The final step in the process is to deliver the work! First I touch base with the customer to make sure I have made what they asked me to make!
I can accept payments for work via Direct Deposit or PayPal.
As soon as the money is received, I will post the order to the address supplied.
This photo is of the bracelet and earrings I made from the Moet bottle.
Step 4 is to make the jewellery!
Once we have confirmed that the beads I have made are just right, then I’ll start making whatever jewellery has been requested. Sometimes it might be just a pair of earrings, and sometimes it might be the entire set of necklace, bracelet and earrings.
If you look at my Etsy shop you will see the types of necklaces, bracelets and earrings that I have been making. I’m happy to make similar items, or to try new things too.
The only aim for me in making custom jewellery is that the customer is happy with the jewellery at the end.
Step 3 is to make the beads!
Sometimes in this stage I need to experiment, to test new things with the glass. I might try some different shapes or some different finishes to see how they turn out. I actually enjoy this part of the process, as sometimes things go in a new direction, which is exciting. I will take photos of how the beads have turned out, and make sure I’m on track before making any more. Often, when the customer can actually see the beads, they know if we are on the right track or not!
I always heat the glass on a hot-plate, so that when it is introduced into the flame it doesn’t shatter. I then use tweezers to pick up the glass and make the beads. It’s trickier than using glass rods, but the result is worth it!
Once I get the glass, I need to clean it and then smash it! I use a hammer and a pillow case to smash the glass, however I’m sure there are better ways out there. I break it into pieces big/small enough to work with in the flame.
Now, I am ready to start making beads.
I often get asked to make jewellery for people. Sometimes they have seen something on my website, and would like it made in a different colour. Sometimes, they have an old bottle or glass object that they would like made into a piece of jewellery. I love doing both types of custom orders.
When someone trusts me to take their glass bottle or object and make beads with it, it’s quite an amazing process to go through with them, so I thought I would share the journey with you.
Recently a customer contacted me and asked me to make something for her from a Moet bottle. The bottle had been a gift for her 50th birthday, and she was reluctant to just throw it in the bin. She had seen my work before, and got in touch. Having already made some beads with Moet bottles, I was able to let her know that the things we could do with a Moet bottle were more limited than with a lighter coloured glass. We could embellish the beads with gold leaf or fine silver wire. Or we could etch the glass to give it a matt finish.
Step 1 was all about that initial contact, discussing the options for the glass and the finished jewellery. On this occasion we agreed to make a very simple necklace with small round beads, where alternate beads were etched. A simple bracelet to match, and long earrings.
Tomorrow I’ll tell you all about the next step: Receiving the glass.
I have just finished working on a dozen pairs of new stud earrings for my Etsy shop. They are very cute, very simple and easy to wear.
An article about the Wear a Piece of Adelaide exhibition.
I have started listing new jewellery in my Etsy shop!
Make sure you subscribe to my newsletter to find out about the special offer for March!
Here is a sample of what will be for sale.
