Islands Bead Set 003

What is Lampwork? 

Lampworking is a form of glasswork that uses a torch to melt and shape the glass. It is also known as flameworking or torchworking, as the modern practice no longer uses oil-fueled lamps. Although the art form has been practiced since ancient times, it flowered in Murano, Italy in the 1300s, and spread from there to the rest of Europe. In the 1850's lampwork incorporated into glass domed paperweights, primarily in France, became a popular art form, still collected today.

Early lampworking was done in the flame of an oil lamp, with the artist blowing air into the flame through a pipe. Most artists today use torches that burn either propane or natural gas for the fuel gas, with either air or pure oxygen as the oxidizer.

From Wikipedia

Did you know that I own a studio called The Mandrel?   I host  glass bead making classes for some of the US's premier lampwork bead artists'. I also sell glass, tools, and supplies to other beadmakers!   While I wait for customers, I make my own lampwork glass beads.  You can come in and shop for my lampwork beads in person during my regular store hours or by appointment, just give me a call.