My Zhou beads are based upon beads made in China from 481 to 221 B.C. known historically as "Warring States" beads. These beads are especially fun to make as the layering of the dots and horns calls for precise action requiring one's full attention blocking out the cares of the outside world. Two color combinations are especially nice in Zhou beads: ivory, black and brown (shown) and shades of blues, yellow and white. Other colors are, of course, also available.

Sizes vary
Prices: $8-50 depending on size and number of layers.

My fish beads are meant to be fun. The "art fish" have no eyes, but have clear dots, reminisent of bubbles, all over the body. The fish beads with eyes each seem to have a personality of their own - depending on the color and the mischievousness in the eyes. All fish beads are available in your favorite colors.

Circa 1 1/4 x 1 1/4 inches
$40

Fluted beads come in many color combinations. For some reason, which I have yet to discover, the fluted beads have a luminesence to them that is unexpected. Five beads make a wonderful choker. They also work beautifully in an 18-24 inch necklace using the sterling silver beads I import from Turkey.

Circa 1 1/4 x 1 1/4 inches
$15

Technically the most difficult bead I make. Each is unique - some look like a twisted cord is laid around the bead - others look like woven ribbon. Many, many color combinations available. Ask for your favorite.

Circa 1 1/4 x 3/4 inches
$50

Pulled beads are based on the designs of ancient amphoras. I plan to pursue the amphora idea as soon as I can get some quality time to concentrate on this new and exciting area of design.

Circa 1 1/4 x 3/4 inches
$40

Greyish matte finished stone-looking beads with wrap of black glossy glass and red dot signifying the rising sun. This design comes in both flat and bicone shapes. This style can, of course, be done in other color combinations. This color combination, however, is the only one which I call my Japanese Bead.

Circa 1 1/4 x 1 inches
$15 - both shapes

This bead was published in the Facets Section of Lapidary Journal's November, 1997, issue. The bead, which is available in many color combinations, was pictured in Lapidary Journal in the colors shown.

Circa 1 1/4 x 1 1/4 inches
$50

Galaxy beads are available in shades of green, purple and blue. While they are all similar in design and color, each is unique in its own right. The dots which swirl around each bead represent other bodies in each galaxy.

Circa 1 x 1 inch
$25

The double helix bead is very effective in the amber color shown. The black double helix inside the bead is actually twisted glass. Ask for your favorite color and I will advise of it's suitability for this bead.

Circa 1 1/4 x 1 inches
$40.00.

Again, available in many colors - great gift for your child's favorite science teacher. Shown here in a necklace of worm-like beads in the same color combination.

Circa 2 1/2 x 2 inches
$40

I recently ran into a photo I had taken about 16 years ago on a trip to Hawaii and decided that a rendition of it would make a great bead. This is the result! Currently available only in brown. If you want it in another color, just ask!

Circa 2 1/2 x 1 1/2 inches
$95.00.

Glass Leaves

I make leaves in all the color combinations shown and have probably not covered all the possibilities. They are delightfully fun to make and very striking when worn. Earrings only take 2 leaves - necklaces can use from 1 to 70 or more leaves, depending on how nervy you are when wearing them!

Circa 1 1/4 x 1 inches
$7.00/leaf - $10.00/leaf for gold leaves

I love making this bead as the end result is always unexpected. The color combinations, when pulled in this manner, always change the outcome. Some of my customers refer to this bead as a dog bone, but it reminds me of the ribbon candy my grandmother used to keep in a jar on her coffee table.

Circa 1 1/2 x 1/2 inches
$15 each

I was just fooling around one day and made a prototype of the bead you see here. I liked it a lot and it reminded me of all the "stuff" that is thrown at Mardi Gras time - hence the name.

Circa 1 1/2 x 3/4 inches
$25 each

My inspiration comes from many sources. The inspiration for this bead was a picture of a large vase made by Lino Tagliapietra, a famous Italian glassblower. The inside of the bead is silver foil, followed by 4 more layers of glass. Great depth here!

Circa 1 1/2 x 1 inches
$40 each

The picture shows it laying on it's side, but the small end of this bead is really meant to be the bottom of the vase with the flowers growing upwards. It is a wonderful bead to use with wire work and small Czech flower beads to make a vase pin for someone you know who loves flowers.

Circa 2 x 3/4 inches
$45 each

I asked my friend, Ann Tonjes, to design some necklaces for me using my lampworked beads, the Twist 'n' Curl, and her imagination. This is one of the results - the others are just as wonderful.

Again using ancient images for my inspiration, I started making body beads. They can be done in any color and made as realistic as one dares to wear.

Circa 2 x 3/4 inches
$45 each

We all have different shapes - so do the bodies. This one is pink. Lavender, especially transparent lavender, makes a wonderful body.

Circa 2 x 3/4 inches
$45 each