Ask the Divas

The Fire Divas are proud to announce an exciting new blog feature called "Ask the Divas." With this feature, all our fans, customers, and blog readers are able to submit a question they wish to have answered by the Fire Divas. The question can be about lampworking, jewelry, or even directed toward a specific Diva. Every two weeks one question will be randomly selected from those submitted and answered in a blog post for everyone to read! Questions should be submitted to firedivas{at}gmail{dot}com. Please only submit one question every two weeks. Multiple questions will be disregarded.

To start off our new feature, we are answering the question, "How do you use focal beads that are not part of a set?" See our answers below!


Holly (http://www.Hollysfollyglass.artfire.com or http://www.etsy.com/shop/HollysFollyGlass):

OMG! I PREFER Focals for the simple reason... I LOVE simple jewelry. Honestly, most days you will find me wearing some simple chain / cord with a FABULOUS bead on it! I often buy solid color t-shirts that contrast to a bead I have to serve as the perfect backdrop. I'm always busy and always in a hurry and this makes getting dressed and showing off my passion for glass a snap.

Reason #2, I love simply complicated jewelry... like a lariat with 2 similar LARGE focals on the end.


Lara (http://www.lutrick.artfire.com or http://www.etsy.com/shop/Lutrick):

I like simple necklaces such as a simple pendant on a wire wrap. This is usually what I make to sell as it is what I wear. I let the bead speak for itself with little or no embellishments.

Robin (http://www.artfire.com/users/SomethingNew4U or http://www.etsy.com/shop/SomethingNew4U):

I've always felt that lampwork stands out more if there's only one piece of it in a design. Pendants with crystals and Bali silver beads are so lovely. They are also much more flexible than a necklace with several lampwork beads which are not typically adjustable. A well made pendant can be worn on almost any type and length of cord or chain.


Lea (http://www.lajewelrydesigns.artfire.com or http://www.etsy.com/shop/LAJewelryDesigns):

I started out making jewelry before making beads and though in those days I mostly designed with lots & lots of beads (did I mention I LOVE beads??) and still enjoy that look, now that I make my own beads I can really appreciate the look of a single lampwork focal simply strung on a silk or stainless steel cord that just really makes the focal stand out. With the right focal, often less is more.


Jamie (http://www.glasstastictreasures.artfire.com):

I love to keep the emphasis around one wow focal bead. Finding other supplies to match and enhance the one bead is part of the fun of designing!

Theresa (http://www.artfire.com/users/teasebeads or http://www.etsy.com/shop/teasebeads):

I mostly make focals so I have lots of ideas for how to use them! I love to display a focal on a sterling chain, a satin and ribbon cord, or my handmade kumihimo cords. I often string a focal with coordinating glass, crystal, or gemstone beads. One of my favorite ways, though, is to hang a focal bead from a beadwoven necklace made with coordinating seed and accent beads.


That's it for today's Q&A. Stay tuned for the next installment of Ask the Divas - and don't forget to submit your question!