Giveaway Monday: One Bead at a Time

by tara

The HiP giveaway for this week is sponsored by Berks County resident, Sandy, from One Bead at a Time. Please take a minute to read Sandy’s story and find out about her work. At the bottom of the post, you’ll find out what you can win this week and how to enter!

Sandy began working on lampwork glass beads over 10 years ago. Along with her husband Mark, she owned a bead shop in West Reading (they still own a fantastic drum shop!) and was inspired by a book on glass beads. She says, “When I started lampworking, I knew I had found a craft that I could explore for years and never come to the end of its challenges and possibilities.”

“Lampwork refers to working with glass in a torch. It is one of the more accessible ways to work with glass as the equipment is reasonably affordable and the space needed is not excessive,” explained Sandy.

Although she’s taken classes on new techniques and is inspired by colleagues, Sandy tends to let her creativity run wild when designing new pieces. Like so many brilliant artisans I’ve met, she says, “the creative spark comes from somewhere inside or perhaps from somewhere up above. Right now with my new interest in glass fusing, I do hope to take some fusing classes from Vitrum Studios in Maryland. So I am saving my pennies!!”

Speaking of fused glass, Sandy is newly enamored with fused glass. “Glass fusing is basically cutting pieces of glass from a sheet of glass; arranging and stacking the pieces and melting them together in a kiln.”

Where does Sandy get her inspiration for her beautiful pieces? “I love color. I love to find glass colors that react with each other in unpredictable ways. So often the inspiration comes directly from the glass. I am also inspired by nature. I know – everyone says that but where else can you find such stunning combinations of colors and textures – always changing but always just right? My beads tend to be organic in color and design and I love abstract patterns and textures…I do better if I go into the studio with a very vague idea of where I am headed and just let the process take over.”

I couldn’t resist sharing Sandy’s story of her Ethereal Boro Becoming Bicone Bead (above).

This is a new design for me that came out of noticing how much I liked my beads before they were finished and melted smooth. I like the extreme texture of the bead and the suggestion of angel wings. It has some really nice metallic luster too that is a feature of the borosilicate glass that I use in my beads. Borosilicate glass is a glass that melts very slowly and often has lots of metal in its chemical makeup. The colors of boro often react with each other and the glass can create many tones and shades of color in one bead.

In her Etsy listing, she adds this detail, “Thus – the “Becoming” bead name – a little bead reminder that it is all about the journey, not the destination.” Fabulous!

Sandy also teaches private lessons in her home studio. You can email her at sandree AT comcast DOT net for more information.

So what can you win this week? How about these beautiful fused glass coasters?

To win this set of 4 Sea ‘n Sand Coasters:

You must be a resident of the United States (please note this change!)
Leave a comment on this post with your favorite item from Sandy’s Etsy shop.
To receive an extra entry, share this post on Twitter, Facebook, other social networking site, or your blog. Comment again with the link!

Giveaway ends Friday, February 13, at noon.

76 comments

1 Rosie's Whimsy { 02.09.09 at 4:09 am }: Gorgeous work! I am particularly fond of the Pandora style beads. There are a couple peach pink ones that are calling my name!

Rosie’s Whimsy’s last blog post..Hubby’s Way
2 Janine { 02.09.09 at 7:38 am }: Ohh how pretty! I love the Fuschia Glow Boro Minis Lampwork Glass Bead Set. I’m also from PA! :) Thanks for the great giveaway!
janine at lovegiveaways.com
3 Janine { 02.09.09 at 7:41 am }: I blogged! http://blog.lovegiveaways.com/2009/02/giveaways.html
4 Liz { 02.09.09 at 7:41 am }: I love the BonnyBlue Boro Flower marble. That is just beautiful!

Liz’s last blog post..Off white Girl’s Slippers
5 Michelle { 02.09.09 at 7:46 am }: My favorite is the Graphic Black and White Fused Glass Pendant with Sterling Wire Wrap, very pretty design.

