You would swear that these polymer beads by the UK’s Emma Ralph were glass, wouldn’t you? The metallics look suspended in the medium and the colors are almost dichroic.

It’s not surprising that Emma is also a lampworker. Her familiarity with glass translates to polymer perfectly. You can see her Shabby Silks and Illuminare series of polymer faux glass on her site and more examples on her Facebook EJR Beads page.

  • reply Pippa ,

    I have long been an admirer of Emma’s work – her beads are always so beautiful. The finish she achieves is amazing! Congratulations!

    • reply jan Montarsi ,

      JUST BEAUTIFUL EMMA !!!
      You know what a Shine Junkie I am, I think you have achived perfection !!!
      All the kids at the Forum are going to be so excited for you.

      • reply Jenn ,

        Like Pippa above, I have been a fan of Emma’s work for a long time. Her ever-evolving Illuminare beads are still making me drool. It’s nice to see her featured here. =)

        • reply Emma Ralph ,

          Thank you so much for featuring my beads! I am flattered to appear on PCD and to read such lovely comments too, it’s made my day!

          • reply Trina Williams ,

            Another Emma fan here! Absolutely gorgeous!

            • reply Sabine Spiesser ,

              I just love Emma’s work, it’s so inspiring. She makes the most of this deceptively simple technique to achieve such classy glass-like effects. I think photography just cannot capture the depth generated with the effect – they must look so much more yummy in real life. Congrats Emma, well deserved.

              • reply Ginny Baker ,

                This is amazing! I just purchased a dichroic glass bracelet and this piece captures the look of the dichroic glass incredibly well! Absolutely gorgeous beads!

                • reply Pati Bannister ,

                  How wonderful! I would love to be able to hold them up to the light …magical.

                  • reply suzanne ,

                    wow these beads are just amazing!! i have just seen her site and the bit i saw was breathtaking! i am going to go more into depth a little later.

                    • reply Kit Pallesen ,

                      What a brilliant technique!! Just stunning! Something I hope to master “faux-ing” in my lifetime! 🙂

                      I love the streak of blue especially.

                      • reply Emy ,

                        These are amazing! Fabulous work xx

                        • reply Sandra ,

                          I love all beads those are beautiful A+A+A+A+A+A+A!

                          • reply Sandra ,

                            Yes, beautiful colors I will like to know how she made them. Tutorial class will be good.

                            • reply Emma Ralph ,

                              Thank you all for the lovely comments about my Illuminare beads. Just to let you know, although I don’t currently teach these techniques, the tutorial is now available from my EJR Beads website.

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