It is only 10:15 (PM) and i thought I would post a little about my latest adventure. For a number of years I have had the idea that I would like to try what they call lampmaking or flameworking. That is just another way of saying making glass beads. I have talked with a friend who has done a little work with glass, and I have noticed different books, catalogs, youtube videos about the process. (If you want to see how it is done, just search youtube for "lampmaking" or "glass beads" and you should find any number of videos about the process.)
I finally took the leap from thinking to doing. I found a small kit with a torch, glass rods, mandrels, bead release, marvers and a gas tank holder. Another stop at Home Depot for a bottle of Mapp gas, (hotter than propane) and I was ready to go. (After watching a few more videos of he process.) The first couple of beads were just for "practice" and then I got serious about it. After having a couple of beads fuse to the mandrel and break in the process of getting them off, I finally made a few beads that look halfway decent. It seems that each time I work with it, I get a better picture of what I am doing and what I need to do to make a decent bead.
If you will give me a little more practice time, I will start taking orders for specific sizes, colors, shapes and all. If anyone has a bracelet that they can hang a bead or two from, let me know and I will custom make some for you. My sweetheart has also suggested that they could be placed on a cord to use for a necklace. Just another thing to explore and play with to see what it is like and if I can actually do it.
Not a great picture, but it gives you an idea.
A different colored background would be better.
Any suggestions for the next project????
4 comments:
The beads look pretty cool! Coincidentally, we just read a children's book about beads last night with the kids. Next time we are up, we would love to see you make some beads.
That is so cool - cool beads (instead of cool beans as Em would say). I have toyed around with the idea of learning how to make those beads myself - lessons this summer maybe?!
I second the motion! Lessons would be cool. Maybe I can get my lesson while the epoxy is curing on the 'yak.
I LOVE lampwork beads...there is a fun artsy gal here who has tha fun little shop...maybe you went inside it when you were here...and the festivals here always have a bunch of lampwork beads & jewelry for sale...Anyway, I'm afraid of fire, so I would never want to learn...but I'd love to watch you make them, and I'm in awe of all the detailed creations that can be made! You are incredible dad!
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