Question:
I keep seeing these really cool glass beads with little glass bumps on
them in B&B. Not being very knowledgeable about glass bead making, I
think that these are handmade but I don't know the correct terminology
to refer to them. They don't carry anything like this at my local
bead store, tho they do have some beutiful glass beads. I have this
"touchy feely" thing going with beads since I got into this craft a
few months ago. If I wear a beaded amulet bag I can't stop rubbing
the beads between my fingers and I can just imagine the wonderful
texture of these big bumpy beads!
If anyone cares to educate me on the correct terminology or knows of a
source for some of these beads that are calling out to me to touch
them, I would be very appreciative.
Answer:
-I don't know what they are called I do know that the artist who makes them
is Kristina Logan. Also BEADWORKS has some in their Phila. store, but they
are relatively small. I took a beadworking workshop with Kristina in June,
and now I too can make those "bumpy" beads. They're fun but hard to get
them as even as she does...also some of hers are pretty big.
-If I read your message correctly, you are looking for handmade
'lampworked' beads. I think what you want is called an 'eye bead'.
According to 'The History of Beads', beads of any material with circular
or spotted decoration may be called eye beads. That book has a section
dealing with similar beads. Basically, "In many cultures, 'eye beads'
are warn to deflect teh evil eye or to neutralize its effects."
As for sources...I'm not sure. I don't know if you can find them
in catalogs--the ones I have here don't carry them. What you might
want to do is see if you can contact any glass bead makers in your
area, and order them. I know of an amateur bead maker in Ohio, and
I have seen her make them. Or...you can pick up this art form in
addition to beading, and supply us all!
