Frequently Asked Questions
> How old are you?
> Where do you live?
> Do you take custom orders?
> Can you make me bead(s) like…?
> Do you do wholesale?
> How often do new beads come out?
> Can I contact you by phone?
> Can I visit your studio?
> What type of torch do you use?
> What type of glass do you use?
> What are the hole sizes of your beads?
> How did you make/do ‘that’? And how do you make your lace latticino?
> Where can I buy your beads?
> How can I pay for them?
> Do you have a return policy?
> Who designed your website?
> Can you make me a website?
> What else do you do in your spare time besides making beads?
> Can you make me pouches too?
> What are your ribbons made of?
> Can I ask another question?
How old are you?
(back to top ^)I was born on March 17, 1987
Where do you live?
(back to top ^)I live in the Greater Western suburbs of Sydney, Australia.
Do you take custom orders?
(back to top ^)No, never. I believe that creativity is not something which should be forced. It should come naturally, and custom orders usually just get in the way. I also work full time which makes it hard to squeeze custom orders in with deadlines in my very little spare time.
Can you make me bead(s) like…?
(back to top ^)While I'd love to, I probably can't (see above regarding issues with time)... so I'll say No.
Do you do wholesale?
(back to top ^)No, sorry. (see above)
How often do new beads come out?
(back to top ^)Providing I’m not hammered down with work and other life commitments, expect new beads/jewellery either on my website, etsy or ebay 1-2 times a week. If you’d like to be kept up to date, make sure you join my newsletter.
Can I contact you by phone?
(back to top ^)No. My phone numbers are very personal and I will never give it out to the general public. Unfortunately at this point I do not have a business phone number so the best way to contact me is via email.
Can I visit your studio?
(back to top ^)Unfortunately my studio is in my parent’s home car garage so the answer is no. Maybe one day when I have my own personal studio set up I’ll open it to the public… but no promises. Sorry!
What type of torch do you use?
(back to top ^)I use 2 dual-fuel torches (oxygen + propane mix) which I swap every now and then depending on my mood. The first is made by GTT called the "Cricket", the other is by Carlisle and is called the "Mini CC". I use both torches with a 8LPM Airsep oxygen concentrator. Why do I swap them out? Simply because the Mini CC has more radiant heat thus if I'm working large I like to use this torch. The Cricket on the other hand is great for finer work.
What type of glass do you use?
(back to top ^)I primarily use Italian Vetrofond and Effetre, American Double Helix and Bullseye, and American-owned Creation-Is-Messy all of which are known as ‘soft glass’ or ‘soda-lime glass’. Sometimes I like to work with German Reichenbach & Lauscha, New Zealand Gaffer, and Borosilicate glass.
What are the hole sizes of your beads?
(back to top ^)All hole sizes of the beads will vary but will be clearly stated on the product description.
How did you make/do ‘that’? And how do you make your lace latticino?
(back to top ^)I was entirely self-taught through my first 3 years of lampworking at it was in this time that I had managed to establish my primary techniques and style (I have taken various classes since then to improve my techniques). Everything I have learnt is through different resources which include reading through different websites and books. If you want tips then I suggest you do some reading (but if you wanted to know how I make my lace latticino, I'd rather not tell... that's my secret technique!). I highly recommend Corina Tettinger’s “Passing the Flame” as a book resource. I also recommend the LampworkETC forum for loads of tutorials and information.
Where can I buy your beads?
(back to top ^)Check out this page for all the information you need to buy my beads. You can purchase my beads on ebay, etsy or on my online store.
How can I pay for them?
(back to top ^)On Etsy and eBay, I accept Paypal for Australian and International customers. Australian customers can also pay by Direct Deposit or Australia Post money order if purchasing through my website store or through ebay. But due to past experiences, I will not accept personal cheques!
I also accept Mastercard and VISA credit cards if customers purchase through my online store.
Do you have a return policy?
(back to top ^)If you are unhappy with your purchase for any reason email me and I’ll be happy to work something out.
Who designed your website?
(back to top ^)I did! Like it? :)
Can you make me a website?
(back to top ^)If you'd like me to help create you a website, please contact chris.cabrera@celdesigns.com for expressions of interest and to obtain a quote. Please note that all work and correspondence will be made through CEL Designs.
What else do you do in your spare time besides making beads?
(back to top ^)I sew. I make the little pouches that you sometimes receive your beads in! I also sew the silk ribbons which I sell in my store. Occassionally you can find me in the kitchen next to the oven watching feet grow on macarons...
Can you make me pouches too?
(back to top ^)I've thought a lot about this. I might put pouches up for sale one day but for now I'll say no as my main focus is on beads and jewellery.
What are your ribbons made of?
(back to top ^)My ribbons are made of 100% imported pure Asian silk. I hand dye them and then hand sew the edges using an overlocker, so just like the beads no two ribbons are exactly alike.
Can I ask another question?
(back to top ^)If I’ve missed anything else, please email me.