A process known as "lampworking". It all starts by heating a long, thin glass rod in the flame of a propane torch. These are available in a wide range of transparent and opaque (non-transparent) colors. Some artists like to melt various glasses together to achieve new colors that cannot be purchased. Although various types of glass are available, Effetre glass is a popular soft glass requiring a melting temperature of about 1400 degrees F. Borosilicate is a harder glass, more expensive, and requires a much higher melting temperature. Once the glass melts to a thick honey consistency, it is wound onto a clay dipped mandrel (a thin steel rod). The base shape of the bead is formed here, usually round (some artists believe the round shape is the most durable). Free form shapes are created by hand mashing and pulling the molten glass with an array of tools made of graphite, brass, and stainless steel. And "pressed" beads are made when melted glass is pressed into a form (usually brass) creating consistent shapes of tabs, lentils, pillows, squares, etc.  These make extremely beautiful beads since the “face” of the bead can have a larger design. Pillows tend to be my favorite shape.

Designing & Cooling ...

After the base bead is wound onto the mandrel, it is then slowly and continually "rolled" back and forth in the flame until it has that perfect round shape. Too much heat here can cause the shape to go bananas and the hot glass can drip right off the mandrel onto your work table. Too little heat will cause the bead to crack off the mandrel startling the bead maker out of her creative trance :-).

However, with time and patience, a nice round bead can be created. Ending the process here creates a nice spacer bead. Or... the fun, challenging part begins when all the neat surface decoration is applied.

Surface Decoration … 

Some surface decoration is formed usually before the bead is made. A lot of experimenting goes into this process. Twisted cane and murrini is made by taking two to six different colors of glass and twisting while pulling or just pulling in the flame to create a colorful strand to add to the bead (an example of this is shown below, Caribbean Honeymoon). The artist needs to know what colors can be combined to create the effect he/she wants. Also, long thin strands of glass called stringer are used to melt dots onto the bead. Precious metals such as pure silver and 24K gold can be fumed onto the bead. By adjusting the flame, the lampworker can create interesting patterns in the bead using metal foils and reduction frit (an example of FRIT beads, shown in Lilac Wings). A base bead can also be rolled in varying colors of enamels (powdered glass) and frit (small pieces of colorful glass). All these processes add interesting color but are dangerous to work with; adequate ventilation is required and masks must be worn to keep from inhaling the dust and fumes. These are just a few tricks of the trade but keep in mind techniques range from simple to very complicated. In my work, only THE best of the best artisan beads are used. Many of the beads I use have been in published magazines (Bead and Button, Bead Unique, Passing the Flame, and others), and can be extremely expensive. A strand of beads can run hundreds of dollars because of the work involved, but to make my things affordable I can still find beads that are gorgeous yet reasonable.

Annealing…

The final and very important step. The bead, once completed in the flame, goes directly into a glass kiln to be annealed. Annealing is a slow cool down of the bead. It takes approximately 8 to 10 hours to cool a bead down to a handling temperature in a digitally controlled kiln. This removes the internal stresses from the glass bead which causes it to crack; thus, ensuring strength and durability  to last a lifetime. Once cooled, the bead is extracted from the mandrel, the bead hole is diamond tip drilled to remove the clay release and, - Voila! Now it's ready to go into one of my beautiful creations.

Final Designing …

A design comes to life after I see the beads, and then I begin adding different components to make a beautiful creation. I use many things… Vintage Swarovski crystal, Vintage glass flower bud caps, precious stones such as Jade, Onyx, or Lapis; Bali sterling, Karen Hill Tribe sterling, Danforth Pewter buttons, Vintage buttons, Lotus freshwater pearls, and much, much more. Sometimes it can take me several months to get an entire set completed after I’ve gathered all the findings. Nothing is ever “thrown” together just for whim, but it will have a special meaning or thought behind the piece so that it becomes special to that buyer. Each design is my own and no two are ever exactly alike. My work has been sought after for quite some time and it fills my heart with joy to know that others respect my work so highly.

Many people ask me why my things can get so expensive, but then others realize how valuable a piece of art can be and are thrilled to add my jewelry to their collection. You might not own anything with lampwork beads and if that is the case, then definitely give my work a chance. I use only THE finest materials from around the globe and I have a keen eye for fine detail. My customers love my work and I am confident that you will too!

Warmly,