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Playing With Fire
Teresa Brittain discovered glass beadmaking in 1995, and the Oak Ridge artist now makes glass beads full time by hand using what is called the “lampworked method.” She melts rods of colored glass – some opaque, some transparent – over an oxygen propane torch and incorporates glass powders, metallic leaf and other materials to create interesting colors and textures.
“Each bead is made, start to finish, over the torch,” she says. “No molds, no forms. All are done freehand.”
She then uses the beads to create one-of-a-kind necklaces, bracelets, pendants and earrings. Brittain exhibits at craft shows in North Carolina and Tennessee, and more than
a dozen retail locations carry her work, including the Appalachian Center for Craft in Smithville, Helios Artglassworks in Nashville and Thompson Jewelers in Tullahoma. She also teaches classes and sells online.
Prices start at around $45 for earrings.
Check out Brittain’s jewelry at www.brittainbeads.com,
or e-mail teresa@brittainbeads.com.
O Christmas Tree …
If you’re planning to buy a Christmas tree this year, consider taking one home from a local tree farm. Most tree farms offer plenty of extras – wagon rides, petting zoos, hot apple cider and other refreshments – that make great memories and add to the experience of selecting your own tree. Christmas-tree growers will usually cut the tree down, shake off the needles, bag it and strap it to the top of your vehicle if you wish. Many tree farms also sell fresh wreaths, roping, garland and balled and burlapped live trees that can be replanted after the holidays.
To find a tree farm in your area, visit www.picktnproducts.org and click on “Trees, Flowers and Plants,” “Nursery Products” and then “Christmas Trees.” Or visit the Tennessee Christmas Tree Growers Association at www.tennesseechristmastrees.org, or call (931) 788-0455.
Volpitta’s original nutcrackers are carved from solid basswood, and reproductions can be made. It takes her about a week to carve an original nutcracker.
“It’s tedious, but I like working with my hands,” Volpitta says. “I guess that’s why I’m an electrologist – you remove one hair at a time.”
Original nutcrackers start at $450, and reproductions start at $180. For more information, call Volpitta at (615) 504-1472.
A Bright Gift Idea
Hold on to the best part of summer with elegant, handcrafted beeswax luminaries decorated with hand-picked wildflowers. Laura and Jeff Otto, owners of Brunswick Beeworks in Arrington, make each luminary from a special mold and finish it with a dried flower or leaf from their garden. These one-of-
a-kind creations make lovely gifts, and they look beautiful on holiday tables, mantels – or even floating in a calm pool. Each luminary comes with two tea lights. Brunswick Beeworks will make luminaries with a flower of your choosing, and special pricing is available for large orders. The husband-and-wife team raises bees and makes honey and beeswax products
by hand, including all-natural skin-care products, on their three-acre farm.
Visit the Web site at www.brunswickbeeworks.com
for more information, or call (615) 656-3174.
