After seven years of creating large stained glass windows, our artistic direction moved to smaller, unique pieces of wearable art.  We work as a team in the design and creation of original stained glass jewelry.  Because of its uniqueness, each piece of Serendipity jewelry has its own magic and appeal.

The process begins with the selection and cutting of the stained glass by visualizing the movement within the glass to coordinate size and design.  Each piece of glass is then ground and formed on a wet diamond-headed grinder into its final form.  The glass is then individually copper foiled and placed in the design area. Once the design of the piece is completed, it is silver soldered using a decorative solder technique developed by the artist. We design the bale (clasp) from sixteen gage silver wire which is then soldered to the back of the piece.  This enables the pendant to be worn on an omega necklace, a chain, or beaded necklace.  

Some pendants feature fused dichroic glass to enhance their beauty. Fused centers are prepared by cutting and designing the glass prior to placing it in our kiln.   The fusing process is as follows:  The glass is heated to 1700 degrees until completely melted; it is then cooled for 15 minutes at 1150 degrees to anneal the glass to prevent cracking.  The piece is then re-fired, after adding additional glass, to create depth within the piece.  We use the diamond grinder to shape this exciting creation into its final design.  It is then copper foiled using the same method as discussed above and added to the piece using decorative silver solder. 

The completed piece is then bathed in a solution of baking soda, soap and water.  It is then cleaned with acetone to remove any remaining flux.  A solution of ammonia and water prepares it for the polishing process with stained glass polish cleaner. 

Some of the artist’s favorite pieces are selected for color matching with Austrian crystal, semi-precious gem stones and natural mineral beads. The beading is specifically pattern designed to create a beautiful original piece of art to bring out the magic in the pendant.

"What exactly does it take to live the life of your dreams? Perfect timing? Fortunate opportunities? A million dollars in the bank? Not even close.  It takes a decision; A simple deision that will ultimately test the strength of your commitment and the depth of your faith"

No one has ever said living the life of your dreams is easy. It takes drive and determination, persistence and patience, faith in ourselves and trust in powers greater than ourselves.  And there is always that chance that if we go for it, we won't even make it.  We could lose everything.

The greater risk, however, comes in doing nothing at all.  For then not only do we condemn our dream to certain doom, we condemn ourselves to spending the rest of our lives thinking of what we might have done. 

Right now, the timing is perfect, opportunity is knocking and everything you need is at hand.  Why not make the decision, today, to go for your dream?  Commit yourself to it.  Pursue it with excellence.  Grab hold of it with all your heart and do not let go.  Both you and your dreams are worth it!  Never let go of your dreams!"

Arleen and Michael Parker live in the North Georgia Mountains on Lake Tamarack with a view of Sharptop Mountain.  This natural setting provides an excellent creative studio environment for their work.