Help - over etched beads!

Purple Cobwebs · February 18, 2013, 06:56:37 PM

Well, I went to drop a few beads into my almost empty pot of etch it all tonigt, and discovered some beads still in there that I'd forgotten about! I put them in to etch at least a week ago, maybe 2!

They look really nice, almost stone like, but feel quite rough.

I've rinsed in bicarb and water, then washing up liquid, and repeated several times.

Will they be ok to use, or have i ruined them?

james M knox · February 19, 2013, 09:38:22 AM

Personally I think they look great.

The rough texture could be mixed with some smooth to make a necklace or bracelet that her tactile appeal as well as visual.

James.

Nikki · February 19, 2013, 09:49:32 AM

They are beautiful

Lynnybobs · February 19, 2013, 09:51:51 AM

I don't know if it will have adversely affected the glass but they look gorgeous and I shouldn't think they will be any more rought than the lava rock beads you can buy.
They would look great with some smokey quartz and textured silver spacers

Purple Cobwebs · February 19, 2013, 10:01:32 AM

Oh no, I feel a purchase of smokey quartz coming on....

justjules · February 19, 2013, 10:22:06 AM

I really like the effect too

Shirley · February 19, 2013, 10:23:42 AM

I love them. Might have to dig out the sandstone and have a play myself

Gaynor, it's Essex bead fair this weekend, and you're in Essex, aren't you? Monty's beads will be there (Andy from Buffy's) and he usually has lovely smokey quartz. Might have to have a browse myself seeing as I'm there anyway

Moira HFG · February 19, 2013, 07:50:57 PM

They look great! Ooh yes, crying out for smoky quartz. Or turquoise? And some oxidised silver, perhaps?

mizgeorge · February 19, 2013, 08:06:46 PM

I love them!

I have to say I wouldn't go down the matching route, I think I'd just add silver (or heavily oxidised copper) and a single bead in a totally contrasting colour - turquoise or orange or even strong purple to really accentuate the texture.

I have some very, very overetched beads that Julie made a few years ago that I made into my wedding bracelet (because it was on a beach and they felt very much like something that might have washed up on the shore), and they've stood the test of time and many outings very well.

Mand · February 19, 2013, 08:41:56 PM

Those are very delicious indeed!

I scrolled down expecting to see something akin to pumice stone and was very pleasantly surprised. Have fun making then into something yummy to wear. I can't wait to see what you team them up with.

Kaz · February 19, 2013, 08:47:02 PM

Love them!

Pat from Canvey · February 20, 2013, 08:27:21 AM

Me too.

Purple Cobwebs · February 20, 2013, 10:09:18 AM

Thank you everyone!!!! mmm, purple,my favourite colour. May have to try that!
I've been carrying them round with me, jangling about in my pocket to test how stable they are, and they do seem to be okay. They just feel so different to my usual shiny beads

Shirley, yes I'm in Essex, but unfortunately can't make the fair on Sunday. (Or maybe fortunately for the sake of my credit card!!!)

Handfandango · February 23, 2013, 10:59:29 AM

Ohhhhh they are lurvely, I etched my first bead yesterday and was pleasantly surprised it turned out fab, these look so organic and natural, what colours did you use? Very nice :-) Wish I lived in Essex !!!