color that glows

Capturing the unique play of color and light in wearable glass art. Welcome to Amy Sims Designs — Artisan Lampwork Bead and Jewelry Studio.

Hi, I’m Amy

And I’m a glassaholic!

Well, as far as addictions go, glass is not a bad one to have!  I also tend to obsess over pens and art supplies. And gemstones. And logos. Basically anything colorful! I’ve been lampworking since 2005, and I started out specializing in large hole beads that are compatible with all of the popular European bracelets like Pandora, Troll, Biagi and Chamilia.  In addition to creating the beads, I do the metalwork that gives them a metal “core” and bead caps. This is all cold work, meaning I do not need a torch to solder anything. I find this type of creating as satisfying as beadmaking. I also enjoy chainmaille, enameling, wirework, and coloring on metal.

Stats

  • Lampworking 95% 95%
  • Enameling 25% 25%
  • chainmaille & metal 70% 70%
  • graphic design 60% 60%
  • calligraphy 30% 30%
  • paper crafts 50% 50%
  • oenophilia 65% 65%
  • Feline Love 100% 100%

what is lampworking?

(source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lampworking) Lampworking is a  type of glasswork where a torch or lamp is primarily used to melt the glass. Once in a molten state, the glass is formed by blowing and shaping with tools and hand movements.It is also known as flameworking or torchworking, as the modern practice no longer uses oil-fueled lamps. Although lack of a precise definition for lampworking makes it difficult to determine when this technique was first developed, the earliest verifiable lampworked glass is probably a collection of beads thought to date to the fifth century BC. Lampworking became widely practiced in Murano, Italy in the 14th century. In the mid 19th-century lampwork technique was extended to the production of paperweights, primarily in France, where it became a popular art form, still collected today. Lampworking differs from glassblowing in that glassblowing uses a furnace as the primary heat source, although torches are also used. Early lampworking was done in the flame of an oil lamp, with the artist blowing air into the flame through a pipe. Most artists today use torches that burn either propane or natural gas, or in some countries butane, for the fuel gas, mixed with either air or pure oxygen as the oxidizer.

Charm beads

Large-hole charm beads that fit all European style chains and many of my INTERCHANGEABLES. These beads may have a metal core. 

Designer Beads

Focal beads, pairs, and sets of beads for the jewelry designer. Made on 3/32 mandrels (2mm holes).

Jewelry

Earrings, bracelets, pendants and more, hand-crafted by me using my lampwork beads, fine metals, semi-precious stones, and fine greek leather.

Beautiful and perfect for my projects! Thank you!

Jane

Simply Pray

Very pretty focal – love it.

CC Steil

CC Stiel Jewelry Design

I love the fact that I can change up my look with ease; so versatile. Shipped on time, perfect transaction.

Rhonda Southern

Get in touch

Got a question? Want something special? Just want to chat? Drop me a line and I'll get back to you soon!

"Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!"

Dr. Seuss