Starry Sky | Karen Southey

Starry Sky 'Rosetta'

Handmade lampwork glass, 'Starry Sky' is a lentil shaped bead made with a base of 'Effetre' transparent glass. Pure silver foil and wire is added and encased in a press to shape the bead. Each bead is unique as it is impossible to predict where the stars will end up. Some make it to the surface and sometimes the foil leaves a wee shiny cloud on the surface of the bead.

The lentil bead is 20mm round and 9mm at its widest
The pendant is strung on a beautiful 45cm (18 inch) sterling silver bead chain
All pendant findings and accent beads are Sterling Silver

About

Karen Southey is a glass bead and jewellery maker based in Te Kopuru, Northland. She has been creating jewellery for over a decade and loves every step of the process from the making of glass beads to j=bespoke jewellery pieces.

Having experimented with various styles and techniques in her jewellery making journey, in 2014 Karen took a weekend course at 'Born to Bead' and fell in love with the process. She has been making her own beads ever since then.

Each bead is carefully crafted in a very hot flame and then immediately put in a kiln to cool gradually for several hours to cure. Karen mainly use Italian glass (Effetre) and some American (Double Helix) and also enjoys transforming broken antique bottle glass, found in Kaipara, into beautiful beads and sustainable jewellery for everyday use.