Some of my first beads made at home

My studio has now been set up for a week and I have managed to get to the torch most days.  I should be torching today but some of my equipment needs a bit of TLC after the cold night and damp weather.  I thought I would share some of the better beads I have made and those that I am most pleased with.

First are a couple of big hole beads, the pink one is clear with a reactive frit and is prettier in real life, the other one was dots with spots that did, to be honest, go a bit wonky.

The second photo is of two dotty beads that I rather like.

The third is of two hollow beads with little spacers, the biggest one was the first hollow bead I made and I am very pleased that I managed to make it without it collapsing or breaking.

The final photo (a bit out of focus on the blue bead) is of two gravity swirl beads I made.  I have to say I am particuarly pleased with the red one!

Studio finally up and running

I have finally got the studio set up in the outbuilding (jolly chilly out there) and today saw the first day of beadmaking at home.  Beads currently annealing in the kiln so no piccies yet, but thought I might post some photos of my work area. (Very pleased by the way that I didn't blow everything up in my first attempt)!

First photo shows how high the ceiling is in the barn; the second one shows my work area; and the final one shows one of the big doors which will give me ventilation.  The double doors are about 8 foot wide and there is another one opposite the one in the picture.  Gives a lovely airflow but is also can be very windy!