New Beads

Well, here they are. I guess I like blue! The top bead is my first ever attempt at using a lapidary grinder. I cannot wait to do more so I am currently doing some research on different grinders. This is a whole new adventure for me. :) Even Stacy got excited enough about this bead to blog it too!
I started this bead with a swirl mix of periwinkle, light cobalt and streaky sapphire and then did a spiral stripe with a light transparent blue. I cased the whole bead, rolled it in clear frit, etched it and then flat lapped it on 3 sides. I have since learned that we did not do the final step of polishing it for a true glossy finish, but that just gives me more incentive to get my hands on a grinder, right?

The bottom bead has a silver lining (obviously!). That one was lined, by DH, using the retro bead liner. It is an amazing tool that aids in lining beads with silver. Its a true time saver. I have never done anything like this before. Mike got to line this one, but I am also extremely excited to try more of these. I think the silver really enhances this bead. Beads can be lined manually (the slow way) so I have already bought some silver tubing and am working on getting some dapping pegs in order to try this the hard way. I just want to try doing this the 'old fashioned' way first.