Fire Seed

Fire Seed is an amazing bead shop on the internet. Louise lives in Merrickville, Ontario Canada, and makes the most amazing beads. One day, I want to watch someone make a bead from start to finish.



How did you decide on your shop name?
I tried to think of something memorable that also described a little of what my shop was about - my glass beads are made in the flame - so they really are a little like Fire Seeds!

When did you start making beads? Can you tell us a bit about the process?
I began making beads in 2006 - I was completely hooked after seeing beads with frogs on them and then realising what people were creating with glass - I've never had such a burning desire to do something - oops that's a bit of a pun, but it's true. I was scared to death to light the barbecue let alone a torch that uses gas, so it really was a calling of some kind.

Each bead is made by melting coloured rods of glass in the flame of a torch that uses oxygen and propane. The glass is applied to metal rods that have been dipped in a clay based liquid - without this they would be stuck to metal for ever! I shape the glass using tools, decorate it with different colours of glass and sometimes use silver foil or leaf. There really is no end to the possibilities of styles, shapes and colours that can be used in a bead. Once the bead is complete I put it right into my kiln where the stresses that have built up in the glass while it's been worked are allowed to release. This creates a bead that is strong and durable. Each one is really a miniature work of Art - I think that is what's so appealing, no two are exactly alike, and what better than Art you can wear!

Are there other crafts you would like to try?
Oh yes! I'd love to do felting, and also work with some of the metal clays that are out there, esp. bronze clay. I could list a whole lot more, but those would be top of the list.

What or who inspires you?
Almost everything! Other artists, nature, things I read or see, wallpaper, fabrics, colours, - even advertising can be inspiring at times!

Do you have a day job?
Yes, I do real estate photography for a virtual tour company and also web design.

#6. What is the item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why?
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22867829 I think the Space Monkees are the most enjoyable. They are fun, I can't help but smile when I make them, and I'm never quite sure how they will look until they are done. The pupils of the eyes are very important because they really make the face expressive.