April 2024
Rockpool Jewellery
Inspiration is everywhere in the world around me. From the weeds, critters and barnacles in rock pools at the edge of the ocean, to the colours of a child’s dress. All we have to do is look and be amazed. And so one day I was siting at the Rockpool on Townsville's Strand beach, looking at the barnacles and other sea life on the rocks and wondering if I could recreate in glass the natural beauty that was before my eyes.
Rockpool at low tide pendant
I make two types of Rockpool beads. The first I call high tide (encased with a heavy layer of clear glass representing the water in which the materials are found). The second type I call low tide, with all the internal elements exposed (ie. no water covering the materials).
I have been making these beads for many years and no two beads are the same.
These pieces are only available at markets and my pop up shops. See below for upcoming markets and shops.
Rockpool at high tide pendant
Low tide rockpool bead on an antique key
Hollow Beads
I make a number of hollow beads as they offer a range of different possibilities. As the names implies the beads are essentially hollow. There are two methods of making these types of beads.
The first method involves winding the glass around the mandrel. Make two vertical coils close to each other on a normal mandrel.
The second step with this method is to slowly "fill in the gaps" between the two coils with extra coils of glass.
The third step is to close the gap and rotate the bead gently in the flame.
This method does not use "blowing".
The second method is to repeat the steps above, but to use a hollow mandrel known as a "puffy mandrel". You repeat the steps described above but also blow into the mandrel. This will increase the size of the bead.
I have used both methods but primarily use the first approach.
Hollow beads offer the opportunity to produce lighter and/or larger beads.
Hollow bead earrings and necklaces are only available at markets and my pop up shops. See below for upcoming markets and shops.
Upcoming Markets and Shops
I will be at the Oasis Craft markets on the evening of 12 April from 4.30 to 7.30 pm.
I will also be at the first Renegade Handmade Markets on Sunday 14 April at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville from 8am to 1pm.
I will also be at Yungaburra Markets for the first time in over a year on Saturday 27 April from 7.30am to 12.30pm
I will have pop up shops at Fairfield Central on Saturday 6 April and Saturday 20 April. I will be at Castletown Shopping Centre on Saturday 13 April and Saturday 27 April. These run from 8am to 4pm.
In May I will have the following pop up shops:
Fairfield Central 4 and 18 May 8am to 4pm.
Castletown Shopping Centre 11 and 25 May 8am to 4pm.
Other upcoming markets:
Burdekin Craft Spectacular Saturday 4 May 9am to 2pm Burdekin Memorial Hall, Home Hill.
Renegade Handmade Sunday 12 May 8am to 1pm Flinders St, Townsville City.
Yungaburra 25 May 7.30am, to 2.30pm.
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