FHFteam 2010
Wednesday 29 September 2010
Turning Leaves
Turning Leaves A collection of autumnal themed items from Frit-Happens Forum(fhfteam 2010), curated by hollergrafik
FHFteam 2010
FHFteam 2010
Monday 27 September 2010
The Drawings of the Final Giveaways!
Time to announce the final winners of the FHFTeam Giveaway!
First up is the winner of the main giveaway, which is number 5. That means (not counting a thank you comment *G*) Marie. Congratulations! Please e-mail a postal address to continuumdesigns[at]googlemail.com so we can get your prize out to you.
And now for the winner of the mini treasure hunt. From all the entries, the random generator picked number 5, who was Irene Lenihan. Yay! I'll be getting in contact with you shortly about your prize.
Thank you so much to everyone who took part in our first giveaway, as well as all to our team members who contributed with prizes and getting the word out!
First up is the winner of the main giveaway, which is number 5. That means (not counting a thank you comment *G*) Marie. Congratulations! Please e-mail a postal address to continuumdesigns[at]googlemail.com so we can get your prize out to you.
And now for the winner of the mini treasure hunt. From all the entries, the random generator picked number 5, who was Irene Lenihan. Yay! I'll be getting in contact with you shortly about your prize.
Thank you so much to everyone who took part in our first giveaway, as well as all to our team members who contributed with prizes and getting the word out!
Sunday 26 September 2010
Pick of the week - Elegant Winter
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| On Golden Pond by BumpyBeads |
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| Winter sparkle earrings - Midnight by nemeton |
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| Glacier by josephinewadman |
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| four variegated pure silk ribbons- 'Meet the Greys' by SowZerE |
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| Winter Tiles by chameleonsdesigns |
Elegant Winter - A beautiful selection of trinkets from the very talented members of FHFteam 2010 Enjoy, Jolene.
Friday 24 September 2010
The Final Giveaway, and Friday's Winner!
These giveaway are now closed. Thank you to everyone who participated!
Today marks the last of the FHFTeam giveaways. To enter this one, simply
Don't forget to sign up to the FHFTeam Twitter account and blog while you're here for news and future events.
To enter this giveaway simply post a comment with what you love best about glass or jewellery! :
The winner will be drawn randomly from comments on Monday 27th September after 5pm - please ensure you leave a name or way to contant you with your entry to ensure we can inform you if you win.
Plus, keep sending in your answers for the mini treasure hunt too; use this clue to find the right listing, and send your answer to continuumdesigns[at]googlemail.com.
The winner will be drawn randomly from the correct entries on Sunday 26th September after 5pm, and will receive a beautiful glass pendant.
"Finding this won't get you into the Chocolate Factory, but it will give you a ticket to win."
As for Friday's giveaway winner, the random number generator picked number 4, which is Gemma:
Today marks the last of the FHFTeam giveaways. To enter this one, simply
Don't forget to sign up to the FHFTeam Twitter account and blog while you're here for news and future events.
To enter this giveaway simply post a comment with what you love best about glass or jewellery! :
The winner will be drawn randomly from comments on Monday 27th September after 5pm - please ensure you leave a name or way to contant you with your entry to ensure we can inform you if you win.
Plus, keep sending in your answers for the mini treasure hunt too; use this clue to find the right listing, and send your answer to continuumdesigns[at]googlemail.com.
The winner will be drawn randomly from the correct entries on Sunday 26th September after 5pm, and will receive a beautiful glass pendant.
"Finding this won't get you into the Chocolate Factory, but it will give you a ticket to win."
As for Friday's giveaway winner, the random number generator picked number 4, which is Gemma:
Congratulations, you receive these prizes! Please e-mail a postal address to continuumdesigns[at]googlemail.com so we can send them to you!
Thursday 23 September 2010
Hot off the press!
Hot off the press! Simply lovely glass and beads from FHFteam 2010, curated by kitzbitz
FHFteam 2010
FHFteam 2010
Tuesday 21 September 2010
In the pink
In the pink a delightful pink experience from the Frit Happens Forum Street Team curated by csgbeads
FHFteam 2010
FHFteam 2010
Monday 20 September 2010
Feelin' Hot Hot Hot
Feelin' Hot Hot Hot A colourful collection of Hot! lampworked items by the FHFteam 2010 :) allthatsparklesbeads
FHFteam 2010
FHFteam 2010
Pick of the week - Seeing Red
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| Berry Breeze by Lemonkitten |
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| Red enamel earrings by paintboxcrafts |
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| Goldstone wave bead set by ARJewellery |
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| Vintage Mini by flyingcheesetoastie |
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| Raspberry Juice glass feature glass button by LushLampwork |
A glorious splash of bold colour from FHFteam 2010 Enjoy, Jolene.
