my handmade lampwork beadies

[carolinemhannon]

just thought i'd show off some of the recent beads i've made, i'm getting quite proud of them now







i'd love to know what you think

[Peter]

Love the aqua ones - I'm more into colour than shape.

[Jane_Russell]

just thought i'd show off some of the recent beads i've made, i'm getting quite proud of them now



[The second picture]



i'd love to know what you think

These are beautiful. Where can I find out about making this kind of bead please?

Jane

[carolinemhannon]

Hi Jane

i good book to get is cindy jenkins 'making glass beads' or 'you can make glass beads', the later one is a more basic book but either will give you and idea on the process and tools involved

this tutorial should show you the process of making a simple-ish bead

http://www.beadworx.com/HowToMakeABead1.html

there's also a uk based forum for lampwork and glass artists

www.glassharmony.co.uk, there's loads of information on there and lots of people who teach lampworking, i hope this helps and if you need anymo more help just ask me

[Andamento]

They're gorgeous. I just love glass things and always have - I used to collect special glass marbles when I was little!
How much do you think it would cost to buy the basic equipment for setting up a little lamp working corner (as if I don't already have enough hobbies that I don't have time to do!) Are any of the starter packs that are on offer good value or is it better to buy better but more expensive equipment?
Right, the baby's asleep and I should be making some mirrors! Better go and do some work...

[carolinemhannon]

in the uk you can get starter kits from

http://www.tuffnellglass.com, i got the £130 kit which contains the most equipment and the torch is a hothead which runs on Mapp gas (from b&q) or you can get the kit to run it on bulk propane

you can get duel fuel torches which are more expensive and run on propane and oxygen mix, this is going to be my next upgrade

i'm currently on the hothead, which i feel is perfect for beginiers and learning the techniques as it dosen't run as hot as other torches so melts the glass slower allowing you to get a better shape

if you want to use the beads for jewellery you'll need a kiln to`anneal them

[Seahorse]

How gorgeous is that little snowman!!

[carolinemhannon]

How gorgeous is that little snowman!!

thanks, i love them, i can't seem to stop maing them, guess whats going to be on my xmas tree

[handmadeheaven.biz]

lovely as ever! i want a snowman!!

[Seahorse]

You should sell them as sets of christmas decorations.

[Jane_Russell]

Thanks for those links. I think I could really get into this -- not quite sure where to fit in all the gear!

Jane

[carolinemhannon]

Thanks for those links. I think I could really get into this -- not quite sure where to fit in all the gear!

Jane

i know what you mean, i bought a shed as my first studio and when we moved the house had a garage so know i'm in there, i do know people who do it at there kitchen tables

[carolinemhannon]

You should sell them as sets of christmas decorations.

i hadn't thought about that, i have sold a few of the beads on their own, i'm just making sure i keep some for my tree

and one for a necklace