Lampwork bead beginner advice please?

**CeeGee** · 22-12-2008 09:09 AM

Hello all, hope you can help me. For Christmas my husband has bought me a starter kit (with Hot Head Torch) for me to have a go at making lampwork beads

. I can’t wait to have a go, but wondered if anyone could recommend some books to me for me to read up on it before I take the plunge? I’d like something quite indepth, with lots of colour photos!

Also, how important is it to have a kiln? Obviously I don’t have one and the information I received with my goodies refers to vermiculite or a fibre blanket. Any advice and info would be gratefully received!

**mizgeorge** · 22-12-2008 10:11 AM

The book most people would probably go for is Corina Tettinger's Passing The Flame - but it is expensive (at least £45). Other good beginner books are Cindy Jenkin's 'Making Glass Beads' or Kimberley Adams 'Complete Book of Glass Beadmaking'. There is also a lot of info on the net, and some great youtube video tutorials.

You don't need a kiln to start with. If you decide to use your beads in jewellery for sale, or to sell the beads, they will need annealing though, which means buying a kiln or getting someone who already has one to anneal for you.

You definitely do need either a fibre blanket or a pot of vermiculite though - this is to make sure that your finished beads cool slowly - without this the stresses introduced into the glass will cause them to crack. I prefer a blanket wrapped in foil, but Tuffnells are on holiday until the new year. You may be able to find an alternative though. Otherwise, vermiculite can be bought at any garden centre.

You are going to have a LOT of fun!

**beadsbydesign** · 22-12-2008 10:20 AM

You lucky lucky girl!!!

have pm'd you

**CeeGee** · 22-12-2008 10:28 AM

Thanks guys! Am very very excited...

**Pebbles** · 22-12-2008 11:48 AM

you're so lucky!

I want one!

Can I have yours?

**Cazpanda** · 23-12-2008 01:15 PM

I've got the Cindy Jenkins book which is brilliant. I got mine on e bay. If you want your beads annealed then Tuffnells will do them for you if ask, post them to them & it helps them fill their kilns as well apparently & they post them back.

**Kay** · 23-12-2008 02:49 PM

I started with the Cindy Jenkins book and it was fantastic, I also did a one day course which was worth every penny, taught me all the basics and also some fancy stuff which got me on my way, the its just a case of practice ..practice. I started on a HH with MAPP then moved onto to bulk with a HH now I have a minor and oxycon. Its a very addictive hooby but I enjoy every minute I get at the torch, have fun.