The Third FHFTeam Giveaway, Plus Friday's Winner!
This giveaway is now closed, but you can enter the latest in this post.
Today marks the start of the third phase of the FHFTeam giveaway, in which one entrant will win these three prizes:
Prizes provided by:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/helbels
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ContinuumDesigns
There will be one more opportunity to win something, so check back often, or sign up to the FHFTeam Twitter account and blog to make sure you don't miss a giveaway!
To enter this giveaway: link to an item tagged with fhfteam 2010 in your favourite colour(s) in the comments below.
The winner will be drawn randomly from comments on Friday 24th September after 5pm - please ensure you leave a name or way to contant you with your entry to ensure we can inform you if you win.
Plus, keep sending in your answers for the mini treasure hunt too; use this clue to find the right listing, and send your answer to continuumdesigns[at]googlemail.com. The winner will be drawn randomly from the correct entries on Sunday 26th September, and will receive a beautiful glass pendant.
"Finding this won't get you into the Chocolate Factory, but it will give you a ticket to win."
And now for Monday's giveaway winner, who receives these prizes:
From a random number generator, the lucky recipient is number 5, which means Helen. Congratulations! Please e-mail a postal address to continuumdesigns[at]googlemail.com so we can send your prizes!
Today marks the start of the third phase of the FHFTeam giveaway, in which one entrant will win these three prizes:
Prizes provided by:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/helbels
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ContinuumDesigns
There will be one more opportunity to win something, so check back often, or sign up to the FHFTeam Twitter account and blog to make sure you don't miss a giveaway!
To enter this giveaway: link to an item tagged with fhfteam 2010 in your favourite colour(s) in the comments below.
The winner will be drawn randomly from comments on Friday 24th September after 5pm - please ensure you leave a name or way to contant you with your entry to ensure we can inform you if you win.
Plus, keep sending in your answers for the mini treasure hunt too; use this clue to find the right listing, and send your answer to continuumdesigns[at]googlemail.com. The winner will be drawn randomly from the correct entries on Sunday 26th September, and will receive a beautiful glass pendant.
"Finding this won't get you into the Chocolate Factory, but it will give you a ticket to win."
And now for Monday's giveaway winner, who receives these prizes:
From a random number generator, the lucky recipient is number 5, which means Helen. Congratulations! Please e-mail a postal address to continuumdesigns[at]googlemail.com so we can send your prizes!
Friday 17 September 2010
The Second FHFTeam Giveaway, Plus Monday's Winner!
This Giveaway has now finished - but please go here for the next one!
Today marks the start of the second phase of the FHFTeam giveaway, in which one entrant will win these three prizes:
Prizes provided by:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/DolmairicDesign
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Puffafish
http://www.etsy.com/shop/flyingbead
There will be another two opportunities to win something, so check back often, or sign up to the FHFTeam Twitter account and blog to make sure you don't miss a giveaway!
To enter this giveaway: link to an item tagged with fhfteam 2010 that makes you think of Autumn.
The winner will be drawn randomly from comments on Monday 20th September after 5pm - please ensure you leave a name with your entry to ensure we can inform you if you win.
Plus, keep sending in your answers for the mini treasure hunt too; use this clue to find the right listing, and send your answer to continuumdesigns@googlemail.com. The winner will be drawn randomly from the correct entries on Sunday 26th September, and will receive a beautiful glass pendant.
"Finding this won't get you into the Chocolate Factory, but it will give you a ticket to win."
And now for Monday's giveaway winner, who receives these prizes:
Today marks the start of the second phase of the FHFTeam giveaway, in which one entrant will win these three prizes:
Prizes provided by:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/DolmairicDesign
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Puffafish
http://www.etsy.com/shop/flyingbead
There will be another two opportunities to win something, so check back often, or sign up to the FHFTeam Twitter account and blog to make sure you don't miss a giveaway!
To enter this giveaway: link to an item tagged with fhfteam 2010 that makes you think of Autumn.
The winner will be drawn randomly from comments on Monday 20th September after 5pm - please ensure you leave a name with your entry to ensure we can inform you if you win.
Plus, keep sending in your answers for the mini treasure hunt too; use this clue to find the right listing, and send your answer to continuumdesigns@googlemail.com. The winner will be drawn randomly from the correct entries on Sunday 26th September, and will receive a beautiful glass pendant.
"Finding this won't get you into the Chocolate Factory, but it will give you a ticket to win."
And now for Monday's giveaway winner, who receives these prizes:
From a random number generator, the lucky recipient is number 10, which means doniree. Congratulations! Please e-mail a postal address to continuumdesigns[at]googlemail.com so we can send your prizes!
