Muse on a Wire: "She lives in a world of her own — a world of

Ever since I saw The Glass Menagerie as a child (quoted above), I’ve had a love for art-glass. Back then, I started a collection of miniatures that I still have today and every now and then I spy something that re-sparks my interest, something I’ve never seen done before. Recently, I saw an amazingly beautiful and delicate lampwork art deco female dancing figurine on Antiques Roadshow. The last time glass made me so excited was when at the SS10 shows, a couple of Mary Katrantzou’s models strutted out wearing blown glass necklaces she’d commissioned from artist Peter Layton. The dresses wowed too, in prints that had been created by digitising photographs of the glass blowing process in Peter’s Leathermarket studio, and by further shaping the fabric to look like beautiful glass art. Mary sealed her fate as a top British Designer with this show.

Reminiscent of their collaboration, is this lovely, if less dramatic at 18mm wide, lampwork strand called Tulip Garden Ruffle at Scully B’s shop on Etsy for just $10.99 USD.

Layton’s art is spectacular and he has installations all over the world. This lovely Spirale Dropper can be yours for £490.00. You can find it at: www.spinnakersgallery.co.uk

I was lucky enough to witness Dale Chihuly demonstrating his mastery over the medium at the Birmingham (Alabama) Museum of Art in 1998. The art of glass, from taking a raw piece through the time-honoured alchemical and fiery process and beholding the hypnotising result, is one I will always be captivated by.

One of, if not the most, popular glass artists in the world, Chihuly’s installations are everywhere, from Alabama to Iceland, from train stations to museums and even opera sets.

Find out more at www.chihuly.com

If you don't know Etsy.com, you've been missing out! It's chock-full of one-of-a-kind sold by individuals in their 'shops'.

Bat Chen Designs’ joyous Sea Anemone Beads are exploding with whimsy. At over 1.5” wide, they make a statement that’s all fun.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BatChenDesigns

I love the clean and sleek look of this Harmony Jusseame ‘Iris’ necklace formed of glass and metal hoops.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/harmonyjusseaume

Isn’t she sweet? Giapet’s Fire and Sand workshop has produced this beautiful little 1.5” high Raku Lampwork Goddess bead.

At heights of under 2 inches and with affordable pricetags, Susan Jones’ museum-quality beads show she is a formidable talent.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/susanjonesdesigns

Like a strange creature from 10,000 leagues under the sea of another planet, Donna Millard’s 2 inch lampwork beads are as exquisitely touchable as they are wearable.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/DonnaMillard

Allison Hill, a Glass Peace Gallery artist, creates delicate flameworked flowers encased in 1 inch glass pendants.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/GlassPeace

I think Bead Ruby’s romantic and girly Pansy Art Glass Necklace is so sweet!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/beadruby

Jill Matheson’s Evil Eye Amulets are startlingly realistic.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/beadruby

For a fun way to wear glass, Nanopod’s Cnidarian Ring fits the bill.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/nanopod

I couldn’t help but share these delightful lampwork creations. From trees, flowers and animals to cupcakes as well as abstract forms, there’s a piece out there to make everyone smile.

These pieces are from these Etsy shops:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Naomish
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Carabeads
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Flamekeeper
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CarolynsBeads
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Sharrona

I am enamoured with Aardvark Art Glass’ collection of adorable Octopi frozen in their struggle to open enticing tiny jars. Have a look at her shop and I dare you not to smile at the Captain Octopus.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/aardvarkartglass

Beady Girl’s Beads are quirky and fun.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/beadygirlbeads

My traipse through the myriad of lampwork glass on offer, led me to this fantastically skirted White Rabbit from Joan Miller Porcelain. I followed him straight down the hole and gathered some Alice in Wonderland themed fancies to share with you in my next post.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/JoanMillerPorcelain