Iris Francissen
Fourteen years ago Iris started lampworking. Developing skills rapidly with a keen eye for detail she soon made beads in her own unique style. At first Iris made beads for necklaces and other jewelry but soon after that magical little fantasy bead figurines. The figurines are very detailed being about 2,5 to 3,5 cm. Some even with flower petals of a single millimeter incorporated into their designs.
Marcel Grotens
Working as an illustrator and graphic designer Marcel soon became involved with Iris’ work, suggesting glass fairies and fantasy creatures. He draws and sculpts bead designs, makes display bases and photographs the bead figurines in a natural environment. Marcel also tends the Etsy shop Glass Bead Fairies and is currently designing a book showcasing the work of Iris.
We started designing Fairies, Elves and other Little Folk in 2009. Iris has been making lampwork art in our home studio since 2007. Many designs are inspired by nature, which we care hughly about. The forests and riverside’s near the village where we live and the garden surrounding our house are the places where our designs begin really. These locations also provide the decor for the photographs.
Iris started making glassbeads to make her on jewelry, funny part being she never wears jewelry herself. Here are some samples of her jewelry using braided cotton and glass only.
Glass Bead Fairies 