|
|
Lampworking is a technique used to make glass beads. It is a skill which involves alot of practice,
dedication and patience. Narrow glass rods usually ranging between 1mm - 3mm for stringers and 4mm - 8mm for thicker glass rods are melted in the flame of a torch. The type of torch that an artist uses will also greatly impact the time and style of a bead. There are 2 common torches; the first being a Hot Head torch (used by beginners) and the Oxy/propane torch (these types of torches come in various types and models for different purposes) .
Mandrels (stainless steel rods) are coated in a solution called 'bead release' which prevents the bead from sticking onto the rod.
The molten glass is then wound onto a mandrel and shaped using gravity and the flame. Other tools are also used to shape the bead
depending on the shape and effect that the artist is trying to achieve.
Stringers (ultra-thin rods of glass) and 'twisties' are usually made and pulled by the artist before creating the bead. Usually the artist
will have an idea of what design they would like to create and prepare their stringers to use in decorating the beads.
Depending on the type of bead and the type of effect the artist is aiming for, the time spent on decorating a bead can take anywhere between
10 minutes to an hour.
Once the artist is happy with their bead, the bead is then placed in a kiln and left to anneal (soak the bead at high temperatures then gradually reducing this to remove the 'stress' built up in the bead by the heat) over a long period of time to prevent breaks and cracks.
When the beads have been annealled and have been cooled at room temperature, the beads are thoroughly cleaned with bead scrapers or
a dremel tool, and are inspected for flaws and damages that may have occurred.
Only then are these beautiful beads ready to be used in gorgeous and stunning peices of jewellery, each with its own unique personality.
|
|
|
