Beading Times: How long have you been making beads?

Elly Peters: I’ve been making beads for almost 3 years now. 

What got you started making beads? Did you take a class?

I was dabbling in beading jewelry, and while I was at a show, the lady across the aisle had beautiful bracelets and necklaces made from sterling, Swarovski, and lampwork beads.  I kept wandering over there, and touching them, and trying them on... I really fell in love with the lampwork beads then.  I loved their weight and depth.  I determined that I would try to do this for my own.  I reasoned, anyone can stick a bead on a wire, but not anyone can stick *MY* bead on a wire... this would make what I did unique to me!  I signed up to take a class at www.beadfx.com that fall.  I couldn’t wait... I was researching it, dreaming it, ogling lampwork beads... I loved everything about it even before I tried it!  When I finally wound up taking the class, I hit the ground running. It was just a matter of months before I set myself up.

Were you interested in making beads before that?

I had never heard of lampworking!

Did you have an artistic or craft history before that? How has that translated into the beadmaking, if at all?

I never thought I was artistic before I picked up glass.  I appreciated color and some art, but it was the rest of my family that were the artistic ones.  Concert Pianist, Pyrographer, Animator and Minister…all creative, spiritual, artistic people.  I figured I was the “Jack of all trades, master of none”. 

Can you share a photo of some of your other works with us?

I certainly can!  I love my pictures.

What has surprised you most about working with glass?

When I get up from having done a session at the torch, I feel refreshed.  All the wrinkles get ironed out, all my frustration has been drained… melting glass is almost like a lightening rod, it grounds me.  I think that’s the test of any hobby and/or art. If it adds something good to your life, it’s a good fit. 

Have you had anyone that you consider to be a mentor? Tell us about them.

Oh, wow, I can’t pick just anyone, but I am a part of a group of Lampworkers here in Toronto.  We get together once in a while and have dinner, go to trunk shows, and chat.  I really appreciate how open and accepting they are.  We’ll share techniques and colors that we use, and often times they’ll be farther down the road of this glass thing than I am, and I can ask them for general advice.  The love for the art overcomes the competition, and we’re all unique enough that we respect the others style.

Whose beads inspire you the most?

Again, to pick one single person is tough.  I see incredibly detailed beads that make me want to whimper and just stare at them… I see simply beautiful beads that speak to my soul… I am a big fan of encased beads that you can look down into.  I am in awe of soft glass sculptures. 

Do you sell your beads? Do you sell the beads by themselves, or already made up into jewelry?

Yes!  Yes, and … Yes!
If I had my choice, I would only sell the beads to jewelry makers.  I feel that once I make the beads, my creativity doesn’t stretch much into jewelry design. (Plus, it’s a whole different hobby that I have to buy supplies for!)  The idea of my creations all over the world in different people’s designs really appeals to me.  I love that I have work in Europe, Australia, the U.S.A… etc.  I am thrilled to see what my beads inspire them with!  I do make some jewelry, mostly pendants, so I can go into gift shows.

Did you intend to sell your beads when you first started? What got you started selling them?

When I started, my main thought was that I was going to make pet inspired lampwork beads.  They were going to be a hit, and I was going to strike it rich.  I totally got side tracked once I picked up the glass!  In fact, I have made very few of those.  I took the plunge on ebay, and have sinced moved to Etsy.  The sale of a bead is a bit of a thrill every time!  That’s what keeps me doing it.

Have you ever taken part in a bead or art/craft show?

I have!  Not very many, because having a 9-5 job kind of limits how much stock I can make up.  The big one this year (09) was the Spring Bead Oasis show in Toronto.  I really enjoy them!

What was the biggest challenge you encountered? What did you enjoy most?

My biggest challenge is ‘marketing and sales’.  While I am confident that my work speaks for itself, I often mess it up when *I* start speaking.
I really enjoy the reaction people have to my work!

How do you feel you have benefited from the experience? 

Shows give me a lot of networking experience, and each one helps me get practice for walking into a store and telling people why they should have my work there.

Do you have any tips for first time exhibitors?

First impressions are important!  Whether it is the display, or your outfit, or even the smile on your face, people will stop or walk on by depending on any of it.  Be proud of your work. It shines through.

Do you sell your beads in stores or other venues?

I have sold beads in the Beadfx store in Scarborough. I would like to sell in other venues, but have to come up with a plan first.

Do you have a website or auction site that you regularly sell you beads on? If so, what is the url/id info, etc. 

Please visit http://www.ellyloo.com.

I also sell on Etsy and you can reach it through my website, or go to http://www.ellyloo.etsy.com

What do your friends and family think of your beadmaking?

They love it.  They’re all artistic, so they appreciate it.

What sort of set up do you have for making beads?

I am currently working on a GTT Cricket, with a Jen Ken kiln.

What type of glass do you use?

I use all types!  Effetre and Vetrofond are my main glasses, but I love CIM (especially the clear), and I throw in a dash of Double helix and Reichenbach as well.

Do you have any favorite colors or combinations of glass rod to work with?

I always have to have black, white, ivory, and silver foil available.  I always manage to throw a bit of silvered ivory into my color combos.  I love Reichenbach Iris Orange (Raku), and I am really enjoying some of the silvered colors Double Helix has to offer.

