etching and shopping

Even though my husband put my kiln back together and it started to work again, I decided to try something new that didn't involve heat. I recently read a few articles on how to work with beads once they are out of the kiln. So tonight I tried my hand at etching. Glass etching solution can be found at pretty much any craft store. I was surprised how little time it takes. Here's a few before pictures.

I put these sea inspired beads into the etching solution for about 7-8 minutes. Once they came out, the beads have a matte finish.

I like the way these beads look like they where tossed around in the ocean for a bit before landing on a beach.  Etching really transforms transparent glass.  I think I will make a necklace/bracelet set with these.

I'm excited about the new glass I bought yesterday, no idea when it will arrive. There are two colours I'm really excited for. One is teal, I had a lot of suggestions during my colour combo give away for teal, and the second is called Clio. It's a silver reduction glass, which means because of it's silver content, it reacts and transforms in heat  and is quite pricy. Sounds tricky to use, but the beads I've seen made with it are stunning. I'm also excited for the silver foil I bought. It reacts with many colours and can produce a few really neat effects.

Here is a link to some silver foil beads : click

Here is a link to some clio beads: click

Hopefully with some practice I'll be making beads like those soon!