Handmade Glass Beads

What is lampworking and how is a glass bead created?

Glass rods are melted and wound on a mandrel using either Moretti (Effetre) or Bullseye glass, there are other brands of glass, however these are the two types of art glass used in Kincaidesigns handmade jewelry. This glass comes in long rods and their diameters range, not usually exceeding a quarter inch for bead making. The glass begins to move at around 1200 degrees Fahrenheit, and the glass is workable (it can be shaped or molded) at 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. There are many different tools used in flameworking, usually made of stainless steel or graphite. Graphite tools are used because they don't stick to the hot glass. Stainless steel tools will stick to hot glass while in the flame or when its at it's hottest temperatures, however, they are very effective in shaping glass when properly used. Each of the glass beads are individually flameworked (torch-blown) and properly kiln-annealed overnight.

By annealing the glass beads, they are guaranteed hard as rocks, durable enough for everyday wear with long lasting heirloom quality. When a glass bead is finished, the hot bead (while still on the mandrel), is placed in a kiln heated at 960°F. The annealing process releases the stress from the glass and slowly cools the beads down to room temperature. Cooling the glass beads too quickly will cause them to crack.

All the handmade jewelry at Kincaidesigns is made using lampwork glass beads, which are handmade by the artist, Holly Kincaid. Also used in the handmade jewelry are Swarovski crystals, pearls, semiprecious stones, sterling silver and gold fill materials, which will be covered in posts to come.

To shop for your own unique handmade jewelry, visit the Handmade Jewelry and Glass Art Boutique.

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