Kiln-fresh beads!

I managed to make more than just three beads yesterday...and I also managed to stay awake!! Yes, my finger is healing nicely, for those of you who may have heard about how I dozed off while making a bead and put my hand in the flame! That's what I get for trying to make beads that late at night! It is not something that normally happens, and I have to be really careful with my hands -- especially since I have a deposition to record on Monday morning!

So here are a few of the kiln-fresh beads from yesterday's session...

Laura gave me a rod of this beautiful blue. She said it is a Moretti/Effrete alabastro. I have avoided alabastro because most people call it "alabastard", and it usually is followed by the grumbles of having a difficult time working this glass. Even though the viscosity is a little more challenging on my torch, I found that it did not pop, boil, bubble, or burn for me at all. I was being very cautious with my heat though, keeping a nice medium flame. I think I may have to order me some of this lovely color.

I don't usually do holiday or seasonal beads, but with Gem Miner's next weekend, and Halloween just around the corner...heck, one little ghost won't hurt, right? Last year I made two matching bats, and that was the extent of my Holiday Collection. I don't know what I was going for with the lime green heart...something mod and funky maybe. What do you think?