So, did I follow through?

Kind of.

I intended to spend 2 hours at Fiamma today, but spent 4 instead. It was a nice afternoon and I felt really productive.

I started with a few donut beads with some dots to get me in the groove. Then I went straight for the hollows. I tried twice and failed twice. The first time I went too big and too spread out. The second time I ruined the bead release. I'll keep trying at each open rental until I sort it out.

For the heart beads, I messed up two - I'm struggling with knowing how much glass will fit in the brass mold. I did get one done and put a leaf on it with a grass green stringer. I think I had the leaf perfect but then went in again to add to it - I think I messed it up. We'll see.

Regarding the set - I made 2 donuts on clear with the chili pepper frit. I deviated from the plan by making 2 clear donuts as well instead of 4 frit donuts. On the tube bead for this set I didn't make the swirls. However, later I made a similar tube with the same frit and made 2 really nice swirls and added some silver wire. I'm excited to see this bead. However, I used a 1/8th inch mandrel for the swirl bead and none of the others (all 3/32nds), so I'll need to make spacer beads to go with it next time.

I made a few other beads for funsies (including a bicone with 4 colors and silver wire) and that was it. I felt really good about today.

I also picked up beads from 2 weeks ago. I was really happy with these beads that form a cute little ladybug: