The
process of glass bead making
also known as Lampworked
beads, involves a torch, a mandrel, glass rods, various shaping
tools, a kiln and an
artist that is not flame shy.
I use a Nortel Major Burner torch when making Boro glass
beads and sculptures and a Carlile Mini CC torch when using soft
glass such as Effetre (Moretti), Vetrofond
(Murano) and Lausha glass rods, a Sundance made multi parts kiln,
with a programmable digital controller connected to it.
My beads are placed into the kiln as soon as I finish making them.
They are annealed for a minimum of 1 hour after the last bead of the
day is finished. Annealing makes the glass
bead more resistant to impact, by stabilizing the molecules in the
glass.
Once the beads are removed from the mandrels, they are cleaned,
reamed to eliminate any sharp edges and inspected for any flaws.
I enjoy making any style of beads but beads made using glass reaction
that gives a very organic look and florals are my favorites.
If you have any questions on the process I use or want more details
on the information above, contact me at AnaCristina@GlassAndSuchStudio.com
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