Spare Time Designs

Hello..welcome to my website.

My name is Anne and I am a glass bead artist here in California.  Here on my site you can view photos of my work, sign my guestbook, purchase my bead sets (via eBay.com, Etsy.com or email), make comments and vote in my poll.   If you like any of the beads here on my site, just let me know by email and I'd be happy to make them for you. 

Before I go any further, I'd like to mention my Voting Poll at the left hand side of this page.  Please take a moment and vote!  I'm always interested in what really catches the eye.  I'll try to change the poll every couple of weeks or so.

I started making glass beads in March of 2005 when I attended a 2-day class at Arrow Springs in Shingle Springs, CA .   I've always loved beads, jewelry and creating.....so decided to try my hand at making my own actual beads...I was hooked!   

This type of work has always been something I've wanted to do..and I feel very comfortable and fortunate that I can.   I also consider myself very lucky that I live only a few short miles from Arrow Springs and can pop in at any time to purchase my glass, tools and supplies.  I started selling my work on eBay in the fall of 2005 and have recently decided to try my hand at Etsy.com. 

I create all my beadwork using the Nortel Minor Burner surface mix torch (oxygen/propane).  I use Arrow Springs A99 kiln to anneal all my beads overnight....this makes them strong and durable.

I have came a long way since I first started, and am learning something new everyday.  That's what is so intriguing about this work....every time I sit down to create something...I fall into some other new technique...it's great fun! 

I make several different shapes and styles of beads...lentil, pillow, emerald, marquis and tile are a just a few shapes I work with.  I am also now making pendants...I sell these sometimes with other beads to match, or simply alone by themselves.   I use presses to form these shapes.  It takes practice, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature. These presses I've purchased from Cattwalk Lampwork Tools (check "my links" page for the link to Cattwalk and some of my other favorite sites).  I am also using many different mixes of frit, raku and metals for blending.  I love working with silver foil, Raku and all the gorgeous new metallic glass that is out there today.  There are so many different possibilities with making beads.

For the first few years, I worked outside in my backyard.  Nothing even close to fancy...but it did the job.  The only problem I had outside was weather conditions....not fun at times.  Since then, I've left my part-time office job, moved the studio inside and am now beadmaking full-time.  My husband spent many long hours setting up my inside studio - I love it!  Everything I need is at hand and now whatever the weather may be outdoors, I am safe, sound and content inside.   

Please feel free to email me with any special orders you may want!  Enjoy my site...browse around..tell all your friends and family about it...pass it on!  Have a great day :)