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About Lampwork… Lampwork is actually an outdated term. Many of today’s bead makers are working on a push to change the term to “flameworking” as the traditional oil lamp containing the fuel to melt the glass has been replaced with intricate torches and tanks of oxygen, propane, and/or Mapp gas. I currently work off of a HotHead torch with Mapp. The process itself is quite simple, melting rods of colored glass around a ceramic coated steel rod called a “mandrel”. The process of controlling that glass to get the shapes and patterns is much more difficult. I use glass of many different types; Moretti/Effetre, Lauscha, Vetrofond, Double Helix, and Uroboros. I can also include metals and cubic zirconium into my beads for added interest and sparkle. Once I have achieved the design that I want, the beads are placed in my kiln and annealed for durability. At this time the beads are kept at close to 1000 degrees to “soak” for 30 minutes or more. This process allows the glass molecules to realign themselves, reducing stress. Annealed beads are more durable and less likely to break from normal use. Please note, however, that glass beads can break if not handled properly. After they have cooled, the bead holes are cleaned of all bead release and prepared to go to their new homes. This is an important step, as it is not healthy for people to breathe in the dust particles created by the dried bead release and it is also very messy. Unclean bead holes is one sure way to spot a bead of sub-quality, often produced in sweat shops. About Me… After growing up in the Tri-State area of Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky I moved to Miami, Florida to attend architecture school at the University of Miami in 1997. I have been in South Florida ever since, currently residing just outside of Ft. Lauderdale. I live here with my boyfriend, Robert, and my two “fur-babies”, Gizmo and Captain. I am an architectural draftsperson by day, for an impact window and door company in Miami. I prepare shop drawings and permitting packages for ClearChoice Windows & Doors. By night (and weekends) it’s all about the beads and glass, driving everyone around me crazy! I do have some fun down here in the sun though, being relatively close to the Keys and Orlando. And no, I do not miss the snow and cold of my northern home! Click here for pictures of the company trip to Sea World with Steel Fab Coming soon: Images of the Chihuly exhibit at Fairchild Tropical Gardens |
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