Hello and welcome to my little corner of eBay. Collecting vintage Barbies brought me here and eventually I found myself customizing and selling one-of-a-kind dolls, that is, until Fall 2000. I've been familiar with pottery and ceramics since my childhood (3rd grade!) but what I found at a festival near my home in Charlotte, North Carolina, totally captivated me. Searching out booths with sterling silver jewelry led me to one booth and its owner in particular, not to mention the crowd it was attracting. She had a wonderful assortment of beads, not just any run-of-the-mill beads, but lampwork beads and they were just beautiful! I had often thought of making jewelry, just a piece or two for myself or for close friends, but the ordinary beads and findings in local craft stores just was not what I had in mind. I wanted something bursting with color, something unique, something special and fun to wear! So, I began to read and study everything I could find on the subject of Lampworking. With the first of Cindy Jenkins' books at my side, I bravely (HA!) lit the torch. Actually, that is a lie. I was scared to death I would burn down my house or "blow" off my face! Thank goodness, neither happened, and from that very moment I was completely swept away with the enchantment of creating these small glass works of art. I have been making my lampworked glass beads, in my small studio behind my house ever since I walked away from that festival and taught myself how. I also enjoy silversmithing and since Fall 2004 have been designing and creating one of a kind pieces of jewelry, such as rings, clasps, connectors and other such components focused around my beads and glass work. Each of my beads is made by me in my studio and is fully annealed for durability and lasting beauty. They are cleaned and carefully inspected by me before they are lovingly packaged. They are shipped to arrive "gift ready" for a friend, loved one or just yourself! The beads are fun and receiving them should be fun as well! Thank you for taking time to check out my ME PAGE and for your interest in my lampwork beads. Have a wonderful day!

Darla

My eBay User ID is darla60

Since Friday, Nov 27, 1998

darlasdesigns.com