I Got the Blues

Even though it is about the 6th or 7th day in a row of gray cold weather here in Northwest Ohio, I'm talking about blue beads!  I am grateful for the newest tutorial I purchased from Sarah Hornik, "100 COLOR IDEAS For Glass Beadmakers" because it helped me get out of my block for the blue beads I need to make for an order.  These are some test beads I made trying some layering combinations that Sarah uses in her work (which I have admired her use of vibrant color for some time now.)  I don't feel comfortable listing the exact formulas used since this information came from an item Sarah has for sale so I'm just sharing the photos of my test beads.  There are several that I think will work for my customer's request but I'm always interested in knowing what you all think - if you have a favorite or comment please post!

 

Here are all 16 test beads.  The 7th one isn't really a part of my batch for my order but it's one I read about and wanted to try.  The ones I think I will use in the finished bracelet are 2, 3, 4, and 13 - not necessarily those exact beads as I plan to get back to the torch tomorrow and make other beads/designs using these colors.

Here are a few close-ups:

These beads really need to be photographed in daylight to show the wonderful layering so I did the best I could with what little natural light was getting through our heavy layer of rain clouds.   It has rained so much that my hubby has cut the grass every day to keep up.  My neighbors who haven't been able to mow every day are out now and I can hear them with their mowers just chugging away trying to make it through the thick, long grass.  Am hoping for some warmth and sun soon!  Until then, I'll get my heat from my torch and kiln I guess.