Thursday 16 September 2010
Monday 13 September 2010
The Frit Happens Forum Team Giveaway
Welcome to the first Frit-Happens Forum Team Giveaway, starting today, and continuing through the next 2 weeks. There's a variety of fabulous bead and glass goodies to be won! During the giveaway period, there will be several opportunities to win something, so check back often, or sign up to the FHFTeam Twitter account and blog to make sure you don't miss a giveaway!
Here's a sneak peek at the entire haul of prizes coming up:
Prizes kindly donated by:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/HelenPetersBeads
http://www.etsy.com/shop/flyingbead
http://www.etsy.com/shop/BruntiesBeads
http://www.etsy.com/shop/jowalker68
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ContinuumDesigns
http://www.etsy.com/shop/VeeBeads
http://www.etsy.com/shop/kitzbitz
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Puffafish
http://www.etsy.com/shop/helbels
http://www.etsy.com/shop/DolmairicDesign
http://www.etsy.com/shop/flyingcheesetoastie
Entering is easy - just search through Etsy listings tagged with 'fhfteam 2010' and leave a comment below linking to your favourite item, and giving your reason for choosing it.
Winners will be drawn randomly from comments and announced on the 17th of September 2010 in the following giveaway post - please ensure you leave a name with your entry so we can inform you if you win.
We also have a mini-treasure hunt to enter. Use this clue to find the right listing tagged with fhfteam 2010, and send your answer to continuumdesigns [at] googlemail.com. The winner will be drawn randomly from the correct entries on Sunday the 26th September, and will receive a beautiful glass pendant.
Here's the clue:
"Finding this won't get you into the Chocolate Factory, but it will give you a ticket to win."
Good luck and have fun!
Here's a sneak peek at the entire haul of prizes coming up:
Prizes kindly donated by:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/HelenPetersBeads
http://www.etsy.com/shop/flyingbead
http://www.etsy.com/shop/BruntiesBeads
http://www.etsy.com/shop/jowalker68
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ContinuumDesigns
http://www.etsy.com/shop/VeeBeads
http://www.etsy.com/shop/kitzbitz
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Puffafish
http://www.etsy.com/shop/helbels
http://www.etsy.com/shop/DolmairicDesign
http://www.etsy.com/shop/flyingcheesetoastie
This Giveaway is now closed - go to this post to enter the new one instead!
Today you could win this set of prizes:
Today you could win this set of prizes:
Entering is easy - just search through Etsy listings tagged with 'fhfteam 2010' and leave a comment below linking to your favourite item, and giving your reason for choosing it.
Winners will be drawn randomly from comments and announced on the 17th of September 2010 in the following giveaway post - please ensure you leave a name with your entry so we can inform you if you win.
We also have a mini-treasure hunt to enter. Use this clue to find the right listing tagged with fhfteam 2010, and send your answer to continuumdesigns [at] googlemail.com. The winner will be drawn randomly from the correct entries on Sunday the 26th September, and will receive a beautiful glass pendant.
Here's the clue:
"Finding this won't get you into the Chocolate Factory, but it will give you a ticket to win."
Good luck and have fun!
Friday 10 September 2010
Pick of the week - Just Wow!
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| Horse head focal bead, bay thoroughbred by dawnsbeadboutique |
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| Copper cored big hole bead by dilunah |
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| Blue and White Flower Glass Marble Wine bottle stopper by steampunkglass |
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| Lampwork heart pendant with two holes, borosilicate glass - Dark Lace by flyingbead |
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| Sterling silver and 9ct gold bumpy bead by mizgeorge |
These creations each made my jaw drop! I hope you find them as impressive and inspiring as I do. FHFteam 2010 Enjoy, Jolene.
Tuesday 7 September 2010
Sunday 5 September 2010
Saturday 4 September 2010
Pick of the week - Pretty in Pink
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| Sugar Lumps by MyPrecious |
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| Autumn Rose by nemeton |
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Montana Cored Big Hole Bead by Dilunah |
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| Blossom by Sarah Downton |
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| Coconut Ice Sterling Silver Earrings by Shineon2 |
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| Stonebaked Beads Berry by LushLampwork |
Pretty in Pink, a lovely selection of girly goodies from the team this week. FHFteam 2010 Enjoy, Jolene.
Wednesday 1 September 2010
A Buyers Guide to Quality Lampwork
As members of Frit Happens, we are all lampwork enthusiasts who appreciate quality handmade glass items and want to spread the word. Artisan lampwork items are unique and personal, created by an individual who has spent time and effort bringing work to the market that is not mass-produced.
We have put together a short guide to help buyers understand what they should be looking for in good lampwork.
This is not meant to be an exhaustive source of information but a collection of informative pointers illustrated with some lovely examples from our team. We hope buyers find it helpful.
