Why buy authentic Murano Glass Beads? Or rather, why buy anything else? Many of our customers are designers who sell their Venetian Jewelry in the fairs and shows around the world. Sometimes they fall in love with Swarovski, but it is everywhere and hard to make a name for yourself with such a ubiquitous commodity; and…
Making a Boro Tube Necklace
These are very popular in Venice, and combining both traditional Murano Glass beads for the center piece and Borosilicate Glass, commonly called “boro” for the curved tubes. The tubes are curved working in the flame. Here are some suggestions for center beads. You will need a bead that is at least 20mm to command the center, or…
Let’s Make a Round Venetian Bead
The round bead is the first one you learn how to make. And most of our other shapes take off from the humble round bead. So it is the building block and our most popular bead shape. We buy and sell many thousands of round Gold Foil beads each year. First you’ll need a torch,…
Not Just a Gondola
Every day in Venice is a new adventure. Early morning walks before the tourist arrive are the best. I met Massimo one morning and discovered his wonderful project, along with others to teach disadvantaged youth skills and support fair trade. The gondola, a symbol of Venice, is also a symbol of a future for these…
Accidental Residents at Ca’ Rezzonico
The history of Ca’Rezzonico has recorded several famous residents in the beautiful palazzo along the Grand Canal. It was home Robert Browning, Cole Porter rented it and now it has new occupants, abandoned by their owners, but taken in.
Working with Venetian Beads
Ever so often we have to remind ourselves that we are working with artisans who work with materials at 2600F in front of fire breathing torches for hours each day. They are not machines, nor robots. Each of beads is a small work of art with all the beauties and “defects” inherent in any product…
The New Plague of Venice – Illegal Vendors
Venice has battled the plague more than once in it’s history. Arriving on the boats in the harbor of Venice, the merchants brought disease which killed large numbers of the population. Today’s plague and pestilence is a different kind, the abusive, illegal vendors who badger the tourist selling bags, selfi sticks, toys and feed for…
Pantone Colors Fall Winter 2015-16 with Venetian Glass Beads
Here are some ideas of our authentic Murano Glass Beads and Swarovski Crystals which go with the colors for Fall and Winter. In the words of Pantone: “Fall/Winter 2015: An Evolving Color Landscape The season displays an umbrella of accord that weaves earthy neutrals with a range of bold color statements and patterns to reflect…
Murano Furnace Crisis
Read our Blog on the trouble in the Murano. Click Here
Glass Comes to Town – Glass Art Society
The Glass Art Society Conference came to town bringing glass workers (artists) from all over the world. It is a big deal to the students of the Universities, to the patrons of the arts and to the glass workers. San Jose California is in the heart of Silicon Valley where you find people dressed in…