Gypsy Rose Creations
UPDATED 23rd January , 2008
Yes, I know it's grammatically incorrect, but it's how I wanted to say it.
I have loved glass as long as I can remember; it's lustre, transparency, coldness, colours, it's use both practical and decorative. My great-grandmother, also called Rose, had a beautiful fine venetian glass vase, I think it was a wedding present when she was married in 1900.
I started collecting paperweights (not the tacky ones) in my early teens. Whilst the millifiori paperweights were intriguing, it was those containing abstract designs that I loved - the contemporary Australian, Italian and yes, English paperweights.
My favourite paperweights
My favourite paperweight by an Australian glass artistMy first glass beads given to me by my beloved Chrissie. These were a very long string of very small "spacer" beads; red, blue and green, each threaded on copper wire. I modified them slightly to get a pair of ear-rings and every time I wore them, I felt like a Gypsy - jeweled and magical.
My beads from ChrissieIn 1994 I first visited Venice, and came home with strings of beads, a few birds, a fish and a love of both Venice and glass, that is yet to be sated.
Treasures from my first visit to VeniceSince then, my collection has grown; more beads, magical mushrooms, delicate insects and light shades!!!
More recent treasuresI must also admit that since I started lampwork in 2004 (more on that below), I also have a wonderful collection of glass, and beads that I have made.
And whilst I love glass beads, I couldn't live without pearls and diamonds - coloured of course - though I'm yet to have a diamond tiara!
SepteMber 2007 - Purchases from another voyage to Venice
A georgeous paperweight in "non-typical" colours
Stunning Calcedonia feature piece mounted in perspex, glass is 25cm tall
Two amazing pieces by Vittorio Constantini
Me making beads
In September, 2004 I attended a TAFTA workshop with Kathryn Wardill and for 5 days played with fire and glass and learnt the basics of making glass beads - lampworking.
My first beads made in Kathryn Wardill's class, Sept 2004.Since then I have devoured both books and glass, and modified my lab to set up a dedicated lampworking area. I have also upgraded from a hothead burner to a minor burner and then to a Mini CC - the greatest benefits being a significantly quieter and hotter flame, with the flexibility for making both large and small beads with significant detail.
February 2006 saw me blessed with the opportunity to attend Corina Tettinger's workshop in Melbourne - WOW.
Furthering the education process, I spent 3 days in the company of Leah Fairbanks and 10 other talented Aussie beadmaker - thanks Natalie for organising.
What is lampworking? I've started my explanation on the How I make glass beads page.
Lampworking is a passion and a love, but as yet it's not my main employ, so I usually migrate to the lab in the evenings after dinner, glass of red in hand, to play - TV on in the background.
Given the variable nature of glass, the reactions that occur and the worldwide development of lampworking - this adventure and love affair will last a lifetime.
© GypsyRoseCreations 2007, 2008