About Lampwork Glass Beads - Artisan Made in the Flame

Lampwork is an ancient craft which got its name from the old method of using an oil lamp and a blowpipe to heat glass to its liquid (molten) state in order to work it into decorative beads and small vessels. Modern Lampwork Bead Makers use MPP (Mapp) or Propane fuel, combined with Oxygen, to melt the long Italian Moretti Glass rods. Stainless steel mandrels coated with a clay-like substance called bead release are used to provide the holes in the beads. Many techniques may be applied to create a variety of textures and iridescence, transparency, translucence or opacity. There are very few limits to what can be achieved. In order to stabilize the finished beads they must be annealed in a kiln by raising the heat slowly and then reducing it very slowly. Annealing prevents chipping and fracturing during ordinary handling. I use a diamond file to ream the hole of each bead in order to create a clean and smooth finish.

The glass Arts have appealed to me for as long as my memory is. Several years ago I discovered Lampwork (flame made) Glass Beads. I had a three hour private lesson and loved what I learned so I bought the supplies and equipment. I created a studio in my home and began my love affair with glass bead making. I have before me an outlet for the myriad “color stories” within me. I am burning with excitement about it. Every chance I get I go to my glass studio and let the molten glass tell a tale in light and color.

My original glass bead jewelry is all one-of-a-kind. I compliment my flame-made lampwork glass beads with beads from around the world. The collection I draw from includes Sterling Silver Hill Tribes Beads & Findings, Sterling Silver Bali Beads, Vintage Glass & Crystal Beads, Real Gemstone Beads, Cloisonné and many other unique finds. I love to create custom designs, just contact me with your request. The gallery shows some examples of my work, some of these are offered for sale at my online shop.

Purchase my original Art Glass jewelry from my Ruby Lane shop, Eve Dove Gems

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Alexandrite Color-Change Necklace	Dichroic "Copper Sunset" Necklace	Dramatic Purple & Black Bracelet
Pink on Pink Pendant	Cobalt Blue & White Bracelet	"Quilted" Turquoise Earrings