Got Glass?

Lisa Atchison: My most favorite Glass Bead Designer

Over the past year I had the pleasure of befriending one of the most talented glass bead designers that I have ever seen, and that is saying quite a bit as much time as I spend on the Internet! Her name is Lisa Atchison and she is the owner and creator of Touch Of Glass Designs. Rather than read a bunch of blabber from me, I am just going to post an excerpt from her web site and show you this photo as a teaser. There are TOO MANY beautiful beads that she has created for me to list, so please visit Touch of Glass Designs and see all of her amazing creations for yourself!

Lisa writes:

"I have always been in love with art glass. Among my fondest childhood memories are trips to the hobby store with my parents where they would let me pick a new glass figurine from the showcase. Today, I collect glass flower frogs, and my home is decorated with antique Depression glass and contemporary fused pieces.

In 2003, not long after discovering handmade beads and artistic jewelry, I entered the world of lampworking and never looked back. My artistic philosophy is simple: To me, they are just beads, and they are just glass until somebody owns them and they bring them pleasure - only then do they become art. With the natural world as my inspiration, I constantly and purposefully build my skills to enhance my creations.

I have studied lampworking with some of the finest instructors including Kate Fowle Meleny, Larry Scott, Michael Barley, Andrea Guarino-Slemmons, Trey Cornette and Brent Graber. I have recently began teaching beginning lampworking. I am an active member of the Indiana Bead Society (IBS) and Indiana Society of Lampwork and Art Glass Artists (ISLAGA).

Lampworking and jewelry design have brought me much joy including meeting wonderful people and forging new friendships that will last a lifetime.

Aside from lampworking and my other hobby - photography - I work full time for an engineering firm in Indianapolis. I have been married to my best friend and biggest supporter, Steve, since 1983. We have a daughter of whom I'm very proud who loves the "bead benefits".

Thanks so much for your interest.
Sincerely,
Lisa"

Quality Handmade Gemstone Jewelry

Isabella's Beads offers one of a kind handcrafted jewelry. My individual handmade jewelry collections are truly unique. Each piece is individually handcrafted by me. Each collection of my handmade jewelry is inspired by something different. As with any art design, many times my mood is reflected in my jewelry. Examples of this would be the choice of colors I selected for a particular piece, whether they be bold or subtle (or a combination of both...a very confusing mood indeed!), or the shape of the design, whether it be simple or intricate. I would like to think that my designs are modern and contemporary, yet still capture all of the grace and artistry of traditional jewelry designs.

Dazzling Handmade Costume Jewelry for Every Lifestyle and Occasion!

Isabella's Beads handmade jewelry uses only the finest quality materials, including Freshwater Pearls, the recently introduced Swarovski crystal pearls, Genuine gemstones, Precious and Semi-precious stones such as Turquoise and Jasper just to name a few, a variety of Silvers including but not limited to Sterling, Bali, and Hill Tribes, and of course...Gold. All of my materials are obtained from reputable jewelry and gemstone suppliers. Some items are even handpicked from well known local Philadelphia jewelry and gemstone suppliers; the city where I was born and raised!

My handcrafted jewelry designs are also created with dazzling Swarovski Austrian crystals, handcrafted Lampwork beads, and spectacular glass beads imported from all over the world as well as other beautiful components. My jewelry is typically strung on 49 strand wire for strength and durability. I use a variety of wires in various colors and gauges depending on the design. Some designs are strung with leather and cord, or even organza ribbon for something more delicate or decorative. All pieces are personally guaranteed with normal wear*.

All of the designs at Isabella's Beads are handmade with loving care in a wide range of styles no matter what your taste or occasion. It might be an elegant necklace for a wedding that you desire, perhaps a sparkling choker for a night out on the town, or even a modest pair of earrings or bracelet to brighten up your day. You've come to the right place for costume jewelry with exceptional craftsmanship at affordable prices.

Are you are looking for a unique gemstone necklace, handcrafted earrings to accent a dress for a special evening, or an unusual gifts for that special person in your life? Maybe you'd like to wear your own personalized creation. Isabella's Beads welcomes custom orders!