About Me
I began making beads in 2003. I became curious on ‘how does one make glass go like that’ while looking at various glass art online, particularly realistic glass fish created by Deb Crowley. My curiousity became a reality when I took a beginning glass bead workshop that included making a fish bead. Being a scuba diver and lover of the sea, ocean themed beads was the direction I immediatley followed. All of my scuba friends wanted beads and jewlery so from there, it became a business.
I have always been an artsy kind of person, mostly arts and crafts as well as beading. Glass is the first medium I have really stuck with. I enjoy creating realistic critters as well as fantasy fish, all with touch of whimsy. All of my jewelry is created with the finest quality of gems, stones and sterling silver (unless other material/metal is noted). I am very fussy about my pieces being made with perfection and durablity. But always remember the beads are glass and although every glass item is annealed, it is still glass and needs TLC. Keeping glass jewelry in separate boxes or bubble wrap is all you need to keep them safe forever.
I live in Redondo Beach, CA with my husband, Roger and three crazy kitties. I feel very lucky to have a home studio where I create my glass work and all of my jewelry. As I mentioned we are SCUBA divers and we love to travel to various underwater destinations. This is where I get most of my inspiration.
I have always been an artsy kind of person, mostly arts and crafts as well as beading. Glass is the first medium I have really stuck with. I enjoy creating realistic critters as well as fantasy fish, all with touch of whimsy. All of my jewelry is created with the finest quality of gems, stones and sterling silver (unless other material/metal is noted). I am very fussy about my pieces being made with perfection and durablity. But always remember the beads are glass and although every glass item is annealed, it is still glass and needs TLC. Keeping glass jewelry in separate boxes or bubble wrap is all you need to keep them safe forever.
I live in Redondo Beach, CA with my husband, Roger and three crazy kitties. I feel very lucky to have a home studio where I create my glass work and all of my jewelry. As I mentioned we are SCUBA divers and we love to travel to various underwater destinations. This is where I get most of my inspiration.
How to care for glass beads
Glass can be very durable when properly cared for. Every glass bead is made from start to finish, then placed in a kiln to anneal* for strength and durability. Glass beads can be displayed and/or used in jewelry designs. But because it is glass, a little TLC goes a long way! For example, when storing glass bead jewelry, I suggest keeping in some bubble wrap, or something protective and most of all, do not just throw in a box with heavy metal pieces. Just like you would take extra care of fine crystal glass ware, a little extra care will keep your pieces in one piece! Since most of my jewelry is made with sterling silver (SS) I also suggest keeping in an air tight bag, like a ziplock, to keep the SS from oxidizing, which causes silver to go black. This can be buffed out with a jewelry cloth, but might as well prevent it for less work!
I take great pride in my jewelry and take into consideration how the piece will be worn. I do not put fish on bracelets since the fins will be vulnerable. But wearing a large fish around your neck, or small ones in earrings will be less likely to break. I have had a pair of fish earrings ("vintage" Jujee Beads!) for over 12 years and they are still in one piece. I take care of them.
Can a bead be repaired? It depends on the bead. I have a pretty good success rate at reheating and mending beads, but it is not guaranteed that it will survive the reheating. I charge a minimal fee to repair, put back together (if it is jewelry) and s&h. This fee will depend on the repair. Hollow beads cannot be reheated, they just don't like it! But this is a rare occurrence as long as you give your Jujee Beads TLC!
*Anneal: to free from internal stress by heating and gradually cooling
I take great pride in my jewelry and take into consideration how the piece will be worn. I do not put fish on bracelets since the fins will be vulnerable. But wearing a large fish around your neck, or small ones in earrings will be less likely to break. I have had a pair of fish earrings ("vintage" Jujee Beads!) for over 12 years and they are still in one piece. I take care of them.
Can a bead be repaired? It depends on the bead. I have a pretty good success rate at reheating and mending beads, but it is not guaranteed that it will survive the reheating. I charge a minimal fee to repair, put back together (if it is jewelry) and s&h. This fee will depend on the repair. Hollow beads cannot be reheated, they just don't like it! But this is a rare occurrence as long as you give your Jujee Beads TLC!
*Anneal: to free from internal stress by heating and gradually cooling
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