Do these colors (or combos.) create a special reaction when used in a certain way? Tell us about it.

Silvered ivory always seems to give a nice contrast to the colors I use.  Of course Silvered Ivory is a neat reaction in itself, it’s an earthy toasty color that people never believe is glass. Raku always surprises me, and is a delight when it turns out vibrant and colourful.

Do you have a favorite product, i.e. bead release, glass, etc.

Not really, whatever works.  Currently I’m using a combination of bead releases that turns out to be better than the one alone.  I have to have raku frit available to me all the time in case the urge hits.

Do you have a favorite beadmaking book or piece of instructional material (video, etc.)?

Lampworketc.com is my bead book.  I learned so much from that place that I can’t even say.  Passing the Flame was the book that I drooled over while waiting to learn how to do glass way back when. I enjoy anything with big pictures and easy to understand text. 

Do you have a favorite technique?

Currently I am experimenting with silver colors and enjoying the outcome.  I love thick encasing as well.  My beads usually wind up looking “Organic”, which is to say I let the colors do what they want and fall where they may. I have to be in a specific mindset to do dots and patterns well.

Are you a “set” person or a “focal bead” person?

I have been mostly a ‘focal bead’ person, mainly because when I finish one, my brain goes “Oo!  Now I should try THAT technique!  Oooo, what if I put THAT colou in?”

I have been practicing making many beads on one mandrel though, and have been making sets lately.

Have you developed a “signature” bead, a unique type of bead that is recognizably yours? Tell us about it, how you developed it, etc.

I’m developing some things, but haven’t come up with anything specifically “EllyLoo” as of yet. Unless I have, and I just don’t see it!   Please let me know! 

What was your biggest obstacle to overcome?

Selling my work face to face!  I’m still working on it!

What is the hardest kind of bead to make for you? The easiest?

Scrollwork with stringer is really a tough one.  I’m still practicing the technique.

The less detail, the easier the bead is.

What is your favorite kind of bead or technique?

I love thickly encased beads.  There’s just something about them that makes me happy.

Do you still have the first beads you made? What do you think of them now?

I do have the first bead!  I think I did a good job, but I’m biased.

How have your beads changed? Since you started or over the years?

I’m starting to make more sets now, and try new silver glasses.  It’s good when you get over the fear of using the “Special” stuff.  And when it works out, you can’t get enough!

Do you have a humorous beadmaking experience or moment to share with us?

One time I went into the studio (garage) to torch, got to my chair and all of a sudden a LARGE white tomcat FLUNG itself out from under my workbench, scrabbled wildly and dashed out of the garage.  Apparently he found a comfy box to spend the chilly nights in.  I’m *SO* glad I wasn’t holding any hot glass at the time, because I jumped about a FOOT.

Have you had any “glass epiphanies” while working – some revelation or understanding? What were they?

I loved discovering how long I could make a special color last by pulling it out into stringer…I haven’t had many epiphanies that I can claim were all my own, but I love learning a technique and practicing it to perfection.  My next epiphany will be scrollwork with stringer, I can just tell.

Do you listen to music when you work, or prefer complete silence? If you listen to music what is your favorite type of music or artist to listen to while you work?

I love listening to music, the radio, talk radio, or a good audiobook while I work. Time flies so fast!  Musically, I enjoy *almost* everything upbeat, some Enya and Moby music to get the creative juices flowing…

Do you have any advice or encouraging words for someone who is just starting out in glass? (Aside from persistence)

I would say, have confidence in your work.  Don’t depend on fellow artists to make you proud of your work.  Be proud for your own reasons. Take constructive criticism for what it’s worth and use it well, and toss the garbage and empty words. 

How much time do you spend making beads (in hours) per week? Is it enough?

In the winter, I spend very little time making beads. Summertime, I spend up to 16 hours making beads.  Is it enough?  It’s enough for me right now!  Currently it’s a creative outlet and a supplement to my income.

What about photographing your beads – what do you use to get your pictures and do you have any tips or tricks to share?

I use a Nikon D40 SLR.  I put it on Macro setting, and try to photograph my beads outside in the daylight, in a photo tent.  Take tons of pictures, they’re digital and free!  A tripod is nice to have to protect from shaking. Try not to leave too much empty space, crop it out in your photo editing program, so that the bead is up close and personal. (you’ll find out quickly how blurry the picture is when you do this, so it’s good to take more than one picture!)  If you know how to set your white balance, do so.

Is this a job, or a passion? Or both? How much of making beads/playing with hot glass is about just making them, vs. making a living?

This is a passion, and of course I would love it if it would become more lucrative.  If I can pay for my passion with the proceeds, I’m happy.  Everything else is gravy, and usually goes into a fun tool or new glass, or something glass related.

Where do you see yourself going with lampworking/glassworking in the future? Or, where do you see it taking you?

I intend to take it everywhere, I’m not letting it go so easily!  I don’t know exactly where it will go, but I think I will know “it” when I see it.  In the mean time, I’m going to keep having fun, having pretty pieces, and being open to whatever opportunities come knocking!

Do you have a favourite Bead? Can you share pictures with us?

I really enjoy making my “Fairy Godmothers”.  They’re thumb sized little goddesses with wings, and they’re really cute, if I do say so myself! 

Each is unique, just like we are!