Welcome to Sylcraft Handcrafted
Lampwork Glass Beads and Jewelry!
Secure Online Store
Jewelry or Lampwork bead making class information
**In business since 1997 and on line shopping on the web since 2000 **
Some Quick links to products
Handmade Glass Beads-all sorts Mushroom pendant beads Bead Sets (made to order)
Czech Glass beads-including faceted and glass pearls
Special Deals (no coupon needed) One of a Kind Ready Made handmade beads
Handmade Designer Jewelry Handmade Fashion Jewelry Cameo Jewelry
Gift Certificates
If you would like to translate these pages into your language, please click on this link and then when prompted on the screen for the web site name type www.sylcraft.com in the space allowed and it will convert all links to this page into your chosen language! Language Translate to Spanish,Italian, German and more!
Hello !!
My name is Sylvia Holtman 
and I am the craftsperson behind Sylcraft Lampwork Glass Beads and Jewelry.
I live in Central Washington State and we generally have great weather here in Central Washington. Summers are warm and sunny and spring is just right. We have four seasons in Yakima and Spring is one of my favorite ones. :-)
A little more about myself here: I have been making my lampwork glass beads since 1997.
This was added to the gemstone wire jewelry that I had previously been making.
As you explore this site you will see some of my work displayed incorporating my Lampwork glass beads as well as other materials such as Gemstones, Semi Precious Gemstones, Cabachons, Sterling Silver and Gold Filled wire or other glass beads.
A little bit on Glass Beads
Glass Beads including lampwork glass beads have been a part of our society for millenia.
Since Glass beads were used for trading purposes and to identify a person of stature in society, glass beads become intricately woven into our world.
Native Americans used beads as adornment and many beautiful works of art can be found adorning clothing worn for ceremonial purposes. Most beads used were tiny glass seed beads and were sewn into the garments to become part of the actual fabric structure. Bone and other types of materials were also used to accent the look.
Glass beads as a trade element were highly prized and used to trade for furs and other items. As you can see, glass beads are NOT a new idea !! ;-)
I think we still use jewelry and beads to identify the more "elite" in our midst. Just think of the movie stars and musicians who use jewelry to show their abundance.
Handmade Lampwork Artisan Glass beads have also made their impact around the world. This is not a new idea either as the art of lampworking has been around for thousands of years and some interesting antique beads have been found. However, as American and other glass workers constantly challenge the techniques, more and more handmade glass art bead designs appear.
I hope you enjoy my personal take on this beautiful wearable art form !
Sylvia :-)
Come visit me in my little retail store at 315 S 10th Ave in Yakima, Washington if you get the chance. (509-469-8669)
Currently I am there Mondays 3-7pm and Thurs 9am to 7pm and weekends by appointment since I also teach private music lessons as nearly a full time job.
I am available 7 days a week for appointments (Wednesday mornings only) and it only takes me about 15-20 minutes to get to the shop from home so don't be afraid to call and ask... I always look forward to those customer visits. No obligation to buy if you make an appointment so no worries! :-)
I have people come in from all over and it is a lot of fun.
It is a RETAIL location, not my home. Some people feel very strange calling someone to visit in their home.
I have a couple of email lists--free to you but that will keep you posted as to new things happening.
If you'd like to be notified of new Auction Items, or Monthly Specials just enter your email address below and check the boxes you want. I don't EVER sell or give away your information. I PROMISE. :-)
My handcrafted jewelry is made from gemstones or handmade beads and 14K Rolled Gold or Sterling Silver wire unless otherwise stated. Findings available soon---handmade clasps, earwires and other findings.
Gemstone jewelry featuring faceted stones and Cabachons.
Rings
Bracelets
Necklaces
Earrings and more !
BEADS
Please note that beads are handcrafted and will vary in size and possibly in color.
Beads all begin as a rod of color--
either transparent or opaque of some kind
(I use imported Italian Glass or Czech glass as a general rule)
The rod is then heated in a propane/oxygen torch to a molten state and then formed by hand into the beads you will see as you enter the bead sections of the store. No molds are used in this process.
