About Lampwork
The beads I make are called "Lampwork Beads", formed by wrapping molten glass which is worked in a very hot flame, around a stainless steel rod called a mandrel. This mandrel is coated in a clay-based solution and is rotated in the flame as the molten glass is wrapped around it, the hot glass then forms a bead shape. This takes practice and with time you learn how to use gravity to help shape the glass. The bead is then annealed in a kiln for strength and durability, once it has cooled it is then removed from the mandrel, cleaned and is ready to use in a piece of jewellery.
Lampwork beads have become more popular Britain in recent years as more and more jewellery makers are using Lampwork beads in their work.
Quality Control
A group of brilliant folk at Frit-Happens (A forum for lampwork enthusiasts in the UK) have put together a great guide to help buyers understand what they should be looking for in good lampwork.