FAQ's
Do you have a question? Feel free to use my contact page to ask. What is "Lampwork"? TOP
Lampwork is the process of melting glass over a flame, shaping it into forms such as beads, vessels, figurines, etc. Artisans used to use oil lamps to melt their glass, and so the art was called "lampwork".
Today artists use a variety of modern torches to create their work. A popular single-fuel torch is the Hothead. This torch uses Mapp gas or brazing fuel.
Many lampwork artists use torches that mix propane and oxygen. The combination of fuel and oxygen produces a very hot flame that can be adjusted as needed. The large, hot flame is good for melting glass quickly, and the pinpoint flame is a must for precise work.
Whichever torch is used, the artist creates their work using colored rods of glass, melting and shaping as desired. Other elements such as silver or gold foil, crushed glass, or enamel powder may also be added. After the work is finished, it should be annealed in a kiln for durability. What is "Annealing"? TOP
Annealing is a necessary process to remove internal stress from the glass. This stress can cause breakage, either immediately, or even days/weeks later.
Stress is caused because glass expands when heated, and contracts when cooled. The outer layer of glass that is exposed to the air cools more quickly than the core. When the outer layer cools, it wants to contract, while the inner layer is still expanded. This type of thermal stress causes cracks and breakage in glasswork.
This is where annealing comes in. A kiln set to the proper annealing temperature is used to "hold" the bead and allow all layers to come to the same temperature. When the bead has "soaked" at this temperature for a sufficient time, it is then allowed to cool slowly. This cooling rate is carefully regulated by the kiln's digital control.
It is best if the bead or vessel is placed into the kiln immediately after being made, however, smaller beads may be batch annealed after a torch session. This method consists of the same steps, except the beads are placed into a cold kiln and slowly brought up to annealing temperature.
When buying beads, be sure that they are kiln-annealed. This is the best method to remove internal stress. You treasure your beaded creations, and want them to last as long as possible!
While annealed beads are durable, nothing made from glass is unbreakable. Treat them kindly, and store them securely. You always put an "SRA" logo in your auctions. What does SRA stand for? TOP
SRA stands for Self-Representing Artist. This symbol, along with the registration code, assures buyers that they are buying direct from the artist. This distinguishes artists and their work from mass produced beads.
Why should you care? Because these mass produced, low-priced beads are flooding the market on ebay and bead supply sites. These beads are advertised as handmade lampwork, but are often poor in quality, not properly annealed, and most do not clean the bead release from the holes. (Bead release is silica clay that is used to keep the bead from permanently adhering to the mandrel while producing it. This powder is irritating to the lungs if inhaled and should be cleaned from the bead before it is sold.)
Several high-end designers have tested these cheaper beads and found that they often arrive broken, or break shortly after a jewelry piece has been made.
Be sure you are buying high quality beads for your designs. Look for the SRA symbol on auctions and websites.
#H34 How did you get started working in glass? TOP
Years ago, my husband and I were fans of a show called "Modern Masters". It aired on HGTV every Wednesday evening. The show featured talented artists in many mediums, but they often featured a woodworker, a metalworker, and a glassworker. I was mesmerized every time the glass artists were featured. My husband would always say, "I could see you doing that." Of course the glass artists were professional glass blowers with HUGE studios and many thousands of dollars in equipment. I knew it would never be something I could get involved with. However, another television show featured a lampworker making beads. Once again, my husband piped up... "Now you could do that.", he said. Maybe someday... I thought.
When my husband was getting ready to go out of town for a few days, he said, "You should find one of those glass classes while I'm gone." Great idea! I got on the internet and found one that started the next day! They had one opening... I paid, I went, I learned, I fell in love with glass!
We have sinced moved to a new home. During the construction, my husband had the contractor build me a studio! I have him to thank for inspiring me, and getting me started in glass art. |
