 | How Lampwork Beads Are Made |
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 | This is my work space. My husband built my work bench and helped me set-up a safe work area with the proper ventilation and more lighting. |
 | The process of making lampwork beads is done with a surface fuel mix torch and flame that is heated with propane gas and oxygen mixed, which gets hot enough (about 1400 degrees) to heat a soft glass rod. |
 | As it heats up, you wind the glass around a small diameter steel mandrel that has been dipped in a clay-based mixture. I continue to wind, layer and shape the glass to get the effects and color combinations that I want; all while continuing to turn and keep the bead hot, so it doesn't break from thermal shock or become unbalanced while I am working on it. |
 | I use graphite and dental-type tools to shape and manipulate the glass to get the effect that I am looking for. |
 | The detail work; like flower petals and leaves is accomplished by using smaller rods of glass called stringers. The paper weight looking affect is accomplished by completely encasing a finished bead in clear glass, adding depth and magnification of the design. |
 | The finished bead is then popped directly into a 968 degree jewelry kiln. This brings the entire bead to the same temperature throughout and is then slowly cooled over nigh; Making the bead extremely stable and durable. |
| The last step is the following morning when I take the cooled beads out of the kiln and really see them for the first time. They are then taken off their mandrels and the centers are carefully cleaned and polished using a Dremel tool and bit with a diamond dust tip. |