But before we get to our show, we're going to hang out and talk glass beads with artist Donna Conklin of Prima Donna Beads and instructor / owner of The Mandrel. As this post is all about lampwork spacers, let's take a look at some of Donna's:
Glass Beads Spacers by Donna Conklin
I make glass beads, and sometimes jewelry using my glass beads. I’m not sure that I am known for anything but I have been told that I definitely have a style. I’ve had people tell me they *know* my beads when they see them.
I try not to space out at the torch. I listen to my music player, I change up the play list a lot. Nothing specific… I like Pandora radio too. It’s how I learn about new-to-me music.
I gave myself a couple of nice 3rd degree burns, two in one year on the exact same spot on the back of my hand just above the knuckle near my index finger. The first time because I wasn’t aware of the radiant heat from the torch and the second was because I was torching when I was too tired and stuck the back of my hand in the flame. Both times I took care of it with ice and a triple antibiotic. I did go to the ER the second time but there were so many sick people in there, I was more afraid of what I might catch than actually dealing with the burn on my own.
What was the hardest skill for you to learn how did you overcome? Any tips to share?
Keeping long beads from cracking is still something I am learning. I have to remind myself every minute or so to give it insurance heat. One tip is, if you think you’ve waited too long you probably have. Give the torch a nice bushy flame and bring the bead to the tip and heat it up slowly while rotating, just like you would a shocky rod of 104.
My favorite things to wear are what I call my AGI beads or Aquarelle beads… My favorite piece right now is a wire wrapped necklace that I made a couple weeks ago… 5’9” long and over 4oz
Donna, thanks so much for hanging out with us on Space Out Sunday!
On to our spacer bead show:
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