Michelle’s last blog post..Happy Valentine’s Day to The Goob
6 Michelle { 02.09.09 at 7:47 am }: I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/auntiethesis/status/1191702370

Michelle’s last blog post..Happy Valentine’s Day to The Goob
7 Frances { 02.09.09 at 7:57 am }: I love the graphic white and black fused glass pendant, too! It’s just the modern look I go for.
8 Lori { 02.09.09 at 8:36 am }: I love the yellows and warmness of the ‘inner glow’ bead. Beautiful work! Thanks for the great give away!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20534565

Lori’s last blog post..Spring is Coming Pendant
9 Joan M { 02.09.09 at 8:41 am }: Well with that description how can my favorite be anything but Ethereal Boro Becoming Bicone! I am seeing angel wings now!
10 erin { 02.09.09 at 8:57 am }: pick just one favorite?!? Are you crazy! They are all so gorgeous! I guess if I must just pick one…it would be this
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19684299
The Retro Leopard Boro’s.
Sandy, your work is amazing! I will be linking this up on my facebook for sure.

erin’s last blog post..Hot Air Balloon Purse
11 Jody from The Point { 02.09.09 at 9:05 am }: Hello!
I love the inner glow medium boro lentil lampwork bead!
Another great giveaway!

Jody from The Point’s last blog post..Shamrock card – hand stitched – frame ready
12 Jody from The Point { 02.09.09 at 9:07 am }: I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/thepointneedle/status/1191883799

Jody from The Point’s last blog post..Shamrock card – hand stitched – frame ready
13 Jennifer { 02.09.09 at 11:18 am }: While I mainly work with stone beads, I have really liked Sandy’s work (bought a set of beads a while back that just called to me!), my fave currently on her Etsy store is Drifting Large Boro Lentil Lampwork Glass Bead. I totally adore blue, green, and that fiery red all together! Gorgeous.
14 Kylie { 02.09.09 at 11:27 am }: Graphic Black and White Fused Glass Pendant with Sterling Wire Wrap
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15364647

Clean lines and so striking- love this!

Kylie’s last blog post..BOGO SALE Sky Blue Black Cloud Amazonite Ovals (5 beads)
15 Carolyn G { 02.09.09 at 11:42 am }: Beautiful coasters. I also love the Graphic Black and White Fused Glass Pendant with Sterling Wire Wrap at Sandy’s site
16 Carolyn G { 02.09.09 at 11:43 am }: I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/carogonza/status/1192349057
17 Liz { 02.09.09 at 12:25 pm }: Just tweeted!

Liz’s last blog post..A friendly reminder
18 Sandra { 02.09.09 at 1:03 pm }: Love the Sunshine Mosaic Pandora Style Beads! Beautiful color-amazing work!
19 Pat@Back Porch Musings { 02.09.09 at 2:53 pm }: Beautiful coasters.
I came by here from Rosie’s
20 Sea ‘n Sand Coasters - set of 4 fused glass drink coasters by Sandra Seaman | Mom Giveaways { 02.09.09 at 3:59 pm }: [...] Handmade in PA.netWhat: Sea ‘n Sand Coasters – set of 4 fused glass drink coasters by Sandra SeamanHow To Enter: [...]
21 amy { 02.09.09 at 4:02 pm }: i love the Dark Woods Faerie Boro Bicone Lampwork Bead!!!!!!!!!1
22 Stephanie { 02.09.09 at 5:00 pm }: Hello from another PA person. I love the coasters!
23 amber { 02.09.09 at 5:40 pm }: Beautiful! I also like the Pretty in Pink Dichroic Pendant.Thanks!
24 Anya { 02.09.09 at 7:38 pm }: I like the Lilac Blues Dotted Boro Lampwork Glass Bead Set. The coasters are lovely — thanks for the chance.
25 Suzanne { 02.09.09 at 9:59 pm }: I think I have to pick the inner glow medium lentil lampwork glass bead, but that was a really tough call because all of the things are so beautiful! Love the give-away coasters too. Just beautiful!
26 Suzanne { 02.09.09 at 10:02 pm }: Please add my name again. I have your contest listed on my sidebar. Thanks so much!

http://justanotherhangup.blogspot.com

Suzanne’s last blog post..The Results: "Raspberry Truffle" Give-Away
27 N + S { 02.09.09 at 10:29 pm }: love the Bluish/Greenish Boro Becoming Bicone!
28 bring on spring! craft swap & meet-up | handmade in PA { 02.10.09 at 12:03 am }: [...] Don’t forget to enter the giveaway from Sandy at OneBead.com! [...]
29 Tamara B. { 02.10.09 at 12:41 am }: I love the absolutely gorgeous Bonny Blue Boro Flower Marble
tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com
30 Mary Jo { 02.10.09 at 3:33 am }: I really like the Warm Earth Tone Boro beads. The graphic pendant is fun, too. Great colors.
31 Natalie { 02.10.09 at 5:34 am }: I love the colors of warm earthtones…
32 Heather Yellen { 02.10.09 at 3:34 pm }: I love the layered leaves large lampwork bead… I’ve always been attracted to deep rich blues. Beautiful work!

