The process of lampworked glass beads involves using a torch to wind hot glass from rods around a steel mandrel. The mandrel is what makes the hole through the center of the bead. Lampworkers use a wide array of tools to help manipulate the glass into different shapes. These tools also help to manipulate the different colors applied to the hot bead to decorate the bead with different designs. All of my beads are kiln annealed to produce a bead that is strong and stable and will not crack from internal stress that builds up within the glass while it is being created and then cooled. The process of kiln annealing glass beads allows the molecules of the glass to “rest” back into a comfortable pattern during a slow cooling. Regardless of who you buy lampworked glass beads from you should always ask the artist if their beads are kiln annealed. Any other process of annealing glass beads is normally not sufficient to relieve the stress within the bead and increases the risk that your bead may someday crack for no apparent reason. If you see a bead pictured on this website that you are interested in or that you would like me to make for you in a different coloration please e-mail me. I will be happy to do a custom piece or individual bead for you. All of the beads you see on this website may not be in stock at a given time because I do sell my work through a variety of venues on a regular basis. I can however recreate a design you see if that particular bead has been sold. Please understand that each of these small works of art has it's own unique characteristics and yours may vary slightly from the exact bead pictured as it will have it's own special features and be your one of a kind piece. I am happy to e-mail you a picture of the piece first if it is not the exact piece pictured.
