Lampwork Beads

I went to the Metalsmith’s Symposium at John Barleycorn and was able to try my hand at glass beadmaking using MAPP gas and a hothead torch.  The technique is fairly simple, melt glass onto a mandrel and let cool, but the practice it takes to get a round bead will take some time.

  

Carowyn demonstrated the technique and Corwyn gave me a quick safety lesson, then I sat at the torch and made my attempt.  When finished, you tap it on a metal plate to make sure it is cool enough, then stick it in an asbestos blanket to cool.

These are the three beads I made.  My dots are not fabulous, but making the beads made me happy!

                  

There is a dark green and two blues.