about lampworking

Lampworking is an ancient technique developed by the Venetians.  Apparently it earned its name because they actually used lamps to melt the glass at one time.  I can't imagine how slow that must have been!  Now we use a variety of torches powered by gas to achieve adequately molten glass that can be wrapped around a metal mandrel.  The glass still comes from Italy in the form of long pre-colored rods.  I use moretti, the softest of glasses.  Because the glass actually changes phases of matter during the lampworking process (solid to liquid and then liquid back to solid), it is important to carefully control the warming and (more so the) cooling processes so that energy being transferred does not create stress in the bead and cause it to shatter.

about me

I've been making jewelry since age 10.  Over the years the hobby has led me to experiment with gemstones, stone-setting, making polymer clay beads, seed-beading, wire-working, and fusing glass, but lampworked beads are where my passion has settled.

I have a somewhat different approach to glass bead-making than many other artists.  I don't spend hours on an individual bead or treat each one as a work of art.  Instead I like to create a series of different beads that complement each other and come together in a unique piece of jewelry.  Bracelets are my favorite items to make because I consider them the most artistically interesting, with just enough beads.  

Glass is such a fun medium to work with.  I'm continually learning new tricks and improving my understanding of its properties.  Studying at Corning in September 2003 was particularly eye-opening!  Since then I've been mixing transparent and opaque glass for very cool effects and I also find myself being inspired by colors and textures everywhere I go...