Q.  How long have you been making beads?

A.  I took a class in December 05, and have been happily beading ever since.

Q.  What type of glass do you use to make your beads?
A.  I use predominantly Moretti glass, but I also use Vetrofond, Reichenbach, Lauscha, Bullseye and Borosilicate when the mood takes me.

Q. Are my beads annealed and cleaned?

A. Yes.  They are annealed in my digitally controlled kiln to ensure strength and durablility*, and are then thoroughly cleaned and inspected before being dispatched.

Q.  What materials do you use to make your jewellery?
A.  I use sterling silver findings and beads, Swarovski crystal, freshwater pearls, and other seed and glass beads.

(The lampwork beads that I sell for you to make your own jewellery out of, are temporarily strung on silver plated findings.)

Q.  What type of glass do you use for your fused glass pieces?
A.  I use Bullseye glass, frits and stringers, along with solid silver inclusions and other compatible materials.

Q.  How come you don't add beads for sale very often?
A.  I have a 'very' full time job which takes up a lot of my time.  I'd make beads every day if I could, but work gets in the way.
Q.  Is it true that beads made from borosilicate glass can look different under different lighting conditions?
A.  Yes they can sometimes.  Especially if they contain some of the reactive silver glasses, bright sunshine can really bring out their full beauty.
Q.  Do you do commissions?
A.  Not at the moment unfortunately - I'm completely snowed under - but I will try to update my site more frequently.  So please join my mailing list if you want to be amongst the first to know when I do.

Helen x

*But please remember they are still made from glass, so will break if dropped on a hard surface or handled roughly.