Heather Yellen
castawaycreations (at) gmail dot com
http://castawaycreation.etsy.com

Heather Yellen’s last blog post..Shepherd Scarflette – FREE SHIPPING
33 Celeste { 02.10.09 at 3:40 pm }: This is cool:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19527201
34 Blue Gate { 02.10.09 at 3:45 pm }: Gosh… those are just gorgeous….. love the glass…. just lovely..
Give that little Lola a hug for me…
Hugs
Linda
35 Amber { 02.10.09 at 3:52 pm }: I love the BonnyBlue Boro Flower marble.
Everything is so beautiful though!

Amber’s last blog post..I am an Ingrid
36 melissa { 02.10.09 at 4:00 pm }: The Bonny Blue Boro Flower Marble is beautiful!
37 laura { 02.10.09 at 4:42 pm }: love the Warm Earth Tones Boro Lampwork Glass Bead Set
38 Erin Lowmaster { 02.10.09 at 4:57 pm }: I am rather fond of the Earthy Organic Boro Freeform Lampwork Bead! Beautiful work!

Erin Lowmaster’s last blog post..Jack in The Box Fries
39 Nadia { 02.10.09 at 5:49 pm }: I like the Pretty in Pink Dichroic Fused Glass Pendant with Organza Ribbon Necklace.
40 nicole { 02.10.09 at 5:50 pm }: I like the Warm Earth Tones Boro Lampwork Glass Bead Set. Beautiful as a necklace
41 Pat { 02.10.09 at 6:07 pm }: I love Sandy’s Bonnie blue boro flower marble bead! What beautiful work she does!

Pat

Pat’s last blog post..Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, New York
42 Piper { 02.10.09 at 6:12 pm }: my fave item in the shop is Bonny Blue Boro Flower Marble
43 Therese { 02.10.09 at 8:26 pm }: WOW-I really love the Bonny Blue Boro marble-gorgeous!
44 just a teaser… | handmade in PA { 02.11.09 at 12:03 am }: [...] Finally, don’t forget about the fused glass coaster giveaway! [...]
45 Karissa { 02.11.09 at 5:05 am }: I love the path home bead! gorgeous!!

Karissa’s last blog post..HUGE Kiss My Face Review and Giveaway Potent and Pure
46 Shelly { 02.11.09 at 12:39 pm }: Love Warm Earth Tones Boro Lampwork Glass Bead Set
47 Rick { 02.11.09 at 2:06 pm }: Very beautiful glass work. Each work is so different.
48 Crystal { 02.11.09 at 4:31 pm }: I love the Lilac Blues Dotted Boro Lampwork Glass necklace – it’s beautiful!
Thanks!
ericbrooks75(at)yahoo(dot)com
49 Holly Gage { 02.11.09 at 4:53 pm }: I am a big fan of Sandy’s work. There is always something new “cooking” The Ethereal boro is new and I love the story. What a way with color and design.
~ Holly
50 Mary V. Anderson { 02.11.09 at 5:16 pm }: The boro wings are neat in light green/gold or blue. The green ones remind me of bambo or palm. I especially like beads with inside details, like little worlds that we have to look at very closely to discover new things.
51 Aimee W. { 02.11.09 at 7:30 pm }: I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Graphic Black and White Fused Glass Pendant with Sterling Wire Wrap.
Thanks so much for this great giveaway!!
Aimee from Scranton, PA
52 Sara Amos { 02.11.09 at 8:15 pm }: Oh how I love the Pretty in Pink Dichroic Fused Glass Pendant with Organza Ribbon Necklace
53 Sheila { 02.11.09 at 9:09 pm }: Oooh, I love the Fuschia Glow Boro Minis Lampwork Glass Bead Set!
Beautiful! And so are the coasters.
54 Rebecca C { 02.11.09 at 11:11 pm }: Layered Leaves Large Boro Lentil Lampwork Glass Bead is my favorite! SO cool!

