I just won my first "real" handmade lampwork beads on Ebay! I really don't know diddly about true artisan lampwork, but these sure looked beautiful to me. I hope this link works, she doesn't have a store or a website that I could see, so this is to one of her auctions. Her name is Robin Weber and she is "somethingnew4u" on Ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Lampwork-Beads-Ancient-Aqua-Nuggets-SN4U-7477-SALE_W0QQitemZ230151331522QQihZ013QQcategoryZ34070QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I found her because I searched for Kansas artists (you know, wanting to support the hometown crowd!), I was suprised at how many there actually were. Anyway, hoping to get them before I leave on vacation on Monday. I don't think I could stand a whole week away knowing what was waiting at home!

Kelly

Congrats, kelly! I hope they're all you had hoped for! [:)]

elly

Kelly, I just won two auctions from her last night. Yes, I like the idea of supporting Kansas artists! This is the first time I have purchased from her so we will see what happens. I plan on making earrings out of mine. I hope the links work! Alice

http://thmb.inkfrog.com/thumbn/robindweber/7471_full.jpg=600

http://thmb.inkfrog.com/thumbn/robindweber/7534_cu.jpg=600

Kelly and Peachtree,

I've bought many of her beads, they are really nice. She does beautiful colors and the beads are well made and fun to work with.

I think it was one of her sets that I opened in the car, then got home into the garage and managed to get out and drop all of them all over the cement floor. They bounced and skittered and I let out a horrified groan. Well, I picked them all up and not one had a scratch or a crack!

I made this from her beads, long since sold.



Krystal

Thanks Krystal, that's good to know. I wasn't too worried, but you never know!

Alice, I looked a long time at the two you got - they are beautiful. I never thought of just posting the ones I got! Here they are:







Okay - fixed now!

Those beads are gorgeous...I purchased four beads similar to the aqua nuggets ...I just cannot remember from what artist!! It wasn't on ebay..but they are in what I call my "special stash".

Kelly, I had those lovely blue ones on my watch list, and may have even bid against you (sorry!). I can't wait to get mine, but we will be leaving on vacation soon too--so I will only have time to roll them around in my hands....sigh.

Alice

Alice, that's too funny! I won't hold it against you. I stole the black ones away from someone else and I don't feel one bit bad about it!

Luckily we are going on a short car trip and meeting my parents to go camping. HMMM, grandparents to play with the kids, camping and fishing to keep DH busy, plenty of quiet beading time for me! I have an order of SS wire coming in right before we go! And I hope these beads do too.
Kelly

This is so funny, I just bought 4 sets of beads from this lady!! I probably bidded against some of you on them--sorry if I outbid you. :) But I sure like the beads I received!! They are so pretty, I can't wait to make something cool from mine--just can't decide whether to do earrings or a bracelet. So many beautiful beads, so many options, so little time.....

Alyssa

This is funny! She sounds like one of Ebay's best kept secrets. Or - and this is much more likely - I just don't know much about the whose who of Lampworkers.

I think I'm going to horde mine for awhile - they look just too pretty to use! [:D]

BTW Krystal - I just visited your website and it is so beautiful! (Oh, and your jewelry is nice too [;)])

Kelly

Kelly, I have bought Robin's beads before and always loved them. Good find! Now you're hooked! I just emailed her to tell her about this discussion.

Lynn
www.desiderata.us

Just to let you all know, I wrote Robin Weber about this thread and she responded:

"Lynn,
I just checked it out. What a perfectly lovely way to begin my day! I can't post my appreciation as I am not registered on that site, but feel free to convey my sincerest thanks to all who support my work - and the work of other Kansas artists while we're at it! "

Sigh, I know her id well, I"ve watched a lot of her items, she does incredible work .....I wish she'd ship to Canada!

Your beads look lovely, just like little rock pools with sand round the edges. She doesn't ship to the UK either. Boo Hoo.....

Melanie

Lynn, thanks for letting her know.

Melanie, the blue ones very much reminded me of the ocean and a beach, which is why I really wanted them. It's funny, in my clothes I prefer reds and earth tones. But with beads it's blues and aquas, anything that makes me think of water and I have to have it!

Maybe we can get together and send you guys care packages!! :)

Kelly