A Plus to Meeting in the Park, we got to see Alexa's demonstration of making Beads. Very, very interesting.
Alexa – A short bio:
After
a tapestry weaving class in college my art obsession was with the loom. I continued with tapestry and clothing for 25
years. On a whim I took a glass bead
making class with the idea that it would be fun to make my own
embellishments. Lightning struck again
and I switched allegiance to the torch.
It has been a 20+ year love affair to this point. I believe that I have been drawn to very old
processes that can be interpreted in fun and nontraditional ways.
About the Process: Lampwork Glass - Each color of glass in a
piece is a separate glass rod that has been melted with an oxygen/propane torch
at temperatures up to 2300 degrees. The
glass is wound on a steel mandrel, and additional colors added with various
techniques. The completed beads are then
annealed in a kiln to release the tension in the glass. The resulting beads are very durable and
stable, unlike cheap beads from China.
The
jewelry is all handmade and includes stainless steel ear wires to avoid metal
allergy reactions. The earrings may also
include embossing and patinas on metals,
which I also enjoy making. The necklace
sets often include a combination of lampwork beads and natural stones. My
latest inspiration is flame colored copper.
Each piece is one of a kind, a personal expression from me to you. As more ideas and opportunities arise to
create applications in glass they will be embraced. My motto is: MORE BEADS = MORE FUN!
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| Jennifer introduces Alexa, a longtime member |
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| A Great Variety of Beads that Alexa makes into Jewelry |
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| Linda holds up her Windsocks The Pattern can be found at: Pattern by Patricia Balyea of Okan Arts Windsock (koinobori ) Pattern |
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