They are then annealed for at least 8 hours in a kiln at the proper temperature so they do not crack later. It is quite a process !! But so fun...
Here are examples of some of the beads you will see as you browse the store...
If you desire, just click the picture and you will go directly to that category of beads.
The lampworked sculpture beads are great strung on wire or head pin or eye pins. HEMP and CORD will also work.
They make unique ornaments, or pins, bookmarks, hair ornaments and great stick pins !
Enjoy!
Also: A monthly special mailing list is now available.
If you sign up for it, you will receive a monthly newsletter detailing what is on special for that month. If you are interested in getting this newsletter please fill out the box above and check the boxes you want.
This will automatically subscribe you to the newsletter.
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Here are some links to other pages of mine if you are "just looking". They give you more ideas and some information on wire jewelry, gemstones, and lampwork beads.
Sylcraft Gemstones and Wire Jewelry
More Lampwork beads !
A little on the History of Beads
I have a color catalog available.
It is either downloadable (free) or available on CDROM or printed for $4 to help cover the cost of printing.
If you choose the free download you have a choice of either a brochure and price list, just the price list or the entire color catalog.
Just scroll down the catalog page when you get there for more information and the links...
or click on this link-- Sylcraft Color Catalog
Please remember that each piece of jewelry, bead or other item is made with care and love. You can be
sure you will get a quality piece. If I'm not satisfied with it,
;-) then you won't get it in your order. All items are 100% guaranteed.
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Some customer comments:
Here are some comments from some of my auction customers:
5 out of 5: "Syl is a wonderful artist and a great lady to deal with!"
5 out of 5: "very pretty bead! nice seller to work with."
5 out of 5: "I have to Say it! Wonderul beads!"
5 out of 5: "Five Star transaction from beginning to end! Great sellers to work with! Thanks!"
And some comments from other customers:
Hi Sylvia
I got the butterflies yesterday...... I confess though your butterflies are gorgeous - although I knew they would be - so much so that I've already used one in a Necklace, that I was almost finished with I just needed something to set it off and your butterfly did the trick. I'm totally delighted with them J.D.
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Dear Sylvia....I received the package from you today (10-28). The Beads are beautiful.Thank you so much! K.O.
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Hey Sylvia..I wanted to apologize for not writing to you before now...I just wanted to let you know that I absolutely LOVE the little mushroom pendant! You did a fantastic job, I don't know how you made it that small...it's perfect! And I'm very proud to wear it! Thanks so much, D.P
lily...Great Transaction!! Friendly buyer!!! AAA+++
dare...Beautiful bead. Fast shipping. A pleasure to do business with. Thank you!
kbcook...Beautiful beads and a pleasure to do buisness with!! AAAAAA+++++++++
swedish...Lovely! Great service!
enchantedmoon...adorable bead...thank you :)
ebtlady....WOW! Beautiful! Thank you!!!!
northernlights...Absolutely gorgeous dolphin!! You are on my faves, I'll be back!!
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I hope you enjoy your shopping or browsing experience and if you need help with anything please email me at sylvia@sylcraft.com or call 509-469-8669.
If I am out in the shop working please leave a message with your name and phone number and I'll call you back ASAP.
Special orders are always welcome,so don't be shy. A catalog can be downloaded by clicking HEREor one is available on CDROM, but this online catalog
is much more up to date than the printed one.
Remember, all lampwork beads are handmade and will vary some from the original picture unless you buy from the PREMADE beads products pages.
Have fun!
PS: Remember, this is a SECURE SITE-- so don't worry about
using your credit card, BUT if you are still not comfortable,
you may CALL or FAX in your order toll free to 1-509-469-8669 (if answering machine
answers be sure to leave your order and name, address ,phone and Credit Card information...)
PAY PAL ACCEPTED!! If you would like to use Pay Pal to pay for your order just choose the "pay pal"
option when checking out. Pay pal will guarantee you are happy with your purchase
--(so will I, of course, but having that extra assurance
really helps ;-) )
LINKS
