Frit Blue Tumble etched | Karen Southey

Frit Earrings Blue Tumble etched

Handmade lampwork glass beads made with a base of 'Effetre' super clear glass then val cox Lemuria frit is melted into the surface. Once they're cooled down they're tumble etched and absorb the light rather than reflect it.  It gives the appearance of a gentle glow.

Hooks and Glass Beads are handmade by Karen
Hooks, beads and findings are made in Sterling Silver
Length from top of hook: approximately 38mm

About

Karen Southey is a glass bead and jewellery maker based in Te Kopuru, Northland. She has been creating jewellery for over a decade and loves every step of the process from the making of glass beads to j=bespoke jewellery pieces.

Having experimented with various styles and techniques in her jewellery making journey, in 2014 Karen took a weekend course at 'Born to Bead' and fell in love with the process. She has been making her own beads ever since then.

Each bead is carefully crafted in a very hot flame and then immediately put in a kiln to cool gradually for several hours to cure. Karen mainly use Italian glass (Effetre) and some American (Double Helix) and also enjoys transforming broken antique bottle glass, found in Kaipara, into beautiful beads and sustainable jewellery for everyday use.