This lampwork bead set really caught my eye. 

Bold and fun beads by suuzdesign

And although this is not a bead, it is pretty darn cool so I decided to share it here.  It is art glass, so it works. Love that cheesy grin!  By fireworxglass

Yesterday I was putting together a glass order and as usual I try to be as frugal as possible because it's really easy to go overboard with glass (it's really easy to go overboard with beads too).  When I was done, I looked at my order and it occured to me that it was thoroughly boring.  Just replenishing the old standards.  That got me thinking.  Dangerous, I know.  But there was a time when I bought glass I had never used just to try it out.  A time when I couldn't sleep because I wanted to see what was in my kiln but couldn't open it until morning.  These are things I haven't done for a while. 

When had I changed?  I'm not sure.  But my hubby has been accusing me of being change-adverse lately.  Maybe it's something to do with turning 40.  Maybe it's just, you know, a little too easy to be comfortable with the way things are.  Whatever it is, a little bit of new in life is good.  So I went back through and added some items I wanted to try but never have, even going as far as to venture into a variety of glass that has a completely different COE (coefficient of expansion for you non-glass people) from the one I normally use.  And guess what?  Now I can't wait to get my order and get my hands on that glass.  I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas.

Anyway, this is just a reminder to be a little bit adventuresome to add some excitement back into your life.  :)

I like the simplicity of these polka dot lampwork glass beads by IrinaS.

And this bead is rather cool, by bludawgdesigns

And then I couldn't pass up this lovely bead by AstridRiedel:

Today I found these totally amusing little lampwork glass cupcake beads.  Too fun!

Cupcake beads by beadgoodies

And this really nice lampwork glass iris bead.  Wow!

Lavender and orange iris by HannahRachel

Here's a selection I've put together of some fun and funky art glass creatures I found on Flickr. Enjoy. :)