Rebecca C’s last blog post..Wii Fit twitter party!
55 Rebecca C { 02.11.09 at 11:12 pm }: I stumbled your giveaway

Username: wastebasketsa

Rebecca C’s last blog post..Wii Fit twitter party!
56 upcoming events YOU should know about! | handmade in PA { 02.12.09 at 12:03 am }: [...] This week’s giveaway sponsor, Sandy, will be showing her beads as well as new HiP readers, Louise and Joan. You can find glass, porcelain, precious metal clay, stone beads – and many, many more! The Berks Bead Bazaar takes place at the Inn at Reading. [...]
57 israel y { 02.12.09 at 12:35 am }: my favorite is the Fuschia Glow Boro Minis Lampwork Glass Bead Set
58 Cindi { 02.12.09 at 12:36 am }: Hello, I love Sandy’s glasswork beads! The Earthy Organic Boro
Free Form Lampwork Bead is my favorite. Her coasters are lovely! Please enter my name in this terrific contest drawing. Many thanks,
Cindi
59 Claudia M { 02.12.09 at 1:31 am }: beautiful ! i also really like the Bonny Blue Boro Flower !

everything is gorgeous :) thanks!
60 pat { 02.12.09 at 8:52 am }: i love the colors in the coasters
61 Jennifer H. { 02.12.09 at 11:03 am }: I love the Retro Leopard Boro Lampwork Glass Bead Set (7). The coasters are just beautiful, too. Thanks for the chance to win!
62 Brenda S. { 02.12.09 at 11:51 am }: I love the BonnyBlue Boro Flower marble.
Thanks!
63 Carolyn D { 02.12.09 at 1:12 pm }: I like the Graphic Black and White Fused Glass Pendant with Sterling Wire Wrap.

Carolyn D’s last blog post..Got…Common Sense?
64 Carolyn D { 02.12.09 at 1:13 pm }: I posted to Facebook.

Carolyn D’s last blog post..Got…Common Sense?
65 JC Flynt-Wamble { 02.12.09 at 1:44 pm }: The Boro Flower Marbles (Bonny Blue and Vibrant Orange) or gorgeous and display well. The details on the Petals Large Boro Bicone Lampwork Bead and the Dark Woods Faerie Boro Bicone Lampwork Bead are excellent!
66 JC Flynt-Wamble { 02.12.09 at 1:45 pm }: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=1347643198&ref=name&pub=2915120374
67 Dale Louderback { 02.12.09 at 2:00 pm }: The inner glow beads look really neat
68 Kathy Conley { 02.12.09 at 4:38 pm }: My favorite item is the Pink Swirl White Core Boro Pandora Style Big Hole Lampwork Glass Bead Pair. I love these beautiful coasters as well!
69 christin { 02.12.09 at 4:52 pm }: wow! this work is gorgeous! i especially love the retro leopard boro lampwork glass bead set:) thanks!
christinbanda@yahoo.com
70 Leah { 02.13.09 at 3:55 am }: I soooo love the Bonny Blue Boro Flower Marble! So aesthetically beautiful!

Thanks so much for this fabulous give~away! : )))

leahita[at]gmail[dot]com
71 Leah { 02.13.09 at 3:55 am }: And, I TWITTERED about this give~away…….user name: leahita.

http://twitter.com/leahita/status/1205787541

leahita[at]gmail[dot]com
72 Zoey { 02.13.09 at 9:39 am }: I really like the Graphic Black and White Fused Glass Pendant with Sterling Wire.
73 Lizzie { 02.13.09 at 11:12 am }: OOO! These are so pretty http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17656561

Lizzie’s last blog post..Works Of God Weekend
74 Lizzie { 02.13.09 at 11:13 am }: And I twittered http://twitter.com/adustyframe

Lizzie’s last blog post..Works Of God Weekend
75 Art on the Avenue: West Reading | handmade in PA { 06.19.09 at 12:02 am }: [...] can also meet Sandy from One Bead at a Time, who was featured on HiP in February. Sandy has a new line of notecards available that feature extreme close-up photos of her [...]
76 elizabeth { 10.01.09 at 6:51 am }: I just found “handmade in PA” and added it to my fav list. Such beautiful work!! Right now I am at work but later I plan to really explore…and I too am almost right down the road in Sinking Spring!