I HAVE A FRIEND

 I have  a friend and that friend has talent.  I wrote about Jules here 

when she suffered terribly from the uncommon disease of Tularemia, also known as Rabbit Fever.  She  had been a talented potter but the disease and rigorous  treatment damaged her immune system. She became allergic to most everything and was devastated when she developed a severe allergy to clay.  

Her craft of choice, her livelihood, her joy had to be abandoned.

Frustrated and discouraged, she searched for an alternative craft that would not make her sick and discovered glass fusion.  This was a craft that did not negatively effect her in any way. Though she had to learn a totally new craft and buy all new equipment, she tackled the task and conquered it.

Then with the help of her father James(also a talented crafter) they formed the Internet company, Jules Glass Fusion, with a site on Etsy. As some of you know, Etsy is an online market place for crafters to display and sell their product.   

Jules makes her own glass, cuts and fuses it in a kiln, then her father makes the items wearable. They have a great partnership.   

Each piece is unique. It really is stunning jewelry that will garner lots of attention. If you don't like talking to strangers, this probably isn't for you as strangers will likely approach you to inquire about  your piece. If you do like compliments however, this is right up your alley. 


Below are a few samples with descriptions from her site. You can click on the photos to see a larger image. 

Multicolored fused glass earrings. A groove is cut into the glass and they are hand wired with high quality, eco-friendly argentium silver wire

Elegant black and white fused glass with hand painted black glass design. A hole is cut into the glass and they are hand wired with high quality, eco-friendly argentium silver wire

There is a beautiful richness in the color of fused copper that varies from red-violet, plum, to deep pink in changing light. An abstract design is hand painted on the copper with liquid black glass powder and topped with translucent glass to add depth. After fuse firing, it is ground to create a more defined shape. The glass is then re-fired at a lower temperature to restore the shine of the glass while retaining the quality of the edge

  

These are a personal favorite of mine.  
The handmade fused glass is cut, ground, re-fired, and wrapped with silver filled wire. The figure eight link nicely enhances the round cut glass. 

These long drop earrings are made by hand cutting thin strips of glass and fusing them together in a glass kiln. The glass is then cut again using a glass tile saw and then polish fired to retain the square edges.

This pretty fused glass heart necklace would make a nice gift for a loved one. The glass heart hangs from a silver plated bail and includes an 18" leather cord necklace with a lobster claw clasp.

At present her inventory consists of  fused glass pendant necklaces, drop earrings, stud earrings, cuff links, dangle earrings and adjustable cocktail rings.  

If you have a Mother's Day dilemma,need a gift for a graduate,  a  gift for your sweetie, or just want something special for yourself, visit   Jules Glass Fusion   and bookmark her site.  You won't be sorry. 

Thank you.