glass and then fired in a kiln.  I learned that they used different types of glass i.e. Italian Moretti, Kalera, Bull's Eye to name a few.  I also learned that they had specific names for the styles of beads i.e. Swirls, Plunged Flowers, Bumpies, Clear, Lentil, Tabs, Dichroic, Pandora-Style, Free-Form, etc.
 
I started contacting some of the glass artists directly to see if they would sell sets to me.  Some would, some wouldn't.  Some wanted as much as $10 to $20 per bead...other's sold their sets of 6-8 beads for around $18 - $25.  I started buying sets in the medium price range - ones that averaged about $4-$10 per bead. I combined these beads with sterling silver findings and Swarovski Crystals - the crystals seemed to really set off the glass beads beautifully.  Before I knew it, I was not only hooked on buying beads but I was totally hooked making bracelets, earrings and pendants.  I call my pendants "Hard Candy" because these beads do really look like candy.

I recently purchased some gorgeous sets of beads from James Tinker of Black River Beads and Pottery.  I promised in an earlier blog article that I would post some of my designs once they were done so here's a few designs I made yesterday with Jame's beautiful beads.  He does such fine work!

Dichroic Clear Pink Glass Free Form Beads (The "Brooklyn" Earrings)
http://www.starcandydesigns.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=1216

"Brooklyn" Pendant made with Dichroic Clear Pink Free-Form Glass Bead
http://www.starcandydesigns.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=1215

Dichroic Pink Glass Pendant & Earring Set
http://www.starcandydesigns.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=1215

Another View - I call these the "Brooklyn" Earrings
http://www.starcandydesigns.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=1216

Italian Moretti Glass "Lentil" Beads
http://www.starcandydesigns.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=1219

Amber & Lavender Swirls - Italian Moretti Glass
http://www.starcandydesigns.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=1222

Amber & Lavender Italian Moretti Glass "Lentil" Beads (Plunged Flowers)
http://www.starcandydesigns.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=1221

Blue Blyss Italian Moretti Glass "Lentil" Beads
http://www.starcandydesigns.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=1225

Dreamy - Fuscia Plunged Flowers with Swarovski Crystal Accents
http://www.starcandydesigns.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=1226

Blue Spin - Blue Striped Glass Beads Heavily Encased in Clear Glass
http://www.starcandydesigns.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=1227

Edgy Emerald Italian Moretti & Kalera Glass Beaded Earrings
http://www.starcandydesigns.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=1233

Fuscia Plunged Flowers - Italian Moretti Glass "Lentil" Beads
http://www.starcandydesigns.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=1220

By the time you read this blog article, a lot of these designs will already be SOLD.  That's how much my customers love jewelry made with these beautiful beads and how quickly they get snapped up.  I have clients who literally collect them and buy 3-4 designs at a time, as soon as I post them on my website.  They are all unique and one-of-a-kind.  I am so fortunate to have found James Tinker - an amazing glass artist with such a keen eye for beauty and detail!  Check out his work - he also makes lovely pottery.

http://www.blackriverbeads.com/

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ITALIAN MORETTI GLASS BEADS

Reviewed by pada mama
Published : 2011-03-27T07:00:00-07:00
Rating : 4.5