To create beads, lampwork artists melt narrow rods of glass with the flame of a torch. The molten (that means super hot) glass is wound around a mandrel, a thin length of stainless steel. The space occupied by the mandrel becomes the hole through the bead. Turning the mandrel in different positions allows the bead to take form, tools are also used to push and pull it into shape.
Beads can be as plain or as decorative as the artist likes. Multiple layers of glass can be added, switching colors to create the desired effects. Small dots of color can be left as bumps on the bead's surface, or plunged into the center of the bead for a totally different look.
We've create a way to make lampwork beads without the use of flames! Contact us at parties@macaroniandglitter.com to schedule this party or call us at 415-992-1479. No time for a party? Order the instructions instead. Contact us at create@macaroniandglitter.com for more information.