General structure, look and integrity – beads should be well-balanced to hang properly,with no sharp edges and no cracks. The bead should look properly shaped – for example, round beads should look well-rounded.
Donuts/tyres should be nicely shaped with puckered, not sharp, holes.
Bicones/diamonds/ovals should be reasonably symmetrical, again without sharp holes.
Bead ends/holes - should be smooth and clean. Hole edges should feel smooth and flat or slightly indented/puckered. Edges should not be sharp, cracked, rough or pointed. Sharp holes can cause thread/wire to fray, damage or break.
The inner hole should be clean. Bead release (a clay-like substance that dries to a hard powder and stops beads sticking to mandrels) should be cleaned out. Many mass-produced beads have a thick layer of bead release still left in the hole. Good quality handmade beads should not. The inner bead hole may still be slightly rough where it has been in contact with the bead release, leaving the hole visible in transparent glass – this is normal.
Surface marks – chill marks are concentric circles or ripples on the surface of the glass caused during pressing or shaping with tools. These don't affect the strength of the bead but a good flameworker will generally smooth them out, unless there are good aesthetic reasons not to.
These are not to be confused with spiral lines which are added as part of the design.
Some glass can burn or cause 'pitting' on the surface of the bead. This should not be evident - the bead surface should be smooth and unpitted, unless clearly part of the design of the bead
Surface decoration – stringer, fine silver wire, dots, where used should be properly attached and not in danger of breaking or popping off easily.
Bubbles – some are unavoidable and part of the handmade nature of the product. Bubbles are also used as a decorative accent for many pieces. However, if bubbles are very large or very close to the surface, they can cause stress and should be avoided.
Encasing – generally, encasing should be tidy at the ends, without excessive smudging of the design being encased (unless this is part of the intended design of the piece).
Annealing – beads should be kiln-annealed to eliminate internal stresses that may be introduced during making and to ensure longevity of the product.
We have put together a short guide to help buyers understand what they should be looking for in good lampwork.
This is not meant to be an exhaustive source of information but a collection of informative pointers illustrated with some lovely examples from our team. We hope buyers find it helpful.
General structure, look and integrity – beads should be well-balanced to hang properly,with no sharp edges and no cracks. The bead should look properly shaped – for example, round beads should look well-rounded.
Pandora by Sarah Bedwell
Donuts/tyres should be nicely shaped with puckered, not sharp, holes.
Gin Fizz by Trudi Doherty
Bicones/diamonds/ovals should be reasonably symmetrical, again without sharp holes.
Cadeau by Diane Cook
Bead ends/holes - should be smooth and clean. Hole edges should feel smooth and flat or slightly indented/puckered. Edges should not be sharp, cracked, rough or pointed. Sharp holes can cause thread/wire to fray, damage or break.
Luck,Happiness by Sabine Little
The inner hole should be clean. Bead release (a clay-like substance that dries to a hard powder and stops beads sticking to mandrels) should be cleaned out. Many mass-produced beads have a thick layer of bead release still left in the hole. Good quality handmade beads should not. The inner bead hole may still be slightly rough where it has been in contact with the bead release, leaving the hole visible in transparent glass – this is normal.
Silver Waters by Sarah Downton
Surface marks – chill marks are concentric circles or ripples on the surface of the glass caused during pressing or shaping with tools. These don't affect the strength of the bead but a good flameworker will generally smooth them out, unless there are good aesthetic reasons not to.
Hot Rocks by Kate Sullivan
These are not to be confused with spiral lines which are added as part of the design.
Powder Beads by Jolene Wolfe
Some glass can burn or cause 'pitting' on the surface of the bead. This should not be evident - the bead surface should be smooth and unpitted, unless clearly part of the design of the bead
Surface decoration – stringer, fine silver wire, dots, where used should be properly attached and not in danger of breaking or popping off easily.
Fields of Bubble Flowers by Becky Fairclough
Sunbaked Beads by Julie Fountain
Bumpy Bead for George by Karen Baildon
Short Horned Dragon by Emma Mackintosh
Bubbles – some are unavoidable and part of the handmade nature of the product. Bubbles are also used as a decorative accent for many pieces. However, if bubbles are very large or very close to the surface, they can cause stress and should be avoided.
Victoriana by Manda Muddimer
Pleated and Bubble Bead by Diane Turton
Encasing – generally, encasing should be tidy at the ends, without excessive smudging of the design being encased (unless this is part of the intended design of the piece).
Floral Focals by Kathryn Greer
Mermaids Garden by Julie Haveland Beer
Annealing – beads should be kiln-annealed to eliminate internal stresses that may be introduced during making and to ensure longevity of the product.
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