I've been fascinated by lampworked beads for a while now. For anyone saying to themselves right now 'what in the world is a lampworked bead?' -- It is a glass bead formed by melting glass around a mandrel. There are some terribly cool pics here:
http://www.blackberrybeads.com/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=gallery
and a pretty good YouTube Video on how to actually make a simple bead here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-9erKOHcLQ
As an anniversary gift last year, Chad gave me a one-on-one lampworking class with a local bead maker. I really really liked it, and I seemed to be catching on quickly. That was a four hour class and I believe I made something like 10-15 beads, five of which turned out well enough to make into a bracelet. Ever since the class I've been wanting to get my own torch and try more stuff. I finally broke down about a month ago and bought the 'basic' kit but it wasn't until last Saturday that we finally got it set up in the garage (ah.. the beauties of cleaning out your garage once in a while). I've been out there every evening ever since. I'm definitely not great at it, but it's been a whole lot of fun trying out new stuff and seeing how it all comes out in the end. I can't quit my day job YET, but I'm well on my way! ;-)
I thought I'd share a few of my creations with all of you:
3 comments:
I think those look awesome. I would like to put in a early Christmas list request for custom made Lampwork beads by kathryne Reed. I want to get in my request early before the rush begins. :-)
I'd like to place my order. I'd go for some super awesome earrings! I'm' diggin' the whole dangle earring thing again!!
Wow! Those are beautiful. I'd like to get my order in too! :)
I'm an old friend of Chad's and I love that you've started a blog. I've been wondering where you two ended up... I thought Lancaster, but wasn't sure. I'd like to add you to my blog list... if that's ok with you.
Post a Comment