Amazingly, glass technology has changed little - the basic methods used today are nearly identical to those used centuries ago. The term "lampworking", used to describe wound glass bead making is so named because originally, Italians used oil lamps to heat the glass. Glass has many unusual and wonderful characteristics. Its movement from solid to liquid is gradual, so that as it cools it will retain whatever shape was imposed upon it during its more mobile state.
The glass is melted slowly onto a stainless steel mandrel dipped in a clay substance for easy removal. Once the bead has been formed in the flame it is then placed into a kiln so the stresses that remain in the finished piece can be removed.
The process of creating each bead, to the cooling process where it is able to be handled at room temperature, can take up to 12 hours.
The glass is melted slowly onto a stainless steel mandrel dipped in a clay substance for easy removal. Once the bead has been formed in the flame it is then placed into a kiln so the stresses that remain in the finished piece can be removed.
The process of creating each bead, to the cooling process where it is able to be handled at room temperature, can take up to 12 hours.