When I was a kid, I was a little tomboy. And one of my favorite things to do (ever!) was play marbles. I was quite proud of my marble collection that grew with each victory in a marble game. I don't really know what happened to that marble collection... they've slipped out of sight and have gotten lost somewhere along my transition out of tomboyhood. Wish I still had them. So as a tribute to those days, I had been scouring the "interweb" (thanks, Tracy Jordan) for glass marble beads and to my surprise, they don't really exist!!! Can you believe it? That hasn't stopped me from looking regularly though.. (and still no luck). So knowing that, you can imagine how ecstatic I was when I found some at a recent trade show! There was only one strand available for purchase and I just didn't have the funds to splurge on it. Also to my surprise, they're rather pricey! BUT, the vendor also had an extremely rare strand of glass marble beads that she was selling per bead. And each glass marble bead had its own beautiful and distinct detail... and the rarity was that they were about 200 years old! No wonder it was sold per bead. It would've cost a small fortune to get them all, but I couldn't resist buying one. And there she is (above). Isn't she a beauty? And here she is as a necklace focal.. an early birthday present to myself. :)
I'd love to make more of these to share with all you other tomboys at heart! So my search for the perfect glass marble beads will continue... either that or figure out how to drill through regular glass marbles. Anyone have any leads?
P.S. I just listed a few new pieces today! More to come. Hope you can stop by to take a peek.
That IS beautiful! And I can't believe you can't find marbles! Where are they all? I loved playing and collection marbles as a kid, too. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Brenda! Well I can find loads of playing marbles, but none that are drilled to be strung as beads. I guess they are more fun to play with than worn as jewelry. :)
ReplyDeleteLOVE the marble necklace!!
ReplyDeletengan-- i love your marble necklace-- and it's so nice to see your smiling picture posting again--- i'm sure you've been more than busy which is why your new work is all the more special-- i love the keys added to your new pieces... what is it about keys? they are so appealing... the mystery perhaps!! glad you're finding time for your creative self!!
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kathi
Love it Ngan! I donno if it's an Asian thing? but these marbles are a fond memory for me as well in Singapore, alongside those 5-stones (pyramid shaped stuffed bean bags) & skipping ropes made out of looping rubber bands together. and it's common everywhere. but these days, kids in the Y generation don't play with them anymore. it's sad to see these things fade away...
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